Do Undergraduate Data Science Program Competencies Vary by College Rankings?

Abstract: Abstract The data science domain has increased exponentially due to advances in technology, including in infrastructure, storage, and analytical tools and techniques. The demand for data science technologies and skills is evident in various industries, such as retail, health care, finance, and all areas of economy and society. Data science careers are the top careers in the U.S. across many disciplines. The need for skilled workers in this domain will only continue to grow, requiring college graduates who can support this growth. Many colleges across the United States have already adopted undergraduate data science curriculum and programs. However, it is not clear whether undergraduate data science programs offered by colleges with different rankings provide similar or dissimilar data science competencies. The goal of this study is to compare program structure and competencies of undergraduate data science programs offered by colleges in the three US News ranking categories: National, Regional and National Liberal Arts. The research questions answered as a result of this study are: Do undergraduate data science program profiles vary by college ranking? Do undergraduate data science program competencies vary by college ranking?


Understanding and Promoting Earnest Completion in Online Textbooks

Abstract: Abstract Digital textbooks are becoming more common in college-level computer, engineering, and science courses. For various reasons, some students quickly click on reading activities to earn completion points, without earnestly attempting the activities. We analyzed student earnestness in digital computer science and engineering textbooks across a semester. We found that student earnestness declines significantly as the semester progresses. We also found that earnestness levels at a semester's start have a tremendous impact on earnestness throughout the semester, namely that lower average earnestness at a semester's onset leads to a significantly more rapid decline. For example, one course with an initial 90% earnestness score fell to 76% by week 6, whereas another course with an initial 72% score dropped dramatically to just 32% by week 6. This finding emphasizes the importance of instructors ensuring students recognize the utility of the textbook activities from a course's start, and ensure that the activity workload is reasonable too, to start students with high earnestness. We close with recommendations for encouraging earnest completion early in the semester, which is crucial for maintaining earnest completion throughout the course.


Work In Progress: Side-Facing Cameras and Remote Proctoring Integrity

Abstract: Abstract Many in academia perceive that remotely proctored exams allow more opportunities for a student to cheat than in-person testing. We introduced the use of the side-facing camera arrangement to increase the integrity of remote proctored exams by expanding the view of the examinee's environment and therefore reducing the opportunities to cheat. The side-facing camera arrangement displays the examinee's head, torso, hands, and keyboard and therefore should make behaviors consistent with cheating more obvious. This alternate camera arrangement serves as an environment camera in addition to monitoring the student throughout the exam. This paper is a report on the continued work to assess the efficacy of the side-facing camera arrangement. We followed up on our successful deployment of the side-facing camera in a large online class by examining how the attitudes and perceptions of students vary between the two camera arrangements. In Spring 2021, we asked students to complete pre- and post-surveys from three different classes and found that most students were not negatively impacted by the camera arrangement used. We qualitatively coded the students' responses to identified themes among them. Most of the respondents surveyed didn't have any preference towards the camera arrangement used in remote testing. After the post-survey, more students expressed that they felt there was a higher sense of integrity when using the side-facing camera arrangement. Students also reported that they had a difficult time setting up the side-facing camera arrangement, but all students who were required to use the side-facing camera arrangement were able to do so. Students also expressed some concern about their physical privacy when using the side-facing camera. Our ongoing work seeks to address the concerns we identified in our assessment of the surveys while increasing the integrity of remote proctored exams as well as the comfortability of students.


Inexpensive solar garden light provides valuable energy system learning tool

Abstract: Abstract Solar powered residential garden lights, also called landscape lights, are ubiquitous and provide an inexpensive and convenient means of low-power outdoor illumination. A typical solar garden light fixture consists of a small solar cell, rechargeable battery, white LED, and controlling electronics all contained within a weatherproof enclosure mounted on top of a short plastic stake that can be pressed into the ground. The solar cell charges the battery during daylight hours and the battery powers the LED during the evening. The battery charge/discharge cycle is carried out daily under the control of an application-specific integrated circuit. This small system contains the same functional components as many large-scale solar energy systems (residential, utility-scale, satellites, etc.) and thus provides an excellent tool for demonstrating the concepts of energy generation, storage, and efficiency. First-year students in an electro-mechanical engineering technology program have used the garden lights in an introductory electrical systems course laboratory. Prior to working with the garden lights, the students have become familiar with basic circuit analysis techniques (Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's laws), energy, power, and efficiency as well as basic diode and solar cell operation. These concepts come together and are solidified by the solar garden light laboratory exercises. Most students have seen the garden lights outside of class but are not familiar with their components and operation. Several manufacturers and models of garden lights were investigated, and all were found to be easily disassembled without damage and modified as necessary to allow access to the required system parameters (voltages and currents). This paper describes the operation of the garden lights and how they can be modified to provide various laboratory exercises. Examples of laboratory exercises are presented, and experimental results are discussed.


A Challenge-based Teaching model for Structural Analysis Courses with Strategic Industry Partners

Abstract: Abstract In this paper we present a challenge based teaching model for Structural Analysis courses within the framework of our education model, namely (blinded for review) in which some courses are taught with the participation of an industry partner. The content of this course is usually complex and some principles and concepts are difficult for students to associate with a real life application. Contents include Energy Methods, Stiffness and Flexibilities Methods and an Introduction to the Finite Element Method. The main component of the model is the solution of a challenge for which, students work in teams. The challenge presented to students at the beginning of an intense five week period consisted on the design of the structure of an industrial warehouse in a given location. Students have to present a solution applying the concepts seen in the course as well as the local building code requirements. The course is taught by two or three professors and the participation of people from a chosen industry partner, that for the case of this course, it is a professional and chartered structural engineering firm. For the solution of the challenge, the participation of such an industry partner was crucial, as they provided information, advice and recommendations to students in several meetings throughout the five week period. The results included in this paper are from two different implementations of the model in two different campuses of our university system. Two different industry partners participated, one for each location and the challenge was similar in both cases. Some results on student satisfaction and the type of activities that they enjoyed the most are also presented. This work can be used to design new courses related to Structural Analysis that can benefit from the participation of industry partners, as we consider that this type of model can close the gap between those theoretical courses and the design courses that are further ahead in the curricula of Civil Engineering students.


Sketchtivity, an Intelligent Tutoring Software: Broadening Applications and Impact

Abstract: Abstract Freehand sketching is an essential skill for engineers. Sketching enables designers to represent ideas rapidly and offload working memory. Sketches in the design process also correlate with positive design outcomes. Teaching sketching to engineers, however, presents many challenges in engineering curriculums. Sketching is most often taught in large entry-level courses where individualized feedback, which is vital to learning sketching, is not possible. Sketchtivity is an intelligent tutoring software designed to aid in the practice and feedback on freehand sketching skills. Sketchtivity teaches the basics of two-point perspective sketching providing lessons, feedback, and tips on how to improve. The goal of this project is to implement Sketchtivity at a broader range of universities, to expand on the software functionality, and to understand more about the implications of improving sketching skill. Sketchtivity is currently being implemented in classrooms at three diverse universities across the United States. Our research has shown that the tablet interface does not negatively impact students' sketching skill development. We are currently conducting further experiments to better understand how students are learning from the feedback the software provides. Beyond measuring current impact, this project seeks to expand the functionality of Sketchtivity to offer lessons on more complex sketching tasks and more poignant feedback to learners. The main research goal is focused on improving sketching skills. The remaining goals turn outward toward the implications for improved sketching skill for engineers. It is essential to understand how to measure sketching skill effectively, and what role sketching skill plays in engineering design. Sketching skill has been measured in many different ways in many different fields and there seems to be no consensus on measurement strategy or validity. As a part of this project, we are conducting a systematic literature review of sketching evaluation. This literature review aims to compile the different methods of measurement to remove some of the ambiguity around evaluating sketching skill in engineering research and education. There has been much research on the role of sketching in engineering design, but the research around sketching skill has been limited. Essential to improving skill in any task is understanding how confidence in the skill is affected. Engineers' self-efficacy can enable or limit their application of skills. We are also looking at how sketching skill is related to drawing self-efficacy. Sketching has the largest impact in the early stages of design. The final research goal of this project is to investigate the relationship between sketching and creativity in the early stages of design. Through experiments of idea generation and sketching abilities, we hope to better understand to what degree sketching enables creativity in design. To summarize, this project seeks to improve sketching skill through Sketchtivity. We are accomplishing this through expanding reach at multiple universities and expanding the capabilities of the software. It is also essential to understand the implications of improving sketching skill. This is being investigated through improved evaluation of sketching and investigations of sketching's relationship to drawing self-efficacy and creativity.


WIP: Instances of Dynamic Pedagogical Decision Making in the Uptake of a Technology Tool

Abstract: Abstract In this work-in-progress paper, we continue investigation into the propagation of the Concept Warehouse within mechanical engineering. Educational technology is becoming an ever increasing element in classroom culture. At their best, these new technologies can allow teachers to engage in a more diverse array of instructional practices which can lead to increased interactivity and access within the classroom. However, technology tools oriented at widespread adoption and use are often conceived from a turn-key lens where professional development is largely focused on procedural competencies. Educators are given the tool, taught the logistics of how it works, and then left to their own accord to implement it within their courses, which sit within particular instructional contexts. There is little emphasis on sustainable incorporation of technologies into their instructional practices. In this paper, we focus on interactions between instructor, tool, and student within a larger ecosystems model. We are studying the propagation of the Concept Warehouse, a technology tool used to facilitate concept-based active learning within the context of a larger project. Twelve instructors from five different institutions were interviewed at various times in their adoption. In addition, the instructors participated in a community of practice to discuss and reflect upon the use of the tool within their instructional practices. For this WIP, we explore a bounded case study of two different instructors, Al and Joe, who both were central participants in the project, participating in interviews and in the community of practice. Both Al and Joe had deep pedagogical knowledge, were committed to active learning, and actively discussed their ongoing adaptation of the tool in the community of practice. However, their decisions about how to integrate the tool fundamentally differed, including the aspects of the tool they took up and the ways they made sense of their use. In analyzing these two cases, we uncovered how instructors navigate the dynamic nature of pedagogical decision making by considering their goals relative to interactions of their students with the tool.


LearnPIV: An Interactive, Web-Based Learning Tool for Particle Image Velocimetry Basics

Abstract: Abstract This paper introduces LearnPIV, a freely available, interactive, web-based simulation tool designed to aide students, instructors, and novice engineering professionals in learning how to accurately apply Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) techniques. PIV is a non-invasive, state-of-the-art experimental approach used to measure the velocities of optically accessible fluid flows by taking two successive images of a flow in real time. Along with providing quantitative velocity information at each location in a flow field, PIV output is also used to visualize structures and patterns occurring within the flow. Because of this ability to visualize as well as measure fluid flow using PIV results, engineering educators have shown marked interest in bringing PIV into engineering classrooms. Obtaining accurate—and educationally useful— PIV output, however, depends on flow image quality; poor image quality is likely to provide erroneous and even non-physical results. In addition, new PIV users are often unaware how to assess and improve PIV image quality. Therefore, to enhance and extend the instructional impact of PIV in engineering education generally, we present LearnPIV: a web-based simulation tool that introduces learners to the technical facets of PIV measurement (i.e., image cross correlation and experimental parameters). LearnPIV begins with visual overviews of basic PIV analytic techniques, including direct, and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) cross correlation methods. The interactive website also provides descriptions and examples of essential experimental PIV image parameters (e.g., image noise level, particle image diameter, etc.) and indicators of output quality, including qualitative (e.g., correlation peak width, shape, etc.) and quantitative (i.e., primary peak ratio) measures. Last, LearnPIV demonstrates how critical imaging parameters (e.g., aperture, frame rate, and ISO,) dynamically affect PIV results. To interactively engage PIV users with the interplay of experimental PIV parameters and demonstrate image pair statistical analysis (i.e., image pair cross-correlation), LearnPIV enables students to create fluid flow image pairs on a flow of choice via an embedded synthetic fluid flow image generator. LearnPIV then allows users to calculate and observe the correlation plane for the image pair they created. To level this activity and guide learning for novice learners, LearnPIV provides students with the capability to vary a single image (e.g., particle displacement, interrogation region size, shear) over a specified range of acceptable values. Keeping all other parameters fixed, LearnPIV users can visualize how each discrete parameter impacts the image pair, the resulting correlation plane, and the output vector. In this way, novices can develop skill and an intuitive sense for taking PIV measurements. To explore the complicated interactions of image parameters, LearnPIV also provides a free interaction mode wherein more advanced students and more experienced PIV users may vary multiple image parameters concurrently and observe the resulting image pair generated, correlation plane, and output vector. Finally, Learn PIV provides users the capability to save their experiment results for later viewing and comparison.


An Integrated Software Engineering Curriculum Through Project-Based Learning (PBL)

Abstract: Abstract Software development lifecycle is an integrated process which involves many different tasks including requirements engineering, design, development, and testing. Software engineering students not only need in-depth knowledge of each of these areas, they also need to have a practical understanding about how they integrate together. However, courses such as object-oriented programming, architecture, testing and databases which have many possible connections are typically delivered as separate courses. While this current approach may benefit proficiency in a specific subject, students often lack an understanding of how varied course concepts integrate together as a larger process. Adopting an integrated learning approach helps students face software development challenges earlier in their studies while building resiliency and problem-solving skills. Literature examples show how OOP, data structures and software design courses can be integrated through project-based learning [1]. Evaluation results showed improvement in students' technical, personal and interpersonal skills, all of which are useful for their professional careers. While project-based learning (PBL) is designed in favor of real industry processes and projects, this approach can pose several challenges for instructors in academia [2] [3] including efficient time-management, effort required, and effective student support. In this paper we propose a novel pedagogical approach to integrate final projects of two separate courses in a course-based masters of software engineering program. Students work on a joint project for a) software design and architecture and b) database design, using a model-first approach to integrate important concepts from both courses. In this project, students implement the object-oriented programming (OOP) phase in the first course, then they continue implementing its database in the second course. The goal of this research is to narrate the experience in course integration through PBL and evaluate students' challenges as well as the effectiveness of this approach.The data is collected from an end of term survey and final project artifacts. We analyzed students' coursework by comparing their UML, ER and relational model design decisions with the mismatch problem solutions. We also adopted qualitative and quantitative analysis to understand students' perception about the conflicts between the object-oriented design and the relational database as well as students' level of preparedness for implementing each of the two phases of the project. The results show that students faced all ORM mismatches when translating UML to ER diagram and while implementing the project. All the students opt for only one mapping solution for each of the five mismatched problems in the project. Therefore, it will be helpful if all ORM problems and their mapping strategies are discussed in the OOP class to give students the opportunity to face all ORM mismatches and try different mapping approaches Also, following a PBL approach in course integration removed the challenges of changing the course structure at the department level. In this way, each instructor can make use of tutorial time independently and focus on relevant material while defining a joint project. Overall, this study demonstrated clear student satisfaction and evidence of student preparedness in implementing an integrated software development project. [1] Ribeiro AL, Bittencourt RA. A pbl-based, integrated learning experience of object-oriented programming, data structures and software design. In2018 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE) 2018 Oct 3 (pp. 1-9). IEEE. [2] Shoham D, Paul R, Moshirpour M. STUDENT PERCEPTIONS OF PROJECT-BASED LEARNING IN A SOFTWARE ENGINEERING COURSE. InThe 16 th International CDIO Conference (Vol. 1, p. 268). [3] Silva LH, Castro RX, Guimaraes MC. Supporting Real Demands in Software Engineering with a Four Steps Project-Based Learning Approach. In2021 IEEE/ACM 43rd International Conference on Software Engineering: Software Engineering Education and Training (ICSE-SEET) 2021 May 25 (pp. 50-59). IEEE.


Content, Connection and Careers: Kit-Based Learning and Virtual University Connections (Evaluation)

Abstract: Abstract Science kits have been a staple of learning for some time, but in the era of COVID-19 at-home science kits took specific prominence in educational initiatives. In this paper, we delineate how kit-based education can be paired with virtual connection technology to enhance postsecondary and career exploration. The "Content, Connection and Careers" kit-based program has been developed to enable youth to explore electrical engineering principles while connecting virtually with university students to discuss engineering courses and careers. When assembled and wired up, the kit components become linear motors that use a magnetic force to pull a bolt into a pipe when youth press a button. This follows the same working principles as a doorbell or solenoid. These kits are supported by virtual learning sessions where youth connect with university students and faculty to fully understand the educational content, connect to peers and caring adults to share their learning, and explore careers that use electrical engineering skills. To investigate the effectiveness of the program, surveys were distributed to participants to understand whether the kits were simple enough for independent learning but robust enough to encourage additional self-exploration of more difficult topics with the aid of expert scientists and other adult role models. Additionally, youth were asked if the connections made with university faculty and students was beneficial in their thinking of postsecondary options and college engagement. Over 60 elementary and middle-school aged youth participated in the project. Over 80 percent of survey respondents self-reported improved knowledge of how an electromagnetic field works and how to build a simple electromagnet. Other results showed an increased understanding of engineering careers and courses required to study electric engineering in college. Before their experience in the project, very few of the young people had ever talked to university faculty or university students about their areas of research or their journey into the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This connection was described in the surveys as what the youth liked best about the project.


The Impact of Papers in the ASEE Computing & Information Technology Division

Abstract: Abstract The ASEE Computing & Information Technology Division (CITD) has been around for several decades, and continues to be a strong sponsor of many papers and sessions at the annual international ASEE conference as well as regional annual ASEE conferences. This paper covers the impact of the papers presented at the annual international ASEE conferences by looking at the number of times each paper has been cited, as well as the number of times each paper has been downloaded. This will be set in the context of a similar set of statistics for a similar organization, the Special Interest Group for Information Technology Education, a SIG of the ACM. This self-study will help ASEE-CITD members better understand their position within the larger IT community.


Perceived scrum Values, Conflict Resolution Ability, and Cultural Self-Awareness in the Context of System Analysis and Design Teamwork

Abstract: Abstract Teamwork has been identified as one of the essential professional skills for the 21st century. Business, industries, and corporates require their employees to work in teams on various projects. Therefore, it is crucial to introduce and train undergraduate students on teamwork skills. Working in teams is not easy as one needs to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, skillsets, and opinions. The disagreement among the team members may lead to conflict and chaos that jeopardizes the team's harmony. Therefore, just creating teams and assigning a group project is insufficient to help undergraduate students develop teamwork skills. Instructors need to help students become cognizant of their teamwork skills, such as conflict resolution, scrum values, and cultural self-awareness. In this research paper, we intend to understand the perception of students enrolled in a sophomore-level system's course regarding conflict resolution skills, scrum values, and cultural self-awareness. We also want to understand how the perception of these values is related to one another. In the light of this study, we want to answer the following research questions (1) How do students' reported conflict management skills relate to their reported scrum values? (2) How do students' cultural self-awareness relate to their conflict management skills? (3) How do students' cultural self-awareness relate to their reported scrum values? A course on system analysis and design followed a project-based cooperative learning approach. The students were required to work in teams and complete the course deliverables, including the final course project. The team projects followed a scrum approach that helped students identify the project requirements, perform modeling and develop a prototype. Since students worked on scrum- driven projects in a cooperative learning environment, the students were required to participate in a survey study that allowed the instructional team to develop an understanding of the students' perception of conflict management, scrum values, and cultural self-awareness. The responses of the students were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results suggest that students found themselves competent in managing conflict, adhering to scrum values, and demonstrating a high-level cultural self-awareness. Keywords: Scrum values, conflict management, cultural awareness, undergraduate education


Creating a Virtual Learning Environment for Increasing Awareness of Blockchain Technologies at a Minority Serving Institution

Abstract: Abstract In this paper, we describe the successful implementation of a virtual learning environment for an immersive blockchain workshop that was designed to increase awareness, cultivate collaboration, and build technical knowledge in Blockchain technologies for participants in minority-serving academic engineering and computer science communities. In the pre-Covid world, the authors meticulously designed an immersive two-day technical workshop on Blockchain technologies for engineering and computer science communities in efforts to increase awareness and cultivate interdisciplinary collaborations among researchers at an historically black university. When the covid-19 pandemic disrupted our lives on a global scale, the authors contemplated canceling the event completely. However, understanding the significance of Blockchain as an emerging technology and knowing how important this knowledge is to the advancement of education in minority communities, the authors made the executive decision to host a completely virtual workshop event. The primary goals of the virtual Blockchain workshop did not change. They were: (1) to provide an immersive environment for participants to learn about Blockchain technologies; (2) to cultivate networking and collaborations among faculty and students in Blockchain; and (3) to stimulate interest and awareness of Blockchain and Fintech research in engineering and computer science departments at the minority-serving institution (MSI). However, the authors had to rethink and redesign a completely virtual, online event. How can we make the learning environment engaging? How can we make the learning environment collaborative? How can we ensure that instruction is effective and meaningful for participants? How can we recruit students to participate in this informal online educational enrichment activity? These were some of the questions that the authors considered when redesigning the Blockchain workshop. The workshop redesign included three main design elements: a leadership team; an immersive blockchain curriculum design, and fun and engaging enrichment activities including online games and a networking café. The program success was determined using seven key indicators such as (1) the total number of registrants; (2) the number of attendees who completed the 1st session and earned badge; (3) the number of attendees who received two badges at the end of the workshop; (4) number of attendees who were able to network with one another either in-person or in virtual breakout rooms; (5) percentage of faculty participants who have intentions to incorporate Blockchain into their instructional design; (6) percentage of faculty participants who have intentions to incorporate Blockchain into their research efforts; (7) percentage of participants whose interest in Blockchain increased as a result of this workshop. Based on the results, target achievements were met or exceeded in all performance metrics except two: key indicators 3 and 5. Evidence suggests that these targets were not met due to hardware installation issues and low faculty turnout. The main contribution of this work is the discovery of how to pivot from in-person learning to effective online learning through the design, adaptation and implementation of educational enrichment workshops in a virtual learning environment post the Covid-19 pandemic. Keywords— Blockchain Technologies, Virtual/Online Learning, Collaborative Research and Instruction, Covid-19 learning impact


Cross-Sectional Survey of CS Students’ Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Cybersecurity

Abstract: Abstract Cyber attacks are a common feature of current news and many of them are the result of easy to avoid vulnerabilities in software. It is imperative that students graduating from an undergraduate Computer Science (CS) curriculum have knowledge of vulnerabilities and understand the consequences of vulnerable code. The introductory programming courses often have a full schedule of topics, so it is common to cover software security content briefly in early courses and more extensively in later courses. It would be useful to know if students with only a brief introduction to software vulnerabilities carry that knowledge into later classes. Also, it would be useful to have a sense of students' prior knowledge of cybersecurity and how this prior knowledge contributes to the appreciation of software vulnerabilities. This paper describes an analysis of the results of a survey of 1677 students in core CS courses at our large public university, in which software security topics are covered briefly in the two introductory courses and more extensively in a later course. We found that students in upper-level classes scored higher on a cybersecurity quiz than students who are just beginning the Computer Science curriculum, when correcting for a prior knowledge or interest in cybersecurity. This suggests that students are gaining knowledge of cybersecurity while in the Computer Science curriculum. However, we found some gaps in cybersecurity knowledge. Less than half the students were able to name a software vulnerability that has caused a cybersecurity breach, and less than half were able to correctly answer questions about botnets and the use of VPNs. This suggests that we should consider increasing cybersecurity content in order to build on what students have apparently learned in the lower-level classes, and ensure that students learn all cybersecurity topics, and particularly about networking topics and common software vulnerabilities.


Work in Progress: Exploring Digital Competency Integration in Primary and Secondary Education

Abstract: Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has increased dependency on technology in education and the workforce, and being able to use technology critically has become a necessity for all age groups. Digital competency is described by the European Union as the ability to use technology crucially, confidently, and responsibly in work, education, and general participation in society. As outlined by the EU Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (2016), digital competence has five core areas: 1) information and data literacy; 2) communication and collaboration; 3) digital content creation; 4) safety; and 5) problem-solving. This research paper explores the need to master digital competency in primary and secondary education, discusses the motivations and purposes of introducing digital competency, and proposes the extent of each implementation through a comprehensive framework. There is an important distinction between digital competence, literacy, and skills, in which competence reflects the encapsulation of knowledge, skills, and attitudes of technology. The increased tools, social interactions, and threats to technology justify the introduction of digital competence as early as primary school. We define the current standard of digital education in the United States through the ISTE Standards for Students, the most widely adopted set of criteria for K-12 education in technology. While nearly every state has adopted the standards, none have assessed the need to master the criteria. An observational analysis will be conducted by surveying industry professionals and higher education institutions about their attitudes towards digital competency in primary and secondary education. We hope to get an understanding of whether or not digital competency is viewed as a life skill, an academic necessity, and as important as other academic subjects such as mathematics, language arts, social studies, and science. Finally, we suggest additional research be taken towards attitudes of digital competency from a student perspective. We also suggest research looking into why state academic institutions have not implemented assessments for digital competency.


Work In Progress: CodeCapture: A Tool to Attain Insight into the Programming Development Process

Abstract: Abstract Most introductory computer programming courses focus on giving students a good understanding of fundamentals and programmatic problem solving. Programming assignments are a way for students to reinforce these concepts and for instructors to evaluate students' comprehensions. In a typical assignment, students are given a problem to which they develop a programmatic solution and submit its final iteration for evaluation. Instructors only see this static and final submission, and the decision making or the process of problem solving that led to the final submission is not captured. This paper presents a tool called CodeCapture that periodically captures snapshots of a student's programming assignment source code over the development period and provides insight into their problem-solving process. Instructors can leverage data provided by this tool to identify areas that students have difficulty. Subsequently, instructors can give insightful feedback to students via a combination of metrics describing students' development processes, even in a large-scale classroom. In this paper, a discussion on how CodeCapture overcomes gaps in the existing tools is presented. The technical specifications and the trial results from where CodeCapture was able to enrich the feedback to students regarding their assignments is also presented.


Engaging Engineering Students with Mobile Learning Technologies

Abstract: Abstract New theories of education matched with new technologies have been rapidly transforming the way instructors teach and students learn. This paper documents one model an engineering librarian has created to incorporate the ideas expressed in "connected learning pedagogy" and the theory of constructivism (active, collaborative learning with the instructor as a guide and facilitator) into instructional "one-shot" sessions designed to teach information literacy skills to college students at various stages of their careers. The sessions utilize electronic devices students already bring to class (laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.) and the Nearpod or Top Hat learning applications to provide instruction that can be delivered in-person or online, both synchronously and asynchronously. Examples include multiple different activities that encourage active learning and student engagement. The sessions are scaffolded so that students learn more advanced concepts as they go from First-Year Seminars to Capstone Design Projects, all while maintaining the learning outcomes set forth by the Association for College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Framework for Information Literacy in Higher Education and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Successes, failures, and modifications to the model are discussed.


Work‐in‐Progress: Undergraduate Courses in Quantum Computing: A Proposal based on our Experience Building a Python-based Quantum Computer Simulator

Abstract: Abstract There is a growing need for scientists and engineers with Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) skills. To address this need for 'quantum aware' graduates we describe a two course sequence in quantum computing suitable for undergraduate students studying electrical engineering, physics, and computer science. Our approach is unique in that it aims to take full advantage of the diverse backgrounds of second and third year undergraduate students from these three STEM disciplines. Students will work in interdisciplinary teams to (1) understand the physics and the computational theory relevant to quantum computing, (2) develop computer code that simulates a quantum computer, (3) understand the relevance and importance of existing quantum computing algorithms, and (4) appreciate the need for future research in quantum computing. Our approach is informed in part by our experience working with a pair of undergraduate students this past summer on the development of a Python-based quantum computer simulator. This experience showed that building a simulator was an effective way to teach the theory underlying quantum computing. Building a simulator also provides an excellent foundation upon which to explore student-accessible research projects in quantum computing, which is a high-impact educational practice.


Creating a Community-Focused Lab Section in a Large Computer Science Course (Experience)

Abstract: Abstract The introductory computer science class (CS1) at our large public university has grown to over 1,200 students. The learning environment in a large class makes it hard for students to connect with instructors and other students. While some students thrive in an independent learning environment, others thrive through participating in a supportive learning community. At our school, a long-running Academic Success Program (ASP) has supported their students through creating smaller instructional class sections that foster community within large science and math courses. This program provided a model for how we might create community within CS1. Through an analysis of student grades, we found that CS1 was not adequately supporting ASP-affiliated students, motivating us to partner with ASP. We were especially concerned by this disparity because the ASP-affiliated students in our class are much more likely to come from populations that experience inequities elsewhere in their educational experience – as examples, 60% of ASP students are first-generation college students, 27% are Black, and the median household income of ASP students is much lower than that of other students in the course. In partnership with the ASP program, we developed a new lab section reserved for ASP students which focused on creating a supportive learning community. Our pilot started with two sections enrolling 20 students each. A first emphasis was building community between students. To foster community, instructors provided students with multiple, structured opportunities to engage with one another during lab, including working together in lab teams and reflecting on and sharing their values and interests. We also built connections between students and instructors by creating dedicated office hours that were staffed by the ASP lab instructors (non-ASP students use a system where the instructor assisting may not be known by the student), requiring office hour attendance at critical times during the semester, and reaching out to students to offer encouragement and support. While many of these practices would be beneficial for all students, the constraints of running the large class meant that these measures were not previously implemented. A pre-post survey measured the ways the dedicated ASP sections had an impact. Because not all ASP students were enrolled in the section, we were able to examine differences in ASP students' experiences inside and outside the dedicated sections, with the caveat that students self-selected into the sections. As highlights of our findings, 91% of ASP respondents in the dedicated labs reported feeling comfortable asking questions in lab, as opposed to 63% of ASP respondents in the non-ASP labs. 100% of ASP respondents in the dedicated lab found office hours helpful, as opposed to 63% of the ASP respondents in non-ASP labs. Despite these successes, the dedicated section did not lead to higher grades in the course, showing that we have more work to do in order to address the many ways that students in ASP still undergo inequitable experiences and outcomes in our course.


Implementation of Graphical Visualization Techniques and Robotics Labs in ‘Introduction to Engineering’ Course

Abstract: Abstract This paper discusses the development and implementation of two new topics, graphical visualization and robotics, in 'introduction to engineering' course. Sample of problems and hands-on lab activities illustrate new approaches to introduce students to graphical techniques and robotics through excel software and scope of laboratory experiences, respectively. The course trains students how to use excel tool to graph and interpret the data through visualization and introduce them to simple computer programming for path planning and navigation of robots. The initial observations and results are in favor of promoting visualizations and concepts of robotics.


Incorporation of Matching Networks Fundamentals into State-of-the-Art Technology for Electrical Engineering Designs in General and RF-Microwaves Circuits in Particular using Smith Charts and MATLAB

Abstract: Abstract In order to conduct applied research and carry out innovation in Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMIC) Design and Fabrication technology, theoretical instructions in MMIC, RF, and Microwave electronics course work must integrate fundamentals in research investigations. The analytical calculations are then to be complemented with adequate graphical tools such as Smith Charts and EDA tools like ADS, HFSS, and Microwave Office. In order to validate the design from its conception to the layout stage, the final mask set has to be prepared for fabrication strategy. In Microwave Solid-State Circuits and their Applications at Monolithic stage, this basically involves the design of Input Matching Networks (IMN), Output Matching Networks (OMN) as well as the Inter-stage Matching Networks (ISMN). MMIC modeling in the design of High Power Amplifier involves scaling transistor sizing so as to improve transistor Gain and minimize losses. The author proposes an innovative method of inferring Smith Charts obtained in ADS and then validating them with MATLAB codes in an academic setting which includes my MMIC Design and Microwave Courses. It incorporates thorough class room understanding of (1) Transmission Line theory fundamentals, (2) MMIC Design, and (3) Smith Charts, which are of vital importance to create perfectly matched networks in the designs. A case study of designing a High Power Amplifier involving IMN, OMN and ISMN is planned to be presented and validated using MATLAB codes. ADS Simulation results of Insertion and Return losses for all the three matching networks will be presented briefly. This will assist the Engineering educators and RF circuit designers to precisely apply their Engineering education knowledge into practice for becoming innovators predominantly in the Emerging technologies focused on RF-Microwave Engineering. Exhaustive designs using EDA tools of GaAs based monolithic integrated Power Amplifiers (PA), with Metal Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MESFET's), and GaN based High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMT's) play an important role in Microwave amplifier applications for 5G operation. Recently, the performance of these GaN based devices has been improved significantly for RF applications deployable in next generation devices such as Front End modules of mobile communication systems. In order to increase the small signal gain of the amplifiers, a multi stage configuration can be employed. However, complexity of the circuit increases significantly as the number of amplifier stages increase. For example, by employing only two-stages, the design of amplifier is already complex, in that achieving perfect inter-stage matching becomes difficult thereby causing device failure as return losses are small. To resolve this, the design of amplifier first stage is undertaken independently, and then the second stage is cascaded to form a two-stage amplifier along with matching networks, resulting in a practical value of return loss for sustaining device operation in low to mid-5G ranges. In this paper, matching networks of a two-stage GaN HEMT MMIC PA are designed to fully match characteristic impedances of 50-Ω input as well as 50-Ω output. The typical characteristic impedance of 50-Ω at the center of Smith chart-circle is selected such that any large complex impedance values can be plotted by normalizing it with a standard Smith chart utility. With this design, we aim to achieve a 34 dB small signal gain at frequency of 4.89 GHz for lower 5G Transceiver MMIC chipset design because the maximum power handling capacity of GaAs substrate based structures is 6.25 W (38 dBm). Also, non-linearity has been addressed using the large signal parameters and Harmonic Balance Analysis (HBA) in ADS for multi-tone excitations schemes to verify rationality of designed networks for PA functionality.


Work in Progress: Accessible Engineering Education for Workforce 4.0

Abstract: Abstract This Work in Progress paper will describe an AI-enabled robotic lab that aims to advance accessible engineering education in a first-year engineering course. The recent emergence of Industry 4.0 demands a new education paradigm, namely Education 4.0, with incorporation of topics such as automation, robotics, and Internet of Things. Several recent studies have projected that up to 375 million workers worldwide will experience changes in their occupational categories by 2030. Creating and implementing effective education and training programs for preparing the future workforce for Industry 4.0 remains a challenging task. Recent research has suggested that effective integration of contemporary technology can enhance teaching and learning. An AI-enabled robotic manipulator is proposed as a technology-integrated teaching and learning platform for testing a variety of educational research paradigms such as situated cognition, collaborative and inquiry-based learning. Situated learning, as described by Lave and Wenger, is a theory that emphasizes the importance of socially situated practice for the process of learning new knowledge. According to situated learning theory, the content knowledge can be delivered effectively to students by creating a situational context for learning that has direct relevance and resemblance to real-life applications and that has meaning for students. This paper seeks to use the theory of situated learning to additionally render an inclusive learning environment that has the potential for promoting accessible engineering education. This paper will specifically address how robotics labs and projects can be used in first-year engineering education while helping students develop team-building skills. The outcome of the study can provide answers to the research question: How to create practical and accessible engineering education for the Industry 4.0 workforce? This study aims to develop a robotics laboratory to promote experiential learning. A new lab with two different work scenarios is planned for the Fall 2022 semester. The first scenario entails creating a robotic solution that can assist physicians by delivering or holding objects in the operating room. The second scenario is to support construction workers by lifting and stacking objects. The lab performance metrics will be accuracy, precision, alignment, and time of task completion. A student survey will be sent out at the end of the semester includes 22 Likert-scale questions and two qualitative questions. The data will then be used to further assess the learning outcome and improve the instruction and learning design. The learning outcome will be cross-referenced with students' racial, cultural, and gender backgrounds. Additional lab scenarios can be developed to increase educational accessibility. This paper has the potential to draw interest from K-12 and university educators as the proposed robotic platform is affordable, versatile, robust, and will allow students to visualize the impact of automation in our society. The outcome of this study will reveal how to effectively deliver intensive technological content at an early stage of college learning. This study will increase STEM career awareness amongst students by showing them the relevance of these disciplines in their everyday lives.


Analyzing Various Scoring Methods for Fill-In Concept Maps

Abstract: Abstract Concept mapping is an instructional tool that has shown promise in assessing conceptual understanding, especially with deeply interconnected topics and those focused on connections, like that of the Entrepreneurial Mindset. An important step in implementing concept map assignments for assessing student subject knowledge in a classroom is scoring, of which there are many methods that have been developed. However, there are few scoring methods that have been developed for fill-in concept maps, a format where students are given the structure of the concept map along with a bank of words with which to fill it in. Fill-in concept mapping is a potentially attractive variant of concept mapping for its reduced load on both students and instructional teams, particularly in the case of large and/or low-resource settings, but has seen less extensive research efforts. This study uses adaptations to the three prominent unstructured concept map scoring methods to fit the fill-in format and compares scoring results across the methods. No statistical difference is found between each of the adapted methods, potentially indicating assessment of a similar skill, though best-use application of each method may differ. Further qualitative analysis on the implementation and scoring of the various methods is discussed. The results and the proposed alterations may be useful in further development of scoring methods for fill-in concept maps which can adequately assess conceptual understanding.


Features of Continuity and Change through COVID-19 in an Undergraduate Engineering Program

Abstract: Abstract How does online learning at a residential college impact community building? During the Covid-19 pandemic, qualitative focus group interview data were collected at a large mid-Atlantic university with each undergraduate engineering student cohort. Students adapted relationships with peers and professors to respond to the ongoing dynamic conditions of collegiate and regional Covid-19 requirements and experiences. This qualitative research study investigates the impact of Covid-19 restrictions on the community and relational aspects of an undergraduate making and engineering design centered engineering program in the United States. The qualitative data illustrate trends in inner-cohort relationships, qualities of the engineering department, and how students developed and maintained relationships throughout the pandemic. This paper offers implications and strategies for building and maintaining community in learning environments that are experiencing rapid and dynamic shifts. The themes and patterns can provide unique insight into the aspects of community important to students' lived experiences during the portion of the pandemic when online and hybrid learning were most prevalent.


Leveraging ThingsBoard IoT Service for Remote Experimentation

Abstract: Abstract The goal of this study is to demonstrate the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology to enable remote experimentation in mechanical engineering. In the 2021 ASEE Virtual Conference, we have shown one-way data transfer from an evaporative cooler setup, where students could remotely acquire data using Google Sheets. In this work, we describe a different scheme of IoT structure, where students could both acquire data and control equipment. We use an inexpensive (essentially no-cost for the community edition) opensource IoT platform, ThingsBoard. This software allows students to view dashboards that enable remote control of sensors and actuators, include livestreaming and live data as both plots or live numbers, and even allow students to download data for further analysis. Our remote lab is an evaporative cooler designed to teach students about psychometrics, the thermodynamics of atmospheric air. The cooling effect is achieved by the phase transition of water in an evaporative pad. The experimental setup includes temperature and humidity sensors at the up-and downstream of the evaporative material. Students also can control a fan that blows air through the evaporative material. All sensors and actuators are connected to an Arduino board and a Raspberry Pi single-board computer, which interface to the ThingsBoard service for remote control and data acquisition. Finally, to facilitate a live view of the experimental setup in ThingsBoard, a Raspberry Pi also employs a camera that provides a live video feed of the entire setup while it is at work. We offer this exercise to students in a junior-level Engineering Experimentation course in a technological university. We report our findings in terms of students' perception of the experiment and student success in meeting the learning objectives. We also report our experience in having multiple users use a single remote experimentation setup. Ultimately, we hope to match the trend of increasingly prevalent online learning with a low-cost solution where students have "almost" hands-on experimentation while also gaining invaluable skills in the world of IoT.


An infrastructure 3D-lab based on virtual visits at Call of Duty Warzone to Develop Student’s Competencies During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract: Abstract Abstract - The didactic methods in the teaching of Engineering, Architecture, and Construction (EAC) are changing. The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Virtual Reality (VR), and if we add to this a video game such as Call of Duty: Warzone (CoD: WZ) for educational purposes, the benefits of this could be explored. Until now, the advantages of BIM, VR, and video games have been studied separately, however, there is no evidence of an approach that implements all three technologies. The research in this study consists of the development of a methodology for the implementation of a user-friendly application of the Infra-3D-Lab software with specific pedagogical objectives for EAC education. This study based on the development of high-tech educational tools aims to: 1) make more effective use of learning hours through playful interaction with BIM, VR, and CoD: WZ models; 2) improve skills and concepts that are difficult to explain theoretically and 3) evaluate the functionality of the learning environment. The implementation of this technological tool is developed in the context of EAC's national higher education programs at a university in Mexico. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of using a remote collaborative tool Infra-3D-Lab as a teaching method for EAC. Additionally, this study shows that the learning experience can be enhanced using other technology tools such as Unreal Engine and Revit.


Advantages and Disadvantages of a Virtual Engineering Experience During COVID-19 for Blind and Low-Vision High School Students

Abstract: Abstract The purpose of this research paper is to describe the advantages and disadvantages of conducting an engineering program experience for blind and low-vision (BLV) high school students in an online, virtual format. This study investigated an online offering of the Engineering Quotient (EQ) program administered by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). Traditionally, the program is offered in-person at the NFB's headquarters. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was conducted fully online for four weeks during the summer of 2021. This program aimed to introduce STEM content and engineering thinking skills, such as spatial ability, to BLV youth. Prior to this study, there has been little research exploring interventions specifically targeted toward BLV populations in order to improve their spatial ability, a construct which has been demonstrated to strongly predict positive outcomes in STEM fields. Interventions such as the EQ program provide opportunities for BLV youth to engage with content that encourages them to use spatial thinking skills and may result in more sophisticated spatial ability skills upon completion. Qualitative analysis of interviews with participants revealed that they had both positive and negative experiences with the online EQ program. For example, participants said that they enjoyed the program being online because it allowed them to have more flexibility in when and how they completed the activities. Participants were able to engage in the EQ program activities while also attending other summer activities, social events, and family obligations. Another advantage of the virtual program was the ability to participate from any physical location. For some students, traveling to a program site in another city or state was a barrier for their participation in engineering programs. In contrast, participants said that the virtual nature of the program made it difficult to follow along and complete some of the activities. They indicated that following verbal origami instructions in a virtual environment was difficult, especially if they missed a step or were confused along the way. Additionally, some students would have benefited from being able to receive hands-on guidance for difficult activities. The inability to receive tactile feedback on a completed origami fold or the selection of a drawing line type contributed to students feeling lost or confused throughout an activity. Results from this study can be used to inform both in-person and virtual program design for BLV students to target their spatial ability and interest in STEM fields. More broadly, by providing BLV students with more opportunities to access STEM content that improves their spatial thinking skills, individuals from this population may be further encouraged to pursue STEM pathways. Keywords: online learning, blind and low-vision engineering, origami activities


Assessing Head- Hand- and Heart-Related Competencies through Augmented-Reality

Abstract: Abstract This work in progress paper presents an assessment framework for an authentic learning activity in augmented reality (AR). Constant changes in technical and societal needs require educational programs to constantly rethink the status quo and explore ways to align future professionals' formal education with emerging workforce demands. Such is critical for all professions — including those in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. While many may agree on the need to do this, what is less clear is the scholarly approach required for undertaking such an endeavor. Insights from studies associated with the Preparation for the Professions Program led by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching offer a framework used for exploring professional preparation across professions is commonly referred to as the Three Apprenticeships—namely, Apprenticeships of the Head, the Hand, and the Heart. Within engineering-related fields, academic preparation for the profession primarily focuses on technical knowledge; but there is a need for more holistic, integrated learning experiences that involve different kinds of knowledge (Head), skills (Hand), and professional judgment (Heart). This study leverages the Three Apprenticeship framework to assess an integrated learning AEC experience in augmented reality (AR) by using real-time data collected from participants. Using the context of a children's playground, participants were asked to redesign an existing play structure to better meet the needs of children, parents, and other stakeholders within the community. A five-metric assessment was developed to operationalize the head, hand, and heart constructs in this context and measure participants' ability to think holistically in an authentic learning experience. These five assessment metrics included cost, time, safety, sustainability, and fun. This paper explores the development of this assessment and shares preliminary findings from the study.


Literacy assessment - a case study in diagnosing and building a struggling reader’s profile

Abstract: Poor language and literacy abilities negatively impact students emotionally, causing low self-esteem, anxiety, and frustration. This affects their attitudes towards learning, reduces motivation, and limits opportunities. Thus, addressing early language and literacy challenges through intervention and accurate assessment is vital for not only positive emotional development but for all round academic growth. In a single-case study, the reading skills of a struggling third grade reader were assessed using tools such as QRI (Qualitative Reading Inventory) and visual-discrimination assessments to create a diagnostic profile. The study aimed to identify the student's reading level, and factors that affect language and literacy abilities. Results showed that the student's instructional reading level was at a low average range for expository texts but at a much higher level (fourth) for narrative texts. Strong word recognition skills were observed, but difficulty in comprehending expository, informational texts was evident. Recommendations include using targeted strategies to improve comprehension skills at all levels (literal, inferential, evaluative) for expository texts, while also addressing the emotional and social development of learners. / Keywords: literacy assessment, struggling reader, language and literacy, case study, elementary education


Analysis of Sinusoid Plus Random Telegraph Noise in Nonlinear Devices: Series Characteristic Function Method

Abstract: Random telegraph noise (RTN) is a common phenomenon in semiconductors, and it is often desired to quantify the effect of the observed RTN on circuits. In this paper we show that the series form of the characteristic function method of nonlinear analysis is suitable for modeling and predicting the output correlation and spectrum of a combination of signals and RTN. We derive the general characteristic function for RTN defined by a single transition parameter, and its spectrum identified as Lorentzian (Cauchy), proportional to the reciprocal of the square of frequency. We then show how the output spectrum is a weighted sum of the respective spectra of the input sinusoid and RTN. Using a simple large-signal model of a MOSFET amplifier, we compute the contributions to the output spectrum as SNR and sinusoid amplitude are varied, and present numerical results. The procedure is easily adapted for other signals and nonlinear circuits.


Two Heads Better than One: Dual Degradation Representation for Blind Super-Resolution

Abstract: Previous methods have demonstrated remarkable performance in single image super-resolution (SISR) tasks with known and fixed degradation (e.g., bicubic downsampling). However, when the actual degradation deviates from these assumptions, these methods may experience significant declines in performance. In this paper, we propose a Dual Branch Degradation Extractor Network to address the blind SR problem. While some BlindSR methods assume noisefree degradation and others do not explicitly consider the presence of noise in the degradation model, our approach predicts two unsupervised degradation embeddings that represent blurry and noisy information, respectively. The SR network can then be adapted to blur embedding and noise embedding in distinct ways. Furthermore, we treat the degradation extractor as a regularizer to capitalize on the differences between SR and HR images. Extensive experiments on several benchmarks demonstrate that our method achieves SOTA performance in the blind SR problem.


Illuminating The Path To Enhanced Resilience Of Machine Learning Models Against The Shadows Of Missing Labels

Abstract: The sensitivity of state-of-the-art supervised classification models is compromised by contamination-prone biomedical datasets, which are vulnerable to the presence of missing or erroneous labels (i.e., inliers). From codon frequencies, electrocardiogram signals, biomarkers, morphological features, and patient questionnaires, we attempted to cover a wide range of typical biomedical databases exposed to the risk of inlier contamination. In some very niche fields, such as image recognition, missing labels have received a lot of attention, but in Life Sciences, where outliers are almost systematically filtered, inliers have remained orphans. Our study introduced a pragmatic and innovative methodology that consists of upcycling one-class semi-supervised anomaly detection models for filtering potential inliers in training datasets. By validating this methodology and benchmarking five one-class semi-supervised models and two ensemble methods were benchmarked against various traditional classifiers on 6 databases with 10 different contamination levels and 10 random samplings, achieving an average Matthews correlation coefficient of 78±17% in validation, whereas 22 supervised classifiers achieved an average score of 81±9% trained with the complete and uncontaminated trainset. Therefore, by filtering the training set with an isolation forest, the average resilience to inliers of 22 tested Machine Learning models increased from 69±11% to 95±1%, including neural networks and gradient-boosting methods. Taken together, our study showcased the efficacy of our versatile approach in enhancing the resilience of Machine Learnig models and highlighted the importance of accurately addressing the inliers challenge in the domains of Life Sciences.


Body: between sacrum and profanum – a report

Abstract: Body: between sacrum and profanum is an international conference organized in the Department of Modern Languages and the Department of German Studies at the University of Zielona Góra, Poland on November 28-29, 2023. The conference was organized within the ninth edition of Foreign Languages Days (known in Polish as Dni Języków Obcych - DJO) held annually since 2015 in the Department of Modern Languages and the Department of German Studies at the Faculty of Humanities. The conference had the honorary patronage of the Rector of the University of Zielona Góra, Professor Wojciech Strzyżewski.


Tuning the initial phase to control the final state of a driven qubit

Abstract: A driven quantum system can experience Landau-Zener-St\"uckelberg-Majorana (LZSM) transitions between its states when the respective energy levels quasicross. If this quasicrossing is traversed repeatedly under periodic driving, the trajectories can interfere either constructively or destructively. In the latter case, known as coherent destruction of tunneling, the transition between the energy states is suppressed. Even for the double-passage case, the accumulated phase difference (also referred to as the St\"uckelberg phase) can lead to destructive interference, resulting in no transition. In this paper, we discuss a similar process for the single-passage dynamics. We study the LZSM single-passage problem starting from a superposition state. The phase difference of this initial state results in interference. When this results in either a zero or a unit transition probability, such a situation can be called single-passage complete localization in a target state. The phase can be chosen so that the occupation probabilities do not change after the transition, which is analogous to the problem of transitionless driving. We demonstrate how varying the system parameters (driving velocity, initial phase, initial detuning) can be used for quantum coherent control.


Automating Grading System for Faculty and Students

Abstract: Use of some common Microsoft Excel functions, e.g., SUM, AVERAGE, can substantially reduce the drudgery of processing individual student grades to the final form of letter grades.This self developed Excel spreadsheet system may work better than many commercially available grade processing software because of its flexibilities to meet the needs by the department, college, and as well as by any accreditation authority.This spreadsheet system can be modified or updated any time to suit the individual courses and tastes.This paper describes the steps of developing of an Excel grading file assuming some usual weight distribution for a course.It starts with a blank spreadsheet and shows the development of the automatic grading system by using some functions, such as, AVERAGE(), SUM(), COUNTA(), COUNTIF(), LOOKUP(), STDEVA(), MEDIAN(), MODE(), and MIN().Once these functions are in effect, the only job remains for the instructor, is to input the raw numerical scores on homework, project or test into the sheet.With each entry of scores at any time throughout a semester, the sheet shows the current letter grades of students, class statistics as well as graphical displays of various measures of the class.A partially modified electronic file, excluding the student names and any grades, can be distributed to the students at the beginning of a semester.This will make the students aware of their progress status throughout the semester thus guiding them in determining how much extra effort they might need to add in order to obtain a desired letter grade in a course.


The Electronic Boycott of Foreign Products and its Impact on the Purchasing Rate of the Jordanian Consumer for Products from Beirut Lights Company for Hygienic Paper Manufacturing

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of an electronic boycott of foreign products on the purchasing rate of Jordanian consumers for products from Beirut Lights company for hygienic paper manufacturing. This study collected data from 310 consumers purchasing products from Beirut Lights Company for Hygienic Paper Manufacturing using questionnaires. This study employed the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) approach and analysed the data. The results revealed that electronic boycotts (consumer animosity, consumer ethnocentrism, consumer efficacy, and product judgment) have significant and positive effects on purchasing rates. The results revealed that a 1% increase in Consumer Animosity would lead to an 18.5% increase in Purchasing Rate. Additionally, the results demonstrated that Purchasing Rate would increase by 15.2 percent with a 1% increase in Consumer Efficacy. Also, the results revealed that a 1% increase in Consumer Ethnocentrism would lead to a 23.5% increase in Purchasing Rate. Similarly, the results revealed that a 1% increase in Product Judgement would lead to a 44.1% increase in Purchasing Rate. For Western multinational corporations focused on expanding their foothold in the world's biggest consumer market, this study's conclusions have crucial consequences for decision-makers and management. The suppressed and intense emotion of hostility, which is a remnant of past hostilities, needs much more attention from the Beirut lights firm, which manufactures hygiene paper in Jordan. In other hostile market scenarios, the conclusions of this examination may be applicable to a strategic study of the boycott model.


Digital Systems Teaching and Research (DSTR) Robot: A Flexible Platform for Education and Applied Research

Abstract: The DSTR (pronounced "Disaster") robot has a strong history of being adaptable to different user's needs, and there are many opportunities ahead that indicate that the sky, quite literally, is not the limit for this robust platform.This paper provides a historical perspective on the development of the DSTR robot as a collaborative design developed by the Mobile Integrated Solutions Laboratory (MISL) at Texas A&M University and ASEP 4X4 Inc.Texas Instruments has been a major partner in the integration of the control electronics, and Texas Space Technology Applications and Research (T STAR) LLC has played a significant role in the propagation of the DSTR robot as an adaptable applied research/education/STEM outreach platform.The paper will present examples of the strong industry-academic relationships that allow the DSTR robot to be utilized in a multitude of experiential learning environments.In addition to a number of STEM outreach activities, the DSTR robots are being used in the Introduction to Engineering course at Blinn College and in the Freshman Engineering curriculum at Texas A&M University.DSTRs have also been selected by NASA scientists as a low-cost lunar sample collector.The paper will also discuss the newly developed DSTR-E (DSTR Engineering) unit which requires students to perform several engineering tasks during the build process.The paper will also include the lessons learned from initial design through its transfer to the private sector for commercialization and future plans.


The Role of Computer Technologies in Music Teacher Training: Implementing the Humane Education Strategy

Abstract: The ever-evolving nature of society dictates educational policies, which is mirrored in the challenges of training music teachers in higher education. Pedagogical universities are constantly investigating ways to revolutionize education and introduce new pedagogical tools. This article analyzes the experiences, difficulties and directions of music teacher training in the scope of the humane education strategy. Surveying the condition of music education, its current status and potential for progress has demonstrated that the career of a musician-educator is and will remain in high demand as long as it is augmented with new professional content. This can be used to broaden the role of a music teacher in both regular and extra schooling, such as designing and implementing numerous musical and creative progression programmes. Importantly, the article delves into the issue of developing a model for teaching information technologies to future music teachers, which follows an interdisciplinary and context-oriented content selection principle. It advocates for a comprehensive approach to shaping a continuous sequence of educational subjects throughout the entire period of university education. It also highlights the integration of music and computer technologies as a means of teaching information technology and as a subject for study. Finally, the article highlights the significance of computer technologies in training future music teachers as there is a growing demand for music education specialists who are proficient in the technological processes associated with music software and can effectively employ computer technologies in their professional duties.


When University Met Industry

Abstract: Abstract When University Met Industry Abstract With rapidly evolving technologies, the academia – industry collaboration on education and research has never been more important. Traditionally, academic institutions educate industry professionals before they enter the workforce, and the industry provides funding for universities on research projects. However, the current one-way flow of education and research can be enhanced by creating a more diverse and interactive dynamic to comprehensively address the ongoing challenges faced by both parties. This paper discusses the importance and challenges of industry and academic collaborations as well as strategies for successful academia – industry partnerships based on the newly established power engineering program at George Mason University.


Development of a Joint Cybersecurity Graduate Program at Mercer University

Abstract: Abstract This paper discusses the development of a new MS in Cybersecurity program at Mercer University. This is a joint program between the School of Engineering, the Computer Science program (in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), and the School of Business. This program requires 30 credit hours, and it has three different tracks. The program also includes 12 credit hours of common core. This paper discusses how the program will be assessed, and how the program aligns with the NICE framework.


Classification of Java Cities/Regencies Based on Human Development Index Using Discriminant Analysis and Naïve Bayes Classifier

Abstract:
Aims: This research aims at grouping of cities/regencies on the island of Java, where the central government as well as the most densely populated island in Indonesia, using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and Naïve Bayes Classifier (NBC).
 Study Design: Quantitative design.
 Place and Duration of Study: Sample: The data used in this study is secondary data from the Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (Badan Pusat Statistik, BPS) regarding the 2022 Human Development Index (HDI) from 119 cities/regencies on the island of Java. The data used are four HDI indicators as independent variables (long and healthy living, knowledge, and the dimensions of decent living standards) and the HDI value as the dependent variable.
 Methodology: The grouping was carried out using LDA and NBC. LDA is a type of multivariate analysis used in the dependency method where the relationship between variables can be distinguished between the independent variable and the dependent variable. It aims at obtaining discriminant function equations to group cases into certain groups and to determine differences between groups based on independent variables. Meanwhile, the NBC method is a simple probability-based prediction technique based on the application of Bayes' theorem (Bayes' rule) with a strong assumption of independence.
 Results: Both LDA and NBC can be used for prediction and classification. Based on the results of the discriminant analysis, three discriminant functions were formed to group cities/regencies on the island of Java into three HDI groups. In the NBC analysis, the prior probability value for the very high category HDI group was 0.211, the high category HDI group was 0.606, and the medium category HDI group was 0.183. The research results show that LDA is better than the NBC for grouping cities/regencies based on the 2022 HDI indicators with an accuracy rate of 72.92%. Meanwhile, the NBC analysis only provides an accuracy of 64.58%. Three discriminant functions have been obtained to group cities/regencies on the island of Java based on the largest discriminant score where life expectancy makes the largest contribution in distinguishing each group.
 Conclusion: As a result, in this case LDA is a better classification method than the NBC. It is also of important to note medium class regions for further actions from stakeholders.


APPLICATION OF UTAUT IN ASSESSING VIRTUAL KITCHEN ADOPTION AMONG LICENSED RESTAURANTS IN KENYA

Abstract: The growing demand for dine-out consumption in Kenya, fueled by the influx of online food delivery (OFD) platforms, necessitates the adoption of a new restaurant business model known as virtual kitchens (VKs). As an emerging phenomenon in Kenya, this study used the UTAUT theory to evaluate the determinants of VK adoption among licensed restaurants in Kenya by surveying 149 restaurant managers/owners. The regression analysis results show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and price value all have a significant effect on the intention to use VKs (F [4, 144] = 20.662, p < .01, R2 =.365). The study not only adds to the existing body of knowledge debate on VK adoption by providing informative insights on VK adoption in Kenya, but it also contributes to industry practice.


Level of Stress, Coping Strategies and Academic Achievement of College Students during HyFlex Learning

Abstract: Effective stress management strategies correlate with improved academic performance in college students, yet inconsistent findings in existing research warrant further investigation. This study explored the intricate interplay between stress levels, coping mechanisms, and academic achievement in HyFlex learning. A stratified random sample of 111 students from five specializations within the Bachelor of Secondary Education program participated. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational design, data were collected through validated self-report questionnaires and a weighted general average. Subsequent descriptive statistics and bivariate correlation analysis revealed moderate stress levels among participants who preferred task-oriented coping strategies. Interestingly, a significant positive association was observed between stress levels and academic achievement and emotion-oriented coping, while a negative correlation emerged between stress and task-oriented coping. Avoidance-oriented coping, conversely, displayed a significant negative association with academic success. These findings underscore the crucial role of educational institutions in providing robust support mechanisms for stress management and cultivating a task-focused learning environment to optimize student well-being and academic performance within the HyFlex model.


How Does the “Default Mode” Network Contribute to Semantic Cognition?

Abstract: This review examines whether and how the “default mode” network (DMN) contributes to semantic processing. We review evidence implicating the DMN in the processing of individual word meanings and in sentence- and discourse-level semantics. Next, we argue that the areas that make up the DMN contribute to semantic processing by coordinating and integrating the simultaneous activity of local neuronal ensembles across multiple multimodal and unimodal cortical regions, creating a transient, global neuronal ensemble. The resulting ensemble implements an integrated simulation of phenomenological experience—that is, an embodied situation model—constructed from various modalities of experiential memory traces. We argue that these situation models are necessary not only for semantic processing but also for aspects of cognition that are not traditionally considered semantic. Although many aspects of this proposal remain provisional, we believe that it provides new insights into the relationships between semantic and nonsemantic cognition and into the functions of the DMN.


HP-FLDet: A High Performance Joint Face and Landmark Detector

Abstract: Abstract Face detection and landmark localization are usually the fundamental and important steps of facial analysis. The accuracy degradation of any task has impacts on the accuracy and robustness of the downstream analysis. In most facial analysis systems, face detection and landmark detection, as two independent tasks, are predicted sequentially with single-task detectors respectively, which suffer from the higher complexity and poorer consistency. In contrast, multi-task joint face and landmark detectors are more efficient and have more shared features. However, when two tasks are predicted in one model, it is difficult to improve the accuracy of all tasks simultaneously, due to the different requirements of the different targets to be detected. In our opinion, the multi-task detection model, integrating the perception ability of both scale variation and detailed texture information for face and landmark detection, is arduous but important in unconstrained settings. In this paper, a High-Performance joint Face and Landmark detector(HP-FLDet) is proposed, which can predict facial bounding boxes and landmarks in single stage and improve the accuracy of both face detection and landmark localization simultaneously. In this detector, the context inception block and scale-aware multi-task strategies are designed to resolve extreme scale variance and improve the perception ability of detailed texture information. It demonstrates superior performance on both face and landmark detection datasets including AFW, PASCAL Face, FDDB, Wider Face and AFLW. Especially, it achieves SOTA results on the most challenging WIDER FACE dataset with 0.970(Easy), 0.963(Medium), 0.921(Hard) mAP on the test subset, which outperforms all state-of-the-art rivals.


Discovering the Underlying Motivations for Empowering Education Through Innovation

Abstract: Educational innovation has evolved as a revolutionary response to traditional teaching methods' limitations in educating pupils for the complexities of today's society. This method integrates technology, global viewpoints, and inclusive practices, motivated by the need to stimulate creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Education can build dynamic learning environments that encourage students to become active participants in their education by embracing innovation. This article investigates the incentives that drive educational innovation, emphasizing the importance of technological integration, leadership, global viewpoints, and inclusivity. This study provides valuable insights for educational practitioners, policymakers, and researchers through discussions, observations, and a comprehensive literature review, emphasizing the importance of embracing innovation to meet the evolving needs of students and prepare them for a rapidly changing future.


Perspektif Belajar dengan Seni Tari Tradisional di Sekolah Menengah Pertama

Abstract: This research aims to determine the perspective of learning with South Sulawesi Traditional Dance in Junior High Schools. This type of research uses qualitative research with an ethnographic approach. The subjects in this research were teachers and students at SMP Negeri 22 Bantimurung. The results of this research show that students who are already at the junior high school level have been equipped with sufficient knowledge to develop so that the learning process will be more challenging for teachers in order to increase students' interest and motivation to learn art in the classroom, one of which is by highlighting traditions and culture. Locally in the South Sulawesi area, namely the basic movements of South Sulawesi traditional dance. So, the role of arts education in junior high schools is an effort to improve students' abilities, especially in developing interests, increasing creative work, as well as knowing regional arts and the values ??contained therein. Through arts education, students are facilitated in the process of growth and development in three domains as learning outcomes, namely, cognitive, affective and psychomotor.


TRANS-CNN Based Gesture Recognition for mmWave Radar

Abstract: In order to improve real-time performance of gesture recognition by micro-Doppler map of mmWave Radar, the point cloud based gesture recognition for mmWave Radar is proposed in this paper.Two steps are carried out for mmWave Radar based gesture recognition. The first step is to estimate the point cloud of the gestures by 3D-FFT and the peak grouping. The second step is to train the TRANS-CNN model by combining the multi-head self-attention and the 1D-convolutional network, so as to extract the features in the point cloud data at a deeper level to categorize the gestures. In the experiments, TI mmWave Radar sensor IWR1642 is used as benchmark to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed approach. The results show that the accuracy of the gesture recognition reaches 98.5%. In order to prove the effectiveness of our approach, a simply 2Tx2Rx Radar sensor is developed in our lab and the accuracy of recognition reaches 97.1%. The results show that our proposed gesture recognition approach achieves the best performance in real-time with limited training data, in comparison with the existing methods.


Fast Fake – easy to train Face Swap model

Abstract: &quot;Deep fake&quot; technologies are often associated with face-swapping algorithms based on images or videos. Although much research is focused on developing these techniques, there is still room for improvement, especially in human and visual assessment. In this study, we present an innovative approach to the problem of face replacement based on one model while preserving background features. Our model uses the Adaptive Attentional Denormalization method from FaceShifter while integrating identity features from the ArcFace and BiSeNet models to support the attribute extraction process. We used Fast GAN as a generative model to optimize and accelerate the training process on smaller data sets. Our research proves the effectiveness of the proposed approach by combining innovative methods and architectures in one coherent solution.


PRODIGY: Probing Resilience Of Domain-wall Interactions at Gauge Theory

Abstract: Examining the axion-dilaton model within supergravity, we focus on elucidating the construction and stability of domain walls. Emphasizing holographic vitrification action, we unveil insights into domain wall formation in gauge theories with periodic vacuum structures. Featuring a QCD-like axion term and a stabilizing dilaton, our model is scrutinized for conductivity changes under weak disorder. Notably, the system maintains perfect conductivity with a leading-order conductivity correction. Strong disorder emerges as the catalyst for transitioning to an insulator state. This study offers a comprehensive understanding of the axion-dilaton model's resilience and behavior under varying conditions.


The Revised Schrödinger Equation as a Solution of Measurement Paradox: A Unified Model of the U-procedure and R-procedure

Abstract: The present paper reports an alternative solution of the measurement problem in quantum theory. The measurement problem can be characterized as that the U-procedure verses the R-procedure. The R-procedure is tested by the Yes/No measurement originally proposed by von Neuman and discussed in details by Penrose. We propose a novel stochastic sampling method to tackle the measurement paradox. Each testing sample produces a pair of Yes-number c and No-number d, which in turn generates a sample phase with respect to the exponential form of (c+id). All the sample phases forms a group GR. Taking GR as the sampling potential, combined with the dynamic phase group GU，we establish a unified model of U-procedure and R-procedure for the evolution of wavefunction. Based on the Born rule, the probability of a sample is given by the squared magnitude of （c+id）. Some metaproperties of the new U-R model, such as natural transformation, consistency, and completeness, are presented. The present work provides a new picture of quantum mechanics and alike. The measurement problem widely exists in dynamic analysis, higher cognition, and large data modeling. Thus, the work reported here has a wide range of applications. Keywords: The measurement problem; U-R procedures; the Yes/No type measurement; stochastic sampling; sample phase; Born probability.


A New 2D Cross Hyperchaotic Sine-Modulation-Logistic Map and Its Application in Bit-Level Image Encryption

Abstract: Chaotic theory is commonly being researched for application in image encryption scheme (IES). In this paper, a novel two-dimensional cross hyperchaotic Sine-modulation-Logistic map (2D-CHSLM) based on the famous Sine and Logistic maps. The hyperchaotic behaviors of 2D-CHSLM is testified with the help of their bifurcation diagrams, trajectory plots, Lyapunov exponents, sample entropy, C0 complexity, permutation entropy and 0-1 test. A new bit-level IES with traditional encryption structure is proposed utilizing 2D-CHSLM. The 2D-CHSLM-IES performs a 2D-CHSLM-based bit-level confusion using zig-zag transform and a 2D-CHSLM-based cross coupled diffusion operations for generating a highly secure cipher-image. Then the simulations and security analyses are further carried out with the help of key space, key sensitivity, histogram, correlation, information entropy, differential attack, noise and data loss attacks, prove that the security of the proposed 2D-CHSLM-IES


Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity and Functionality of Older Care Home Residents

Abstract: Background: Nursing home residents (NHRs) have special needs and may experience reduced functionality, higher sedentary behavior time (SBT) and decreased physical activity (PA). This study aimed to characterize NHRs based on SBT, PA, and functional performance (FP), and to identify associations between these factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 65 NHRs aged ≥60, evaluated by accelerometer (SBT, PA) and the following tests: Timed Up and Go (TUG), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Barthel Index (BI), and Mini-Mental State Examina-tion (MMSE). Health-related variables and anthropometry were assessed. The FP (TUG, SPPB, BI), SBT, PA intensities were used for K-means clustering analysis. Results: The cluster analysis identified: C1 – better FP, shorter SBT, and longer time in PA intensities; C2 - lower FP, longer SBT, and shorter time in PA. In addition, C2 were older, with lower MMSE, lower body mass index, and walking aids use. The SBT showed a negative weak correlation with BI. The moderate PA (MPA) was moderately correlated with the SPPB and strongly correlated with the TUG and BI. Conclusions: MPA is strongly associated with better FP and independence. NHRs have dif-ferent physical and cognitive profiles, which indicates the need for personalized strategies to prevent disability and increase PA.


Musical scales optimize pitch spacing: A global analysis of traditional vocal music

Abstract: Abstract The standard model of musical scales is derived from instrument tunings. However, the study of vocal scales – most especially in indigenous cultures – has been all but ignored. The voice is almost certainly the original musical instrument, and so an analysis of vocal scales provides a more naturalistic means of understanding the evolution of music. In particular, we explore the idea that the structure of musical scales is a reflection of the vocal imprecision inherent in the way that people sing, regardless of culture. To investigate this issue globally, we carried out a large-scale computational analysis of 418 ethnographic field recordings of vocal songs from indigenous/traditional cultures, spanning the 10 principal musical-style regions of the world. The results revealed that vocal scales have reliably larger intervallic spacings between pitch-classes than do instrumental scales in Western culture. In addition, the mean interval-size of the scales was significantly correlated with people’s imprecision in singing pitches across the world regions. These results lend support to a physiological model in which musical scales optimize pitch spacing in order to accommodate the imprecision inherent in vocal production and thereby maintain distinguishability between pitch-classes.


Devising Breast Cancer Diagnosis Protocol through Machine Learning

Abstract: Breast cancer is a multifaceted disease that has many subcategories characterized by unique genetic features. This research focuses on two important subgroups, including ER+ and HER2-. We conducted an analysis of gene expression data obtained from reliable sources (Array Express: E-GEOD-52194, E-GEOD-75367, and E-GEOD-58135) in order to reveal the complex molecular details of these subtypes. The computational pipeline we used identified 396 genes that exhibited distinct patterns of gene expression in ER+ and HER2- breast cancers. The diagnostic and prognostic significance of these genes was evaluated using machine learning methods, namely SVM and decision tree models. Metrics like as accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity provide insights into their usefulness. Furthermore, the use of the STRING database for network analysis revealed significant signaling pathways and biological processes associated with the development of ER+ and HER2- breast cancer. The results of our research enhance our comprehension of these subcategories, which might possibly facilitate more accurate diagnoses and focused treatment interventions. To summarize, this work provides valuable information on the genetic foundations of ER+ and HER2- breast cancer, which has potential implications for enhancing patient treatment and outcomes.