Computer-supported collaborative learning performance and satisfaction: A muiti-stage study

Research in computer-supported cooperative learning provides evidence that collaborative technology can enhance learning performance and increase affective experiences in the context of cooperative learning. Most studies, however, have examined the learning performance only during the middle and end of the process. It is not clear how information technology continuously facilitates and improves student performance and learning experience over time. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, the research presented in this article drew research findings in the fields of communication, information systems, and education to examine cooperative learning processes with a continuous, longitudinal study. Based on a descriptive model of computer-supported cooperative learning, this research examined the effect of a collaborative technology on the accumulation of learning performance and learning satisfaction on group members. Three sets of hypotheses regarding learning performance, perceived learning performance, and group member satisfaction are examined

Visual Weather Temperature Prediction

In this paper, we attempt to employ convolutional recurrent neural networks for weather temperature estimation using only image data. We study ambient temperature estimation based on deep neural networks in two scenarios a) estimating temperature of a single outdoor image, and b) predicting temperature of the last image in an image sequence. In the first scenario, visual features are extracted by a convolutional neural network trained on a large-scale image dataset. We demonstrate that promising performance can be obtained, and analyze how volume of training data influences performance. In the second scenario, we consider the temporal evolution of visual appearance, and construct a recurrent neural network to predict the temperature of the last image in a given image sequence. We obtain better prediction accuracy compared to the state-of-the-art models. Further, we investigate how performance varies when information is extracted from different scene regions, and when images are captured in different daytime hours. Our approach further reinforces the idea of using only visual information for cost efficient weather prediction in the future.Comment: 8 pages, accepted to WACV 201

The First Triangular Representation of The Symmetric Groups over a field K of characteristic pdivides (n-2)

In this paper we will study the new type of triangular representations of the symmetric groups which is called the first triangular representations of the symmetric groups over a field K of characteristic pdivides(n-2)

Growth dependent silencing and resetting of DGA1 transgene in Nannochloropsis salina

Here we report recombinant expression and activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae type 2 diacylglycerol acyltransferase DGA1 functioning in parallel with the native Nannochloropsis salina genes. Expression of DGA1 shifted the chain length distribution of fatty acids produced and reflected an oleoyl-CoA substrate preference. Effect on the total FAME content was moderate and elevated by a maximum of 38%. Expression of the DGA1 transgene varied throughout the culture life cycle and evidence of growth dependent environmental silencing of the transgene was observed. This is to our knowledge the first example of silencing and subsequent resetting in a transgenic microalga. Results from this study add valuable insights into the efficacy of algal genetic engineering and use of these microorganisms as bio-platforms for chemical manufacture

Tracing the Bioavailability of Three-Dimensional Graphene Foam in Biological Tissues

This is the final version of the article. Available from MDPI via the DOI in this record.Graphene-based materials with a three-dimensional (3D) framework have been investigated for a variety of biomedical applications because of their 3D morphology, excellent physiochemical properties, volume stability, and their controllable degradation rate. Current knowledge on the toxicological implications and bioavailability of graphene foam (GF) has major uncertainties surrounding the fate and behavior of GF in exposed environments. Bioavailability, uptake, and partitioning could have potential effects on the behavior of GF in living organisms, which has not yet been investigated. Here, we report a pilot toxicology study on 3D GF in common carps. Our results showed that GF did not show any noticeable toxicity in common carps, and the antioxidant enzymatic activities, biochemical and blood parameters persisted within the standard series. Further histological imaging revealed that GF remained within liver and kidney macrophages for 7 days without showing obvious toxicity. An in vivo study also demonstrated a direct interaction between GF and biological systems, verifying its eco-friendly nature and high biocompatibility.This work was supported by EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Metamaterials, XM2 (Grant No. EP/L015331/1) University of Exeter EX4 4QF, United Kingdom

Effects of stress produced by adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) on ECG and some blood parameters in vitamin C treated and non-treated chickens

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of vitamin C on ECG and some blood parameters in chickens stressed by ACTH. Sixty Leghorn chickens were randomly allotted to control and experimental groups. Prior to the experimental period ECG’s were recorded and blood samples were taken from both groups of chickens; some blood parameters were also determined. In the control group, isotonic sodium chloride solution was administered at a dose of 2.5 mL per chicken per day for a period of 5 days. In the experimental group, vitamin C (Redoxon Amp, Roche) was administered intramuscularly at the same dose (containing 250 mg vitamin C) and period of time. On the 5th day of the experiment chickens in both groups received 50 IU ACTH intramuscularly. Three hours following this application ECGs were recorded and blood samples were taken from both groups of chickens; some blood parameters were also determined. In conclusion, sinusoidal tachycardia was observed and an increase was determined (P<0.05) in the level of corticosterone and heterophil/lymphocytes (H/L) ratio after ACTH application in the control group

The sensitivity and specificity of the conventional symptoms and signs in making a diagnosis of acute appendicitis

Introduction: Simple appendicitis can progress to perforation, which is associated with a much higher morbidity and mortality. So, surgeons have therefore been inclined to operate when the diagnosis is probable rather than wait until it is certain. Objective: This study is designed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of clinical examination in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.Methods: The study included 866 patients of acute appendicitis who had undergone appendicectomy with preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis. They were analyzed retrospectively. The parameters evaluated were age/gender, clinical presentation (signs and symptoms) and total white blood cell counts. The operative findings were recorded and the inflammation of the appendix was graded into normal, acutely inflamed and gangrenous.Results: Clinical diagnosis was made correctly in 807 (93.2%) of the patients. White blood cells count ranged from 3.70 to 45.30 /mm3 (mean 17.5353 /mm3). It wa

The First Triangular Representation of The Symmetric Groups over a field K of characteristic p=0

In this paper we will study the new type of triangular representations of the symmetric groups which is called the first triangular representations of the symmetric groups over a field K of characteristic p=0

Health promotion, disease prevention and periodic health checks: perceptions and practice among family physicians in eastern Mediterranean region

Introduction: The aim of this study was to identify the current practices and perceptions of family physicians regarding health promotion, disease prevention including periodic screening and health checks in Eastern Mediterranean Region. Methods: A multi-country cross-sectional study was conducted in six countries of EMR, from September 2014 to March 2015. Family Physicians who were currently practicing in different countries of EMR were invited to participate in the study through email. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was entered and analyzed on SPSS 19 and logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: A total of 100 physicians data was included in the final analysis. The majority were female physicians (76%): 63% were 25 to 35 years of age. Approximately 53% of Family physicians always recommend periodic screening and health checks to their patients. The common screening question asked to patients in medical history was related to their blood pressure (86%). Almost all (99%) of the Family physicians believe they should conduct periodic health checks. Those who had postgraduate training in Family Medicine (OR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.39-1.67) and attended CME sessions regularly (OR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.01-0.93), are more likely to recommend periodic screening and health checks to their patients. Conclusion: Periodic screening and health check is an important strategy to prevent disease and maintain health. It is an underutilized practice and a great need exists for its implementation in family practice

Germination and seedling growth of indigenous aman rice under salt stress

The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Laboratory of Agrotechnology Discipline, KhulnaUniversity, Khulnato determine the effect of salt stress on germination and seedling growth of indigenous Aman rice varieties during June, 2015 to December, 2015. The salt tolerant landraces will be used as genetic resource for variety development program in future. The factorial experiment consists of two factors such as ten indigenous Aman rice varieties and four levels of salt solutions viz EC (dS m−1) of 5, 10 and 15 with control (distilled water). The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. The interaction effects between variety and salinity on germination and seedling growth parameters of indigenous Aman rice varieties were varied significantly. It was found that germination capacity, energy, speed, seedling vigor index, root length and shoot length of rice were decreased gradually with increasing salinity. The germination energy and germination speed of most varieties were drastically reduced at 10 dS m−1 or higher salinity levels. The germination capacity of Hatibazor, Boushohagi, Shadagotal and Moinamoti were recorded 97.66 %, 99.33%, 98.0 % and 97.33%, respectively at 15 dS m−1 water salinity in laboratory condition. The results revealed that the indigenous Aman rice varieties named Boushohagi, Shadagotal, Hatibazor, Moinamoti, Motha were performed better over other varieties considering of germination and seedling growth parameters