Solving Ability Research Articles

Recurrent-Neural-Network-Based Polynomial Noise Resistance Model for Computing Dynamic Nonlinear Equations Applied to Robotics

The solution of dynamic nonlinear equations plays an important role in the control of complex systems. However, as a common physical phenomenon, noise seriously affects the effectiveness of online solutions in the form of external disturbance, inaccurate modeling or estimation errors, etc. In reality, most noises have different values at different moments and can be described by a sufficiently high order nonlinear function. Such a function can theoretically be fitted or approximated by a sufficiently high order polynomial. Nevertheless, existing models may lose their solving ability in the face of such high-order polynomial noise, which greatly limits their applications. To this end, a generalized RNN-based polynomial noise resistance (RB-PNR) model is proposed to learn the characteristic of noises with their order and coefficients unknown and then eliminate them accurately in solving dynamic nonlinear equations. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation results demonstrate that the RB-PNR design model achieves zero residual-error under polynomial noise disturbance with unknown order and coefficients. In addition, applications on different robots and the design of a 2-D digital filter are conducted to verify further the excellent robustness and physical realization of the designed RB-PNR model.

A study on the possibility of the relationship among group creativity, empathy, and scientific inquiry ability of elementary school students

ABSTRACT In this study, the relationship among the group creativity, empathy, and scientific inquiry ability of elementary school students were investigated. For this purpose, average scores and standard deviations of the group creativity problem solving, empathy, and scientific inquiry ability inventory were calculated and their correlation was analysed with 5th and 6th grade elementary school students as the subjects. In addition, a stepwise multiple regression analysis was executed to investigate the explanation power of the remaining variables of the group creativity problem solving. The results showed that the group creativity problem solving had significant correlation with cognitive empathy, affective empathy, and integrated inquiry ability of scientific inquiry ability. The stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the empathic concern of affective empathy, perspective taking of cognitive empathy, and empathic awakening of affective empathy significantly predicted the group creativity problem solving. The educational implications were also discussed.

Application of web problem-based learning in electrocardiography teaching

Objective To explore the effect of web problem-based learning in electrocardiography (ECG) teaching. Methods 100 clinical medical students from Grade 2014 were randomly selected and divided into two groups, with 50 in each. The control group received traditional methods in ECG teaching, while the WPBL teaching method was conducted in experimental group. The effect of ECG teaching in two groups were evaluated and analyzed by test scores and questionnaire survey. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and were compared by t-test. Categorical variables were expressed as counts and percentages. Counting data were test by Chi-square. Results Comparing with control group, students in the experimental group performed better on independent learning capability, interesting of learning ECG, ability to analyze and solve problems, team cooperation, self-presentation and presentation skills (P 0.05]. Conclusion WPBL teaching could improve medical students' interest in electrocardiogram learning and cultivates their ability of active learning and problem solving, which is worthy of promotion. Key words: Problem-based learning; Electrocardiography teaching

Computer-based collaborative problem-solving assessment in Taiwan

The current study explores students’ collaboration and problem solving (CPS) abilities using a human-to-agent (H-A) computer-based collaborative problem solving assessment. Five CPS assessment units with 76 conversation-based items were constructed using the PISA 2015 CPS framework. In the experiment, 53,855 ninth and tenth graders in Taiwan were recruited, and a multidimensional item response analysis was used to develop CPS scales and represent the students’ collaboration and problem solving performance. The results show that the developed H-A approach is feasible for measuring students’ CPS skills, and the CPS scales are also shown to be reliable. In addition, the students’ CPS performance scores are further explored and discussed under the PISA CPS framework.

Help-Seeking and Management Behavior of the Deans and Academic Chairpersons in the University of Eastern Philippines

This study investigated the help-seeking and management behavior of Deans and Academic chairpersons in a state university In Northern Samar. It determined the effect of help-seeking behavior on management behavior of the administrators. A total of thirty-two college deans and department heads participated in the study. Colleges administrators admitted that they seek help from others when faced with challenging situations. Findings showed they are participating in decision making efficiently. Similar efficiency level was found on management behavior in terms of problem-solving, conflict management, and crises' intervention. Overall, management behavior of college school administrators was considered efficient. Help-seeking behavior positively Influenced the problem solving and conflict management abilities of the colleges' administrators. On the other hand, the test of the relationship between help-seeking behavior and performance of the school administrators showed that only occupational competence had a significant relationship with help-seeking behavior. Schools administrators' help seeking behavior is much helpful in dealing with their duties particularly on management areas of their occupation. Occupational competence was significantly related to decision making, problem-solving and conflict management. On the other hand, professional and personal characteristics were also significantly, related to crisis intervention. Punctuality and attendance had no significant relationship to any of the management behavior. Lastly, the test of difference in help-seeking behavior of colleges administrators when compared by age and gender showed that help seeking varies among different age groups. Younger colleges administrators seek more help compared to seasoned administrators. No significant difference was found on the help-seeking ability between male and female administrators. Implications of help-seeking on school administrators were discussed.

Efficacy of Stress Management Program on the level of perceived stress and Coping Strategies among Baccalaureate Nursing Students

Background: Undergraduate nursing students experience significant stress and anxiety, stress has been known as a barrier to concentration, problem solving, decision making, and other important abilities for students’ learning. The Ways of coping with such stress would be more important than the nature of stress itself. Aim: the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of stress management program on the level of perceived stress and coping strategies among Baccalaureate Nursing Students. Subject and method: A quasi-experimental with one group pre-test post-test design was selected for the study. A convenience sampling of 100 nursing students at academic year (2017-2018). The study was conducted at faculty of nursing, Tanta University affiliated to the Ministry of Higher Education. Tools of data collection ; three tools were used to collect the data for the study ;University student's perceived stressors questionnaire, Coping inventory of stressful situations and Perceived stress scale Method: The nursing students were divided into subgroups; each subgroup encompassed 15 students (8 students for each researcher). Each subgroup was attending a total of 6 sessions. These sessions were scheduled as 3 sessions per week for duration of 2 weeks. Each session was lasted for about two hours. Results: More than half of the study participants were classified as having a high level of stress and the most used coping strategies were emotion focused and avoidance focused strategy before implementing the program. There was a statistical significant difference in the level of stress and coping strategies used by nursing students among the two phases of the program. Conclusion: The program was effective in reducing stress level and improves coping strategies.

Systematic Review of Cognitive Style, Its Approaches and Cultural Research

The present paper attempts to go through a systematic review on nature of cognitive styles and approaches. When it comes to studying psychological process cognitive style appear as most prominent concept linked with many other psychological processes like problem solving, decision-making, socialization and spatial ability etc. Cognitive style is generally known as way of processing and analyzing information from the environment. The term cognitive styles have been studied since 1960 it was assumed as part of psychological differentiation. But nowadays it is also known as perceptual styles. Often times these terms have been used interchangeably but there is slight difference between these concepts. In the present paper we will analyze the concept of cognitive style, approaches to study cognitive style, new emerging fields in cognitive styles and researches in cognitive styles in Indian perspective. Analysis of review showed that there is abundance of research in cognitive style and its relationship to ecological perspective, and teaching but there is still need for the research in using socio-cultural variable in Indian context.

Social Skills and Programs of Positive Discipline in School Environment – A Literature Review

The current article is a literature review with the intention to examine the impact of different programs of Positive Discipline applied in school settings. The main focus is on providing a full panorama on several studies of PD applied to classrooms in different approaches and to understand how these programs are implemented on everyday academic life. A systematic literature search was carried out in order to explore current researchaddressing the implementation of PD programs and their effectiveness, in school settings. This literature review demonstrates that quality relationships with peers, teachers and parents make a big difference for young people, especially in those trying to build strong social skills. Students who perceive a sense of belonging and connectedness are less likely to engage in socially risky behaviors, and are more prone to academic success.Different studies show that by implementing this approach, positive results as reduced risk for aggressive behavior, decreased violence, positive school climate, youth behaviour, problem solving, and friendship building abilities, are the outcomes. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n2s1p84

Nutritional and developmental status among 6- to 8-month-old children in southwestern Uganda: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundUndernutrition continues to pose challenges to Uganda's children, but there is limited knowledge on its association with physical and intellectual development.ObjectiveIn this cross-sectional study, we assessed the nutritional status and milestone development of 6- to 8-month-old children and associated factors in two districts of southwestern Uganda.DesignFive hundred and twelve households with mother–infant (6–8 months) pairs were randomly sampled. Data about background variables (e.g. household characteristics, poverty likelihood, and child dietary diversity scores (CDDS)) were collected using questionnaires. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID III) and Ages and Stages questionnaires (ASQ) were used to collect data on child development. Anthropometric measures were used to determine z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), length-for-age (LAZ), weight-for-length (WLZ), head circumference (HCZ), and mid-upper arm circumference. Chi-square tests, correlation coefficients, and linear regression analyses were used to relate background variables, nutritional status indicators, and infant development.ResultsThe prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was 12.1, 24.6, and 4.7%, respectively. Household head education, gender, sanitation, household size, maternal age and education, birth order, poverty likelihood, and CDDS were associated (p<0.05) with WAZ, LAZ, and WLZ. Regression analysis showed that gender, sanitation, CDDS, and likelihood to be below the poverty line were predictors (p<0.05) of undernutrition. BSID III indicated development delay of 1.3% in cognitive and language, and 1.6% in motor development. The ASQ indicated delayed development of 24, 9.1, 25.2, 12.2, and 15.1% in communication, fine motor, gross motor, problem solving, and personal social ability, respectively. All nutritional status indicators except HCZ were positively and significantly associated with development domains. WAZ was the main predictor for all development domains.ConclusionUndernutrition among infants living in impoverished rural Uganda was associated with household sanitation, poverty, and low dietary diversity. Development domains were positively and significantly associated with nutritional status. Nutritional interventions might add value to improvement of child growth and development.

Integration of Autograph in Improving Mathematical Problem Solving and Mathematical Connection Ability Using Cooperative Learning Think-Pair-Share

The aim of this study was to investigate students’ mathematical problem solving and mathematical connection ability in cooperative learning setting using Dynamic Software Autograph. This experimental study was conducted at high school in learning statistics. The collection of the data was done using observation sheets, documentation, attitude scale, and performance tests. Repeated measure tests were delivered to students for four times. The result of the analysis showed that: (1) Using Dynamic Software Autograph in teachinglearning statistics with cooperative learning Think-Pair-Share improved students’ problem solving and mathematical connection ability; (2) Students’ activity during teaching learning processes continuously improved; (3) The result of analysis of the questionnaire showed that most students like learning statistics using cooperative learning with dynamic software Autograph; (4) Students were very active and showed positive attitude toward learning using cooperative learning Think-Pair-Share using dynamic software Autograph.

INFORMATINIO MĄSTYMO UGDYMO UŽDUOTYS: MERGINŲ IR VAIKINŲ SPRENDIMŲ ANALIZĖ

Profesorė fizinių mokslų daktarėVilniaus universitetoMatematikos ir informatikos institutasAkademijos g. 4, LT-08663 VilniusEl. paštas: valentina.dagiene@mii.vu.lt Matematikos didaktikos magistrantas Vilniaus universiteto Matematikos ir informatikos institutas Akademijos g. 4, LT-08663 Vilnius El. paštas: eimantas.pelikis@gmail.comInformatikos inžinerijos doktorantė Vilniaus universiteto Matematikos ir informatikos institutas Akademijos g. 4, LT-08663 Vilnius El. paštas: gabriele.stupuriene@mii.vu.ltStraipsnyje nagrinėjamos tokios problemos: informatikos mokymas naudojant neformalųjį ugdy­mo būdą (konkursus, varžybas), informatikos pagrindinių konceptų mokymas trumpomis patraukliomis užduotimis, informatinio mąstymo (anglų k. computational thinking) ugdymas, merginų ir vaikinų skirtumai sprendžiant informatikos užduotis. Autorių tyrimas remiasi šios srities kon­tekstine šaltinių analize ir didelio kiekio sukauptų duomenų statistine analize (atsakymai gauti iš 23,5 tūkst. respondentų). Straipsnyje vartojama nauja, lietuviškose publikacijose dar nevartota in­formatinio mąstymo sąvoka, kuriai Europos šalyse skiriama vis daugiau dėmesio ir manoma tai esant vienu iš svarbiausių XXI amžiaus ugdymo iššūkių mokykloje. Aptariamos šios sąvokos ypaty­bės, sunkumai rasti tinkamą lietuvišką atitikmenį, nagrinėjamas operacinis informatinio mąstymo apibrėžimas. Straipsnyje apžvelgiami kognityvūs merginų ir vaikinų skirtumai sprendžiant infor­matikos užduotis, skirtas informatiniam mąstymui ugdyti. Trumpai pristatomas tarptautinis infor­matikos konkursas „Bebras“, analizuojama, kaip šis konkursas padeda ugdyti mokinių informati­nio mąstymo gebėjimus. Straipsnyje analizuojami 2013 m. konkurso dalyvių sprendimo rezultatai, atsižvelgiama į dalyvių amžiaus grupes, lytį, ieškoma sąsajų su uždavinių kategorijomis. Išsamiau nagrinėjami tie uždaviniai, kurių vaikinų ir merginų rezultatai skiriasi reikšmingai.

Linking complex problem solving and general mental ability to career advancement: Does a transversal skill reveal incremental predictive validity?

Transversal skills, such as complex problem solving (CPS) are viewed as central twenty-first-century skills. Recent empirical findings have already supported the importance of CPS for early academic advancement. We wanted to determine whether CPS could also contribute to the understanding of career advancement later in life. Towards this end, we conducted a study (n = 245) at a large German automobile company in which we predicted career advancement and related criteria with CPS in addition to general mental ability (GMA). A computer-based assessment served as a measure of CPS. The dependent variables were the participants’ job level in accordance with the international standard classification for occupations (ISCO-08) and the number of professional training days as a proxy for lifelong learning efforts. The data were analysed using a structural equation modelling approach. CPS and GMA showed correlations (from .18 to .26, p < .01) with indicators of career advancement. All regression models showed good fit and indicated that CPS explained incremental variance in one of two indicators (β was .14 for trainings, p < .05). Our findings suggest an increment of CPS for predicting career advancement beyond GMA. Hence, CPS could complement GMA in methodologies for the study of professional development.

Application of taking medical students as standardized patients in PBL teaching

Objective To investigate the effect of taking medical students as standardized patients(SSP) on problem based leaming(PBL) teaching in clerkship.Methods Totally 161 students (grade 2008) selected from clinical medical department was divided into PBL group(n=81) and lecture-based learning(LBL) group(n=80).SSP was introduced into PBL teaching and LBL group was taught by LBL.After the clerkship,theory test was conducted in two groups and questionnaire was given to LBL group.Statistical analyses were conducted by SPSS 13.0,measurement data were analyzed by t test and enumeration data were described by frequency and constituent ratio.Results Theory test results showed that the average score of medical record analysis was (37.35 ± 5.95) in PBL group,much higher than (33.25 ± 4.89) in LBL group(P=0.001) ;the total score was (71.20 ± 8.67) in PBL group,much higher than that of (67.79 ± 9.87) in LBL group(P=0.018) as well.The average scores of choice question in 2 groups were (33.85 ± 5.05) and (34.24 ± 6.87),without significant differences(P=0.658).The constituent ratio of answer ‘OK' regarding 10 entries in questionnaire was more than 75％.The constituent ratio of answer ‘OK' regarding 3 entries(SSP matching degree,SSP without implied language or action,stimulating the learning interest) was more than 90％.Conclusions Introducing SSP PBL teaching can improve students' ability of clinical analysis and problem solving but not so effective for the basic theoretical knowledge grasp.SSP could replace standardized patients in PBL teaching. Key words: Surgery; Problem-based learning; Standardized patients; Student as standardized patients ; Clerkship

Elastoplastic analysis of frames composed of softening materials by restricted basis linear programming

This paper is concerned with nonlinear analysis of frames composed of softening materials. The previously proposed dissipated energy maximization approach is extended to determine non-holonomic solution of such frames. The adopted assumptions are: linear kinematics, lumped plasticity with softening behavior, piecewise-linear yield functions, associate flow rule and isotropic evolution with a three phase linear softening rule. The approach is based on a mathematical programming formulation. The solution procedure is discussed and presented in a comprehensive flowchart. It is shown that this method has the ability of solving and tracing path dependent problems and detecting any possible bifurcation.

Characteristic of Cognitive Decline in Parkinson's Disease: A 1-Year Follow-Up

The aim of this study was to track the evolution of cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients 1 year after baseline testing. Thirty-three PD patients, divided according to three previously determined subgroups based on their initial cognitive performance, and a healthy comparison group were reassessed after a 1-year interval. Participants were assessed in the following five domains: Executive Function, Problem Solving, Working Memory/Attention, Memory, and Visuospatial Ability. The PD groups differed on the domains of Executive Function, Problem Solving, and Working Memory, with the most severe deficits being evident for the group that had previously shown the greatest level of impairment. Increased cognitive problems were also associated with decreased functioning in activities of daily living. The most severely impaired group had evidence of global cognitive decline, possibly reflecting a stage of preclinical dementia.

Emergent Behaviors in Social Networks of Adaptive Agents

Designing multiagent systems that can exhibit coherent group behavior based on a small number of simple rules is a very challenging problem. The evolution of mobile computing environments has created a need for adaptive, robust systems, whose components should be able to cooperate in order to solve the tasks continuously received from users or other software agents. In this paper, an interaction protocol for a task allocation system is proposed, which can reveal the formation of social networks as an emergent property. The agents can improve their solving ability by learning and can collaborate with their peers to deal with more difficult tasks. The experiments show that the evolution of the social networks is similar under a great variety of settings and depends only on the dynamism of the environment. The average number of connections and resources of the agents follows a power law distribution. Different configurations are studied in order to find the optimal set of parameters that leads to the maximum overall efficiency of the multiagent system.

Applying the DISCOVER Model to Nurture Creativity in Pre-Service Early Childhood Teachers

The purpose of this study was to illustrate how professors can motivate pre-service early childhood teachers to be more creative using the Discovering Intellectual Strengths and Capabilities while Observing Varied Ethnic Responses (DISCOVER) Model (Maker, 2005; Maker &amp; Schiever, 2005; Schiever &amp; Maker, 1991, 1997). The participants were 50 pre-service early childhood teachers from a private rural college in MiaoLi County, Taiwan. They were enrolled in a Children's Literature course in the Department of Child Care and Education. The picture book was used to increase the engagement and motivation of the participants through the DISCOVER Model's six problem-solving types. Tree choice, authenticity, problem solving, and creative ability were factors included in every task. The participants' creative work demonstrated the effectiveness of the method. Pedagogic ideas and methods for integrating the model into higher education are included in the recommendations.

Interpretation of Cognitive Test Scores in Relation to Swedish and Immigrant Groups

Test scores are used in employment offices in Sweden when making decisions to grant vocational education to immigrant and native applicants. The interpretation and use of scores in the decision making process is investigated. Mean scores of ability dimensions were found to differ between Swedish and immigrant groups. It is shown that the psychologists working with the assessments and the employment officers who grant the courses make allowances for the cultural bias in the verbal (Gc) ability dimension but underestimate the problem solving (Gf) and speed (Gs) ability dimensions in assessing immigrants. However, assessments based on the visuo-spatial (Gv) ability dimension seem to be unaffected by immigrant group effect. The pattern of differential interpretations could result in inefficient test use and less than optimal test based decisions for immigrant groups.

Evolution of spatial cognition: mechanisms and tasks

Finding places and orienting in space are among the most basic behavioral performances of all mobile animals. In many different species, simple mechanisms have been identified for recognizing places, returning to a “home” after an excursion, or concatenating simple navigational steps to longer routes. These mechanisms form the basis of human spatial performances. The talk will explore the relation between animal and human spatial cognition along two dimensions, (1) animal roots of human performances, and (2) features of spatial cognition uniquely found in humans. In the first part of the talk, we will present a novel behavioral paradigm for studying large-scale spatial performances in rats (Holscher in J Exp Biol 208:561–569, 2005). The setup consists of a running ball in a socket, hovering in a stream of air. The rat is fixated over the pole of the ball such that the rat’s legs touch the ball. Translatory movements of the rat are thus transformed into rotations of the ball about horizontal (“equatorial”) axes. Rotations of the rat about its vertical (dorso-ventral) axis are not restricted while the ball is prevented from such rotations by guiding wheels. In effect, then, the system is open-loop for translations and closed-loop for rotations of the rat. The rotation of the ball is measured by an optical system and used to control a virtual reality projection surrounding the rat on a panoramic screen. Initial results indicate that rats accept the virtual environment and run for long distances, up to several hundreds of meters. In addition, they can be trained to search for rewards at places specified by landmarks. In ongoing experiments, we investigate route behavior in rats, which is considered a stepping stone to topological navigation in humans. In the second part of the talk, we will discuss in what ways human spatial abilities differs from animal performances. We suggest that human spatial behavior, while relying on abilities found already in the animal wayfinding hierarchy (Trullier et al. in Prog Neurobiol 51:483–544, 1997), has taken advantage of two trends of the cognitive evolution in the social domain. First, communicating spatial knowledge, either face-to-face, by publishing or by sign-posting enables us to travel to almost every point in the world with a minimum of prior knowledge. Second, cooperative behavior in building cities, roads, and transportation systems shapes the environment in ways that may be more easy to navigate. We will argue that human wayfinding differs from animal behavior in the ability of utilizing these “socio-spatial” types of knowledge. The cognitive apparatus needed for these performances is not specifically spatial, but includes general problem solving and working memory abilities.

Tertiary EE Student Projects: What the Academics Learnt

AbstractProblem solving and teamwork abilities are important skills for graduates entering the environment profession. Through a problem based learning approach small groups of students from the environmental courses at RMIT University have been gaining these professional skills by undertaking projects in Vietnam. With three years experience in running the project we have data, through the students' reflections and feedback, to demonstrate the value of the project approach, and to undertake improvements. Drawing on data from the latest project we can identify opportunities for improving the details of the project's organisation, but importantly demonstrate the value of the project in providing a depth of professional experiences for the students. This analysis will be important for other academics needing support in the development of project based activities for those in environmental courses.