bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novitates neocaledonicae III: A new species of Citronella (Cardiopteridaceae) endemic to New Caledonia
Authors: Munzinger Jerome , Levionnois Sebastien
Published: January 2016

A new species of Cardiopteridaceae, Citronella hirsuta, endemic to the east-central part of New Caledonia’s main island, Grande Terre, distinguished on the basis of morphological evidence, is described and illustrated. This new species is distinguished by its densely hirsute leaves, while the two others species of Citronella occurring in New Caledonia have glabrous leaves. Citronella hirsuta is restricted to ultramafic substrate, and only known from areas that are situated within mining concessions. A preliminarily IUCN conservation status of Endangered (EN) is proposed.
Localized Ensemble-Based Tangent Linear Models and Their Use in Propagating Hybrid Error Covariance Models
Authors: Frolov Sergey , Bishop Craig H.
Published: January 2016

Hybrid error covariance models that blend climatological estimates of forecast error covariances with ensemble-based, flow-dependent forecast error covariances have led to significant reductions in forecast error when employed in 4DVAR data assimilation schemes. Tangent linear models (TLMs) designed to predict the differences between perturbed and unperturbed simulations of the weather forecast are a key component of such 4DVAR schemes. However, many forecasting centers have found that TLMs and their adjoints do not scale well computationally and are difficult to create and maintain—particularly for coupled ocean–wave–ice–atmosphere models. In this paper, the authors create ensemble-based TLMs (ETLMs) and test their ability to propagate both climatological and flow-dependent parts of hybrid error covariance models. These tests demonstrate that rank deficiency limits the utility of unlocalized ETLMs. High-rank, time-evolving, flow-adaptive localization functions are constructed and tested using recursive application of short-duration ETLMs, each of which is localized using a static localization. Since TLM operators do not need to be semipositive definite, the authors experiment with a variety of localization approaches including step function localization. The step function localization leads to a local formulation that was found to be highly effective. In tests using simple one-dimensional models with both dispersive and nondispersive dynamics, it is shown that practical ETLM configurations were effective at propagating covariances as far as four error correlation scales.
On the Impact of the Choice of Global Ensemble in Forcing a Regional Ensemble System
Authors: Weidle Florian , Wang Yong , Smet Geert
Published: January 2016

It is quite common that in a regional ensemble system the large-scale initial condition (IC) perturbations and the lateral boundary condition (LBC) perturbations are taken from a global ensemble prediction system (EPS). The choice of global EPS as a driving model can have a significant impact on the performance of the regional EPS. This study investigates the impact of large-scale IC/LBC perturbations obtained from different global EPSs on the forecast quality of a regional EPS. For this purpose several experiments are conducted where the Aire Limitée Adaption dynamique Développement International–Limited Area Ensemble Forecasting (ALADIN-LAEF) regional ensemble is forced by two of the world’s leading global ensembles, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts’ Ensemble Prediction System (ECMWF-EPS) and the Global Ensemble Forecasting System (GEFS) from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), which provide the IC and LBC perturbations. The investigation is carried out for a 51-day period during summer 2010 over central Europe. The results indicate that forcing of the regional ensemble with GEFS performs better for surface parameters, whereas at upper levels forcing with ECMWF-EPS is superior. Using perturbations from GEFS lead to a considerably higher spread in ALADIN-LAEF, which is beneficial near the surface where regional EPSs are usually underdispersive. At upper levels, forcing with GEFS leads to an overdispersion of ALADIN-LAEF as a result of the large spread of some parameters, where forcing ALADIN-LAEF with ECMWF-EPS provides statistically more reliable forecasts. The results indicate that the best global EPS might not always provide the best ICs and LBCs for a regional ensemble.
Dietary Patterns and Their Relationship With Semen Quality
Authors: Jurewicz Joanna , Radwan Michał , Sobala Wojciech , Radwan Paweł , Bochenek Michał , Hanke Wojciech
Published: January 2016

Diet is a complex exposure variable, which calls for multiple approaches to examine the relationship between diet and disease risk. To address these issues, several authors have recently proposed studying overall dietary patterns by considering how foods and nutrients are consumed in combinations. The aim of the study was to investigate the associations between dietary patterns, semen quality parameters, and the level of reproductive hormones. The study population consisted of 336 men who attended the infertility clinic for diagnostic purposes and who had normal semen concentration of 20 to 300 mln/ml or slight oligozoospermia (semen concentration of 15-20 mln/ml). Participants were interviewed, and a semen sample was provided by them. Diet was assessed via food frequency questionnaire, and dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Men were classified into three groups according to scores of each dietary pattern: Western, Mixed, or Prudent. A positive association was observed between sperm concentration and Prudent dietary pattern, and level of testosterone and Prudent dietary pattern ( p = .05, p = .03, respectively). Additionally, Prudent dietary pattern was identified to decrease the DNA fragmentation index ( p = .05). The results were adjusted for sexual abstinence, age, smoking, past diseases, and alcohol consumption. Higher consumption of a Prudent dietary pattern was associated with higher sperm concentration and higher level of testosterone. Sperm chromatin structure was inversely related to higher consumption of a Prudent dietary pattern. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and extend these results to other populations.
Oral Health in Primary Care
Authors: Phillips K.E. , Hummel J.
Published: January 2016

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This special communication presents the Oral Health Delivery Framework, a conceptual model for incorporating preventive oral health care in routine medical care and improving referrals from primary care to dentistry. The framework, along with supporting case examples and stakeholder actions, was published in Oral Health: An Essential Component of Primary Care in June 2015. To access the full white paper and supporting resources, visit www.QualisHealth.org/white-paper .
Decidual macrophages: key regulators of vascular remodeling in human pregnancy
Authors: Lash Gendie E , Pitman Hedele , Morgan Hannah L , Innes Barbara A , Agwu Chinedu N , Bulmer Judith N
Published: January 2016

Successful remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries is essential for a complication-free pregnancy and is best described in terms of its morphologic features. The molecular mediators and cellular sources of spiral artery remodeling are not known, although a role for uterine leukocytes has been proposed. Immunohistochemical assessment of placental bed biopsies demonstrated uterine NK cells, macrophages, and T lymphocytes in the wall and adventitia of spiral arteries at different stages of remodeling, regardless of the presence of extravillous trophoblast cells. Leukocytes were more prevalent in vessel adventitia than wall, and macrophages were the most abundant leukocyte population. Macrophages, separated from early pregnancy decidua, did not alter extravillous trophoblast cells invasion or vascular smooth muscle cell organization or differentiation status but did induce extracellular matrix breakdown (reduced immunostaining of laminin, P = 0.05; fibronectin, P = 0.02) and were able to phagocytose apoptotic vascular smooth muscle cells. Decidual macrophages were shown to secrete a wide range of cytokines (IL-1β, -2, -4, -5, -6, -8, -10, and -13 and TNF-α), proteases (matrix metalloproteinase-1, -2, -7, -9, and -10), and angiogenic growth factors (angiogenin, keratinocyte growth factor, fibroblast growth factor B, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and angiopoietin-1 and -2). We conclude that spiral artery remodeling involves the coordinated activity of a range of cell types, including extravillous trophoblast cells, decidual uterine NK cells, and macrophages in a carefully, spatiotemporally regulated manner.
Screening by Clinical Breast Examination in Western Kenya: Who Comes?
Authors: Busakhala Naftali Wisindi , Chite Fredrick Asirwa , Wachira Juddy , Naanyu Violet , Kisuya Job Wapangana , Keter Alfred , Mwangi Ann , Njiru Evanjeline , Chumba David , Lumarai Lugaria , Biwott Penina , Kiplimo Ivan , Otieno Grieven , Kigen Gabriel , Loehrer Patrick , Inui Thomus
Published: January 2016

Purpose

More than 80% of women with breast cancer in Kenya present to medical care with established late-stage disease. We sought to understand why women might not participate in breast cancer screening when it is offered by comparing the views of a cohort of those who attended a screening special event with those of community controls who did not attend.

Methods

All residents living close to three health centers in western Kenya were invited to participate in screening. Participants (attendees) underwent clinical breast examination by trained physician oncologists. In addition, women who consented were interviewed by using a modified Breast Cancer Awareness Module questionnaire. Nonattendees were interviewed in their homes the following day.

Results

A total of 1,511 attendees (1,238 women and 273 men) and 467 nonattendee women participated in the study. Compared with nonattendees, the women attendees were older, more often employed, knew that breast cancer presented as a lump, and were more likely to have previously felt a lump in a breast. In addition, they were more likely to report previously participating in screening activities, were more likely to have performed breast self-examination, and were less concerned about wasting a doctor’s time. Almost all those surveyed (attendees and nonattendees) expressed interest in future breast cancer screening opportunities.

Conclusion

The women who volunteer for breast cancer screening in western Kenya are more aware of breast cancer than those who do not volunteer. Screening recruitment should seek to close these knowledge gaps to increase participation.
“Corrupted by Ambition”: Justice and Patronage in Imperial New Spain and Spain, 1650–1755
Authors: Rosenmüller Christoph
Published: January 2016

Renewed interest in the linkage between finance and the state has led historians to reexamine corruption. While there is scholarly consensus that the royal sale of appointments (beneficio) corrupted governance and weakened royal authority in a stagnant Spanish empire, the historical record suggests otherwise. Beneficio allowed social newcomers to buy their way into the judiciary. Traditional elites thought that these newcomers were innately corrupt and that making them judges violated distributive justice, or the fair awarding of entitlements by traditional notions of merit. Between 1650 and 1755, enlightened thinking challenged these precepts. The idea that corruption entailed violating royal laws in office gained strength. Performance mattered more, and accepting money for appointments instead of considering traditional merit was part of a utilitarian approach. Thus in 1675 absolutist governments in Madrid began selling appointments to alcaldes mayores in New Spain to gain oversight, appropriate resources, and weaken the viceroys, who lost half, if not more, of their patronage power. Beneficio therefore strengthened the monarchy and should be seen as part of yet another cycle of royal reforms beginning in the late seventeenth century.
“The Shadow of Slavery”: Historical Time, Labor, and Citizenship in Nineteenth-Century Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
Authors: Gibbings Julie
Published: January 2016

In the midst of Guatemala's nineteenth-century coffee boom, a frost struck the department of Alta Verapaz, destroying coffee harvests and catalyzing a debate over the “slavery” of mandamiento (forced wage labor). At the heart of these disputes was the problem of how to achieve Guatemalan political modernity, which focused discursive struggles over mandamientos around questions of national progress and related conceptions of history as the teleological march of nations and people forward in historical time toward modernity. While state officials justified mandamientos by arguing that Mayas were not yet civilized enough for equality and freedom, Q'eqchi’ Maya patriarchs and their ladino allies argued for abolishing mandamientos by drawing upon the metanarrative charting the end of slavery and feudalism and the rise of capitalism. While scholars have illustrated the importance of history to nationalism, this article argues for a broader understanding of historical discourse as a conceptual framework for ordering the world.
High-Mass Capabilities of Positive-Ion and Negative-Ion Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Gross Jürgen H.
Published: January 2016

Of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium (C+) tricyanomethide (A−) high-mass cluster ions of both positive ([C nA n–1]+) and negative ([C n–1A n]−) charge were generated and detected by direct analysis in real time (DART) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry (MS). After optimization of the settings of the DART ionization source and of the mass analyser, ions of m/ z values unprecedented in DART-MS were detected. Thus, the upper m/ z limits of positive-ion and negative-ion DART-MS were substantially expanded. Negative-ion DART-MS delivered cluster ions up to [C15A16]−, m/ z 3527 (nominal mass of monoisotopic ion), while positive-ion DART-MS even yielded ions up to [C30A29]+, m/ z 6784. The identification of the cluster ions is supported by their accurate mass and exact mass differences corresponding to CA between adjacent cluster ion peaks.
The Future Role of near Infrared Spectroscopy in Polymer and Chemical Analysis
Authors: Huck Christian W.
Published: January 2016

In my role as a chemistry editor for NIR news, it is a great pleasure for me to summarise and give some of my thoughts upon the recent trends in applying near infrared spectroscopy to the traditionally very important fields of chemical analysis with some emphasis on polymer applications.
Advances in the endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of Barrett’s neoplasia
Authors: Chedgy Fergus J.Q. , Kandiah Kesavan , Thayalasekaran Sreedhari , Subramaniam Sharmila , Bhandari Pradeep
Published: January 2016

Barrett’s oesophagus is a well-recognised precursor of oesophageal adenocarcinoma. The incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma is continuing to rise in the Western world with dismal survival rates. In recent years, efforts have been made to diagnose Barrett’s earlier and improve surveillance techniques in order to pick up cancerous changes earlier. Recent advances in endoscopic therapy for early Barrett’s cancers have shifted the paradigm away from oesophagectomy and have yielded excellent results.
Stability of system of infrastructure business: basic concepts and initial methodological approaches to realization
Authors: Джуха Владимир , Dzhukha Vladimir , Кокин Андрей , Kokin Andrey
Published: January 2016

specific aspects of maintenance of stability of infrastructural

business are considered. The concept of stability of infrastructural

sphere is proved, key factors of its maintenance, first of

all, the coordination of actions of all market agents and realization

of regular diagnostics of a market position are allocated. The infrastructure

is considered as the mechanism of the coordination of

interactions, not only providing functioning of various branches of

economy, but also promoting occurrence of the new economic relations,

allowing to overcome arising market deformations. Such

approach opens new directions for economic researches in sphere

of infrastructural development
End milling cutter effectiveness increase by application of modificating nano-dimensional multilevel composition coatings
Authors: Бубликов Юрий , Bublikov Yuriy , Верещака Анатолий , Vereshchaka Anatoliy , Верещака Алексей , Vereshchaka Aleksey , Оганян Максим , Oganyan Maksim
Published: January 2016

The problem of hard metal end milling cutter capacity for work increase on basis of tool physical stress strain properties modification by means of the formation of nano-structured multi level coatings on tool working surfaces with the use of filtered cathodevacuumarc deposition is developed. There is devel oped a system and a composition of three-component nano-structured multi-level composition modificating coatings for the deposition on working surfaces of end-milling cutters. The results of laboratory and industrial tests of end milling cutters with the developed coatings for the conditions of roughing and finishing are represented.
Evolution of unregulated forms of graphite inclusions in graphitized structural cast iron
Authors: Сканцев Виталий , Skantsev Vitaliy , Болдырев Денис , Boldyrev Denis , Давыдов Сергей , Davydov Sergey , Попова Лариса , Popova Larisa
Published: January 2016

The evolution influence of the graphite form (from a platetype form to a globular one) upon structural cast iron properties was analyzed and grounded, there were also considered cast iron peculiarities and prospects of their commercial application is estimated. For castings production the expediency of rational application of unregulated graphitized cast iron with the intermediate transitional morphology of graphite inclusions instead of grey iron high grades with lamellar graphite (GI 30, GI 35) and malleable cast iron is shown. The appropriate use substantiation of mentioned cast iron types taking into account their peculi-arities is shown.
Ethnobotany of Canarium plant species used by Tobelo Dalam
Authors: TAMALENE M. NASIR , AL MUHDHAR MIMIEN HENIE IRAWAT , SUARSINI ENDANG , RAHMAN FATCHUR , HASAN SAID
Published: January 2016

Tamalene MN, Al-Muhdhar MHI, Suarsini E, Rahman F, Hasan S. 2016. Ethnobotany of Canarium plant species used byÂ Tobelo Dalam (Togutil)Â ethnic community of Halmahera Island, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 17: 61-69. Tobelo Dalam (Togutil) ethnic group has been using local plants for years; one of them is Canarium. The ethnic are nomads and live in conservation forests. Data on ethnobotanical knowledge was collected through interview technique with â€œwork in the woodâ€ method. There were three types of informant: main informants, key informants, and recommended informants. Main informants were chosen through purposive sampling technique while key informants and recommended informants were chosen through snowball sampling technique. The informants in this study were grouped based on their age: 14 children (5-11 years)Â 13 adults (26-45 years), nine (46-65 years) and three old age (â‰¥ 65 years).Â The result of fidelity level analysis (FL%) indicated that all age groups had FL value of 100% in utilizing walnut as local food. Regarding the use of skin exocarp the result was as follow: children (FL: 28.57%),Â teenagers (FL: 77,77%), adults (FL: 69,23%), and elder and old age (FL: 100%).Â Whereas, the use of Shell endocarp among the age groups was as follow: children (FL: 14.28%),Â teenagers (FL: 66.66%), adults (FL: 46,15%), elder (FL: 33.33%), and old age (FL: 100%).Â CanariumÂ bark had value of FL% in children (FL: 35,71%),Â teenagers (FL: 61.11%),Â adults (FL: 92.3%),Â elder (FL: 33.33%), andÂ old age (FL: 100%).Â The use of resin by the groups was children (FL: 50%),Â teenagers (FL: 83.33%),Â adults (FL: 92.3%),Â elder and old age (FL: 100%).Â The use of Canarium root among the groups was children (FL: 14.28%),Â teenagers (FL: 61.11%),Â adults (FL: 92.3%),Â elder (FL:Â 33.33%),Â Â and old age (FL: 100%).Â The use of plantâ€™s trunk was as follow: children (FL: 50%),Â teenagers (FL: 77.77%), adults, elder, and old age (FL: 100%).Â The research indicated that walnut had high utility value. All parts of the plant (root, wood, bark, and resin)Â were exploited for economic, health and cultural interest.
Polymorphisms Glu23Lys of KCNJ11 gene are associated with Type 2 diabetes in the Kyrgyz Population
Authors: Isakova Jainagul Tolonovna , Talaibekova Elnura Talaybekovna , Isabaeva Dinara Isfanbekovna , Lunegova Olga Sergeevna , Kerimkulova Alina Suyuntbekovna , Asambaeva Diana Abilgazyevna , Aldashev Almaz Abdulkhaevich
Published: January 2016

Aim — in this study, we investigated whether polymorphisms Glu23Lys in KCNJ11 are associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the Kyrgyz population.Material and methods. We genotyped 287 Kyrgyz individuals. A case—control study was performed, including 178 patients with T2DM (female — 55, male — 123, average age 54±6,6) and 109 non-diabetes controls (female — 48, male — 61, average age 50±8,4). The genotypes of polymorphic position Glu23Lys of KCNJ11 were determined by PCR-RFLP assay.Results. Genotypes Glu23Lys and Lys23Lys, containing the minor allele 23Lys, were more frequent in the group of type 2 diabetes (χ2=4,09; p=0,043). The allele 23Lys of KCNJ11 gene is associated with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the Kyrgyz population [OR=1,46 (1,02—2,07); p=0,036]. Homozygous genotype Glu23Glu and allele Glu23 reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes [OR=0,61 (0,37—0,99); p=0,043 and OR=0,69 (0,48—0,98); p=0,037], respectively).Conclusion. Polymorphisms Glu23Lys of KCNJ11 gene are associated with the risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Kyrgyz Population according to the dominant and additive models of inheritance of the trait. Our results indicate that the allele 23Lys of KCNJ11 gene confers an elevated risk for the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Kyrgyz population.
The hereditary predisposition features of latent autoimmune diabetes of adults
Authors: Shtandel' Svetlana Anatol'evna , Tikhonova Tat'yana Mikhaylovna
Published: January 2016

There are the results of complex study of features formation of hereditary predisposition to latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA).The aim of the study was the complex analysis of LADA hereditary predisposition with using of genealogical, genetic-demographic and molecular-genetic methods.Material and methods. Genetic and genetic-demographic research is spent at 1155 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, the analysis of distribution of polymorphism С1858Т of gene PTPN22 is executed at 599 DM patients and 253 healthy ones; 49A/G gene CTLA4 — at 300 DM patients and 44 control group persons; Е23К gene KCNJ11 — at 231 DM patients and 44 healthy ones. Testing of polygene and genetic heterogeneity inheritance models are held; the interrelation of crossbreeding degree sick and DM family accumulation is studied; definition of single nucleotide polymorphisms were carried out with the help of polymerase chain reaction and restrict analysis.Results. It has been shown, that LADA is genetically independent DM form, is described by parameters of polygenic threshold model, in its inheritance the essential role belongs to hereditary factors (59,2%), are available nonlinear intraloci and interallelic (GD=1,2%) interactions and influence of some genes with the expressed effect in determination of this form of disease is possible. In LADA genetic control system has about identical quantity of the common genes with DM type 1 and 2 (65,3 and 66,1%, accordingly). Change of family accumulation type 1 and 2 DM among 1 and 2nd degree of relationship relatives at LADA patients with crossbreeding degree augmentation differs from that at patients both type 1, and 2 DM. It has been shown, that the Е23К of gene KCNJ11, 49A/G gene CTLA4 and С1858Т gene PTPN22 polymorphisms in the Kharkov population are associated with LADA, type 1 and 2 DM and raised the risk of their development. The homozygous carriage 23K/K gene KCNJ11, 49G/G gene and 1858T/T gene PTPN22 corresponds to the greatest risk of the LADA development.Conclusions. The carried out complex research has taped the LADA genetic independence what can form the establishment for specification of classification of this DM form.
The recommendations on diagnostics and treatment of male hypogonadism (deficit of testosterone). The project
Authors: Dedov Ivan Ivanovich , Mel'nichenko Galina Afanas'evna , Rozhivanov Roman Viktorovich , Kurbatov Dmitriy Gennadievich
Published: January 2016

Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone which results in its low serum level in combination with characteristic clinical symptoms and/or signs (see the description below) that can be observed in the patients presenting with pathological changes in testicles and/or hypophysis, such as Kleinfelter’s syndrome, and in men with idiopathic metabolic or iatrogenic disorders leading to androgen deficiency. The present recommendations does not cover the entire set of pathological conditions responsible for the development of hypogonadism (deficit of testosterone); rather, they are focused on its clinical variants that account for the majority of the cases of male hypogonadism.
Concept and Determinants of Quality in Higher Education. A Survey Conducted amongst Spanish University Lecturers.
Authors: Cardona Rodríguez Antonio , Barrenetxea Ayesta Miren , Mijangos del Campo Juan José , Olaskoaga Larrauri Jon
Published: January 2016

This article presents a portion of the results obtained through a survey and about different aspects related to quality in higher education conducted with University lecturers in Spain specialized in the areas of Economics and Business during the period February-April 2008. After providing a brief description of the main features of our research this article examines the ideas about quality in higher education as well as who are the agents involved in it. This article includes a brief analysis of some of the most relevant results about the impact of actions aimed at the improvement of quality of higher education, and it analyses the opinions about different ways to understand quality.
Study of the determinants of efficiency applying Hierarchical Linear Models in the assessment PISA 2006: the case of Spain
Authors: López Martín Esther , Navarro Asencio Enrique , Ordóñez Camacho Xavier G. , Romero Martínez Sonia J.
Published: January 2016

This paper connects Spanish students performance in science in PISA 2006 with indicators of students, teachers and institutions associated to the educational production function (Hanushek, 1989) and, consequently, with the efficiency of the educational system. The analysis has been carried out by means of multilevel analysis; this technique is appropriate for the study of hierarchical data structures, as is the case for educational information. In light of the information provided it is possible to demonstrate a relationship between resources variables, both in the student's level (for example educational resources, cultural possessions in home) and at the school level (for example ownership, computers) with the academic performance.
The Research on Intercultural Education in Spain
Authors: Rodríguez Izquierdo Rosa Maria
Published: January 2016

This paper reviews the scientific literature, both quantitative and qualitative, referred to several aspects of intercultural education in Spain from 1990 until 2008. The core themes found in the literature are the following: 1) schooling of immigrants and ethnic minorities, 2) models of intervention and educative proposals, 3) bilingual and linguistic diversity, 4) attitudes towards other cultures, and 5) intercultural citizenship and intercultural identity. Finally, it shows new open fields or gaps that are identified in the literature reviewed, and suggests ideas and strategies to strengthen intercultural research in the near future.
Teacher evaluation as a policy target for improved student learning: A fifty-state review of statute and regulatory action since NCLB.
Authors: Hazi Helen M. , Arredondo Rucinski Daisy
Published: January 2016

This paper reports on the analysis of state statutes and department of education regulations in fifty states for changes in teacher evaluation in use since the passage of No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. We asked what the policy activity for teacher evaluation is in state statutes and department of education regulations, how these changes in statutes and regulations might affect the practice of
teacher evaluation, and what were the implications for instructional supervision from these policy actions. Teacher evaluation statutes and department of education regulations provided the data for this study, using archival records from each state's legislature and education departments that were placed into a comparison matrix based on criteria developed from the National Governors Association (NGA) goals for school reform (Goldrick, 2002). Data were analyzed deductively in terms of these criteria for underlying theories of action (Malen, 2005), trends, and likely effects on teacher evaluation and implications for supervision. The majority of states adopted many of the NGA strategies, asserted oversight and involvement in local teacher evaluation practices, decreased the frequency of veteran teacher evaluation, and increased the types of data used in
evaluation. Whether or not the changes in teacher evaluation will improve student learning in the long run remains to be seen.
Improving low-performing schools through external assistance: Lessons from Chicago and California.
Authors: Finnigan Kara S. , Bitter Catherine , O'Day Jennifer
Published: January 2016

This article describes the design and implementation of external
support to low-performing schools using data from Chicago and California. Using the literature on external support, instructional capacity, and policy strength, the study gathered data from interviews, observations, document review, and surveys. The findings suggest that the model of assistance employed in both Chicago and
California was inadequate to the task. While the policies examined demonstrate recognition that low-performing schools need additional capacity if they are to substantially improve student outcomes, external support providers used limited and haphazard approaches, and as a result, the support component had little influence on teaching and learning. In addition, because the external supports relied on a market-like support structure with few other mechanisms to ensure quality, and because there was limited quantity (intensity) of support, the benefit that external assistance might otherwise have provided was limited. This was particularly problematic for the lowest capacity schools, many of which experienced limited change despite increased educator effort and involvement of external providers. In essence, external assistance through these school accountability policies did little to improve educator and organizational performance.
Trajectory and Leadership Formation of Mexican Women Scholars: The Morelos Case
Authors: Montes-de-Oca-O'Reilly Alejandra , Yurén Camarena Teresa
Published: January 2016

This article is a qualitative analysis of trajectories and leadership formación of twelve scholarly leaders who work at five institutions in the state of Morelos, in Mexico. We analyze three categories of formative experiences: a) formative experiences within the family, b) scholar and professional formative experiences and c) formative experiences aside from the domestic, scholar and professional spheres. Based on our study, we suggest the following factors in the formación of leaders: sociomoral formación, mentoring by support figures and guide figures, search for autonomy, exposure to problematic situations that represent a challenge, setting of long-range goals, generation of dispositions to resist an instrumental logic, exposure to leadership figures, as well as an increase in social and cultural capital. We emphasize the importance of the existential as well as the ethical and political dimensions in leadership formation.
Mathematics Reform and Teacher Quality in Elementary Grades: Assessments, Teacher Licensure, and Certification
Authors: Georges Annie , Borman Kathryn M. , Lee Reginald S.
Published: January 2016

We analyzed the gap in mathematics standards, assessments and accountability, and teacher licensure and certification requirements in mathematics for elementary grades. We found states delineated mathematics academic standards in specific content areas. Licensure and certification requirements were weak indicators since they lacked the specificity of conceptual and procedural knowledge that could strengthen mathematics content knowledge and inform instructional practices. The most recent changes in licensure and certification requirements intended to affect teacher quality are not reaching a large proportion of elementary teachers; thus, their overall impact on teacher quality is likely to be limited. We discuss policy strategies for licensure and certification requirements likely to have a broader reach in addressing teacher quality at the elementary grades.
Cheating in the first, second, and third degree: Educators' responses to high-stakes testing
Authors: Amrein-Beardsley Audrey , Berliner David C. , Rideau Sharon
Published: January 2016

Educators are under tremendous pressure to ensure that their students perform well on tests.  Unfortunately, this pressure has caused some educators to cheat.  The purpose of this study was to investigate the types of, and degrees to which, a sample of teachers in Arizona were aware of, or had themselves engaged in test-related cheating practices as a function of the high-stakes testing policies of No Child Left Behind. A near census sample of teachers was surveyed, with valid responses obtained from about 5 percent, totaling just over 3,000 teachers. In addition, one small convenience sample of teachers was interviewed, and another participated in a focus group. Data revealed that cheating occurs and that educators can be quite clever when doing so. But how one defines cheating makes it difficult to quantify the frequency with which educators engage in such practices. Our analysis thus required us to think about a taxonomy of cheating based on the definitions of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree offenses in the field of law. These categories were analyzed to help educators better define, and be more aware of others' and their own cheating practices, in an attempt to inform local testing policies and procedures.
Citizenship, social and educational rights: Reflections for a pedagogy of human rights
Authors: Vila Merino Eduardo Salvador , De Bringas Asier Martínez
Published: January 2016

This article seeks to address human rights issues from a triple perspective. First, conceptually locating human rights in the context of globalization and making a critique of the liberal conception of human rights. Second, deepen citizenship as an element of visibility of the political and law and focus of education. Finally, think and bet on how the social and educational rights must become the guiding axes civil and political rights that they are not empty in practice. Definitively, it tries to articulate the central elements for a pedagogy of the human rights.
Value-Added Modeling of Teacher Effectiveness: An Exploration of Stability across Models and Contexts
Authors: Newton Xiaoxia A. , Darling-Hammond Linda , Haertel Edward , Thomas Ewart
Published: January 2016

Recent policy interest in tying student learning to teacher evaluation has led to growing use of value-added methods for assessing student learning gains linked to individual teachers. VAM analyses rely on complex assumptions about the roles of schools, multiple teachers, student aptitudes and efforts, homes and families in producing measured student learning gains. This article reports on analyses that examine the stability of high school teacher effectiveness rankings across differing conditions. We find that judgments of teacher effectiveness for a given teacher can vary substantially across statistical models, classes taught, and years. Furthermore, student characteristics can impact teacher rankings, sometimes dramatically, even when such characteristics have been previously controlled statistically in the value-added model. A teacher who teaches less advantaged students in a given course or year typically receives lower effectiveness ratings than the same teacher teaching more advantaged students in a different course or year. Models that fail to take student demographics into account further disadvantage teachers serving large numbers of low-income, limited English proficient, or lower-tracked students. We examine a number of potential reasons for these findings, and we conclude that caution should be exercised in using student achievement gains and value-added methods to assess teachers’ effectiveness, especially when the stakes are high.
Rethinking Mentoring: Comparing Policy and Practice in Special and General Education
Authors: Wasburn-Moses Leah
Published: January 2016

Although teacher mentoring is now mandated in most states, high quality research in mentoring remains scarce (Rockoff, 2008). There is a great need to understand how such policies are implemented (Smith, 2007), particularly in teaching areas with high shortages. The purpose of this study is to compare state and district mentoring policies with the mentoring experiences of practicing special and general education teachers. Survey data were collected from 232 teachers in one state and compared with policy information from the Teacher Rules, Roles, and Rights (TR3) database. Results indicated uneven implementation of policy, in that some stated policy was not adhered to consistently, and consistency in practices was seen in the absence of other policy. Further, special education teachers reported much less mentoring than general education teachers. A new model is proposed to encourage implementation of research-validated practices in teacher mentoring.
Reflections about school dropout in Finland and Puerto Rico
Authors: Viana Nancy , Rullán Agustín
Published: January 2016

This work presents reflections about some key factors that help to understand the reasons why in Finland school dropouts are practically nonexistent, while in Puerto Rico they are a significant problem. Several reasons that explain this situation were found. Finland has good student support services, teachers have more academic freedom, social inequalities exist in a smaller scale, schooling including university, and health services are free, and teacher training is more rigorous. Based on the findings of this study, we developed a model to understand school dropout as a complex social system. To develop this model we used a causal diagram, a tool from the theory of dynamic systems.
Findings vs. Interpretation in “The Long-Term Impacts of Teachers” by Chetty et al.
Authors: Adler Moshe
Published: January 2016

The authors of the study “The Long-Term Impact of Teachers” claim that their study shows that increases in teacher value-added lead to significant and lasting increases in test scores and significant increases in income that will last throughout adulthood. Instead, I show that these claims are false because they are contradicted by the findings of the study itself. In fact, the results of the Chetty et al. study raise serious questions about the benefits of using the value-added method for evaluating teachers.
A REDUÇÃO DA IDADE PENAL E AS TEORIAS RACIAIS: o retorno de um debate político-pedagógico que se pensava superado
Authors: Pauly Evaldo Luis , Silva Gilberto Ferreira da
Published: January 2016

Este texto põe em discussão uma das teses do Parecer 478/2007 favorável à aprovação da Proposta de Emenda Constitucional nº 20 que defende a redução da idade penal de 18 para 16 anos. Para isso, recorre a aspectos históricos que fundamentaram a construção das teorias raciais, procurando atualizar e demonstrar as interfaces com a argumentação daquele Parecer. Assim, estruturamos a discussão a partir de dois grandes campos. O primeiro resgata concepções históricas que orientaram a consolidação das teorias raciais no universo acadêmico científico e o segundo demonstra como o parecer traduz e se aproxima deste debate histórico. O artigo desenvolve a tese de que a proposta de redução da idade penal está repleta de nuances e imprecisões, pois coloca em evidência – e esta é a tese - um embate civilizacional: como a civilização brasileira projeta a sua esperança na juventude? A proposta de redução da idade penal retorna a um velho debate que o cenário acadêmico acreditava superado: as teorias raciais difundidas no Brasil por acadêmicos do final do Império e da República Velha.
A Look at Returning Teachers
Authors: DeAngelis Karen J.
Published: January 2016

Research shows that one-quarter to one-third of teachers who leave the profession return, the majority after only a short absence. Though returning teachers can constitute a substantial share of newly hired teachers in schools each year, little is known about them, the factors associated with their decisions to return, or the schools to which they return. In this study, I use a 20-year longitudinal dataset to examine the characteristics of returning teachers as well as the personal, school, and district factors associated with their return both to the profession and to particular schools. In addition, I consider the extent to which returning teachers contribute to the systematic sorting of teachers across schools. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the loss of teachers to attrition from the profession is more likely to be permanent for smaller schools and districts outside of urban and suburban areas. In addition, both personal and job-related factors impact whether and where former teachers return, albeit differently by gender. Interestingly, personal and pecuniary factors in teaching appear to play a greater role than non-pecuniary factors on male leavers’ decisions regarding whether and where to return, whereas personal, pecuniary, and non-pecuniary factors all influence female leavers’ decisions. Finally, the study demonstrates that returning teachers on average reenter schools that are very similar in terms of student and teacher characteristics to those that they left.
Democracy’s College: The American Community College in the 21st Century: Framing the Issue
Authors: Topper Amelia Marcetti , Powers Jeanne M.
Published: January 2016

In this manuscript, the guest editors of the EPAA Special Issue on “Democracy’s College: The American Community College in the 21st Century”: a) introduce the background, history, and context of community colleges in the larger higher education landscape; b) summarize the three research papers and two video commentaries that were peer-reviewed and selected for inclusion in this special issue; and, c) discuss the individual contributions and major themes across the selected papers. Their importance is discussed in terms of each paper’s insights for the general research on this topic and each paper’s potential to inform community college research, practice, and policy.
The Role of Institutional Agents in Promoting Transfer Access
Authors: Dowd Alicia C. , Pak Jenny H. , Bensimon Estela Mara
Published: January 2016

A growing body of research points to the important role played by “institutional agents” in facilitating college access and success for students from non-dominant racial-ethnic and low socioeconomic status groups. Applying attachment theory, this study adds to that literature by demonstrating how institutional agents can provide a secure base, in a psychological sense, for such low-status college students in the United States to make successful postsecondary transitions and develop collegiate identities. Based on the life stories of 10 low-status students who successfully transferred from a community college to a selective college or university, our narrative analysis depicts the students’ collegiate identity development and how college practitioners in positions of authority were instrumental in raising their collegiate aspirations. The results demonstrate the role of college practitioners in facilitating students’ postsecondary transitions and warrant the professional development of faculty and administrators as institutional agents. We conclude by providing resources for practitioners to develop their professional knowledge and capacity to act as institutional agents.
Public and Private Lives: Institutional Structures and Personal Supports in Low-Income Single Mothers’ Educational Pursuits
Authors: Cerven Christine
Published: January 2016

Drawing on a case study of 60 low-income single mothers in California, I present a grounded account of the barriers and supports single mothers encounter in their pursuit of postsecondary education (PSE) and detail what the women themselves attributed to their success. I highlight the role both significant others (peers, family, friends) and institutional structures (the county welfare department and a community college district) played in their access and persistence within a community college district. In doing so, I provide a rich portrait of single mothers’ pursuits of postsecondary education to inform the empirical research gaps in the literature on the effects of welfare reform on the pursuit of PSE. I find that not only does the support of significant others play an important role in single mothers’ access of PSE, but that referrals to PSE from the county welfare department were as equally important—a finding that counters the dominant discussion in scholarly work on the barriers welfare departments pose to welfare recipients’ pursuit of PSE. Supportive significant others remained an important factor in the women’s abilities to persist in their postsecondary pursuits, but the women also cited student support programs designed to address the needs of low-income students as facilitating their persistence. The implications for the impact of welfare department practices, community college support structures and close networks of significant others on low-income single mothers’ access and persistence in a community college district are discussed.
A Licenciatura em História: lugar hermenêutico para pensar sentidos de uma aula.
Authors: Moura Rosana Silva de
Published: January 2016

Este ensaio trata de algumas questões vinculadas à licenciatura em História, a partir de contribuições da hermenêutica filosófica de H-G Gadamer e W. Dilthey. A partir desta abordagem se reconfigura o lugar da licenciatura no cenário das universidades que, no Brasil, têm privilegiado a pesquisa em detrimento da formação do professor, inclusive desvinculando pesquisa e docência. Logo, as questões que ficam dizem respeito a: Por que fazemos pesquisa em história? A quem ela se dirige? Qual é sua função? O estudo contribui para pensarmos o vínculo indissociável entre ensino e pesquisa, recolocando a licenciatura em História como um lugar hermenêutico para pensar sentidos de uma aula e sua produtividade histórica, como nos ensina H-G Gadamer.
Memórias traduzidas: docência compartilhada no processo de formação inicial de professores.
Authors: Silva Gilberto Ferreira , Fontebasso Maria Rosa
Published: January 2016

Amparados pelo recurso da memória, os autores exploram analiticamente a experiência de docência compartilhada durante a realização de um curso de formação inicial de professores, reconstruindo desde contextos até fragmentos do que a memória seletiva permite reatualizar. São tecidas reflexões em que dimensões como o estranhamento, o poder, a insegurança e as crenças pessoais vão sendo aos poucos desvelados, trabalhados, dando lugar à parceria, cumplicidade e à reafirmação do compromisso com a educação. O trabalho evidencia as contribuições que o recurso da memória oferece aos processos reflexivos de se fazer educação, ainda que acionados tempos mais tarde. Demonstra, assim, uma alternativa a mais para desencadear processos analíticos sobre o que se faz em educação, principalmente no campo da formação de professores.