eLuna: A Co-Design Framework for Narrative Digital Game-Based Learning that Support STEAM

STEAM education enables the cross-curricular study of subjects based on their naturally occurring relationships through holistic and integrated methods. Narratives are enablers of STEAM learning environments, something that is evident in the exploration of narrative learning from pre-recorded history until present. Narrative Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL) use narratives to drive the game. The extended Ludo Narrative Variable Model (the Variable Model) is a narratological model for categorization of narrative DGBL. Empirical evidence from categorizing narrative DGBL on the Variable Model shows that there is a particular set of categories that incur positive effects on engagement, motivation, and learning. This article introduces the eLuna co-design framework that builds on these categories and empowers educators to participate alongside game developers in multidisciplinary design and development of narrative DGBL. eLuna comprises 1) a four-phase co-design method, and 2) a visual language to support the co-design and co-specification of the game to a blueprint that can be implement by game developers. Idun’s Apples, a narrative DGBL co-designed, co-specified, and implemented into a prototype using eLuna, is presented to illustrate the use of the method and visual language. Arguing that narrative DGBL are vessels for STEAM learning, seven eLuna co-designed games are examined to illustrate that they support STEAM. The article concludes that narrative DGBL co-designed using the eLuna framework provide high opportunity and potential for supporting STEAM, providing educators and game developers with a STEAM co-design framework that enforces positive effects on engagement, motivation, and learning.

Unfolding visual characteristics of social media communication: reflections of smart tourism destinations

Purpose This study aims to explore the visual social media (SM) (Instagram) communication and the visual characteristics of smart tourism destination (STD) communication from destination marketing/management organizations (DMOs) and user-generated content (UGC) perspectives, which refer to projected image and perceived image, respectively. Design/methodology/approach Three DMO official accounts of STDs (Helsinki, Gothenburg and Lyon) and corresponding official hashtags were selected for the sample and total 6,000 post data (1,000 × 6) were retrieved from Instagram. Visual communication content was examined with a netnographic design over a proposed four-level visual content framework using corresponding methodological approaches (thematic analysis, visual analysis, object detection and text mining) for each level. Findings Among the eight emerging themes dominating the images, communication of smart elements conveys far less than expected textual and visual signals from DMOs despite their smart status, and in turn, from UGC as well. UGC revealed three extra image themes regardless of smartness perception. DMOs tend to project and give voice to their standard metropolitan areas and neighborhoods while UGCs focus on food-related and emotional elements. The findings show a partial overlap between DMOs and UGCs, revealing discrepancies in objects contained in visuals, hashtags and emojis. Additionally, as a rare attempt, the proposed framework for visual content analysis showed the importance of integrated methods to investigate visual content effectively. Research limitations/implications The number of attributes in visual analysis and focusing on the observed elements in text content (text, hashtags and emojis) are the limitations of the study in terms of methodology. Originality/value Apart from the multiple integrated methods used over a netnographic design, this study differs from existing SM and smart destinations intersection literature by attempting to fill a gap in focusing on and exploring visual SM communication, which is scarce in tourism context, for the contents generated by DMOs and users.

Digital Mixed Content Analysis on Digital Platform Social Data

The explosion of platform social data as digital secondary data, collectible through sophisticated and automatized query systems or algorithms, makes it possible to accumulate huge amounts of dense and miscellaneous data. The challenge for social researchers becomes how to extract meaning and not only trends in a quantitative as well as in a qualitative manner. Through the application of a digital mixed content analysis perspective to data analysis, in this contribution, the author will present the potentiality of a hybrid digitalized approach to social content. This perspective should be seen as an applied example of organizing a framework to guide the application of integrated methods of content analysis (quantitative and qualitative) but also integrated objects of analysis (individuals, relationships, and digital actions) on digital platform social data and to address their varied nature.

Detection of anthelmintic resistance in nematodes infecting dairy heifers in Puerto Rico

The efficacy of the anthelmintic albendazole (ALB), doramectin (DOR) and ivermectin (IVM) were evaluated in Holstein and Holstein crossbreed dairy heifers using the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). Dairy heifers (n=420; ~6 months of age; BW = 149 ± 39.6 kg) were evaluated in 21 dairy farms. All heifers were required to be on pasture and not have been exposed to anthelmintic treatment for a minimum of 3 months. At each dairy farm, a priori, groups of at least 18 heifers were randomly divided to be treated with IVM, or DOR, or ALB following manufacturer's instructions. Fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum 7 days before anthelmintic treatment (d-7), at the time of the treatment (d0), and 14 days after treatment (d14). Only heifers that had an average FEC ³ 100 eggs per gram of feces (average of FEC from day d-7 and d0) were considered in the FECRT. The FECRT was determined by the modified McMaster technique. Of the three-anthelmintic used, ALB (n=142) proved to be the most effective (P < 0.0005) with an efficacy of 67.47% ± 8.43. The efficacy of DOR and IVM did not differ (P = 0.8713). While DOR (n = 130) exhibited a efficacy of 25.50% ± 18.00, IVM (n = 148) exhibited a efficacy of -8.13% ± 19.89 due to an increase in FEC after treatment. Dairy farmers should implement integrated methods of nematode control to preserve the effectiveness of currently available anthelmintics.

Treatment and Disposal Methods of Concentrate Stream of Seawater Reverse Osmosis- A Review

The exponentially multiplying population of the world demands increasing freshwater resources. Thelimited resources comprising less than 3% of the earth’s water resources are getting polluted at an alarming rate. To deal with this situation, seawater reverse osmosis is being carried out at large scales across the globe. The concentrate generated in return is two times more concentrated in terms of total dissolved solids when compared to the feed. The adverse effects of the concentrate stream on the marine ecosystem and further pollution of water cause an immediate need to treat the concentrate. In this review, the harm caused by the direct discharge of concentrate stream has been discussed and therefore volume minimization using treatment methods has been addressed. The treatment methods are mainly classified into four types; membrane-based, thermal-based, electricity-based, and chemical-based methods. Integrated methods, which have been mainly tested on a pilot scale for zero liquid discharge, have also been discussed. The treatment methods that are probable for seawater concentrate treatment falling under the above categories for other concentrate sources have also been attended to. Finally, the disposal methods employed for the discharge of the leftover concentrate have been addressed. Thermal methods are well established but require a lot of energy compared to other methods whereas chemical methods can be economic due to the profit obtained from recovered chemicals, but they are mostly employed for pretreatment. Electricity-based and membrane-based methods are emerging technologies. It was also found that seawater reverse osmosis concentrate is usually discharged directly and therefore integrated methods based on zero liquid discharge are to be implemented. To compensate for the intensive research required for zero liquid discharge to become a reality, innovative and environmentally-friendly disposal methods are available to cut the resultant footprint.

Strategy on marine debris reduction in Indonesia: a review and recommendation

In 2018, the Indonesian government started a program: National Action Plan on Marine Debris, with the target to reduce 70% of marine plastic debris by 2025. Based on local research’s result in 2018, there was an estimated 0,27 to 0,59 million tons (MT) of marine plastic debris on local seas. Thus, the target of 70% debris reduction would be at 0.35 MT per year, or the reduction of 29.500 Tons of debris per month. That is a huge number to deal with, considering there are only 4 years left to 2025. To achieve the program, a roadmap was developed, parallel to other supporting programs as well the regulations, a national task force TKN PSL also established to run the programs. But an intriguing question remains: how to improve the achievement of this challenging target in a limited time? This study aimed to figure out the progress of existing waste reduction programs and contribute the way to improve the program. The method is a combination of literature review to collect data, a comparative and analytical work and finally the development of concept and action plans to formulate recommendation. We concluded that to improve the achievement of the target, proper strategy and program are needed to accelerate and boost the progress of marine debris reduction programs. To strengthen the waste reduction effort, the use of technology needs to be strongly emphasized. The program is best to be imply directly on sites, using various integrated methods to reduce more marine debris. More units of waste processing TPS 3R or “Reuse, Reduce, Recycle” are in urgency to obtained. The units will be located along the water body areas covering upstream to downstream, inland as well on-water. For the on-water site works, a concept of the green technology-based system integrated with small-sized floating TPS 3R barge, called STAMSAL P2K, is recommended to be implemented in the action plans.

Cognitive Control in Entrepreneurship: The Neuroscience of Producing Novel Action Despite Uncertainty

Research on entrepreneurial cognition and uncertainty has existed for decades, yet most empirical studies have not integrated methods or concepts from neuroscience. To address this, we provide a framework to unpack the micro-foundations of entrepreneurial cognition. Leveraging theories of cognitive control we show how novel actions are produced, and how the resulting uncertainty can be mediated by context, emotions, social cognition, and metacognition. In addition, by summarising where neuroscience methods have already been used and suggesting future research avenues, we aid further investigation into how entrepreneurial thinking can overcome uncertainty to drive innovation.

INTEGRATED METHODS FOR THE CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES. AN EXPERIMENTAL APPLICATION ON THE “BALNEUM” OF PIAZZA DANTE IN CATANIA (ITALY)

Archaeological sites in urban areas are often poorly integrated with the modern urban fabric and appear as “trenches” at a lower level than the road. They become neglected and unvalued places. The study of archaeological ruins in urban centres must involve archaeologists and architects to integrate restoration, enhancement and improvement of physical and visual accessibility projects. New digital technologies can improve these activities thanks to 3D models, “digital replicas” that allow even remote study (especially during a pandemic). The paper presents the case study of a private Roman-imperial bath in Catania. The open-air site is located at a depth of 3 metres above the road level and is not exploited. Our study consisted of historical-bibliographical research, direct and SfM surveys that allowed creating a high-resolution textured 3D model. We have extracted orthophotos and sections for geometric and technical-constructive analyses and recognition of decay from this model. We drew up an archaeological restoration and valorisation design. In addition, we imported the model into the Sketchfab portal. So, we enriched the mesh with information from the analyses employing specific tags about annotations, 2D drawings, historical and technical-scientific information. In this way, the model becomes an interactive document to monitor over time the conservation state, validate the restoration design and contribute to the valorisation of the site. This is an easy tool of exchange between all involved users (researchers, professions and students). Thus, the digital replica also represents a very high potential for dissemination purposes.