Prototype learning analytics dashboard (LAD) for an introductory statistics course at UCT

A learning analytics dashboard (LAD) is an application that illustrates the activity and progress of a user in a self-regulated, online learning environment. This tool mines source data to provide meaningful information that supports decision making and positively impacts learning behaviour. Research on this topic explores how learning activities and pedagogical goals are impacted by integrating LADs into learning and/or teaching environments. Currently, the majority of the research is centred around predicting student academic performance and identifying students that are at risk of failing. The popularity of integrating technology into educational practices has led to the adoption of LADs into learning management systems (LMS) or massive open online courses (MOOCs). The objective of this paper is to develop a concept for a standalone prototype LAD, for an Introductory Statistics course (STA 1000), to be potentially integrated into the University of Cape Town's (UCT) LMS, Vula. The dashboard aims to create and incorporate meaningful visualisations, that have the potential to primarily assist students as well as educators. Visualised information in the LAD aims to positively impact students to enhance and drive effective learning, which could consequentially aid educators. Additionally, the dashboard will aim to provide actionable feedback, derived from predictive modelling and course analytics, that positively impacts learning behaviour and identifies factors that the student could most effectively use to leverage their chances of passing and improve academic performance. Predictive analytics aim to identify academic factors, that a student has control over, such as course assessments and engagement variables, at certain time points in the academic semester and provide a useful course of action at those time points. Other than variables measured throughout the course, the predictive modelling takes certain prior academic information into consideration

Corporate social responsibility initiatives and sustainability within the hospitality industry : a conceptual framework

The research had a multifaceted purpose, aiming to explore the existing corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and their impact on Company Performance (CP) in the global hospitality industry. Specifically, the study sought to determine the sustainable CSR initiatives undertaken worldwide and whether they add value to both the hospitality organizations and the community. Moreover, it aimed to evaluate the extent to which the hospitality industry in emerging economies adds value to different stakeholders through their CSR initiatives while still remaining sustainable. The research also aimed to assess the benefits of investing money in CSR activities within the hospitality industry in emerging economies. Additionally, it sought to investigate the relationship between perceived CP and CSR in hotels in emerging economies. To meet these objectives, the study adopted a mixed-methods approach, collecting data from 366 survey responses (junior, middle, and senior management employees) and eight interviews with hoteliers (senior managers) in emerging economies. The quantitative and qualitative data collection were concurrent in design and occurred simultaneously. The findings of the study indicate that the hypothesis positing a relationship between CSR and CP of hotels is partially supported. The implementation of CSR initiatives pertaining to community, environment, and employees has been found to have a favorable influence on the CP of hotels. The findings of this study provide a distinctive addition to the field of CSR in developing nations, where CSR is frequently perceived as a Western concept owing to the absence of robust institutions and norms in these regions. This study contributes to the extensive body of literature examining the impact of CSR on CP. Specifically, the findings suggest that participation in social initiatives and allocation of resources towards charitable endeavors can enhance a firm's competitive edge and promote its sustained viability. The hospitality industry has actively participated in environmental initiatives. Improving a hotel's environmental and social performance can result in a more inviting work environment, a competitive advantage, and an improved corporate image. The study offers significant contributions to the understanding of the execution of CSR and its impacts in developing nations.Graduate School of Business LeadershipDB

Chropowatość powierzchni papierowych i z tworzyw sztucznych po procesie uszlachetniania powierzchni

score: 9collation: 57-5

Into the Tissues: Extracellular Matrix and Its Artificial Substitutes: Cell Signalling Mechanisms

The existence of orderly structures, such as tissues and organs is made possible by cell adhesion, i.e., the process by which cells attach to neighbouring cells and a supporting substance in the form of the extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix is a three-dimensional structure composed of collagens, elastin, and various proteoglycans and glycoproteins. It is a storehouse for multiple signalling factors. Cells are informed of their correct connection to the matrix via receptors. Tissue disruption often prevents the natural reconstitution of the matrix. The use of appropriate implants is then required. This review is a compilation of crucial information on the structural and functional features of the extracellular matrix and the complex mechanisms of cell–cell connectivity. The possibilities of regenerating damaged tissues using an artificial matrix substitute are described, detailing the host response to the implant. An important issue is the surface properties of such an implant and the possibilities of their modification

Strength and optical properties of papers subjected to artificial light ageing

The paper presents strength and optical properties of selected paper printing bases put to operational use such as artifi cial light ageing. The process infl uences signifi cantly the quality of printing products. The aim of the experiments performed was to reveal the changes occurring in paper during diff erent stages of its operational use. The results obtained enabled to compare the strength and optical properties of the tested bases exposed to light with those found for the paper referred to as “long-lived paper”

Biomimetic scaffolds based on chitosan in bone regeneration. A review

Chitosan (CS) is a polysaccharide readily used in tissue engineering due to its properties: similarity to the glycosaminoglycans present in the body, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, antibacterial character and owing to the fact that its degradation that may occur under the influence of human enzymes generates non-toxic products. Applications in tissue engineering include using CS to produce artificial scaffolds for bone regeneration that provide an attachment site for cells during regeneration processes. Chitosan can be used to prepare scaffolds exclusively from this polysaccharide, composites or polyelectrolyte complexes. A popular solution for improving the surface properties and, as a result enhancing cell-biomaterial interactions, is to coat the scaffold with layers of chitosan. The article focuses on a polysaccharide of natural origin – chitosan (CS) and its application in scaffolds in tissue engineering. The last part of the review focuses on bone tissue and interactions between cells and chitosan after implantation of a scaffold and how chitosan’s structure affects bone cell adhesion and life processes

Rapid and Efficient Optimization of Poly(1,2-Ethanediol Citrate) Synthesis Based on Magic Squares’ Various Methods

New biomaterials among aliphatic polyesters are in demand due to their potential applications in tissue engineering. There is a challenge not only to design scaffolds to regenerate defects in load-bearing tissues but also to ensure a proper blood supply to the reconstructed tissues. Poly-(1,2-ethanediol citrate) is one of the novel citrate-based polymers that could have the desired properties for cell scaffold fabrication and for enhancing cell adhesion. Both citric acid and 1,2-ethanediol are used in medicine and are fully resorbable by cells. This work aimed to synthesize poly(1,2-ethanediol citrate) in a catalyzed reaction with water removed by the Dean–Stark apparatus. The polyester structure was characterized by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy, and the HMBC experiment was performed to support the theory of successful polymer synthesis. The molecular weight was determined for the products obtained at 140 °C. The process was described via non-linear mathematical models. The influence of temperature and catalyst content on the degree of esterification and the conversion of acid groups in citric acid is described. The optimal process parameters are determined at 140 °C and 3.6% of p-toluenesulfonic acid content. The presented results are the starting point for scaffold design and scaling-up the process

Resistance to ageing of selected books of children’s literature

Resistance to ageing was studied for a number of selected items of children’s literature. Print rub-off tests were performed for 3 bases used in printing of children’s books, namely plastic sheets, white uncoated (off set) paper, and varnished prints. Three children’s books used in the experimental works were: a “bathing book” printed by flexographic technique on plastic sheets, a book printed on uncoated white paper, and a book printed on double-sided varnish-coated cardboard. Rub-off resistance tests were performed on Ink Rub Tester under identical rub rate (85 cycles/min). The resistance was evaluated by spectrophotometric and densitometric method and by visual observations. About 6000 rub-off cycles were performed for each of the books tested

Optimization of preparation of prodrug nanospheres of polylactide with ehlorphenesin

Przedstawiono wyniki badań doświadczalnych procesu otrzymywania nanosfer polilaktydowych zawierających chlorofenezynę, otrzymywanych metodą emulsyjną z odparowaniem rozpuszczalnika. Cząstki te mogłyby być wykorzystywane jako przeciwgrzybicze systemy leków o kontrolowanym czasie uwalniania. Stosując metodę planowania doświadczeń uzyskano równanie regresji opisujące wpływ wybranych parametrów procesu na rozmiar sfer. Określono warunki otrzymywania cząstek o rozmiarze poniżej 100 nm.Research results dealing with the preparation of polylactide nanospheres containing ehlorphenesin are presented. Polylactide nanospheres were prepared by the emulsification method with solvent evaporation. These particles could be used commercially as the antifungal drug delivery system. An influence of selected process parameters on the spheres’ size was determined. The regression equation was predicted using the mathematical method of experiment design (DOE). The particles of size smaller than 100 nm were obtained