A dynamic analysis of the interplay between asynchronous and synchronous communication in online learning: The impact of motivation

With the increased affordances of synchronous communication tools, more opportunities for online learning to resemble face‐to‐face settings have recently become available. However, synchronous communication does not afford as much time for reflection as asynchronous communication. Therefore, a combination of synchronous and asynchronous communication in e‐learning would seem desirable to optimally support learner engagement and the quality of student learning. It is still an open question though, how to best design online learning with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous communication opportunities over time. Few studies have investigated the relationship between learners' actual use of synchronous and asynchronous communication over time. Therefore, this study addressed that relationship in an online course (N = 110), taking into account student motivation, and employing a dynamic inter‐temporal perspective. In line with our assumptions, we found some support for the expected association between autonomous motivation and engagement in asynchronous and synchronous communication, be it restricted primarily to the first course period. Also, positive relations between engagement in synchronous and asynchronous communication were found, with the strongest influence from using asynchronous to synchronous communication. This study adds to the knowledge base needed to develop guidelines on how synchronous communication can be combined with asynchronous learning.     

Self‐regulation during e‐learning: using behavioural evidence from navigation log files

The current paper examined the relationship between perceived characteristics of the learning environment in an e‐module in relation to test performance among a group of e‐learners. Using structural equation modelling, the relationship between these variables is further explored in terms of the proposed double mediation as outlined by Ning and Downing. These authors initially proposed that motivation and self‐regulation strategies are mediators between the perception of the learning environment and performance. In our replication and extension study, we substituted self‐reported self‐regulation with behavioural indicators of self‐regulation using navigation log files and focused on test‐taking rather than general motivation. We proposed that navigational patterns captured using log files can also help deduce self‐regulation in e‐modules and provide information in the absence of self‐reports. Path analyses provide partial support for our navigational hypotheses and the model. Implications of our results for the use of e‐module data and conclusions based on navigation are discussed.     

区域生态水利经济系统的初步探讨

根据生态经济学理论、 生态水利研究和区域水资源合理配置理论, 运用系统分析的方法, 结合我国区域生态水 利经济系统研究现状, 在分析区域生态水利经济系统的基本理念的基础上, 探讨了区域生态水利经济系统的组成要 素, 研究了区域生态水利经济系统的发展变化规律。以期为区域经济社会新的发展模式的建立提供理论基础和思 路, 对推动我国自然环境的保护和经济社会的发展起到一定的作用。     

ClO2的制备方法及其储存条件的研究

本文采用了以还原性有机酸—草酸代替无机酸和无机还原剂还原氯酸钠制备二氧化氯的工艺,来研究生产二氧化氯的最佳方法以及二氧化氯溶液的储存条件。结果表明,该法工艺简单,成本低,无设备腐蚀,而且产品纯度高,产率可达90%以上。生产出的二氧化氯采用低温(1℃～2℃)蒸馏水吸收,效果较好,其溶液在密闭、低温、暗处等条件下,保存较好。     

H_5N_1亚型禽流感病毒血凝素基因的克隆及分子进化分析

目的　克隆H5N1 亚型禽流感病毒HA基因并进行分子进化分析。方法　应用RT PCR方法 ,以 2株H5N1 亚型禽流感病毒RNA为模板 ,扩增了HA全基因cDNA。将HAcDNA基因克隆于pUCm T载体 ,并对其进行了测序。结果　所克隆的HA基因全长为 1731bp ,共编码 5 6 8个氨基酸。将该毒株与其它 10株H5亚型禽流感病毒HA基因序列核苷酸及氨基酸进行比较 ,其核苷酸同源性在 80 5 %～ 99 2 %之间 ,氨基酸序列同源性在 89 4 %～98 6 %之间。高致病性毒株HA基因裂解位点存在多个碱性氨基酸插入。结论　为禽流感基因工程疫苗的研制奠定了基础 ,同时通过分子进化分析也揭示了各毒株间的亲缘关系。     

Implementation of Web‐based argumentation in facilitating elementary school students to learn environmental issues

This research develops a Web‐based argumentation system named the Web‐based Interactive Argumentation System (WIAS). WIAS can provide teachers with the scaffolding for argumentation instruction. Students can propose their statements, collect supporting evidence and share and discuss with peers online. This research adopts a quasi‐experimental design, applying WIAS to the teaching of environmental issues, including mudslides, global warming and nuclear power. Fifty‐seven elementary school fifth graders from two classes participated in this research. With each class as a unit, they were divided into the WIAS group (n = 30) and the traditional argumentation instruction (TAI) group (n = 27). Before research, all students took the pre‐test of the ‘achievement test for environmental issues (ATEI)’ and the ‘environmental literacy scale (ELS).’ Then all students received argumentation training and six classes of argumentation instruction. Students in the WIAS group performed argumentation in the WIAS, while those in the TAI group performed argumentation in a traditional classroom. After the six‐class argumentation instruction, all students took the post‐test of the ATEI and ELS. The results show that students in the WIAS group have significantly better learning effectiveness than those in the TAI group. Students in the WIAS group also exhibited significantly better improvement in their environmental literacy.     

Hydrolysis of human horny cells by alkaline protease: Morphological observation of the process

The interaction of highly purified alkaline protease fromBacillus sp. KSM-K16 with the horny cells of human skin contained in skin grime was directly visualized by electron microscopy. It became clear that the protease first penetrates the horny cells and then adsorbs, mainly onto the internal structure of the cells at the initial stage of hydrolysis, and directly hydrolyzes the keratin filaments, though the marginal band surrounding them retains its original shape. Then, hydrolysate produced from the keratin filaments flows out of the cell, and early in the hydrolysis process keratin filaments decrease and then disappear, leaving a marginal band, i.e., the cell turns to a hollow state. As a result, the remaining marginal band loses support from inside the cell, thus promoting cleavage and dispersion. Until this stage in the protease reaction, the remarkable liberation of hydrolysis products as water-soluble protein does not occur.     

Klebsieila sp．601细菌漆酶的鉴定及性质

从森林树木根部土壤中分离得到一株具有2，6-二甲氧基酚（DMP）和2，2＇-连氮基-双（3-乙基苯丙噻唑啉-6磺酸（ABTS）氧化活性的细菌。Cu^2＋、Ca^2＋、Mn^2＋、Fe^2＋和Mg^2＋可诱导细菌表达活性的胞质可溶性单体酶蛋白。该酶进行DMP或ABTS氧化时需要铜离子的协助，在pH5．0～7．5范围内氧化DMP，在pH4．0～4．5范围内氧化ABTS，但不能氧化酪氨酸。SDS-PAGE估测酶蛋白分子量大约为55kD。经60℃处理4h或pH10条件下透析20h仍能保持酶活性。16S rDNA序列分析结合常规细菌形态学分析，表明该细菌属于克雷伯氏菌（Klebsiella）属，并命名为Klebsiella sp．60l。这是首例报道Klebsiella细菌菌株具有漆酶活性。     

Implicit Bayesian Inference Using Option Prices

Abstract. A Bayesian approach to option pricing is presented in which posterior inference about the underlying returns process is conducted implicitly via observed option prices. A range of models allowing for conditional leptokurtosis, skewness and time‐varying volatility in returns are considered, with posterior parameter distributions and model probabilities backed out from the option prices. Models are ranked according to several criteria, including out‐of‐sample predictive and hedging performance. The methodology accommodates heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation in the option pricing errors, as well as regime shifts across contract groups. The method is applied to intraday option price data on the S&P500 stock index for 1995. While the results provide support for models that accommodate leptokurtosis and skewness, no one model dominates when all criteria are considered.     

Memory E?cient Two-Pass 3D FFT Algorithm for Intelr Xeon PhiTM Coprocessor

Equipped with 512-bit wide SIMD instructions and large numbers of computing cores, the emerging x86-based Intelr Many Integrated Core (MIC) Architecture provides not only high floating-point performanc...