Using Augmented Reality in early art education: a case study in Hong Kong kindergarten

Innovation in pedagogy by technology integration in kindergarten classroom has always been a challenge for most teachers. This design-based research aimed to explore the feasibility of using Augmented Reality (AR) technology in early art education with a focus on the gains and pains of this innovation. A case study was conducted in a typical kindergarten in Hong Kong, with a class of four- to five-year-old children (N=30) and their class teacher, ICT teacher as well as two parent volunteers. A series of art education activities using AR was designed and implemented in the class. Effectiveness of the activities was evaluated through a triangulation of semi-structured interviews with teachers, principal and parents, and surveys administered to children. The results indicated that (1) all the children could design, control and interact with the animated objects generated by the AR application; (2) all the stakeholders interviewed were supportive of this pedagogical innovation and (3) the principal, teachers and parents were concerned about the side effects of using AR in early childhood education. Possible improvements and implications to AR-based art education were also addressed.postprin

THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLYOMETRIC-SQUAT TRAINING ON TAEKWONDO POWER DEVELOPMENT IN THE LOWER EXTREMITY

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect on three different training methods by combining the typical plyometric training method (drop jump) and traditional weight training (112squat). The subjects were fifteen male high school athletes. The training duration for all subjects was eight weeks, and the frequency was twice a week. One Kistler force plate was used to record the power abilities of the subjects performing counter-movement jump (CMJ) and one PEAK camera (120 Hz) was also used to record the Axe-kicking movement time. Based on the results of this study, combining the vertical drop jump and horizontal drop jump with weight training could improve the maximum power and Axe-kick movement time. Therefore, it is important to consider the movement specific character when the muscular strength training of Taekwondo athletes

Validity and reliability of questionnaires measuring physical activity self-efficacy, enjoyment, social support among Hong Kong Chinese children

AbstractBackgroundPhysical activity (PA) correlates have not been extensively studied in Hong Kong children.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the validity and reliability of translated scales to measure PA related self-efficacy, enjoyment and social support in Hong Kong Chinese children.MethodsSample 1 (n=273, aged 8–12years) was recruited (May–June, 2013) from two primary schools. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted to assess factorial validity. Criterion validity was assessed by correlating measured constructs with self-reported PA. Cronbach's alpha was computed to assess scale internal consistency. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was performed to assess scale test–retest reliability. Criterion validity was further examined in Sample 2 (n=84, aged 8–12years) from a third school by correlating measured constructs with objectively measured PA collected in September 2013 and February 2014.ResultsThe CFA results supported the one-factor structure of the scales. All PA correlates were significantly (p<0.01) associated with self-reported PA in Sample 1. Self-efficacy and enjoyment were significantly (p<0.05) correlated with objectively measured PA in Sample 2. All the scales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. All ICC values of the scales suggested acceptable test–retest reliability.ConclusionThe results provide psychometric support for using the scales to measure PA correlates among Hong Kong Chinese children

Effect of heterogeneously distributed pre-existing dispersoids on the recrystallization behavior of a cold-rolled Al–Mn–Fe–Si alloy

It is well known that strong concurrent precipitation, mainly located along grain/subgrain boundaries, results in a coarse and elongated grain structure, and unusual sharp P {011} and/or M {113} texture components during annealing of supersaturated AA3xxx-series alloys. In this study, a supersaturated as-cast Al–Mn–Fe–Si alloy was annealed at three temperature–time paths after cold rolling and their effects on the softening behavior have been analyzed and compared in terms of final grain structure and texture. In particular, material conditions with dispersoids located along grain/sub-grain boundaries were produced prior to annealing. The effects of pre-existing dispersoids as well as dispersoids formed during annealing (concurrent precipitation), both of which are heterogeneously distributed along grain/sub-grain boundaries, on the recrystallization behavior of the deformed material were investigated and compared. The results clearly show that, due to their larger sizes, these pre-existing dispersoids do not significantly increase the strength of the P/M texture components as compared to the dispersoids formed during annealing, even though the former can still affect the grain structure. It can be concluded that sharp P/M textures develop when recrystallization takes place at low temperature where nucleation of other orientations, whether from particle stimulated nucleation (PSN) or other nucleation mechanisms are suppressed by concurrent precipitation

A constitutive model for unsaturated cemented soils under cyclic loading

On the basis of plastic bounding surface model, the damage theory for structured soils and unsaturated soil mechanics, an elastoplastic model for unsaturated loessic soils under cyclic loading has been elaborated. Firstly, the description of bond degradation in a damage framework is given, linking the damage of soil's structure to the accumulated strain. The Barcelona Basic Model (BBM) was considered for the suction effects. The elastoplastic model is then integrated into a bounding surface plasticity framework in order to model strain accumulation along cyclic loading, even under small stress levels. The validation of the proposed model is conducted by comparing its predictions with the experimental results from multi-level cyclic triaxial tests performed on a natural loess sampled beside the Northern French railway for high speed train and about 140 km far from Paris. The comparisons show the capabilities of the model to describe the behaviour of unsaturated cemented soils under cyclic loading

Effect of Preliminary Torsional Strain on Low-Cycle Fatigue of Q345B Structural Steel

Effect of preliminary torsional strain on low-cycle fatigue of Q345B steel was studied. The specimens were first 0, 180, and 360° twisted, then the low-cycle fatigue of Q345B steel was evaluated in the strain range of 0.3–0.8% by the method of axisymmetrical strain. The cycling response, cyclic stress–strain relationship, strain–life relationship, fatigue life prediction model, and seismic stability at different torsion angles were obtained and analyzed. The strain–life curve is shown to slope down as a power function. The fatigue life comes down with preliminary torsional strain at a constant level. The cycling response varied from cyclic hardening to cyclic softening in preliminary torsion, and the cyclic hardening rate increased linearly with the strain amplitude. The parameters of the Coffin–Manson relation are corroborated with experimental data. After heat treatment, the seismic stability of the material is improved, with torsional strain greatly reducing this characteristic. Electron microscope examination of fatigue fracture revealed a fatigue crack initiating on the surface of the specimen. The propagating crack deviated from its direction, and plasticity of the material dropped as a result of preliminary torsional strain.Изучено влияние деформации предварительного кручения на малоцикловую усталость стали Q345B. Вначале образцы скручивали на 0, 180 и 360°, затем методом осесимметричной деформации определяли малоцикловую усталость стали Q345B в диапазоне деформаций 0.3 0.8%. Получены и проанализированы характеристика циклических изменений, зависимость циклического изменения напряжения от деформации, зависимость деформация долговечность, модель прогнозирования усталостной долговечности и сейсмостойкость при различных углах кручения. Показано, что кривая деформация долговечность идет вниз и описывается степенной функцией. Усталостная долговечность снижается с увеличением деформации предварительного кручения при постоянном уровне последней. Характеристика циклических изменений варьировала от циклического упрочнения до циклического разупрочнения при кручении, скорость циклического упрочнения возрастала линейно с повышением амплитуды деформации. Параметры зависимости Коффина Мэнсона подтверждаются экспериментальными данными. После термообработки сейсмостойкость материала улучшается, при этом деформация предварительного кручения существенно снижает ее. Электронно-микроскопическое исследование усталостного разрушения выявило зарождение усталостной трещины на поверхности образца. Растущая трещина отклонялась от своего направления, пластичность материала снижалась в результате деформации предварительного кручения.Вивчено вплив деформації попереднього кручення на малоціклову втому стали Q345B. Спочатку зразки скручували на 0, 180 і 360 °, потім методом вісесиметричної деформації визначали малоціклову втому стали Q345B в діапазоні деформацій 0.3-0.8%. Отримано і проаналізовано характеристику циклічних змін, залежність циклічної зміни напржень від деформації, залежність деформація-довговічність, модель прогнозування втомної довговічності і сейсмостійкості при різних кутах кручення. Показано, що крива деформація - довговічність йде вниз і описується ступеневою функцією. Втомна довговічність знижується зі збільшенням деформації попереднього кручення при постійному рівні останньої. Характеристика циклічних змін варіювала від циклічного зміцнення до циклічного знеміцнення при крученні, швидкість циклічного зміцнення зростала лінійно з підвищенням амплітуди деформації. Параметри залежності Коффина-Менсона підтверджуються експериментальними даними. Після термообробки сейсмостійкість матеріалу поліпшується, при цьому деформація попереднього кручення істотно знижує її. Електронно-мікроскопічне дослідження втомного руйнування виявило зародження втомної тріщини на поверхні зразка. Зростаюча тріщина відхилялася від свого напрямку, пластичність матеріалу знижувалася в результаті деформації попереднього кручення

Respuestas del δ13C foliar y características foliares a la precipitación y temperatura en un ecosistema árido del noroeste de China

El δ13C foliar es ampliamente usado para explicar estrategias relacionadas con la disponibilidad de recursos en diferentes ambientes. Sin embargo, la respuesta conjunta del δ13C foliar a la precipitación y temperatura así como la relación entre el δ13C foliar y las características foliares no están claras. El δ13C foliar y su relación con las características foliares [tamaño de hoja (LS), longitud foliar (LL), ancho foliar (LW), relación entre la longitud y el ancho foliar (L:W), área foliar específica (SLA) y concentración de N foliar (en una base de peso seco) (Nmass)] fueron investigadas en la especie de arbusto dominante Nitraria tangutorum Bobr en la región árida (Dengkou y Minqin) del noroeste de China. El estudio se efectuó bajo condiciones de varias cantidades de precipitación simuladas (PGS) y temperaturas ambientales (TGS) en las estaciones de crecimiento de 2008, 2009 y 2010. Los resultados mostraron que LS, LW, LL, SLA y Nmass se incrementaron significativamente cuando las cantidades de PGS se incrementaron, pero hubo tendencias de reducción en dichas características cuando las TGS aumentaron. Sin embargo, la mayoría de las relaciones negativas entre las características foliares y las TGS no fueron obvias en Minqin. En ambos sitios, L:W se incrementó cuando las PGS y TGS aumentaron. Hubo un cambio en la relación negativa entre el δ13C foliar-PGS a través de Minqin y Dengkou, lo cual condujo a la falta de efectos de la precipitación en el δ13C foliar a través de ambos sitios, y mayor δ13C foliar a menor precipitación en Minqin. A través de Minqin y Dengkou, PGS solo pudo explicar un 14% de la variación en el δ13C foliar. La combinación de PGS y TGS pudo explicar un 64% de la variación en el δ13C foliar. Las características foliares (LW y L:W) mejoraron aún más la estimación del δ13C foliar. Las combinaciones de PGS, TGS, LW y L:W pudieron explicar un 84% de la variación en el δ13C foliar. Nuestro estudio demostró la importancia de las características foliares en explorar las respuestas del δ13C foliar a cambios globales en ecosistemas áridos.Leaf δ13C is widely used to explain plant strategies related to resource availability in different environments. To understand the coupled response of leaf δ13C to precipitation, temperature and the relationship between leaf δ13C and leaf traits in arid ecosystems, the leaf δ13C and leaf traits (leaf size (LS), leaf length (LL), leaf width (LW), leaf length to width ratio (L:W), specific leaf area (SLA) and mass-based leaf nitrogen concentration (Nmass)) of Nitraria tangutorum Bobr. under simulated increasing precipitation (PGS) and ambient temperature (TGS) in plant growing season from 2008 to 2010 and the relationships between leaf δ13C and leaf traits were investigated in the arid region (Dengkou and Minqin) of northwestern China. Our results showed that LS, LW, LL, SLA and Nmass significantly increased with increasing PGS, but had downward tendencies with increasing TGS although the majority of the negative relationships between leaf traits and TGS were not obvious in Minqin. At the two study sites, L:W increased simultaneously with increasing PGS and TGS. There was a shift in the negative leaf δ13C-PGS relationship across Minqin and Dengkou, which conduce to the lacking effect of precipitation on leaf δ13C across the two sites and higher leaf δ13C in lower precipitation fields in Minqin. Across Minqin and Dengkou, PGS could only explain 14% of the variation in leaf δ13C. The combinations of PGS and TGS could explain 64% of the variation in leaf δ13C. Leaf traits (LW and L:W) could be used to further improve the estimation of leaf δ13C. The combinations of PGS, TGS, LW and L:W could explain 84 % of the variation in leaf δ13C. Our study demonstrated the importance of leaf traits in exploring the responses of leaf δ13C to global changes in arid ecosystems.Fil: Xin, Z.M.. Chinese Academy of Forestry. Institute of Desertification Studies; China. Chinese Academy of Forestry. Experimental Center of Desert Forestry; ChinaFil: Liu, M.H.. Chinese Academy of Forestry. Experimental Center of Desert Forestry; ChinaFil: Lu, Q.. Chinese Academy of Forestry. Institute of Desertification Studies; China. State Forestry Administration. Kumtag Desert Ecosystem Research Station; ChinaFil: Busso, Carlos Alberto. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Agronomía; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida; Argentina. State Forestry Administration. Kumtag Desert Ecosystem Research Station; ChinaFil: Zhu, Y.J.. State Forestry Administration. Kumtag Desert Ecosystem Research Station; China. Chinese Academy of Forestry. Institute of Desertification Studies; ChinaFil: Li, Z.. Chinese Academy of Forestry. Experimental Center of Desert Forestry; ChinaFil: Huang, Y.R.. Chinese Academy of Forestry. Experimental Center of Desert Forestry; ChinaFil: Li, X.L.. Chinese Academy of Forestry. Experimental Center of Desert Forestry; ChinaFil: Luo, F.M.. Chinese Academy of Forestry. Experimental Center of Desert Forestry; ChinaFil: Bao, F.. Chinese Academy of Forestry. Institute of Desertification Studies; ChinaFil: Qian, J.Q.. Henan Agricultural University. College of Forestry; ChinaFil: Li, Y.H.. Chinese Academy of Forestry. Institute of Desertification Studies; China. State Forestry Administration. Kumtag Desert Ecosystem Research Station; Chin