Snippets of physics

Discovering unexpected connections between completely different phenomen a is always a delight in physics. In this and the next installment, we will look at one such connection between two unlikely phenomena: propagation of light and path integral approach to quantum mechanics! T Padmanabhan works at IUCAA, Pune and is interested in all areas of theoretical physics, especially those which have something to do with gravity.     

Quantitative influence of HCI characteristics in a blended learning system

Of late blended learning is a popular choice of training in India. To assess the effectiveness of Human Compute Interaction (HCI) in blended mode, evaluation by trainee group was undertaken. The trainees with a background in commerce evaluated the blended learning system using a Likert type evaluation form. Due to the non-parametrical nature of data, we adopt RIDIT method to analyze data. The novel approach in this paper is the use of RIDIT method to analyze qualitative HCI features quantitatively. The trainee feedback has provided an understanding of the extent to which blended learning is acceptable. The evaluation provides insight into level of preference given among human-human, human-computer and technology aspect by trainees. This evaluation looks promising and provides opportunity for further developments in blending HCI features into blended learning environment to provide worthwhile and relevant learning opportunities.     

Snippets of physics

A solution to the 3-body problem in gravity, due to Lagrange, has several remarkable features. In particular, it describes a situation in which a particle, located at the maxima of a potential, can remain stable against small perturbations.     

Snippets of physics

The vacuum state of the electromagnetic field is far from trivial. Amongst other things it can exert forces that are measurable in the lab, in a curious phenomenon known as Casimir effect. T Padmanabhan works at IUCAA, Pune and is interested in all areas of theoretical physics, especially those which have something to do with gravity.     

Snippets of physics

Many features of the expanding universe, which should be legitimately discussed using general relativity, can be sneaked in by using Newtonian physics in an expanding coordingate system. In this special issue on Hubble, I describe several of these features along with some cautionary comments.     

Connecting online learners with diverse local practices: the design of effective common reference points for conversation

This mixed‐methods study probed the effectiveness of three kinds of objects (video, theory, metaphor) as common reference points for conversations between online learners (student teachers). Individuals’ degree of detail‐focus was examined as a potentially interacting covariate and the outcome measure was learners’ level of tacit knowledge related to their practice (teaching). Analysis was conducted using hierarchical linear modeling and significant results were followed up with a qualitative theme analysis. An interaction between reference point type and detail‐focus was found, demonstrating a positive effect of detail‐focus within the metaphor condition. Unexpectedly, some participants interpreted the metaphors in ways other than those intended, leading to differences in the kinds of understandings developed. The study indicated that a conceptual frame is an important characteristic of a reference point that will be truly taken in common, and that metaphors need additional framing to be viable in this role. Implications for online learning conversation design are discussed.     

Analysis of protein posttranslational modifications by mass spectrometry: With special reference to haemoglobin

Mass spectrometry provides a convenient platform for the study of different protein post translational modifications from clinical specimen. Analysis of different post translational modifications of hemoglobin like glycation and glutathionylation can provide useful information on the disease progression and the possible outcome of therapies. In the present study, we have addressed post translational modifications of hemoglobin like glutathionylation and glycation in relation to diabetes and chronic renal failure. We found that both alpha and beta chains of human hemoglobin are glycated irrespective of the extent of glycemia as evidenced by a mass increment of 162 Da. The phenomenon of glutathionylation was observed with only the beta globin chain of hemoglobin probably due to the presence of an accessible cysteine residue indicated by a mass increment of 305 Da. Also, the extent of gltuathionylation observed in the CRF patients could correlate with the severity of the oxidative stress owing to renal replacement therapies like dialysis and transplantation.     

Dawn of Science

Foundations of calculus were developed by a school of mathematicians in Kerala during 1400–1600, years before similar developments took place in the west.