Use Of Computers Research Articles

Using Algebraic Computing To Teach General Relativity And Cosmology

Abstract The article presents some new aspects and experience on the use of computer in teaching general relativity and cosmology for undergraduate students (and not only) with some experience in computer manipulation. Some years ago certain results were reported [1] using old fashioned computer algebra platforms but the growing popularity of graphical platforms as Maple and Mathematica forced us to adapt and reconsider our methods and programs. We will describe some simple algebraic programming procedures (in Maple with GrTensorII package) for obtaining and the study of some exact solutions of the Einstein equations in order to convince a dedicated student in general relativity about the utility of a computer algebra system.

Computer use and stress, sleep disturbances, and symptoms of depression among young adults – a prospective cohort study

BackgroundWe have previously studied prospective associations between computer use and mental health symptoms in a selected young adult population. The purpose of this study was to investigate if high computer use is a prospective risk factor for developing mental health symptoms in a population-based sample of young adults.MethodsThe study group was a cohort of young adults (n = 4163), 20–24 years old, who responded to a questionnaire at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Exposure variables included time spent on computer use (CU) in general, email/chat use, computer gaming, CU without breaks, and CU at night causing lost sleep. Mental health outcomes included perceived stress, sleep disturbances, symptoms of depression, and reduced performance due to stress, depressed mood, or tiredness. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were calculated for prospective associations between exposure variables at baseline and mental health outcomes (new cases) at 1-year follow-up for the men and women separately.ResultsBoth high and medium computer use compared to low computer use at baseline were associated with sleep disturbances in the men at follow-up. High email/chat use was negatively associated with perceived stress, but positively associated with reported sleep disturbances for the men. For the women, high email/chat use was (positively) associated with several mental health outcomes, while medium computer gaming was associated with symptoms of depression, and CU without breaks with most mental health outcomes. CU causing lost sleep was associated with mental health outcomes for both men and women.ConclusionsTime spent on general computer use was prospectively associated with sleep disturbances and reduced performance for the men. For the women, using the computer without breaks was a risk factor for several mental health outcomes. Some associations were enhanced in interaction with mobile phone use. Using the computer at night and consequently losing sleep was associated with most mental health outcomes for both men and women. Further studies should focus on mechanisms relating information and communication technology (ICT) use to sleep disturbances.

Increased Contrast using Computer Manipulations: An Exploitation of an Innate Attractiveness Preference in Female Faces?

Increased Contrast using Computer Manipulations: An Exploitation of an Innate Attractiveness Preference in Female Faces?

SU-E-T-156: Robust Algorithms for Correction of Predicted Electronic Portal Imager Response.

Predicted electronic portal imaging device (EPID) response, as calculated by a commercial treatment planning system (TPS), is up to 15% lower than measured EPID response for off-axis IMRT fields. Two original algorithms are presented to correct for EPID prediction errors. The EPID prediction algorithm and a recent image-to-dose conversion algorithm are each tested for ability to identify TPS dose calculation errors. By comparing test images to respective predictions, correction factors were calculated to modify the EPID diagonal calibration profile (applied via radial symmetry). Secondly, image/prediction comparisons were used to compute a 2D correction matrix for EPID predictions, to account for radially-asymmetric errors. Over 50 IMRT fields of varying complexity were tested with each correction technique, and with a diode array. Absolute dose and beam-profile errors were separately induced into the TPS and a number of IMRT plans were recalculated and measured with three systems - an EPID prediction system, an EPID image-to-dose conversion system, and a diode array - for comparison to verification plans. With the profile correction, TPS predictions agree much better with EPID measurements, yielding improvement in gamma pass rates (3%,3mm) of over 30% on average for off-axis IMRT fields. Since off-axis prediction errors are not radially-symmetric, the matrix correction further improves pass rates by 5% on average (up to 30%) for fields where the profile correction is limited. The EPID prediction system was unable to catch either induced TPS error, while both the image-to-dose conversion system and the diode array indicated both errors. Profile correction is effective and efficient though approximate, due to radial symmetry. The matrix correction is comprehensive but requires computational manipulation of DICOM images. Users must be aware that EPID prediction systems may be unable to catch delivered IMRT inaccuracies due to calculation errors downstream from the actual fluence calculation.

Researching student perspectives on interprofessional online learning via asynchronous text-based conferencing in healthcare education: A literature review

Background: There is an increasing important role for asynchronous text-based computer mediated conferencing as apedagogic tool in interprofessional learning for nurses in higher education. Available research studies on asynchronoustext-based interprofessional learning at post-registration level based on either users’ perspectives or the conferencecommunication provided useful information on students’ learning experience. This paper first discusses the theoreticalassumptions of asynchronous text-based interprofessional learning. The purpose is to highlight the way student onlinelearning experience might be created. Based on this knowledge, the paper goes on to describe and discuss the researchmethodologies and methods, with less emphasis on the kind of results that have been obtained in the field of study aboutasynchronous text-based interprofessional online learning within nursing education at post-registration level. Methods: The literature search focuses on papers which investigate student perspectives on the experience oneffectiveness of asynchronous text-based interprofessional online learning. Criteria for inclusion were papers about the useof computer mediated conferencing at post-registration level for interprofessional online learning by nurses and healthcareprofessionals allied to health. Results: Reviewing the body of research about student perspectives on post-registration students’ experience withinterprofessional online learning revealed that asynchronous text-based conferencing at post-registration healthcareprogrammes which involved nurses had received insufficient research attention in nurse, health and social educationresearch literature. Only seven papers were available for review. In addition, the research methods and approachesemployed have not been consistent with the pedagogic principles and ideas associated with principles of collaborativelearning through communication based on constructivism. Conclusion: Research studies to inform strategies for asynchronous text-based interprofessional online learning in postregistrationnurse education might be limiting. There is a need for more research, especially those which commensuratewith the constructivist approach in learning. Certainly, research using discourse analysis which focuses on the discursiveaspect and communication needs to be conducted to evaluate asynchronous text-based interprofessional online learning.

Graph Applications to Data Structures

This paper presents a topic on Graph theory and its application to data Structures which I consider basic and useful to students in APPLIED MATHEMATICS and ENGINEERING.This paper gives an elementary introduction of Graph theory and its application to data structures. Elements of Graph theory are indispensable in almost all computer Science areas .It can be used in Some areas such as syntactic analysis, fault detection, diagnosis in computers and minimal path problems. The computer representation and manipulation of graph are also discussed so that certain algorithms can be included .A major theme of this paper is to study Graph theory and its Application to data structures Furthermore I hope the students not only learn the course but also develop their analogy perceive, formulate and to solve mathematical programs Thus Graphs especially trees, binary trees are used widely in the representation of data structures this course one can develop mathematical maturity, ability to understand and create mathematical argumentsMethod of derivation is procedure given in the text books with necessary formulae and their application . Concepts and notations from discrete mathematics are useful in studying and describing objects and problems in branches of computer science, such as computer algorithms, programming languages.

Bioinformatics and systems biology of the lipidome.

Bioinformatics and systems biology of the lipidome.

Understanding Predictors of Computer Communication Technology Use by Older Adults.

Technologies have evolved to allow older adults the ability to communicate in a variety of ways, yet little work examines the perceptions that older adults have of these technologies. Our research explored older adults' use of computers for communication activities. We analyzed questionnaire data from two hundred and eighty-one participants with computer experience who answered questions about their background; the amount of experience they had with computers and other technologies, their perception of the importance of several communication activities for their quality of life, and how useful a computer is for those activities. A regression analysis explored the degree to which demographic variables, the importance of activities for their quality of life, and prior experience predicted respondents' attitudes about the computer's usefulness for communication activities. The findings, based on a group of older adult computer users, suggest that the importance of communication activities for an older adult's quality of life and their prior experience with computers are significant predictors of the perception of a computer's usefulness for communication activities. Previous research has found that one's experiences with a computer system are critical for adoption. Our work reaffirms that tenet, yet finds that the degree to which an activity is important for one's quality of life is also predictive of how useful a computer will be for that activity. Our findings also suggest that certain communication activities, such as email, are more preferred than other activities, such as chat groups. This present survey of experienced older adult computer users can guide development of training materials and products for older adults by informing designers of the ways by which older adults form perceptions about the usefulness of technologies.

Cognitive systems optimize energy rather than information

AbstractCognitive models focus on information and the computational manipulation of information. Rational models optimize the function that relates the input of a process to the output. In contrast, efficient algorithms minimize the computational cost of processing in terms of time. Minimizing time is a better criterion for normative models, because it reflects the energy costs of a physical system.

A study of kinematic cues and anticipatory performance in tennis using computational manipulation and computer graphics

Computer graphics of digital human models can be used to display human motions as visual stimuli. This study presents our technique for manipulating human motion with a forward kinematics calculation without violating anatomical constraints. A motion modulation of the upper extremity was conducted by proportionally modulating the anatomical joint angular velocity calculated by motion analysis. The effect of this manipulation was examined in a tennis situation--that is, the receiver's performance of predicting ball direction when viewing a digital model of the server's motion derived by modulating the angular velocities of the forearm or that of the elbow during the forward swing. The results showed that the faster the server's forearm pronated, the more the receiver's anticipation of the ball direction tended to the left side of the serve box. In contrast, the faster the server's elbow extended, the more the receiver's anticipation of the ball direction tended to the right. This suggests that tennis players are sensitive to the motion modulation of their opponent's racket-arm.

Customizable views on semantically integrated networks for systems biology.

Motivation: The rise of high-throughput technologies in the post-genomic era has led to the production of large amounts of biological data. Many of these datasets are freely available on the Internet. Making optimal use of these data is a significant challenge for bioinformaticians. Various strategies for integrating data have been proposed to address this challenge. One of the most promising approaches is the development of semantically rich integrated datasets. Although well suited to computational manipulation, such integrated datasets are typically too large and complex for easy visualization and interactive exploration.Results: We have created an integrated dataset for Saccharomyces cerevisiae using the semantic data integration tool Ondex, and have developed a view-based visualization technique that allows for concise graphical representations of the integrated data. The technique was implemented in a plug-in for Cytoscape, called OndexView. We used OndexView to investigate telomere maintenance in S. cerevisiae.Availability: The Ondex yeast dataset and the OndexView plug-in for Cytoscape are accessible at http://bsu.ncl.ac.uk/ondexview.Contact: anil.wipat@ncl.ac.ukSupplementary information: Supplementary data is available at Bioinformatics online.

Laptops in the classroom- Let's take charge

Each semester brings a new group of students with everadvancing technology in tow. For many years, we could look out over our classes and at the most see one or two computers in use. Not today, it is almost the complete reverse; we may see one or two students without computers in use. Admittedly, many of us in nursing education today are the poster children for the graying of nursing education phenomenon (Hinshaw, 2001). In recent years, we have experienced a steep and rapid learning curve in integrating technology into our own lives and practices, let alone staying up with the rapidly changing and expanding nature of personal technologies we now see in our classrooms. How many of us still have a few old transparencies still in use or feel as though we are the end-all–be-all of technology if we have animation in our PowerPoint presentations? Finally, and this really is the biggest concern, how do we best use technology in our classrooms and still focus, facilitate, and foster a learning culture and environment? Many of today's college students have been using computers in the classroom since grade school. Gulek and Demirtas (2005) reported that 98% of our nation's schools have Internet access. In addition, a survey conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Project (Rainie & Hitlin, 2005) found that roughly 21 million youth between the ages of 12 and 17—approximately 87% of the entire age bracket—use the Internet. Of those 21 million online teens, 78% (about 16 million students) say they use the Internet at school. The survey also found that most teens believe that the Internet helps them do better in school (86% of teens). Clearly, we are outnumbered, and we must rise to

Use of information and communication technology among dental students and registrars at the faculty of dental sciences, University of Lagos

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of information technology amongst dental students, dental nursing students and resident doctors in training at the faculty of dental Surgery University of Lagos. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 58 clinical dental students in 4 th and 5 th years of training in the 2010/2011 academic year, 36 dental nursing students and 63 resident doctors undergoing specialist training. All participants have access to the computers, 2.5% within the University and 31% at home and internet cafes and about 50% have the basic skills required. A significant difference was observed between the resident doctors and clinical dental students (P = 0.003), between resident doctors and dental nursing students (P = 0.0001) when the use of computer for study was compared. Over 95% of participants have access to internet and about 50% of them use the internet for their studies. A significant difference (P = 0.005) was observed between clinical dental students and dental nursing students that use the internet and word processing. The resident doctors used the computers for multimedia and MedLine search tools more than clinical dental students (P = 0.004) and dental nursing students (0.0006). The findings of the study show that dental students and resident doctors in training have the requisite knowledge to operate the computer for use in their study and personal activities.

Automatic design optimization using parallel workflows

Abstract Workflows support the automation of scientific processes, leading to a more robust experimental process. They facilitate access to remote instruments, databases and parallel and distributed computers. Importantly, software pipelines can be established that perform multiple complex simulations (leveraging distributed platforms), with one simulation driving another. Such an environment is ideal for performing engineering design, where the goal is to evaluate a range of different scenarios “in-silico”, and find ones that optimize a particular outcome. However, in general, existing workflow tools do not incorporate optimization algorithms, and thus whilst users can specify complex computational and data manipulation pipelines, they need to invoke the workflow as a stand-alone computation within an external optimization tool. Moreover, many existing workflow engines do not leverage parallel and distributed computers, making them unsuitable for executing complex engineering simulations. To solve this problem, we have developed a methodology for integrating optimization algorithms directly into workflows. We implement a range of generic actors for an existing workflow system called Kepler, and discuss how they can be combined in flexible ways to support various different design strategies. We illustrate the system by applying it to an existing bio-engineering design problem running on a Grid of distributed clusters.

Computer use, free time activities and metabolic control in patients with type 1 diabetes

We investigated the influence of computer's use on metabolic control in 115 patients with type 1 diabetes (DM1). Multiple linear regression showed that HbA1c% was not related to age, DM1 duration, TV watching or computer use but was independently and negatively related to the weekly hours spent on physical exercise.

Computer Attitudes and Use Among Novice Teachers: The Moderating Effects of School Environment

Purpose − This survey research investigated important issues concerning computer use among novice graduate teachers from teacher training colleges in Sabah. The first issue was concerned with the levels of computer attitudes (CA) and computer use. The second was concerned with the effects of CA on computer use (CU). The third was concerned with moderating effects of the school environment (SE) on relationship between CA and computer use. Method − A set of questionnaires was used as the research instrument and stratified systematic sampling was used to determine the research samples. The sample consisted of 192 primary and secondary school teachers. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (factor analysis and regression analysis). Research hypotheses were tested at significance level of a = 0.05. Findings − The findings showed that novice teachers have moderate CA and CU. CA had significant effects on computer use. SE has moderating impacts on the relationships between CA towards CU. Value − The study provided wider implications for theory development, practices and policymaking that can be associated with the computer use among teachers. As a whole, most of the theoretical rationales used in explaining those relationships have been supported.

Enhancing Counting Skills of Preschoolers through the use of Computer Technology and Manipulatives

Enhancing Counting Skills of Preschoolers through the use of Computer Technology and Manipulatives

“Concrete” Computer Manipulatives in Mathematics Education

Abstract— The use of “concrete manipulatives” in mathematics education is supported by research and often accepted as a sine qua non of “reform” approaches. This article reviews the research on the use of manipulatives and critiques common notions regarding concrete manipulatives. It presents a reformulation of the definition of concrete as used in educational psychology and educational research and provides a rationale of how, based on that reformulation, computer manipulatives may be pedagogically efficacious. The article presents 7 hypothesized, interrelated affordances of manipulatives and briefly reviews evidence for their empirical validity.

SU-FF-T-636: A Highly Accurate, Rapid Dose Calculation Method Employing Direct Solution of Transport Equations

Purpose: ProACTive™, a new dose calculation method has been developed that provides accuracy comparable or exceeding Monte Carlo calculations with computational speed gains that may exceed two orders of magnitude. Method and Materials: A transport simulation method has been developed fully utilizing computer memory and hierarchical pre‐computation to produce high resolution, high quality dose computations for use in medical treatment planning. The advent of computers with Gigabytes of random access memory allows direct transport response coupling for distant finite surfaces and volumes. Coupling over large distances, with many angular finite groups minimizes ray‐effects, providing consistent high accuracy dose computations through heterogeneous systems. This allows direct modeling of the forward peaked highly anisotropicscattering and transport of photons and electrons. The discrete nature of these computations allow for reverse engineering of LINAC filters, and this is accomplished using minimal wide beam depth dose and one depth (typically 10 cm) profile data. The method of invariant imbedding is employed to produce shape functions to speed computation of relatively low important scattered radiation. ProACTive™ calculations have been compared to both measurement and published Monte Carlo calculations for number of homogenous and heterogeneous geometries, including interface regions. Results: In homogenous, water equivalent geometries, agreement among ProACTive™, published Monte Carlo and measurement was excellent, typically within 1–2%. In heterogeneous geometries, similar results were obtained. On one processor ProACTive™ can run in minutes and is inherently parallelizable. Conclusion: To obtain reasonable calculation speeds, variance reduction techniques are often employed in Monte Carlo calculations resulting in degradation of accuracy due to statistical artifacts. ProACTive™ uses finite angular and energy groups accounting for in‐group spectral shifts during collision epochs, providing consistent high accuracy without inherent statistical fluctuations associated with Monte Carlo. Conflict of Interest: Research Sponsored By Applied Computational Technologies, LLC

Update of the LIPID MAPS comprehensive classification system for lipids

In 2005, the International Lipid Classification and Nomenclature Committee under the sponsorship of the LIPID MAPS Consortium developed and established a "Comprehensive Classification System for Lipids" based on well-defined chemical and biochemical principles and using an ontology that is extensible, flexible, and scalable. This classification system, which is compatible with contemporary databasing and informatics needs, has now been accepted internationally and widely adopted. In response to considerable attention and requests from lipid researchers from around the globe and in a variety of fields, the comprehensive classification system has undergone significant revisions over the last few years to more fully represent lipid structures from a wider variety of sources and to provide additional levels of detail as necessary. The details of this classification system are reviewed and updated and are presented here, along with revisions to its suggested nomenclature and structure-drawing recommendations for lipids.