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Simulation tools are playing an increasingly important role behind advances in the field of systems biology. However, the current generation of biological science students has either little or no experience with such tools. As such, this educational glitch is limiting both the potential use of such tools as well as the potential for tighter cooperation between the designers and users. Although some simulation tool producers encourage their use in teaching, little attempt has hitherto been made to analyze and discuss their suitability as an educational tool for noncomputing science students. In general, today's simulation tools assume that the user has a stronger mathematical and computing background than that which is found in most biological science curricula, thus making the introduction of such tools a considerable pedagogical challenge. This paper provides an evaluation of the pedagogical attributes of existing simulation tools for cell signal transduction based on Cognitive Load theory. Further, design recommendations for an improved educational simulation tool are provided. The study is based on simulation tools for cell signal transduction. However, the discussions are relevant to a broader biological simulation tool set.

In this paper the study of complex phenomenon in buck converter under voltage mode control, operating in discontinious current mode, within Matlab/Simulink simulation environments is provided. To perform simulations different types of models are used: based on discrete-time maps, differential equations and real elements (including different nonidealities). The main goal of this paper is to detect the ability of various Matlab/Simulink models to identify and to explore different types of complex behaviour, such as chaos and bifurcataions, in switch-mode DC-DC converters, as system parameters are changed, as well as to estalish the possibilities of each model in this kind of investigation. Simulations are carried out by means of Matlab/Simulink simulation environment that provides wide range of blocks and elements for complete investigation procedure, including the implementation of all types of mentioned models and appropriate result data postprocessing and visualization. The verification of accuracy of developed models is based on the detection of Feigenbaum numbers. All models with definite level of precision are able to reveal that under certain circuit parameters period doubling route to chaos is observed.