Automatic detection of mass-resolved ion conics

A processing algorithm for automatically detecting a specific type of ion distribution (called the ion conic distribution) in data obtained from a space-based mass spectrometer has been devised. Automation of this task is necessary due to the sparseness of conic events within the very large databases typical of space plasma instruments. The algorithm used to perform this automated analysis and the methods used to verify the algorithm are described. Initial results on the characterization of the near-Earth space plasma are summarized     

Global Shape Analysis by k-Syntactic Similarity

The k-syntactic similarity approach is couched in graphical representation terms and its ability to provide global recognition capability while retaining a low time complexity is explored. One potential application domain, that of composite shape decomposition into approximately convex subshapes, is described. This is shown to be equivalent to finding cycles within a particular graph. The approach yields valid decompositions in many cases of interest, and is capable of identifying those cases where additional semantic considerations are necessary for proper analysis. The permissible graph structures representing composite shapes given a reasonable set of relations are determined. Experimental results on nonideal data are given.     

Collaborative Learning vs. Lecture/Discussion: Students' Reported Learning Gains*

This study examined the extent to which undergraduate engineering courses taught using active and collaborative learning methods differ from traditional lecture and discussion courses in their ability to promote the development of students' engineering design, problem‐solving, communication, and group participation skills. Evidence for the study comes from 480 students enrolled in 17 active or collaborative learning courses/sections and six traditional courses/sections at six engineering schools. Results indicate that active or collaborative methods produce both statistically significant and substantially greater gains in student learning than those associated with more traditional instructional methods. These learning advantages remained even when differences in a variety of student pre‐course characteristics were controlled.     

The adaptive nature of cognitive immaturity.

The prolonged cognitive immaturity characteristic of human youth is described as adaptive in and of itself. The adaptive nature of cognitive immaturity is examined in developmental research in the areas of metacognition, egocentricity, plasticity and the speed of information processing, and language acquisition. Some of the consequences of viewing children's immature cognition as adaptive for cognitive development and education are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Age differences in, and consequences of, multiple- and variable-strategy use on a multitrial sort-recall task.

Second-, 3rd-, and 4th-grade children were given 5 sort-recall trials with different sets of categorizable items. The authors assessed multiple-strategy use on each trial and related intertrial changes in strategy use to levels of recall. Multiple-strategy use increased with age but was observed at all grades. Fourth graders who used more strategies had higher recall, with this pattern occurring only on later trials for 2nd and 3rd graders. Children of all ages showed substantial intertrial variability in using multiple strategies. Stable-strategy use (few strategy changes across trials) was related to high levels of recall, both for individual and group data, and was associated with the use of different numbers of strategies at different ages. Results were interpreted in light of new research and theory postulating that multiple- and variable-strategy use is the rule rather than the exception in development and that strategies do not always facilitate task performance (utilization deficiencies). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Some properties of polypyrrole-paper composites

It is shown that porous materials such as paper can be impregnated with a conducting polymer by first soaking the paper in a solution of metal salt which acts as an initiator for subsequent polymerization. By using this procedure the conductivity of filter paper can be raised to as high as 2 (ohm cm)⁻¹ for an FeCl₃/H₂0/pyrrole combination. The role of the metal ion is discussea and it is pointed out that the impregnated papers exhibit both ionic and electronic conductivity. The polypyrrole paper composites exhibit some properties similar to carbon black-polymer composites.     

The View from the Top: Leaders' Perspectives on a Decade of Change in Engineering Education*

Researchers at The Pennsylvania State University's Center for the Study of Higher Education conducted 27 semi‐structured one‐hour interviews with the deans, chairs, faculty, industry leaders, and association officers who comprise the leadership of national engineering education societies and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. During the interviews, these leaders described what they believe are the two most significant changes in the in the field of engineering education during the last decade. This article discusses the sources and pervasiveness of each change, how each change has influenced policy or practice in engineering education, and the best ways to encourage faculty involvement in the change.