Prediction of functional microexons by transfer learning

Background Microexons are a particular kind of exon of less than 30 nucleotides in length. More than 60% of annotated human microexons were found to have high levels of sequence conservation, suggesting their potential functions. There is thus a need to develop a method for predicting functional microexons. Results Given the lack of a publicly available functional label for microexons, we employed a transfer learning skill called Transfer Component Analysis (TCA) to transfer the knowledge obtained from feature mapping for the prediction of functional microexons. To provide reference knowledge, microindels were chosen because of their similarities to microexons. Then, Support Vector Machine (SVM) was used to train a classification model in the newly built feature space for the functional microindels. With the trained model, functional microexons were predicted. We also built a tool based on this model to predict other functional microexons. We then used this tool to predict a total of 19 functional microexons reported in the literature. This approach successfully predicted 16 out of 19 samples, giving accuracy greater than 80%. Conclusions In this study, we proposed a method for predicting functional microexons and applied it, with the predictive results being largely consistent with records in the literature.

Self-regulated learning skill as a predictor of mathematics achievement: a focus on ability levels

This paper investigated self-regulated learning skills as a predictor of students’ achievement in mathematics based on ability level. The study is prediction-design research of correlational type. The subjects were 882 SSII students from the secondary schools in Owerri Education Zone of Imo State. The researchers adopted the multi-stage but simple random sampling technique to draw the sample. Two instruments were used to collect data for this study. They are the Self-regulated Learning Questionnaire (SRLQ) and Mathematics Achievement Proforma. The validity of the instruments was ensured through experts’ suggestions and guidance. Single-administration reliability and Cronbach Alpha ensured the reliability of SRLQ (0.89). The data collected were analyzed using regression analysis and coefficient of determination at 0.05 alpha level with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The results of the study revealed that self-regulated learning skill predicts 6.0% and 4.3% respectively to the variance observed in high and low achieving students in mathematics. This prediction is significant as attested to by the regression analysis carried out (p < 0.05). Therefore, secondary school students should regulate their learning to increase their mathematics achievement.

The Effect of Knowledge Level (IQ) and Physical Conditions (Power, Flexibility and Coordination) on Smash Technique Learning Skill in Sepak Takraw

Athlete’s knowledge level (IQ) is needed to increase smash technique learning skill in sepak takraw. Besides, physical conditions which consist of power, flexibility and coordination, are also determined athlete’s accomplishment in learning smash technique in sepak takraw. The study purpose. The aim of this research was to discover the direct influence between knowledge level (IQ) and physical conditions (power, flexibility and coordination) on smash technique learning skill in sepak takraw. Materials and Methods. The method used in this research was quantitative. Path analysis was conducted to analyze the result. As many as 50 athletes of sepak takraw from capital city of Jakarta were taken as population. Those athletes were also taken as sample by using total sampling. The sample was the athletes who joined the regional and national championship. Results. Based on the research it was obtained: 1) knowledge level (IQ) affects smash technique learning skill in sepak takraw directly as many as 0.982; 2) physical conditions (power, flexibility and coordination) affect smash technique learning skill in sepak takraw directly as many as 0.845; and 3) overall, knowledge level (IQ) and physical condition (power, flexibility and coordination) affect smash technique learning skill in sepak takraw directly as many as 0.703. Conclusion. Therefore, it could be concluded that knowledge level (IQ) and physical conditions (power, flexibility and coordination) affect smash technique learning skill in sepak takraw on the athletes of capital city of Jakarta.

Qualitative Development of Students’ Digital Skills by Integrating a Spreadsheet Software in First Year Introduction to Engineering and Seminar Course

The Introduction to Engineering (ITE) and Industrial Seminar and Profession (ISP) courses conducted at School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, are integrated courses which implement the Cooperative Problem-based Learning (CPBL) methods in the same semester. Based on this integrated courses, the main aim of this paper is to investigate the qualitative impact of spreadsheet hands-on seminar on the first year students' digital skill. At the beginning of the semester, students are given sustainability-based project to work on, which requires them to collect and to report the data in a series of presentations and written reports. In order to present those data, they need to use analysis tools such as a spreadsheet software. The students are introduced with some in-depth applications of the Microsoft Excel software through the seminar sessions in the ISP course. With the knowledge that the students gain, they are expected to implement it in the CPBL project. A qualitative approach has been adopted to implement the study. Student’s reflections were used as the data source to identify common attributes that they have managed to gain from seminar sessions. This study has found that all students had primarily learned about digital skills. They perceived hand-on activity during the seminar as a good platform to acquire knowledge on basic calculation and developed learning skill on Excel. Moreover, students recognized the skills they are learning will be useful in other courses and future careers.

THE USE OF WATTPAD IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING AND LEARNING: IS IT HELPFUL?

The use of digital applications is very helpful in teaching and learning process, especially for language classes. The existence of technology is very helpful for teachers to increase student interest in learning about English language lesson. The development of the digital world is used by teachers to be used as a tool to facilitate student learning. This research focuses on the role of using a digital application called Wattpad which will make students diligently read English reading texts, so that they become more skilled in learning. In this research, the researchers defined the term digital application to explain the use of digital application in an effort to improve English as a foreign language learning skill. The related review of literature shows that the use of multi-media technology can improve students’ language learning skills because matches their interests. Therefore, their English skills can be better.

Sediments and Seashores - A Case Study of Local Citizen Science Contributing to Student Learning and Environmental Citizenship

Citizen science aims to bridge the gap between science and society by engaging people in understanding the process of science. This is needed to foster informed democratic involvement of critical, environmentally informed citizens. Can these aspirations be facilitated by school-based citizen science that offers opportunity to engage scientifically with environmental issues at a scale with local relevance? This is tested through application of Marine Metre Squared (Mm2), a citizen science initiative for long-term monitoring of the New Zealand intertidal zone. Through direct observation and “hands-on” engagement, participants are involved in place-based learning that connects them with nature. Strong interest from teachers and uptake into school programmes has been key to its success in collecting long term biodiversity data. Through facilitated delivery, the project also has the capacity to meet school curriculum goals and develop the environmental science citizenship capabilities of participants. Assessing the use of Mm2 as a citizen science intervention within schools, we found that it affected science learning, skill development and environmental attitudes. Our findings further demonstrate the effect of extended involvement in a citizen science project, the value of a local issue-focused project for student learning outside the classroom, and how school science education can be enriched through citizen science to also grow civic responsibility for the environment (environmental citizenship).

The development of a virtual simulator for a novel design surgical tool in endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery

Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) is a standard procedure to treat the pituitary adenoma, a tumor in the pituitary gland that causes malfunction of hormones. Although the method is substantially minimal invasive, the surgeon may encounter intricacies. The major challenges are narrow surgery pathway, limited working area, lack of case studies for practicing, steep learning curve owing to the intricate steps, and the tool insertion risk. To ease the neurosurgeons, this research focuses on the development and testing of the surgical simulator based on the pathway guidance and the interchangeable surgical instrument tooltip. The system was tested in human cadaver-based experiments with interchangeability in terms of function and the performance of the simulator in terms of the benefits. The experiments demonstrate the augmentation in the learning skill of the user through the simulator based on the completion time assessment and the error reduction. Furthermore, the satisfaction level of the interchangeable surgical tool, which was found using sliding switch and gripper scored 71.40%, the interchangeable tooltip function, which is a novel function to participants scored 85.6% and the practical use had 77%. The geometric aspect of the interchangeable tool scored lowest (62.80%) and was found to be moderate among the neurosurgeons.

An Intelligent Self-Service Vending System for Smart Retail

The traditional weighing and selling process of non-barcode items requires manual service, which not only consumes manpower and material resources but is also more prone to errors or omissions of data. This paper proposes an intelligent self-service vending system embedded with a single camera to detect multiple products in real-time performance without any labels, and the system realizes the integration of weighing, identification, and online settlement in the process of non-barcode items. The system includes a self-service vending device and a multi-device data management platform. The flexible configuration of the structure gives the system the possibility of identifying fruits from multiple angles. The height of the system can be adjusted to provide self-service for people of different heights; then, deep learning skill is applied implementing product detection, and real-time multi-object detection technology is utilized in the image-based checkout system. In addition, on the multi-device data management platform, the information docking between embedded devices, WeChat applets, Alipay, and the database platform can be implemented. We conducted experiments to verify the accuracy of the measurement. The experimental results demonstrate that the correlation coefficient R2 between the measured value of the weight and the actual value is 0.99, and the accuracy of non-barcode item prediction is 93.73%. In Yangpu District, Shanghai, a comprehensive application scenario experiment was also conducted, proving that our system can effectively deal with the challenges of various sales situations.

The perils of dressings: a cautionary tale of ischaemia

A cohort of patients presented to Queen Victoria Hospital, UK, with iatrogenic toe ischaemia following application of a different, newly available post-procedure dressing with different properties to those usually used. This resulted in ischaemia with extensive skin and soft tissue damage, requiring debridement surgery and, in some cases, skin grafting. We aim to highlight the risk of morbidity from dressing application to the digits. This is a key learning skill for anyone who may either perform dressings or evaluate dressings on digits in the community and across multiple specialties in hospital. This article follows a thorough root cause analysis and addresses other possible causes of an acutely painful erythematous toe post-Zadek's procedure.

Mobile Learning Technologies for Education: Benefits and Pending Issues

Today’s world demands more efficient learning models that allow students to play a more active role in their education. Technology is having an impact on how instruction is delivered and how information is found and share. Until very recently, the educational models encouraged memorization as an essential learning skill. These days, technologies have changed the educational model and access to information. Knowledge is available online, mostly free, and easily accessible. Reading, sharing, listening and, doing are currently necessary skills for education. Mobile devices have become a complete set of applications, support, and help for educational organizations. By conducting an analysis of the behavior and use of mobile devices on current students, efficient educational applications can be developed. Although there are several initiatives for the use of mobile learning in education, there are also issues linked to this technology that must be addressed. In this work, we present the results of a literature review of mobile learning; the findings described are the result of the analysis of several articles obtained in three scientific repositories. This work also lists certain issues that, if properly addressed, can avoid possible complications to the implementation of this technology in education.