Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STRENGTHENING LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEMS FOR PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT Brian M. Stecher

A significant change in vocational education brought about by the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act 1990 amendments was the introduction of outcome-based accountability. Accountability from the local perspective was explored through interviews with local program administrators, staff, students, and employers in secondary and postsecondary vocational education programs in five states. Interviews focused on accountability, program improvement, relationship between programs and their constituents, and possible effects of Perkins Act requirements. A model of the local accountability systems operating in vocational education programs was developed. It illustrated how goals, measures, feedback, influence, and reform interacted to influence program practice and offered guidance for evaluating and strengthening local accountability systems. It was recommended that states take an active role in improving local accountability systems by reviewing and offering guidance to strengthen goals and measures, increase feedback and influence, and improve program planning. Conclusions were as follows: functioning local accountability systems exist; local accountability systems can aid program improvement; states can evaluate and strengthen local accountability systems; neither state nor local education agencies are fully prepared for their new roles; and the Perkins Act may overemphasize externally developed outcome-based standards and measures. (Appendixes include an article on changing responsibilities of local and state education agencies under the act and a 55-item bibliography.) (YLB) ,National tenter for Research in Vocational Edutation University of California, Berkeley BEYOND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION STANDARDS AND MEASURES: STRENGTHENING LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEMS FOR PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it O Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality Points of view Or opinions stated in this doCu meat do not necessarily represent official OE RI position or policy Supported by the OffiCe of Vocational and Adult. Education, U.S. Department of Education
NMR based studies of metabolic process

Metabonomics, the study of small molecule metabolic profiles, together with proteomic and transcriptomic information gives a rich picture of the function of living organisms. In order to understand the function of the multiple enzymes involved in these systems we need massive quantities of real-time data. This often requires the development of new analysis procedures that can model interactions of multiple components. The methodology presented here is based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) observation of real time variation of metabolites, on new spectral analysis methods that can deconvolute the signatures of each molecular species, and network modeling methods that can identify interactions in complex systems. As a model system, the enzyme acetyl-CoA synthetase is selected. The role of this enzyme is to activate acetate to acetyl-coenzyme A (Ac-CoA). The importance of this enzyme is that it provides the cell a two-carbon metabolite which can be used in energy generation processes and functional modification of both proteins and carbohydrates. Index words: Acetyl-CoA Synthetase, NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), STOCSY (Statistical Total Correlation Spectroscopy), Monte Carlo simulations, Network modeling, Metabolism. NMR BASED STUDIES OF METABOLIC PROCESS
Patterns in the Emergence of Hand Actions in Typically Developing Infants

Purpose: The dynamic systems theory regards the development of an infant as a complex and dynamic system. This study investigates the development of the hand system in typically developing infants, in the backdrop of this theory. Specifically, we wanted to document the growth trajectories exhibited by these behaviours within the first year of life and to determine a predictable age at which these hand actions would exhibit a change in occurrence, in the face of variability. Method: Nine typically developing infants, 3 females and 6 males, were videotaped from the third month till they turned twelve months of age, while interacting with their mothers. Samples were coded for the occurrence of four categories of hand actions (actions during play/rest; actions with objects; actions towards adults; iconic actions) using ELAN. Results: The hand actions we studied were marked by variability as evidenced in their growth trends, and some of these hand actions, especially those that help manipulate objects and those seen during play/rest demonstrated an age at which reliable change in the rate of occurrence was seen within the developmental period. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the development of the hand system follows some principles of being a dynamic system.
Rural Policy in Estonia: The Leader Approach and the Concentration of Power

The aim of this paper is to find out whether the Leader approach has an influence on the concentration of power at the local level (in this case the level of local municipalities) in Estonian rural areas. This paper elaborates on two potential sources of this concentration of power: the violation of set rules and some hidden mechanisms. Set rules are being analysed through the share of local municipalities among the membership of the local action group, on the board and according to the minutes of the board meetings. Hidden mechanisms are being analysed through the amount of funding given to own members and the political background of the board members. Mainly based on quantitative analyses centred on the analysis of documentation the paper concludes that the concentration of power at the level of local municipalities in Estonia does not seem to be caused by the violation of set rules or grants given to local municipalities.
Seismic wave triggering of nonvolcanic tremor, episodic tremor and slip, and earthquakes on Vancouver Island

[1] We explore the physical conditions that enable triggering of nonvolcanic tremor and earthquakes by considering local seismic activity on Vancouver Island, British Columbia during and immediately after the arrival of large-amplitude seismic waves from 30 teleseismic and 17 regional or local earthquakes. We identify tremor triggered by four of the teleseismic earthquakes. The close temporal and spatial proximity of triggered tremor to ambient tremor and aseismic slip indicates that when a fault is close to or undergoing failure, it is particularly susceptible to triggering of further events. The amplitude of the triggering waves also influences the likelihood of triggering both tremor and earthquakes such that large amplitude waves triggered tremor in the absence of detectable aseismic slip or ambient tremor. Tremor and energy radiated from regional/local earthquakes share the same frequency passband so that tremor cannot be identified during these smaller, more frequent events. We confidently identify triggered local earthquakes following only one teleseism, that with the largest amplitude, and four regional or local events that generated vigorous aftershock sequences in their immediate vicinity. Earthquakes tend to be triggered in regions different from tremor and with high ambient seismicity rates. We also note an interesting possible correlation between large teleseismic events and episodic tremor and slip (ETS) episodes, whereby ETS events that are “late” and have built up more stress than normal are susceptible to triggering by the slight nudge of the shaking from a large, distant event, while ETS events that are “early” or “on time” are not.
PEMBELAJARAN INKUIRI BERBASIS VIRTUAL LABORATORY UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN LITERASI SAINS MAHASISWA CALON GURU PENDIDIKAN FISIKA UNIVERSITAS SAMUDRA

Abstrak. Kemajuan Ilmu Pengetahuan dan Teknologi di abad 21 mengakibatkan terjadi pergeseran paradigma belajar yang tidak mengenal ruang dan waktu, sehingga kemampuan literasi digital, literasi sains, literasi bahasa, dan literasi matematika sangat perlu untuk dikembangkan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peningkatan kemampuan literasi Mahasiswa Calon Guru Fisika Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Universitas Samudra. Metode Penelitian menggunakan metode pre-experimental design, dengan desain one group pretest-posttest design. Lokasi Penelitian pada mahasiswa angkatan 2016 sebanyak 22 orang . Tes kemampuan literasi sain berbentuk pilihan ganda dengan empat alternatif pilihan jawaban. Teknik pengolahan data menggunakan rumus N-gain yang ter normalisasi, dan uji t berpasangan ( Paired Sampel t-Test ) menggunakan SPSS versi 23. Hasil analisis data N-Gain menunjukkan kemampuan literasi sain pada setiap domain dan aspek kemampuan literasi sain sebesar 0,71 dan 0,76 dengan kategori tinggi pada materi listrik dinamis. Hasil ini diperkuat oleh hasil uji t berpasangan (sig.0.00<0.05) dapat disimpulkan model pembelajaran inkuiri berbasis virtual laboratory secara signifikan dapat meningkatkan kemampuan literasi sains mahasiswa calon guru fisika pada materi listrik dinamis. Kata Kunci : Literasi Sain, Model Inkuiri, Virtual Laboratory, Listrik Dinamis Abstract. The advancement of Science and Technology within the 21 st century has led to a shift of learning paradigm, which is no more influenced by space and time; so that the ability of digital literacy, science literacy, language literacy, and mathematical literacy is highly required to be developed. The purpose of this study was to find out the improvement of students’ literacy ability at Physics Education, Teacher Training and Education Faculty, Samudra University. The research method used in this research was pre-experimental design method, with one group pretest-posttest design. This research was conducted in the Physics class; and there were 22 students taking part within this study. A multiple-choice test, with four alternative answers, was applied in order to find out students’ literacy ability. The data were analyzed through N-gain formula, and paired t-test using SPSS, version 23. The result of N-Gain data analysis revealed that the scientific literacy ability in each domain and the aspect of the science literacy ability is 0.71 and 0.76 with high category in dynamic electrical material. This result is reinforced by paired t test result (sig.0.00 <0.05), which can be concluded that inquiry model based on virtual laboratory can significantly improve students’ science literacy ability, considered as Physics teacher candidate, especially in dynamic electrical material. Keywords : Science Literacy, Inquiry Model, Virtual Laboratory, Dynamic Electricity
THE EFFECTS OF LOW-LEVEL CONSUMPTION BY CANOPY ARTHROPODS ON THE GROWTH AND NUTRIENT DYNAMICS OF BLACK LOCUST AND RED MAPLE TREES IN THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS'

The effects of low-level consumption by canopy arthropods on foliage nutrient content, canopy leachates (throughfall), and biomass of 4-yr-old black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and red maple (Acer rubrum) were studied in the southern Appalachians of North Carolina. A carbaryl in- secticide was used to reduce foliage consumption from 10 to ~2% in black locust and from -4 to 1% in red maple. Phosphorus concentrations in untreated black locust foliage were significantly lower than those of insecticide-treated foliage early in summer, but equalled concentrations of treated foliage by late summer. Potassium concentrations in untreated red maple foliage were significantly reduced during late summer; calcium concentrations in untreated red maple foliage were significantly higher later in the summer. Potassium in throughfall from black locust trees (amount of K collected below the canopy minus bulk precipitation inputs) increased from 5.7 kg/ha for insecticide-protected trees to 9.8 kg/ha for unprotected trees (P < .05). Potassium losses from unprotected red maple also increased. Black locust lost 0.3 kg/ha of sulfate-S from untreated trees, but adsorbed 0.4 kg/ha of sulfate-S in insec- ticide-treated trees (P < .05). Total biomass production (net primary production per kilogram of preseason biomass) was unaf- fected by the low levels of herbivory observed here. Such nominal herbivory did not stimulate biomass and nutrient accretion by these tree species but did increase the cycling of K and perhaps other elements within these systems.
Analysis of Spatial Cointegration and Marketing Margin of Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) Fish in Some Selected Areas of Bangladesh

A study was undertaken to examine the marketing system and price behavior of tilapia fish in selected areas of Mymensingh district of Bangladesh during the month of March-May 2012. The objectives of the study were to estimate costs and margins, seasonal price variation and to test market integration of Tilapia fish. Primary and secondary data were used for this study. The higher marketing cost was incurred by aratdars and the lowest by retailer. On the other hand, retailers earned the highest net marketing margins. Analysis of market integration shows that Tilapia fish market in Bangladesh was well integrated. The study identified some problems related to economic, technical, marketing, social and natural calamities aspects and suggested some measures for solving these problems. The findings of the study revealed that the marketing of tilapia was a profitable business and some recommendations were provided for the improvement of tilapia marketing in the country. Keywords: Engle Granger co-integration, Market integration, Marketing margin, Price behavior, Tilapia.
Discretizing Nonlinear, Non-Gaussian Markov Processes with Exact Conditional Moments

Approximating stochastic processes by finite-state Markov chains is useful for reducing computational complexity when solving dynamic economic models. We provide a new method for accurately discretizing general Markov processes by matching low order moments of the conditional distributions using maximum entropy. In contrast to existing methods, our approach is not limited to linear Gaussian autoregressive processes. We apply our method to numerically solve asset pricing models with various underlying stochastic processes for the fundamentals, including a rare disasters model. Our method outperforms the solution accuracy of existing methods by orders of magnitude, while drastically simplifying the solution algorithm. The performance of our method is robust to parameters such as the number of grid points and the persistence of the process.
Exploring Perceived Discrimination, Racial Identity, and Religiosity as Indicators of African American Parents' Racial Socialization Practices.

SMART, AVRIL ALICIA. Exploring Perceived Discrimination, Racial Identity, and Religiosity as Indicators of African American Parents‟ Racial Socialization Practices. (Under the direction of Pamela P. Martin PhD). Racial socialization is an integral part of the parenting process for African American parents (Boykin & Toms, 1985; Coard & Sellers, 2005; McAdoo, 2002). To further understand the factors that influence parents‟ racial socialization practices, this study explored the direct links between age, education, income, perceived discrimination, racial identity attitudes, religiosity, and the racial socialization practices in a sample of 205 African American parents. Zero order correlations and hierarchical regression were used to explore the direct links between independent variables (age, education, income, perceived discrimination, racial identity attitudes and religiosity) and racial socialization practices. It was also hypothesized that racial identity and religiosity would serve as moderators in the relationship between perceived discrimination and racial socialization practices. Results showed significant links between demographic factors, racial identity attitudes and religiosity to parents‟ racial socialization practices, however no significant moderations were found. © Copyright 2011 by Avril Smart All Rights Reserved Exploring Perceived Discrimination, Racial Identity, and Religiosity as Indicators of African American Parents‟ Racial Socialization Practices
Windowing System Facial Detection based on Gabor Kernel Filter, Fast Fourier Transform, and Probabilistic Learning Vector Quantization

Facial detection is a crucial stage in the facial recognition process. Misclassification during the facial detection process will impact recognition results. In this research, windowing system facial detection using the Gabor kernel filter and the fast Fourier transform was proposed. The training set images, for both facial and non-facial images, were processed to obtain the local features by using the Gabor kernel filter and the fast Fourier transform. The local features were measured using probabilistic learning vector quantization. In this process, facial and non-facial features were classified using label 1 and -1. The proposed method was evaluated using facial and non-facial image testing sets, which were taken from the MIT+CMU image database. The testing images were enhanced first before the detection process using four different enhancement methods: histogram equalization, adaptive histogram equalization, contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization, and the single-scale retinex method. The detection results demonstrated that the highest average accuracy was 83.44%.
Children’s Restorative Experiences and Self-Reported Environmental Behaviors

Positive experiences in nature relate to children’s environmental behaviors. The reasons for this link remain unknown. One possibility is that children behave more ecologically because they obtain benefits from spending time in nature. In the present study, we looked at positive experiences in nature, specifically restoration, as a motivational factor enhancing children’s proenvironmental behavior. Children (N = 832) rated their school yards in terms of restoration and reported their frequency of proenvironmental behaviors as well as their environmental attitudes. Perceived restoration predicted 37% of the variance in reported proenvironmental behavior. Moreover, this relationship was completely mediated by environmental attitudes. In addition, fascination, a component of restoration, was the only direct predictor of proenvironmental behavior.
Effect of Oral Administration of “Gadagi” Tea on Lipid Profile in Rats

Effect of oral administration of “Gadagi” tea on lipid profile was assessed in 50 healthy male albino rats which were grouped and administered with different doses(mg/kg) i.e low dose (380mg/kg, 415mg/kg, 365mg/kg, 315mg/kg for “sak”, ”sada” and “magani” respectively), standard dose (760mg/kg, 830mg/kg, 730mg/kg for “sak’, ”sada” and “magani” respectively) and high dose ( 1500mg/kg, 1700mg/kg and 1460mg/kg for “sak’’, ”sada” and “magani” groups respectively) for a period of four weeks. Animals that were not administered with the tea constituted the control group. At the end of fourth week, the animals were sacrificed and their serum Total Cholesterol (T. Chol), HDL–Cholesterol (HDL Chol), Triglyceride (TRIG), very low – density lipoproteins (VLDL) and Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) levels were determined. Although no significant difference(P<0.05) was found between the experimental groups and the control group using analysis of variance (ANOVA), mean serum LDL, T. Chol and TRIG levels were slightly lower in rats orally administered with “magani” at standard dose level than that of the control rats. Thus, it could be suggested that “magani” especially at standard dose could reduce some of the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Keywords : “Gadagi” tea, Lipid profile, Cholesterol.
On the use of cluster analysis for individuating variable influence on spread variation in large datasets

In a global financial market with an ever increasing number of financial products, investors and financial organs faced an ever increasing risk associated with their asset allocation or their investment strategies. In this context the problem of the behavior of portfolios of credit risk corporate assets such as bonds has become very important as the probability of default for a company can be estimated from the prices of bonds it has issued. In particular we consider the influence of different variables on spread variation in a portfolio of bonds. We want to obtain clusters of units (bonds) which must be homogeneous inside and heterogeneous outside. Clustering is the unsupervised classification of patterns (observations, data items, or feature vectors) into groups (clusters). The clustering problem has been considered in many contexts. It is useful in several exploratory pattern-analysis, grouping, decision-making and machine-learning situations. Different clustering algorithm have been proposed (see e.g. Fung, 2001), however several clustering methods have been criticized due to the lack of theoretical robustness both from a mathematical and a probabilistic point of view. For this reason model based clustering which can be defined as a set of clustering procedures based on finite mixture models are being increasingly preferred over heuristic methods (McLachlan, 2010, Ingrassia et al., 2012). This type of models can be used in different fields concerning clustering to high-dimensional data too (see e. g. Fraley, 2002, McLachlan, 2010). In this paper we apply the mixture model approach and compare it with the classical K-means approach for analyzing the influence of some financial variables on spread variation in a portfolio of bonds. In the second paragraph we defined the problem, in the third the used methodology while in the fourth we present the application.
Dispersal in freshwater invertebrates

▪ Abstract Movement between discrete habitat patches can present significant challenges to organisms. Freshwater invertebrates achieve dispersal using a variety of mechanisms that can be broadly categorized as active or passive, and which have important consequences for processes of colonization, gene flow, and evolutionary divergence. Apart from flight in adult freshwater insects, active dispersal appears relatively uncommon. Passive dispersal may occur through transport by animal vectors or wind, often involving a specific desiccation-resistant stage in the life cycle. Dispersal in freshwater taxa is difficult to study directly, and rare but biologically significant dispersal events may remain undetected. Increased use of molecular markers has provided considerable insight into the frequency of dispersal in freshwater invertebrates, particularly for groups such as crustaceans and bryozoans that disperse passively through the transport of desiccation-resistant propagules. The establishment of propagule b.
Application of Data Envelopment Analysis to Calculating Probability of Default for High Rated Portfolio

The aim of our research is to propose a method of rating companies which is based on eciency measure given by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Proper rating of borrowers is an essential requirement of PD estimation. The diculty in DEA application is the selection of input and output from the set of indicators describing evaluated objects, which is usually based on expert knowledge. Therefore we apply random forests and gradient boosting to select financial indicators used by the DEA approach and to obtain a ranking of companies needed for PD estimation.