357 research outputs found
Virtual Reality for early education : a study
This paper investigates the use of Virtual Reality (VR) as a tool for cultural heritage learning, using St Andrews Cathedral as the subject matter. As part of a module focused on local history, first year secondary school pupils in a school in the town of St Andrews took part in virtual tours of the Cathedral as it stood in the 14th Century using the Samsung Gear VR, Google Cardboard, Oculus Rift, computer screen and Xbox controller, and answered questions aimed to elicit their experiences with the various systems. The system design and implementation is presented and the findings, observations and lessons learnt from the study are discussed.Postprin
Bostonia: The Boston University Alumni Magazine. Volume 9
Founded in 1900, Bostonia magazine is Boston University's main alumni publication, which covers alumni and student life, as well as university activities, events, and programs
Perspective as a Threshold Concept in Business Communication
In this article, the authors present the notion of perspective as a threshold concept in business communication. Using an SoTL framework, the researchers explore the effect of teaching threshold concepts in a summary writing assignment in a foundational business communication class. Working with a close reading methodology, the authors examine the context of perspective as a threshold concept by analyzing students’ summary samples for gender bias and explore how close reading can support further research into threshold concepts in business communication
Development of FEM laboratory modules for an introductory undergraduate Geotechnical Engineering course
While geotechnical and structural engineers routinely rely heavily on finite element (FEM) modeling for analysis and design, exposure to numerical modeling and to software used in industry is generally limited in most civil engineering undergraduate curricula. This document summarizes the experience of introducing an industry FEM software - Midas GTS NX – into the Geotechnical Engineering I course at Purdue University in the Spring 2020 semester, through two laboratory modules built around key topics covered in the course: 2D groundwater flow and stress analysis. In addition to providing exposure to tools used in practice, the modules were designed to consolidate the comprehension of fundamental concepts, and enhance students’ learning experience by facilitating rapid iterative exploration of different technical scenarios in the context of practical applications of geotechnical engineering
The reliability, validity and sensitivity of a novel soccer-specific reactive repeated-sprint test (RRST).
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability, validity and sensitivity of a reactive repeated-sprint test (RRST). METHODS: Elite (n = 72) and sub-elite male (n = 87) and elite female soccer players (n = 12) completed the RRST at set times during a season. Total distance timed was 30 m and the RRST performance measure was the total time (s) across eight repetitions. Competitive match running performance was measured using GPS and high-intensity running quantified (≥ 19.8 km h(-1)). RESULTS: Test-retest coefficient of variation in elite U16 and sub-elite U19 players was 0.71 and 0.84 %, respectively. Elite U18 players' RRST performances were better (P < 0.01) than elite U16, sub-elite U16, U18, U19 and elite senior female players (58.25 ± 1.34 vs 59.97 ± 1.64, 61.42 ± 2.25, 61.66 ± 1.70, 61.02 ± 2.31 and 63.88 ± 1.46 s; ES 0.6-1.9). For elite U18 players, RRST performances for central defenders (59.84 ± 1.35 s) were lower (P < 0.05) than full backs (57.85 ± 0.77 s), but not attackers (58.17 ± 1.73 s) or central and wide midfielders (58.55 ± 1.08 and 58.58 ± 1.89 s; ES 0.7-1.4). Elite U16 players demonstrated lower (P < 0.01) RRST performances during the preparation period versus the start, middle and end of season periods (61.13 ± 1.53 vs 59.51 ± 1.39, 59.25 ± 1.42 and 59.20 ± 1.57 s; ES 1.0-1.1). Very large magnitude correlations (P < 0.01) were observed between RRST performance and high-intensity running in the most intense 5-min period of a match for both elite and sub-elite U18 players (r = -0.71 and -0.74), with the best time of the RRST also correlating with the arrowhead agility test for elite U16 and U18 players (r = 0.84 and 0.75). CONCLUSION: The data demonstrate that the RRST is a reliable and valid test that distinguishes between performance across standard, position and seasonal period
B624: A Comparison of Several Peeling Methods as Applied to Maine Potatoes for Processing
The bulletin presents the results of a study on the affect of peeling methods on peeling and trimming losses of white potatoes for the processed potato industry. The researchers used Katahdin, Kennebec, and Russet Burbank potatoes, grown in Maine over two growing seasons (1959-60). Potatoes were grown, harvested, graded (when required) and stored by the Plants and Soils Department under commercial storage conditions. Potatoes were peeled shortly after digging, after four months\u27 storage, and after seven months\u27 storage. Under the conditions of this study, for both series, peel, trim and total losses were significantly greater for the abrasive method used than for the other three methods, at the 1% level. There was no evidence that losses by methods, other than abrasive, were appreciably different except trim losses in the graded composited samples. Evidence in that instance showed steam peeling induced significantly lower losses than either the lye or lye plus steam method.https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/aes_bulletin/1060/thumbnail.jp
A review of the benefits and drawbacks to virtual field guides in today’s Geoscience higher education environment
Virtual Field Guides are a way for educators to tackle the growing issue of funding pressures in areas of higher education, such as geography. Virtual Field Guides are however underutilised and can offer students a different way of learning. Virtual Field Guides have many benefits to students, such as being more inclusive, building student skills and confidence in a controlled environment pre fieldtrip and can increase engagement in the topic studied. There are also benefits to the educator, such as reduced cost, more efficient students on fieldwork tasks and the ability to tailor and update their field guides to suit their needs. However there are drawbacks in the challenge of creation and their outcome as educational standalone tools. This paper reviews the literature around the benefits and draw backs to the creation and incorporation of virtual field guides in geoscience education. © 2017, The Author(s)
Exosomal TAR DNA Binding Protein 43 Profile in Canine Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Preliminary Study in Developing Vlood-Based Biomarker for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Objective: Blood-based biomarkers provide a crucial information in the progress of neurodegenerative diseases with a minimally invasive sampling method. Validated blood-based biomarker application in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis would derive numerous benefits. Canine degenerative myelopathy is a naturally occurring animal disease model to study the biology of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Serum derived exosomes are potential carriers for cell-specific cargoes making them ideal venue to study biomarkers for a variety of diseases and biological processes. This study assessed the exosomal proteins that may be assigned as surrogate biomarker that may reflect biochemical changes in the central nervous system.
Methods: Exosomes were isolated from canine serum using commercial exosome isolation reagents. Exosomes target proteins contents were analyzed by the Western blotting method.
Results: The profiles of potential biomarker candidates in spinal cord homogenate and that of serum-derived exosomes were found elevated in dogs with degenerative myelopathy as compared to control subjects.
Conclusions: Serum-derived exosomal biomolecules can serve as surrogate biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases.KEY MESSAGESA canine with degenerative myelopathy can serve as a model animal to study human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Serum-derived exosomes contain Transactive Response DNA Binding Protein 43 (TDP-43), a potential biomarker candidate.The levels of spinal cord TDP-43 proteins and that of serum-derived exosomes exhibited similar profiling. Therefore, serum derived exosomes may be used as a venue for establishing blood-based biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases
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