How gamers experience informal digital learning of English within video games and online affinity spaces

Abstract. This study aims to investigate how English language learning occurs within the experiences of playing online video games and interacting in related online affinity spaces. Although there have been past studies that have researched language learning in video games, both in formal and informal contexts, none have specifically explored how players experience language learning in both online video games and online affinity spaces. This study used the concepts of informal learning, implicit learning, informal language learning, informal digital learning of English, affinity spaces, communities of inquiry and communities of practice as a guide for the research process. It also used qualitative content analysis as a method of data analysis. The participants of this study consisted of 6 Finnish males who currently attend upper secondary school in Finland. The data was gathered via semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that most participants experienced English language learning through playing video games incidentally and unconsciously. Essentially, most participants were unaware of language learning occurring while playing video games, and they did not intend to learn English while playing. Moreover, they learned mostly through interacting with the video game space itself while some also learned through playing with others. In regard to online affinity spaces, most participants learned English incidentally. Most participants experienced English language learning through interacting with the content within the online affinity spaces. More, specifically, when inquiring about new knowledge related to gaming, players were able to learn English at the same time. These finding reveal the potential for online video games and online affinity spaces to help gamers learn English. The implications of this study include the potential for educators to utilize online video games and online affinity spaces in formal learning. This study is important to the field of digital language learning research as it presents a glimpse into the specific processes that occur within informal digital language learning

Controlled ecological life support systems: Development of a plant growth module

An effort was made to begin defining the scientific and technical requirements for the design and construction of a ground-based plant growth facility. In particular, science design criteria for the Plant Growth Module (PGM) of the Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) were determined in the following areas: (1) irradiation parameters and associated equipment affecting plant growth; (2) air flow; (3) planting, culture, and harvest techniques; (4) carbon dioxide; (5) temperature and relative humidity; (6) oxygen; (7) construction materials and access; (8) volatile compounds; (9) bacteria, sterilization, and filtration; (10) nutrient application systems; (11) nutrient monitoring; and (12) nutrient pH and conductivity

Bachia heteropa

Number of Pages: 10Integrative BiologyGeological Science

Crab pulsar giant pulses: Simultaneous radio and GRO observations

Observations are reported of the Crab pulsar made at radio frequencies concurrent with Oriented Scintillation Spectrometer Experiment (OSSE) observations from 15 to 27 May 1991. Using the 43 m telescope at Green Bank at 0.8 and 1.4 GHz, samples were made continuously for 10 hrs/day at intervals of 100 to 300 microsecs. The analysis of the radio data includes calculation of histograms of pulse intensities, absolute timing to about 20 microsec precision, and characterization of intensity variations on time scales from the 33 ms spin period to days. The most detailed analysis is presented made of giant pulses. The ultimate goal is to bin the radio data into giant and nongiant pulses and to form average waveforms of OSSE data for the corresponding pulse periods. A test is done to see whether the violet radio fluctuations (which are not seen in other radio pulsars to the same degree) are correlated with low energy gamma rays, yielding constraints on the radio coherence mechanism and the steadiness of the electron-positron outflow in the magnetosphere. Timing analysis of the radio data provides a well defined ephemeris over the specified range of epochs. The gamma ray pulse phase was predicted with an error of less than 70 microsecs

Description of a PCR-based technique for DNA splicing and mutagenesis by producing 5' overhangs with run through stop DNA synthesis utilizing Ara-C

BACKGROUND: Splicing of DNA molecules is an important task in molecular biology that facilitates cloning, mutagenesis and creation of chimeric genes. Mutagenesis and DNA splicing techniques exist, some requiring restriction enzymes, and others utilize staggered reannealing approaches. RESULTS: A method for DNA splicing and mutagenesis without restriction enzymes is described. The method is based on mild template-dependent polymerization arrest with two molecules of cytosine arabinose (Ara-C) incorporated into PCR primers. Two rounds of PCR are employed: the first PCR produces 5' overhangs that are utilized for DNA splicing. The second PCR is based on polymerization running through the Ara-C molecules to produce the desired final product. To illustrate application of the run through stop mutagenesis and DNA splicing technique, we have carried out splicing of two segments of the human cofilin 1 gene and introduced a mutational deletion into the product. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated the utility of a new PCR-based method for carrying out DNA splicing and mutagenesis by incorporating Ara-C into the PCR primers

Recovery of virus producing NDV vaccine by Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF)

Currently, virus separation process is mainly conducted by using ultracentrifugation or sucrose gradient electrophoresis methods. Both methods however have several drawbacks wherein the ultracentrifugation method requires very high rotational speed to separate the virus while the sucrose gradient electrophoresis method is very time consuming. Alternative to both methods are by using Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF). In this study, we have separated and concentrated the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) harvested from embryonic specific pathogen free (SPF) eggs using TFF method by utilizing microfilter membrane with pore size of 0.45μm. Hollow fiber membrane was selected as filter because of their chemical and thermal stability. The study was conducted according to the design developed using Taguchi method which consists of selected three parameters and two levels of factors. The results revealed that higher pressure input (Pin), lower pressure output (Pout), and higher virus concentration led to higher virus titer. Optimum Trans-Membrane-Pressure (TMP) value of 15 psi and virus concentration of 28% had given the maximum titer of the virus which was 512 haemagglutination assay (HA) unit

Genetic Factors in Metastatic Progression of Cutaneous Melanoma: the Future Role of Circulating Melanoma Cells in Prognosis and Management

The greatest potential for improvement of outcome for patients with Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma lies in the prevention of systemic metastasis. Despite extensive investigation, current prognostic indicators either alone or in combination, although related to melanoma progression, are not sufficient to accurately predict the pattern of progression and outcome for any individual patient. Metastasis related death has been recorded in patients initially diagnosed with early stage tumour as well as in patients many years after initial tumour removal. The trouble finding a predictable pattern in the puzzle of melanoma progression may be linked to the fact that most of the material studied for prognosis is either, cutaneous primaries or metastatic deposits, rather than the melanoma cells in the circulatory system which are responsible for disease progression. In this review article we discuss the potential use of circulating tumour cell (CTC) detection and quantification for identifying patients at risk of metastatic deposits. We also discuss current therapies for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and analyse how CTCs may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of current therapies and to pinpoint patients who require further treatment