The purpose of this study aims to explore the impacts of task-based co-creation of local picture books on facilitating the development of vocabulary ability and cultural knowledge ofEFL 5th graders with different Engl...The purpose of this study aims to explore the impacts of task-based co-creation of local picture books on facilitating the development of vocabulary ability and cultural knowledge ofEFL 5th graders with different English proficiency levels in Taiwan. Twenty-one 5th graders participated in this study forty minutes per week, lasting for sixteen weeks. They were required to co-create English picture books of Pinghu through thematic task-based activities. Research data required for the study were collected through the pre-/post-tests of vocabulary and cultural knowledge, a participants＇ feedback questionnaire as well as semi-structured interviews. The results of this study showed that after experimental instruction, EFL 5th graders significantly improved their recognition of the connection between English word sounds and word meanings, word meanings and word forms, word forms and word meanings, as well as spellings. Moreover, their local cultural knowledge was improved significantly as well. Furthermore, based upon the 5th graders＇ responses to questionnaire and semi-structure interview, most of them developed a very positive attitude towards the activities of co-creating local picture books and their interest, self-confidence in English writing, and English learning behavior. Based on the findings, some suggestions were offered for the pedagogical applications and future studies.展开更多
Parameters identification of rockfill materials is a crucial issue for high rockfill dams. Because of the scale effect, random sampling and sample disturbance, it is difficult to obtain the actual mechanical propertie...Parameters identification of rockfill materials is a crucial issue for high rockfill dams. Because of the scale effect, random sampling and sample disturbance, it is difficult to obtain the actual mechanical properties of rockfill from laboratory tests. Parameters inversion based on in situ monitoring data has been proven to be an efficient method for identifying the exact parameters of the rockfill. In this paper, we propose a modified genetic algorithm to solve the high-dimension multimodal and nonlinear optimal parameters inversion problem. A novel crossover operator based on the sum of differences in gene fragments(So DX) is proposed, inspired by the cloning of superior genes in genetic engineering. The crossover points are selected according to the difference in the gene fragments, defining the adaptive length. The crossover operator increases the speed and accuracy of algorithm convergence by reducing the inbreeding and enhancing the global search capability of the genetic algorithm. This algorithm is compared with two existing crossover operators. The modified genetic algorithm is then used in combination with radial basis function neural networks(RBFNN) to perform the parameters back analysis of a high central earth core rockfill dam. The settlements simulated using the identified parameters show good agreement with the monitoring data, illustrating that the back analysis is reasonable and accurate. The proposed genetic algorithm has considerable superiority for nonlinear multimodal parameter identification problems.展开更多
文摘The purpose of this study aims to explore the impacts of task-based co-creation of local picture books on facilitating the development of vocabulary ability and cultural knowledge ofEFL 5th graders with different English proficiency levels in Taiwan. Twenty-one 5th graders participated in this study forty minutes per week, lasting for sixteen weeks. They were required to co-create English picture books of Pinghu through thematic task-based activities. Research data required for the study were collected through the pre-/post-tests of vocabulary and cultural knowledge, a participants＇ feedback questionnaire as well as semi-structured interviews. The results of this study showed that after experimental instruction, EFL 5th graders significantly improved their recognition of the connection between English word sounds and word meanings, word meanings and word forms, word forms and word meanings, as well as spellings. Moreover, their local cultural knowledge was improved significantly as well. Furthermore, based upon the 5th graders＇ responses to questionnaire and semi-structure interview, most of them developed a very positive attitude towards the activities of co-creating local picture books and their interest, self-confidence in English writing, and English learning behavior. Based on the findings, some suggestions were offered for the pedagogical applications and future studies.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.51379161&51509190)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.2015M572195)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
文摘Parameters identification of rockfill materials is a crucial issue for high rockfill dams. Because of the scale effect, random sampling and sample disturbance, it is difficult to obtain the actual mechanical properties of rockfill from laboratory tests. Parameters inversion based on in situ monitoring data has been proven to be an efficient method for identifying the exact parameters of the rockfill. In this paper, we propose a modified genetic algorithm to solve the high-dimension multimodal and nonlinear optimal parameters inversion problem. A novel crossover operator based on the sum of differences in gene fragments(So DX) is proposed, inspired by the cloning of superior genes in genetic engineering. The crossover points are selected according to the difference in the gene fragments, defining the adaptive length. The crossover operator increases the speed and accuracy of algorithm convergence by reducing the inbreeding and enhancing the global search capability of the genetic algorithm. This algorithm is compared with two existing crossover operators. The modified genetic algorithm is then used in combination with radial basis function neural networks(RBFNN) to perform the parameters back analysis of a high central earth core rockfill dam. The settlements simulated using the identified parameters show good agreement with the monitoring data, illustrating that the back analysis is reasonable and accurate. The proposed genetic algorithm has considerable superiority for nonlinear multimodal parameter identification problems.
