205 research outputs found
Metadata for describing learning scenarios under European Higher Education Area paradigm
In this paper we identify the requirements for creating formal descriptions of learning scenarios designed under the European Higher
Education Area paradigm, using competences and learning activities as the basic pieces of the learning process, instead of contents and learning resources, pursuing personalization. Classical arrangements of content based courses are no longer enough to describe all the richness of this new learning process, where user profiles, competences and complex hierarchical itineraries need to be properly combined. We study the intersection with the current IMS Learning Design specification and the
additional metadata required for describing such learning scenarios. This new approach involves the use of case based learning and collaborative
learning in order to acquire and develop competences, following adaptive learning paths in two structured levels
Aggregation and biofilm formation of bacteria isolated from domestic drinking water
The objective of this study was to investigate the autoaggregation, coaggregation and biofilm
formation of four bacteria namely Sphingobium, Xenophilus, Methylobacterium and Rhodococcus
isolated from drinking water. Auto and coaggregation studies were performed by both qualitative
(DAPI staining) and semi-quantitative (visual coaggregation) methods and biofilms produced by either
pure or dual-cultures were quantified by crystal violet method. Results from the semi-quantitative
visual aggregation method did not show any immediate auto or coaggregation, which was confirmed
by the 40
,6 diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining method. However, after 2 hours,
Methylobacterium showed the highest autoaggregation of all four isolates. The Methylobacterium
combinations showed highest coaggregation between dual species at extended period of times (72
hours). Biofilm formation by pure cultures was negligible in comparison to the quantity of biofilm
produced by dual-species biofilms. The overall results show that coaggregation of bacteria isolated
from drinking water was mediated by species-specific and time-dependent interactions with a
synergistic type of biofilm formation. The results of this study are therefore a useful step in assisting
the development of potential control strategies by identifying specific bacteria that promote
aggregation or biofilm formation in drinking water distribution systems
Determinants of international students' academic performance: A comparison between Chinese and other international students
With the increasing number of international students travelling to well-developed countries for higher education, there has been a growing interest in exploring the factors that influence their academic performance during their overseas studies. This study aims to give an insight into international students' learning experience by investigating the differences between Chinese and non-Chinese cultural groups and leads to the identification of the key predictors of their academic achievement via multiple regression analysis. The results suggest that the perceived importance of learning success to family, English writing ability, and social communication with their compatriots are significant predictors for all international students. As the predominant group, Chinese students display some distinctive characteristics. A less active learning strategy is observed among Chinese students relative to others, but no evidence has found that this negatively affects their academic achievement. © 2010 Nuffic
E-learning: you don't always get what you hope for
Despite substantial growth in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) throughout western societies, there is much evidence of technology-led innovations within Higher Education (HE) failing to achieve the anticipated transformations in learning and teaching. This paper reviews evidence from research and evaluation studies relating not only to e-learning, but also to wider HE practices. It argues that the use of ICT does not, in itself, result in improved educational outcomes and ways of working. It considers contextual factors that are of greater significance in determining how and why e-learning is used in HE. Students' engagement with e-learning relates to their expectations and conceptions of learning and to assessment demands. Academics need to re-assess their own beliefs and practices concerning teaching and assessment and their impact on the experience of learners. Both teachers and learners need to understand why e-learning activities are to be undertaken and the rewards expected to be derived
Genome-wide association and Mendelian randomisation analysis provide insights into the pathogenesis of heart failure
Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A small proportion of HF cases are attributable to monogenic cardiomyopathies and existing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have yielded only limited insights, leaving the observed heritability of HF largely unexplained. We report results from a GWAS meta-analysis of HF comprising 47,309 cases and 930,014 controls. Twelve independent variants at 11 genomic loci are associated with HF, all of which demonstrate one or more associations with coronary artery disease (CAD), atrial fibrillation, or reduced left ventricular function, suggesting shared genetic aetiology. Functional analysis of non-CAD-associated loci implicate genes involved in cardiac development (MYOZ1, SYNPO2L), protein homoeostasis (BAG3), and cellular senescence (CDKN1A). Mendelian randomisation analysis supports causal roles for several HF risk factors, and demonstrates CAD-independent effects for atrial fibrillation, body mass index, and hypertension. These findings extend our knowledge of the pathways underlying HF and may inform new therapeutic strategies
Erratum: "A Gravitational-wave Measurement of the Hubble Constant Following the Second Observing Run of Advanced LIGO and Virgo" (2021, ApJ, 909, 218)
[no abstract available
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