Computer-assisted Experiments Research Articles

Promotional language and the adoption of innovative ideas in science

How are the merits of innovative ideas communicated in science? Here, we conduct semantic analyses of grant application success with a focus on scientific promotional language, which may help to convey an innovative idea's originality and significance. Our analysis attempts to surmount the limitations of prior grant studies by examining the full text of tens of thousands of both funded and unfunded grants from three leading public and private funding agencies: the NIH, the NSF, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, one of the world's largest private science funding foundations. We find a robust association between promotional language and the support and adoption of innovative ideas by funders and other scientists. First, a grant proposal's percentage of promotional language is associated with up to a doubling of the grant's probability of being funded. Second, a grant's promotional language reflects its intrinsic innovativeness. Third, the percentage of promotional language is predictive of the expected citation and productivity impact of publications that are supported by funded grants. Finally, a computer-assisted experiment that manipulates the promotional language in our data demonstrates how promotional language can communicate the merit of ideas through cognitive activation. With the incidence of promotional language in science steeply rising, and the pivotal role of grants in converting promising and aspirational ideas into solutions, our analysis provides empirical evidence that promotional language is associated with effectively communicating the merits of innovative scientific ideas.

Impact of Low-Cost Robot EducThermoBot vs. EXAO on Students' Motivation and Learning in Physical Sciences in Morocco

Teaching physical sciences presents a significant challenge in various countries, including Morocco, where student performance remains a subject of concern. This study aims to investigate the impact of introducing educational robotics as compared to computer-assisted experiments (EXAO) on students' motivation and learning in physical sciences. We divided a group of 120 middle-school students into two cohorts: one used the cost-effective educational robot, EducThermoBot, as an experimental group, while the other employed traditional EXAO as a control group. The findings demonstrate that the integration of educational robotics has a noteworthy and positive impact on students' motivation, whereas the overall academic performance exhibited no significant disparities between the two cohorts. Notwithstanding some limitations, this research offers valuable insights to enhance pedagogical practices by promoting the integration of educational robotics into the teaching of physical sciences in Morocco.

What is an experiment in mathematical practice? New evidence from mining the Mathematical Reviews

From a purely formalist viewpoint on the philosophy of mathematics, experiments cannot (and should not) play a role in warranting mathematical statements but must be confined to heuristics. Yet, due to the incorporation of new mathematical methods such as computer-assisted experimentation in mathematical practice, experiments are now conducted and used in a much broader range of epistemic practices such as concept formation, validation, and communication. In this article, we combine corpus studies and qualitative analyses to assess and categorize the epistemic roles experiments are seen—by mathematicians—to have in actual mathematical practice. We do so by text-mining a corpus of reviews from the Mathematical Reviews, which include the indicator word “experiment”. Our qualitative, grounded classification of samples from this corpus allows us to explore the various roles played by experiments. We thus identify instances where experiments function as references to established knowledge, as tools for heuristics or exploration, as epistemic warrants, as communication or pedagogy, and instances simply proposing experiments. Focusing on the role of experiments as epistemic warrants, we show through additional sampling that in some fields of mathematics, experiments can warrant theorems as well as methods. We also show that the expressed lack of experiments by reviewers suggests concordant views that experiments could have provided epistemic warrants. Thus, our combination of corpus studies and qualitative analyses has added a typology of roles of experiments in mathematical practice and shown that experiments can and do play roles as epistemic warrants depending on the mathematical field.

Impact of using computer-assisted experimentation on learning physical sciences in secondary schools in Morocco

This research is part of the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the Moroccan education system, our objective being to evaluate the use of computer-assisted experimentation (CAEx) in learning to encourage the authorities of the Ministry of National Education, Vocational Training and Sports to adopt the CAEx program in the teaching and learning of physics so that it becomes compulsory for all high schools. To evaluate the impact of using CAEx in the study of free oscillations of an RLC circuit (a linear circuit containing an electrical resistor, an inductor, and a capacitor). A study was conducted with 40 Moroccan students in the second year of the scientific baccalaureate option life and earth sciences at the high school Abdellah Laroui in the city of Fez, as this work aims to highlight the effect of the use of CAEx on the learning of students. Using the methodology of pre-test and post-test with an experimental group (20 students) and a control group (20 students). The results of both groups are analyzed with IBM SPSS 21 statistical analysis software the results obtained from the post-test show that the average of the tests addressed to both control and experimental groups has a significant difference. In addition, non-directive and directive interviews were conducted with the students of the experimental group. Indeed, the content of the grid of open and closed questions was elaborated in agreement with the teachers of physical sciences of the high school Abdellah Laroui, concerning the use of CAEx in learning and to know the degree of satisfaction of the integration of CAEx in the study of free oscillations in an RLC circuit. In addition, the data were processed by Sphinx v5 software. This study showed that CAEx integration had a positive effect on student learning. It can be said that CAEx plays an important role in the grasp and assimilation of scientific concepts, and it represents a solution to make the student more attentive and serious. Computer Aided Instruction can develop a spirit of initiative in the learner.

Development of a “Small Contractions” Sensor for Practical Work in Biology Using 3D Printing Technology

This article presents the development of a “small contraction” sensor fabricated using 3D printing and intended for practical works of biology; with the aim to replace the traditionally used system. This fabricated sensor is then integrated into a Computer Assisted Experiment (CAE) environment. CAE is a teaching technology that allows the students to carry out the acquisition and the processing of their data on computer (saving, adding comments, amplification…). The combination of these two technologies (CAE and 3D printing) has made it possible to equip low-cost multipurpose labs requiring minimal maintenance and where the work space is standardized. The result of a survey conducted with the students at the end of the lab sessions shows that 79.1% of them prefer the use of the new system, given the advantages it offers in terms of better understanding of the practical works objectives, time saving and the data processing functionalities it provides.

Use of Computer-Assisted Experimentation (CAEx) in Teaching Science in Moroccan High Schools

Use of Computer-Assisted Experimentation (CAEx) in Teaching Science in Moroccan High Schools

Use of computer-assisted experimentation (CAEx) in teaching science in Moroccan High Schools

Use of computer-assisted experimentation (CAEx) in teaching science in Moroccan High Schools

A computer-assisted experiment to study the influence of the point spread function in the image formation process

We present a new open experimental setup assisted with LabView to be used to teach the concept of the point spread function (PSF). The PSF describes the response of an image-forming system to a point object. The PSF concept is of fundamental importance in optics since the output of an image-forming system can be simulated as the convolution of the PSF with the input object. In this work, a new graphical user interface has been developed to obtain a real-time measure of the PSF and the corresponding images provided by different lenses and pupils with different sizes and shapes. From a didactical point of view, the proposed method allows students to interpret the results in a visual and heuristic way.

CONFORMATIONAL STABILITY ORDER OF ACYCLIC ORGANIC MOLECULES REVISITED: A COMPUTER-BASED PROJECT IN LEARNING STEREOCHEMISTRY

Learning stereochemistry today, especially on the topic of conformational stability, seems to generalize anti, gauche, eclipsed conformations as a general stability order for all acyclic organic molecules. This may be due to the fact that many organic chemistry textbooks only emphasis simple non-polar molecules, like propane or buthane, as examples to explain this topic omitting details for polar ones. This study proposes a simple computer-based technique as a project for students in learning stereochemistry. Applying this fast, open-source, and user-friendly software is highly recommended for promoting the concept and accurately predicting of conformational stability through computer-assisted experiment in the classroom.

Two Demonstrations with a New Data-Acquisition System

Nowadays, the use of data-acquisition systems in undergraduate laboratories is routine. Many computer-assisted experiments became possible with the PASCO scientific data-acquisition system based on the 750 Interface and DataStudio software.1 A new data-acquisition system developed by PASCO includes the 850 Universal Interface and Capstone software. The new interface is much more powerful than previous ones from PASCO, while the new software provides many additional options for processing experimental data.2 The two demonstrations described below use the sweep frequency option, which is now available. By specifying the initial and final frequencies and the sweep time, this option makes possible the determination of the frequency response of any frequency-dependent device. The first demonstration shows the electromagnetic screening by metals and can serve as an introduction to studies of the eddy currents and skin effect in conductors. The second demonstration shows the resonance curves of an LCR circuit.

Two computer-assisted experiments

Two computer-assisted experiments are described: (i) determination of the speed of ultrasound waves in water and (ii) measurement of the thermal expansion of an aluminum-based alloy. A new data-acquisition system developed by PASCO scientific is used. In both experiments, the Keep mode of recording data is employed: the data are recorded only when commanded. This allows one to record one variable automatically while the second variable is introduced by hand. The experiments are recommended for undergraduate laboratories.

Visual Perception Appears Heightened in Autism

Visual Perception Appears Heightened in Autism

Experiments on photoconductivity

Computer-assisted experiments with CdS and CdSe photoresistors are described. The most important characteristics of the photoresistors are determined: (i) the spectral response, (ii) the photocurrent versus incident radiant power, (iii) the rise and decay time constants and (iv) the frequency response to modulated light. The photoconductivity gain of the photoresistors is estimated. The experiments are well suitable for undergraduate laboratories.

Computer-assisted experiments with an inductance coil

Experiments with inductance coils become more convenient and informative when a data-acquisition system is used; some of these experiments are also excellent lecture demonstrations. The role of ferromagnetic cores in coils can be shown by performing all measurements twice, once with and once without the core.

Computer-assisted experiments with a laser diode

A laser diode from an inexpensive laser pen (laser pointer) is used in simple experiments. The radiant output power and efficiency of the laser are measured, and polarization of the light beam is shown. The h/e ratio is available from the threshold of spontaneous emission. The lasing threshold is found using several methods. With a data-acquisition system, the measurements are possible in a short time. The frequency response of the laser diode is determined in the range 10–107 Hz. The experiments are suitable for undergraduate laboratories and for classroom demonstrations on semiconductors.

Secondary structure of globules of copolymers consisting of amphiphilic and hydrophilic units: Effect of potential range

The relation of the coil-globule transition in macromolecules consisting of amphiphilic and hydrophilic monomer units to the radius of action of the interaction potential is investigated by the method of computer-assisted experiments. The internal structure of globules formed by such macromolecules is significantly dependent on the radius of action of the potential. In the case of the long-range potential, the globule is characterized by the blob structure, while in the case of the short-range potential, a quasi-helical structure forms. In this structure, the skeleton of a macromolecule forms a helical turn, and the direction of twisting may vary from one turn to another. The coil-globule transition in such macromolecules proceeds through formation of the necklace conformation from quasi-helical micelle beads. For sufficiently long macromolecules, the dimensions of such globules are linearly dependent on the degree of polymerization.

Computer-assisted experiments with oscillatory circuits

A basic setup for data acquisition and analysis from an oscillatory circuit is described, with focus on its application as either low-pass, high-pass, band-pass or band-reject frequency filter. A homemade board containing the RLC elements allows for the interchange of some of them, in particular, for the easy change of the R value, and this makes apparent for the student its influence on the damping factor. The function generator operates in the swap frequency mode over a suitable frequency range and all the circuit parameters are chosen to provide a reasonable set of data for all the electronic filters studied. The output data are acquired through a commercially available DAQ board and data analysis is performed using a graphing and fitting workspace. The main objective is to develop a methodology of teaching the laboratory material through a computer-based environment devised to help students to appreciate how the governing equations work and to visualize their practical applications.

Computer-assisted experiments with a two-wire transmission line

Computer-assisted experiments with a two-wire transmission line are described. The use of a data-acquisition system makes the measurements more convenient and less time consuming; therefore, additional exercises are added to the traditional student experiments. The characteristic impedance of the line is determined. The zero input impedance of the quarter-wave open-circuited line and the half-wave short-circuited line is demonstrated. Any unknown impedance loading the line can be determined by observing the standing wave.

Using Technology To Enhance the Effectiveness of General Chemistry Laboratory Courses

Practicing and teaching current chemistry requires the use of computers, yet the focus of undergraduate teaching laboratories for several decades has been using the traditional bench method. This paper makes a case for the pedagogical advantages of using computer-interface systems to perform computer-assisted experiments in general chemistry laboratory courses. We compare data from control group students using traditional bench laboratory procedures and experimental group students using computer-interface laboratory procedures with the software program LabWorks. The results show that conducting laboratory activities using computer-interface procedures can improve student understanding of calorimetry.

Using Technology to Facilitate Active Learning in Economics Through Experiments

Classroom experiments are becoming increasingly popular as active-learning exercises for courses in economics. There are many situations where technology is needed to facilitate the effective use of classroom experiments. This article examines how computers and wireless handheld devices are being used to enhance the flexibility of classroom experiments and expand their usability to larger classes. Evidence on learning gains from the use of computer-assisted experiments in the classroom is also reported.