The Anatomy of an adaptive multimedia presentation system

The use of multimedia presentations within learning environments is described and guidelines for the design of good E-Learning systems are identified. It is argued that a linear sequential presentation of knowledge segments is effective, but that the user is provided with optional links to relevant segments during the presentation. The synchronisation of multiple media is considered and the design of a prototype E-Learning system is discussed. The segmentation of material is then discussed and how the information can be stored in a data repository consider with respect to the requirement of accessing linked segments. Finally, the nature of adaptivity is discussed leading to a discussion of the salient parts of an adaptive multimedia presentation system

How do climbing palms climb and why are they so long?

Climbing plants require a combination of mechanical properties during their growth that differs radically from self-supporting trees and shrubs. This mechanical requirement appears to be the same across many major groups of plants including monocots and dicots. One of the main trends in mechanical properties during development in climbers is the shift from relatively stiff to highly flexible stem properties. Whereas most woody dicotyledons produce this kind of change via elaborate secondary growth, climbing palms must produce stiffness, then flexibility by other means. The appearance of a very similar climbing habit in both the Arecoideae and Calamoideae has fascinated botanists for many years, especially since true rattans have some of the longest plant stems known. We investigated the developmental and biomechanical traits that are linked to attachment and stem biomechanics in both groups. The developmental constraints existing in palms including the lack of secondary growth have a profound influence on the kind of mechanical strategy adopted by climbing palms. The shift from high stiffness to high flexibility is made possible by the development of a stiff outer leaf sheath in early growth and then its senescence and loss during later development. Furthermore, when axes possessing a leaf sheath are submitted to overwhelming bending forces - such as during tree-falls - shattering of the leaf sheath releases the critical strains and fracture surfaces are not propagated across the internal stem. A major developmental constraint in palms linked to the continuous production of leaves at the stem apex, has a particularly profound effect on the climbing life histories. Whereas senescence of the leaf sheath provides a “cheap” way of producing high flexibility – compared with woody lianas, that same senescence also removes the mode of attachment on which the plant relies on to maintain its position and survival. Rattans are famous for their extremely long stems that can be several times longer than the height of the forest canopy in which they grow. More specifically, the extreme lengths of rattans and some arecoid climbers such as Desmoncus, result from a positive feed-back loop between attachment and the necessary stem mechanics. First, slender stems of canopy climbers must become flexible or they will be liable to fail. Second, to remain attached in the forest canopy, climbing palms must continue to produce more cirri or flagella and more stiff lengths of young stem/leaf sheath to access new supports as the established attachments fail. The positive feed-back between traits in climbing palms can be likened to a Red Queen dynamic whereby climbing palms must keep growing to stay in the same place. (Résumé d'auteur

Requirements for an Adaptive Multimedia Presentation System with Contextual Supplemental Support Media

Investigations into the requirements for a practical adaptive multimedia presentation system have led the writers to propose the use of a video segmentation process that provides contextual supplementary updates produced by users. Supplements consisting of tailored segments are dynamically inserted into previously stored material in response to questions from users. A proposal for the use of this technique is presented in the context of personalisation within a Virtual Learning Environment. During the investigation, a brief survey of advanced adaptive approaches revealed that adaptation may be enhanced by use of manually generated metadata, automated or semi-automated use of metadata by stored context dependent ontology hierarchies that describe the semantics of the learning domain. The use of neural networks or fuzzy logic filtering is a technique for future investigation. A prototype demonstrator is under construction

Development of a data model for an Adaptive Multimedia Presentation System (AMPS)

We investigate the requirements and nature of data models for a multimedia learning system that presents adaptable learning objects based on a range of stimuli provided by the student and tutor. A conceptual model is explored together with a proposal for an implementation using the well-known relational data model. We also investigate how to describe the learning objects in the form of hierarchical subject ontology. An ontological calculus is created to allow knowledge metrics to be constructed for evaluation within data models. We further consider the limitations of the relational abstract data model to accurately represent the meaning and understanding of learning objects and contrast this with less structured data models implicit in ontological hierarchies. Our findings indicate that more consideration is needed into how to match traditional data models with ontological structures, especially in the area of database integrity constraints

Diversity of large woody lignophytes preceding the extinction of Archaeopteris: new data from the middle Tournaisian of Thuringia (Germany)

International audienceAnatomically preserved axes representing three lignophyte species occur in the middle Tournaisian deposit of Kahlleite in Thuringia. One is characterized by a small oval eustele, short uniseriate rays, and alternate distichous phyllotaxy. It is assigned to the progymnosperm genus Protopitys. The two others share a eustelic primary vascular system comprising a parenchymatous pith and numerous xylem strands in a peripheral position. The secondary xylem comprises rays that are mostly uniseriate and rarely exceed 20 cells in height. One is referred to as Eristophyton sp.; the second, characterized by ray cells showing a wide range of sizes and shapes is assigned to Aporoxylon primigenium. These records extend the stratigraphical range of Protopitys and Eristophyton down to the middle Tournaisian and confirm their great longevity through most of the Mississippian. They suggest that the diversity of putative arborescent lignophytes co-occurring with Archaeopteris around the D/C boundary but surviving successfully above this limit has been underestimated

Validation of an electrogoniometry system as a measure of knee kinematics during activities of daily living

Purpose: The increasing use of electrogoniometry (ELG) in clinical research requires the validation of different instrumentation. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the concurrent validity of an ELG system during activities of daily living. Methods: Ten asymptomatic participants gave informed consent to participate. A Biometrics SG150 electrogoniometer was directly compared to a 12 camera three dimensional motion analysis system during walking, stair ascent, stair descent, sit to stand, and stand to sit activities for the measurement of the right knee angle. Analysis of validity was undertaken by linear regression. Standard error of estimate (SEE), standardised SEE (SSEE), and Pearson’s correlation coefficient r were computed for paired trials between systems for each functional activity. Results: The 95% confidence interval of SEE was reasonable between systems across walking (LCI = 2.43 °; UCI = 2.91 °), stair ascent (LCI = 2.09 °; UCI = 2.42 °), stair descent (LCI = 1.79 °; UCI = 2.10 °), sit to stand (LCI = 1.22 °; UCI = 1.41 °), and stand to sit (LCI = 1.17 °; UCI = 1.34 °). Pearson’s correlation coefficient r across walking (LCI = 0.983; UCI = 0.990), stair ascent (LCI = 0.995; UCI = 0.997), stair descent (LCI = 0.995; UCI = 0.997), sit to stand (LCI = 0.998; UCI = 0.999), and stand to sit (LCI = 0.996; UCI = 0.997) was indicative of a strong linear relationship between systems. Conclusion: ELG is a valid method of measuring the knee angle during activities representative of daily living. The range is within that suggested to be acceptable for the clinical evaluation of patients with musculoskeletal conditions

The impact of neoliberalist government reform and regulatory oversight on private training providers in the UK technical education sector

© Nick Smith and Lisa RowePurpose: Adopting the lens of ambidexterity, this paper examines decision-making within private technical education providers as they attempt to meet workforce and UK government training demands against a backdrop of unprecedented pace of global change in technology. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative data, drawn from semi-structured interviews of participants within a private training provider, was analysed thematically to investigate common patterns, clarify understanding and identify development areas to inform government bodies and private provider apprenticeship delivery practices. Findings: The findings reveal the extent to which neoliberalism is potentially undermining technical education reform and increasing regulation whilst decreasing trust and reducing authentic partnerships between key stakeholders, together negatively impacting ambidextrous decision-making. Research limitations/implications: This study is limited by the use of a monolingual, monocultural sample; therefore, a broader cross-section of respondents from a wider range, size and geographical location of training providers may result in a deeper understanding of the varying tensions and challenges associated with technical education reform. Practical implications: This work seeks to inform policymakers of the wider consequences of neoliberalism and provide recommendations for government bodies and technical training providers to work collaboratively in seeking solutions to the barriers in delivering vocational training fit for a future-proof workforce. Originality/value: This paper builds on a limited body of research examining the dual impact of once in a lifetime technological challenges and the consequence of neoliberalism upon ambidextrous decision-making within private providers of post-16 technical education.Unfunde

Reciprocity and critical reflection as the key to social justice in service learning: a case study

Service-learning is experiential education that encourages students as socially responsible and active citizens working in and with members of the community. We consider how these ideas illuminate the ambitions of a unique service-learning opportunity known as ‘Converge,’ a university partnership with a healthcare provider that brings together students and users of mental health services in a variety of educational activities. We are particularly concerned in this article to address the criticism that service learning can exploit marginalised groups for the benefit of student education. We propose that reciprocal relationships which challenge established ideas and practices, together with engaging students in critical and informed analysis are key components in ensuring that service learning is socially just