Does the mode of delivery affect mathematics examination results?

At present most examinations are delivered on paper but there is a growing trend in many subjects to deliver some or part of these examinations by computer. It is therefore important to know whether there are any differences in the results obtained by candidates sitting examinations taken by computer compared with those obtained by candidates sitting conventional examinations using pen and paper. The purpose of this article is to describe the outcome of a pilot study designed to∗ investigate possible causes of any differences in results from the use of different modes of delivery in a mathematics examination. One outcome of this study was that the process of translating examination questions into a format required for use on the computer (but keeping this as a pen and paper test) can have a significant effect on examination results. However, the main conclusion is that changing the medium only has no effect on the results in mathematics examinations

Issues of partial credit in mathematical assessment by computer

The CALM Project for Computer Aided Learning in Mathematics has operated at Heriot‐Watt University since 1985. From the beginning CALM has featured assessment in its programs (Beevers, Cherry, Foster and McGuire, 1991), and enabled both students and teachers to view progress in formative assessment The computer can play a role in at least four types of assessment: diagnostic, self‐test, continuous and grading assessment. The TLTP project Mathwise employs the computer in three of these roles. In 1994 CALM reported on an educational experiment in which the computer was used for the first time to grade, in part, the learning of a large class of service mathematics students (Beevers, McGuire, Stirling and Wild ,1995), using the Mathwise assessment template. At that time the main issues identified were those of ‘partial credit’ and communication between the student and the computer. These educational points were addressed in the next phase of the CALM Project in which the commercial testing program Interactive PastPapers was developed. The main aim of this paper is to describe how Interactive Past Papers has been able to incorporate some approaches to partial credit which has helped to alleviate student worries on these issues. Background information on other features in Interactive Past Papers is also included to provide context for the discussion

Swelling of PDMS Networks in Solvent Vapours; Applications for Passive RFID Wireless Sensors

The relative degree of swelling of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) network in organic vapours is demonstrated to be related to the chemical and physical properties of the organic compounds. The swelling ratio, based on volume change, QV, is directly correlated with the Hansen solubility parameters, dd, dp and dh and the vapour pressures of the organic vapours employed. A practical use for such PDMS networks in combination with an understanding of the relationship is demonstrated by the use of PDMS as a mechanical actuator in a prototype wireless RFID passive sensor. The swelling of the PDMS displaces a feed loop resulting in an increase in transmitted power, at a fixed distance

The Human Pregnancy-Specific Glycoprotein Genes are Tightly Linked on the Long Arm of Chromosome 19 and are Coordinately Expressed

The pregnancy-specific glycoprotein (PSG) genes encode a group of proteins which are found in large amounts in placenta and maternal serum. In situ hybridization analyses of metaphase chromosomes reveal that all the human pregnancy-specific glycoprotein (PSG) genes are located on the long arm of chromosome 19 (19q13.2–13.3), overlapping the region containing the closely-related carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) gene subgroup. Higher resolution analyses indicate that the PSG genes are closely linked within an 800kb SacII restriction endonuclease fragment. This has been confirmed through restriction endonuclease mapping and DNA sequence analyses of isolated genomic clones, which show that at least some of these genes are located in very close proximity. Further, these studies have helped to identify a new member of the PSG gene sub-family (PSG7). DNA/RNA hybridization analyses, using gene-specific oligonucleotide probes based on published sequences, showed that five from six PSG genes tested are coordinately transcribed in the placenta. Due to the close proximity of these genes and their coordinated expression pattern, common transcriptional regulatory elements may exist

Baptism and the Process of Christian Initiation Reconsidered

In ecumenical conversations between 2000 and 2010, representatives of the Baptist churches proposed that baptism should be understood as one element – though essential – in a longer process of Christian initiation. The paper recalls the reason for this proposal and then revisits it by considering its relevance to two recent issues: the rite of renewal of baptismal vows through immersion in water in Anglican churches and the “synodal pathway” in the Catholic Church

Making Matters Worse: An Analysis of Paragraph 22(2)(i) of the \u3cem\u3eChild and Family Services Act\u3c/em\u3e

The 2017 amendments to Nova Scotia’s Child and Family Services Act were made with the purported purpose of better protection of children. This paper assesses the amendments to paragraph 22(2)(i) and the addition of subsection 24(2) to the Act that changed the law in relation to children who are exposed to intimate partner violence. This paper argues that the amendments have had a negative effect on children and their families, resulting in an increase of children in temporary care since 2017. The paper concludes that intimate partner violence would be better addressed by placing domestic violence considerations in the best interests of the child analysis as well as increasing funding and expanding services for families

Genomic Organization, Splice Variants and Expression of CGMl, a CD66-related Member of the Carcinoembryonic Antigen Gene Family

The tumor marker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) belongs to a family of proteins which are composed of one immunogiobulin variable domain and a varying number of immunoglobulin constant-like domains. Most of the membrane-bound members, which are anchored either by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol moiety or a transmembrane domain, have been shown to convey cell adhesion in vitro. Here we describe two splice variants of CGMI. a transmembrane member of the CEA family without immunoglobulin constant.like domains. CGM1a and CGM1c contain cytopiasmic domains of 71 and 31 amino acids, respectively, The cytoplasmic region of CGM1a is encoded by four exons (Cyt1-Cyt4). Differential splicing of the Cyt1 exon (53 bp)..

Meat: a natural symbol

In Britain, and in cultures around the world, meat's significance extends beyond what might be anticipated from its nutritional utility. By looking at the academic and popular literature, and through a series of loosely structured interviews, this study investigates the range of ideas that people hold about meat in modem Britain for evidence as to what it is that makes animal flesh such an esteemed foodstuff. The principle conclusion is that meat's pre-eminence derives from its being a "natural" choice for human societies to use to express their control over the natural environment -a value which has long been important in Western culture. It is for this reason, for example, that we commonly relate the origins of "civilised" humanity to the beginnings of hunting or of farming, and this is likewise why meat has been a symbol of affluence, strength, and virility. Our proscription of cannibalism, our unwillingness to eat pets, and the common reference to meat in sexual symbolism, are all shown to conform to this analysis. The principle of environmental control is also shown to be a significant factor underpinning our more usual explanations of trends in the meat system. Economics; health and nutrition; ethical and religious influences; and ecological concerns, are all shown to have a significant symbolic component in addition to their overtly practical meaning