Interactive Applets Research Articles

Free tools for crystallographic symmetry handling and visualization.

Online courses and innovative teaching methods have triggered a trend in education, where the integration of multimedia, online resources and interactive tools is reshaping the view of both virtual and traditional classrooms. The use of interactive tools extends beyond the boundaries of the physical classroom, offering students the flexibility to access materials at their own speed and convenience and enhancing their learning experience. In the field of crystallography, there are a wide variety of free online resources such as web pages, interactive applets, databases and programs that can be implemented in fundamental crystallography courses for different academic levels and curricula. This paper discusses a variety of resources that can be helpful for crystallographic symmetry handling and visualization, discussing four specific resources in detail: the Bilbao Crystallographic Server, the Cambridge Structural Database, VESTA and Jmol. The utility of these resources is explained and shown by several illustrative examples.

Application of Model Averaging for Measurement in the Presence of Unknown Familiarization Phase or Fatigue Phase

ABSTRACT A number of familiarization trials are needed for reliable measurement, particularly for inexperienced subjects. Researchers have studied and developed familiarization protocols that vary by exercise and study population. The pace of familiarization and fatigue may be an individual-level characteristic, so a population-level protocol may not fit all subjects. In this article, the authors view this practical challenge as a statistical problem. We apply piecewise linear regression and model averaging for estimating the true performance level of a subject after familiarization and before fatigue. This statistical method does not require an experimenter to determine when a study participant is familiarized and fatigued. Simulation studies demonstrate that this statistical approach provides a more reliable measurement than the best-fit model. An online interactive applet is provided for those who are not familiar with statistical programming. Detailed instructions for the applet and case study are provided for demonstration.

Modelling vaccination capacity at mass vaccination hubs and general practice clinics: a simulation study

BackgroundCOVID-19 mass vaccination programs place an additional burden on healthcare services. We aim to model the queueing process at vaccination sites to inform service delivery.MethodsWe use stochastic queue network models to simulate queue dynamics in larger mass vaccination hubs and smaller general practice (GP) clinics. We estimate waiting times and daily capacity based on a range of assumptions about appointment schedules, service times and staffing and stress-test these models to assess the impact of increased demand and staff shortages. We also provide an interactive applet, allowing users to explore vaccine administration under their own assumptions.ResultsBased on our assumed service times, the daily throughput for an eight-hour clinic at a mass vaccination hub ranged from 500 doses for a small hub to 1400 doses for a large hub. For GP clinics, the estimated daily throughput ranged from about 100 doses for a small practice to almost 300 doses for a large practice. What-if scenario analysis showed that sites with higher staff numbers were more robust to system pressures and mass vaccination sites were more robust than GP clinics.ConclusionsWith the requirement for ongoing COVID-19 booster shots, mass vaccination is likely to be a continuing feature of healthcare delivery. Different vaccine sites are useful for reaching different populations and maximising coverage. Stochastic queue networks offer a flexible and computationally efficient approach to simulate vaccination queues and estimate waiting times and daily throughput to inform service delivery.

Relativistic velocity addition from the geometry of momentum space

With the goal of developing didactic tools, we consider the geometrization of the addition of velocities in special relativity by using Minkowski diagrams in momentum space. For the case of collinear velocities, we describe three ruler-and-compass constructions that provide simple graphical solutions working with the mass-shell hyperbola in a 1 + 1-dimensional energy–momentum plane. In the spirit of dimensional scaffolding, we use those results to build a generalization in 1 + 2 dimensions for the case of non-collinear velocities, providing in particular a graphical illustration of how the velocity transverse to a boost changes while the momentum remains fixed. We supplement the discussion with a number of interactive applets that implement the diagrammatic constructions and constitute a visual tool that should be useful for students to improve their understanding of the subtleties of special relativity.

Improving the students' learning process through the use of statistical applets

AbstractUndergraduate statistics teaching has always faced the challenge of improving the learning quality on a continuous basis. Interactive statistical applets can enhance statistical knowledge by providing multiple representations of basic concepts and facilitating experimentation. The use of these applets will simplify the efforts for teaching statistics, especially in convincing students of the usability of statistics and facilitating quick learning in undergraduate courses. We developed and implemented a set of web‐based statistical applets from the following areas: Basic Statistics, Coin Toss App, Scatterplot‐Regression Line, Standard Normal Distribution, Normal Distribution, Histogram, Histogram (Case Examples), and Sampling ‐ Canada Map. These interactive applets can perform specific statistical tasks to improve the students' learning process.

A web-based tool to design and analyze single- and double-stage acceptance sampling plans

Acceptance sampling plans are used to determine whether production lots can be accepted or rejected. Existing tools only provide a limited functionality for the two-point design and the risk analysis of such plans. In this article, a web-based tool is presented to study single- and double-stage sampling plans. In contrast to existing solutions, the tool is an interactive applet that is freely available. Analytic properties are derived to support the development of search strategies for the design of double-stage sampling plans that are more efficient and accurate in comparison with existing routines. Several case studies are presented.

Training for Workers and Safety Representatives on Manufactured Nanomaterials.

Although nanotechnologies are increasingly present in numerous sectors of the economy, training resources available to workers exposed to them are still rare. In the European Union (EU), some initiatives exist that inform workers about exposure and risks, but they lack two key dimensions: the involvement of workers themselves in designing and implementing training materials and the key role played by safety representatives in improving occupational health and safety in EU member states. Making workers actors of their own training, rather than recipients of it, and empowering them, so that they can collectively question unsafe situations and ask for changes in their working conditions, is how training can positively impact their health and safety. This article describes a training package (materials, infographics, interactive web applet) designed specifically to achieve this objective. Developed under the NanoDiode project, it focuses on six key themes: types of nanomaterials, uses at work, risks, presence in the workplace, exposure, and experience sharing.

Examining the effects of Geogebra applets on mathematics learning using interactive mathematics textbook

ABSTRACTThe rapid growth in diversity of information and communication technologies (ICT) enables a range of teaching methods, learning support strategies, and education settings to be developed. Questions about appropriate, effective, and efficient use of educational technology in teaching mathematics have been gaining more attention. This study focuses on the design and testing of an interactive learning textbook (eBook), created with Geogebra applets and up-to-date web technologies. The eBook is designed to meet the pedagogical and didactic needs of learners, allowing a high degree of interactivity and feedback during the learning process. In order to determine the effect of the created materials on students’ achievements, tests of knowledge as well as tests of retention of knowledge were used. Moreover, questionnaires and interviews for students were developed to assess the impact of interactive textbooks on the perceptions of learners concerning mathematics, interactive materials, and the learning process. Students who have used the interactive eBook show statistically significant increased knowledge and knowledge retention compared to students who have attended the standard classes. Students also emphasized that tasks with interactive applets and new kind of learning materials inspired them to learn more, both in school and at home.

Application of GeoGebra software into teaching mechanical engineering courses

Mechanics courses traditionally characterize with a rather low percentage of passing students. Dynamic mathematical packages like GeoGebra are widely used nowadays for teaching mathematics, but its interactive capabilities can be used for simulation of different physical phenomena. In this article few interactive applets for Static, Dynamic, Strength of Materials and Theory of Mechanisms and Machines courses, are presented. An experiment with comparison of the test results of two group of students after the exercise beam about internal forces, shows that group trained with GeoGebra applets have significantly higher mean result.

Solving Hardy-Weinberg with Geometry: An Integration of Biology and Math

Introducing Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium into the high school or college classroom can be difficult because many students struggle with the mathematical formalism of the Hardy-Weinberg equations. Despite the potential difficulties, incorporating Hardy-Weinberg into the curriculum can provide students with the opportunity to investigate a scientific theory using data and integrate across the disciplines of biology and mathematics. We present a geometric way to interpret and visualize Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, allowing students to focus on the core ideas without algebraic baggage. We also introduce interactive applets that draw on the distributive property of mathematics to allow students to experiment in real time. With the applets, students can observe the effects of changing allele frequencies on genotype frequencies in a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Anecdotally, we found use of the geometric interpretation led to deeper student understanding of the concepts and improved the students' ability to solve Hardy-Weinberg-related problems. Students can use the ideas and tools provided here to draw connections between the biology and mathematics, as well as between algebra and geometry.

The Triangular Binary Clock

Abstract A new idea for a binary clock is presented. It displays the time using a triangular array of 15 lamps each representing a certain amount of time. It is shown that such a geometric, triangular arrangement is only possible because our system of time divisions is based on a sexagesimal system in which the num- ber of minutes in 12 hours equals the factorial of a natural number (720 = 6!). An interactive applet allows one to “play” with the clock.

A Topic-Driven Modular Approach to Engineering Education Delivery

The interactive technical electronic book, TechEBook, currently under development at the University of Central Florida, provides a useful tool for engineers and scientists through unique features compared to the most used traditional electrical circuit textbooks available in the market. TechEBook has comprised the two worlds of classical circuit books and an interactive operating platform that can be run on mobile devices, laptops and desktops utilizing Java Virtual Machine operator. The TechEBook provides an interactive applets screen that holds many modules, in which each had a specific application in the self learning process.
 
 In this paper the main goals and objectives behind the MeLearning concept will be identified. The paper will describe the differences between the traditional curriculum delivery and the MeLearning concept in details accompanied by the main tools used and a description of the different modules features.

Java Based Symbolic Circuit Solver For Electrical Engineering Curriculum

The interactive technical electronic book, TechEBook, currently under development at the University of Central Florida (UCF), introduces a paradigm shift by replacing the traditional electrical engineering course with topic-driven modules that provide a useful tool for engineers and scientists. The TechEBook comprises the two worlds of classical circuit books and interactive operating platforms such as iPads, laptops and desktops. The TechEBook provides an interactive applets screen that holds many modules, each of which has a specific application in the self learning process. 
 
 This paper describes one of the interactive techniques in the TechEBook known as Symbolic Circuit Solver (SymCirc). The SymCirc develops a versatile symbolic based linear circuit with a switches solver. The solver works by accepting a Netlist and the element that the user wants to find the voltage across or current on, as input parameters. Then it either produces the plot or the time domain expression of the output. Frequency domain plots or Symbolic Transfer Functions are also produced. The solver gets its input from a Web-based GUI circuit drawer developed at UCF. Typical simulation tools that electrical engineers encounter are numerical in nature, that is, when presented with an input circuit they iteratively solve the circuit across a set of small time steps. The result is represented as a data set of output versus time, which can be plotted for further inspection. Such results do not help users understand the ultimate nature of circuits as Linear Time Invariant systems with a finite dimensional basis in the solution space. SymCirc provides all simulation results as time domain expressions composed of the basic functions that exclusively include exponentials, sines, cosines and/or t raised to any power. 
 
 This paper explains the motivation behind SymCirc, the Graphical User Interface front end and how the solver actually works. The paper also presents some examples and results to better explain the concept.

Importance of Practical Relevance and Design Modules in Electrical Circuits Education

The interactive technical electronic book, TechEBook, currently under development at the University of Central Florida (UCF), provides a useful tool for engineers and scientists through unique features compared to the most used traditional electrical circuit textbooks available in the market. TechEBook has comprised the two worlds of classical circuit books and an interactive operating platform such as iPads, laptops and desktops utilizing Java Virtual Machine operator. The TechEBook provides an interactive applets screen that holds many modules, in which each had a specific application in the self learning process.
 
 This paper describes two of the interactive techniques in the TechEBook known as, Practical Relevance Modules (PRM) and Design Modules (DM). The Practical Relevance Module will assist the readers to learn electrical circuit analysis and to understand the practical application of the electrical network theory through solving real world examples and problems. The Design Module will help students design real-life problems. These modules will be displayed after each section in the TechEBook for the user to relate his/her understanding with the outside world, which introduces the term me-applying and me-designing, as a comprehensive full experience for self or individualized education. The main emphasis of this paper is the PRM while the DM will be discussed in brief. A practical example of applying the PRM and DM features is discussed as part of a basic electrical engineering course currently given at UCF and results show improved student performances in learning materials in Electrical Circuits. In the future, such modules can be redesigned to become highly interactive with illustrated animations.

Adaptive Electronic Quizzing Method for Introductory Electrical Circuit Course

The interactive technical electronic book, TechEBook, currently under development at the University of Central Florida, provides a useful tool for engineers and scientists through unique features compared to the most used traditional electrical circuit textbooks available in the market. TechEBook has comprised the two worlds of classical circuit books and an interactive operating platform such as laptops and desktops utilizing Java Virtual Machine operator. The TechEBook provides an interactive applets screen that holds many modules, in which each had a specific application in the self learning process.
 
 This paper describes one of the interactive techniques in the TechEBook known as, QuizMe, for evaluating the readersâ?? performance and the overall understanding for all subjects at any stage. The QuizMe will be displayed after each section in the TechEBook for the user to evaluate his/her understanding, which introduces the term me-learning, as a comprehensive full experience for self or individualized education. 
 
 In this paper, a practical example of applying the QuizMe feature is discussed as part of a basic electrical engineering course currently given at the University of Central Florida.

Two Applets for Teaching Hypothesis Testing

Interactive applets have the ability to enhance statistics teaching by providing multiple representations of new concepts and by facilitating experimentation. I introduce two applets that have been developed as aids in illustrating ideas relevant to hypothesis testing and describe how I have used these in my classes.

IDEA: Identifying design principles in educational applets

The Internet is increasingly being used as a medium for educational software in the form of miniature applications (e.g., applets) to explore concepts in a domain. One such effort in mathematics education, the Educational Software Components of Tomorrow (ESCOT) project, created 42 miniature applications each consisting of a context, a set of questions, and one or more interactive applets to help students explore a mathematical concept. They were designed by experts in interface design, educational technology, and classroom teaching. However, some applications were more successful for fostering student problem-solving than others. This article describes the method used to mine a subset (25) of these applets for design principles that describe successful learner-centered design by drawing on such data as videos of students using the software and summaries of written student work. Twenty-one design principles were identified, falling into the categories of motivation, presentation, and support for problem solving. The main purpose of this article is to operationalize a method for post hoc extraction of design principles from an existing library of educational software, although readers may also find the design principles themselves to be useful.

The Power of L-systems in Fractal Construction and Theory

In searching the Web for an interactive applet that would help high school geometry students construct line fractals, we discovered a unique method called L–systems. Applets that integrate L–system theory with Turtle Geometry provide students with an easy–to–use graphics tool capable of creating a wide variety of fractals. In our experience, when students construct their own fractal drawings, rather than using prepared ones, they exhibit increased interest, insight, and enthusiasm. Mandelbrot and Frame (2002) make a strong case for fractals in the classroom, noting that the study of fractals heightens interest for non–mathematics/science–bound students.

Local excitation, global inhibition mechanism for gradient sensing: an interactive applet.

We have proposed a model in which cells detect gradients of chemoattractant by balancing a fast local excitation and a slower global inhibition. To illustrate this general mechanism, we have developed an interactive applet that mimics laboratory experiments in which either spatially homogeneous or heterogeneous stimuli of chemoattractant are applied.

News from the Net: Exploring Mathematics with Math Cats

The Web site at www.mathcats.com offers playful explorations of mathematical ideas that will pique students' interest. When they click on the welcoming cat, students are taken to a menu with a variety of options for students from the primary through middle-school levels. They will find mathematics crafts, an art gallery, writing contests, and an attic full of mathematics definitions and trivia. The most powerful part of the Web site, however, is the interactive applets that help students explore mathematics in a way that develops understanding.