Using enriched skeleton concept mapping to support meaningful learning

Abstract. There has been significant interest among researchers in the instructional use of concept maps and collaboration scripts. Some studies focus on students' collaboration on concept mapping tasks; others focus on scripts to structure learning tasks and guide interactions. Little is known about scripted collaborative concept mapping. This article reports a study in which we examine the effects on meaningful learning of scripting students' argumentative interactions during collaborative "enriched skeleton concept mapping". Each concept in the enriched skeleton concept map (ESCoM) contains "annotated factual multimedia information" and an embedded micro collaboration script. The study was performed in a Biomolecules course of the Bachelor of Applied Science program. First-year students were randomly assigned to an experimental group of 44 students and a control group of 49 students. In the experimental group, students worked together in pairs on an ESCoM guided by embedded collaboration scripts. The control group received the regular course. The results show that students were able to handle and appreciate the enriched skeleton concept mapping products and processes. Moreover, concept maps appeared to be scored reliable and validly. Finally, the regular course exam showed that the experimental group outperformed the control group. Enriched skeleton concept mapping resulted in a better understanding of the conceptual structure of the domain, the concepts and their relations

Nutritional management for reproductive efficiency

Nutrition influences reproductive efficiency and the survival of lambs and weaners but the costs of supplementary feeding or maintaining low stocking rates are not justified by the resulting income from higher lamb weaning rates and reduced weaner mortality. The current practice of segmenting the ewe flock using ultrasound scanning to determine the number of foetuses still results in groups of ewes with a wide range of condition scores and with widely differing nutritional requirements. This report describes an approach to precision management of pregnant ewes and weaners that is based on the e-sheep platform of technologies and uses computer-directed drafting for nutritional management of individual animals and walk-through weighing to monitor changing nutritional status. It is estimated that the cost of feeding a thousand-ewe flock can be reduced from $14,000 for feeding all animals to$3300 for targeted feeding of 25% of ewes requiring additional nutrition and 20% of weaners at risk of dying. The cost of the targeted feeding strategy is more than justified by the value of additional 12-month-old animals, which is $9000. The e-sheep precision nutrition system is not attractive to industry at this stage because of the cost of the e-sheep infrastructure, the perceived complexity of the technology and the requirement for further research, but it is expected to be a commercial option within three years

Effect of mood on long-term disability in younger stroke survivors: results from the Psychosocial Outcomes In StrokE (POISE) study

Background & Purpose: Anxiety and depression are common among stroke survivors, and their effect on long-term outcome remains unknown in those under 65 years of age. We investigated the association between early anxiety/depression after stroke and 12-month disability, and whether this is modified by sex. Methods: The Psychosocial Outcomes In StrokE (POISE) study was a prospective observational cohort study that recruited 441 younger (< 65 years) stroke survivors ≤28 days of acute stroke. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and disability using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Scale version II (WHODAS-II). Associations between baseline anxiety/depression, and disability at 12-months was tested using analysis of covariance. Subgroup analysis was conducted using interaction term. Results: 92 (25%) had anxiety and 53 (14%) depression at baseline. Multivariable models showed significant association between baseline anxiety and 12-month disability (WHODAS-II score 15.24 vs. 11.49, p < .05). Those with anxiety had more impairment in ‘cognition’ (WHODAS-II score 18.26 vs. 8.71, p < .001), ‘getting along’ (WHODAS-II score 11.87 vs. 7.42, p < .05) and ‘participation’ (WHODAS-II score 22.37 vs. 15.92, p < .005) WHODAS-II. No significant relationship was found between baseline depression and long-term disability. There was no differential effect of anxiety by sex found in this study. Conclusions: Post-stroke anxiety has an adverse effect on disability at one year among young stroke survivors

The MeerKAT Galaxy Cluster Legacy Survey: I. Survey overview and highlights

Please abstract in the article.The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the National Research Foundation (NRF), the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, US National Science Foundation, the South African Research Chairs Initiative of the DSI/NRF, the SARAO HCD programme, the South African Research Chairs Initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation.http://www.aanda.orghj2022Physic

The SARAO MeerKAT 1.3 GHz Galactic Plane Survey

We present the SARAO MeerKAT Galactic Plane Survey (SMGPS), a 1.3 GHz continuum survey of almost half of the Galactic Plane (251○ ≤l ≤ 358○ and 2○ ≤l ≤ 61○ at |b| ≤ 1 5). SMGPS is the largest, most sensitive and highest angular resolution 1 GHz survey of the Plane yet carried out, with an angular resolution of 8″ and a broadband RMS sensitivity of ∼10–20 μJy beam−1. Here we describe the first publicly available data release from SMGPS which comprises data cubes of frequency-resolved images over 908–1656 MHz, power law fits to the images, and broadband zeroth moment integrated intensity images. A thorough assessment of the data quality and guidance for future usage of the data products are given. Finally, we discuss the tremendous potential of SMGPS by showcasing highlights of the Galactic and extragalactic science that it permits. These highlights include the discovery of a new population of non-thermal radio filaments; identification of new candidate supernova remnants, pulsar wind nebulae and planetary nebulae; improved radio/mid-IR classification of rare Luminous Blue Variables and discovery of associated extended radio nebulae; new radio stars identified by Bayesian cross-matching techniques; the realisation that many of the largest radio-quiet WISE H II region candidates are not true H II regions; and a large sample of previously undiscovered background H I galaxies in the Zone of Avoidance

Problem solving and Program design using the TI-92

This textbook is intended for a basic course in problem solving and program design needed by scientists and engineers using the TI-92. The TI-92 is an extremely powerful problem solving tool that can help you manage complicated problems quickly. We assume no prior knowledge of computers or programming, and for most of its material, high school algebra is sufficient mathematica background. It is advised that you have basic skills in using the TI-92. After the course you will become familiar with many of the programming commands and functions of the TI-92. The connection between good problem solving skills and an effective program design method, is used and applied consistently to most examples and problems in the text. We also introduce many of the programming commands and functions of the TI-92 needed to solve these problems. Each chapter ends with a number of practica problems that require analysis of programs as well as short programming exercises

The development of a standalone computer simulation tool for the optimization of gypsum recovery at Afmine

This paper describes the development and use of a process simulator to optimize gypsum recovery at Afmine, a small plant near Yzerfontein on the South African West Coast The simulator consisted of models of the major plant equipment, viz. hydrocy-clones, surge bins, settling tanks, a primary sieve and a dewatering screen. Experimental data suggested that the equipment could be modelled satisfactorily from data published in the open literature. Simulation studies have indicated that gypsum losses on the plant could be reduced substantially by means of some relatively minor modifications to the plant layout Moreover, sensitivity analyses of the plant have indicated that optimization of the settling tanks should receive priority over the other process units. © The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2005.Articl

Enriched skeleton concept maps to aid meaningful learning

There has been significant interest among researchers in the instructional use of concept maps and collaboration scripts. Some studies focus on students' collaboration on concept mapping tasks; others focus on scripts to structure learning tasks and guide interactions. Little is known about scripted collaborative concept mapping. This article reports a study in which we examine the effects on meaningful learning of scripting students' argumentative interactions during collaborative "enriched skeleton concept mapping". The study was performed in a Biomolecules course of the Bachelor of Applied Science program. First-year students were randomly assigned to an experimental group of 44 students and a control group of 49 students. In the experimental group, students worked together in pairs on an enriched skeleton concept map guided by embedded collaboration scripts. The control group received the regular course. The retention test taken one month after the regular course exam showed that the experimental group outperformed the control group. Scripted collaborative concept mapping resulted in deeper understanding of the conceptual structure of the domain, the concepts and their relations. Not only was scripted collaborative concept mapping more effective than the traditional teaching approach, it was also more efficient in requiring far less teacher guidance