Combining reinforcement learning with mathematical programming:An approach for optimal design of heat exchanger networks

Heat integration is important for energy-saving in the process industry.It is linked to the persistently challenging task of optimal design of heat exchanger networks(HEN).Due to the inherent highly nonconvex nonlinear and combinatorial nature of the HEN problem,it is not easy to find solutions of high quality for large-scale problems.The reinforcement learning(RL)method,which learns strategies through ongoing exploration and exploitation,reveals advantages in such area.However,due to the complexity of the HEN design problem,the RL method for HEN should be dedicated and designed.A hybrid strategy combining RL with mathematical programming is proposed to take better advantage of both methods.An insightful state representation of the HEN structure as well as a customized reward function is introduced.A Q-learning algorithm is applied to update the HEN structure using theε-greedy strategy.Better results are obtained from three literature cases of different scales.

Problem-based Learning Combining Seminar Teaching Method for the Practice of Mathematical Modeling Course's Teaching Reform for Computer Discipline

Mathematical modeling course has been one of the fast development courses in China since 1992,which mainly trains students’innovation ability.However,the teaching of mathematical modeling course is quite difficult since it requires students to have a strong mathematical foundation,good ability to design algorithms,and programming skills.Besides,limited class hours and lack of interest in learning are the other reasons.To address these problems,according to the outcome-based education,we adopt the problem-based learning combined with a seminar mode in teaching.We customize cases related to computer and software engineering,start from simple problems in daily life,step by step deepen the difficulty,and finally refer to the professional application in computer and software engineering.Also,we focus on ability training rather than mathematical theory or programming language learning.Initially,we prepare the problem,related mathematic theory,and core code for students.Furtherly,we train them how to find the problem,and how to search the related mathematic theory and software tools by references for modeling and analysis.Moreover,we solve the problem of limited class hours by constructing an online resource learning library.After a semester of practical teaching,it has been shown that the interest and learning effectiveness of students have been increased and our reform plan has achieved good results.

The Effects of Cooperative Learning in Enhancing the Performance Level of Grade-10 Mathematics Students in Talavera National High School in the Philippines

Mathematics is considered by many students as a difficult academic subject. To improve their performance, various learning strategies are employed by teachers abandoning the conventional method. This study focused on the cooperative learning as a method to enhance level of performance of grade 10 mathematics students in the Philippines. It looked into the method and how it influenced students’ performance. By using a quasi-experimental research method, the following results are generated: 1) the method positively improved the performance in mathematics of the control and experimental groups;2) while effectiveness assessment showed a highly effective result;and 3) the application of the method showed a positive impact on the participants as shown by their positive perception of the subject mathematics.

Students＇ Satisfaction with Simulation Learning Environment in Relation to Self-confidence and Learning Achievement

The evolution in patient simulation as educational tool is being driven by a number of factors. Priority of patient safety, patient availability, and the ever increasing body of medical knowledge presents new challenges to curriculum planners. Student＇s satisfaction is an important element of the investigation of simulation learning environment efficacy. There are suggestions that student satisfaction may have some correlation with self-confidence and learning achievement. This is a prospective exploratory study that evaluates learners＇ satisfaction with simulation learning environment and self-conference utilized satisfaction with SSE （simulation experience scale） and pre and post simulation test for learning achievement. Participants was third-year medical students （n = 45） participating in their regular simulation-based session at Center of Excellence for Simulation Education and Innovation （CESEI）, University of British Columbia. A comparison between pre- and post-test results was conducted on the basis of t-test for related samples. Correlation was used to explore the relationships among students satisfaction with the simulation environment and students＇ self-confidence and achievement. The simulation exercise, completed by 45 students, increased correct test answers on average from 72% to 89% （P-Value 〈 0.0001 by paired t-test）. Increases in test results were between pre- and post- simulation identical multiple choice questions. The mean score for satisfaction with simulation environment items was 4.47, SD （0.45）, using a 5-point Likert scale with 5 = strongly agree, 4 = agree, 3 = neutral, 2 = disagree, and 1 = strongly disagree. The mean score for self-confidence in performing BLS, evaluating and managing acute cardiac patient was 3.83, SD （1.02）. For evaluating the relationship between students satisfaction with simulation learning environment and learning achievement, bivariate analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between satisfaction with simulation learning environment and learning achievement （Pearson r = 0.80, P-Value 〈 0.01）. The magnitude or strength of the correlation coefficient （r = 0.80） indicated satisfaction with simulation environment and learning achievement have a strong effect and positive correlation. Simulation learning environment for medical students is effective in improving students＇ overall comprehension and better learning achievements. Furthermore, students＇ basic clinical skills are improved associated with higher self-confidence.

Learning Mathematics Online Using Information Technology Tools during COVID-19 in Kosove

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant challenges to higher education worldwide. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, e-learning has begun to be widely used and applied in the teaching and learning processes. However, learning under technological circumstances has proven not always to be a proper solution in education. A highlight challenge, in this regard, is considered to be learning Mathematics online. While some support its positive impact, others greatly oppose it by arguing that neither teaching nor learning has proven successful. Thus, this study examines Kosovo selected universities to see the effectiveness of learning Mathematics online as a case study. Further, it compares the online and traditional learning methods and explores how teachers in higher education in Kosova Universities apply and integrate technology into learning mathematics. This study employed a methodology encompassing questionnaires for students. The results show that students are not overall satisfied with learning Mathematics online leading to the conclusion that online learning is not an effective educational method for learning Mathematics.

Analysis and Strategy Research on the Mathematics Learning Situation of the Postgraduate Candidates

This study takes the students who intend to study for graduate students as the research object,and makes a questionnaire survey on the mathematics learning situation and learning platform of the postgraduate candidates.Questionnaires were distributed online and offline,and a total of 326 valid questionnaires were collected.Based on 326 questionnaires,this paper analyzes the current learning situation of mathematics in the postgraduate entrance examination and studies the strategies based on the present situation,which points out the direction for the construction of mathematics learning and communication platform based on the needs of postgraduate entrance examination.

Comparison of Students Academic Performance in Mathematics Between Online and Offline Learning

The coronavirus has affected many areas of life,especially in the field of education.With the beginning of the Pandemic,the transition to online learning began,which affected the development of students and teachers in terms of using innovative technologies and programs,such as Zoom,Webex,Discord,Google Meet,Moodle,EDX,Coursera,www.examus.network,etc.In this regard,many teachers are wondering whether the online method of teaching is as effective as the offline method.In this article,we focused on finding out whether there is a significant difference in student performance between online and offline modes of learning in the study of mathematics.58 students were in a group where they studied online and 58 students were in a group where they studied offline.The study involved first-year college students of Jambyl Innovative Higher College(JICH)in Taraz,Kazakhstan.The final control work was carried out at the end of week 18,which tested all areas covered by the topic in both groups.The average scores of students studying offline were compared with the average of students studying online.To avoid confusion,the researchers also conducted and analyzed an independent t-test.The results showed that there is a significant difference in the academic performance of students who study online and offline.The offline teaching method has proven to be more effective for improving students’understanding and comprehension of mathematics topics.

How to Strengthen Child Learners' Self-confidence

Self-confidence is closely related to L2 learning.In order to make their learners enjoy English learning,English teach ers need to strengthen the learners’English learning confidence.This article is to find out English teachers’role to strengthening learners’self-confidence in ELL by means of class observation.The writer concludes improving speaking ability;giving praise and offering gentle error correcting can help to strengthen the learners’confidence.

The Role of Mathematics in STEAM Education under the“Double Reduction”Policy

This essay delves into the pivotal role of mathematics within the context of STEAM(science,technology,engineering,arts,and mathematics)education under China’s“Double Reduction”policy.Amidst a shifting global education landscape that emphasizes holistic growth,policies such as the“Double Reduction”strategy underscore the significance of well-rounded development alongside academic excellence.By advocating for a balanced approach to education,the policy resonates with the principles of STEAM education,which seeks to cultivate versatile and innovative individuals.Mathematics,acting as a unifying force,connects disparate STEAM disciplines,fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving,technology-driven world.This essay provides an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted role of mathematics in STEAM education,drawing on specific cases and scholarly references to highlight its contributions to creativity,critical thinking,and holistic development.

The Importance of Mathematical Models to Explore the Effects of Marijuana and Other Plant Based Products on Learning and Memory

This article describes the use of the first order system transfer function for learning and memory studies involving consumption of marijuana and other plant based products. We provide detailed instructions on how the model can be used to analyze the performance of individual participants using a memory test developed by the senior authors. The importance of identifying possible learning and memory deficits of marijuana is paramount due to the growing number of states in the U.S. legalizing marijuana use for medicinal and recreational purposes. The model can also be extended to other plant based products purported to improve memory. While this article does not study the effect of marijuana, we provide details on how it can be used by illustrating its application on individuals consuming an amphetamine-like psychostimulant drug using our own memory test.

Mathematical Debates as an Integral Part of the Learning Process

In this report, we want to touch upon two aspects of teaching mathematics in middle and high school. The first of them is the eternal question of how to teach, to motivate students and make them involved in the educational process, particularly in mathematics, where the most important factor is the natural gifts. The second aspect concerns the question which became very urgent in the modern world： what, in fact, we want to teach the students in a world over-saturated with information of any kind. As a result of the information blowup, two aspects emerge. On the one hand, straight passing over the skills and knowledge to the students becomes irrelevant today （just like a teacher or lecturer, merely speaking to an audience, who is not that relevant for young people, accustomed from childhood to perceive information through dynamic color visuals）. On the other hand, there is a change in emphasis in the objective function of the educational process from gaining knowledge to acquisition of skills of working with information, consideration and estimation, and choosing of the optimal strategy of a number of possibilities. This trend can be seen in the selection of problems in the international examination PISA （Program for international Student Assessment）, in the new curriculum in mathematics and in the selection of problems in the matriculation exams. These considerations （along with others） make teachers took for rtew forms of teaming, more appropriate to the demands of modernity. In this report we suggest the idea of using a mathematical competition called ＂Mathematical debate＂ （mathematical fight） as an integral part of the educational process at different levels of learning mathematics, as an appropriate tool.

具有情感交互功能的智能E-learning系统

分析了网络教学中普遍存在的情感缺失问题。将模糊情感技术应用于网络教学,构建了以Agent为核心的智能E-learning系统,实现了个性化教学和学习者情感识别;系统以模糊数学为基础构建在线学习评价系统,利用智能Agent及时捕捉学生在线学习时的情感信息和学习状态,并根据学习者的不同学习状态和学习评价结果及时做出情绪反应。

The effect of self-observation on the self-directed learning ability of nursing students: An experimental study

Background: Patients expect nurses to be both technically competent and psychosocially skilled. Enhancing the quality of patient care and patient safety in healthcare settings has increased, resulting in limited opportunities for students to practice clinical skills in healthcare settings. Achieving competence in these skills is viewed as an essential task to be completed during the school curriculum. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of self-observation through cellular recordings as an adjunct to the clinical skills teaching of a blood sugar test to undergraduate nursing. Design: The research design consisted of pre- and post-test consecutive experimental design through a control group. Settings: This study targeted nursing students enrolled in baccalaureate programs running in Korea. Participant: The participants were 64 students including 34 for the experimental group and 30 for the control group. Methods: Those in the control group received standard teaching methods using lectures and skills classes and facilitated the use of self-study methods. Those in the experimental group received standard teaching using lectures and skills classes and facilitated use of cell phone recorded self-observation. The self-confidence of practicing a blood sugar test, satisfaction with the learning method, self-study participation, level of interest in nursing practice, and self-directed learning ability were measured using questionnaires. Results: Significant between-groups differences were detected in self-confidence of practicing a blood sugar test (t = 2.067, p = 0.043), satisfaction with the learning method (t = 2.818, p = 0.044), self-study participation (χ2 = 7.635, p = 0.022), and average self-directed learning ability (t = 3.202, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Self-observation through cellular phone recordings is an effective learning method as an adjunct to teach clinical skills.

A Novel Approach Based on Reinforcement Learning for Finding Global Optimum

A novel approach to optimizing any given mathematical function, called the MOdified REinforcement Learning Algorithm (MORELA), is proposed. Although Reinforcement Learning (RL) is primarily developed for solving Markov decision problems, it can be used with some improvements to optimize mathematical functions. At the core of MORELA, a sub-environment is generated around the best solution found in the feasible solution space and compared with the original environment. Thus, MORELA makes it possible to discover global optimum for a mathematical function because it is sought around the best solution achieved in the previous learning episode using the sub-environment. The performance of MORELA has been tested with the results obtained from other optimization methods described in the literature. Results exposed that MORELA improved the performance of RL and performed better than many of the optimization methods to which it was compared in terms of the robustness measures adopted.

Information and communication technology in science learning as a tool for “scientific thinking” in engineering education

New methodologies in science (also mathemat- ics) learning process and scientific thinking in the classroom activity of engineer students with ICT (information and communication technology, including also graphic calculator) are presented: visual modelling with ICT, action research with graphic calculator, insight in classroom, com- munications and reflection of integrative ac- tions. How can we show our students the beauty of science (and mathematics) with ICT and the way scientists think and try to find the truth? Is it possible to create the motivation in science learning for students using ICT or graphic cal- culator? How can we organize the engineer training on such professional activity in class- room? In this paper we try to answer the ques- tions using methodology of visual modelling and technology of resource lessons in high en- gineering school.

基于E-Learning Material支持的数学史应用于高等数学课程中的教学设计——以《定积分的概念》为例

数学史在高职高等数学教学中发挥着积极的作用,但在传统课堂模式下,这种作用得不到有效发挥。本文基于E-Learning Material的学习支持系统,将数学史应用于混合式课堂教学中。它不仅解决了数学史过多占用教学时间的问题,还解决了传统课堂中引入数学史模式单一的问题。

The Effect of Cooperative Learning on Students Academic Achievement

The purpose of the research study is to investigate the effect of Cooperative Learning(CL)on 8th grade students’academic achievement while also considering the achievement outcomes by gender and to test the hypothesis that CL improves student achievement.The present study was carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic for six weeks during the academic year 2020-2021 in Nurorda high-school in Nursultan in Kazakhstan.The subjects of the study were 86 students(31 girls and 55 boys)aged 13-15 years old and were randomly divided into two groups,45 students in the experimental group and 41 students in the control group.Final test was administered to students as measuring instrument.The t-test statistical technique was performed in order to answer to the research questions.The data obtained were analyzed with SPSS 21.00 statistical program.The significance level was taken as p<0.05 in the analyzes.Results indicated that the CL has significant positive effects on students’mathematics achievement.

数学建模视角下的新加坡小学数学书Learning Maths

新加坡数学在TIMSS和PISA两大测试中脱颖而出,备受国际数学教育界关注。新加坡数学练习书Learning Maths将新加坡数学教育的精髓数学建模融入其中,而且在解题方法、编排方式、学习效果检测、家庭教育、信息技术的应用等方面具有独特之处。通过对新加坡小学数学书Learning Maths的剖析,进一步挖掘新加坡数学教育的内涵,探讨其中可资借鉴之处。

基于Meta-face Learning的工件定位算法

提出了一种包含自由曲面特征的工件定位的Meta-face Learning(MFL)算法。利用基于字典学习的图像稀疏表示方法,在交替迭代优化的基础上,通过逐次修正Euclidean变换矩阵的列向量更新测量点到名义工件模型的位姿变换,确定工件坐标系相对于测量坐标系的位姿。设计了两个自由曲面验证了本文算法,并通过与现有算法的比较说明了其具有较高的计算效率和定位精度。