ABSTRACT:
An effect of an electric field on proliferation and on differentiation of cultured muscle cells has been studied in vitro. C2C12 (the mouse myoblast cell line originated with the cross-striated muscle of C3H mouse) was exposed to electric stimuli. In the first experiment, the adhered cells were exposed to the electric field between two electrodes made of platinum wire of 0.2 mm diameter dipped in the medium at 37 degrees Celsius for 72 hours. The electric pulses at a period of one second with a pulse width of 0.1 second were generated with a function generator. Variation was made on the pulse amplitude < 12 V. The number of adhered cells was counted after exposure to electric stimulation. In the second experiment, the cells were cultivated for 96 hours without electric stimulation in an incubator, after electric stimulation of 0.1 V for 72 hours. After incubation, the movement of myotubes was observed with electric stimulation at a period of one second with a pulse width of one millisecond of 30 V. The experimental results show that cells adhere and proliferate under electric pulses lower than 8 V, and that differentiation accelerates with the electric pulses of 0.1 V.

ABSTRACT:
Even if difficulties of the students in sciences are diversified, most seem linked to deficiencies in their understanding of basic concepts. Since about twenty years, different researches tried to bring solutions in this problem, favouring the multiplication of directives that can be applied to science education. To integrate their results, we offer a second order cybernetic model of scientific conceptual understanding which allows, not only to describe all the paths learners took to understand, but also to choose instructional strategies of education appropriate to do so. We illustrate the application of this model to the teaching of the kinematical concepts of speed and acceleration. As a conclusion, we draw limits of the model and make suggestions for future research.

ABSTRACT:
The bacterial Cell Cycle is presented using the Simulation program CCSim, which employs four parameters related to time (inter-division , replication C, division D) and size (mass at replication initiation Mi), sufficient to describe and compare bacterial cells under various conditions. The parameter values can be altered and the effects of the alterations can be seen. CCSim is easy to use and presents the kinetics of cell growth in a digestible format. Replicating chromosomes and growing bacillary cells are coupled to parameters that affect the cell cycle and animated. It serves as an educational tool to teach bacteriology and to compare experimental observations with the model best describing cell growth thus improve our understanding of regulatory mechanisms. Examples are displayed of transitions between known physiological states that are consistent with experimental results, including one that explains strange observations. The program predicts enhanced division frequencies after a period of slow replication under thymine limitation if a minimal distance (Eclipse) exists between successive replisomes, as observed. Missing features and ways to improve, extend and refine CCSim are proposed, for both single cells and random populations under steady-states of exponential growth and during well-defined transitions. Future improvements and extensions are proposed for single cells and populations.

ABSTRACT:
In this paper, we present I-FLEG, a 3D language game designed for interactively learning French as a second language. I-FLEG differs from previous computer-aided language learning (CALL) approaches in that it combines a situated, language learning environment with advanced artificial intelligence and natural language generation techniques which support user adaptivity and the automatic, context-aware generation of learning material. In addition, because it is integrated in a 3D virtual reality environment, IFLEG naturally supports e-learning and facilitates the collection of test data.

ABSTRACT:
The paper will explore how a social media based E-learning 2.0 solution for formal learning (social IS) can be implemented, focusing on the technology acceptance process. The paper aims to increase the knowledge on how the acceptance regarding social media based E-learning 2.0 information systems for formal learning can be increased and how the acceptance affects the social learning experience. To achieve this, the paper relies on both a qualitative and quantitative approach and is primarily inductive. The paper concludes that the acceptance cannot be seen as a linear process, as is common practice. Instead, one should see the process of acceptance as interlinked with the experience and external variables in a continuous process that can either ‘spiral’ upwards or downwards. Furthermore, the paper identifies the problem of innovation resistance. The paper then analyzes information gathered from industry experts, practitioners and a live case to find how one can improve acceptance and thereby the social learning experience. Once these variables have been identified the paper presents strategic advice. The paper ends by a discussion of the results, both regarding the impact and contrast to previous research as well as highlighting areas for further research

ABSTRACT:
This paper provides a brief overview of the scope of learner corpus research and describes a learner corpus by Spanish university students of English, the NOn-native Spanish corpus of English (NOSE). It presents the corpus data, its annotation and how it can be retrieved and exploited for research purposes in the areas of interlanguage studies and automatic recognition of learner-specific features. It also reviews the various research topics that have been investigated in the corpus.

ABSTRACT:
In this paper, we present an approach to create and integrate interactive 3D learning objects of high quality for higher education into a learning management system. The use of these resources allows to visualize topics, such as electro-technical and physical processes in the interior of complex devices. This paper addresses the challenge of combining rich interactivity and adequate realism with 3D exercise material for distance elearning.

ABSTRACT:
Nowadays firms have to use concurrent design to meet customers’ expectations. A plural approach to the design process is essential. Unfortunately, the design activity involves experts specialized in various aspects of the product such as aesthetics, ergonomics and mechanics. Thus the collaboration between these experts is particularly difficult in the convergence steps and often results in complex adjustments. This paper details a proposition of design methodology based on a multidisciplinary approach, using virtual reality tools. Our goal is to facilitate the integration of ergonomics and aesthetics in a mechanical design process. In this context, we consider virtual reality as an intermediary design tool useful for collaborative decision support during convergence phases. We present our methodology and associated tools tested during an industrial project, by focusing on an aesthetics-mechanics convergence step.

ABSTRACT:
The authors propose a new creative concept of “metaengineering” as a dynamic engineering approach that is effective for breakthrough innovation. A science and technology driven country is expected to play a leading role in addressing increasingly more diversified global issues and in solving them with maintaining harmony of sustainable growth of human society and preservation of environment in recent years. A key for performing such a role lies in innovation by continual orchestration of global issues, science and technology, and new social value. Addressing merely emerging issues with science and technology is insufficient for realizing breakthrough innovation. The proposal maintains that the spiral process is a key driving force for innovation and solution of challenges that future societies are faced with. The processes include “mining invisible and potential/latent issues from bird

ABSTRACT:
The mathematic representation of the tailrace elevation as function of the water release can be modified, for example, by the geomorphologic impact of large floods. The level-release polynomial from a hydroelectric plant is important information to computational models used for optimization and simulation of the power generation systems operation. They depend on data quality to provide reliable results. Therefore, this paper presents a method for adjusting of the tailrace polynomial based on operation data recorded by the plant’s owner or company. The proposed method uses a non-linear regression tool, such as Trendline in Excel. A case study has been applied to the data from a large Brazilian hydroelectric plant whose operation is under the coordination of the Electric System ational Operator. The benefits of the data correction are analyzed using a simulation model for the hydroelectric plants operation. This simulator is used to reproduce the past operation of the plant, first with official data and second with adjusted data. The results show significant improvements in terms of quality of the data, contributing to bring the real and simulated operation closer.

ABSTRACT:
The relatively low% of students promoted and regularized in Operating Systems Course of the LSI (Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems) of FaCENA (Faculty of Sciences and Natural Surveying - Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Naturales y Agrimensura) of UNNE (academic success), prompted this work, whose objective is to determine the variables that affect the academic performance, whereas the final status of the student according to the Res. 185/03 CD (scheme for evaluation and promotion): promoted, regular or free1. The variables considered are: status of the student, educational level of parents, secondary education, socio-economic level, and others. Data warehouse (Data Warehouses: DW) and data mining (Data Mining: DM) techniques were used to search pro.les of students and determine success or failure academic potential situations. Classifications through techniques of clustering according to different criteria have become. Some criteria were the following: mining of classification according to academic program, according to final status of the student, according to importance given to the study, mining of demographic clustering and Kohonen clustering according to final status of the student. Were conducted statistics of partition, detail of partitions, details of clusters, detail of fields and frequency of fields, overall quality of each process and quality detailed (precision, classification, reliability), arrays of confusion, diagrams of gain / elevation, trees, distribution of nodes, of importance of fields, correspondence tables of fields and statistics of cluster. Once certain profiles of students with low academic performance, it may address actions aimed at avoiding potential academic failures. This work aims to provide a brief description of aspects related to the data warehouse built and some processes of data mining developed on the same.

ABSTRACT:
The aim of this research was to study the professional development of college teacher educators by teaching them computer skills. The study covered 25 instructors and lecturers teaching at a teacher training college who participated in a course of computer applications in teaching. Each one of the teachers applied the skills acquired in the course in his classroom in his area of specialization. The data was gathered by means of an open-ended questionnaire and a survey of the teachers

ABSTRACT:
This paper describes an adaptive, complex network architecture for knowledge representation in virtual mindspace. Structures and processes for knowing, remembering, thinking, learning, deciding, and communicating describe a virtual geometric space (mathematical model) of a notional mind. This mindspace model can be visualized as a workspace and this paper provides a glimpse of a virtual model of the mind.

ABSTRACT:
Contemporary computer science curricula must accommodate a broad array of developments important to the field. Tough choices have to be made between introducing newer topics and retaining fundamentals that ground the discipline as a whole. All too frequently, understanding of low level coding and its relation to basic hardware is sacrificed to make room for newer material. VN-Sim, a von Neumann machine simulator, provides a mechanism for streamlined coverage of low level coding and hardware topics.

ABSTRACT:
Even though policies related to water and energy generally dealt with them separately, the two resources are highly interconnected. Energy is required to maintain water supplies while water is essential to produce energy. However, the models developed to estimate future water allocations and energy systems are usually uncorrelated. In order to jointly consider water and energy uses, a water module has been added to the global TIAM-FR prospective energy system model. Water footprints for the processes in terms of withdrawals and consumptions were implemented in the model. This proposed TIAM-FR model shows how water issues are crucial in energy production and can constitute a tool to observe if future energy mixes could be plausible in regards of water availability.

ABSTRACT:
We report early findings on the efficacy of a technology-based project in increasing self-identification for girls and underserved youth to self-select STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers. ITEAMS (Innovative Technology- Enabled Astronomy for Middle Schools) – an out-of-schooltime program with online, robotic telescopes as its central focus – targets girls and minority students underrepresented in STEMrelated vocations. The participating students attend urban schools in Eastern Massachusetts. ITEAMS’ twofold goal is to: a) provide inspiration for the participants to pursue STEM careers, and b) increase the students’ mastery of foundational subject matter so they are prepared for the rigor of further STEM study. We use an online system for surveys and assessments, the former to capture attitudinal changes about career choices, and the latter to assess the students’ subject matter knowledge. Participating students take pre-, intermediate, and post subject-matter tests and career-interest surveys. While we find statistically significant gains in subject matter knowledge free of gender, race, or school bias, we also find girls profess less interest than boys in STEM careers as early as grades five and six, although other attitudinal indicators suggest ways to reverse that trend.

ABSTRACT:
The IEEE (formerly the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) is the world's largest professional society dedicated to the advancement of technology. While it is indeed growing into multiple technology areas, the IEEE is still first an organization of electrical, electronics, and computer engineering professionals. It has over 400,000 members and publishes nearly 100, first-tier, peer-reviewed journals. As such a large purveyor of scholarly works, engineering faculty at almost all academic institutions (doctoral granting and non-doctoral granting) are familiar with the IEEE. For this reason, the IEEE makes an excellent case study for the relevance of first-tier, peer-reviewed journals in the tenure and promotion process at non-doctoral granting engineering institutions. In our work, we surveyed editors of the 97 IEEE journals. 93% of respondents indicated that 10% or less of their submissions were from non-academic institutions. None (0%) of the respondents believed that the number of non-doctoral granting institution submissions would be increasing over the next three years. In fact, a majority of the respondents (55%) see the number of non-doctoral granting institution submissions decreasing in the same time frame. To correlate this data, we examined a sample of 2,099 articles published in the first issue of each IEEE journal in 2009. 357 (17%) of these 2,099 articles were authored by individuals from academic institutions in the United States. Of the 357, only 35 were published by individuals from non-doctoral granting institutions (1.7%), with only 8 (0.38%) from institutions where a bachelor degree is the highest offered.