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Computing has become an essential part of today's primary and secondary school curricula. In recent years, K-12 computer education has shifted from computer science itself to the broader perspective of computational thinking (CT), which is less about technology than a way of thinking and solving problems--"a fundamental skill for everyone, not just computer scientists," in the words of Jeanette Wing, author of a foundational article on CT. This volume introduces a variety of approaches to CT in K-12 education, offering a wide range of international perspectives that focus on artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and the integration of computing and physical objects. The book first offers an overview of CT and its importance in K-12 education, covering such topics as the rationale for teaching CT; programming as a general problem-solving skill; and the "phenomenon-based learning" approach. It then addresses the educational implications of the explosion in AI research, discussing, among other things, the importance of teaching children to be conscientious designers and consumers of AI. Finally, the book examines the increasing influence of physical devices in CT education, considering the learning opportunities offered by robotics.

This is a Japanese edition/translation of Articulate Silences

A special issue of Amerasia Journal (37.1 [2011] about Russell C. Leong, editor of the journal for over three decades

Twenty Asian American writers comment on their own work and speak frankly about aesthetics, politics, and the challenges they have encountered in pursuing a writing career.

This collection of four papers deals with problem solving and the measurement of problem solving. "Climbing Up the Competence Ladder: Some Thoughts on Meaningful Assessment of Problem-Solving Tasks in the Classroom" by K. C. Cheung uses the metaphor of a competence ladder to represent the problem-solving continuum with progressive qualitative bands. "A Bane or a Boon?: Meaningful Assessment of Problem-Solving Activities in the Classroom" by K. C. Cheung and L. C. Mooi explores different ways of assessing problem-solving activities and describes a conceptual framework for problem-solving processes. ""On Meaningful Measurement: Stages of Lower Secondary Pupils' Abilities in Solving Algebra Word Problems" by W. F. Loh and K. C. Cheung outlines the critical steps experienced by 130 eighth-graders in Singapore in solving word problems and explains how these activities could be assessed. "On Meaningful Measurement: Metacognition and Hierarchical Modelling of Errors in Algebra Word Problems" by K. C. Cheung and W. F. Loh analyzes the main types of errors made by 130 eighth-graders at different performance levels. A 43-item list of references is included. An appendix contains the algebra test from the fourth study. (SLD)

This collection of research papers considers extensions of the Rasch model. In Chapter 1, K. C. Cheung explains how measurement and testing in the classroom can be made more meaningful, particularly through the use of Rasch family item response models. In Chapter 2, K. W. Koon and K. C. Cheung apply the Rasch model in constructing a part-whole concept continuum in mathematics. In Chapter 3, using a different conceptual framework, S. K. Cheung and M. L. Choo use the Rasch model to establish a proposed hierarchy of language skills. In Chapter 4, M. L. Choo and K. C. Cheung use Rating Scale Analysis--an extension of the Rasch model--to check on a newly constructed computer programming anxiety instrument normed on a sample of computer science students in junior colleges in Singapore. These papers demonstrate that it is possible to base qualitative interpretation on quantitative measurement. Chapters 2, 3, and 4 show that meaningful measurement is possible in the classroom. Five figures and two tables present supporting data. A 40-item list of references is attached. A multiple-choice test on fractions, and the computer programming anxiety scale are included. (SLD)

On the surface, "Seventeen Syllables" is the story of Rosie and her preoccupation with adolescent life. Between the lines, however, lurks the tragedy of her mother, who is trapped in a marriage of desperation.

This book provides an archival forum for researchers, academics, practitioners, and industry professionals interested and/or engaged in the reform of the ways of teaching and learning through advancing current learning environments towards smart learning environments. The contributions of this book are submitted to the International Conference on Smart Learning Environments (ICSLE 2014). The focus of this book is on the interplay of pedagogy, technology and their fusion towards the advancement of smart learning environments. Various components of this interplay include but are not limited to: Pedagogy- learning paradigms, assessment paradigms, social factors, policy; Technology- emerging technologies, innovative uses of mature technologies, adoption, usability, standards, and emerging/new technological paradigms (open educational resources, cloud computing, etc.).

In this postgenome era, understanding how a cell regulates access to information encoded in the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is essential. In eukaryotic cells, DNA is bound to histone proteins to form chromatin fibers. Numerous studies have now shown that post-translational histone modifications play an important role in regulating the access of DNA-dependent proteins to the DNA template. Determining the status of histone modifications in a genomic region has proven to yield information on the chromatin structure and the regulation of a specific gene in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) allows researchers to determine the status of both histone modifications and the nuclear effector proteins located at gene of interest. ChIP, if applied globally, can also reveal how chromatin structures are dynamically changed when cells respond to certain stimuli. In this chapter, we describe this powerful technique in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a new constraint handling approach that transforms constrained optimization problem of any number of constraints into a two objective preference optimization problem. We design a new crossover operator based on uniform design methods ([8]), a new mutation operator using local search and preference, and a new selection operator based on the preference of the two objectives. The simulation results indicate the proposed algorithm is effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two user turbo-Hadamard code and its decoding procedure are proposed for sychronized Gaussian multiple-access channel. The encoder of each user consists of 2 component encoders concatenated parallel, and the component vector in the output of one user's encoder is orthogonal to that of other user's encoder. The orthogonality is used to separate data of different users. In iterative decoding, the posterior probability of each user is calculated separately according to its trellis stage thanks to the orthogonality. The total posterior probability is combined by the two posterior probability of users. Then the total extrinsic probability is obtained from the total posterior probability and is passed to other decoder as prior probability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an efficient and novel procedure to design two-dimensional (2D) linearphase IIR filters with less hardware resource. A 2D linear-phase FIR filter prototype is first designed using semidefinite programming (SDP). The prototype filter is then decomposed into modular structures via Schur decomposition method (SDM). Each section is reduced into IIR structures using a novel digital system identification technique called the discrete-time vector fitting (VFz). Examples with image processing application show that the algorithm exhibits fast convergence and produces low hardware cost and accurate filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is one of the largest known DNA viruses. It is ubiquitous, and following resolution of primary productive infection, it persists in the human host by establishing a lifelong latent infection in myeloid lineage cells such as monocytes and their progenitors. Most adults with HCMV infection are healthy but it can cause neurologic deficits in infants, and remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the immunosuppressed patient. Microarray-based studies of HCMV have provided useful information about genes that are transcriptionally active during both productive and latent phases of infection. This chapter describes how to study genes in HCMV using microarrays and two cell types (productively infected human foreskin fibroblasts, and latently infected primary human myeloid progenitor cells). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a novel model identification technique for designing complex infinite-impulse- response (IIR) continuous-time filters through generalizing the Vector Fitting (VF) algorithm, which is extensively used for continuous-time frequency-domain rational approximation to symmetric functions, to asymmetrical cases. VF involves a two-step pole refinement process based on a linear least-squares solve and an eigenvalue problem. The proposed algorithm has lower complexity than conventional schemes by designing complex continuous-time filters directly. Numerical examples demonstrate that VF achieves highly efficient and accurate approximation to arbitrary asymmetric complex filter responses. The promising results can be realized for high-dynamic frequency range networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chapter 49 of the book "Distraction Osteogenesis of the Facial Skeleton" is presented. It presents a meta-analysis of scientific literature to assist surgeons in makig an informed decision between distraction and orthognathic surgery for cleft lip and palate deformities. It discusses all the variables that can influence surgeon's choice of therapy. It discusses the vector control of maxillary and midface distraction.

We present an efficient and novel procedure to design two-dimensional (2D) linear-phase IIR filters with less hardware resource. A 2D linear-phase FIR filter prototype is first designed using semidefinite programming (SDP). The prototype filter is then decomposed into modular structures via Schur decomposition method (SDM). Each section is reduced into IIR structures using a novel digital system identification technique called the Discrete-Time Vector Fitting (VFz). Examples with image processing application shows the algorithm exhibits fast convergence and produces low hardware cost and accurate filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personalization is one of the important research issues in the areas of information retrieval and Web search. Providing personalized services that are tailored toward the specific preferences and interests of a given user can enhance her experience and satisfaction. However, to effectively capture user interests is a challenging research problem. Some challenges include how to quickly capture user interests in an unobtrusive way, how to provide diversified recommendations, and how to track the drifts of user interests in a timely fashion. In this paper, we propose a model for learning user interests and an algorithm that actively captures user interests through an interactive recommendation process. The key advantage of our algorithm is that it takes into account both exploitation (recommending items that belong to users' core interest) and exploration (discovering potential interests of users). Extensive experiments using synthetic data and a user study show that our algorithm can quickly capture diversified user interests in an unobtrusive way, even when the user interests may drift along time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the global economy continues to be increasingly integrated and the transit time required is getting shorter, the inter-modal freight activities around a major hub have become more complex and intense. Although these activities typically represent a very small portion of the global distribution network in terms of distance, they contribute significantly to the total transportation cost. Using Hong Kong, the busiest port in the world, as an example, we illustrate the challenges and issues on managing the connection activities in hub cities. In particular, how cross-border regulatory policies lead to very low utilization of resource is discussed. With partial relaxation of these policies in sight, a new operating model of using a freight relay center for connection activities is emerging. We present a decision model on how freight flow and driver flow can be managed in this setting both at tactical and operational levels and design a solution approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been widely used as pesticides and/or industrial chemicals. Because most POPs are persistent, toxic and bioaccumulative, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has implemented an approach to reduce/eliminate these substances. A set of 12 POPs have been targeted for global restriction of production/use under Stockholm Convention. The 12 POPs are: aldrin, endrin, dieldrin, dichlorodiphenyltrichoroethanes, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, chlordane, toxaphene, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, and mirex. Predatory waterbirds are susceptible to bioaccumulation of POPs through the ingestion of contaminated food sources. They are long-lived and top trophic-level animals in the food web, consequently they are able to integrate pollutant levels over a broad area by bioaccumulation. Thus, they can serve as useful bioindicators for environmental monitoring. This report reviews the relevant literature on the environmental levels and biological effects of the 12 priority POPs, listed under the Stockholm Convention, to waterbirds. Particular attention will be given to the pollution status of POPs in Hong Kong, their threats to waterbirds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to realize simultaneous genotyping of multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms or mutations is valuable in DNA samples from complex multigenic pathologies such as cancer. In this way, the complexity (number of hybridization units per chip) of the developed MICAM? DNA chip, and the orientation of the grafted pyrrole oligonucleotides, make it particularly well adapted to the analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms/mutations in multiple potential tumoral markers. The proposed genotyping methodology is based on solid-phase minisequencing, where oligonucleotides are designed to anneal immediately upstream of the polymorphism sites, and labeled dideoxynucleotides are used as substrates for polymerase extension. The developed assay was applied to the analysis of the TP53 codon 72 polymorphism on DNA from cell lines and human colorectal samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]