Effects of multiple-try feedback and question type during mathematics problem solving on performance in similar problems

In a study of mathematics problem solving, the effect of providing multiple-try feedback on later success in solving similar problems was examined. Participants solved mathematics problems that were presented as either multiple-choice or open-ended questions, and were provided with one of four types of feedback: no feedback (NF), immediate knowledge of the correct response (KCR), multiple-try feedback with knowledge of the correct response (MTC), or multiple-try feedback with hints after an initial incorrect response (MTH). Results showed that gains in performance were larger in the open-ended than multiple-choice condition. Furthermore, gains under NF and KCR were similar, gains were larger under MTC than KCR, and gains were larger under MTH than MTC. The implications of these results for the design of assessments for learning are discussed.     

PMU based voltage security assessment of power systems exploiting principal component analysis and decision trees

The need for feature selection and dimension reduction is felt as a fundamental step in security assessment of large power systems in which the number of features representing the state of power grids dramatically increases. These large amounts of attributes are not proper to be used for computational intelligence (CI) techniques as inputs, because it may lead to a time consuming procedure with insufficient results and they are not suitable for on-line purposes and updates.This paper proposes a combined method for an online voltage security assessment in which the dimension of the token data from phasor measurement units (PMUs) is reduced by principal component analysis (PCA). Then, the features with different stability indices are put into several categories and feature selection is done by correlation analysis in each category. These selected features are then given to decision trees (DTs) for classification and security assessment of power systems.The method is applied to 39-bus test system and a part of Iran power grid. It is seen from the results that the DTs with reduced data have simpler splitting rules, better performance in saving time, reasonable DT error and they are more suitable for constant updates.     

Assessment of the different sources of uncertainty in a SWAT model of the River Senne (Belgium)

Although rainfall input uncertainties are widely identified as being a key factor in hydrological models, the rainfall uncertainty is typically not included in the parameter identification and model output uncertainty analysis of complex distributed models such as SWAT and in maritime climate zones. This paper presents a methodology to assess the uncertainty of semi-distributed hydrological models by including, in addition to a list of model parameters, additional unknown factors in the calibration algorithm to account for the rainfall uncertainty (using multiplication factors for each separately identified rainfall event) and for the heteroscedastic nature of the errors of the stream flow. We used the Differential Evolution Adaptive Metropolis algorithm (DREAM_(zs)) to infer the parameter posterior distributions and the output uncertainties of a SWAT model of the River Senne (Belgium). Explicitly considering heteroscedasticity and rainfall uncertainty leads to more realistic parameter values, better representation of water balance components and prediction uncertainty intervals.     

Quantitative risk assessment using a Japanese hydrogen refueling station model

Although hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) are becoming widespread across Japan and are essential for the operation of fuel cell vehicles, they present potential hazards. A large number of accidents such as explosions or fires have been reported, rendering it necessary to conduct a number of qualitative and quantitative risk assessments for HRSs. Current safety codes and technical standards related to Japanese HRSs have been established based on the results of a qualitative risk assessment and quantitative effectiveness validation of safety measures over ten years ago. In the last decade, there has been much development in the technologies of the components or facilities used in domestic HRSs and much operational experience as well as knowledge to use hydrogen in HRSs safely have been gained through years of commercial operation. The purpose of the present study is to conduct a quantitative risk assessment (QRA) of the latest HRS model representing Japanese HRSs with the most current information and to identify the most significant scenarios that pose the greatest risks to the physical surroundings in the HRS model. The results of the QRA show that the risk contours of 10^?3 and 10^?4 per year were confined within the HRS boundaries, whereas the risk contours of 10^?5 and 10^?6 per year are still present outside the HRS. Comparing the breakdown of the individual risks (IRs) at the risk ranking points, we conclude that the risk of jet fire demonstrates the highest contribution to the risks at all of the risk ranking points and outside the station. To reduce these risks and confine the risk contour of 10^?6 per year within the HRS boundaries, it is necessary to consider risk mitigation measures for jet fires.     

Defining strategies to improve success of technology transfer efforts: An integrated tool for risk assessment

Science Based Innovation relies on effective Technology Transfer efforts. Defining strategies that increase high-technology projects success in the market is a necessary and challenging activity. This comprises elements like market uncertainty and the need for timely decision making within an environment of limited resources (economic, time, human, among others). In this context, Technology Intelligence (TI) generates useful knowledge to reduce risk and improve decision making. This work provides a tool to identify and qualitatively measure different risks; highlighted by previous TI activities. Such risks, their level and mitigation alternatives are also discussed. Furthermore, we create a simple, yet useful tool to calculate a risk score for technology projects at early stages of development. This tool was developed in a Technology Transfer Office to foster the development of entrepreneurial ventures.     

Environmental impact assessment of bio-hydrogenated diesel from hydrogen and co-product of palm oil industry

Bio-hydrogenated diesel (BHD) is a second generation biofuel that can be produced from vegetable oil and hydrogen via hydroprocessing. BHD is considered as one of alternative and renewable energy. This work presents evaluation of environmental impacts of BHD produced from palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) compared to fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). Greenhouse gas emission, energy consumption, and overall environmental impacts are assessed. System boundary is from palm oil cultivation to BHD production. The functional unit is defined as 1 kg of fuel produced at the plant. The results indicate that energy consumption of BHD-PFAD is 1.18 times higher than that of BHD-FAME, while giving GHG emission 13.56 times lower than that of BHD-FAME. The results of overall environmental impacts indicated that BHD-PFAD was 3.58 greater than that of BHD-FAME.     

A Hybrid Virtual Cloud Learning Model during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the educational systems worldwide, leading to the near-total closures of schools, universities, and colleges. Universities need to adapt to changes to face this crisis without negatively affecting students’ performance. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to identify and help solve to critical challenges and factors that influence the e-learning system for Computer Maintenance courses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper examines the effect of a hybrid modeling approach that uses Cloud Computing Services (CCS) and Virtual Reality (VR) in a Virtual Cloud Learning Environment (VCLE) system. The VCLE system provides students with various utilities and educational services such as presentation slides/text, data sharing, assignments, quizzes/tests, and chatrooms. In addition, learning through VR enables the students to simulate physical presence, and they respond well to VR environments that are closer to reality as they feel that they are an integral part of the environment. Also, the research presents a rubric assessment that the students can use to reflect on the skills they used during the course. The research findings offer useful suggestions for enabling students to become acquainted with the proposed system’s usage, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and for improving student achievement more than the traditional methods of learning.     

基于“动态学习数据分析”的智慧课堂 评价考核体系构建

This paper firstly describes the current situation and limitations of learning evaluation and assessment in colleges and uni- versities; then, it analyzes the possibility of implementing the learning evaluation and assessment based on "dynamic learning data analysis"; then, it describes the design process of the learning evaluation and assessment system in detail; finally, it determines the various assessment items and carries out quantitative processing to better apply them to actual teaching.     

压水堆堆芯损伤评价系统研究与开发

堆芯损伤评价是反应堆事故后应急评价的重要组成部分。本文在国外文献基础上,结合国内的运行经验,对压水堆堆芯损伤评价进行研究,并开发了相应的软件程序。堆芯损伤评价包括基于堆芯裸露时间、在线监测仪表读数和取样分析数据三种方法。考虑应急实时要求、电厂实际情况与国际经验,本文采用了基于在线监测仪表读数的评价方法,该方法主要是基于堆芯热电偶读数与安全壳辐射监测仪表读数进行评价,其他监测仪表读数进行辅助合理性证实。     

Toxic response of aquatic organisms to guide application of artemisinin sustained-release granule algaecide

In our previous study, we prepared the granules by embedding artemisinin into alginate-chitosan using microcapsule technology. Thesgranules can release artemisinin sustainably and have a strong inhibitory effect on the growth of both single Microcystis aeruginosa and mixealgae. To safely and effectively use artemisinin sustained-release granules to control algal blooms, the ecotoxicity was studied by assessing theacute and chronic toxicity to Daphnia magna(D. magna) and Danio rerio(D. rerio), along with their antioxidant activities. The results showethat the 48-h median effective concentration(EC50) of pure artemisinin to D. magna was 24.54 mg/L and the 96-h median lethal concentratio(LC50) of pure artemisinin to D. rerio was 68.08 mg/L. Both values were classified as intermediate toxicity according to the Organization foEconomic Co-operation and Development(OECD). The optimal algae inhibitory concentration of artemisinin sustained-release granules(1 g/Lhad low acute toxicity to both D. magna and D. rerio. The sustained-release granules had higher chronic toxicity to D. magna than to D. reriPartial indices of D. magna were inhibited by granules when the concentrations were larger than 0.1 g/L. Low granule concentration had ainductive effect on antioxidant enzyme activities in D. magna and D. rerio. With the increase of the exposure concentration and time, the enzymactivity presented a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, and the overall changes were significant. The change trend and range of enzymactivity indicated that the granules could cause serious oxidative stress to D. magna and D. rerio, and the changes were consistent with the resultof toxicity experimentation.