The work approaches theoretical and implementation issues of a framework for creating and executing Learning Objects (LOs) where problem-solving tasks are ordered according to the matching of two parameters, both calculated automatically: (1) student skill level and (2) problem solution difficulty. They are formally defined as algebraic expressions. The definition of skill level is achieved through a rating-based measure that resembles the ones of game mastery scales, while the solution difficulty is based on mistakes and successes of learners to deal with the problem. An empirical study based on existing students data demonstrated the suitability of the formulas. Besides, the motivational aspects of learning are considered in depth. In this sense, it is importante to propose activitites accordign to the student’s level of expertise, which is achieved through presenting students with exercises that are compatible with the difficulty degree of their cognitive skills. Also, the results of an experiment conducted with four highschool classes using the framework for the domain of logarithmic properties are presented.
Criminal cases in Nigeria, unlike civil cases are preceded by investigation. A good and thorough investigation unravels facts that would support the conviction of an accused person. In Nigeria, the process of investigation is usually undermined by a lot of obstacles and challenges which include: political interference, Ethnic bias etc. This article analyzed the process of investigation, indentified these obstacles and challenges as well as proffered solutions to them.
Microstructure of magnetic materials greatly influences the performance of magnetic properties, and sintering has been used as an agent to tailor the microstructure of these magnetic materials especially ferrites. Nanostructured ferrites prepared by high-energy milling method are often inherently unstable owing to their small constituent sizes, non-equilibrium cation distribution, disordered spin configuration, and high chemical activity. Therefore, sintering of the milled ferrites recrystallizes the nanostructure and causes its transition from an excited metastable (activated) state into the low-energy crystalline state. A better understanding of the response of nanoscale ferrites with changes in temperature is crucial not only for basic science (the development of an atomistic and microscopic theory of the mechanochemical processes) but also because of the technological high-temperature applications in catalysis, ferrofluids and information storage. This chapter discusses on two different sintering schemes, which are a commonly applied multi-sample sintering and a rarely adopted single-sample sintering. Experimental results of single-sample and multi-sample sintering of NiZn ferrites and yttrium iron garnet (YIG) were highlighted, and their microstructural consequences on the magnetic properties were also discussed.
This paper aims to estimate Neyman-Scott rectangular pulse (NSRP) modeling application in representing the storm rainfall that occurred in Peninsular Malaysia. This research utilized hourly rainfall data from 48 rain gauges in Peninsular Malaysia during the period from 1970 to 2008. The raingauge stations are given in four territories, namely northwest, west, southwest, and east. The goodness-of-fit test from NSRP model should be done before the other applications of the model. The conclusion of this research revealed that NSRP model is able to show the rainfall data in Peninsular Malaysia.
This study was carried out on a series of heat-treatable Al-Si-Mg alloys to determine the effects of Fe, Mg, Sr and Be addition on their microstructural characteristics and tensile properties. The results showed that the eutectic temperature was reduced by 10°C with 0.8 wt% Mg addition. The solidification curves and first derivatives of Sr-free alloys with high Fe and Mg contents revealed a peak at 611°C consequent to the formation of a scriptlike Be-Fe (Al8Fe2BeSi) phase, which was very close to the peak for α-Al. The morphology of the β-iron platelets underwent changes due to their dissolution, thinning, necking, and fragmentation with increase in solutionizing time. Increased Mg contents are beneficial to the tensile properties unlike the detrimental effect of increasing Fe contents. Additions of Be and Sr noticeably improved the properties at the same Fe and/or Mg contents, the enhancements being markedly observed at higher Mg contents and reduced Fe levels. At high Fe levels, addition of Be is preferable as it neutralizes the deleterious effects of Fe in these alloys; however, addition of 500 ppm Be is inadequate for interacting with other alloying elements.
Entrepreneurship intention for graduate students like many other job and work career options depends on other considerations. Individuals who pursue their intentions are most likely to implement their intention. Interest in entrepreneurship as career appears to be growing. Reviews show the need in investigating the determinants of entrepreneurship as a career intention of students and it has remains the focus of most of the recent studies. This is due to the facts that entrepreneurs are creating jobs and driving economic development of a nation. In this study, the Theory of Planned Behaviour is applied to investigate students' entrepreneurial motivation and entrepreneurship intention. A total of 413 sets of completed questionnaire collected using the structured sampling methodology from the various faculties, races and student seniority at a University located in Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia were used in the analyses. The factors of entrepreneurial motivation affecting career entrepreneurship intention were found to be behavioural control, subjective norm, and attitude towards entrepreneurship. Behavioural control is found to be at a very good level while subjective norm and attitude towards entrepreneurship are both at a good level. Multiple regression analyses indicated that subjective norm and attitude of self-employment are both significantly related to student immediate and future entrepreneurship intentions. The behavioural control entrepreneurial motivation indicated significant relationship with student immediate career intention. However it was found that it is not related to entrepreneurship career intention. This study implies that young aspirant entrepreneur can be identified and targeted for development via the Planned Behaviour model for entrepreneurial interventions initiatives.
Corticosteroids are adrenal hormones that play important physiologic roles including modulation of glucose metabolism, protein catabolism, alteration of calcium metabolism, regulation of bone turnover, suppression of immune system, and down-regulation of the inflammatory cascade. Because of their diverse effects, corticosteroids have been used therapeutically for treating a wide variety of auto-immune, rheumatologic, inflammatory, neoplastic and infectious diseases. In the field of pulmonology, corticosteroids have been used for the treatment of reactive airway diseases (such as asthma and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sarcoidosis, collagen vascular diseases (such as vasculitic disorders), eosinophilic pneumonitis, idiopathic interstitial pneumonias and infectious disorders (such as laryngotracheobronchitis). Different formulations of corticosteroids are commercially available including tablets, intravenous injections, intramuscular formulations and inhaled preparations. Long-term use of corticosteroids is often limited by their adverse effects, which include abnormal fat deposition, weight gain, diabetes mellitus, cataracts, glaucoma, osteoporosis, osteonecrosis, elevated risk of fractures, increased susceptibility to infections, proximal myopathy, depression, psychosis, adrenal atrophy with risk of Addisonian crisis, abdominal striae, acne vulgaris, delayed wound healing, easy bruising, electrolyte abnormalities and increased risk of peptic ulcer disease. As our understanding of corticosteroids advances, we may be able to identify individuals at higher risk of experiencing adverse effects.