THE IMPACT OF VISUAL STIMULI ON THE CONTENT OF WRITING IN TAMIL LANGUAGE: A STUDY AMONG USM UNDERGRADUATES

Visual images are increasingly appearing in learning and teaching resources, delivered across a range of media in a variety of formats: digitally Web-based material and multimedia as well as print and as transparencies. The proliferation of image-rich resources is due to the wide availability of digital images and access to the technology and graphics software that facilitates the creation and delivery of visual materials. The main aim of this research is to investigate the role of visual stimuli in enhancing writing skills among USM undergraduates who are taking Tamil as foreign language. Writing is an important skill often emphasized among foreign language learners. However, most foreign language learners face difficulties to pen down their thoughts. The respondents of this research are pursuing LAT 300 (Tamil Language III) course at the School of Languages, Literacies and Translation and are divide into two groups, experimental and control group. The methods used is written assignment; topic with visual stimuli for experimental group and topic without stimuli for control group. The written assignments were graded using the university’s grading rubric. In the questionnaire, the respondents were also asked to give feedback on the use of visual stimuli in writing. The findings of this study revealed that the experimental group performed better as they were given visuals. The experimental group respondents highlighted that they needed stimuli to motivate and trigger their background knowledge on the essay topics. It is hoped that this study will aid language teachers and practitioners to utilize visuals as a support in the teaching of Tamil Language as foreign language.

Combining multiple shaded reliefs with hypsometric colouring and digital orthophotos using free and open-source software

In this paper we combined layers created from several terrain rendering techniques, namely a shaded relief rendered in the free and open-source 3D computer graphics software Blender, a hillshade created in the free and opensource Geographic Information System (GIS) software QGIS, a hypsometric coloured Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and a draped digital orthophoto. Following a recent trend in the cartographic community towards using Blender, we tried to improve the standard relief visualization in common GIS software by blending it with a shaded relief rendered in Blender. Using different QGIS blending modes and opacity values we achieved different graphic visualizations. To compare and evaluate the suitability of different rendering techniques we chose national park Risnjak located in Croatia because of its specific and diverse terrain landforms. After comparing different input layers and parameter sets, we selected the blending combination which is best suited for visualizing terrain characteristics of all Croatian national parks. The result is a shaded relief created for every national park which is combined from a shaded relief rendered in Blender, a hillshade created in QGIS, a hypsometric coloured DEM and a draped digital orthophoto.

Research and application of graphic software architecture for power grid dispatching control system

Currently, the independent design and development of power grid automation system cannot meet the urgent requirements of integrated system for electric dispatching, monitoring and synthetic analysis and decision-masking. In accordance with this situation, a general power grid dispatching control graphics software architecture based on the modular hierarchical theory is proposed. The architecture extracts and abstracts the common modules of different system graphics software architectures to build an integrated basic development platform. Based on this platform, an integrated graphical interactive software for power grid dispatching, power distribution network or substation supervision can be quickly developed. In this paper, the overall architecture, modular hierarchical theory, graphics general API and the key technologies for this architecture are described in detail. This architecture has been applied to the development of multiple power grid control graphics software, and the engineering application is performing well in reality. In a word, the architecture proposed in this paper satisfies the needs of power grid control integration, and effectively reducing system

Evaluation of Seaport Service Quality in Tanzania: From the Dar es Salaam Seaport Perspective

Many countries rely heavily on seaports to promote their well-being and economy. Unreliability of seaport services can considerably impact cargo owners, seaport customers and shipping lines resulting to their dissatisfaction. This study aimed to evaluate service quality of Tanzanian seaports considering Dar es Salaam seaport as a study area. The study discovered the negative gap on the service quality after evaluating seaport user’s perceptions and expectations of delivered seaport services, meanwhile the service quality of Dar es Salaam seaport is poor. Opinions of seaport user’s concerning seaport service quality were computed based on the SERVQUAL model which developed by Parasuraman by considering the essential measurements of Tangibility, Empathy, Reliability, Assurance and Responsiveness. Senior administrators and managers employed in numerous shipping lines in Tanzania were interviewed to check the model validity, then 314 members of Tanzania shipping and logistics associations were engaged in a study survey. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to validate the seaport service quality measurements and to observe their association with satisfaction of seaport customers using Amos Graphics software version 26. It found that seaport service quality is a five-measure construct; responsiveness was significantly influence customer satisfaction while empathy and assurance could insignificantly influence customer satisfaction. Reliability was found significantly to cause customer dissatisfaction and tangibility was insignificantly to cause customer dissatisfaction. Academically, this research donates to management practice as seaport administrators, managers and executives can utilize the seaport service quality measurements to evaluate their customer’s satisfaction and defending for seaport service quality investments as a relational marketing strategy.

IMAGE CONVERTER BASED ON BLOCK COMPRESSION ALGORITHMS OF DXT1, DXT3 AND DXT5 TEXTURES

This article analyzes the existing applications that implement block texture compression algorithms. Based on it, the most optimal variant of technical implementation is introduced. A set of technologies for the implementation of the prototype is selected and substantiated and its architecture is developed on the basis of the principles that ensure the maximum extensibility and purity of the code. With the development of technology and the integration of computerized systems into all possible areas of human activity, more and more software with three-dimensional graphics is being used. Such programs have long since ceased to be used only in the entertainment field for tasks such as computer game development or special effects for cinema. Now with their help doctors can plan the most complex operations, architects check the developed plans of constructions and engineers to model prototypes without use of any materials. On the one hand, such a rapid increase can be explained by the increase in the power of components for personal computers. For example, modern graphics processors, which play a key role in the operation of graphics software, have become much faster in recent decades and have increased their memory hundreds of times. However, no matter how many resources the system has, the question of their efficient use still remains. It is to solve this problem that block texture compression algorithms have been created. In fact, they made it possible to create effective software when computer resources were still quite limited. And with increasing resources allowed to develop software with an incredible level of detail of the models, which led to its active implementation in such demanding areas as medicine, construction and more. The end result of this work is a developed application that takes into account the modern needs of the user. During the development, the most modern technologies were used for the highest speed and relevance of the application. The main advantages and disadvantages of existing solutions were also taken into account during the development. The capabilities of the system were tested using manual testing on a local machine.

Development, production and evaluation of 2-dimensional transfer tattoos to simulate skin conditions in health professions education

Background Moulages can greatly extend the possibilities of simulation in teaching and assessment. Since moulages that fit an educator’s exact needs are often unavailable commercially, this paper explains how 2-dimensional transfer tattoos can be independently developed, produced, and evaluated. Methods From representative photographs of the specific skin condition an analogue copy of the pathological finding is drawn. Once validated by the medical expert, it can be digitized by scanning and processed using graphics software. The final digital image file is printed onto transfer paper. Once applied and fixed onto the intended wearer, usually a simulated patient, its authenticity can be confirmed, and further transfer tattoos can be produced. Results Using this moulage technique we produced 10 different 2-dimensional transfer tattoos to date, including hematoma, Janeway lesions and splinter nails. These moulages are used in clinical skills training, formative and high-stakes summative assessment in undergraduate medical and nursing programs. Conclusions By sharing our development process for 2-dimensional transfer tattoos, health profession educators can produce their own that best fit their local educational needs. Due to their high authenticity and standardization, 2-dimensional transfer tattoos are ideal for use in high-stakes assessment.

Vectorial application for the illustration of archaeological lithic artefacts using the “Stone Tools Illustrations with Vector Art” (STIVA) Method

Lithic illustrations are often used in scientific publications to efficiently communicate the technological and morphological characteristics of stone tools. They offer invaluable information and insights not only on how stone raw materials were transformed into their final form, but also on the individuals that made them. Here, the “Stone Tools Illustrations with Vector Art” (STIVA) Method is presented, which involves the illustration of lithic artefacts using vectorial graphics software (Adobe Illustrator ©). This protocol follows an optimised step-by-step method, presenting ten major sections that constitute the creation of a lithic illustration: photography, vectorial software configuration, scale, outline, scar borders, ripples, cortex, symbols, composition, and export. This method has been developed to allow researchers, students and educators to create clear and competent illustrations for any application, from scientific publications to public outreach.

A virtual alternative to molecular model sets: a beginners’ guide to constructing and visualizing molecules in open-source molecular graphics software

Objective The application of molecular graphics software as a simple and free alternative to molecular model sets for introductory-level chemistry learners is presented. Results Based on either Avogadro or IQmol, we proposed four sets of tasks for students, building basic molecular geometries, visualizing orbitals and densities, predicting polarity of molecules and matching 3D structures with bond-line structures. These topics are typically covered in general chemistry for first-year undergraduate students. Detailed step-by-step procedures are provided for all tasks for both programs so that instructors and students can adopt one of the two programs in their teaching and learning as an alternative to molecular model sets.