Blending traditional teaching methods with learning environments: Experience,cyclical evaluation process and impact with MAgAdI

This paper reports the experiment carried out at the University of the Basque Country concerning the integration of the MAgAdI on-line system within traditional teaching/learning methods. MAgAdI is an adaptive web environment devoted to supporting the learning processes in overall contexts, in which several knowledge fields, courses and teachers are involved. So far, a three-year cyclical evaluation-improvement process has been developed on several subjects and participants (n = 80) of a Computer Science degree programme. This process embraced formative and summative evaluation phases with the aim of: discovering the implications of the blended-learning loop on the satisfaction of teachers and motivation of students confirming improvements in student learning; and testing the usability of the Student Workspace. Experimental data were collected by means of a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Results of this study detect improvements in the students' acquisition of knowledge in the three phases where it was evaluated (Wilcoxon-test, p = 0.02, p = 0.048, p = 0.044), which may be attributable to the use of MAgAdI. In addition, increments in student's motivation and teacher's satisfaction were also perceived. Thus, these results agree with previous findings of related works.     

Leveraging a personalized system to improve self-directed learning in online educational environments

Many students who participate in online courses experience frustration and failure because they are not prepared for the demanding and isolated learning experience. A traditional learning theory known as self-directed learning (SDL) is a foundation that can help establish features of a personalized system that helps students improve their abilities to manage their overall learning activities and monitor their own performance. Additionally, the system enables collaboration, interaction, feedback, and the much-needed support from the instructor and students' peers. A Web 2.0 social-technology application, MediaWiki, was adopted as the platform from which incremental features were developed to utilize the fundamental concepts of SDL. Students were able to customize content by setting specific learning goals, reflecting on their learning experiences, self-monitoring activities and performances, and collaborating with others in the class. SDL skills exist to some degree in all learners, this study finds that students' SDL abilities can improve when a course adopts a personalized and collaborative learning system that enables the students to be more proactive in planning, organizing, and monitoring their course activities.     

Utilizing slope method as an alternative data analysis for functional near-infrared spectroscopy-derived cerebral hemodynamic responses

The purpose was to propose an alternative data analysis for functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)-derived hemodynamics as a function of cortical activation changes. We evaluated hemodynamic responses from the prefrontal cortex region while 38 participants performed a cognitive task. The task consisted of an arithmetic calculation with three levels of complexity (i.e., easy, medium and difficult). These task-dependent hemodynamic responses were analyzed by the slope method (i.e. using a linear regression through the cognitive task) and were compared with the corresponding responses obtained with a traditional approach of the amplitude method. Subjective scales of task loading (assessed by DP15 and NASA-TLX) and behavioral outcomes (performance and reaction time) were also recorded in response to the task complexity. Results revealed that the proposed slope method allowed a better discrimination in terms of cortical activation among all levels of mental workload. There was no significant increase in cortical activation between the medium and difficult levels (p = .30; d = 0.09) with the amplitude method while the slope coefficient was sensitive to the different levels (p < .01; d = 0.32). These preliminary results from a large sample size demonstrated that the slope method appears suitable for discriminating the changes in cortical activation with respect to the mental workload.Relevance to industryIn this work, we proposed an optimum way of quantifying the mental workload of participants in terms of fNIRS-derived cerebral hemodynamic responses.     

A framework for coupling explanation and prediction in hydroecological modelling

Causal explanation and empirical prediction are usually addressed separately when modelling ecological systems. This potentially leads to erroneous conflation of model explanatory and predictive power, to predictive models that lack ecological interpretability, or to limited feedback between predictive modelling and theory development. These are fundamental challenges to appropriate statistical and scientific use of ecological models. To help address such challenges, we propose a novel, integrated modelling framework which couples explanatory modelling for causal understanding and input variable selection with a machine learning approach for empirical prediction. Exemplar datasets from the field of freshwater ecology are used to develop and evaluate the framework, based on 267 stream and river monitoring stations across England, UK. These data describe spatial patterns in benthic macroinvertebrate community indices that are hypothesised to be driven by meso-scale physical and chemical habitat conditions. Whilst explanatory models developed using structural equation modelling performed strongly (r² for two macroinvertebrate indices = 0.64–0.70), predictive models based on extremely randomised trees demonstrated moderate performance (r² for the same indices = 0.50–0.61). However, through coupling explanatory and predictive components, our proposed framework yields ecologically-interpretable predictive models which also maintain the parsimony and accuracy of models based on solely predictive approaches. This significantly enhances the opportunity for feedback among causal theory, empirical data and prediction within environmental modelling.     

Ergonomic evaluation of an alternative tool for cake decorating

AimCake decorating involves several hand intensive steps with high grip force during the application of icing. The purpose of this laboratory study was to evaluate forearm muscle activity, discomfort, productivity, and usability of an alternative tool for cake decorating compared to decorating with the traditional piping bag.MethodsParticipants (n = 17) performed 2 h of cake decorating tasks using the two tools. Subjective hand and arm fatigue, usability, upper extremity posture, and muscle activity from three forearm muscles were assessed for each tool. Outcome measures were evaluated using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and the paired t-test.ResultsLess fatigue was reported in the dominant hand (p = 0.001), forearm (p = 0.003) and shoulder (p = 0.02) for the alternative tool when compared to the piping bag. Average median (APDF 50%) and peak (APDF 90%) muscle activity was significantly less for the alternative tool across all three forearm muscles. The alternative tool significantly reduced grip force, an important risk factor for distal upper extremity pain and disorders. Participants rated usability of the alternative tool superior for refill and comfort but the traditional method was rated better for accuracy, stability, positioning and control.ConclusionsThe alternative tool was associated with less dominant arm fatigue, muscle activity, and grip force when compared with the piping bag. However, the alternative tool did not receive the best overall usability rating due to problems with accuracy and overflow, especially with smaller decorating tips. Recommendations were made for addressing these problems with the alternative tool.     

Integrated watershed modeling for simulation of spatiotemporal redistribution of post-fallout radionuclides: Application in radiocesium fate and transport processes derived from the Fukushima accidents

Simulation of the watershed-scale fate and transport of radionuclides is required in order to predict the consequences of contamination redistribution. Integrated watershed modeling is a suitable technique for this task, but it requires fully coupled investigation of radionuclide behavior in surface water, suspended sediment and subsurface aquifers. We developed a novel simulator for computing the spatiotemporal redistribution of fallout radionuclides in watersheds. The simulator was applied to an actual reservoir basin contaminated by fallout radionuclides from the Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in 2011. As a result, the simulated ¹³⁷Cs concentration in bottom sediment showed a reasonably close match with the measurement data. The distribution coefficient of ¹³⁷Cs consistent with the latest measurement data was identified as being at least 400,000 L/kg, and it was estimated that more than 90% of the total ¹³⁷Cs distributed in the fallout remains in the catchment area.     

Unfriend or ignore tweets?: A time series analysis on Japanese Twitter users suffering from information overload

In recent years, with increased opportunities to post content on social media, a number of users are experiencing information overload in relation to social media use. This study addresses how Japanese Twitter users suffering from information overload cope with their stress, focusing on two actions: (1) The “unfriending” activities and (2) The changes in tweet processing methods. Objective data, such as numbers of friends, were collected through Twitter's open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and subjective data, such as perceived information overload and tweet processing methods, were collected through a web-based survey as a panel dataset (n = 778). The results demonstrated that although users experience information overload, they continue to increase their number of friends, and that the users who experience information overload modify their usage habits to avoid seeing all received tweets. In short, users do not choose a strategy to reduce the absolute number of received tweets, but only a strategy that involves changing the processing method of the received tweets.     

Activity theory as a framework for building adaptive e-learning systems: A case to provide empirical evidence

We apply activity theory (AT) to design adaptive e-learning systems (AeLS). AT is a framework to study human’s behavior at learning; whereas, AeLS enhance students’ apprenticeship by the personalization of teaching–learning experiences. AeLS depict users’ traits and predicts learning outcomes. The approach was successfully tested: Experimental group took lectures chosen by the anticipation AT principle; whilst, control group received randomly selected lectures. Learning achieved by experimental group reveals a correlation quite significant and high positive; but, for control group the correlation it is not significant and medium positive. We conclude: AT is a useful framework to design AeLS and provide student-centered education.     

Posture and lifting exposures for daycare workers

Daycare employees, specifically caregivers, are a distinct population that may experience increased risk of injury due to the high exposure to bent postures, lifting conditions and high stress associated with their work. The objectives of the study were to collect up to date data on daycare workers and to compare the data between groups working with children of different ages (Infant, Toddler and Preschool). The study consisted of two distinct phases: Phase 1 – Questionnaire distribution, Phase 2 – Observation and analysis involving three dimensional postural monitoring and video recording as well as an analysis of the low back forces and moments in lifting. Phase 1: Consisted of the distribution of questionnaires to all employees in each of the participating daycares (n = 73). Of the 73 questionnaires distributed 32 responses were obtained (44%). Of the 32 employees who completed the questionnaires, 19 caregivers volunteered to participate in Phase 2 of the study. An additional 5 caregivers participated in phase 2 of the study, but did not complete any questionnaires. The questionnaires indicated 81% of the workers have experienced low back pain. Phase 2: Observational data were collected on site in five local daycares, throughout the first half of each subject's shift (∼3.5 h). Caregivers from each of the three classroom age groups were recruited for participation in the direct observation (Infant: n = 7, Toddler: n = 7, Preschool: n = 8). Posture analysis revealed that on average, workers adopted trunk flexion angles greater than 55°, for 10% of the collection time, and greater than 70°, for 5% of the collection time. These postures correspond to both moderate and severe flexed postures respectively. The lifting analysis (completed using the data recorded in phase 2) revealed that workers lifted with frequencies of 0.25 lifts/minute, lifted a total weight of 501 kg (over 3.3 h) and experienced average compression and shear forces of 3323 N and 371 N, respectively. A between-group comparison showed that when compared to the Preschool group, the Infant (p = 0.008) and Toddler (p = 0.001) groups demonstrated higher relative flexed postures and lifting frequencies, and the Toddler group (p = 0.023) demonstrated higher total weight lifted. Results suggested that these employees experience an elevated risk of low back injury caused by their occupational tasks and thus, further research is required to determine appropriate worker accommodations and safe work practices to help mediate these risks for all daycare caregivers.Relevance to industryIt is thought that the results from this study could lead to the development of safe working and job sharing guidelines for daycare workers.     

Enablers and barriers to the use of ICT in primary schools in Turkey: A comparative study of 2005–2011

The purpose of this study was to reveal barriers encountered by Turkish primary school teachers in the integration of ICT, to propose potential enablers to overcome those barriers, and to compare the current status of ICT integration (in 2011) with the status of ICT integration in 2005. Part of the data for this comparison was gathered in 2005 as part of a doctoral study by Goktas (2006). A survey design was used to investigate the barriers and enablers. Data were collected from 1373 teachers from 52 schools in 39 provinces. The results indicate that ‘lack of hardware’, ‘lack of appropriate software materials’, ‘limitations of hardware’, ‘lack of in-service training’, and ‘lack of technical support’ were the most important barriers. The highest ranked enablers were ‘allocation of more budget’, ‘allocation of specific units for peer support’, ‘allocation of support offices and personnel for teachers’, and ‘offering higher quality pre-service training for ICT’. Other leading enablers were ‘supporting teachers to enable effective ICT use’, ‘having technology plans’, ‘offering higher quality and more quantity of in-service training’, and ‘designing appropriate course content/instructional programs’. Analysis of an independent t-test revealed that most barriers showed significant differences and most enablers showed moderate or low differences between teachers' perceptions of their situation in 2005 and in 2011.     

Prevalence and personality correlates of Facebook bullying among university undergraduates

The purpose of the present study was to examine the prevalence of cyber-bullying through Facebook in a sample of 226 Greek university undergraduates, and to explore whether big five personality characteristics, narcissism, as well as attitudes toward Facebook, technological knowledge and skills were predictive of such behavior. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire measuring the above constructs. Results indicated that almost one third of the sample reported Facebook bullying engagement at least once during the past month, with male students reporting more frequent involvement than females. Bullying through Facebook was predicted by low Agreeableness and more time spent on Facebook only for males, whereas for females none of the studied variables predicted engagement in Facebook bullying. Findings are discussed in terms of prevention and intervention strategies.     

A spatially distributed risk screening tool to assess climate and land use change impacts on water-related ecosystem services

To support the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD), and as part of a tiered approach to prioritise detailed modelling, a high-level screening methodology has been developed to assess the vulnerability of water-related ecosystem services (ES) to future change. The approach incorporates a range of spatially distributed scenarios of land use and climate, which are used as inputs to a qualitative risk assessment model underpinned by expert opinion. The method makes use of widely available datasets and provides a structured way of capturing and “codifying” expert knowledge, as well as for assessing the degree of consensus between different expert groups. The range of model output reflects uncertainty in both the expert-derived assumptions and the climate & land use simulations considered. The approach has been developed in collaboration with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and applied in Scotland to support the second cycle of River Basin Management Planning.     

Use of freely available datasets and machine learning methods in predicting deforestation

The range and quality of freely available geo-referenced datasets is increasing. We evaluate the usefulness of free datasets for deforestation prediction by comparing generalised linear models and generalised linear mixed models (GLMMs) with a variety of machine learning models (Bayesian networks, artificial neural networks and Gaussian processes) across two study regions. Freely available datasets were able to generate plausible risk maps of deforestation using all techniques for study zones in both Mexico and Madagascar. Artificial neural networks outperformed GLMMs in the Madagascan (average AUC 0.83 vs 0.80), but not the Mexican study zone (average AUC 0.81 vs 0.89). In Mexico and Madagascar, Gaussian processes (average AUC 0.89, 0.85) and structured Bayesian networks (average AUC 0.88, 0.82) performed at least as well as GLMMs (average AUC 0.89, 0.80). Bayesian networks produced more stable results across different sampling methods. Gaussian processes performed well (average AUC 0.85) with fewer predictor variables.     

A methodological approach to the design of optimising control strategies for sewer systems

This study focuses on designing an optimisation based control for sewer system in a methodological way and linking it to a regulatory control. Optimisation based design is found to depend on proper choice of a model, formulation of objective function and tuning of optimisation parameters. Accordingly, two novel optimisation configurations are developed, where the optimisation either acts on the actuators or acts on the regulatory control layer. These two optimisation designs are evaluated on a sub-catchment of the sewer system in Copenhagen, and found to perform better than the existing control; a rule based expert system. On the other hand, compared with a regulatory control technique designed earlier in Mollerup et al. (2015), the optimisation showed similar performance with respect to minimising overflow volume. Hence for operation of small sewer systems, regulatory control strategies can offer promising potential and should be considered along more advanced strategies when identifying novel solutions.     

Development of predictive models for the estimation of the probability of suffering fear of falling and other fall risk factors based on posturography parameters in community-dwelling older adults

Falls pose an important problem for older adults. Balance training is one of the main prevention strategies, but there is a lack of objective measurement methods that would allow the effectiveness of the treatments employed to be assessed. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between posturographic parameters and risk factors associated with falling, including the fear of falling (FoF). Forty-one healthy community-dwelling older adults were surveyed on their perception of problems considered to be fall risk factors. Balance measurement with posturography was performed. The relationships between risk factors and falls and risk factors and posturography were analysed by means of cross-tabulation and logistic regression, respectively. Experimental results showed a significant relationship between some of the posturographic parameters and various fall risk factors. Stability limits were related to FoF, and results from the Romberg test with eyes closed with and without foam correlated with problems in kneeling/crouching. The results from the Romberg test with eyes closed and foam correlated with osteoarthritis. Equations were developed to estimate the probability of having such problems. In conclusion, posturography is useful for the estimation of fall risk conditions in relation to three important fall risk factors (FoF, osteoarthritis and problems in kneeling/crouching), and it could be used for targeting, training and studying progress after the use of different treatments.Relevance to industryPosturography can be used as an assessment tool to analyse the effects of those treatments aimed at preventing falls. Furthermore, the equations derived from our results can be used along with posturographic variables to assess patient progress.     

Boosting learning-by-teaching in virtual tutoring

Research has shown that students tend to engage in quality learning when they are asked to teach (i.e., learning-by-teaching). In this study, a web-based tutoring environment has been developed to enhance the learning of college students by their teaching others: the Virtual Tutee System (VTS). In the VTS, students take the role of tutor and teach a virtual character about what they learn from readings. The design of the VTS has been refined through several iterations of formative evaluation. The current study explored whether the recent improvements made in the VTS augmented the learning-by-teaching effects. The VTS was evaluated with regard to its' effects on students' reading engagement and reading performance. Results indicated that students were behaviorally and cognitively engaged in reading with use of the VTS. Also, the study found a significant improvement in students' emotional engagement in reading after using the VTS. Limited support was found for enhancement of reading performance with repeated use of the VTS. Implications of the study findings are discussed, and suggestions for future research are provided.     

Prototyping virtual reality serious games for building earthquake preparedness: The Auckland City Hospital case study

Enhancing evacuee safety is a key factor in reducing the number of injuries and deaths that result from earthquakes. One way this can be achieved is by training occupants. Virtual Reality (VR) and Serious Games (SGs), represent novel techniques that may overcome the limitations of traditional training approaches. VR and SGs have been examined in the fire emergency context; however, their application to earthquake preparedness has not yet been extensively examined.We provide a theoretical discussion of the advantages and limitations of using VR SGs to investigate how building occupants behave during earthquake evacuations and to train building occupants to cope with such emergencies. We explore key design components for developing a VR SG framework: (a) what features constitute an earthquake event; (b) which building types can be selected and represented within the VR environment; (c) how damage to the building can be determined and represented; (d) how non-player characters (NPC) can be designed; and (e) what level of interaction there can be between NPC and the human participants. We illustrate the above by presenting the Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand as a case study, and propose a possible VR SG training tool to enhance earthquake preparedness in public buildings.