Incorporating interactive 3-dimensional graphics in astronomy research papers

Most research data collections created or used by astronomers are intrinsically multi-dimensional. In contrast, all visual representations of data presented within research papers are exclusively 2-dimensional. We present a resolution of this dichotomy that uses a novel technique for embedding 3-dimensional (3-d) visualisations of astronomy data sets in electronic-format research papers. Our technique uses the latest Adobe Portable Document Format extensions together with a new version of the S2PLOT programming library. The 3-d models can be easily rotated and explored by the reader and, in some cases, modified. We demonstrate example applications of this technique including: 3-d figures exhibiting subtle structure in redshift catalogues, colour-magnitude diagrams and halo merger trees; 3-d isosurface and volume renderings of cosmological simulations; and 3-d models of instructional diagrams and instrument designs.Comment: 18 pages, 7 figures, submitted to New Astronomy. For paper with 3-dimensional embedded figures, see http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/s2plot/3dpd

Incorporating interactive 3-dimensional graphics in astronomy research papers

Most research data collections created or used by astronomers are intrinsically multi-dimensional. In contrast, all visual representations of data presented within research papers are exclusively 2-dimensional. We present a resolution of this dichotomy that uses a novel technique for embedding 3-dimensional (3-d) visualisations of astronomy data sets in electronic-format research papers. Our technique uses the latest Adobe Portable Document Format extensions together with a new version of the S2PLOT programming library. The 3-d models can be easily rotated and explored by the reader and, in some cases, modified. We demonstrate example applications of this technique including: 3-d figures exhibiting subtle structure in redshift catalogues, colour-magnitude diagrams and halo merger trees; 3-d isosurface and volume renderings of cosmological simulations; and 3-d models of instructional diagrams and instrument designs.Comment: 18 pages, 7 figures, submitted to New Astronomy. For paper with 3-dimensional embedded figures, see http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/s2plot/3dpd

Interactive context-aware user-driven metadata correction in digital libraries

Personal name variants are a common problem in digital libraries, reducing the precision of searches and complicating browsing-based interaction. The book-centric approach of name authority control has not scaled to match the growth and diversity of digital repositories. In this paper, we present a novel system for user-driven integration of name variants when interacting with web-based information-in particular digital library-systems. We approach these issues via a client-side JavaScript browser extension that can reorganize web content and also integrate remote data sources. Designed to be agnostic towards the web sites it is applied to, we illustrate the developed proof-of-concept system through worked examples using three different digital libraries. We discuss the extensibility of the approach in the context of other user-driven information systems and the growth of the Semantic Web

Interactive PDF Documents in Math Education Focused on Tests for Differential Equations

The progress of blended learning has given rise to the need to prepare quality electronic materials, especially those which use the greatest advantage of an electronic document – its interactivity. This paper presents several types of PDF materials – interactive exercises, tests and games created by LaTeX packages (AcroTeX eDucation Bundle) with a contribution of other supporting instruments (3D graphics, fancytooltips, AcroFLeX). Differential equations, as an important tool of continuous mathematical modeling, have been chosen to demonstrate the still increasing power of PDF documents. This strategy allowed me to introduce innovative approaches in explaining and exercising this part of mathematics at the same time. To create such materials some LaTeX knowledge is needed; nevertheless this article is for all math teachers who are looking for quality interactive materials

Functional Baby Talk: Analysis of Code Fragments from Novice Haskell Programmers

What kinds of mistakes are made by novice Haskell developers, as they learn about functional programming? Is it possible to analyze these errors in order to improve the pedagogy of Haskell? In 2016, we delivered a massive open online course which featured an interactive code evaluation environment. We captured and analyzed 161K interactions from learners. We report typical novice developer behavior; for instance, the mean time spent on an interactive tutorial is around eight minutes. Although our environment was restricted, we gain some understanding of Haskell novice errors. Parenthesis mismatches, lexical scoping errors and do block misunderstandings are common. Finally, we make recommendations about how such beginner code evaluation environments might be enhanced

Embedding interactive, three-dimensional content in portable document format to deliver gross anatomy information and knowledge

The Portable Document Format (PDF) is likely the most widely used digital file format for scholarly and scientific electronic publishing. Since format specification version 1.6, three-dimensional (3D) models in Universal 3D (U3D) format can be embedded into PDF files. The present study demonstrates a repertoire of graphic strategies and modes of presentation that exploit the potentials of 3D models embedded in PDF to deliver anatomical information and knowledge. Three-dimensional models and scenes representing anatomical structures generated by 3D surface scanning or by segmentation from either clinical imaging data or cadaver sectional images were converted into U3D format and then embedded into PDF files using both freely and commercially available software. The relevant steps and required software tools are described. Built-in tools in Adobe Acrobat and JavaScript scripting both were used to pre-configure user interaction with 3D contents. Eight successive proof-of-concept examples of increasing complexity are presented and provided as supplementary material, including both unannotated and annotated 3D specimens, use of bitmap-textures, guided navigation through predetermined 3D scenes, 3D animation, and interactive navigation through tri-planar sectional human cadaver images. Three-dimensional contents embedded in PDF files are generally comparable to multimedia and dedicated 3D software in terms of quality, flexibility, and convenience, and offer new unprecedented opportunities to deliver anatomical information and knowledg