Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crossing campuses: Level 3 tutor visits and vocational progression

This article focuses on a Western Vocational Lifelong Learning Network (WVLLN) initiative aimed at supporting Level 3 vocational tutors in further education (FE) who have moved into a teaching career via professional experience rather than through higher education (HE), but who play a significant role in advising young people about progression to HE. In early 2008, it was decided to pilot informal visits whereby small groups of Level 3 FE tutors were invited by departments of WVLLN partner institutions, to visit campuses, to meet with first-year lecturers, faculty admissions tutors and students and to sit in on a typical teaching session. While not originally conceived as a research project, the systematic collection of participant feedback and recording of changes to practice as a result of the visits reflect an action research approach. The article considers the challenges presented by this deceptively simplistic formula. It reviews the inter- and intra-institutional and cross-sector collaborative process required to initiate and sustain the programme and evaluate the feedback received. It outlines ways in which insights arising from the programme are feeding into practice around vocational progression to HE including continuing professional development and enhanced collaboration.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly in Mixed Methods Research and Design

Mixed methods research and design (MMRD) deservedly continues its ascent in the social and related sciences. Its popularity has generated a critical mass of theoretical and empirical contributions, which has infiltrated and influenced many important research fields, particularly in education, health, and evaluation. Despite its wide recognition, also from government agencies and various national and private funding bodies, and despite its successes in academic and other types of research, many theorists, methodologists, and empirical researchers remain apprehensive, considering this approach insufficiently rigorous. They are often right. This text will identify some of which I consider the most notable weaknesses based on my observations as editor, reviewer, supervisor, project director, and consultant of various mixed methods–related projects and programs. It is an idiosyncratic list, reflecting tastes, interpretations, and positions not necessarily shared by some of my esteemed colleagues. It is hoped that this text stimulates debates that improve the rigor and scope of MMRD. The first generation of mixed methods researchers, from the end of the 19th century, conducted their mixing, blending, combining, or meshing of different data collection and analysis methods informally and unencumbered by subsequent notions relating to the incompatibility thesis and the paradigm war, due in part to the absence of conventions, methodological sophistication, and orthodoxy (Tashakkori & Teddlie, 1998). Important works from the 1990s, notably by Julia Brannen, Alan Bryman, Vicki L. Plano Clark, John W. Creswell, Abbas Tashakkori, Charles Teddlie, and others, form the core of the second generation. They provided mixed methods researchers with a vocabulary, taxonomy, and process description, which paved the way for its current success. Part of the secret of MMRD’s success is based on the adoption of the division of labor between qualitative and quantitative methods as formulated by critical theory-, postmodernity-, and hermeneutics-inspired texts a decade earlier. Until today, an idiosyncratic and unsatisfactory interpretation of philosophical pragmatism was the pacifier in the paradigm war. A closer inspection reveals theoretical and conceptual shortcomings of this sleight of hand, which translate into either logical and procedural inconsistencies or diplomatic disregard of the rules and regulations outlined in the research methods literature (Bergman, 2008). The following are the inconsistencies, challenges, or unresolved problems, loosely grouped into two interrelated families: conceptualization/theorization and design.
Informal Interaction with Faculty and Freshman Ratings of Academic and Non-Academic Experience of College 1

AbstractThis study investigated the multidimensional differences in freshman perceptions of the academic and non-academic experience of college associated with varying amounts of informal contact with faculty. A stepwise discriminant analysis indicated that two factor dimensions, termed Interest Value and Practical Appeal, best distinguished between groups of freshmen categorized as high, moderate and low interactors. High and moderate interactors were characterized by more positive ratings than were low interactors of their academic program on both dimensions and of their non-academic life on Interest Value. Academic achievement, as measured by cumulative freshman grade point average, contributed relatively little to discrimination among die three groups. Additional analysis also indicated that high interactors ranked faculty members significantly higher as a source of positive influence on both their intellectual and personal development than did low interactors. Moreover, in a follow-up analysis of the.
Influence of cultural and disciplinary identity on the way teachers in agricultural education in France relate to knowledge in biotechnology

Socio-professional identity of teachers may have an impact on their way of teaching biotechnology. Livestock and crop production teachers have been trained according to the intensive agriculture model. They have been affected by the emergence of limits to this model; an identity crisis has appeared due to the gap between their disciplinary culture and new social demands. Biotechnology applications have various repercussions in different disciplinary fields, whether in the humanities or in science an technology. To identify the influence of the prevailing culture in various disciplines, a comparative study of opinions (arguments, emotions, behavioural intentions) on various biotechnology applications held among teachers of different disciplinary options has been made in agricultural education in France. In the fields of ethics, human health and the environment, the opinions among teachers in the humanities (economics, modern languages and history/geography) differed significantly from opinions among teachers with scientific and/or technical training (in biology and livestock and crop production). The former expressed more disquiet than the latter. Biology teachers felt less concern about the development of biotechnology applications.
Symptom load and general function among patients with erythema migrans: a prospective study with a 1-year follow-up after antibiotic treatment in Norwegian general practice

Abstract Objective: Promptly treated erythema migrans (EM) has good prognosis. However, some patients report persistent symptoms. Do patients with EM have more symptoms than the general population? We describe individual symptoms and general function in EM-patients at time of diagnosis and one year after treatment. Design: Prospective study with 1-year follow up after treatment. Questionnaires included a modified version of the Subjective Health Complaints Inventory, comprising three additional Lyme borreliosis (LB) related symptoms. General function was assessed using a five-point scale modified from the COOP/WONCA charts. Setting: Norwegian general practice. Subjects: A total of 188 patients were included in a randomized controlled trial comparing three antibiotic regimens for EM, of whom 139 had complete data for this study. Main outcome measures: Individual symptoms, symptom load and general function. Results: Mild symptoms were common, reported by 84.9% at baseline and by 85.6% at follow-up. At baseline, patients reported a mean of 5.4 symptoms, compared with 6.2 after one year. Severely bothersome symptoms and severely impaired general function were rare. Tiredness was the most reported symptom both at baseline and at follow-up. Palsy (other than facial) was the least reported symptom, but the only one with a significant increase. However, this was not associated to the EM. Conclusion: The symptom load was comparable to that reported in the general population. We found an increase in symptom load at follow-up that did not significantly affect general function. Implication: Monitoring patients’ symptom loads prior to treatment reduce the probability of attributing follow-up symptoms to LB. Key points Erythema migrans has a good prognosis.Patients treated for erythema migrans have a slight increase in symptom load one year after treatment. This increase does not affect general function. The levels of subjective health complaints in patients treated for erythema migrans are comparable to the background population.
The Relation between Students’ Epistemological Understanding of Computer Models and their Cognitive Processing on a Modelling Task

While many researchers in science education have argued that students’ epistemological understanding of models and of modelling processes would influence their cognitive processing on a modelling task, there has been little direct evidence for such an effect. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relation between students’ epistemological understanding of models and modelling and their cognitive processing (i.e., deep versus surface processing) on a modelling task. Twenty‐six students, working in dyads, were observed while working on a computer‐based modelling task in the domain of physics. Students’ epistemological understanding was assessed on four dimensions (i.e., nature of models, purposes of models, process of modelling, and evaluation of models). Students’ cognitive processes were assessed based on their verbal protocols, using a coding scheme to classify their types of reasoning. The outcomes confirmed the expected positive correlation between students’ level of epistemological understanding and their deep processing (r = 0.40, p = .04), and the negative correlation between level of epistemological understanding and surface processing (r = −0.51, p = .008). From these results, we emphasise the necessity of considering epistemological understanding in research as well as in educational practice.
A Duality in Buchsbaum rings and triangulated manifolds

Let $\Delta$ be a triangulated homology ball whose boundary complex is $\partial\Delta$. A result of Hochster asserts that the canonical module of the Stanley--Reisner ring of $\Delta$, $\mathbb F[\Delta]$, is isomorphic to the Stanley--Reisner module of the pair $(\Delta, \partial\Delta)$, $\mathbb F[\Delta,\partial \Delta]$. This result implies that an Artinian reduction of $\mathbb F[\Delta,\partial \Delta]$ is (up to a shift in grading) isomorphic to the Matlis dual of the corresponding Artinian reduction of $\mathbb F[\Delta]$. We establish a generalization of this duality to all triangulations of connected orientable homology manifolds with boundary. We also provide an explicit algebraic interpretation of the $h"$-numbers of Buchsbaum complexes and use it to prove the monotonicity of $h"$-numbers for pairs of Buchsbaum complexes as well as the unimodality of $h"$-vectors of barycentric subdivisions of Buchsbaum polyhedral complexes. We close with applications to the algebraic manifold $g$-conjecture.
Tumorigenesis and Neoplastic Progression Individual Cell-Based Models of Tumor-Environment Interactions Multiple Effects of CD 97 on Tumor Invasion

The presence of scattered tumor cells at the invading front of several carcinomas has clinical significance. These cells differ in their protein expression from cells in central tumor regions as recently shown for the EGF-TM7 receptor CD97. To understand the impact of such heterogeneity on tumor invasion, we investigated tumor cells with modified CD97 expression in vitro and in vivo. Applying an individual cellbased computer model approach, we linked specific cell properties of these cells to tumor invasion characteristics. CD97 overexpression promoted tumor growth in scid mice, stimulated single cell motility, increased proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases, and secretion of chemokines in vitro in an isoform-specific manner. We demonstrated by computer simulation studies that these effects of CD97 can increase the invasion capacity of tumors. Furthermore, they can cause the appearance of scattered tumor cells at the invasion front. We identified local tumor environment interactions as triggers of these multiple capabilities. Experimentally, our simulation results are supported by the finding that CD97 expression in tumor cells is regulated by their environment. Our combined experimental-theoretical analysis provides novel insight to how variations of individual cell properties can be linked to individual patterns of tumor cell invasion. (Am J Pathol 2006, 169:1802–1811; DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2006.060006) The progression of carcinomas is associated with a loss of epithelial differentiation and gain of mesenchyme-like capabilities of scattered tumor cells at the invasive front. This transition is associated with alterations of the expression of molecules involved in cell-cell and/or cell-extracellular matrix interactions, such as motility-promoting molecules. Furthermore, the secretion of cytokines and extracellular matrix-degrading proteinases are altered. For colorectal carcinomas it has been shown that in metastases such alterations are reversed and the molecules show a similar expression pattern or level compared with the central region of the primary tumor. Consequently, Brabletz and co-workers suggested an active role of the tumor environment in malignant tumor progression. A tumor microenvironment invasion model was suggested by Condeelis and co-workers. It is a challenge to understand how the complex tumor invasion behavior emerges from collective interactions on the molecular and cellular level. Although the effects of molecular changes on the individual cell behavior can be quantified directly in experiments, dynamic links between the changes at the cellular level and the characteristics of the tumor invasion process are hard to assess. Here, we exclusively focus on that problem. A major insight into the link between individual cell behavior and tissue dynamics can be gained by computer modeling approaches. They permit investigation of the potential role of generic organization principles in specific tissues. We chose
Evaluating the Sensitivity of an Unmanned Thermal Infrared Aerial System to Detect Water Stress in a Cotton Canopy

Airborne thermal infrared (TIR) imagery is a promising and innovative tool for assessing canopy response to a range of stressors. However, the expense associated with acquiring imagery for agricultural management is often cost-prohibitive. The objective of this study was to evaluate a less expensive system, an unmanned airvehicle (UAV) equipped with a TIR sensor, for detecting cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) response to irrigation and crop residue management. The experimental site was located on a 6.1 ha field in the Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center located in Belle Mina, Alabama, where landscapes are gently rolling and soils are highly weathered Rhodic Paleudults. Treatments consisted of irrigation (dryland or subsurface drip irrigation) and crop residue cover (no cover or winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)). TIR (7 to 14 µm) imagery was acquired on 18 July 2006 at an altitude of 90 m and spatial resolution of 0.5 m. Coincident with image acquisition, ground truth data consisting of soil water content (0-25 cm), stomatal conductance, and canopy cover were measured within a 1 m radius of each sample location. All sample locations were georeferenced using a real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS survey unit. Analysis of sample locations acquired in multiple flight lines was used to assess the stability and repeatability of the UAV system during an acquisition. Compared to field measurements of stomatal conductance with CVs ranging from 2% to 75%, variability in TIR emittance (CV < 40%) was within the observed tolerance of ground truth measurements of stomatal conductance. Significant differences in canopy cover and stomatal conductance across irrigation treatments allowed testing of the sensitivity of the UAV system. A negative correlation was observed between TIR emittance and stomatal conductance (r = -0.48) and canopy closure (r = -0.44), indicating increasing canopy stress as stomatal conductance and canopy closure decreased. TIR emittance exhibited greater sensitivity to canopy response compared to ground truth measurements, differentiating between irrigation and crop residue cover treatments. TIR imagery acquired with a low-altitude UAV can be used as a tool to manage within-season canopy stress.
Social Embeddedness and Late-Life Parenthood

This article focuses on the ways in which patterns of marriage and fertility shape older people's involvement in community groups and their support networks. The data are from Australia, Finland, Germany, Israel, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Findings show that childless older adults, regardless of marital status and gender, are equally as likely as parents to be active in the community and in voluntary organizations and to perform volunteer work. Never-married childless women are particularly active socially. Married, childless men are particularly dependent on their wives. In general, childless people are less likely than are parents to have robust network types capable of maintaining independent living without recourse to residential care during conditions of frailty. In some countries, it appears to be marriage rather than parenthood that makes the difference in support networks.
Effect of a hydrophobic tooth coating on gingival health, mutans streptococci, and enamel demineralization in adolescents with fixed orthodontic appliances

The effect of an anti-adhesive enamel coating on plaque accumulation, gingival health, and enamel demineralization was evaluated in 39 adolescents undergoing treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances using a prospective split-mouth design. Immediately after bracket insertion, the polymer was randomly applied after enamel etching to the buccal surfaces of the teeth in the left or right upper quadrant, leaving the opposite quadrant as an untreated control (218 test and 216 control teeth). Reapplications were carried out every 3rd month during the course of the study. The following data were collected at baseline and at designated follow-ups: visible plaque index, total viable counts and proportion of mutans streptococci in plaque samples, gingival bleeding index, and amount of gingival crevicular fluid. The incidence of enamel demineralization adjacent to the appliances was scored clinically at the termination of the orthodontic treatment. The observation time ranged from 6-24 months, during which the participants used fluoride rinses and toothpaste daily. A slightly impaired gingival health and increased levels of mutans streptococci compared with baseline was disclosed during the treatment. Five subjects showed enamel demineralization on a total of 30 teeth at the time of de-bonding. The results indicated no statistically significant differences between the enamel-coated and untreated teeth with regard to the studied variables at any follow-up. In conclusion, the present findings did not support a clinically beneficial effect of the polymeric tooth coating in a low-caries group of adolescents treated with fixed orthodontic appliances.
Pengaruh Model PBL terhadap Kemampuan Komunikasi dan Pemecahan Masalah Matematika Kelas V SD se-Gugus V Kecamatan Kasihan Bantul

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan: (1) pengaruh model PBL terhadap kemampuan komunikasi matematika; (2) pengaruh model PBL terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika; dan (3) pengaruh model PBL terhadap kemampuan komunikasi dan pemecahan masalah matematika secara bersama-sama. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian eksperimen semu (quasi eksperiment) dengan desain Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design. Populasi penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas V SD Se-gugus Kecamatan Kasihan Bantul tahun pelajaran 2014/2015 yang berjumlah 6 kelas. Pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik Cluster Random Sampling. Dari populasi yang ada diambil 3 kelas sebagai sampel. Dua kelas ditetapkan sebagai kelas eksperimen dengan menerapkan model PBL dan satu kelas ditetapkan sebagai kelas kontrol dengan menerapkan pembelajaran ekspositori. Kelas yang diperoleh adalah kelas VA SDN Kasongan (eksperimen 1), kelas VB SDN Kasongan (eksperimen 2) dan kelas V SDN Kalangan (kelas kontrol). Instrumen yang digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data berupa tes uraian objektif untuk mengukur kemampuan komunikasi dan pemecahan masalah matematika. Uji normalitas data menggunakan Kolmogorov-Smirnov, sedangkan uji homogenitas secara multivariat menggunakan uji Box’s M dan secara univariat menggunakan Levene’s Test. Data dianalisis menggunakan independent sample t-test, uji MANOVA dengan rumus T2 Hotelling, dan dilanjutkan dengan uji kriteria Bonferroni. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) model PBL berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kemampuan komunikasi matematika dengan nilai signifikansi lebih kecil dari 0,025 (independent sample t-test); (2) model PBL berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika dengan nilai signifikansi lebih kecil dari 0,025 (independent sample t-test); (3) model PBL berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kemampuan komunikasi dan pemecahan masalah matematika secara bersama-sama (MANOVA) dengan nilai signifikansi lebih kecil dari 0,05. Berdasarkan penghitungan dengan menggunakan kriteria Bonferroni, diketahui bahwa kemampuan komunikasi dan pemecahan masalah matematika kelas eksperimen 1 dan eksperimen 2 lebih tinggi dibandingkan kelas kontrol. Keseluruhan penghitungan menunjukkan bahwa model PBL berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kemampuan komunikasi dan pemecahan masalah matematika kelas V SD se-Gugus Kecamatan Kasihan Bantul.
Shopping Orientation and Mindsets: How Motivation Influences Consumer Information Processing During Shopping

This research examines the cognitive procedures that underlie experiential versus task-focused shopping orientations. The authors propose that consumers with a task-focused shopping orientation and consumers with an experiential shopping orientation apply different cognitive procedures during shopping. Studies 1, 2, and 3 show that consumers with a task-focused shopping orientation are more likely to activate the cognitive procedures of an implemental mindset, whereas consumers with an experiential shopping orientation are more likely to activate the cognitive procedures of a deliberative mindset. Study 4 demonstrates a fit effect between activated cognitive procedures and shopping orientation. Activating a mindset that matches the shopping orientation increases the monetary value that consumers assign to a product. The studies extend previous research by linking shopping orientations to mindsets and by providing evidence for mindset fit. The findings suggest that marketers and retailers will benefit from addressing experiential and task-focused shoppers via the mindsets that underlie their shopping orientation. C
Comparison of Faculty Ratings of Applicants and Background Characteristics as Predictors of Performance in an MSW Program

Abstract Admissions decisions are critical in gate-keeping for social work because so few students are screened out after admissions. Faculty often evaluate MSW applicants to assess the intangible personal qualities that make a good social worker. Are faculty admissions ratings better predictors of performance in graduate school than background characteristics such as undergraduate major, undergraduate GPA and experience? A study of 106 graduates of one MSW program found that background characteristics were better predictors of performance than the faculty's overall applicant rating. Performance indicators were academic grades and field instructors' ratings of practice skills at the end of generalist and advanced field placements.