Quantitative Endosurgery Process Analysis by Machine Learning Method Bojan Nokovic, Andrew Lambe Pages: 1-7
ABSTRACT: This study demonstrates how endoscopic surgical data can be analyzed using a supervised machine learning (ML) classifier. Before the process begins, a computer-generated 3D image representing a safe zone is inserted into the endoscopic view. During surgery, the Laparo- Guard Augmented Reality System collects positional data. We perform two types of analysis on the collected data. First, we analyze how the surgeon handles laparoscopic surgical tools based on the angular velocity and angular acceleration of the tool. Next, we examine the risk associated with the entire surgical process in relation to the safe zone using all collected data, including the average linear and angular speeds of the surgical tool.
Modelling Student Performance in a Structural Steel Graduate-Based Module: A Comparative Analysis Between K-Nearest Neighbor and Dummy Classifiers Masengo Ilunga, Omphemetse Zimbili, Phahlani Mampilo, Agarwal Abhishek Pages: 8-15
ABSTRACT: The predictive strength of the K-Nearest Neighbor (K-NN) and Dummy machine learning classification algorithms is investigated for students' final score. The dependent variable (label) is defined by a binary class, while the different assessments define the independent variables (features). The latter are the module student assessment marks, and the former covers students' final score. The two algorithms have been applied to the Structural Analysis IV, which is an engineering technology module in the Civil Engineering Advanced Diploma, taught at the University of South Africa. Competency level or graduate attribute characterises such a module. The results showed that the accuracy values of K-Nearest Neighbor (K-NN) and Dummy algorithms were 0.95 and 0.79 respectively. However, the values of recall, precision, f1-score, support, kappa coefficient and Matthews correlation coefficient, showed that the Dummy model predicted very poorly the “fail” instances, as opposed to the “pass” instances. Thus, the K-NN classifier outperformed the Dummy classifier. The two algorithms could be simultaneously recommended as guiding tools for academics in predicting students' final score (as fail or pass). However, K-NN is the only algorithm that could be used for both fail and pass.
Interoperable Digital Skills for Foreign Languages Education in the COVID-19 Paradigm Rusudan Makhachashvili, Ivan Semenist, Iryna Vorotnykova Pages: 16-20
ABSTRACT: Transformative potential of the knowledge economy of the XXI century, establishment of networked society, emergency digitization due to the pandemic and wartime measures have imposed elaborate interdisciplinary and interoperable demands on the marketability of Liberal Arts skills and competences, upon entering the workforce. The study results disclose the comprehensive review of dynamics of the digital skills development and application to construe interdisciplinary, AI-interoperable competencies of students and educators in Ukraine through the span of educational activities in the time-frame of COVID-19 emergency digitization measures of 2020-2021 and wartime emergency digitization measures of 2022-2024 in Ukraine (including AI-enhanced communication as a staple of transdisciplinary education as of 2023). The study introduces a model of AI-interoperable digital skills for education and professional application in different social spheres. The survey analysis is used to evaluate the dimensions of interdisciplinarity, informed by the interoperability of soft skills, professional communication skills, and digital across contrasting frameworks of e-competence, professional digital communication and pre/in-service teacher training.
Education, Training and Informatics Go Hand in Hand in (Foreign) Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) – Case Studies From Live and Online Classrooms Ekaterini Nikolarea Pages: 21-29
ABSTRACT: Training and Informatics go hand in hand in (Foreign) Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) by presenting (1) the needs of non-native (or foreign) English students of ESP and EAP classrooms; and (2) how these needs are fulfilled with students' training in how to use the Internet to: (a) do research required in their regular and ESP/EAP classes; (b) search for and find the appropriate terminology; and (c) to get some crucial aid from engines of machine translation in order to write an essay in English as a requirement in their EAP classes. It also discusses how general English (ELT) online classes (e-learning) have helped a wider public (i.e. students, administrative staff and staff of Hospitality Industry) to use English orally and in writing and, thus, obtaining FCE(B2) and Proficiency (C2) in English, important certificates for their career development in Greece and Europe. What is presented is taken either from the 24-year teaching ESP/EAP experience of the author of this paper or from her one and half years of ELT online teaching experience and observations at the University of the Aegean (Lesvos, Greece).
ESP: English for Specific Purposes / EAP: English for Academic Purposes / ELT: English Language Teaching.
Enhancing Pedagogical and Digital Competencies Through Digital Tools: A Proposal for Semi-schooled Language Teaching Programs in Oaxaca, Mexico José de Jesús Bautista Hernández, Eduardo Bustos Farías, Norma Patricia Maldonado Reynoso Pages: 30-35
ABSTRACT: This study aimed to strengthen the pedagogical and digital competencies of students enrolled in the semi-schooled bachelor's degree program in Language Teaching at the Universidad Autónoma “Benito Juárez” de Oaxaca (UABJO) through the context-sensitive integration of digital tools. The research responds to the technological limitations and digital divide that hinder academic performance in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Employing a mixed-methods action research design, the study combined surveys, interviews, direct observation, and analysis of digital outputs to iteratively evaluate the effectiveness of implemented instructional strategies. Preliminary findings revealed significant barriers, including unequal internet access, limited technological infrastructure, and insufficient teacher training. Despite these challenges, the appropriate use of ICT was found to enhance student motivation, autonomous learning, and instructional quality. The study's practical implications include the development of scalable and replicable strategies for similar educational contexts, along with policy recommendations aimed at fostering inclusive digital education. The value of this research lies in its situated approach, its potential for broader application, and its contribution to teacher preparation in underserved regions. Moreover, it offers a critical and innovative perspective on the transformative role of ICT in education, particularly in environments marked by structural limitations.
Railway Track Degradation Modelling Using Finite Element Analysis: A Case Study in South Africa Ntombela Lunga, Masengo Ilunga Pages: 36-50
ABSTRACT: This study utilizes finite element analysis (FEA) to examine railway track degradation, emphasizing the performance and durability of rail components under varying loading conditions. Static, dynamic, and fatigue simulations are conducted to identify high-stress regions, particularly at rail joints and sleeper interfaces, which are most prone to accelerated wear and failure. A refined three-dimensional (3D) modelling approach enhances simulation accuracy, providing detailed insights into stress distribution and contact dynamics. NX Nastran is used for static and dynamic load analyses, while SolidWorks is used for fatigue evaluations to predict material resilience and failure points under cyclic loading. These findings support the development of effective maintenance and reinforcement strategies, contributing to enhanced track longevity and safety.
| | Continuum of Academic Collaboration: Issues of Inconsistent Terminology in Multilingual Context Cristo Leon, James Lipuma, Marcos O. Cabobianco, Maria B. Daizo Pages: 51-62
ABSTRACT: This article investigates the challenges posed by inconsistent terminology in academic collaboration, particularly in multilingual contexts, focusing on Spanish and English. It begins by outlining the evolution of academic disciplines and the increasing need for collaborative research, providing foundational definitions that frame the discussion. The Continuum of Academic Collaboration (CAC) is introduced as a conceptual framework for categorizing different modes of collaboration. Through scholarly presentations and research discussions, the authors identified a significant gap in the translation and interpretation of key technical terms—especially those used to differentiate between multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration, such as the prefixes Co-, Cross-, and Across-. The findings indicate that inaccurate translations can lead to misinterpretations that undermine the conceptual integrity of these terms, as direct equivalents often fail to capture their nuanced meanings. A systematic literature review revealed limited clarity and a scarcity of research on these issues in Spanish-language publications. To address this gap, the authors interviewed esteemed experts whose insights underscore the need for further investigation into the multilingual translation of academic collaboration concepts, ultimately aiming to enhance transdisciplinary communication (TDC).
Peat Resource Management and Climate Change Mitigation Issues – Case of Latvia Anita Titova, Natalja Lace Pages: 63-70
ABSTRACT: Untouched peatlands serve two important functions: they are significant carbon reservoirs and biodiversity hotspots. Despite their ecological importance, the commercial use of peat is essential for many countries, including Latvia. This study aims to 1) identify the factors that influence the effective and environmentally friendly utilization of peat resources and 2) assess how these factors are integrated into national policy frameworks in Latvia.
Using a mixed-methods approach, the research begins with a qualitative content analysis of scientific literature, identifying nine key factors that impact peatland utilization: climate impact, legislation, incentives, dependency on peatland use, infrastructure, land ownership, local traditions, education, and research. Following this, an analysis of Latvian policy documents reveals a commitment to sustainable peatland management, including a phased ban on peat as an energy source by 2030. However, the findings indicate that while the factors are recognized, the mechanisms for optimizing their influence are partly unclear. This study highlights the need for further research to improve the effectiveness of peatland and peat utilization, especially at the firm (involved in excavating and processing peat) level.
Using Geospatial Computation Intelligence for Mapping Temporal Evolution of Urban Built-up in Selected Areas of the Ekurhuleni Municipality, South Africa Jo-Anne Correia, Masengo Ilunga Pages: 71-80
ABSTRACT: Rapid urbanization in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has transformed local landscapes, impacting stormwater management, rainfall, and temperature patterns. This study introduces a novel approach by integrating Google Earth Engine (GEE) with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to analyze urban growth trends over multiple decades, highlighting both the spatial extent and the rate of expansion. Using geospatial analysis of remotely sensed data, this preliminary study mapped urban growth from 1990 to 2030, in the suburbs of Alberton, Boksburg, Brakpan and Kempton Park. The results demonstrated how readily available maps can be used to depict the rapid urban growth in the area of interest. Additionally, this study found substantial increases in impervious surfaces, which suggests increased runoff and reduced water infiltration into the soil, with adverse consequences on stormwater systems. Furthermore, such maps could be useful for urban planning and sustainable water resource management, with particular attention to monitoring built-up areas.
Cybernetics and Informatics of Generative AI for Transdisciplinary Communication in Education Rusudan Makhachashvili, Ivan Semenist Pages: 81-88
ABSTRACT: As a product of modern civilization, the digital reality has become an independent format of being. Accordingly, electronic media act not only as a means of transmitting information, but also reveal their own world-creating, meaning-making and, as a consequence, communicative potential. The global digital realm stands as an integral environment, demanding new cognition and perception ways via complex philosophic, cultural, social, linguistic approaches, providing unlimited opportunities for human intellect, communicative development and research.
Transformative shifts in the knowledge economy of the XXI century, Industry 4.0 and Web 4.0 development and elaboration of networked society, emergency digitization of all social communicative spheres due to pandemic measures have imposed pressing revisions onto interdisciplinary and cross-sectorial job market demands of university level education, curriculum design and learning outcomes. As a product of modern civilization, digital reality has become an independent format of being. Accordingly, electronic media act not only as a means of transmitting information but also reveal their own world-creating, meaning-making, and, as a consequence, communicative potential. The global digital realm stands as an integral environment, demanding new cognition and perception ways via complex philosophic, cultural, social, and linguistic approaches, providing unlimited opportunities for human intellect, communicative development, and research.
Transformative shifts in the knowledge economy of the XXI century, Industry 4.0 (AI-powered technologies and production) and corresponding stages of Web technology development (from Web 2.0 – social media interaction, to Web 3.0 – Internet of things, to Web 4.0 – machine learning powered interaction, LLMs, to Web 5.0 – intelligent personal agents, Web 6.0 – cognitive AI), development and elaboration of networked society and new media ecology, emergency digitization due to quarantine measures and the ongoing warfare have imposed pressing revisions onto interdisciplinary and cross-sectorial job market demands.
The context of the erupted military intervention in Ukraine and the ensuing information warfare in various digital ambients (social media, news coverage, digital communications), the specific value is allocated to the enhanced role of digital
humanism as a tool of the internationally broadcast strife for freedom and sovereignty.
Navigating Psychological Riptides: How Seafarers Cope and Seek Help for Mental Health Needs Coleen Abadicio, Stella Louise Arenas, Rosette Renee Hahn, Angel Berry Maleriado, Ramon Miguel Mariano, Rodolfo Antonio Ma. Zabella, Genejane Adarlo Pages: 89-98
ABSTRACT: This study explored the coping strategies and help-seeking behaviors of Filipino seafarers in addressing their mental health challenges, with a focus on the adoption of telemental health services. Drawing on the Integrated Behavioral Model of Mental Health Help-Seeking (IBM-HS), the findings reveal structural barriers, such as financial constraints, digital security concerns, and limited infrastructure, along with cultural influences, significantly shape seafarers' engagement with mental health care. Telemental health services have been found to offer practical benefits, including convenience, privacy, and timely access to care, particularly in addressing the challenges inherent in maritime work. However, stigma, limited awareness of digital mental health platforms, and distrust in online interactions have impeded their widespread acceptance. The study emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive culture, enhancing digital literacy, and addressing structural barriers through subsidized services and improved internet connectivity. These insights inform policies for improving mental health care access in the maritime industry, paving the way for interventions that enhance the productivity, well-being, and resilience of seafarers.
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