50,252 research outputs found
Knowledge tree: Putting discourse into computerâbased learning
Most CBL materials currently in use model only the declarative aspects of the learning process. If such courseware is used without careful planning, this can be dangerous because one of the most fundamental aspects of education is the dialogue that occurs between teachers and the students. Traditionally, this has taken place in informal discussions as well as in formal smallâgroup learning sessions such as the conventional tutorial. However, as the studentâstaff ratio increases, so does the opportunity for this type of personal dialogue decrease. Modern networking technology offers a huge potential to add discourse to CBL, but there are many pedagogical problems involved with the intrinsically ephemeral and anarchic nature both of the Internet and of most conferencing or bulletinâboard systems. In this paper we describe a software system called Knowledge Tree (KT) which we have developed to address some of these issues. KT combines a hierarchical conceptâoriented database functionality with that of a Usenetâstyle bulletin board Using this, a knowledge garden may be developed for any subject area. These each contain a hypermedia database of frequently asked questions, together with answers provided by subject experts. There is provision for interâstudent discussions of problems and issues. When students ask new questions these are automatically emailed to a relevant subject expert (determined by a subjectâspecific concept thesaurus). The answer is then placed in the database which eventually grows to become a valuable teaching resource. KT is disciplineâindependent as the concept thesaurus can be changed to encapsulate any domain of knowledge. We have used it in support of conventional lecture courses, as an important component of a multimedia course, and for general IT support. These examples illustrate the role that this system can play both in basic information provision, and in facilitating the discussion of deep issues
The Energy-Momentum Tensor in Fulling-Rindler Vacuum
The energy density in Fulling-Rindler vacuum, which is known to be negative
"everywhere" is shown to be positive and singular on the horizons in such a
fashion as to guarantee the positivity of the total energy. The mechanism of
compensation is displayed in detail.Comment: 9 pages, ULB-TH-15/9
Consistent analysis of neutral- and charged-current neutrino scattering off carbon
Background: Good understanding of the cross sections for (anti)neutrino
scattering off nuclear targets in the few-GeV energy region is a prerequisite
for correct interpretation of results of ongoing and planned oscillation
experiments.
Purpose: Clarify possible source of disagreement between recent measurements
of the cross sections on carbon.
Method: Nuclear effects in (anti)neutrino scattering off carbon nucleus are
described using the spectral function approach. The effect of two- and
multi-nucleon final states is accounted for by applying an effective value of
the axial mass, fixed to 1.23 GeV. Neutral-current elastic (NCE) and
charged-current quasielastic (CCQE) processes are treated on equal footing.
Results: The differential and total cross sections for the energy ranging
from a few hundreds of MeV to 100 GeV are obtained and compared to the
available data from the BNL E734, MiniBooNE, and NOMAD experiments.
Conclusions: Nuclear effects in NCE and CCQE scattering seem to be very
similar. Within the spectral function approach, the axial mass from the shape
analysis of the MiniBooNE data is in good agreement with the results reported
by the BNL E734 and NOMAD Collaborations. However, the combined analysis of NCE
and CCQE data does not seem to support the contribution of multi-nucleon final
states being large enough to explain the normalization of the
MiniBooNE-reported cross sections.Comment: 14 pages, 9 figures, detailed discussion of the role of FSI is adde
Guidelines for the management of the foot health problems associated with rheumatoid arthritis
Background. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a chronic systemic disease, commonly affects the feet, impacting
negatively on patients' quality of life. Specialist podiatrists have a prime role to play in the assessment and
management of foot and ankle problems within this patient group. However, it has been identified that in many
areas there is no specialist podiatry service, with many patients being managed by nonâspecialist podiatrists.
Therefore, the North West Clinical Effectiveness Group for the Foot in Rheumatic Diseases (NWCEG) identified
the need to develop âpractitioner facingâ guidelines for the management of specific foot health problems associated
with RA.
Methods. Members of a guideline development group from the NWCEG each reviewed the evidence for specific
aspects of the assessment and management of foot problems. Where evidence was lacking, âexpert opinionâ was
obtained from the members of the NWCEG and added as a consensus on current and best practice. An iterative
approach was employed, with the results being reviewed and revised by all members of the group and external
reviewers before the final guideline document was produced.
Results. The management of specific foot problems (callus, nail pathology, ulceration) and the use of specific
interventions (foot orthoses, footwear, patient education, steroid injection therapy) are detailed and standards in
relation to each are provided. A diagrammatic screening pathway is presented, with the aim of guiding nonspecialist
podiatrists through the complexity of assessing and managing those patients with problems requiring
input from a specialist podiatrist and other members of the rheumatology multidisciplinary team.
Conclusion. This pragmatic approach ensured that the guidelines were relevant and applicable to current practice
as âbest practiceâ, based on the available evidence from the literature and consensus expert opinion. These
guidelines provide both specialist and nonâspecialist podiatrists with the essential and âgold standardâ aspects of
managing people with RAârelated foot problems
Precision Upsilon Spectroscopy from Nonrelativistic Lattice QCD
The spectrum of the Upsilon system is investigated using the Nonrelativistic
Lattice QCD approach to heavy quarks and ignoring light quark vacuum
polarization. We find good agreement with experiment for the Upsilon(1S),
Upsilon(2S), Upsilon(3S) and for the center of mass and fine structure of the
chi_b states. The lattice calculations predict b-bbar D-states with center of
mass at (10.20 +/- 0.07 +/- 0.03)GeV. Fitting procedures aimed at extracting
both ground and excited state energies are developed. We calculate a
nonperturbative dispersion mass for the Upsilon(1S) and compare with
tadpole-improved lattice perturbation theory.Comment: 8 pages, latex, SCRI-94-57, OHSTPY-HEP-T-94-00
Understanding temporal rhythms and travel behaviour at destinations: Potential ways to achieve more sustainable travel
This paper analyses the roles played by time in destination-based travel behaviour. It contrasts clock time's linear view of time with fragmented time, instantaneous time, fluid time and flow, time out and the multiple temporalities of tourism experiences. It explores temporal issues in a destination travel context, using qualitative techniques. Data were captured using diary photography, diary-interview method with tourists at a rural destination; their spatial and temporal patterns were captured using a purpose built smartphone app. The analysis revealed three temporal themes influencing travel behaviour: time fluidity; daily and place-related rhythms; and control of time. Three key messages emerge for future sustainable tourist destination-based travel systems. Given the strong desire for temporal fluidity, transport systems should evolve beyond clock-time regimes. Second, temporal forces favour personal modes of transport (car, walk, cycle), especially in rural areas where public transport cannot offer flexibility. Third, the car is personalised and perceived to optimise travel fluidity and speed, but is currently unsustainable. Imaginative initiatives, using new mobile media technology can offer new positive and proactive car travel, utilising spare public and private vehicle capacity. Research is needed to implement mechanisms for individualised space-time scheduling and collective vehicle use strategies. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC
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