A qualia role-based entity-dependency graph(EDG)is proposed to represent and extract quantity relations for solving algebra story problems stated in Chinese.Traditional neural solvers use end-to-end models to translat...A qualia role-based entity-dependency graph(EDG)is proposed to represent and extract quantity relations for solving algebra story problems stated in Chinese.Traditional neural solvers use end-to-end models to translate problem texts into math expressions,which lack quantity relation acquisition in sophisticated scenarios.To address the problem,the proposed method leverages EDG to represent quantity relations hidden in qualia roles of math objects.Algorithms were designed for EDG generation and quantity relation extraction for solving algebra story problems.Experimental result shows that the proposedmethod achieved an average accuracy of 82.2%on quantity relation extraction compared to 74.5%of baseline method.Another prompt learning result shows a 5%increase obtained in problem solving by injecting the extracted quantity relations into the baseline neural solvers.展开更多
This paper describes the methodology (or approach) that was key to the solution of the angle trisection problem published earlier in article entitled, “A Procedure For Trisecting An Acute Angle.” It was an approach ...This paper describes the methodology (or approach) that was key to the solution of the angle trisection problem published earlier in article entitled, “A Procedure For Trisecting An Acute Angle.” It was an approach that required first, designing a working model of a trisector mechanism, second, studying the motion of key elements of the mechanism and third, applying the fundamental principles of kinematics to arrive at the desired results. In presenting these results, since there was no requirement to provide a detailed analysis of the final construction, this information was not included. However, now that the publication is out, it is considered appropriate as well as instructive to explain more fully the mechanism analysis of the trisector in graphical detail, as covered in Section 3 of this paper, that formed the basis of the long sought solution to the age-old Angle Trisection Problem.展开更多
This research paper delves into the connection, between problem-solving and music. It’s a topic that has piqued the interest of scholars in fields, including science and neuroscience. The study explores how music can...This research paper delves into the connection, between problem-solving and music. It’s a topic that has piqued the interest of scholars in fields, including science and neuroscience. The study explores how music can influence our ability to think divergently which is an aspect of creative thinking. It builds upon advancements in methods to investigate the relationship between music and divergent thinking aiming to uncover potential correlations. Doing it offers insights into the interplay between artistic expression and cognitive innovation. This research combines an analysis of existing literature with data collected from a group of participants shedding light on how music impacts our capacity for creative thinking. It demonstrates that music plays a role as a catalyst, for stimulating and enhancing thinking abilities.展开更多
Drone logistics is a novel method of distribution that will become prevalent.The advantageous location of the logistics hub enables quicker customer deliveries and lower fuel consumption,resulting in cost savings for ...Drone logistics is a novel method of distribution that will become prevalent.The advantageous location of the logistics hub enables quicker customer deliveries and lower fuel consumption,resulting in cost savings for the company’s transportation operations.Logistics firms must discern the ideal location for establishing a logistics hub,which is challenging due to the simplicity of existing models and the intricate delivery factors.To simulate the drone logistics environment,this study presents a new mathematical model.The model not only retains the aspects of the current models,but also considers the degree of transportation difficulty from the logistics hub to the village,the capacity of drones for transportation,and the distribution of logistics hub locations.Moreover,this paper proposes an improved particle swarm optimization(PSO)algorithm which is a diversity-based hybrid PSO(DHPSO)algorithm to solve this model.In DHPSO,the Gaussian random walk can enhance global search in the model space,while the bubble-net attacking strategy can speed convergence.Besides,Archimedes spiral strategy is employed to overcome the local optima trap in the model and improve the exploitation of the algorithm.DHPSO maintains a balance between exploration and exploitation while better defining the distribution of logistics hub locations Numerical experiments show that the newly proposed model always achieves better locations than the current model.Comparing DHPSO with other state-of-the-art intelligent algorithms,the efficiency of the scheme can be improved by 42.58%.This means that logistics companies can reduce distribution costs and consumers can enjoy a more enjoyable shopping experience by using DHPSO’s location selection.All the results show the location of the drone logistics hub is solved by DHPSO effectively.展开更多
This study investigated the effectiveness of spatial-visualization-based instruction on the mathematical problem-solving performance of 35 mathematics education students using one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experime...This study investigated the effectiveness of spatial-visualization-based instruction on the mathematical problem-solving performance of 35 mathematics education students using one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. It also aimed to describe how spatial visualization is applied in solving mathematical problems. The findings of the study revealed that spatial-visualization-based instruction improved the mathematical problem-solving performance of students. The spatial-visualization ability can be applied in solving mathematical problems.展开更多
The Monty Hall problem has received its fair share of attention in mathematics. Recently, an entire monograph has been devoted to its history. There has been a multiplicity of approaches to the problem. These approach...The Monty Hall problem has received its fair share of attention in mathematics. Recently, an entire monograph has been devoted to its history. There has been a multiplicity of approaches to the problem. These approaches are not necessarily mutually exclusive. The design of the present paper is to add one more approach by analyzing the mathematical structure of the Monty Hall problem in digital terms. The structure of the problem is described as much as possible in the tradition and the spirit—and as much as possible by means of the algebraic conventions—of George Boole’s Investigation of the Laws of Thought (1854), the Magna Charta of the digital age, and of John Venn’s Symbolic Logic (second edition, 1894), which is squarely based on Boole’s Investigation and elucidates it in many ways. The focus is not only on the digital-mathematical structure itself but also on its relation to the presumed digital nature of cognition as expressed in rational thought and language. The digital approach is outlined in part 1. In part 2, the Monty Hall problem is analyzed digitally. To ensure the generality of the digital approach and demonstrate its reliability and productivity, the Monty Hall problem is extended and generalized in parts 3 and 4 to related cases in light of the axioms of probability theory. In the full mapping of the mathematical structure of the Monty Hall problem and any extensions thereof, a digital or non-quantitative skeleton is fleshed out by a quantitative component. The pertinent mathematical equations are developed and presented and illustrated by means of examples.展开更多
Axiomatic design (AD) and theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) are widely used in conceptual design. Both of them have limitations, however. We presented an integrated model of these two methods to increase the ...Axiomatic design (AD) and theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) are widely used in conceptual design. Both of them have limitations, however. We presented an integrated model of these two methods to increase the efficiency and quality of the problem solving process for conceptual design. AD is used for systematically defining and structuring a problem into a hierarchy. Sometimes, the design matrix is coupled in AD which indicates the functional requirements are coupled. TRIZ separation principles can be used to separate non-independent design parameters, which provide innovative solutions at each hierarchical level. We applied the integrated model to the heating and drying equipment of bitumen reproduction device. The result verifies that the integrated model can work very well in conceptual design.展开更多
Objective The aims of this study were to describe nursing students′self-directed learning readiness and social problem solving and test their correlations in Macao.Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was c...Objective The aims of this study were to describe nursing students′self-directed learning readiness and social problem solving and test their correlations in Macao.Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 140baccalaureate nursing students.A stratified random sampling was performed.The Self-directed Learning Readiness(SDLR)Scale and Chinese Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised(C-SPSI-R)were used.Results The response rate was 79.3%.Students possessed readiness for self-directed learning(mean 149.09±12.53,51.4%at high level,48.6%at low level).Regarding to social problem solving,the mean scores of each subscale were 9.35±3.25(Rational Problem Solving,RPS),10.26±3.23(Positive Problem Orientation,PPO),8.14±4.06(Negative Problem Orientation,NPO),5.67±4.44(Avoidance Style,AS),and 4.84±3.03(Impulsivity/Carelessness Style,ICS).SDLR was positively related to RPS and PPO,but was negatively related to AS.Conclusion Half of students possessed stronger readiness for self-directed learning.Students had a belief in the ability to solve problems,and adopted relevant strategies in solving problems.However,students still had negative and dysfunctional orientation and defective attempts in solving problems.Self-directed learning was positively related to positive and constructive orientation,but was negatively related to defective problem-solving pattern.Nurse educators should create educational climates for promoting student confidence and mutual responsibility for learning and their thinking process for problem solving.展开更多
The problem solving competency is the primary goal in all mathematics education curricula. It is acquired by solving mathematical problems belonging either to routine or non-routine category. The study describes the p...The problem solving competency is the primary goal in all mathematics education curricula. It is acquired by solving mathematical problems belonging either to routine or non-routine category. The study describes the post-secondary students’ levels of proficiency in solving non-routine math problems. The three-stage process in solving mathematics problems by Mayer was used as the frame of analysis. Using the data generated from researcher made instruments, and semi-structured interview of 50 purposively selected participants, the study found that: Majority of the participants showed “good proficiency” in “problem representation” and “problem solving”, the real world problems in Math. It is also revealed that those who are good in problem representation phase are also good in problem solution phase. In general, participants do not always consider answer verification phase as important in the process of solving real world problems in math. The most common difficulties encountered by participants are: language inadequacy and unfamiliarity with the context of the problems. The researchers recommended that the same study be done in some other context and local and if the results are consistent with this study, may consider redesigning new curriculum in post-secondary mathematics education.展开更多
This paper looks at student's view of the usefulness of a problem solving and programming module in the first year of a 3-year undergraduate program.The School of Science and Technology,University of Northampton,U...This paper looks at student's view of the usefulness of a problem solving and programming module in the first year of a 3-year undergraduate program.The School of Science and Technology,University of Northampton,UK has been investigating,over the last seven years the teaching of problem solving.Including looking at whether a more visual approach has any benefits(the visual programming includes both 2-d and graphical user interfaces).Whilst the authors have discussed the subject problem solving and programming in the past [1] this paper considers the students perspective from research collected/collated by a student researcher under a new initiative within the University.All students interviewed either had completed the module within the two years of the survey or were completing the problem-solving module in their first year.展开更多
Aim: Nurses must develop good problem-solving skills (PSS) to work in the complex health care environment. This study explored PHNs’ use of analogy in PSS development. The purposes of the study were to clarify how PS...Aim: Nurses must develop good problem-solving skills (PSS) to work in the complex health care environment. This study explored PHNs’ use of analogy in PSS development. The purposes of the study were to clarify how PSS developed in one area (i.e., mental health) could be applied to another area (i.e., maternal health) and whether new PSS could develop in response to PSS gained in another area. Methods: A multiple case study was conducted using interviews. We interviewed 27 consultations from eight Japanese PHNs who consulted in mental health departments before transferring to maternal health departments. The data on how PHNs applied PSS in the selection, mapping, evaluation, and learning stages of the analogy process were extracted from transcribed interviewed data and compared. Results: PHNs provided 59 PSS used in 27 consultations. All PHNs applied past mental health PSS to solve new problems in maternal health. They tended to select past PSS based on structural similarity and to apply PSS via low-level abstraction in serious situations or preventively to avoid causing the current situation to worsen. Notably, PHNs developed maternal health PSS by using past mental health PSS;these new PSS were derived through analogy from various failures and successes. Conclusions: PSS developed in one area can be applied in another area, and new PSS can develop through applying these previous PSS. Identification of structural similarities and preventive analogies must be included in nursing education, especially for nurses working in public health fields.展开更多
The objective is to study changes in EEG time-domain Kolmogorov entropy and cortical lateralization of brain function areas during complex problem solving mental task in healthy human subjects. EEG data for healthy su...The objective is to study changes in EEG time-domain Kolmogorov entropy and cortical lateralization of brain function areas during complex problem solving mental task in healthy human subjects. EEG data for healthy subjects are acquired during complex problem solving mental task using a net of 6 electrodes. The subject was given a nontrivial multiplication problem to solve and the signals were recorded for 10s during the task. Kolmogorov entropy values during the task were calculated. It was found that Kolmogorov entropy values were obviously greater in P4 channel (right) than ones in P3 channel (left) during complex problem solving task. It indicated that all subjects presented significant left parietal lateralization for the total frequency spectrum. These results suggest that it may be possible to noninvasively lateralize, and even eventually localize, cerebral regions essential for particular mental tasks from scalp EEG data.展开更多
In this article, a multi-product inventory routing problem is studied. One-depot and many retailers in a finite time period are considered, and split delivery is allowed as well for the addressed problem. The objectiv...In this article, a multi-product inventory routing problem is studied. One-depot and many retailers in a finite time period are considered, and split delivery is allowed as well for the addressed problem. The objective is to minimize the overall cost including vehicle cost, inventory holding cost and transportation cost while the delivery schedule and the quantity of each product for each retailer have to be decided simultaneously. A mathematical model is presented for solving the addressed optimally and example is illustrated as well.展开更多
Research in spreadsheet management proved that the overuse of slow thinking, rather than fast thinking, is the primary source of erroneous end-user computing. However, we found that the reality is not that simple. To ...Research in spreadsheet management proved that the overuse of slow thinking, rather than fast thinking, is the primary source of erroneous end-user computing. However, we found that the reality is not that simple. To view end-user computing in its full complexity, we launched a project to investigate end-user education, training, support, activities, and computer problem solving. In this project we also set up the base and mathability-extended typology of computer problem solving approaches, where quantitative values are assigned to the different problem solving methods and activities. In this paper we present the results of our analyses of teaching materials collected in different languages from all over the world and our findings considering the different problem solving approaches, set in the frame of different thinking modes, the characteristics of expert teachers, and the meaning system model of teaching approaches. Based on our research, we argue that the proportions of fast and slow thinking and most importantly their manifestation are responsible for erroneous end-user activities. Applying the five-point mathability scale of computer problem solving, we recognized slow thinking activities on both tails and one fast thinking approach between them. The low mathability slow thinking activities, where surface navigation and language details are focused on, are widely accepted in end-user computing. The high mathability slow thinking problem solving activities, where the utilization of concept based approaches and schema construction take place, is hardly detectable in end-user activities. Instead of building up knowledge which requires slow thinking and then using the tools with fast thinking, end-users use up their slow thinking in aimless wandering in huge programs, making wrong decisions based on their untrained, clueless intuition, and distributing erroneous end-user documents. We also found that the dominance of low mathability slow thinking activities has its roots in the education system and through this we point out that we are in great need of expert teachers and institutions and their widely accepted approaches and methods.展开更多
Research suggests that physical fitness is positively associated with cognitive functioning in older adults, and that executive functions may be associated in particular. This study explored whether personality supple...Research suggests that physical fitness is positively associated with cognitive functioning in older adults, and that executive functions may be associated in particular. This study explored whether personality supplemented the relationship between physical activity and problem-solving. A computerized version of the Tower of London provided number of errors and time to completion as dependent variables using a sample of 65 community-dwelling older people. The NEO-FFI assessed the Big 5 dimensions of personality. Choice reaction time was used to control for changes in speed of processing with increased age. Age remained a significant predictor of both dependent variables, with neuroticism and agreeableness also showing predictive ability. Aerobic fitness was not associated with either outcome measure, suggesting that there might be differential effects of exercise on measures of different executive functions. Personality factors appear to have a stronger association with the cognitive function that has been reported previously.展开更多
In the smart warehousing system adopting cargo-to-person mode, all the items are stored in the movable shelves. There are some warehouse robots transporting the shelves to the working platforms for completing order pi...In the smart warehousing system adopting cargo-to-person mode, all the items are stored in the movable shelves. There are some warehouse robots transporting the shelves to the working platforms for completing order picking or items replenishment tasks. When the number of robots is insufficient, the task allocation problem of robots is an important issue in designing the warehousing system. In this paper, the task allocation problem of insufficient warehouse robots (TAPIR) is investigated. Firstly, the TAPIR problem is decomposed into three sub-problems: task grouping problem, task scheduling problem and task balanced allocation problem. Then three sub-problems are respectively formulated into integer programming models, and the corresponding heuristic algorithms for solving three sub-problems are designed. Finally, the simulation and analysis are done on the real data of online bookstore. Simulation results show that the mathematical models and algorithms of this paper can provide a theoretical basis for solving the TAPIR problem.展开更多
As more and more benefits of forgetting have been found in recent studies,whether forgetting could promote individuals ability of creative problem solving remains a controversial debate.This article discusses the eff...As more and more benefits of forgetting have been found in recent studies,whether forgetting could promote individuals ability of creative problem solving remains a controversial debate.This article discusses the effect of two types of forgetting,the retrieval-induced forgetting(RIF)and the forgetting during incubation,in benefiting creative problem solving by introducing and analysing the relevant experiments.The results reveal that retrieval-induced forgetting only works when previous mental fixations occurred and the promotion varies when solving different types of problems.The level of RIF is irrelevant to the performance in solving closed-ended creative problems and high level of RIF even impairs the creativity when solving open-ended problems.And forgetting during incubation cannot explain the incubation effect.The spreading activation of relevant information or the unconscious work is more likely to be the possible reasons.In conclusion,the current article brings about the discussions about the work conditions and effects of forgetting in creative problem solving.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.62177024,62007014)the Humanities and Social Sciences Youth Fund of the Ministry of Education (No.20YJC880024)+1 种基金China Post Doctoral Science Foundation (No.2019M652678)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No.CCNU20ZT019).
文摘A qualia role-based entity-dependency graph(EDG)is proposed to represent and extract quantity relations for solving algebra story problems stated in Chinese.Traditional neural solvers use end-to-end models to translate problem texts into math expressions,which lack quantity relation acquisition in sophisticated scenarios.To address the problem,the proposed method leverages EDG to represent quantity relations hidden in qualia roles of math objects.Algorithms were designed for EDG generation and quantity relation extraction for solving algebra story problems.Experimental result shows that the proposedmethod achieved an average accuracy of 82.2%on quantity relation extraction compared to 74.5%of baseline method.Another prompt learning result shows a 5%increase obtained in problem solving by injecting the extracted quantity relations into the baseline neural solvers.
文摘This paper describes the methodology (or approach) that was key to the solution of the angle trisection problem published earlier in article entitled, “A Procedure For Trisecting An Acute Angle.” It was an approach that required first, designing a working model of a trisector mechanism, second, studying the motion of key elements of the mechanism and third, applying the fundamental principles of kinematics to arrive at the desired results. In presenting these results, since there was no requirement to provide a detailed analysis of the final construction, this information was not included. However, now that the publication is out, it is considered appropriate as well as instructive to explain more fully the mechanism analysis of the trisector in graphical detail, as covered in Section 3 of this paper, that formed the basis of the long sought solution to the age-old Angle Trisection Problem.
文摘This research paper delves into the connection, between problem-solving and music. It’s a topic that has piqued the interest of scholars in fields, including science and neuroscience. The study explores how music can influence our ability to think divergently which is an aspect of creative thinking. It builds upon advancements in methods to investigate the relationship between music and divergent thinking aiming to uncover potential correlations. Doing it offers insights into the interplay between artistic expression and cognitive innovation. This research combines an analysis of existing literature with data collected from a group of participants shedding light on how music impacts our capacity for creative thinking. It demonstrates that music plays a role as a catalyst, for stimulating and enhancing thinking abilities.
基金supported by the NationalNatural Science Foundation of China(No.61866023).
文摘Drone logistics is a novel method of distribution that will become prevalent.The advantageous location of the logistics hub enables quicker customer deliveries and lower fuel consumption,resulting in cost savings for the company’s transportation operations.Logistics firms must discern the ideal location for establishing a logistics hub,which is challenging due to the simplicity of existing models and the intricate delivery factors.To simulate the drone logistics environment,this study presents a new mathematical model.The model not only retains the aspects of the current models,but also considers the degree of transportation difficulty from the logistics hub to the village,the capacity of drones for transportation,and the distribution of logistics hub locations.Moreover,this paper proposes an improved particle swarm optimization(PSO)algorithm which is a diversity-based hybrid PSO(DHPSO)algorithm to solve this model.In DHPSO,the Gaussian random walk can enhance global search in the model space,while the bubble-net attacking strategy can speed convergence.Besides,Archimedes spiral strategy is employed to overcome the local optima trap in the model and improve the exploitation of the algorithm.DHPSO maintains a balance between exploration and exploitation while better defining the distribution of logistics hub locations Numerical experiments show that the newly proposed model always achieves better locations than the current model.Comparing DHPSO with other state-of-the-art intelligent algorithms,the efficiency of the scheme can be improved by 42.58%.This means that logistics companies can reduce distribution costs and consumers can enjoy a more enjoyable shopping experience by using DHPSO’s location selection.All the results show the location of the drone logistics hub is solved by DHPSO effectively.
文摘This study investigated the effectiveness of spatial-visualization-based instruction on the mathematical problem-solving performance of 35 mathematics education students using one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. It also aimed to describe how spatial visualization is applied in solving mathematical problems. The findings of the study revealed that spatial-visualization-based instruction improved the mathematical problem-solving performance of students. The spatial-visualization ability can be applied in solving mathematical problems.
文摘The Monty Hall problem has received its fair share of attention in mathematics. Recently, an entire monograph has been devoted to its history. There has been a multiplicity of approaches to the problem. These approaches are not necessarily mutually exclusive. The design of the present paper is to add one more approach by analyzing the mathematical structure of the Monty Hall problem in digital terms. The structure of the problem is described as much as possible in the tradition and the spirit—and as much as possible by means of the algebraic conventions—of George Boole’s Investigation of the Laws of Thought (1854), the Magna Charta of the digital age, and of John Venn’s Symbolic Logic (second edition, 1894), which is squarely based on Boole’s Investigation and elucidates it in many ways. The focus is not only on the digital-mathematical structure itself but also on its relation to the presumed digital nature of cognition as expressed in rational thought and language. The digital approach is outlined in part 1. In part 2, the Monty Hall problem is analyzed digitally. To ensure the generality of the digital approach and demonstrate its reliability and productivity, the Monty Hall problem is extended and generalized in parts 3 and 4 to related cases in light of the axioms of probability theory. In the full mapping of the mathematical structure of the Monty Hall problem and any extensions thereof, a digital or non-quantitative skeleton is fleshed out by a quantitative component. The pertinent mathematical equations are developed and presented and illustrated by means of examples.
基金Funded by the Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 50575083)
文摘Axiomatic design (AD) and theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) are widely used in conceptual design. Both of them have limitations, however. We presented an integrated model of these two methods to increase the efficiency and quality of the problem solving process for conceptual design. AD is used for systematically defining and structuring a problem into a hierarchy. Sometimes, the design matrix is coupled in AD which indicates the functional requirements are coupled. TRIZ separation principles can be used to separate non-independent design parameters, which provide innovative solutions at each hierarchical level. We applied the integrated model to the heating and drying equipment of bitumen reproduction device. The result verifies that the integrated model can work very well in conceptual design.
文摘Objective The aims of this study were to describe nursing students′self-directed learning readiness and social problem solving and test their correlations in Macao.Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 140baccalaureate nursing students.A stratified random sampling was performed.The Self-directed Learning Readiness(SDLR)Scale and Chinese Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised(C-SPSI-R)were used.Results The response rate was 79.3%.Students possessed readiness for self-directed learning(mean 149.09±12.53,51.4%at high level,48.6%at low level).Regarding to social problem solving,the mean scores of each subscale were 9.35±3.25(Rational Problem Solving,RPS),10.26±3.23(Positive Problem Orientation,PPO),8.14±4.06(Negative Problem Orientation,NPO),5.67±4.44(Avoidance Style,AS),and 4.84±3.03(Impulsivity/Carelessness Style,ICS).SDLR was positively related to RPS and PPO,but was negatively related to AS.Conclusion Half of students possessed stronger readiness for self-directed learning.Students had a belief in the ability to solve problems,and adopted relevant strategies in solving problems.However,students still had negative and dysfunctional orientation and defective attempts in solving problems.Self-directed learning was positively related to positive and constructive orientation,but was negatively related to defective problem-solving pattern.Nurse educators should create educational climates for promoting student confidence and mutual responsibility for learning and their thinking process for problem solving.
文摘The problem solving competency is the primary goal in all mathematics education curricula. It is acquired by solving mathematical problems belonging either to routine or non-routine category. The study describes the post-secondary students’ levels of proficiency in solving non-routine math problems. The three-stage process in solving mathematics problems by Mayer was used as the frame of analysis. Using the data generated from researcher made instruments, and semi-structured interview of 50 purposively selected participants, the study found that: Majority of the participants showed “good proficiency” in “problem representation” and “problem solving”, the real world problems in Math. It is also revealed that those who are good in problem representation phase are also good in problem solution phase. In general, participants do not always consider answer verification phase as important in the process of solving real world problems in math. The most common difficulties encountered by participants are: language inadequacy and unfamiliarity with the context of the problems. The researchers recommended that the same study be done in some other context and local and if the results are consistent with this study, may consider redesigning new curriculum in post-secondary mathematics education.
文摘This paper looks at student's view of the usefulness of a problem solving and programming module in the first year of a 3-year undergraduate program.The School of Science and Technology,University of Northampton,UK has been investigating,over the last seven years the teaching of problem solving.Including looking at whether a more visual approach has any benefits(the visual programming includes both 2-d and graphical user interfaces).Whilst the authors have discussed the subject problem solving and programming in the past [1] this paper considers the students perspective from research collected/collated by a student researcher under a new initiative within the University.All students interviewed either had completed the module within the two years of the survey or were completing the problem-solving module in their first year.
文摘Aim: Nurses must develop good problem-solving skills (PSS) to work in the complex health care environment. This study explored PHNs’ use of analogy in PSS development. The purposes of the study were to clarify how PSS developed in one area (i.e., mental health) could be applied to another area (i.e., maternal health) and whether new PSS could develop in response to PSS gained in another area. Methods: A multiple case study was conducted using interviews. We interviewed 27 consultations from eight Japanese PHNs who consulted in mental health departments before transferring to maternal health departments. The data on how PHNs applied PSS in the selection, mapping, evaluation, and learning stages of the analogy process were extracted from transcribed interviewed data and compared. Results: PHNs provided 59 PSS used in 27 consultations. All PHNs applied past mental health PSS to solve new problems in maternal health. They tended to select past PSS based on structural similarity and to apply PSS via low-level abstraction in serious situations or preventively to avoid causing the current situation to worsen. Notably, PHNs developed maternal health PSS by using past mental health PSS;these new PSS were derived through analogy from various failures and successes. Conclusions: PSS developed in one area can be applied in another area, and new PSS can develop through applying these previous PSS. Identification of structural similarities and preventive analogies must be included in nursing education, especially for nurses working in public health fields.
文摘The objective is to study changes in EEG time-domain Kolmogorov entropy and cortical lateralization of brain function areas during complex problem solving mental task in healthy human subjects. EEG data for healthy subjects are acquired during complex problem solving mental task using a net of 6 electrodes. The subject was given a nontrivial multiplication problem to solve and the signals were recorded for 10s during the task. Kolmogorov entropy values during the task were calculated. It was found that Kolmogorov entropy values were obviously greater in P4 channel (right) than ones in P3 channel (left) during complex problem solving task. It indicated that all subjects presented significant left parietal lateralization for the total frequency spectrum. These results suggest that it may be possible to noninvasively lateralize, and even eventually localize, cerebral regions essential for particular mental tasks from scalp EEG data.
文摘In this article, a multi-product inventory routing problem is studied. One-depot and many retailers in a finite time period are considered, and split delivery is allowed as well for the addressed problem. The objective is to minimize the overall cost including vehicle cost, inventory holding cost and transportation cost while the delivery schedule and the quantity of each product for each retailer have to be decided simultaneously. A mathematical model is presented for solving the addressed optimally and example is illustrated as well.
文摘Research in spreadsheet management proved that the overuse of slow thinking, rather than fast thinking, is the primary source of erroneous end-user computing. However, we found that the reality is not that simple. To view end-user computing in its full complexity, we launched a project to investigate end-user education, training, support, activities, and computer problem solving. In this project we also set up the base and mathability-extended typology of computer problem solving approaches, where quantitative values are assigned to the different problem solving methods and activities. In this paper we present the results of our analyses of teaching materials collected in different languages from all over the world and our findings considering the different problem solving approaches, set in the frame of different thinking modes, the characteristics of expert teachers, and the meaning system model of teaching approaches. Based on our research, we argue that the proportions of fast and slow thinking and most importantly their manifestation are responsible for erroneous end-user activities. Applying the five-point mathability scale of computer problem solving, we recognized slow thinking activities on both tails and one fast thinking approach between them. The low mathability slow thinking activities, where surface navigation and language details are focused on, are widely accepted in end-user computing. The high mathability slow thinking problem solving activities, where the utilization of concept based approaches and schema construction take place, is hardly detectable in end-user activities. Instead of building up knowledge which requires slow thinking and then using the tools with fast thinking, end-users use up their slow thinking in aimless wandering in huge programs, making wrong decisions based on their untrained, clueless intuition, and distributing erroneous end-user documents. We also found that the dominance of low mathability slow thinking activities has its roots in the education system and through this we point out that we are in great need of expert teachers and institutions and their widely accepted approaches and methods.
文摘Research suggests that physical fitness is positively associated with cognitive functioning in older adults, and that executive functions may be associated in particular. This study explored whether personality supplemented the relationship between physical activity and problem-solving. A computerized version of the Tower of London provided number of errors and time to completion as dependent variables using a sample of 65 community-dwelling older people. The NEO-FFI assessed the Big 5 dimensions of personality. Choice reaction time was used to control for changes in speed of processing with increased age. Age remained a significant predictor of both dependent variables, with neuroticism and agreeableness also showing predictive ability. Aerobic fitness was not associated with either outcome measure, suggesting that there might be differential effects of exercise on measures of different executive functions. Personality factors appear to have a stronger association with the cognitive function that has been reported previously.
文摘In the smart warehousing system adopting cargo-to-person mode, all the items are stored in the movable shelves. There are some warehouse robots transporting the shelves to the working platforms for completing order picking or items replenishment tasks. When the number of robots is insufficient, the task allocation problem of robots is an important issue in designing the warehousing system. In this paper, the task allocation problem of insufficient warehouse robots (TAPIR) is investigated. Firstly, the TAPIR problem is decomposed into three sub-problems: task grouping problem, task scheduling problem and task balanced allocation problem. Then three sub-problems are respectively formulated into integer programming models, and the corresponding heuristic algorithms for solving three sub-problems are designed. Finally, the simulation and analysis are done on the real data of online bookstore. Simulation results show that the mathematical models and algorithms of this paper can provide a theoretical basis for solving the TAPIR problem.
文摘As more and more benefits of forgetting have been found in recent studies,whether forgetting could promote individuals ability of creative problem solving remains a controversial debate.This article discusses the effect of two types of forgetting,the retrieval-induced forgetting(RIF)and the forgetting during incubation,in benefiting creative problem solving by introducing and analysing the relevant experiments.The results reveal that retrieval-induced forgetting only works when previous mental fixations occurred and the promotion varies when solving different types of problems.The level of RIF is irrelevant to the performance in solving closed-ended creative problems and high level of RIF even impairs the creativity when solving open-ended problems.And forgetting during incubation cannot explain the incubation effect.The spreading activation of relevant information or the unconscious work is more likely to be the possible reasons.In conclusion,the current article brings about the discussions about the work conditions and effects of forgetting in creative problem solving.
