A review of flipped learning in innovative math education

Many systematic reviews have examined flipped learning models in various fields. However, there is little research on the use of the flipped learning model in mathematics education, which could help researchers and practitioners use and develop a model to implement mathematics learning processes. To fill this gap, this study aimed to analyze and synthesize current knowledge and practices in the implementation of flipped learning in mathematics education. Systematic literature review was adopted as the research method following an article selection and screening process using the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) protocol. Articles published from 2012 to 2021 in some reputable databases (Web of Science, Scopus, and ERIC) were reviewed, and 17 of 137 articles were included for detailed analysis and synthesis. The findings of this study showed that research in the implementation of the flipped learning model in mathematics education focused on documenting the affectivity of the implementation of the flipped learning model, developing learning processes, and sharing preliminary findings and student feedback. Future research is highly recommended to examine different aspects of flipped learning implementation, promote longitudinal data based on multi-year research for implementing flipped learning, and review various learning media to strengthen students’ understanding of mathematics

Algebraic Stream Processing

We identify and analyse the typically higher-order approaches to stream processing in the literature. From this analysis we motivate an alternative approach to the specification of SPSs as STs based on an essentially first-order equational representation. This technique is called Cartesian form specification. More specifically, while STs are properly second-order objects we show that using Cartesian forms, the second-order models needed to formalise STs are so weak that we may use and develop well-understood first-order methods from computability theory and mathematical logic to reason about their properties. Indeed, we show that by specifying STs equationally in Cartesian form as primitive recursive functions we have the basis of a new, general purpose and mathematically sound theory of stream processing that emphasises the formal specification and formal verification of STs. The main topics that we address in the development of this theory are as follows. We present a theoretically well-founded general purpose stream processing language ASTRAL (Algebraic Stream TRAnsformer Language) that supports the use of modular specification techniques for full second-order STs. We show how ASTRAL specifications can be given a Cartesian form semantics using the language PREQ that is an equational characterisation of the primitive recursive functions. In more detail, we show that by compiling ASTRAL specifications into an equivalent Cartesian form in PREQ we can use first-order equational logic with induction as a logical calculus to reason about STs. In particular, using this calculus we identify a syntactic class of correctness statements for which the verification of ASTRAL programmes is decidable relative to this calculus. We define an effective algorithm based on term re-writing techniques to implement this calculus and hence to automatically verify a very broad class of STs including conventional hardware devices. Finally, we analyse the properties of this abstract algorithm as a proof assistant and discuss various techniques that have been adopted to develop software tools based on this algorithm

Novel regulation of AMPA receptor function by interacting protein CPT1C

[eng] AMPA receptors (AMPARs) are responsible for the 90% of synaptic transmission and are involved in plasticity, developmental and neurological processes. Their function depends on the proteins interacting with the AMPAR complex, which determine their specific gating and trafficking properties and hence their specific roles. In addition to well-known interacting proteins of AMPARs, recent studies have described the CPT1C as an associated partner in the outer core of the AMPAR complex in the hippocampus, cortex and cerebellum. CPT1C is a neuron specific homologue of the carnitine acyltransferase family of enzymes, which are involved in fatty acid oxidation at the mitochondria. Contrary to the rest of the CPT1 family, CPT1C localizes at the endoplasmic reticulum and apparently is not related with the functions that other CPT1s carry out. To elucidate the physiological role of CPT1C isoform different studies have been performed, showing that CPT1C is involved in energy homeostasis, control of body weight and motor function as well as behavioral learning mechanisms. Of note, CPT1C KO animals display impairments in spatial learning along with immature dendritic spines. Despite all these studies with CPT1C, including its interaction with AMPARs, it is unknown the CPT1C physiological relevance and role, particularly in the regulation of the AMPAR function and its implication in neurological diseases. In this thesis we have described a novel role of CPT1C in AMPA receptor function regulation. More specifically, the results show that glutamate-evoked currents of the recombinant GluA1 receptors are increased when CPT1C is present and this effect is specific of the CPT1 isoform CPT1C, since CPT1A does not share the same pattern. The ER location of CPT1C seems to be crucial to modulate AMPAR surface expression since mislocalization of CPT1C avoids its AMPAR modulation. Co-localization studies confirmed that GluA1-CPT1C interaction happens at ER level but not at the cell surface. On the other hand, no changes in current density have been found in cells expressing GluA2 subunit along with CPT1C indicating AMPA subunit specificity. Additionally, electrophysiological experiments have determined that GluA1 channel properties are no altered, thus indicating that the increased current is probably due to a rise in AMPAR number at the cell surface. Indeed, this hypothesis is corroborated by the findings from the immunofluorescence experiments, where surface expression of GluA1 is increased in the presence of CPT1C in heterologous systems and cortical neurons. In agreement with a putative role of CPT1C in determining the AMPAR content at synapse level, we have demonstrated that synaptic transmission is altered in CPT1C KO neurons. In parallel, we have studied the molecular mechanisms of CPT1C effect on AMPARs. We have shown that the palmitoylable cysteine 585 of the GluA1 subunit is crucial for the CPT1C enhancement of AMPA receptors trafficking by using immunofluorescence and electrophysiological techniques. However, the palmitoylation state of this residue does not determine AMPAR-CPT1C interaction. We have found evidences for a supposed depalmitoylation activity by CPT1C studying the role of the C-terminus of CPT1C, which contains the residue His469 with catalytic activity. Specifically we have found that CPT1C H469A mutant form does not alter GluA1 induced whole-cell currents as the wild type CPT1C does indicating that the C-terminal catalytic domain plays a crucial role in GluA1 modulation. This is supported by the fact that Palmostatin B – a newly described palmitoyl thioesterase inhibitor – decreases the CPT1C effect on GluA1 induced currents, most likely by inhibiting its PTE activity. In summary, this thesis unravels a novel regulation of AMPA receptor function by the interacting protein CPT1C, which modulates AMPA receptor trafficking and this effect depends on the catalytic domain of CPT1C C-terminal acting on the cysteine 585 of GluA1 AMPAR subunit.[spa] Los receptores de glutamato tipo AMPA son fundamentales en la transmisión excitatoria rápida que se da en el sistema nervioso central. A parte de su papel crucial en la comunicación neuronal, los receptores AMPA son responsables de ciertos tipos de plasticidad sináptica, siendo importantes en el desarrollo del sistema nervioso central además de estar involucrados en multitud de procesos patológicos y enfermedades neurodegenerativas. La función de los receptores AMPA depende principalmente de dos factores: la composición de las subunidades que lo conforman (el receptor propiamente dicho) y la presencia de proteínas que interactúan con el receptor y actúan como subunidades auxiliares. Estos dos factores establecen las características intrínsecas del canal así como las interacciones de los receptores AMPA con otras proteínas intracelulares que determinarán sus propiedades de tráfico (ensamblaje, exocitosis, endocitosis y anclaje sináptico) y en último término sus funciones en la neurona. Entre la gran cantidad de proteínas que interaccionan con los receptores AMPA, recientes estudios proteómicos han demostrado que la proteína CPT1C forma parte del conjunto macromolecular de los receptores AMPA en el tejido neuronal. El objetivo principal de esta tesis se ha focalizado en el estudio esta proteína (CPT1C) en el contexto de la función de los receptores AMPA debido a su interacción. Para ello se han utilizado técnicas electrofisiológicas, de inmunofluorescencia y de biología molecular y celular tanto en sistemas de expresión heterólogos como en cultivos de células neuronales. Los experimentos llevados al cabo durante la tesis han confirmado la interacción entre las dos proteínas y han atribuido un papel modulador de CPT1C en el trafico de los receptores AMPA. El efecto regulador de la CPT1C es dependiente de la composición del receptor, afectando de manera diferencial subtipos distintos de receptores AMPA. La proteína CPT1C aumenta el tráfico de los receptores AMPA a la superficie celular sin alterar sus propiedades biofísicas y sin interaccionar a nivel de membrana plasmática ambas proteínas. Además en esta tesis se han descrito los mecanismos implicados en la modulación de dichos receptores por parte de CPT1C, desentrañando un residuo cisteína concreto determinante para la modulación de los receptores AMPA por la CPT1C. Finalmente, los experimentos llevados a cabo en esta tesis nos indican que los efectos observados se deben a una posible depalmitoilación del receptor, lo cual lleva a un aumento de su capacidad de acumulación en la membrana. En resumen, los resultados obtenidos durante esta tesis demuestran que el número de receptores AMPA en las sinapsis está aumentado en presencia de CPT1C y este efecto es debido a la actividad catalítica de CPT1C

Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pendidikan Teknik Elektro (SNPTE) 2013

Seminar Nasional Pendidikan Teknik Elektro (SNPTE) 2013 ini diselenggarakan sebagai wahana bagi akademisi, peneliti, praktisi, asosiasi, industri dan pengambil kebijakan untuk bisa saling bertukar pikiran, bertukar pendapat, mempresentasikan pengalaman-pengalaman hasil penelitian maupun hasil kajian di bidang Pendidikan dan Teknologi Elektro. Tema dalam SNPTE 2013 ini adalah "Peningkatan Mutu Pendidikan Kejuruan Mengacu Kerangka Kualifikasi Nasional Indonesia (KKNI)"

In Students\u27 Words: The Development of Student Attitudes toward Mathematics - A Social Perspective

Student interest in pursuing advanced studies and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) has garnered much attention lately from government, business, and education leaders due to inadequate flow in the United States\u27 STEM pipeline. Existing research points to mathematical self-efficacy and to mathematical self-concept beliefs as integral to the likelihood that a student will pursue a career in a STEM field. Students\u27 identities, such as the good-math-student identity need to be verified in order for students to enact them. Both identity verification and attitude are influenced by self-efficacy and self-concept. Existing research also points to teachers, parents, and peers as influencers of attitude. The current study seeks to add student voice, to this discussion - a feature that is largely absent from the literature. Year-end mathematics grades from grade 4 on were analyzed for 588 juniors and seniors currently enrolled in Revere High School and used to assign each student to a researcher defined performance category. All students were then surveyed and forty-two subsequently participated in focus group discussions. SPSS and Weft QDA were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Relationships among variables were identified using crosstab tables with Chi-Square tests. Qualitative data was coded and analyzed for trends. Analysis shows that teachers have the strongest impact on student attitude toward mathematics. Attitudes are unstable and can vary with a change in teacher. Teachers who engage students in hands-on activities with real-world applications, who make students feel supported, who demonstrate passion for the subject, and who provide one-on-one attention have a positive effect on attitude toward math. Parents, especially fathers, impact attitude to a lesser degree and peers have very little influence on attitude. Surprisingly, students report older siblings as influencing their mathematics attitudes. Students in this study report higher self-concept beliefs than they do self-efficacy beliefs. Despite a generally positive attitude orientation among subjects, data show mathematics performance declines over the first three years of high school. Regarding mathematics, boys report more positive attitudes and have higher self-efficacy beliefs; special education students have decreased self-concept and decreased self-efficacy beliefs

Qualitative Spatial Reasoning about Relative Orientation --- A Question of Consistency ---

Abstract. After the emergence of Allen s Interval Algebra Qualitative Spatial Reasoning has evolved into a fruitful field of research in artificial intelligence with possible applications in geographic information systems (GIS) and robot navigation Qualitative Spatial Reasoning abstracts from the detailed metric description of space using rich mathematical theories and restricts its language to a finite, often rather small, set of relations that fulfill certain properties. This approach is often deemed to be cognitively adequate . A major question in qualitative spatial reasoning is whether a description of a spatial situation given as a constraint network is consistent. The problem becomes a hard one since the domain of space (often R2 ) is infinite. In contrast many of the interesting problems for constraint satisfaction have a finite domain on which backtracking methods can be used. But because of the infinity of its domains these methods are generally not applicable to Qualitative Spatial Reasoning. Anyhow the method of path consistency or rather its generalization algebraic closure turned out to be helpful to a certain degree for many qualitative spatial calculi. The problem regarding this method is that it depends on the existence of a composition table, and calculating this table is not an easy task. For example the dipole calculus (operating on oriented dipoles) DRAf has 72 base relations and binary composition, hence its composition table has 5184 entries. Finding all these entries by hand is a hard, long and error-prone task. Finding them using a computer is also not easy, since the semantics of DRAf in the Euclidean Plane, its natural domain, rely on non-linear inequalities. This is not a special problem of the DRAf calculus. In fact, all calculi dealing with relative orientation share the property of having semantics based on non-linear inequalities in the Euclidean plane. This not only makes it hard to find a composition table, it also makes it particularly hard to decide consistency for these calculi. As shown in [79] algebraic closure is always just an approximation to consistency for these calculi, but it is the only method that works fast. Methods like Gröbner reasoning can decide consistency for these calculi but only for small constraint networks. Still finding a composition table for DRAf is a fruitful task, since we can use it analyze the properties of composition based reasoning for such a calculus and it is a starting point for the investigation of the quality of the approximation of consistency for this calculus. We utilize a new approach for calculating the composition table for DRAf using condensed semantics, i.e. the domain of the calculus is compressed in such a way that only finitely many possible configurations need to be investigated. In fact, only the configurations need to be investigated that turn out to represent special characteristics for the placement of three lines in the plane. This method turns out to be highly efficient for calculating the composition table of the calculus. Another method of obtaining a composition table is borrowing it via a suitable morphism. Hence, we investigate morphisms between qualitative spatial calculi. Having the composition table is not the end but rather the beginning of the problem. With that table we can compute algebraically closed refinements of constraint networks, but how meaningful is this process? We know that all constraint networks for which such a refinement does not exist are inconsistent, but what about the rest? In fact, they may be consistent or not. If they are all consistent, then we can be happy, since algebraic closure would decide consistency for the calculus at hand. We investigate LR, DRAf and DRAfp and show that for all these calculi algebraic closure does not decide consistency. In fact, for the LR calculus algebraic closure is an extremely bad approximation of consistency. For this calculus we introduce a new method for the approximation of consistency based on triangles, that performs far better than algebraic closure. A major weak spot of the field of Qualitative Spatial Reasoning is the area of applications. It is hard to refute the accusation of qualitative spatial calculi having only few applications so far. As a step into the direction of scrutinizing the applicability of these calculi, we examine the performance of DRA and OPRA in the issue of describing and navigating street networks based on local observations. Especially for OPRA we investigate a factorization of the base relations that is deemed cognitively adequate . Whenever possible we use real-world data in these investigations obtained from OpenStreetMap

An investigation into children's geographical perceptions of the wider world at nursery and Key Stage One

This study attempts to investigate the extent of children's geographical knowledge about the wider world. It also seeks to fmd out whether the resulting perceptions that children hold appear to be constrained in any way by developmental milestones and maturity. Also whether or not there are indications that the current levels of media exposure have any influence on children's wider world place perceptions. The researcher was a teacher in the school where the study was conducted. The school was situated within the commuter belt north of London. The school's social catchment area was predominantly white and middle-class. The subjects of the study came in two groups. The first group comprised three girls and three boys aged four years and coming too the end of their nursery year. The second group comprised three girls and three boys aged seven coming to the end of Key Stage One. A mix of ability was represented across each group. A case study was the chosen method of investigation providing some flexibility within what was otherwise a structured framework. Two research instruments were used. First a draw-and-write technique where the children drew a picture according to an instruction and then discussed it individually with the researcher. Secondly a photograph was presented to each group and discussed. Two places were investigated using both research instruments. These were merely referred to as a 'hot' place and a 'cold' place. All discussions were recorded, transcribed and the results analysed. The results were considered in conjunction with theories of child development and theories of how children make geographical sense of the world. The findings suggest that traditional theories of child development can no longer be universally applied. Also that there are very strong associations between people and their interactions with a place and the degree of place knowledge gained. Finally the study suggests that the new technologies of the past few decades have yet to develop into meaningful and appropriate tools for developing wider world place knowledge