Search Results (239)

As Higher Education (HE) institutions expand their digital resources, students may be struggling to engage effectively with these tools. Academic help-seeking (AHS) is a useful framework for exploring help-seeking behaviour and could be applied to HE contexts, yet its application has been reported as inconsistent. Given the possible utility of this concept to support the growth in technology, a review of how academic help-seeking theory is applied in digital contexts can help to consolidate current understanding and guide future research. This scoping review examines the intersection of AHS and digital technology use in HE through analysis of peer-reviewed literature (2019–2024). Several gaps emerge: bias towards human-centred support, limited investigation of help-avoidance behaviours, insufficient attention to early help-seeking stages, and few studies examining spontaneous help-seeking in authentic digital learning environments. These findings indicate the need for expanded theoretical frameworks that better reflect modern learning behaviours and environments, alongside more diverse research approaches to understand how students integrate both human and non-human help sources in contemporary HE contexts. Full article

This study examines the semantic dynamics and thematic shifts in artificial intelligence (AI) ethics over time, addressing a notable gap in longitudinal research within the field. In light of the rapid evolution of AI technologies and their associated ethical risks and societal impacts, the research integrates the theory of chance discovery with the KeyGraph algorithm to conduct topic detection through a keyword network built through iterative semantic exploration. ChatGPT is employed for semantic interpretation, enhancing both the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the detected topics. Guided by the double helix model of human–AI interaction, the framework incorporates a dual-layer validation process that combines cross-model semantic similarity analysis with expert-informed quality checks. An analysis of 24 authoritative AI ethics reports published between 2022 and 2024 reveals a consistent trend toward semantic stability, with high cross-model similarity across years (2022: 0.808 ± 0.023; 2023: 0.812 ± 0.013; 2024: 0.828 ± 0.015). Statistical tests confirm significant differences between single-cluster and multi-cluster topic structures (p < 0.05). The thematic findings indicate a shift in AI ethics discourse from a primary emphasis on technical risks to broader concerns involving institutional governance, societal trust, and the regulation of generative AI. Core keywords, such as bias, privacy, and ethics, recur across all years, reflecting the consolidation of an integrated governance framework that encompasses technological robustness, institutional adaptability, and social consensus. This dynamic semantic analysis framework contributes empirically to AI ethics governance and offers actionable insights for researchers and interdisciplinary stakeholders. Full article

There is currently no mature calculation theory to accurately predict the settlement of high-fill subgrade. This paper developed an intelligent monitoring system to accurately predict the settlement of high-fill subgrade based on on-site experiments, and the back-propagation (BP) neural network model was used to predict the settlement of high-fill subgrade. The results show that multiple data preprocessing methods built into intelligent systems can automatically generate multi-point and correlation curves, and the system can identify and distinguish various influencing factors to improve the accuracy and reliability of monitoring data. There will be a certain initial settlement of subgrade in the initial stage after filling construction is completed, and the settlement rate at this stage is relatively fast. Afterwards, the soil enters a rapid consolidation stage, and the settlement rate of subgrade gradually slows down. Finally, the filling soil consolidation becomes stable, and the rate of subgrade settlement enters a relatively stable stage. In addition, the BP neural network model is a good method for predicting the settlement of high-fill subgrade. The research findings can provide inspiration for developing an intelligent monitoring system to accurately predict the settlement of high-fill subgrade. Full article

Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) shield machines have been widely used in subway construction due to their versatility and safety. During the shield tunneling process, the earth pressure in the shield machine chamber is crucial for controlling ground settlement and ensuring the safety of surrounding buildings. However, current research on the temporal and spatial evolution of earth pressure in water-rich sand layers and its relationship with ground settlement is relatively insufficient. This study focuses on the shield tunneling project between Liuzhou East Road and Puzhou Road on Nanjing Metro Line 11. First, laboratory and on-site tests were conducted to optimize the slump properties of the sediment. Then, based on Terzaghi’s theory and statistical methods, the temporal and spatial evolution trends of the earth pressure in the shield chamber under water-rich sand conditions were explored. Finally, by adjusting earth pressure control parameters on-site and monitoring ground settlement, the impact of earth pressure changes on ground settlement was analyzed. Results showed a linear correlation between the actual earth pressure and shield burial depth. For water-rich sand with medium permeability, the theoretical earth pressure was calculated using Terzaghi’s water-soil combined method in shallow sections, and the average of combined and separated methods in deep sections. The decay envelope showed an exponential downward trend, with rapid decay initially and slower decay later. As earth pressure control values increased, pre-consolidation settlement increased, instantaneous settlement decreased, pre-consolidation settlement rate slightly increased, and instantaneous settlement rate decreased. When excavation pressure was below theoretical pressure, higher instantaneous settlement rates could threaten surface structures. This research offers vital theoretical and data references for shield tunneling in water-rich sand layers and supports related EPB shield machine theory studies. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming the public sector, although the willingness of organizations to adopt such technologies varies widely. Existing models, such as the technology–organization–environment (TOE) model, highlight systemic drivers and barriers but overlook the individual-level factors that are also critical to successful adoption. To address this gap, we propose a decision model that combines the TOE model with the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and combines the dimensions of technology, organization, environment, and individual readiness. The model was developed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and supports group decision-making by combining the pairwise comparison matrices of multiple experts into a consolidated priority structure. Specifically, many expert judgments were used to create a group matrix for the four main categories and four additional group matrices for the criteria within each category. This structured approach allows for a systematic assessment of whether a public sector organization is ready for AI adoption. The results show the importance of both systemic factors (such as data, technology, innovation, and readiness for change) and individual factors (such as social influence and voluntariness of use). The final model provides a comprehensive and practical decision-making tool for public sector organizations to assess readiness, identify gaps, and guide the strategic adoption of AI. Full article

This paper presents a finite element implementation of a fractional rheological consolidation model in ABQUS, in which the fractional Merchant model governs the mechanical behavior of the soil skeleton, and the water flow is controlled by the fractional Darcy’s law. The implementation generally involves two main parts: subroutine-based fractional constitutive models’ development and their coupling. Considering the formal similarity between the energy equation and the mass equation, the fractional Darcy’s law was implemented using the UMATHT subroutine. The fractional Merchant model was then realized through the UMAT subroutine. Both subroutines were individually verified and then successfully coupled. The coupling was achieved by modifying the stress update scheme based on Biot’s poroelastic theory and the effective stress principle in UMAT, enabling a finite element analysis of the fractional consolidation model. Finally, the model was applied to simulate the consolidation behavior of a multi-layered foundation. The proposed approach may serve as a reference for the finite element implementation of consolidation models incorporating a fractional seepage model in ABAQUS. Full article

Previous studies have extensively applied the generalized consolidation theory, which incorporates a two-stress state variable framework, to predict the volumetric behavior of unsaturated expansive soils under varying mechanical stress and matric suction. A key requirement for this approach is a constitutive surface that links the soil void ratio to both net stress and matric suction. A large number of fitting parameters are typically needed to accurately fit a two-variable void ratio surface equation to laboratory test data. In this study, a single-stress state variable framework was adopted to describe the void ratio as a function of effective stress for unsaturated soils. The proposed approach was applied to fit void ratio–effective stress constitutive curves to laboratory test data for two different expansive clays. Additionally, a finite element model coupling variably saturated flow and stress–strain analysis was developed to simulate the volume change behavior of expansive clay subjected to moisture fluctuations. The model utilizes suction stress to compute the effective stress field and incorporates the dependency of soil modulus on volumetric water content based on the proposed void ratio–effective stress relationship. The developed numerical model was validated against a benchmark problem in which a layer of Regina expansive clay was subjected to a constant infiltration rate. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model in simulating expansive soil deformations under varying moisture conditions over time. Full article

Silicon has a striking similarity to carbon and is found in plant cells. However, there is no specific role that has been assigned to silicon in the life cycle of plants. The amount of silicon in plant cells is species specific and can reach levels comparable to macronutrients. Silicon is used extensively in artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and the digital revolution, and thus can serve as an informational molecule such as nucleic acids. The diverse potential of silicon to bond with different chemical species is analogous to carbon; thus, it can serve as a structural candidate similar to proteins. The discovery of large amounts of silicon on Mars and the moon, along with the recent development of enzyme that can incorporate silicon into organic molecules, has propelled the theory of creating silicon-based life. The bacterial cytochrome has been modified through directed evolution such that it could cleave silicon–carbon bonds in organo-silicon compounds. This consolidates the idea of utilizing silicon in biomolecules. In this article, the potential of silicon-based life forms has been hypothesized, along with the reasoning that autotrophic virus-like particles could be used to investigate such potential. Such investigations in the field of synthetic biology and astrobiology will have corollary benefits for Earth in the areas of medicine, sustainable agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Full article

Immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have emerged as powerful tools in cultural heritage education and preservation. Building on prior work that demonstrated the effectiveness of gamified XR applications in engaging users with heritage content and drawing on existing studies in neuroscience and cognitive psychology, this study explores how immersive experiences support multisensory integration, emotional engagement, and spatial presence—all of which contribute to the deeper encoding and recall of heritage narratives. Through a theoretical lens supported by the empirical literature, we argue that the interactive and embodied nature of AR/VR aligns with principles of cognitive load theory, dual coding theory, and affective neuroscience, supporting enhanced learning and memory consolidation. This paper aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and cognitive understanding in cultural heritage dissemination, identifying concrete design principles for memory-driven digital heritage experiences. While promising, these approaches also raise important ethical considerations, including accessibility, cultural representation, and inclusivity—factors essential for equitable digital heritage dissemination. Full article

Despite a growing body of research on supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO₂) heat transfer in microchannels, comprehensive reviews remain scarce. Existing studies predominantly focus on isolated experiments or simulations, yielding inconsistent findings and lacking a unified theory or optimization framework. This review systematically consolidates recent SCO₂ microchannel heat transfer advancements, emphasizing key performance factors, degradation mechanisms, and optimization strategies. We critically analyze over 260 studies (1962–2024), evaluating the experimental and numerical methodologies, heat transfer deterioration (HTD) phenomena, and efficiency enhancement techniques. Key challenges include the complexity of heat transfer mechanisms, discrepancies in experimental outcomes, and the absence of standardized evaluation criteria. Future research directions involve refining predictive models, developing mitigation strategies for HTD, and optimizing microchannel geometries to enhance thermal performance. This work not only integrates the current knowledge but also provides actionable insights for advancing SCO₂-based technologies in energy systems. Full article

Expansive soils, characterized by the presence of surface and subsurface cracks, over-consolidation, and swell-shrink properties, present significant challenges to slope stability in geotechnical engineering. Despite extensive research, preventing geohazards associated with expansive soils remains unresolved. This study investigates shallow sliding failures in slopes of highly expansive soils induced by rainfall, using model tests to explore deformation and mechanical behavior under cyclic wetting and drying conditions, focusing on the interaction between soil properties and environmental factors. Model tests were conducted in a wedge-shaped box filled with Nanyang expansive clay from Henan, China, which is classified as high-plasticity clay (CH) according to the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). The soil was compacted in four layers to maintain a 1:2 slope ratio (i.e., 1 vertical to 2 horizontal), which reflects typical expansive soil slope configurations observed in the field. Monitoring devices, including moisture sensors, pressure transducers, and displacement sensors, recorded changes in soil moisture, stress, and deformation. A static treatment phase allowed natural crack development to simulate real-world conditions. Key findings revealed that shear failure propagated along pre-existing cracks and weak structural discontinuities, supporting the progressive failure theory in shallow sliding. Cracks significantly influenced water infiltration, creating localized stress concentrations and deformation. Atmospheric conditions and wet-dry cycles were crucial, as increased moisture content reduced soil suction and weakened the slope’s strength. These results enhance understanding of expansive soil slope failure mechanisms and provide a theoretical foundation for developing improved stabilization techniques. Full article

Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent and often under-addressed concern among prostate cancer survivors, significantly affecting quality of life for patients and their partners. The True North Sexual Health and Rehabilitation eClinic (SHAReClinic) is a virtual, biopsychosocial intervention developed to improve access to sexual health support for prostate cancer survivors and their partners. This study used a qualitative descriptive design to examine barriers and facilitators influencing the integration of SHAReClinic into oncology care across nine Canadian health care centres. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 knowledge users, including health care providers and institutional leaders. Data were analyzed using a hybrid deductive–inductive thematic approach guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) 2.0. Participants described SHAReClinic as a much-needed resource, particularly in the absence of standardized sexual health pathways in oncology care. The virtual format was seen as accessible and well suited to addressing sensitive topics. However, limited funding, lack of institutional support, and workflow integration challenges emerged as primary barriers to implementation. Findings offer practical, theory-informed guidance for integrating SHAReClinic into oncology care and highlight key considerations for developing sustainable and scalable survivorship care models. Full article

Monopile foundation is an important foundation form for offshore wind turbines, and the stability of the seabed around it is affected by the combined effects of wave and pile vibration. Based on the Biot consolidation theory and elastoplastic constitutive model, a multi-physical field coupling model of wave–vibration–seabed–monopile is constructed, and the dynamic characteristics of seabed pore pressure around the monopile under the joint action of wave–vibration are systematically investigated, and the influences of waves, vibrations, and seabed parameters on the distribution of pore pressure amplitude are analysed in depth. The results show that the increase in wave incident energy will increase the seabed wave pressure, and the suction and pressure generated by pile vibration will change the soil force state; the coupling of waves and vibrations results in pile displacement difference, causing the seabed pore pressure dissipation depth dissimilarity, and the peak relative amplitude of pore pressure and the peak of vibration displacement are in a linear relationship; the wave parameters and seabed characteristics have a significant effect on the change in pore pressure amplitude distribution. Full article

Coral sand is characterized by unique particle morphology and pore structure, which result in pronounced dilatancy and a high internal friction angle during shear. The dilatancy angle is a critical parameter for finite element analyses of sand foundation bearing capacity; the inappropriate selection of this parameter can lead to significant computational errors. In this research, a series of consolidated drained triaxial tests were conducted on coral sand samples from the South China Sea to investigate the dilatancy behavior and its effect on shear strength parameters. A dilatancy equation for coral sand was proposed, incorporating the dilatancy index, relative density, and mean effective stress. The results indicate the following: (1) Within the confining pressure range of 25–400 kPa, the stress–strain curves exhibit varying degrees of strain softening. When the effective confining pressure reaches 400 kPa, the dilatant behavior is nearly suppressed, resulting in a transition from dilatancy to contraction; (2) The peak internal friction angle decreases significantly with increasing effective confining pressure. However, the sensitivity to confining pressure varies for samples with different relative densities (Dr = 30–90%), with denser samples showing a more rapid reduction in peak friction angle; (3) At a confining pressure of 25 kPa, the maximum dilatancy angle of coral sand samples reaches 44.2°, significantly exceeding the typical range observed in terrestrial quartz sands. This difference may be attributed to the irregular and angular characteristics of the coral sand particles; (4) Based on Bolton’s dilatancy theory, a dilatancy equation applicable to coral sand was developed, demonstrating a strong linear relationship among the dilatancy index (I_R), relative density (Dr), and peak mean effective stress (p′_f). These findings provide valuable guidance for the selection of strength parameters for engineering applications involving coral sand. Full article

Navigating the intertwined challenges of digital transformation, sustainability, education, and social inclusion is crucial for equitable global progress. This study contributes to this challenge by presenting an integrative model based on a systematic review of the scientific literature exploring their intersection. Following the Consolidated Meta-Analytical Approach Theory (TEMAC) methodology, core studies from the Scopus and Web of Science databases were systematically selected using strict inclusion criteria and Kappa index reliability testing. The review identified five key research fronts: digital inequality, inclusive education, public policies and infrastructure, digital accessibility, and sustainable educational models. These findings collectively reveal how improving digital access, fostering inclusive governance, and ensuring equitable education emerge as interconnected drivers of sustainable development. In this regard, the proposed model aligns with the broader objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, offering a multidimensional framework to guide future research and inform the development of effective public policies for sustainable digital education. Full article