Development of Variational Thinking Skills in Programming Teaching

The paper presents an example of methodological approach to the development of variational thinking skills in teaching programming. Various ways in solving a given task are implemented for the purpose. One of the forms, through which the variational thinking is manifested, is related to trail practical actions. In the process of comprehension of the properties thus acquired, students are doing their own (correct or incorrect) conclusions for other, hidden properties and at the same time they discover possibilities for new ways of action and acquiring of new effects. The variability and the generalizing function of thinking are in a close interrelation, and their interaction to a great extend determines the dynamics of the cognitive activity of the student

Two Remarkable Points of the Triangle Geometry

It is shown in the paper the discovery of two remarkable points of the triangle by means of “THE GEOMETER’S SKETCHPAD” software. Some properties of the points are considered too

Transect through the Cenozoic magmatism in WSW Bulgaria and Macedonia from Pirin Mountain to Kozhuf: temporal and isotope geochemistry constraints

Closing of Vardar Ocean at the Late Cretaceous to Early Cenozoic was followed by collision which caused thickening of the crust under the Morava-Rhodope zone (in Pirin region nowadays it is 49.5–48 km). We present new, preliminary Sr and Nd isotope data and U-Pb zircon ages for Cenozoic magmatic rocks along a NNE–SSW transect through WSW Bulgaria and SE Macedonia, characterized by highly variable crustal thickness

Palmoplantar Psoriasis: Treatment with Calcipotriol and Local UVA Radiation Compared with Local PUVA

INTRODUCTION: Palmoplantar psoriasis could hardly be differentiated from chronic tylotic eczema both clinically and histologically. The most commonly used therapeutic options for palmoplantar psoriasis are long-term therapy with topical corticosteroids and local PUVA. Frequently, it is a recalcitrant disease. We investigated the efficacy  and tolerability of the combination of topical calcipotriol with local UVA radiation in comparison with local PUVA therapy.METHODS: In a total of 43 patients with palmoplantar psoriasis, 33 were given 15 sessions of local UVA radiation and topical calcipotriol and the remainder received 15 sessions of local PUVA (psoralen + UVA radiation).RESULTS: The statistical analyses of the results showed that the effect and tolerability of both therapeutic modalities are comparable.CONCLUSION: Combination of topical calcipotriol and local UVA radiation is an optional corticosteroid-free therapeutic modality for palmoplantar psoriasis. It has a comparable effectiveness and tolerability with local PUVA

Single-access transumbilical laparoscopic appendectomy using curved reusable instruments: an initial report of three cases.

Introduction: The continuous evolution of laparoscopic surgery and the ambition of better cosmetic results raise the need for less invasive procedures. The umbilicus represents a natural scar and constitutes a wellhealing site of access to the peritoneal cavity. Single-access Transumbilical Laparoscopy (SATL) is gaining popularity and can be an alternative surgical treatment for acute appendicitis. We report three cases of SATL appendectomy using curved reusable instruments.Patients and methods: Three female patients, wanting minimal scarring (mean age - 30 years) were admitted to our hospital in April 2015 with acute abdominal pain in the right iliac area. A SATL appendectomy was performed using a standard 11-mm reusable trocar for a 10-mm, 30°- angled, rigid scope and curved reusable instruments according to DAPRI (Karl Storz-Endoskope, Tuttlingen, Germany) placed transumbilically.Results: Neither a conversion to open surgery nor an insertion of extraumbilical trocars was necessary. The mean operative time was 101.6 +/- 24.66 minutes and the mean blood loss 6.66 +/- 11.54 mL. The mean scar length was 16.66 +/- 0.57 mm. No intraoperative complications were registered and the use of minimal pain killers allowed the discharge after 2 or maximum 4 days. After three months of follow-up no late complications occurred and the umbilical scar was not visible.Conclusion: In young and scarless-demanding females with acute appendicitis SATL appendectomy can be performed safely and offers the possibility of surgical treatment without a visible scar

One-Step Purification of Microbially Produced Hydrophobic Terpenes via Process Chromatography

Novel and existing terpenes are already being produced by genetically modified microorganisms, leading to new process challenges for the isolation and purification of these terpenes. Here, eight different chromatographic resins were characterized for the packed bed adsorption of the model terpene β-caryophyllene, showing their applicability on an Escherichia coli fermentation mixture. The polystyrenic Rensa® RP (Ø 50 μm) shows the highest affinity, with a maximum capacity of >100 g L−1 and the best efficiency, with a height equivalent of a theoretical plate (HETP) of 0.022 cm. With this material, an optimized adsorption-based purification of β-caryophyllene from a fermentation mixture was developed, with the green solvent ethanol for desorption. A final yield of >80% and a purity of >99% were reached after only one process step with a total productivity of 0.83 g h−1 L−1. The product solution was loaded with a volume ratio (feed to column) of >500 and the adapted gradient elution yielded a 40 times higher concentration of β-caryophyllene. The adsorption-based chromatography represents therefore a serious alternative to the liquid-liquid extraction and achieves desired purities without the utilization of hazardous solvents

Curves and surfaces of learning in teacher's practice

AbstractConcerning the last year (12th grade) education in Bulgarian secondary schools it is important to realize expedient preparation for forthcoming school-leaving examinations at the end of the school year. An adequate instrument is proposed to predict consequently to avoid the appearance of a situation when students loose motivation before the final exam after being involved a fruitful learning process with ascending character. A mathematical model is applied for the purpose, elaborated by the author previously in (Grozdev, 2007). Corresponding curves and surfaces of learning are constructed to assist the learning process connection with the stated problem. © 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of Masterprof tea