Discourse Analysis in a Virtual Classroom: A MOOC Example

The overall objective of this paper is to examine the discourse of a virtual classroom from a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platform website called Coursera. Crystal\u27s (2001) Language Features of Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) was used as the main theoretical framework to analyze the discourse. By doing so, we answered the question: What are the typical features of CMC by students in a virtual classroom? The answer gives us a deeper recognition of CMC\u27s features and its implication in teaching and learning. This paper uses an interpretive methodology by working from qualitative data on the ground observing and focusing on CMC features of discourse among a particular group of students in a Coursera course called Think Again: How to Reason and Argue by Walter Sinnott-Armstrong and Ram Neta from Duke University. The discourse analyzed was in one of the forums called Construct Your Own Argument . The students created this forum and called it Ram\u27s Lecture Series Needs a Mental Health Warning that was a response to an assignment. The findings indicated that the discourse of virtual classrooms could help educators better understand how students think and function. The discourse can be used to see whether teaching and learning is occurring, and whether a concept is understood or not. Nevertheless, we must not neglect educating instructors on how to better use the CMC and how to read what learners are saying or trying to say. In addition, instructors must put some rules and guidelines for students so that they create a safe and secure platform for them to interact. Otherwise, students will be reluctant to participate and talk. Another major teaching and learning aspect in this research paper is mostly directed towards language teachers. They can detect grammar or spelling mistakes and create supplement materials or revise certain concepts or lessons. Finally, the implications for teaching and learning are discussed

Development of polarization-resolved optical scanning microscopy imaging techniques to study biomolecular organizations

Light, as electromagnetic radiation, conveys energy through space and time via fluctuations in electric and magnetic fields. This thesis explores the interaction of light and biological structures through polarization-resolved imaging techniques. Light microscopy, and polarization analysis enable the examination of biological entities. Biological function often centers on chromatin, the genetic material composed of DNA wrapped around histone proteins within cell nuclei. This structure's chiral nature gives rise to interactions with polarized light. This research encompasses three main aspects. Firstly, an existing multimodal Circular Intensity Differential Scattering (CIDS) and fluorescence microscopy are upgraded into an open configuration to be integrated with other modalities. Secondly, a novel cell classification method employing CIDS and a phasor representation is introduced. Thirdly, polarization analysis of fluorescence emission is employed for pathological investigations. Accordingly, the thesis is organized into three chapters. Chapter 1 lays the theoretical foundation for light propagation and polarization, outlining the Jones and Stokes-Mueller formalisms. The interaction between light and optical elements, transmission, and reflection processes are discussed. Polarized light's ability to reveal image contrast in polarizing microscopes, linear and nonlinear polarization-resolved microscopy, and Mueller matrix microscopy as a comprehensive technique for studying biological structures are detailed. Chapter 2 focuses on CIDS, a label-free light scattering method, including a single point angular spectroscopy mode and scanning microscopy imaging. A significant upgrade of the setup is achieved, incorporating automation, calibration, and statistical analysis routines. An intuitive phasor approach is proposed, enabling image segmentation, cell discrimination, and enhanced interpretation of polarimetric contrast. As a result, image processing programs have been developed to provide automated measurements using polarization-resolved laser scanning microscopy imaging integrated with confocal fluorescence microscopy of cells and chromatin inside cell nuclei, including the use of new types of samples such as progeria cells. Chapter 3 applies a polarization-resolved two-photon excitation fluorescence (2PEF) microscopy to study multicellular cancerous cells. A homemade 2PEF microscope is developed for colon cancer cell analysis. The integration of polarization and fluorescence techniques leads to a comprehensive understanding of the molecular orientation within samples, particularly useful for cancer diagnosis. Overall, this thesis presents an exploration of polarization-resolved imaging techniques for studying biological structures, encompassing theory, experimental enhancements, innovative methodologies, and practical applications

On Quasi-Chebyshev Subspaces of Banach Spaces

AbstractA quasi-Chebyshev subspace of a Banach space X has been defined as one in which the set of best approximants for every x in X is non-empty and compact. This generalizes the well known concept of pseudo-Chebyshev property. In this paper we shall give various characterizations of quasi-Chebyshev subspaces in Banach spaces. Moreover, we present a characterization of the spaces in which all closed linear subspaces are quasi-Chebyshev

Computer Generation of Metal Components by Simultaneous Deposition of Mould, Cores and Part

A new solid freeforming method based on co-delivery of mould powder materials and part powder materials using vibration-controlled, dry powder valves is presented in this paper. Thin layers of stainless steel powder are delivered to the forming area according to the cross-section of the CAD file to produce the component. Mould powder which has low sinterability is delivered to the non-forming areas of the same layer. All powders are delivered by computer-controlled, acoustic powder valves. The flow rate and switching of the valves provides the composition and shape control during fabrication. The stacked layers of loose powder are then sintered in a conventional furnace. The mould materials are removed after sintering. This method avoids the high thermal stress problem in selective laser sintering, avoids high capitalisation, makes use of conventional furnaces and allows for the incorporation of three dimensional function gradients. Test pieces including step wedge and Spierpinski’s cube were fabricated. Advantages, limitations and problems are discussed.Mechanical Engineerin

Theoretical Models of Integration of Interactive Learning Technologies into Teaching: A Systematic Literature Review

With the fast progress of technology and the vast amount of research papers related to technology integration in education being published yearly, a study that reviews models used in these papers is needed. Therefore, this paper (1) reviewed and analysed theoretical frameworks with models used for integration of technology in classrooms, (2) reviewed studies that discussed the impact of technology integration on students\u27 learning capabilities, and (3) discussed the importance of preparing teachers to effectively integrate technology in teaching. The models reviewed were: Teacher Thoughts and Action Process (TTAP), Theory of Planned Behavior, Expectancy-Value Theory of Achievement Motivation (EVAM), Substitution Augmentation Modification Redefinition (SAMR), Technology Acceptance (TAM), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK)

Management of Bio-Waste by the Paper Mulch

Mulch is a type of protective covering placed on or spread over the soil surface that helps to conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth and enrich the soil. The paper mulch is the most complete mulch and has numerous beneficial effects upon the soil and plants. This mulch which is produced from office waste paper, newspaper and wrapping papers, conserves soil moisture, is effective at suppressing and inhibiting weed growth, enhances agro-ecosystem health by improving the air and water movement through the soil; providing moist conditions thereby promoting micro-organisms and worm populations; promoting plant growth and product, promoting leaf litter build up and helping to improve the pH balance in the soil