Implementation of an integrated, technology-based, discovery mode assessment item involving an incubation period to enhance learning outcomes for engineering maths students

In this paper we discuss our current efforts to develop and implement an exploratory, discovery mode assessment item into the total learning and assessment profile for a target group of about 100 second level engineering mathematics students. The assessment item under development is composed of 2 parts, namely, a set of "pre-lab" homework problems (which focus on relevant prior mathematical knowledge, concepts and skills), and complementary computing laboratory exercises which are undertaken within a fixed (1 hour) time frame. In particular, the computing exercises exploit the algebraic manipulation and visualisation capabilities of the symbolic algebra package MAPLE, with the aim of promoting understanding of certain mathematical concepts and skills via visual and intuitive reasoning, rather than a formal or rigorous approach. The assessment task we are developing is aimed at providing students with a significant learning experience, in addition to providing feedback on their individual knowledge and skills. To this end, a noteworthy feature of the scheme is that marks awarded for the laboratory work are primarily based on the extent to which reflective, critical thinking is demonstrated, rather than the amount of CBE-style tasks completed by the student within the allowed time. With regard to student learning outcomes, a novel and potentially critical feature of our scheme is that the assessment task is designed to be intimately linked to the overall course content, in that it aims to introduce important concepts and skills (via individual student exploration) which will be revisited somewhat later in the pedagogically more restrictive formal lecture component of the course (typically a large group plenary format). Furthermore, the time delay involved, or "incubation period", is also a deliberate design feature: it is intended to allow students the opportunity to undergo potentially important internal re-adjustments in their understanding, before being exposed to lectures on related course content which are invariably delivered in a more condensed, formal and mathematically rigorous manner. In our presentation, we will discuss in more detail our motivation and rationale for trailing such a scheme for the targeted student group. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of our approach (as we perceived them at the initial stages) will also be enumerated. In a companion paper, the theoretical framework for our approach will be more fully elaborated, and measures of student learning outcomes (as obtained from eg. student provided feedback) will be discussed.

Does the acid hydrolysis-incubation method measure meaningful soil organic carbon pools?

The literature was reviewed and analyzed to determine the feasibility of using a combination of acid hydrolysis and CO2-C release during long-term incubation to determine soil organic carbon (SOC) pool sizes and mean residence times (MRTs). Analysis of 1100 data points showed the SOC remaining after hydrolysis with 6 M HCI ranged from 30 to 80% of the total SOC depending on soil type, depth, texture, and management. Nonhydrolyzable carbon (NHC) in conventional till soils represented 48% of SOC; no-till averaged 56%, forest 55%, and grassland 56%. Carbon dates showed an average of 1200 yr greater MRT for the NHC fraction than total SOC. Longterm incubation, involving measurement of CO2 evolution and curve fitting, measured active and slow pools. Active-pool C comprised 2 to 8% of the SOC with MRTs of days to months; the slow pool comprised 45 to 65% of the SOC and had MRTs of 10 to 80 yr. Comparison of field C-14 and (13) C data with hydrolysis-incubation data showed a high correlation between independent techniques across soil types and experiments. There were large differences in MRTs depending on the length of the experiment. Insertion of hydrolysis-incubation derived estimates of active (C-a), slow (C-s), and resistant Pools (C-r) into the DAYCENT model provided estimates of daily field CO2 evolution rates. These were well correlated with field CO2 measurements. Although not without some interpretation problems, acid hydrolysis-laboratory incubation is useful for determining SOC pools and fluxes especially when used in combination with associated measurements.

Determining gas sampling timelines for estimating emissions in small chamber incubation experiments

A laboratory experiment was set up in small chambers for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions and determining the most suitable time for sampling. A six-treatment experiment was conducted, including a one week pre-incubation and a week for incubation. Timelines for sampling were 1, 2, 3, 6 and 24 hours after closing the lid of the incubation chambers. Variation in greenhouse gas fluxes was high due to the time of sampling. The rates of gas emissions increased in first three hours and decreased afterward. The rates of greenhouse gas emissions at 3 hours after closing lids was close to the mean for the 24-h period.

Estimation of Cavitation Erosion with Incubation Periods and Material Properties

A detailed study of the normalized correlations between the incubation period tc and the properties of various materials tested in a rotating disk device indicates that, at very high intensities, the strength properties influence the duration of tc. The analysis of extensive data from other laboratories for cavitation and liquid impingement erosion also indicates that, while both energy and strength properties influence the duration of tc, the latter ones predominate for a majority of cases. A fatigue-type failure occurs during tc. For estimating the time required to pierce a metallic specimen in a rotating device a relationship tp = 160 tc0.44 is proposed. A detailed study of normalized correlations between erosion resistance (inverse of erosion rate) and tc values of different materials tested in the rotating disk shows that correlations are good. Analysis of data from eight other investigators clearly points out the validity and the usefulness of this type of prediction.

Si nanowire growth on sapphire: Classical incubation, reverse reaction, and steady state supersaturation

Si nanowire growth on sapphire substrates by the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) method using Au catalyst particles has been studied. Sapphire was chosen as the substrate to ensure that the vapor phase is the only source of Si. Three hitherto unreported observations are described. First, an incubation period of 120-480 s, which is shown to be the incubation period as defined in classical nucleation theory, is reported. This incubation period permits the determination of a desolvation energy of Si from Au-Si alloys of 15 kT. Two, transmission electron microscopy studies of incubation, point to Si loss by reverse reaction as an important part of the mechanism of Si nanowire growth by VLS. Three, calculations using these physico-chemical parameters determined from incubation and measured steady state growth rates of Si nanowires show that wire growth happens from a supersaturated catalyst droplet. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.

Survival and Growth of American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) hatchlings after artificial incubation and repatriation

Hatchling American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) produced from artificially incubated wild eggs were returned to their natal areas (repatriated). We compared artificially incubated and repatriated hatchlings released within and outside the maternal alligator’s home range with naturally incubated hatchlings captured and released within the maternal alligator’s home range on Lake Apopka, Lake Griffin, and Orange Lake in Florida. We used probability of recapture and total length at approximately nine months after hatching as indices of survival and growth rates. Artificially incubated hatchlings released outside of the maternal alligator’s home range had lower recapture probabilities than either naturally incubated hatchlings or artificially incubated hatchlings released near the original nest site. Recapture probabilities of other treatments did not differ significantly. Artificially incubated hatchlings were approximately 6% shorter than naturally incubated hatchlings at approximately nine months after hatching. We concluded that repatriation of hatchlings probably would not have long-term effects on populations because of the resiliency of alligator populations to alterations of early age-class survival and growth rates of the magnitude that we observed. Repatriation of hatchlings may be an economical alternative to repatriation of older juveniles for population restoration. However, the location of release may affect subsequent survival and growth.

Academic spin-offs incubation strategies: the case of the Andalusian region

[EN] The objective of this paper is to analyze the incubation strategies developed in the universities of Andalusia, a relatively low-income region of Spain, to promote the creation of university spin-offs. These strategies are also compared to the incubation models noted in the literature. The performance of the university spin-offs created and its relation to the incubation strategies developed by the university are also analysed. The analysis is based on data from a survey of nine public universities that carry out strategies for the promotion of university spin-offs. The result of the analysis shows that university spin-off incubation strategies in Andalusia present specific characteristics not covered by certain models that are well-known in the literature on innovation. Then, a new stage in the process of the university spin-off incubation is proposed. We consider it to be a pre-strategic stage to the academic spin-off incubation strategies. The analysis also finds certain environmental factors associated to those spin-offs promoted by Andalusian universities that achieve the highest level of performance. This result suggests that previous to making any decision involving investment into developing incubation strategies, universities should gauge whether they have sufficient resources and the possibilities of connecting with a Technology Park.

Studies on the growth temperature ranges of bacteria isolated from fresh sardine at different primary incubation temperature

The effect of primary incubation temperature on the growth temperature range was studied with reference to 296 bacterial cultures isolated from sardine using streak plate technique. The primary incubation temperature used during bacteriological sampling caused a selection of strains according to their growth temperature requirements. Incubation at 8°C caused greater recoveries of psychrotrophs while 30°C favored mesophiles. An incubation temperature of 30°C facilitated the growth of both psychrotrophs and mesophiles.

The influence of plating technique and incubation temperature on bacterial count from fish and fishery products

For bacterial sampling of raw unprocessed fish and frozen fishery products, spread plate method is preferable to pour plate method; incubation of plates at 30°C gives a higher count than incubation at 37°C. Analysis of variance of the data shows that sample variation between different types of fishes is highly significant whereas the variations between triplicate plates are not significant at 5 % level.

Effect of incubation period on plate count of raw ices and frozen fish

The total viable counts were estimated in one hundred and sixty five samples of raw, iced and frozen fish using incubation periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96h. For raw fish, 24h and for iced and frozen fish 48h incubation of the plates were found to be adequate. Variation between samples was significant at 1% level for raw iced and frozen samples.

Incubation temperature for total bacterial count of frozen sea foods

Effect of incubation temperatures of 37°C ambient and 5-10°C on total plate count of commercial frozen prawns, squids, cuttle fish and froglegs were studied. Results indicate that incubation at ambient temperature gives the best results.

Evolving corporate entrepreneurship strategy: Technology incubation at Philips

Established firms tend to pursue incremental innovation by modifying and refining their existing products and processes rather than developing radical innovations. In the face of resistance to change and incumbent inertia, which prevent the generation of novelty, established firms have turned towards corporate entrepreneurship as a means of exploiting knowledge accumulated within its own boundaries and exploring external markets. This paper focuses on one mode of corporate entrepreneurship, corporate incubation, informed by a study of a Technology Incubator at Philips. An account of the history of the incubator traces its progress from its inception in 2002-2006 when further incubators were formed, building on this experience and focusing on lifestyle and healthcare technologies. We identify ways in which the Philips incubator represents an alternative selection environment that effectively simulated the venture capitalist model of entrepreneurial innovation. © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.