Increasing learning capacity in higher education institutions

Purpose Higher education institutions need to increase their capacity to learn in order to respond effectively to unanticipated major crises. Exploiting knowledge of past situations can help them exploit governance structures and adjust policies in order to create effective strategies to help deal with challenges and boost well-being and resilience going forward. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Higher education institutions need to increase their capacity to learn in order to respond effectively to unanticipated major crises. Exploiting knowledge of past situations can help them exploit governance structures and adjust policies in order to create effective strategies to help deal with challenges and boost well-being and resilience going forward. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers’ hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Infrastructure evaluation of anganwadi centres in Kalaburagi city: a cross sectional study

Background: ICDS scheme represents one of the largest programmes, which is a symbol of India’s commitment to its children, providing pre-school education on one hand and breaking the today vicious cycle of malnutrition, morbidity, reduced learning capacity and mortality on the other hand.Methods: The present study was taken up to assess the infrastructure and services of anganwadi centers. Community based cross sectional observational study was conducted by involving 92 anganwadi centers in Kalaburagi city.Results: Out of 92 AWCs studied, 52 (56.5%) were belonged to Government set up whereas 40 i.e.; 43.5% were on rental basis. Safe drinking water was available in 81 i.e.; 88% of AWCs, toilet facility was available in 34 i.e.; 37% of AWCs. Adequate outdoor space was available in 54 i.e.; 58.7% of AWCs. Adequate indoor space was available in 72 i.e.; 78.3% of AWCs. Adequate kitchen space was available in 65 i.e.; 70.7% of AWCs. Adequate food storage facility was available in 70 i.e.; 76.1% of AWCs and in 22 i.e.; 23.9% it was not adequate. In 30 i.e.; 32.6% of AWCs, source of fuel use was LPG.Conclusions: Safe drinking water was available in majority of AWCs. Almost one third of anganwadi have inadequate space. Majority of anganwadi have maintained sufficient number of registers. Outdoor and indoor game kits and equipment’s were available at majority of AWCs.

Biologically Feasible Generative Neural Network Architecture with Effective Concept Learning Capacity

Representations play an essential role in the learning of artificial and biological systems due to their capacity to identify characteristic patterns in the sensory environment. In this work we examined latent representations of several sets of images, such as basic geometric shapes and handwritten digits, produced by generative models in the process of unsupervised generative learning. A biologically feasible neural network architecture based on bi-directional synaptic connection equivalent in training and processing to a symmetrical autoencoder was proposed and defined. It was demonstrated that conceptual representations with good decoupling of concept regions can be produced with generative models of limited complexity; and that incremental evolution of architecture can result in improved ability to learn data of increasing conceptual complexity, including realistic images such as handwritten digits. The results demonstrate potential of conceptual representations produced as a natural platform for conceptual modeling of sensory environments and other intelligent behaviors.

Working Memory and Language Contribution to Verbal Learning and Memory in Drug-Resistant Unilateral Focal Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

We aimed to investigate the working memory (WM) and language separate contributions to verbal learning and memory in patients with unilateral drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (drTLE); additionally, we explored the mediating role of WM on the relationship between the number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and short-term verbal memory. We retrospectively enrolled 70 patients with left (LTLE; n = 44) and right (RTLE; n = 26) drTLE. About 40 similar (age and education) healthy controls were used to determine impairments of groups at WM, language (naming and verbal fluency), and verbal learning and memory (five trials list-learning, story memory—immediate recall). To disentangle the effect of learning from the short-term memory, we separately analyzed performances at the first trial, last trial, and delayed-recall list-learning measures, in addition to the total learning capacity (the sum of the five trials). Correlation and regression analyses were used to assess the contribution of potential predictors while controlling for main clinical and demographic variables, and ascertain the mediating role of WM. All patients were impaired at WM and story memory, whereas only LTLE showed language and verbal learning deficits. In RTLE, language was the unique predictor for the most verbal learning performances, whereas WM predicted the results at story memory. In LTLE, WM was the sole predictor for short-term verbal learning (list-learning capacity; trial 1) and mediated the interaction between AED number and the performance at these measures, whereas language predicted the delayed-recall. Finally, WM confounded the performance at short-term memory in both groups, although at different measures. WM is impaired in drTLE and contributes to verbal memory and learning deficits in addition to language, mediating the relationship between AED number and short-term verbal memory in LTLE. Clinicians should consider this overlap when interpreting poor performance at verbal learning and memory in drTLE.

Song Transmission as a Formal Cultural Practice

From a biological point of view, the singing of songs is based on the human vocal learning capacity. It is universally widespread in all cultures. The transmission of songs is an elementary cultural practice, by which members of the older generations introduce both musico-linguistic rules and affect-regulative means to the younger ones. Traditionally, informal singing in familiar settings primarily subserves affect-regulation goals, whereas formal song transmission is embedded in various normative claims and interests, such as preserving cultural heritage and representing collective and national identity. Songs are vocal acts and abstract models that are densely structured and conform to cultural rules. Songs mirror each generations’ wishes, desires, values, hopes, humor, and stories and rest on unfathomable traditions of our cultural and human history. Framed in the emerging scientific field of didactics, I argue that research on formal song transmission needs to make explicit the norms and rules that govern the relationships between song, teacher, and pupils. I investigate these three didactic components, first, by conceptualizing song as rule-governed in terms of a grammar, with songs for children representing the most elementary musico-linguistic genre. The Children’s Song Grammar presented here is based on syllables as elements and on syntactic rules concerning timing, tonality, and poetic language. It makes it possible to examine and evaluate songs in terms of correctness and well-formedness. Second, the pupils’ learning of a target song is exemplified by an acoustical micro-genetic study that shows how vocalization is gradually adapted to the song model. Third, I address the teachers’ role in song transmission with normative accounts and provide exemplary insights into how we study song teaching empirically. With each new song, a teacher teaches the musico-linguistic rules that constitute the respective genre and conveys related cultural feelings. Formal teaching includes self-evaluation and judgments with respect to educational duties and aesthetic norms. This study of the three-fold didactic process shows song transmission as experiencing shared rule-following that induces feelings of well-formedness. I argue that making the inherent normativity of this process more explicit – here systematically at a descriptive and conceptual level – enhances the scientificity of this research domain.

Teachers’ Abstracted Conceptualizations of Their Way in Experiencing the Leadership in the Classroom: Transferring Knowledge, Expanding Learning Capacity, and Creating Knowledge

Despite the abundance of decades of research into teacher leadership, uncertainty remains due to confusion around the notions of teacher leadership and the unity or at least the authenticity of definitions, and there is a need for a deeper understanding of this leadership process as the teacher works with students in the classroom. The existing definitions and descriptions of teacher leadership do not determine the connection between teacher leadership and student learning, and the subject remains empirically unsubstantiated. The aim of this study was to develop a set of categories of description derived from the teachers’ conceptions of their leadership in the classroom through learning interactions with students. The study was based on the phenomenographic research methodology. Data were collected by conducting semistructured interviews with 37 teachers. A phenomenographic analysis sought a description, analysis, and understanding of experiences with the focus on variation in the conceptions of the phenomenon, as experienced by teachers. Findings revealed that teachers discern their leadership through working with students at school in three stages represented by three categories of description—transferring knowledge, expanding learning capacity, and creating knowledge. All these stages are linked by teacher-student interaction which facilitates successful and meaningful learning for students within the classroom. The connections between the three stages demonstrate the need for teacher–student collaboration, teaching personalization, the professional expertise of the teacher, and learning cocreation. The findings of this study contribute to the expansion of the concept of teacher leadership not only as expert influence through the application of specific teaching methods, but as a coherent process from knowledge transfer to its creation through reciprocal teacher–student learning in the classroom.

Branched-chain amino acids govern the high learning ability phenotype in Tokai high avoider (THA) rats

To fully understand the mechanisms governing learning and memory, animal models with minor interindividual variability and higher cognitive function are required. THA rats established by crossing those with high learning capacity exhibit excellent learning and memory abilities, but the factors underlying their phenotype are completely unknown. In the current study, we compare the hippocampi of parental strain Wistar rats to those of THA rats via metabolomic analysis in order to identify molecules specific to the THA rat hippocampus. Higher branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) levels and enhanced activation of BCAA metabolism-associated enzymes were observed in THA rats, suggesting that acetyl-CoA and acetylcholine are synthesized through BCAA catabolism. THA rats maintained high blood BCAA levels via uptake of BCAAs in the small intestine and suppression of BCAA catabolism in the liver. Feeding THA rats with a BCAA-reduced diet decreased acetylcholine levels and learning ability, thus, maintaining high BCAA levels while their proper metabolism in the hippocampus is the mechanisms underlying the high learning ability in THA rats. Identifying appropriate BCAA nutritional supplements and activation methods may thus hold potential for the prevention and amelioration of higher brain dysfunction, including learning disabilities and dementia.

Adult Saudi Students’ Practices and Perceptions of Utilizing Twitter for English Language Learning in the UK

Twitter is one of the most widely used social media platforms in Saudi populations; however, research is limited regarding the efficiency, practices, and perceptions of utilizing this platform for the purpose of learning English. This study investigates the ways in which adult Saudi students in the UK use Twitter to learn the English language, and assesses the general practices and perceptions of the social media platform. Employing a sequential explanatory research design by conducting questionnaire and interviews for data collection and analysis, this study reveals that there are several opportunities for English language learning through the use of Twitter. Participants consisted primarily of digital residents who use Twitter to practice and learn English, and many noted that Twitter contributes to refined different language skills and an enhanced vocabulary. Therefore, we strongly recommend that instructors and educators encourage students to use Twitter in an English language learning capacity wherever access is possible.

The Impact of Rural Population Aging on Farmers’ Cleaner Production Behavior: Evidence from Five Provinces of the North China Plain

The purpose of this article is to examine the impact of rural population aging on farmers’ cleaner production behavior through the intervening effects of three aspects (learning capacity, factor substitution and behavior imitation). The data used in this article were collected from a questionnaire survey of 916 farmers in the main grain producing provinces of the North China Plain. First, confirmatory factor analysis was carried out, and then data were analyzed through structural equation modeling using the bootstrap methodology in AMOS 24. The findings indicate that rural population aging inhibits farmers’ cleaner production behavior through learning capacity. In contrast, rural population aging promotes farmers’ cleaner production behavior through factor substitution and behavior imitation. From the perspective of both challenges and opportunities, this article investigates the impact mechanism and comprehensive effect of rural population aging on farmers’ cleaner production behavior, so as to explore new ways to promote cleaner agricultural production under the background of an accelerated aging the of rural labor force and provide reference for the formulation of relevant policies.