Aesthetics in School Mathematics: A Potential Model and A Possible Lesson

Earlier studies on improving classroom practice in mathematics have suggested a closer attention to nurturing an aesthetic appreciation for mathematics in students’ learning experiences. Recent evidence nonetheless reveals little indication of its presence. This article offers a potential model of the case for aesthetics in school mathematics. Central to this model is the harmonious hierarchy of necessity, existence, and uniqueness without any of which the case for aesthetics in student learning might be suboptimal, if not untenable. This article offers an example of the proposed model using a possible lesson designed to engage students aesthetically in the learning of mathematics. Pedagogical implications are discussed to reflect and revisit an interpretation of learning mathematics through problem solving

Breast Cancer Screening: Early Detection Is Not Enough

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Which Approaches Do Students Prefer? Analyzing the Mathematical Problem Solving Behavior of Mathematically Gifted Students

This study analyzed the mathematical problem solving behavior of mathematically gifted students. It focused on a specific fourth step of Polya's (1945) problem solving process, namely, looking back to find alternative approaches to solve the same problem. Specifically, this study explored problem solving using many different approaches. It examined the relationships between students' past mathematical experiences and the number of approaches and the kind of mathematics topics they used to solve three non-standard mathematics problems. It also analyzed the aesthetic of students' approaches from the perspective of expert mathematicians and the aesthetic of these experts' preferred approaches from the perspective of the students. Fifty-four students from a specialized high school were selected to participate in this study that began with the analysis of their past mathematical experiences by means of a preliminary survey. Nine of the 54 students took a test requiring them to solve three non-standard mathematics problems using many different approaches. A panel of three research mathematicians was consulted to evaluate the mathematical aesthetic of those approaches. Then, these nine students were interviewed. Also, all 54 students took a second survey to support inferences made while observing the problem solving behavior of the nine students. This study showed that students generally were not familiar with the practice of looking back. Indeed, students generally chose to supply only one workable, yet mechanistic approach as long as they obtained a correct answer to the problem. The findings of this study suggested that, to some extent, students' past mathematical experiences were connected with the number of approaches they used when solving non-standard mathematics problems. In particular, the findings revealed that students' most recent exposure of their then-AP Calculus course played an important role in their decisions on selecting approaches for solution. In addition, the findings showed that students' problem solving approaches were considered to be the least "beautiful" by the panel of experts and were often associated with standard approaches taught by secondary school mathematics teachers. The findings confirmed the results of previous studies that there is no direct connection between the experts' and students' views of "beauty" in mathematics

Peningkatan Kemampuan Membaca Permulaan Melalui Pemanfaatan Multimedia

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana proses instruksi membaca melalui Multimedia di kelas secara klasikal dan apakah setiap kenaikan kemampuan membaca awal siswa TK B setelah memberikan kegiatan membaca melalui pembelajaran Multimedia. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian tindakan menurut Kemmis dan Mc. Taggart yang terdiri dari empat langkah: a) perencanaa, b) tindakan, c) observasi, dan d) refleksi, yang dikembangkan lagi oleh Jamarisdengan menambahkan pengamatan awal sebagai pembanding setelah pengamatan tindakan dilakukan, sehingga target persentase prestasi belajar dapat diukur. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kemmapuan membaca awal TK B meningkat melalui pemanfaatan Multimedia. Proses pembelajaran melalui Multimedia terdiri dari huruf membaca, kata-kata dan kalimat sederhana dengan menggunakan variasi yang menarik dari metode dan strategi pengajaran

Generation of abstract geometric art based on exact aesthetics, gestalt theory and graphic design principles

In this thesis artificial intelligence ideas are applied to the domain of fine arts and especially modern art. First, we take a closer look at avant garde art movements of the late 19th and first half of the 20th century. After that, we make an analysis of the knowledge on which this art movement is partly based by considering the fields of aesthetics, gestalt psychology and graphic design. Having formalised general ideas about what a well-formed painting should consist of, we then look at ways of incorporate these ideas in a model for generating a composition. We design a formal framework to which we map the domain concepts. Based on the framework, we make a top-down knowledge decomposition. To demonstrate how our ideas can be applied in a practical situation, we have implemented a prototype system. Theoretically, this system is split up into the front-end part, in which the actual output is generated, and the back-end part, in which artificial intelligence techniques are applied to the actual concepts of composing an artwork. The front-end is partly based on the multimedia generation system called Cuypers, which was developed at the Centrum voor Wiskunde en Informatica (CWI) in Amsterdam. Cuypers was made to generate dynamic presentations and therefore generates XML, which subsequently is transformed into a desired format (XHTML, TIME, SMIL) using XSLT transformation stylesheets. Our system generates output in the Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format, which is an XML based standard for vector graphics and animation. The back-end part is based on the formal ideas about art described above. It is implemented in Eclipse Prolog. Finally, we discuss the artistic significance of our results. We conclude this thesis by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the conceptual decisions, as well as suggesting directions for future research, including ideas for the evaluation of the generated composition

SensorShoe: Mobile Gait Analysis for Parkinson's Disease Patients

We present the design and initial evaluation of a mobile gait analysis system, SensorShoe. The target user group is represented by Parkinson's Disease patients, which need continuous assistance with the physical therapy in their home environment. SensorShoe analyses the gait by using a low-power sensor node equipped with movement sensors. In addition, SensorShoe gives real-time feedback and therapy assistance to the patient, and provides the caregivers an effective remote monitoring and control tool

Promoting Team-Based Exercise Among African American Breast Cancer Survivors

Physical activity benefits the health and well-being of breast cancer survivors (BCS). Yet, many African American survivors do not routinely exercise and have increased risk of poor outcomes. The purpose of this mixed-method study was to identify motivational factors compelling African American BCS to participate in a 14-week team walking program and to intend to continue exercise after the intervention concluded. Focus groups were held with participants (n = 12) before and after training. Content analysis discovered themes before the intervention: Not wanting to go at it alone, exercise not a life or treatment priority, cancer treatment affected activity, advocates to exercise, and can exercise really help? Four themes postintervention themes included: In the same boat, changed mind-set, improved weight and activity, and overcoming barriers. Physical data verified improvements. Results suggest that a team-based exercise training program may assist in overcoming a sedentary behavior tendency and subsequently improve health among survivors

Survivors Speak: A Qualitative Analysis of Motivational Factors Influencing Breast Cancer Survivors’ Participation in a Sprint Distance Triathlon

Aims and Objectives To examine motivational factors influencing breast cancer survivors to participate in triathlon training, complete a triathlon and maintain an exercise thereafter. Background Routine exercise has been shown to improve quality of life and reduce recurrence for breast cancer survivors. Yet physical and psychological factors present barriers for initiating and maintaining an exercise routine. Research is limited in exploring factors of exercise motivation from the survivor\u27s perspective. Design Qualitative design using focus groups and individual follow-up phone interviews to explore motivation for exercise initiation and maintenance. Methods One to two weeks after completing a triathlon, 11 breast cancer survivors who trained together participated in one of three focus groups to discuss their experience. Five months post triathlon 6 of the 11 participants were successfully contacted and phone interviews were conducted to explore exercise maintenance. Focus groups and interviews were analysed using content and thematic analysis. Results Five themes emerged (1) Champion for Exercise, (2) Part of a Team, (3) Everyone Had a Story, (4) Not Really Exercise and (5) What Do We Do Now? Overall, survivors recognised their need for lifestyle change (e.g. moving from a sedentary lifestyle to a more active one). More importantly, they identified the team approach to exercise initiation was crucial in their success in sustaining a behavioural change. Conclusions Emphasis needed on developing team exercise training programmes for survivors. Nurses can play a critical role in discussing with survivors, the benefits of exercise initiation and maintenance. Relevance to clinical practice Breast cancer survivors are hesitant to initiate routine exercise. Training with women who share a common lived experience increases the likelihood of success. Nurses are in a position to encourage breast cancer survivors to participate in group exercise programmes as a way to improve quality of life

Communication: key factor in multidisciplinary system design

System design research often looks at ways to model the system that is developing. Many modelling techniques and model representations exist. Another aspect these models can be used for is to enable, facilitate and improve communication among the developers during the process. The young System Design Group at the faculty of Engineering Technology of the University of Twente, the Netherlands, aims at focusing on this communication aspect in system design.\ud In the paper, a few finished and running projects undertaken in close cooperation with industry are described concisely. From these projects three research themes are derived. These are: creation of high-level models, combining model representations and condense information. The paper ends with plans for future research

Strategi Bisnis pada PT CTL dengan Pendekatan Metode Tows

The purpose of this research is determining direction of the correct business strategy to be applied by PT CTL, a garment company producing cloth for men. Research method used by the author is descriptive analysis with a case study research method. Research is conducted by collecting data obtained through survey by interview and giving questionnaire to all staff and head and also observation by evaluating directly the research object and also through literature study. Data analysis is conducted through input phase by using IFAS and EFAS matrix, adaptation phase with TOWS diagram, TOWS matrix and Internal-External matrix, and also uses SPACE matrix and also BCG matrix to analyse company's finance situation. Based on the conducted analysist the recommended corporation level strategy to be used by the company is diversification strategy direct to growth and stability