A Game-Based Learning Application to Help Learners to Practice Mathematical Patterns and Structures

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop a game-based mobile application to help learners practice mathematical patterns and structures. Method: The study followed a mixed-method research design and prototyping methodology to guide the study in developing the mobile application. An instrument based on the Octalysis framework was developed as an evaluation tool for the study. Results: The study developed a mobile application based on the Octalysis framework. The application has fully achieved all its intended features based on the rating provided by the students and IT experts. Conclusion: The study successfully developed a mobile learning application for mathematical patterns and structures. By incorporating GBL principles and the Octalysis framework, the app achieved its intended features and received positive evaluations from students and IT experts. This highlights the potential of the app in promoting mathematical learning. Recommendations: This study recommends that the application be further enhanced to include other topics. Incorporating other game-based principles and approaches like timed questions and the difficulty level is also worth pursuing. Actual testing for end-users is also needed to verify the application's effectiveness. Practical Implications: Successful development of a game-based mobile app for practicing mathematical patterns and structures can transform education technology by engaging learners and enhancing their experience. This study provides valuable insights for future researchers developing similar applications, highlighting the potential to revolutionize traditional approaches and create an interactive learning environment for improving mathematical abilities

Spinodal Decomposition in a Binary Polymer Mixture: Dynamic Self Consistent Field Theory and Monte Carlo Simulations

We investigate how the dynamics of a single chain influences the kinetics of early stage phase separation in a symmetric binary polymer mixture. We consider quenches from the disordered phase into the region of spinodal instability. On a mean field level we approach this problem with two methods: a dynamical extension of the self consistent field theory for Gaussian chains, with the density variables evolving in time, and the method of the external potential dynamics where the effective external fields are propagated in time. Different wave vector dependencies of the kinetic coefficient are taken into account. These early stages of spinodal decomposition are also studied through Monte Carlo simulations employing the bond fluctuation model that maps the chains -- in our case with 64 effective segments -- on a coarse grained lattice. The results obtained through self consistent field calculations and Monte Carlo simulations can be compared because the time, length, and temperature scales are mapped onto each other through the diffusion constant, the chain extension, and the energy of mixing. The quantitative comparison of the relaxation rate of the global structure factor shows that a kinetic coefficient according to the Rouse model gives a much better agreement than a local, i.e. wave vector independent, kinetic factor. Including fluctuations in the self consistent field calculations leads to a shorter time span of spinodal behaviour and a reduction of the relaxation rate for smaller wave vectors and prevents the relaxation rate from becoming negative for larger values of the wave vector. This is also in agreement with the simulation results.Comment: Phys.Rev.E in prin

Development of a biodegradable microstent for minimally invasive treatment of Fallopian tube occlusions

Obstructions of the Fallopian tube represent one of the most common reasons for an unfulfilled desire to have children. Microstent technology opens up new therapeutic possibilities to restore the natural lumen of the Fallopian tube within a single treatment. Within the current work we developed a self-expandable biodegradable microstent for gynecological applications. Based on a novel microstent design, prototypes were manufactured from poly-L-lactide tubing by means of fs-laser cutting. Microstent prototypes were characterized morphologically by means of scanning electron microscopy and biaxial laser scanning. As manufactured, a microstents outside diameter of about 2.3 mm and a strut thickness/width of about 114 µm/103 µm was measured. Mechanical characterization of microstents included bending as well as crimping and release behavior. After crimping to a minimum diameter of 0.8 mm and consecutive release, a microstent recovery to a diameter of 1.8 mm was found. Therefore, proof-of-concept for the self-expandable microstent could be successfully provided. © 2020 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin/Boston 2020

Molecular Dynamics Simulations

A tutorial introduction to the technique of Molecular Dynamics (MD) is given, and some characteristic examples of applications are described. The purpose and scope of these simulations and the relation to other simulation methods is discussed, and the basic MD algorithms are described. The sampling of intensive variables (temperature T, pressure p) in runs carried out in the microcanonical (NVE) ensemble (N= particle number, V = volume, E = energy) is discussed, as well as the realization of other ensembles (e.g. the NVT ensemble). For a typical application example, molten SiO2, the estimation of various transport coefficients (self-diffusion constants, viscosity, thermal conductivity) is discussed. As an example of Non-Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics (NEMD), a study of a glass-forming polymer melt under shear is mentioned.Comment: 38 pages, 11 figures, to appear in J. Phys.: Condens. Matte

Birthing under the Condition of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: Interviews with Mothers, Partners, and Obstetric Health Care Workers

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and the necessary containment measures challenge obstetric care. Support persons were excluded while protection measures burdened and disrupted the professionals’ ability to care and communicate. The objective of this study was to explore the first-hand experience of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mothers, their partners, and obstetric professionals regarding birth and obstetric care in a university hospital. Methods: To answer the descriptive research questions, we conducted a qualitative content analysis using a data triangulation approach. We carried out 35 semi-structured interviews with two stratified purposive samples. Sample one consisted of 25 mothers who had given birth during the pandemic and five partners. Sample two included 10 obstetric professionals whose insights complemented the research findings and contributed to data validation. Participants were recruited from the study sample of a larger project on patient safety from two German university hospitals from February to August 2021. The study was approved by two ethics committees and informed consent was obtained. Results: Mothers complied with the rules, but felt socially isolated and insecure, especially before transfer to the delivery room. The staff equally reported burdens from their professional perspective: They tried to make up for the lack of partner and social contacts but could not live up to their usual professional standards. The exclusion of partners was seen critically, but necessary to contain the pandemic. The undisturbed time for bonding in the maternity ward was considered positive by both mothers and professionals. Conclusion: The negative effects of risk mitigation measures on childbirth are to be considered carefully when containment measures are applied

Windlines. Volume 9, number 1 (Fall 2017)

Issue of the American Organ Institute Newsletter"A Message from our Director" from AOI Director Dr. Schwandt about new members of the AOI faculty and staff, a highlight of performances, and a thank you to President David Boren for his leadership and visionA Message from Clark Wilson highlighting information on the new silent film scoring course he is teaching at AOIPerformance Schedules for John Schwandt and Clark Wilson"The American Organ Institute Archives and Library" with notes on Stephanie Barth's master's thesis on Mildred Andrews Boggess, and highlights of work done in the archives by Esther Morgan-Ellis, Thomas J. Mathiesen, and William L. Coale"Thousands Strong" highlighting a successful crowd-sourced fundraising campaign for the first phase of the American Theatre Organ Journal Digitization Project"Harpsichord Week: Pluck Off!" on Alumnus Lee Ridgway's week-long seminar on harpsichord technique held at OU in May of 2017Message from student Luke Staisiunas about the benefits of attending Harpsichord WeekA Message from Damin Spritzer, DM, with information on recent and upcoming performances and the recording of a third CD of the music of R. L. Becker on the historic 1938 Kimball organ of St. John's Cathedral in DenverThe Sound of History: A Voice Reborn by Dusy Miller, outlining the rebuild and revitalization of the WKY Radio organ - Kilgen Opus 5218 - at the Oklahoma History Center, with notes on the history of the instrument including performances by organists Jesse Crawford and Ken Wright, and upcoming performancesA Message from John Riester, BS-OF, CAIO concerning the rebuild of the WKY Kilgen theatre organ, including the model exhibit that accompanies the organ at the Oklahoma History CenterMessage from John Schwandt about debut performance on the newly rebuilt Kilgen organMessage from Oklahoma Historical Society Director Bob Blackburn about the significance of the rebuilt Kilgen Theatrical OrganMessage from Adam Pajan about his efforts voicing pipes for the WKY Kilgen organ and the ability of the AOI to spend great amounts of time providing educational opportunities to students through voicingAOI's Graduating class of 2017In Remembrance: David Rumsey - A tribute to a friend of the AOI who collaborated actively on the Möller Master Roll project after having worked to digitize the master roll collection of the Welte company in Switzerland. Rumsey passed away on February 12, 2017A Message from Bryan Slocomb on being an organ builder at the AOIDoctoral student Alvez Barkoskie, IV was the winner of the Hymn Competition for College Students in celebration of Bruton Parish's 300th AnniversaryA Message from Adam Pajan, DMA with updates on his organ faculty recital with Dr. Brian Wolfe conducting an ensemble of 16 pieces of brass, timpani, and gong. Additional highlights include future performances in Germany and artist-in-residence appointment at St. John's Episcopal Church in TulsaBuilding Our Ranks: A Campaign for the Future highlighting the AOI's endowment efforts in the areas of scholarships, programming, the archives and library, professorships, travel, and enrichment. Messages in support of the endowment from Koby Harrington, Director of Development for the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, Elaine George Elhers, Fulbright Scholar and Alumna, and Laura Geis AckermanNotes of thanks to donors Elaine (George) Ehlers, the Geis family, Ann Candamio Peak, Albert Folop, David and Betty Dodd, Rodd and Carolyn Murrow, and Dorothy Young RiessArticle outlining the project working on the Hinners Opus 1027 for the United Methodist ChurchA message from Fredrick Bahr, BM, about how he came to work at the AOIA message from Paul Watkins, MMArticle on the group trip to the Reuter organ factory in Lawrence, KansasArticle on the work of Bertrand Cattiaux and his upcoming seminar on French voicing techniques at OUHighlight of the 2017 Orchestra for Organ Transcription FestivalNote from student David Anderson on trip to the 2017 AGO ConventionMessage from Nathan Rau, MM, RPTA message from Jeremy Wance, MA, Associate Director on a recent publication, trip to Switzerland for Möller Master Roll project, and a thank you to President David BorenAdvertisements for AOI's spring 2018 trip to Paris, France and the 2018 Diane Bish Gala Weekend on April 7th and 8th presented by the AOI

Regulation of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Expression by Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Interleukin-1β in First Trimester Human Decidual Cells: Implications for Preeclampsia

The current study describes a statistically significant increase in macrophages (CD68-positive cells) in the decidua of preeclamptic patients. To elucidate the regulation of this monocyte infiltration, expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was assessed in leukocyte-free first trimester decidual cells. Confluent decidual cells were primed for 7 days in either estradiol or estradiol plus medroxyprogesterone acetate to mimic the decidualizing steroidal milieu of the luteal phase and early pregnancy. The medium was exchanged for a serum-free defined medium containing corresponding steroids +/− tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α or interleukin (IL)-1β. After 24 hours, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurements indicated that the addition of medroxyprogesterone acetate did not affect MCP-1 output, whereas 10 ng/ml of TNF-α or IL-1β increased output by 83.5-fold ± 20.6 and 103.1-fold ± 14.7, respectively (mean ± SEM, n = 8, P < 0.05). Concentration-response comparisons revealed that even 0.01 ng/ml of TNF-α or IL-1β elevated MCP-1 output by more than 15-fold. Western blotting confirmed the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results, and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction confirmed corresponding effects on MCP-1 mRNA levels. The current study demonstrates that TNF-α and IL-1β enhance MCP-1 in first trimester decidua. This finding suggests a mechanism by which recruitment of excess macrophages to the decidua impairs endovascular trophoblast invasion, the primary placental defect of preeclampsia

Development of a biodegradable microstent for minimally invasive treatment of Fallopian tube occlusions

Obstructions of the Fallopian tube represent one of the most common reasons for an unfulfilled desire to have children. Microstent technology opens up new therapeutic possibilities to restore the natural lumen of the Fallopian tube within a single treatment. Within the current work we developed a self-expandable biodegradable microstent for gynecological applications. Based on a novel microstent design, prototypes were manufactured from poly-L-lactide tubing by means of fs-laser cutting. Microstent prototypes were characterized morphologically by means of scanning electron microscopy and biaxial laser scanning. As manufactured, a microstents outside diameter of about 2.3 mm and a strut thickness / width of about 114 μm / 103 μm was measured. Mechanical characterization of microstents included bending as well as crimping and release behavior. After crimping to a minimum diameter of 0.8 mm and consecutive release, a microstent recovery to a diameter of 1.8 mm was found. Therefore, proof-of-concept for the self-expandable microstent could be successfully provided