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This paper outlines an innovative game-based approach to learning introductory programming that is grounded in the development of computational thinking at an abstract conceptual level, but also provides a direct contextual relationship between game-play and learning traditional introductory programming. The paper proposes a possible model for, and guidelines in support of, this games-based approach contextualized by an analysis of existing research into the issues of learning programming and game based learning approaches. Furthermore, the proposed game-based learning model focuses not only on procedural and applied knowledge and associated skills acquisition in computational thinking, but also provides contextualised theoretical knowledge on Computer Science concepts. By way of illustration, the authors introduce a game prototype currently being developed to combine a puzzle solving game-play that uses Computer Science concepts as the game elements.

A practical, short cut, sensitive method for more rapidly determining aflatoxin in peanuts and peanut products has been developed. This was in response to the need to reduce the time required for analyses of peanut products in process. Through reductions in solvent volumes, utilization of pressure filtration for clarification, and substitution of liquid :liquid extraction for a lengthy column clean up, equivalent results are possible in less than one half the time required for the current official procedures. Sensitivity, precision and accuracy are comparable to the current methods for raw nuts and peanut butter.It is now possible to analyze a given ground sample of peanuts within a period of less than 90 rain and one analyst can assay more than 16 samples within an 8 hr working day.

Six adults were treated for chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) with high dose intravenous immunoglobulin (ENDOBULIN). Five patients were evaluable. In four patients the platelet associated IgG (PAIgG) levels were increased. All four responded to i.v. Ig and two subsequently underwent splenectomy. One patient had normal PAIgG and had no response to i.v. Ig. Endobulin is useful in the treatment of chronic ITP and is followed in some patients by a prolonged response. High levels of PAIgG may predict a favourable outcome.