The role of computer assisted learning packages in determining learning outcomes of accounting students

This study examines the factors affecting student performance in an undergraduate financial accounting course, utilising Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) and use of a commercial software package. Multiple regression analysis was undertaken to examine the influences of perceptions of CAL and QuickBooks Pro, together with background variables such as gender, entry pathway and prior knowledge had on student performance. The results show that perceptions of CAL together with entry pathway were significant predictors of student performance. However, perceptions of the ,usefulness of QuickBooks Pro, prior studies of accounting and computing, together with gender, were not significant influences on performance. In terms of entry pathway it was found that International students, many of whom entered the university at the second year level having obtained advanced standing credits, had significantly poorer performance than local students. This result may be attributed to transitional problems experienced by these students, given their different pathways to university study.

The results have implications for accounting educators utilising CAL in courses as a means of improving students understanding of accounting concepts. The study also provides reflections on the use of CAL and a commercial software package as a means of providing efficient and effective educational instruction to maximise learning outcomes in accounting.

Early breast cancer identification : Which way to go? Microarray or image based computer aided diagnosis!

The goal of this research is to develop a computer aided diagnostic (CAD) system that can detect breast cancer in the early stage by using microarray and image data. We verified the performance of six well known classification algorithms with various performance matrices. Although we do not suggest a unique classifier algorithm for a CAD system, we do identify a number of algorithms whose performance is very promising. The algorithms performance was validated by 3 images dataset; two have been used for the first time in this experiment. Multidimensional image filtering is adopted for the final data extraction. The image data classification performance is compared with microarray data. Results suggest the most effective means of breast cancer identification in the early stage is a hybrid approach.

Factors impacting on the effectiveness of computer-assisted courseware

The level of satisfaction of computer-assisted tutorial courseware that is used as part of the undergraduate property and construction course at the University of Melbourne. It is important to determine if the computer-assisted teaching model improves the learning experience for students. This research examines the levels of satisfaction with a courseware model for teaching construction cost planning. The conclusions suggest that the advantages of the use of the model must be identified and actively supported throughout the whole course. In addition, further development of computer-based courseware is pointless unless the problems associated with their use can be minimized.

Why should I present my thesis on computer assisted ndjébbana on dvd?

This paper justifies the presentation of a Phd thesis about Computer Assisted NdjTbbana on a Digital Video Disc (DVD). NdjTbbana is a language spoken by 200 Kunibfdji who are the traditional indigenous Australian landowners of Maningrida in Arnhem Land, Australia. The tools of this study are simple digital talking books that were created in NdjTbbana and then presented on touch screens computers. The data was the interaction around the touch screens that was recorded on digital video. Using DVD technology, the NdjTbbana talking books and the digital video can be integrated into a scholarly text for academics and NdjTbbana narrated report for the Kunibfdji, which can be combined to present a thesis. From a theoretical perspective, a thesis on a DVD can be located in the centre of critical literacy, a critical theory of technology and critical research methodologies. There are also logistical, semiotic and ideological reasons for presenting a thesis on about computer assisted NdjTbbana on DVD. Presenting Computer Assisted NdjTbbana on DVD will link the tools and data of the research with academic discourse to enhance the examination process and will also support the empowerment of the Kunibfdji as they are more informed about the research process.

A data quality control program for computer-assisted personal interviews

Researchers strive to optimize data quality in order to ensure that study findings are valid and reliable. In this paper, we describe a data quality control program designed to maximize quality of survey data collected using computer-assisted personal interviews. The quality control program comprised three phases: (1) software development, (2) an interviewer quality control protocol, and (3) a data cleaning and processing protocol. To illustrate the value of the program, we assess its use in the Translating Research in Elder Care Study. We utilize data collected annually for two years from computer-assisted personal interviews with 3004 healthcare aides. Data quality was assessed using both survey and process data. Missing data and data errors were minimal. Mean and median values and standard deviations were within acceptable limits. Process data indicated that in only 3.4% and 4.0% of cases was the interviewer unable to conduct interviews in accordance with the details of the program. Interviewers’ perceptions of interview quality also significantly improved between Years 1 and 2. While this data quality control program was demanding in terms of time and resources, we found that the benefits clearly outweighed the effort required to achieve high-quality data.

Effects of discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation on the quality of bovine spermatozoa evaluated with computer-assisted semen analysis and fluorescent probes association

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of bovine frozen-thawed sperm cells after Percoll gradient centrifugation. Frozen semen doses were obtained from six bulls of different breeds, including three taurine and three Zebu animals. Four ejaculates per bull were evaluated before and after discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation. Sperm motility was assessed by computer-assisted semen analysis and the integrity of the plasma and acrosomal membranes, as well as mitochondrial function, were evaluated using a combination of fluorescent probes propidium iodide, fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin and 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolcarbocyanine iodide. The procedure of Percoll gradient centrifugation increased the percentage of total and progressive sperm motility, beat frequency, rectilinear motility, linearity and rapidly moving cells. In addition, the percentage of cells with intact plasma membrane and mitochondrial membrane potential was increased in post-centrifugation samples. However, the percentage of sperm cells with intact acrosomal membrane was markedly reduced. The method used selected the motile cells with intact plasma membrane and higher mitochondrial functionality in frozen-thawed bull semen, but processing, centrifugation and/or the Percoll medium caused damage to the acrosomal membrane.

Development of phantom for radiographic image optimization of standard patient in the lateral view of chest and skull examination

We present the construction of a homogeneous phantom to be used in simulating the scattering and absorption of X-rays by a standard patient chest and skull when irradiated laterally. This phantom consisted of Incite and aluminium plates with their thickness determined by a tomographic exploratory method applied to the anthropomorphic phantom. Using this phantom, an optimized radiographic technique was established for chest and skull of standard sized patient in lateral view. Images generated with this optimized technique demonstrated improved image quality and reduced radiation doses. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phantom development for radiographic image optimization of chest, skull and pelvis examination for nonstandard patient

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Determination and padronization of normal values of bone mineral density (BMD) of the acessory carpus bone in young Thoroughbred horse using optical densitometry in radiographic image

Em 12 fêmeas e 12 machos da raça Puro Sangue Inglês com idade média de 12 meses, avaliou-se os valores normais da densidade mineral óssea do carpo acessório em milímetros de alumínio (mmAl) até o momento do fechamento completo da epífise distal do rádio, por meio do método de densitometria óptica em imagens radiográficas. A avaliação foi realizada por meio de um programa computacional (software) especialmente desenvolvido para medida de densidade óptica em filmes de raios-X, o qual contém a imagem radiográfica do osso carpo acessório, região de partes moles adjacente ao carpo acessório e os degraus de uma escala de alumínio (phatom), que permitiu a medida de densidade mineral óssea, sendo esta a média aritmética da região de interesse determinada no osso carpo acessório correspondente ao valor em milímetros da escala. Os valores da densidade mineral óssea em mmAl do acessório do carpo em função da idade não apresentaram diferenças entre os sexos (p=0,86) permitindo que uma equação de reta fosse ajustada para ambos os sexos (densidade mineral óssea (DMO) mmAl = 3.109 + 0,056 x idade em meses), na faixa etária estudada.

Effect of refrigeration systems upon frozen bull sperm viability assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis and fluorescent probes

Sperm cryopreservation success depends upon the maintenance of spermatozoa fertility potential. Sperm cells must preserve both integrity and functionality of several cell structures. The stabilization phase must allow the exit of water from the sperm cells via osmosis. This study aimed to compare the effect of refrigeration in the commercial refrigerator (CR) and the transport/refrigeration box (TRB) upon the viability of frozen bull sperm diluted in three different extenders (A, B and C). Ten Nellore bulls, Bos taurus indicus maintained in Artificial Insemination Center were used and the spermatozoa samples was assessed for Plasma Membrane Integrity and CASA evaluation. The stabilization phase (5 degrees C/4 hours) was performed in the CR as well as in the TRB, and then samples were exposed to nitrogen vapor during 20 minutes and then plunged into nitrogen. The statistical analysis was done using the variance analysis and the significance level was set at 5%. In the CR the post-thawing parameters for PM and ALH were higher (p < 0.05) in the extender A (glicine egg-yolk) and extender B (glicine egg-free) when compared with extender C (TRIS egg-yolk). As for BCF, STR and LIN, the parameters were higher (p < 0.05) in extender B than in C. Samples that were stabilized in the TRB presented higher post-thawing parameters (p < 0.05) for PM and LIN in extender A and extender B when compared with C. BCF and STR parameters were higher (p < 0.05) in extemder B when compared with C. Extender B samples had higher (p < 0.05) PMI when stabilized in CR. The findings in this experiment enable us to say that both CR and TRB were effective in keeping the viability of post-thawing bull semen.