Using Situational Interest to Enhance Individual Interest and Science-Related Behaviours

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmer, David; Dixon, Jeanette; Archer, Jennifer

2017-08-01

Situational interest is a relatively transient reaction to highly stimulating factors in the immediate environment, whereas individual interest is a relatively long-term preference for a particular subject or activity. It has been proposed that regular experiences of situational interest in a subject may eventually lead to the development of individual interest in that subject. Importantly, this should also result in an increase in behaviours related to that domain. For example, a student who develops an individual interest in science would be expected to spend more time on science-related activities such as reading about science, talking with other people about science, or watching science shows on TV. However, the extent to which this does happen has not yet been established. The purposes of this study were to find out whether regular experiences of situational interest in science classes can enhance individual interest in science and whether there is an associated increase in science-related activities. The participants were primary teacher education students who were enrolled in a semester-length science course. Data were collected using a survey, an interest inventory, open-ended questionnaires and interviews. It was found that regular experiences of situational interest during the course were associated with positive changes in individual interest in science and increased participation in science-related activities. These changes remained relatively stable over a delay period of 10 months after the end of the course.

A-Train Education Activities: Partnerships to Engage Citizens with Atmospheric Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ellis, T. D.; Taylor, J.; Chambers, L. H.; Graham, S.; Butcher, G. J.

2016-12-01

Since the launch of Aqua in 2002, the A-Train satellites have been at the forefront of observing Earth's atmosphere using the wide variety of instruments on the spacecraft in the formation. Similarly, the A-Train missions have also taken a variety of perspectives on engaging the general public with NASA science. These approaches have included a range of formal education partnerships featuring the GLOBE program (including a cloud observation network through CloudSat, several initiatives to understand and measure aerosols, and development of a new elementary story book), unique citizen-science activities such as Students' Cloud Observations On Line (S'COOL), connections with the PBS Kids SciGirls program, and much more. An education component was also featured at the first A-Train symposium in New Orleans, engaging local educators to learn about the many education resources available from the A-Train missions. Increasingly, the mission education teams have been working together to drive home thematic science content, such as the roles of clouds in our climate system and regular measurements of Earth's radiant energy balance. This paper describes the evolution of A-Train education efforts over the past decade, highlights key achievements, and presents information on new initiatives to continue to engage the public with A-Train science.

ALMA specifications and results: report at mid-cycle 3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dent, W. R. F.

2016-07-01

ALMA is now nearing the end of its third cycle of operations, and is transitioning from `early science' to regular PI-driven observing. The array has been operated over the complete range of available baseline lengths, from <10m with the ACA out to the maximum of 16km in the long-baseline configuration. Typically 40 12m-diameter antennas are now used at any one time. In this paper, we summarise the advertised capabilities and how they have evolved in the first 5 years, the proposal pressure and `hot spots', and describe some of the issues with the real measured system performance. We also outline the observing statistics, project completion rates, and papers from ALMA. Finally we highlight some of the new transformational science coming from this facility.

Perceived impact on student engagement when learning middle school science in an outdoor setting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbatiello, James

Human beings have an innate need to spend time outside, but in recent years children are spending less time outdoors. It is possible that this decline in time spent outdoors could have a negative impact on child development. Science teachers can combat the decline in the amount of time children spend outside by taking their science classes outdoors for regular classroom instruction. This study identified the potential impacts that learning in an outdoor setting might have on student engagement when learning middle school science. One sixth-grade middle school class participated in this case study, and students participated in outdoor intervention lessons where the instructional environment was a courtyard on the middle school campus. The outdoor lessons consisted of the same objectives and content as lessons delivered in an indoor setting during a middle school astronomy unit. Multiple sources of data were collected including questionnaires after each lesson, a focus group, student work samples, and researcher observations. The data was triangulated, and a vignette was written about the class' experiences learning in an outdoor setting. This study found that the feeling of autonomy and freedom gained by learning in an outdoor setting, and the novelty of the outdoor environment did increase student engagement for learning middle school science. In addition, as a result of this study, more work is needed to identify how peer to peer relationships are impacted by learning outdoors, how teachers could best utilize the outdoor setting for regular science instruction, and how learning in an outdoor setting might impact a feeling of stewardship for the environment in young adults.

The LBT experience of adaptive secondary mirror operations for routine seeing- and diffraction-limited science operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guerra, J. C.; Brusa, G.; Christou, J.; Miller, D.; Ricardi, A.; Xompero, M.; Briguglio, R.; Wagner, M.; Lefebvre, M.; Sosa, R.

2013-09-01

The Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) is unique in that it is currently the only large telescope (2 x 8.4m primary mirrors) with permanently mounted adaptive secondary mirrors (ASMs). These ASMs have been used for regular observing since early 2010 on the right side and since late 2011 on the left side. They are currently regularly used for seeing-limited observing as well as for selective diffraction-limited observing and are required to be fully operational every observing night. By comparison the other telescopes using ASMs, the Multi Mirrot Telescope (MMT) and more recently Magellan, use fixed secondaries of seeing-limited observing and switch in the ASMs for diffraction-limited observing. We will discuss the night-to-night operational requirements for ASMs specifically for seeing-limited but also for diffraction-limited observations based on the LBT experience. These will include preparation procedures for observing (mirror flattening and resting as examples); hardware failure statistics and how to deal with them such as for the actuators; observing protocols for; and current limitations of use due to the ASM technology such as the minimum elevation limit (25 degrees) and the hysteresis of the gravity-vector induced astigmatism. We will also discuss the impact of ASM maintenance and preparation

The Costa Rica GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) Project as a Learning Science Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castro Rojas, María Dolores; Zuñiga, Ana Lourdes Acuña; Ugalde, Emmanuel Fonseca

2015-12-01

GLOBE is a global educational program for elementary and high school levels, and its main purpose in Costa Rica is to develop scientific thinking and interest for science in high school students through hydrology research projects that allow them to relate science with environmental issues in their communities. Youth between 12 and 17 years old from public schools participate in science clubs outside of their regular school schedule. A comparison study was performed between different groups, in order to assess GLOBE's applicability as a learning science atmosphere and the motivation and interest it generates in students toward science. Internationally applied scales were used as tools for measuring such indicators, adapted to the Costa Rican context. The results provide evidence statistically significant that the students perceive the GLOBE atmosphere as an enriched environment for science learning in comparison with the traditional science class. Moreover, students feel more confident, motivated and interested in science than their peers who do not participate in the project. However, the results were not statistically significant in this last respect.

The Influence of Laboratory Instruction on Science Achievement and Attitude Toward Science across Gender Differences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freedman, Michael P.

This study investigated the use of a hands-on laboratory program to improve attitudes toward science and increase achievement levels in science knowledge among students in a ninth grade physical science course. An objective final examination measured achievement in science knowledge, and a Q sort survey measured attitude toward science. A t test compared the groups' differences in achievement and attitude toward science. An analysis of covariance determined the effect of the laboratory treatment on the dependent variable, with attitude toward science as the covariable. The findings showed that students with regular laboratory instruction scored significantly higher (p < .05) on achievement in science knowledge than those without laboratory instruction, girls with regular laboratory instruction scored significantly higher (p < .05) on achievement in science knowledge than those without laboratory instruction, and girls and boys within the treatment group did not differ significantly on achievement in science knowledge. No significant differences were reported in attitude toward science between or within groups.

The GLOBE Earth Day 2004 Contrail Count-a-Thon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chambers, Lin H.; Cole, Julia

2004-01-01

Early in 2004 the GLOBE Science team suggested a contrail count activity to celebrate Earth Day 2004, which was held this year on April 22nd in the United States and some other countries around the world. The GLOBE contrail team embraced this idea and developed a simplified data collection sheet for this special project. Information about the event was shared through the GLOBE site, UCAR and NASA press releases, the NASA portal (http://www.nasa.gov) and the CERES S'COOL Project (http://scool.larc.nasa.gov). On Earth Day, about 120 observations were received through the GLOBE Contrail Count-a-Thon website, about 70 contrail observations were received through regular GLOBE data reporting, and 19 contrail observations were received through regular S'COOL data reporting. Only observations between 11:00 and 13:00 local time were included in the Count-a-Thon. The event was reported in the Boulder Daily Camera beforehand and in the Oregon Register-Guard after the fact. It was also reported on National Public Radio s Day-to-Day show; whose host even submitted an observation. This poster discusses the Count-a-Thon experience and reports the results.

Essential biodiversity variables

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pereira, H.M.; Ferrier, S.; Walters, M.; Geller, G.N.; Jongman, R.H.G.; Scholes, Robert J.; Bruford, M.W.; Brummitt, N.; Butchart, S.H.M.; Cardoso, A.C.; Coops, N.C.; Dulloo, E.; Faith, D.P.; Freyhof, J.; Gregory, R.D.; Heip, C.; Höft, R.; Hurtt, G.; Jetz, W.; Karp, D.S.; McGeoch, M.A.; Obura, D.; Onada, Y.; Pettorelli, N.; Reyers, B.; Sayre, R.; Scharlemann, J.P.W.; Stuart, S.N.; Turak, E.; Walpole, M.; Wegmann, M.

2013-01-01

Reducing the rate of biodiversity loss and averting dangerous biodiversity change are international goals, reasserted by the Aichi Targets for 2020 by Parties to the United Nations (UN) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) after failure to meet the 2010 target (1, 2). However, there is no global, harmonized observation system for delivering regular, timely data on biodiversity change (3). With the first plenary meeting of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) soon under way, partners from the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) (4) are developing—and seeking consensus around—Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) that could form the basis of monitoring programs worldwide.

Taking risks with a growth mindset: long-term influence of an elementary pre-service after school science practicum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cartwright, T. J.; Hallar, B.

2018-02-01

In this study, we present the long-term influence of an after school science practicum associated with an elementary science methods course. The practicum or field experience could be considered a community-based service learning programme as it is situated both within and for the community. Study participants included eight third- and fifth-grade teachers who had participated in elementary science methods courses; four of these teachers participated in the after school teaching practicum while four participants experienced a more traditional observation-based elementary science practicum. All of these teachers were in their second or third year teaching which was 3-4 years after taking the methods course. Investigation methods included questionnaires, field observations and semi-structured, individual interviews. Teachers more regularly utilised reform-based teaching strategies and cited the after school teaching practicum as preparing them to use these strategies in their own classrooms. All teachers exhibited a growth mindset to some degree, but the after school practicum participants did demonstrate a wider use of reformed-based teaching strategies and a higher growth mindset. Elementary teachers perceive risk associated with these key aspects of instruction: (1) managing instruction and classroom management, (2) teaching science through guided inquiry, and (3) overcoming adoptions in other 'mandated' curriculum like math and reading.

A simple model for research interest evolution patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Tao; Wang, Dashun; Szymanski, Boleslaw

Sir Isaac Newton supposedly remarked that in his scientific career he was like ``...a boy playing on the sea-shore ...finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary''. His remarkable modesty and famous understatement motivate us to seek regularities in how scientists shift their research focus as the career develops. Indeed, despite intensive investigations on how microscopic factors, such as incentives and risks, would influence a scientist's choice of research agenda, little is known on the macroscopic patterns in the research interest change undertaken by individual scientists throughout their careers. Here we make use of over 14,000 authors' publication records in physics. By quantifying statistical characteristics in the interest evolution, we model scientific research as a random walk, which reproduces patterns in individuals' careers observed empirically. Despite myriad of factors that shape and influence individual choices of research subjects, we identified regularities in this dynamical process that are well captured by a simple statistical model. The results advance our understanding of scientists' behaviors during their careers and open up avenues for future studies in the science of science.

How Cool was the Eclipse? Atmospheric Measurements and Citizen Science via NASA's GLOBE Observer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weaver, K. L. K.; Riebeek Kohl, H.

2017-12-01

The solar eclipse of 2017 presented an extraordinary opportunity to engage the public in shared science activity across the entire United States. While a natural focus of the eclipse was on astronomy and heliophysics, there was also an opening for excellent connections to Earth science. Because of the excitement of the event, many people gathered for long periods before and after totality, a perfect opportunity for observations and data collection to explore the impact of the eclipse on the atmosphere. The data was collected via NASA's GLOBE Observer app, a subset of the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment Program, a citizen science project which has been active for more than 20 years training teachers to collect many different types of environmental science data with their students. GLOBE Observer expands that audience to citizen scientists who might not be connected to a school, but are still interested in collecting data. In addition to the clouds observations that are normally part of GLOBE Observer, a special temporary protocol was added for the eclipse to include air temperature. Both types of measurements were collected at regular intervals for several hours before and after the point of maximum eclipse. By crowdsourcing data from all across the United States, on and off the path of totality, the hope was to be able to see patterns that wouldn't be apparent with fewer data points. In particular, there are few sources of detailed cloud data from the ground, including cloud type as well as overall cloud cover, especially as collected during a unique natural experiment such as an eclipse. This presentation will report preliminary results of the GLOBE Observer eclipse citizen science project, including participation totals and impact, data site distribution, as well as early analyses of both temperature and cloud data.

Bringing ecology blogging into the scientific fold: measuring reach and impact of science community blogs

PubMed Central

Duffy, Meghan A.; Heard, Stephen B.; Kosmala, Margaret; Leather, Simon R.; McGlynn, Terrence P.; Ollerton, Jeff; Parachnowitsch, Amy L.

2017-01-01

The popularity of science blogging has increased in recent years, but the number of academic scientists who maintain regular blogs is limited. The role and impact of science communication blogs aimed at general audiences is often discussed, but the value of science community blogs aimed at the academic community has largely been overlooked. Here, we focus on our own experiences as bloggers to argue that science community blogs are valuable to the academic community. We use data from our own blogs (n = 7) to illustrate some of the factors influencing reach and impact of science community blogs. We then discuss the value of blogs as a standalone medium, where rapid communication of scholarly ideas, opinions and short observational notes can enhance scientific discourse, and discussion of personal experiences can provide indirect mentorship for junior researchers and scientists from underrepresented groups. Finally, we argue that science community blogs can be treated as a primary source and provide some key points to consider when citing blogs in peer-reviewed literature. PMID:29134093

Bringing ecology blogging into the scientific fold: measuring reach and impact of science community blogs.

PubMed

Saunders, Manu E; Duffy, Meghan A; Heard, Stephen B; Kosmala, Margaret; Leather, Simon R; McGlynn, Terrence P; Ollerton, Jeff; Parachnowitsch, Amy L

2017-10-01

The popularity of science blogging has increased in recent years, but the number of academic scientists who maintain regular blogs is limited. The role and impact of science communication blogs aimed at general audiences is often discussed, but the value of science community blogs aimed at the academic community has largely been overlooked. Here, we focus on our own experiences as bloggers to argue that science community blogs are valuable to the academic community. We use data from our own blogs ( n  = 7) to illustrate some of the factors influencing reach and impact of science community blogs. We then discuss the value of blogs as a standalone medium, where rapid communication of scholarly ideas, opinions and short observational notes can enhance scientific discourse, and discussion of personal experiences can provide indirect mentorship for junior researchers and scientists from underrepresented groups. Finally, we argue that science community blogs can be treated as a primary source and provide some key points to consider when citing blogs in peer-reviewed literature.

Portable coastal observatories

USGS Publications Warehouse

Frye, Daniel; Butman, Bradford; Johnson, Mark; von der Heydt, Keith; Lerner, Steven

2000-01-01

Ocean observational science is in the midst of a paradigm shift from an expeditionary science centered on short research cruises and deployments of internally recording instruments to a sustained observational science where the ocean is monitored on a regular basis, much the way the atmosphere is monitored. While satellite remote sensing is one key way of meeting the challenge of real-time monitoring of large ocean regions, new technologies are required for in situ observations to measure conditions below the ocean surface and to measure ocean characteristics not observable from space. One method of making sustained observations in the coastal ocean is to install a fiber optic cable from shore to the area of interest. This approach has the advantage of providing power to offshore instruments and essentially unlimited bandwidth for data. The LEO-15 observatory offshore of New Jersey (yon Alt et al., 1997) and the planned Katama observatory offshore of Martha's Vineyard (Edson et al., 2000) use this approach. These sites, along with other cabled sites, will play an important role in coastal ocean science in the next decade. Cabled observatories, however, have two drawbacks that limit the number of sites that are likely to be installed. First, the cable and the cable installation are expensive and the shore station needed at the cable terminus is often in an environmentally sensitive area where competing interests must be resolved. Second, cabled sites are inherently limited geographically to sites within reach of the cable, so it is difficult to cover large areas of the coastal ocean.

On-Orbit Performance of the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager Instrument onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoeksema, J. T.; Baldner, C. S.; Bush, R. I.; Schou, J.; Scherrer, P. H.

2018-03-01

The Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) instrument is a major component of NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) spacecraft. Since commencement of full regular science operations on 1 May 2010, HMI has operated with remarkable continuity, e.g. during the more than five years of the SDO prime mission that ended 30 September 2015, HMI collected 98.4% of all possible 45-second velocity maps; minimizing gaps in these full-disk Dopplergrams is crucial for helioseismology. HMI velocity, intensity, and magnetic-field measurements are used in numerous investigations, so understanding the quality of the data is important. This article describes the calibration measurements used to track the performance of the HMI instrument, and it details trends in important instrument parameters during the prime mission. Regular calibration sequences provide information used to improve and update the calibration of HMI data. The set-point temperature of the instrument front window and optical bench is adjusted regularly to maintain instrument focus, and changes in the temperature-control scheme have been made to improve stability in the observable quantities. The exposure time has been changed to compensate for a 20% decrease in instrument throughput. Measurements of the performance of the shutter and tuning mechanisms show that they are aging as expected and continue to perform according to specification. Parameters of the tunable optical-filter elements are regularly adjusted to account for drifts in the central wavelength. Frequent measurements of changing CCD-camera characteristics, such as gain and flat field, are used to calibrate the observations. Infrequent expected events such as eclipses, transits, and spacecraft off-points interrupt regular instrument operations and provide the opportunity to perform additional calibration. Onboard instrument anomalies are rare and seem to occur quite uniformly in time. The instrument continues to perform very well.

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy - A New Tool for Planetary Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruzek, M. J.; Becklin, E.; Burgdorf, M. J.; Reach, W.

2010-12-01

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a joint US/German effort to fly a 2.5 meter telescope on a modified Boeing 747SP aircraft at stratospheric altitudes where the atmosphere is largely transparent at infrared wavelengths. Key goals of the observatory include understanding the formation of stars and planets; the origin and evolution of the interstellar medium; the star formation history of galaxies; and planetary science. SOFIA offers the convenient accessibility of a ground-based observatory coupled with performance advantages of a space-based telescope. SOFIA’s scientific instruments can be exchanged regularly for repairs, to accommodate changing scientific requirements, and to incorporate new technologies. SOFIA’s portability will enable specialized observations of transient and location-specific events such as stellar occultations of Trans-Neptunian Objects. Unlike many spaceborne observatories, SOFIA can observe bright planets and moons directly, and can observe objects closer to the sun than Earth, e.g. comets in their most active phase, and the planet Venus. SOFIA’s first generation instruments cover the spectral range of .3 to 240 microns and have been designed with planetary science in mind. The High-speed Imaging Photometer for Occultations (HIPO) is designed to measure occultations of stars by Kuiper Belt Objects, with SOFIA flying into the predicted shadows and timing the occultation ingress and egress to determine the size of the occulting body. HIPO will also enable transit observations of extrasolar planets. The Faint Object Infrared Camera for the SOFIA Telescope (FORCAST) and the High-resolution Airborne Wideband Camera (HAWC) will enable mid-infrared and far-infrared (respectively) imaging with a wide range of filters for comets and giant planets, and colorimetric observations of small, unresolved bodies to measure the spectral energy distribution of their thermal emission. The German Receiver for Astronomy at Terahertz Frequencies (GREAT) will measure far-infrared and microwave spectral lines at km/s resolution to search for molecular species and achieve a significant improvement over current knowledge of abundance and distribution of water in planetary bodies. The Echelon Cross Echelle Spectrograph (EXES) and the Field Imaging Far Infrared Line Spectrometer (FIFI LS) will provide high-resolution spectral data between 5 and 210 microns to support mineralogical analysis of solar system and extrasolar debris disk dust and observe spectral features in planetary atmospheres. The First Light Infrared Test Experiment Camera (FLITECAM) will offer imaging and moderate resolution spectroscopy at wavelengths between 1 and 5 microns for observations of comets and asteroids, and can be used simultaneously with HIPO to characterize the atmosphere of transiting exoplanets. SOFIA’s first light flight occurred in May, 2010 and the first short science observing program is scheduled to begin in November, 2010. The Program will issue a call for new instrumentation proposals in the summer of 2011, as well as regular calls for observing proposals beginning in late summer 2011. SOFIA is expected to make ~120 science mission flights each year when fully operational in 2014.

Integrated approaches to perceptual learning.

PubMed

Jacobs, Robert A

2010-04-01

New technologies and new ways of thinking have recently led to rapid expansions in the study of perceptual learning. We describe three themes shared by many of the nine articles included in this topic on Integrated Approaches to Perceptual Learning. First, perceptual learning cannot be studied on its own because it is closely linked to other aspects of cognition, such as attention, working memory, decision making, and conceptual knowledge. Second, perceptual learning is sensitive to both the stimulus properties of the environment in which an observer exists and to the properties of the tasks that the observer needs to perform. Moreover, the environmental and task properties can be characterized through their statistical regularities. Finally, the study of perceptual learning has important implications for society, including implications for science education and medical rehabilitation. Contributed articles relevant to each theme are summarized. Copyright © 2010 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Developing Elementary Math and Science Process Skills Through Engineering Design Instruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strong, Matthew G.

This paper examines how elementary students can develop math and science process skills through an engineering design approach to instruction. The performance and development of individual process skills overall and by gender were also examined. The study, preceded by a pilot, took place in a grade four extracurricular engineering design program in a public, suburban school district. Students worked in pairs and small groups to design and construct airplane models from styrofoam, paper clips, and toothpicks. The development and performance of process skills were assessed through a student survey of learning gains, an engineering design packet rubric (student work), observation field notes, and focus group notes. The results indicate that students can significantly develop process skills, that female students may develop process skills through engineering design better than male students, and that engineering design is most helpful for developing the measuring, suggesting improvements, and observing process skills. The study suggests that a more regular engineering design program or curriculum could be beneficial for students' math and science abilities both in this school and for the elementary field as a whole.

Nature of Science and Decision-Making

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khishfe, Rola

2012-01-01

The study investigated the relationship of nature of science (NOS) instruction and students' decision-making (DM) related to a controversial socioscientific issue about genetically modified food. Participants were ninth-grade students in four intact sections (two regulars and two honors) in a public high school in the Midwest. All four groups were taught by their regular science teacher. The treatment comprised a four-week unit about genetic engineering. Two groups (one regular and one honors), referred to as comparison groups, received instruction in genetic engineering and how to formulate arguments and make decisions related to this controversial issue. The other two groups (one regular and one honors), referred to as treatment groups, received instruction in genetic engineering and how to apply NOS aspects as they formulate arguments and make decisions in relation to this controversial issue. Chi-square analyses showed significant differences between the comparison and the treatment groups in relation to the understandings of four NOS aspects. There were no differences in their decisions, but there were differences in their DM factors in the context of the controversial socioscientific issue about genetically modified food. These results are discussed in light of the relationship between students' understandings of NOS and their DM related to controversial socioscientific issues.

Shaping ESO2020+ Together: Feedback from the Community Poll

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Primas, F.; Ivison, R.; Berger, J.-P.; Caselli, P.; De Gregorio-Monsalvo, I.; Alonso Herrero, A.; Knudsen, K. K.; Leibundgut, B.; Moitinho, A.; Saviane, I.; Spyromilio, J.; Testi, L.; Vennes, S.

2015-09-01

A thorough evaluation and prioritisation of the ESO science programme into the 2020+ timeframe took place under the auspices of a working group, comprising astronomers drawn from ESO’s advisory structure and from within ESO. This group reported to ESO’s Scientific Technical Committee, and to ESO Council, concluding the exercise with the publication of a report, “Science Priorities at ESO”. A community poll and a dedicated workshop, held in January 2015, formed part of the information gathering process. The community poll was designed to probe the demographics of the user community, its scientific interests, use of observing facilities and plans for use of future telescopes and instruments, its views on types of observing programmes and on the provision of data processing and archiving. A total of 1775 full responses to the poll were received and an analysis of the results is presented here. Foremost is the importance of regular observing programmes on all ESO observing facilities, in addition to Large Programmes and Public Surveys. There was also a strong community requirement for ESO to process and archive data obtained at ESO facilities. Other aspects, especially those related to future facilities, are more challenging to interpret because of biases related to the distribution of science expertise and favoured wavelength regime amongst the targeted audience. The results of the poll formed a fundamental component of the report and pro-vide useful data to guide the evolution of ESO’s science programme.

Sharing the skies: the Gemini Observatory international time allocation process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Margheim, Steven J.

2016-07-01

Gemini Observatory serves a diverse community of four partner countries (United States, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina), two hosts (Chile and University of Hawaii), and limited-term partnerships (currently Australia and the Republic of Korea). Observing time is available via multiple opportunities including Large and Long Pro- grams, Fast-turnaround programs, and regular semester queue programs. The slate of programs for observation each semester must be created by merging programs from these multiple, conflicting sources. This paper de- scribes the time allocation process used to schedule the overall science program for the semester, with emphasis on the International Time Allocation Committee and the software applications used.

Accounting for irregular support in spatial interpolation - analysing the effect of using alternative distance measures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skøien, J. O.; Gottschalk, L.; Leblois, E.

2009-04-01

Whereas geostatistical and objective methods mostly have been developed for observations with point support or a regular support, e.g. runoff related data can be assumed to have an irregular support in space, and sometimes also a temporal support. The correlations between observations and between observations and the prediction location are found through an integration of a point variogram or point correlation function, a method known as regularisation. Being a relatively simple method for observations with equal and regular support, it can be computationally demanding if the observations have irregular support. With improved speed of computers, solving such integrations has become easier, but there can still be numerical problems that are not easily solved even with high-resolution computations. This can particularly be a problem in hydrological sciences where catchments are overlapping, the correlations are high, and small numerical errors can give ill-posed covariance matrices. The problem increases with increasing number of spatial and/or temporal dimensions. Gottschalk [1993a; 1993b] suggested to replace the integration by a Taylor expansion, hence reducing the computation time considerably, and also expecting less numerical problems with the covariance matrices. In practice, the integrated correlation/semivariance between observations are replaced by correlations/semivariances using the so called Ghosh-distance. Although Gottschalk and collaborators have used the Ghosh-distance also in other papers [Sauquet, et al., 2000a; Sauquet, et al., 2000b], the properties of the simplification have not been examined in detail. Hence, we will here analyse the replacement of the integration by the use of Ghosh-distances, both in sense of the ability to reproduce regularised semivariogram and correlation values, and the influence on the final interpolated maps. Comparisons will be performed both for real observations with a support (hydrological data) and for more hypothetical observations with regular supports where analytical expressions for the regularised semivariances/correlations in some cases can be derived. The results indicate that the simplification is useful for spatial interpolation when the support of the observations has to be taken into account. The difference in semivariogram value or correlation value between the simplified method and the full integration is limited on short distances, increasing for larger distances. However, this is to some degree taken into account while fitting a model for the point process, so that the results after interpolation are less affected by the simplification. The method is of particular use if computation time is of importance, e.g. in the case of real-time mapping procedures. Gottschalk, L. (1993a) Correlation and covariance of runoff, Stochastic Hydrology and Hydraulics, 7, 85-101. Gottschalk, L. (1993b) Interpolation of runoff applying objective methods, Stochastic Hydrology and Hydraulics, 7, 269-281. Sauquet, E., L. Gottschalk, and E. Leblois (2000a) Mapping average annual runoff: a hierarchical approach applying a stochastic interpolation scheme, Hydrological Sciences Journal, 45, 799-815. Sauquet, E., I. Krasovskaia, and E. Leblois (2000b) Mapping mean monthly runoff pattern using EOF analysis, Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 4, 79-93.

Education and Public Outreach at EGO/Virgo: past experiences and future projects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razzano, Massimiliano

2015-08-01

We are approaching the new generation Gravitational Wave (GW) detector Era and in the next months a new exiting period for GW scientists will start enforcing collaboration and interactions among different scientific communities. We aim to reach a wider audience to spread this enthusiasm in the general public about our every day activities and let them know how it will change our understanding of the Universe, once revealed the Gravitational waves. In this talk, we will report about the activities of the last years and about the EGO/Virgo outreach plans for the future. The main goal of the Virgo/EGO outreach activity is to raise awareness and curiosity about the GW research projects. In the past years we informed the general public about science we do at EGO/Virgo site, trying to attract students in doing research, letting them know about the Virgo detector and involving them in small research activities. We run a regular program of site visits, and we often organized astronomical observations and science cafe' events which attracted a large number of people. Efforts were made also to involve kids in understanding our scientific job. We started a series of regular events in which art and science were fused.We are strengthening our outreach activities with common efforts in the Virgo laboratories which are spread all over in Europe.We plan to make available a scientific path within Virgo, where the public can do little experiences of science or for example tile, for a day, the activity of our researchers.

The key factors affecting students' individual interest in school science lessons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheung, Derek

2018-01-01

Individual interest in school science lessons can be defined as a relatively stable and enduring personal emotion comprising affective and behavioural reactions to events in the regular science lessons at school. Little research has compared the importance of different factors affecting students' individual interest in school science lessons. The present study aimed to address this gap, using a mixed methods design. Qualitative interview data were collected from 60 Hong Kong junior secondary school students, who were asked to describe the nature of their interest in science lessons and the factors to which they attribute this. Teacher interviews, parent interviews, and classroom observations were conducted to triangulate student interview data. Five factors affecting students' individual interest in school science lessons were identified: situational influences in science lessons, individual interest in science, science self-concept, grade level, and gender. Quantitative data were then collected from 591 students using a questionnaire. Structural equation modelling was applied to test a hypothesised model, which provided an acceptable fit to the student data. The strongest factor affecting students' individual interest in school science lessons was science self-concept, followed by individual interest in science and situational influences in science lessons. Grade level and gender were found to be nonsignificant factors. These findings suggest that teachers should pay special attention to the association between academic self-concept and interest if they want to motivate students to learn science at school.

Proceedings of a joint US-Japan Seminar in the Environmental Sciences

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

DeAngelis, D.L.; Teramoto, E.; Neergaard, D.A.

1993-11-01

The Joint US-Japan Seminar in the Environmental Sciences was based on the premises that questions remain concerning the factors that control many of the regularities observed in ecological communities and that increased collaboration between researchers in the United States and Japan can contribute to answering these questions. The papers included in this report resulted from the Seminar. These papers as well as workshop discussions summarized here outline the main issues that face theoretical ecology today. The papers cover four different areas of theoretical ecology: (1) individual species adaptations, (2) ecological community-food web interactions, (3) food web theory, and (4) conceptsmore » related to the ecosystem. Individual projects are processed separately for the databases.« less

Siberian Earth System Science Cluster - A web-based Geoportal to provide user-friendly Earth Observation Products for supporting NEESPI scientists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eberle, J.; Gerlach, R.; Hese, S.; Schmullius, C.

2012-04-01

To provide earth observation products in the area of Siberia, the Siberian Earth System Science Cluster (SIB-ESS-C) was established as a spatial data infrastructure at the University of Jena (Germany), Department for Earth Observation. This spatial data infrastructure implements standards published by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) and the International Organizsation for Standardization (ISO) for data discovery, data access, data processing and data analysis. The objective of SIB-ESS-C is to faciliate environmental research and Earth system science in Siberia. The region for this project covers the entire Asian part of the Russian Federation approximately between 58°E - 170°W and 48°N - 80°N. To provide discovery, access and analysis services a webportal was published for searching and visualisation of available data. This webportal is based on current web technologies like AJAX, Drupal Content Management System as backend software and a user-friendly surface with Drag-n-Drop and further mouse events. To have a wide range of regular updated earth observation products, some products from sensor MODIS at the satellites Aqua and Terra were processed. A direct connection to NASA archive servers makes it possible to download MODIS Level 3 and 4 products and integrate it in the SIB-ESS-C infrastructure. These data can be downloaded in a file format called Hierarchical Data Format (HDF). For visualisation and further analysis, this data is reprojected, converted to GeoTIFF and global products clipped to the project area. All these steps are implemented as an automatic process chain. If new MODIS data is available within the infrastructure this process chain is executed. With the link to a MODIS catalogue system, the system gets new data daily. With the implemented analysis processes, timeseries data can be analysed, for example to plot a trend or different time series against one another. Scientists working in this area and working with MODIS data can make use of this service over the webportal. Both searching manually the NASA archive for MODIS data, processing these data automatically and then download it for further processing and using the regular updated products.

NIH Study Finds Regular Aspirin Use May Reduce Ovarian Cancer Risk

MedlinePlus

... Record Research & Training Medical Research Initiatives Science Highlights Science Education Research in NIH Labs & Clinics Training Opportunities Library Resources Research Resources Clinical Research Resources Safety, Regulation ...

Have a Kids Inquiry Conference!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Magee, Paula A.; Flessner, Ryan

2011-01-01

In school, the traditional format for the formal sharing of science experiences has been the science fair. Usually the science fair is conducted as a competitive event at which prizes are awarded for the "best" examples. Unfortunately, this type of science event has little connection to the real sharing that scientists do regularly. The National…

The Science Discovery Book Grades 4-6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fredericks, Anthony D.; And Others

Developed to supplement and enhance regular science texts and programs, this collection of activities, experiments, and ideas aims to involve middle school students in the processes of science. The 42 projects in this book have been drawn from daily living experiences and focus on providing students with a better understanding of science related…

The Key Factors Affecting Students' Individual Interest in School Science Lessons

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cheung, Derek

2018-01-01

Individual interest in school science lessons can be defined as a relatively stable and enduring personal emotion comprising affective and behavioural reactions to events in the regular science lessons at school. Little research has compared the importance of different factors affecting students' individual interest in school science lessons. The…

The effects of academic grouping on student performance in science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scoggins, Sally Smykla

The current action research study explored how student placement in heterogeneous or homogeneous classes in seventh-grade science affected students' eighth-grade Science State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) scores, and how ability grouping affected students' scores based on race and socioeconomic status. The population included all eighth-grade students in the target district who took the regular eighth-grade science STAAR over four academic school years. The researcher ran three statistical tests: a t-test for independent samples, a one-way between subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a two-way between subjects ANOVA. The results showed no statistically significant difference between eighth-grade Pre-AP students from seventh-grade Pre-AP classes and eighth-grade Pre-AP students from heterogeneous seventh-grade classes and no statistically significant difference between Pre-AP students' scores based on socioeconomic status. There was no statistically significant interaction between socioeconomic status and the seventh-grade science classes. The scores between regular eighth-grade students who were in heterogeneous seventh-grade classes were statistically significantly higher than the scores of regular eighth-grade students who were in regular seventh-grade classes. The results also revealed that the scores of students who were White were statistically significantly higher than the scores of students who were Black and Hispanic. Black and Hispanic scores did not differ significantly. Further results indicated that the STAAR Level II and Level III scores were statistically significantly higher for the Pre-AP eighth-grade students who were in heterogeneous seventh-grade classes than the STAAR Level II and Level III scores of Pre-AP eighth-grade students who were in Pre-AP seventh-grade classes.

A Pilot Astronomy Outreach Project in Bangladesh

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharya, Dipen; Mridha, Shahjahan; Afroz, Maqsuda

2015-08-01

In its strategic planning for the "Astronomy for Development Project," the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has ecognized, among other important missions, the role of astronomy in understanding the far-reaching possibilities for promoting global tolerance and citizenship. Furthermore, astronomy is deemed inspirational for careers in science and technology. The "Pilot Astronomy Outreach Project in Bangladesh"--the first of its kind in the country--aspires to fulfill these missions. As Bangladesh lacks resources to promote astronomy education in universities and schools, the role of disseminating astronomy education to the greater community falls on citizen science organizations. One such group, Anushandhitshu Chokro (AChokro) Science Organization, has been carrying out a successful public outreach program since 1975. Among its documented public events, AChokro organized a total solar eclipse campaign in Bangladesh in 2009, at which 15,000 people were assembled in a single open venue for the eclipse observation. The organization has actively pursued astronomy outreach to dispel public misconceptions about astronomical phenomena and to promote science. AChokro is currently working to build an observatory and Science Outreach Center around a recently-acquired 14-inch Scmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a soon-to-be-acquired new 16-inch reflector, all funded by private donations. The telescopes will be fitted with photometers, spectrometers, and digital and CCD cameras to pursue observations that would include sun spot and solar magnetic fields, planetary surfaces, asteroid search, variable stars and supernovae. The Center will be integrated with schools, colleges, and community groups for regular observation and small-scale research. Special educational and observing sessions for adults will also be organized. Updates on the development of the Center, which is expected to be functioning by the end of 2015, will be shared and feedback invited on the fostering of international collaboration.

The Implementation of an Interdisciplinary Co-planning Team Model Among Mathematics and Science Teachers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Michelle Cetner

In recent years, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education has become a significant focus of numerous theoretical and commentary articles as researchers have advocated for active and conceptually integrated learning in classrooms. Drawing connections between previously isolated subjects, especially mathematics and science, has been shown to increase student engagement, performance, and critical thinking skills. However, obstacles exist to the widespread implementation of integrated curricula in schools, such as teacher knowledge and school structure and culture. The Interdisciplinary Co-planning Team (ICT) model, in which teachers of different subjects come together regularly to discuss connections between content and to plan larger interdisciplinary activities and smaller examples and discussion points, offers a method for teachers to create sustainable interdisciplinary experiences for students within the bounds of the current school structure. The ICT model is designed to be an iterative, flexible model, providing teachers with both a regular time to come together as "experts" and "teach" each other important concepts from their separate disciplines, and then to bring their shared knowledge and language back to their own classrooms to implement with their students in ways that fit their individual classes. In this multiple-case study, which aims to describe the nature of the co-planning process, the nature of plans, and changes in teacher beliefs as a result of co-planning, three pairs of secondary mathematics and science teachers participated in a 10-week intervention with the ICT model. Each pair constituted one case. Data included observations, interviews, and artifact collection. All interviews, whole-group sessions, and co-planning sessions were transcribed and coded using both theory-based and data-based codes. Finally, a cross-case comparison was used to present similarities and differences across cases. Findings suggest that the ICT model can be implemented with pairs of mathematics and science teachers to create a sustainable way to share experience and expertise, and to create powerful interdisciplinary experiences for their students. In addition, there is evidence that participation with the ICT model positively influences teacher beliefs about the nature of mathematics and science, about teaching and learning, and about interdisciplinary connections. These findings seem to hold across grades, school type, and personal experience. Future implementation of the ICT model on a larger scale is recommended to continue to observe the effects on teachers and students.

42 CFR 61.3 - Purpose of regular fellowships.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... sciences and communication of information. (b) Special scientific projects for the compilation of existing, or writing of original, contributions relating to scientific, social, or cultural advancements in sciences related to health. ...

42 CFR 61.3 - Purpose of regular fellowships.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... sciences and communication of information. (b) Special scientific projects for the compilation of existing, or writing of original, contributions relating to scientific, social, or cultural advancements in sciences related to health. ...

42 CFR 61.3 - Purpose of regular fellowships.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... sciences and communication of information. (b) Special scientific projects for the compilation of existing, or writing of original, contributions relating to scientific, social, or cultural advancements in sciences related to health. ...

42 CFR 61.3 - Purpose of regular fellowships.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... sciences and communication of information. (b) Special scientific projects for the compilation of existing, or writing of original, contributions relating to scientific, social, or cultural advancements in sciences related to health. ...

NASA Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS): A U.S. Network of Data Centers Serving Earth Science Data: A Network Member of ICSU WDS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Behnke, Jeanne; Ramapriyan, H. K. " Rama"

2016-01-01

NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) has been in operation since August 1994, and serving a diverse user community around the world with Earth science data from satellites, aircraft, field campaigns and research investigations. The ESDIS Project, responsible for EOSDIS is a Network Member of the International Council for Sciences (ICSU) World Data System (WDS). Nine of the 12 Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs), which are part of EOSDIS, are Regular Members of the ICSUWDS. This poster presents the EOSDIS mission objectives, key characteristics of the DAACs that make them world class Earth science data centers, successes, challenges and best practices of EOSDIS focusing on the years 2014-2016, and illustrates some highlights of accomplishments of EOSDIS. The highlights include: high customer satisfaction, growing archive and distribution volumes, exponential growth in number of products distributed to users around the world, unified metadata model and common metadata repository, flexibility provided to uses by supporting data transformations to suit their applications, near-real-time capabilities to support various operational and research applications, and full resolution image browse capabilities to help users select data of interest. The poster also illustrates how the ESDIS Project is actively involved in several US and international data system organizations.

Astronomy Education and Popularization Facilities at Guanajuato University in Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bravo-Alfaro, H.; Schroeder, K.-P.; Ramirez, L.

2006-08-01

At the Astronomy Department of Universidad de Guanajuato, 400 km NW of Mexico City, nine professional astronomers do research and teaching at both graduate and undergraduate level. In addition, in the last few years, this group has carried out astronomy popularization activities at three different sites. First, a rudimentary observatory named "La Azotea" (the roof) on the top of the main building of the University (at Guanajuato centre), which includes a 16-cm refractor in a dome, a couple of XIXth century astronomical instruments, and a classroom with capacity for 50 people. The refractor was out of use for about twelve years but will be fully operational before summer 2006. Second, the "Observatorio de La Luz", 20 kms away from Guanajuato centre, includes a professional 0.6m Cassegrain and a 2m radio telescope, with a 21cm receiver. Finally, on the roof of the Astronomy Department headquarters, an optical 0.4m Dobsonian is available. We also dispose of internet connection everywhere and 6 portable 8-inch telescopes (two at each site), devoted to regular astronomical observations for the general public, specially for scholars. Numerous repair works are currently carried out on the building of "La Azotea", and recently a project to establish there a Centre for Popularization of Astronomy has been approved by the Regional Science Council. The main activities, some of them currently developed at these sites are: (1) A permanent program of astronomical observations for a wide audience. (2) Training in Observational Astronomy for physics undergraduate students. (3) Regular talks on astronomy and other science domains. (4) Summer schools in Astronomy for elementary and high-school teachers. (5) In the near future, the foundation of an amateur society of astronomy.

Cold Weather Protection for Seed. Science Study Aid No. 6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Valieant, Joan A.

This science study aid, published by the U. S. Department of Agriculture and intended as a supplement to the regular science program, lists activities and experiments relating seed germination to various temperature changes and exposure to adverse temperature conditions for varying lengths of time. (CP)

Radio science investigations with Mars Observer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tyler, G. L.; Balmino, Georges; Hinson, David P.; Sjogren, William L.; Smith, David E.; Woo, Richard; Asmar, Sami W.; Connally, Michael J.; Hamilton, Carole L.; Simpson, Richard A.

1992-01-01

Mars Observer radio science investigations focus on two major areas of study: the gravity field and the atmosphere of Mars. Measurement accuracies expressed as an equivalent spacecraft velocity are expected to be of the order of 100 microns/s (for both types of investigations) from use of an improved radio transponder for two-way spacecraft tracking and a highly stable on-board oscillator for atmospheric occultation measurements. Planned gravity investigations include a combination of classical and modern elements. A spherical harmonic (or equivalent) field model of degree and order in the range 30-50 will be obtained, while interpretation will be in terms of internal stress and density models for the planet, using the topography to be obtained from the Mars Observer laser altimeter. Atmospheric investigations will emphasize precision measurement of the thermal structure and dynamics in the polar regions, which are regularly accessible as a result of the highly inclined orbit. Studies based on the measurements will include polar processes, cycling of the atmosphere between the poles, traveling baroclinic disturbances, small-scale waves and turbulence, the planetary boundary layer, and (possibly) the variability and altitude of the ionosphere.

Calculating Proper Motions in the WFCAM Science Archive for the UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Surveys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collins, R.; Hambly, N.

2012-09-01

The ninth data release from the UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Surveys (hereafter UKIDSS DR9), represents five years worth of observations by its wide-field camera (WFCAM) and will be the first to include proper motion values in its source catalogues for the shallow, wide-area surveys; the Large Area Survey (LAS), Galactic Clusters Survey (GCS) and (ultimately) Galactic Plane Survey (GPS). We, the Wide Field Astronomy Unit (WFAU) at the University of Edinburgh who prepare these regular data releases in the WFCAM Science Archive (WSA), describe in this paper how we make optimal use of the individual detection catalogues from each observation to derive high-quality astrometric fits for the positions of each detection enabling us to calculate a proper motion solution across multiple epochs and passbands when constructing a merged source catalogue. We also describe how the proper motion solutions affect the calculation of the various attributes provided in the database source catalogue tables, what measures of data quality we provide and a demonstration of the results for observations of the Pleiades cluster.

Ssalmon - The Solar Simulations For The Atacama Large Millimeter Observatory Network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wedemeyer, Sven; Ssalmon Group

2016-07-01

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) provides a new powerful tool for observing the solar chromosphere at high spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution, which will allow for addressing a wide range of scientific topics in solar physics. Numerical simulations of the solar atmosphere and modeling of instrumental effects are valuable tools for constraining, preparing and optimizing future observations with ALMA and for interpreting the results. In order to co-ordinate related activities, the Solar Simulations for the Atacama Large Millimeter Observatory Network (SSALMON) was initiated on September 1st, 2014, in connection with the NA- and EU-led solar ALMA development studies. As of April, 2015, SSALMON has grown to 83 members from 18 countries (plus ESO and ESA). Another important goal of SSALMON is to promote the scientific potential of solar science with ALMA, which has resulted in two major publications so far. During 2015, the SSALMON Expert Teams produced a White Paper with potential science cases for Cycle 4, which will be the first time regular solar observations will be carried out. Registration and more information at http://www.ssalmon.uio.no.

34 CFR 645.31 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Upward Bound project, the Secretary reviews each type of project (Regular, Math and Science, or Veterans... need for an Upward Bound Math and Science Center in the proposed target area on the basis of— (i) The... careers in mathematics and science, and who could benefit from an Upward Bound Math and Science program...

34 CFR 645.31 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Upward Bound project, the Secretary reviews each type of project (Regular, Math and Science, or Veterans... need for an Upward Bound Math and Science Center in the proposed target area on the basis of— (i) The... careers in mathematics and science, and who could benefit from an Upward Bound Math and Science program...

34 CFR 645.31 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Upward Bound project, the Secretary reviews each type of project (Regular, Math and Science, or Veterans... need for an Upward Bound Math and Science Center in the proposed target area on the basis of— (i) The... careers in mathematics and science, and who could benefit from an Upward Bound Math and Science program...

34 CFR 645.31 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Upward Bound project, the Secretary reviews each type of project (Regular, Math and Science, or Veterans... need for an Upward Bound Math and Science Center in the proposed target area on the basis of— (i) The... careers in mathematics and science, and who could benefit from an Upward Bound Math and Science program...

34 CFR 645.31 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Upward Bound project, the Secretary reviews each type of project (Regular, Math and Science, or Veterans... need for an Upward Bound Math and Science Center in the proposed target area on the basis of— (i) The... careers in mathematics and science, and who could benefit from an Upward Bound Math and Science program...

The Effectiveness of Conceptual Change Texts and Concept Clipboards in Learning the Nature of Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Çil, Emine; Çepni, Salih

2016-01-01

Background: One of the most important goals of science education is to enable students to understand the nature of science (NOS). However, generally regular science teaching in classrooms does not help students improve informed NOS views. Purpose: This study investigated the influence of an explicit reflective conceptual change approach compared…

From the field to the classroom: Connecting climate research to classroom lessons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brinker, R.; Steiner, S. M.; Coleman, L.

2015-12-01

Improving scientific literacy is a goal in the United States. Scientists from the United States are often expected to present research findings in ways that are meaningful and accessible to the general public, including K-12 students. PolarTREC - Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating, a program funded by the National Science Foundation, partners teachers with scientists in the Arctic and Antarctica. Teachers communicate the research to general audiences on a regular basis. After the field experience, they then create classroom-ready lessons to relay the science exploration into science curriculum. In this presentation, secondary level educators, will share their experiences with being part of field research teams in the Arctic and Antarctica, and their strategies for bringing current science research into the classroom and aligning lessons with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Topics include an overview on using polar science to teach about climate change, application of field research techniques to improve students' understanding of scientific investigation methodology, phenology observations, soil porosity and permeability, litter decomposition, effect of sunlight on release of carbon dioxide from thawing permafrost, and understanding early life on Earth by studying stromatolites in Antarctica.

Far-infrared heterodyne spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boreiko, Rita T.; Betz, Al L.

1995-01-01

A far-infrared heterodyne spectrometer was designed and built by our group for observations of atomic and molecular lines from interstellar clouds. Linewidths as narrow as 1 km/s can be expected from such regions, and so the spectrometer is designed with sub-km/s resolution so that observed line profiles will be resolved. Since its debut on the Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO) in 1985, the instrument has been used in regular annual flight programs from both Moffett Field, CA and Christchurch, NZ. The basic plan of the spectrometer remains unchanged from the original design presented at the previous airborne science symposium. Numerous improvements and updates to the technical capability have of course been included over the many years of operational service.

Confronting Ambiguity in Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Emery, Katherine; Harlow, Danielle; Whitmer, Ali; Gaines, Steven

2015-01-01

People are regularly confronted with environmental and science-related issues presented to them in newspapers, on television, or even in their own doctor's office. Often the information they use to inform their decisions on matters of science may be ambiguous and contradictory. This article presents an activity that investigates how students deal…

Deployment of the MARSIS Radar Antennas On-Board Mars Express

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Denis, Michel; Moorhouse, A.; Smith, A.; McKay, Mike; Fischer, J.; Jayaraman, P.; Mounzer, Z.; Schmidt, R.; Reddy, J.; Ecale, E.;

Providing Students with Foundational Field Instruction within a 50 Minute Class Period: A Practical Example

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Percy, M.

2014-12-01

There is a growing recognition among secondary educators and administrators that students need to have a science education that provides connections between familiar classes like biology, chemistry, and physics. Because of this waxing interest in an integrative approach to the sciences, there is a broader push for school districts to offer classes geared towards the earth sciences, a field that incorporates knowledge and skills gleaned from the three core science subjects. Within the contexts of a regular secondary school day on a traditional schedule (45- to 50-minute long classes), it is challenging to engage students in rigorous field-based learning, critical for students to develop a deeper understanding of geosciences content, without requiring extra time outside of the regular schedule. We suggest instruction using common, manmade features like drainage retention ponds to model good field practices and provide students with the opportunity to calculate basic hydrologic budgets, take pH readings, and, if in an area with seasonal rainfall, make observations regarding soils by way of trenching, and near-surface processes, including mass wasting and the effects of vegetation on geomorphology. Gains in student understanding are discussed by analyzing the difference in test scores between exams provided to the students after they had received only in-class instruction, and after they had received field instruction in addition to the in-class lectures. In an advanced setting, students made measurements regarding ion contents and pollution that allowed the classes to practice lab skills while developing a data set that was analyzed after field work was completed. It is posited that similar fieldwork could be an effective approach at an introductory level in post-secondary institutions.

34 CFR 645.42 - What are Upward Bound stipends?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... grantee is permitted to provide: (1) For Regular Upward Bound projects and Upward Bound Math and Science... What are Upward Bound stipends? (a) An Upward Bound project may provide stipends for all participants... evidence of satisfactory participation in activities of the project including— (1) Regular attendance; and...

34 CFR 645.42 - What are Upward Bound stipends?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... grantee is permitted to provide: (1) For Regular Upward Bound projects and Upward Bound Math and Science... What are Upward Bound stipends? (a) An Upward Bound project may provide stipends for all participants... evidence of satisfactory participation in activities of the project including— (1) Regular attendance; and...

34 CFR 645.42 - What are Upward Bound stipends?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... grantee is permitted to provide: (1) For Regular Upward Bound projects and Upward Bound Math and Science... What are Upward Bound stipends? (a) An Upward Bound project may provide stipends for all participants... evidence of satisfactory participation in activities of the project including— (1) Regular attendance; and...

34 CFR 691.8 - Enrollment status for students taking regular and correspondence courses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...) AND NATIONAL SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS ACCESS TO RETAIN TALENT GRANT (NATIONAL SMART GRANT) PROGRAMS Scope, Purpose, and General Definitions § 691.8 Enrollment status for students taking regular and... either his or her own institution or another institution having an agreement for this purpose with the...

Designing and Evaluating Short Teaching Interventions about the Epistemology of Science in High School Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leach, John; Hind, Andy; Ryder, Jim

2003-01-01

This paper reports the design and evaluation of small-scale teaching interventions addressing the epistemology of science as part of the regular high school science courses followed by English students. Although there is a growing consensus that the curriculum should include aspects of the nature of science, there is a limited body of knowledge…

SU-E-J-67: Evaluation of Breathing Patterns for Respiratory-Gated Radiation Therapy Using Respiration Regularity Index

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cheong, K; Lee, M; Kang, S

2014-06-01

Purpose: Despite the importance of accurately estimating the respiration regularity of a patient in motion compensation treatment, an effective and simply applicable method has rarely been reported. The authors propose a simple respiration regularity index based on parameters derived from a correspondingly simplified respiration model. Methods: In order to simplify a patient's breathing pattern while preserving the data's intrinsic properties, we defined a respiration model as a power of cosine form with a baseline drift. According to this respiration formula, breathing-pattern fluctuation could be explained using four factors: sample standard deviation of respiration period, sample standard deviation of amplitude andmore » the results of simple regression of the baseline drift (slope and standard deviation of residuals of a respiration signal. Overall irregularity (δ) was defined as a Euclidean norm of newly derived variable using principal component analysis (PCA) for the four fluctuation parameters. Finally, the proposed respiration regularity index was defined as ρ=ln(1+(1/ δ))/2, a higher ρ indicating a more regular breathing pattern. Subsequently, we applied it to simulated and clinical respiration signals from real-time position management (RPM; Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) and investigated respiration regularity. Moreover, correlations between the regularity of the first session and the remaining fractions were investigated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The respiration regularity was determined based on ρ; patients with ρ<0.3 showed worse regularity than the others, whereas ρ>0.7 was suitable for respiratory-gated radiation therapy (RGRT). Fluctuations in breathing cycle and amplitude were especially determinative of ρ. If the respiration regularity of a patient's first session was known, it could be estimated through subsequent sessions. Conclusions: Respiration regularity could be objectively determined using a respiration regularity index, ρ. Such single-index testing of respiration regularity can facilitate determination of RGRT availability in clinical settings, especially for free-breathing cases. This work was supported by a Korea Science and Engineering Foundation (KOSEF) grant funded by the Korean Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (No. 2013043498)« less

Elementary Science-Magnet School Student Attitudes toward Science as Measured by Selected National Assessment of Educational Progress Items and Achievement in Science: A Replication and Extension.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Solomon, Alan; Rachild, Bruce

Attitudes toward science of magnet school students were compared with those of their counterparts in two regular schools. This study attempted to replicate the findings of a 1988 study by A. Solomon and J. Wroblewski involving the same magnet school, the John Moffett Neighborhood Elementary Science Magnet School located in North Philadelphia…

34 CFR 645.32 - How does the Secretary evaluate prior experience?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science Centers PE criteria in paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this...) Regular Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science Centers. (i) (3 points) Number of participants...

34 CFR 645.32 - How does the Secretary evaluate prior experience?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science Centers PE criteria in paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this...) Regular Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science Centers. (i) (3 points) Number of participants...

34 CFR 645.32 - How does the Secretary evaluate prior experience?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science Centers PE criteria in paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this...) Regular Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science Centers. (i) (3 points) Number of participants...

34 CFR 645.32 - How does the Secretary evaluate prior experience?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science Centers PE criteria in paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this...) Regular Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science Centers. (i) (3 points) Number of participants...

The perception of science teachers on the role of student relationships in the classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mattison, Cheryl Ann

With the increased accountability of educators comes the responsibility of the entire educational community to find ways in which we can help our students succeed in the classroom. In addition, it is important to discover what it takes to keep those students in school Many science teachers enter the profession unprepared to handle the regular classroom routine. Classroom management, grading, lesson planning, setting up labs, and the myriad of other obligations, can leave teachers overwhelmed and sometimes can get in the way of actually helping students be successful. This study investigated how science teachers viewed the importance of developing strong teacher/student relationships to the increase of student success in a science classroom. I attempted to answer 4 major questions: · How do science teachers in a select high school community view the role of interactive relationships in their classrooms and how that might impact their students? · How do science teachers in a select high school community believe they establish successful interactive relationships with their students? · What do science teachers in a select high school community believe are some of the outcomes of those relationships? · What do science teachers suggest to increase the teacher's ability to form good relationships with their students? A qualitative research method was used including observations, interviews and group discussions of 5 high school science teachers in a small urban school.

77 FR 37016 - Applications for New Awards: Upward Bound Math and Science Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-20

... DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Applications for New Awards: Upward Bound Math and Science Program AGENCY... Bound Math and Science Program. Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2012.... There are three types of grants under the UB Program: regular UB grants, Veterans UB grants, and UB Math...

A striking profile: Soil ecological knowledge in restoration management and science

Treesearch

Mac A. Callaham; Charles C. Rhoades; Liam Heneghan

2008-01-01

Available evidence suggests that research in terrestrial restoration ecology has been dominated by the engineering and botanical sciences. Because restoration science is a relatively young discipline in ecology, the theoretical framework for this discipline is under development and new theoretical offerings appear regularly in the literature. In reviewing this...

Growth Mindset of Gifted Seventh Grade Students in Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Esparza, Julie; Shumow, Lee; Schmidt, Jennifer A.

2014-01-01

Through secondary analysis of data collected in middle school science classrooms, this study (a) compared gifted and regular students' beliefs about the malleability of intelligence in science; (b) investigated whether teaching gifted and talented middle-school students about malleability of the brain and study skills helped them to develop a…

Technology Resources as a Mediating Factor in Career Interest Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koszalka, Tiffany A.

2002-01-01

Examines the strength of predictive relationships between predisposition factors of middle school students to pursue science careers and student level of science career interest when Web resources were used and not used regularly. Examines perception of self as scientist, perception of other's interest in science, and gender differences in career…

Engaging in Vocabulary Learning in Science: The Promise of Multimodal Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Townsend, Dianna; Brock, Cynthia; Morrison, Jennifer D.

2018-01-01

To a science 'outsider', science language often appears unnecessarily technical and dense. However, scientific language is typically used with the goal of being concise and precise, which allows those who regularly participate in scientific discourse communities to learn from each other and build upon existing scientific knowledge. One essential…

Cultivating Primary Students' Scientific Thinking through Sustained Teacher Professional Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Roxanne Greitz; Curwen, Margaret Sauceda; White-Smith, Kimberly A.; Calfee, Robert C.

2015-01-01

While the United States' National Research Council (NRC 2012) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS 2013) advocate children's engagement in active science learning, elementary school teachers in the US indicate lack of time to teach science regularly because of (1) school and district pressure to focus on English language arts and…

What secondary science teachers pay attention to in the classroom: Situating teaching in institutional and social systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levin, Daniel Matthew

This study concerns the issue of secondary science teachers' attention. In particular, I consider if, how, and when science teachers attend to the substance of student thinking, which is called for by science education reform (NRC, 2007). Using a case study approach, and drawing on ethnographic data sources, I explore what novice and experienced secondary science teachers regularly attend to while teaching, what shapes teachers' attention, and how teachers' attention is consequential for students' science learning. I find that both novice and experienced teachers can attend to the substance of student thinking, although the institutional and social systems of school draw teachers' attention to other foci---particularly to correctness of conceptual knowledge and the vocabulary that signals correctness and "misconceptions." Furthermore, I argue that when teachers regularly attend to the substance of student thinking, they can contribute to a classroom culture that supports student inquiry. I discuss implications of this work for understanding teaching and for teacher education and professional development, and I suggest areas for future research that are motivated by these findings.

A Physicist's Odyssey in the Public Schools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blatt, S. Leslie

2004-03-01

My colleagues and I developed our "Discovering Physics" course a dozen years ago based on the best available research on (predominantly pre-college) student learning in the sciences. The hands-on small-group approach we subsequently adopted works quite nicely in the university environment, as well. As a major side benefit, we began consulting with and eventually working closely with teachers in the Worcester Public Schools. Over the years, we developed a regular collaborative cycle: 1.) A curriculum team of Clark faculty and K-12 teachers meets during the academic year for discussions and to design activities built around a "big idea" in the sciences; 2.) A summer institute is offered, for a larger group of teachers, based on the work of the curriculum team; 3.) A "Ways of Knowing in the Sciences" course is offered in the fall for Education Department students, centered on the previously-tested science content coupled with a variety of pedagogical approaches, as well as observations in the schools; and 4.) The cycle resumes with a new team and a different "big idea." The experience continues to be both rewarding and eye-opening.

The Reception Learning Paradigm.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Novak, Joseph D.

1979-01-01

Presented is a paradigm for science education research. The paradigm advances the reception learning theory, where regularities to be learned are presented explicitly to the learner. A tool for the study of knowledge production in science education, the Gowin "V," is presented. (RE)

Statistical regularities in the rank-citation profile of scientists

PubMed Central

Petersen, Alexander M.; Stanley, H. Eugene; Succi, Sauro

2011-01-01

Recent science of science research shows that scientific impact measures for journals and individual articles have quantifiable regularities across both time and discipline. However, little is known about the scientific impact distribution at the scale of an individual scientist. We analyze the aggregate production and impact using the rank-citation profile ci(r) of 200 distinguished professors and 100 assistant professors. For the entire range of paper rank r, we fit each ci(r) to a common distribution function. Since two scientists with equivalent Hirsch h-index can have significantly different ci(r) profiles, our results demonstrate the utility of the βi scaling parameter in conjunction with hi for quantifying individual publication impact. We show that the total number of citations Ci tallied from a scientist's Ni papers scales as . Such statistical regularities in the input-output patterns of scientists can be used as benchmarks for theoretical models of career progress. PMID:22355696

Remote Operations of Laser Guide Star Systems: Gemini Observatory.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oram, Richard J.; Fesquet, Vincent; Wyman, Robert; D'Orgeville, Celine

2011-03-01

The Gemini North telescope, equipped with a 14W laser, has been providing Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics (LGS AO) regular science queue observations for worldwide astronomers since February 2007. The new 55W laser system for MCAO was installed on the Gemini South telescope in May 2010. In this paper, we comment on how Gemini Observatory developed regular remote operation of the Laser Guide Star Facility and high-power solid-state laser as routine normal operations. Fully remote operation of the LGSF from the Hilo base facility HBF was initially trialed and then optimized and became the standard operating procedure (SOP) for LGS operation in December 2008. From an engineering perspective remote operation demands stable, well characterized and base-lined equipment sets. In the effort to produce consistent, stable and controlled laser parameters (power, wavelength and beam quality) we completed a failure mode effect analysis of the laser system and sub systems that initiated a campaign of hardware upgrades and procedural improvements to the routine maintenance operations. Finally, we provide an overview of normal operation procedures during LGS runs and present a snapshot of data accumulated over several years that describes the overall LGS AO observing efficiency at the Gemini North telescope.

Approaches and Activities for Engaging Children with Key Ideas in Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Patterson, Pauline

2015-01-01

The Cams Hill Science Consortium (CHSC) is a group of teachers based in Hampshire who have been meeting regularly over a number of years to share outcomes from their classroom-based research into engaging children more productively in science. Led by Matthew Newberry, formerly of Cams Hill School in Fareham, the consortium has developed and…

Confronting Assumptions, Biases, and Stereotypes in Preservice Teachers' Conceptualizations of Science Teaching through the Use of Book Club

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mensah, Felicia Moore

2009-01-01

This study focuses on the structure and theoretical foundations of the book club for promoting multicultural understandings in science teacher education. The book club was defined as an informal, peer-directed group discussion that met regularly to discuss an ethnographic, multicultural text regarding issues pertinent to science teaching and…

Science and the Public--What Should People Know?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stocklmayer, Susan M.; Bryant, Chris

2012-01-01

The public understanding of science is a term now considered somewhat narrow and carrying connotations of a "deficit model" of the public. Since the late 1980s, however, regular public surveys have been conducted to find out what facts about science the public knows. These include such questions as whether the Earth goes round the Sun,…

The discovery of radioactivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radvanyi, Pierre; Villain, Jacques

2017-11-01

The radioactivity of uranium was discovered in 1896 by Henri Becquerel who, starting from a wrong idea, progressively realized what he was observing, regularly informing the French Academy of Sciences of the progress he was doing. In the next years, it was found that thorium was radioactive too, and two new radioactive elements, polonium and radium, were discovered by Pierre and Marie Curie, while a third one, actinium, was identified by André Debierne. The study of the penetrating power and of the effect of electric and magnetic fields allowed scientists to demonstrate the complexity of nuclear radiation with its three components α, β, γ. The Comptes rendus de l'Académie des sciences allow the reader to see how difficult it was to understand the nature of radioactivity, which was essentially elucidated by Ernest Rutherford and Frederick Soddy.

Nittrouer Receives 2013 Luna B. Leopold Young Scientist Award: Response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nittrouer, Jeffrey A.

2014-09-01

I am grateful for receiving the Luna B. Leopold Award from the Earth and Planetary Surface Processes (EPSP) focus group at AGU. I am thankful to the mentors and colleagues who played important roles in shaping my science over the past 10 years. Significant credit goes to three people in particular: David Mohrig, Gary Parker, and Mead Allison. These gentlemen patiently developed and honed my skills for observing, modeling, and theorizing about the physical processes that produce fluvial-deltaic morphology and stratigraphy. It was an incredible opportunity to have worked with such a diverse set of thinkers, who regularly pushed me to consider and pursue new ideas, preventing too much comfort with the scientific status quo. Their mentoring fostered an independent and creative focus that produced the science for which this award has been generously given.

Formal language theory: refining the Chomsky hierarchy

PubMed Central

Jäger, Gerhard; Rogers, James

2012-01-01

The first part of this article gives a brief overview of the four levels of the Chomsky hierarchy, with a special emphasis on context-free and regular languages. It then recapitulates the arguments why neither regular nor context-free grammar is sufficiently expressive to capture all phenomena in the natural language syntax. In the second part, two refinements of the Chomsky hierarchy are reviewed, which are both relevant to the extant research in cognitive science: the mildly context-sensitive languages (which are located between context-free and context-sensitive languages), and the sub-regular hierarchy (which distinguishes several levels of complexity within the class of regular languages). PMID:22688632

Formal language theory: refining the Chomsky hierarchy.

PubMed

Jäger, Gerhard; Rogers, James

2012-07-19

The first part of this article gives a brief overview of the four levels of the Chomsky hierarchy, with a special emphasis on context-free and regular languages. It then recapitulates the arguments why neither regular nor context-free grammar is sufficiently expressive to capture all phenomena in the natural language syntax. In the second part, two refinements of the Chomsky hierarchy are reviewed, which are both relevant to the extant research in cognitive science: the mildly context-sensitive languages (which are located between context-free and context-sensitive languages), and the sub-regular hierarchy (which distinguishes several levels of complexity within the class of regular languages).

Relationship between students' understandings of nature of science and instructional context

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khishfe, Rola Fouad

The study investigated and compared two different instructional approaches (integrated and nonintegrated), which address the explicit teaching of nature of science (NOS), in relation to improving students' understanding of NOS. Participants were three teachers and their students---a total of 129---which comprised six groups of 89 ninth and 40 10th/11th graders. Each teacher taught two intact sections of the same grade level within a specific science discipline (environmental science, chemistry, or biology). The treatment for all groups spanned five to six weeks and involved teaching a unit, which included both the regular science content and NOS. Participants in each of the two intact classes were taught by the same teacher about their regular science content, with the difference being the context in which NOS was explicitly taught (integrated or nonintegrated). In the integrated group, NOS instruction was related to the science content addressed in the unit. In the nonintegrated group, NOS was taught through a set of generic (non content-embedded) activities that specifically addressed NOS aspects and were "interspersed" across the science content addressed in the unit. An open-ended questionnaire, in conjunction with semi-structured interviews, was used to assess participants' views prior to and following instruction. Data analysis involved a systematic process consistent with analytic induction. Results showed general improvements in participants' views of NOS regardless of whether or not NOS was integrated within the regular science content. The results of this study do not support the appealing assumption held by many science educators that integrating NOS within the context of the science content would better enhance the learning of NOS. However, the results suggest the possibility of an interaction between the type of change (naive to transitional, transitional to informed, naive to informed, no changes, regression) in students' views and the explicit instructional approach (integrated or nonintegrated) to teach NOS. Moreover, the findings suggest the transferability of NOS understandings among various contexts, with the consequence that learning NOS might not be context-dependent. Implications for the teaching and learning of NOS are discussed.

Astronomy in the Middle of the World: a physical analysis of the astronomic phenomena at Latitude Zero

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silva, J. N.; Voelzke, M. R.; Araújo, M. S. T.

2018-03-01

Although Astronomy is part of everyday life of the people, peculiarities are little-known for an observer on the equator, as residents in Macapá-AP, located at Latitude Zero. So, this work aims to support physics teaching focusing on the correct diffusion of some physical phenomena which have an intrinsic relationship with Astronomy from the sight of an observer at latitude zero, highlighting the celestial sphere visualization and emphasizing which constellations are visible during an earth year, being proposed the elaboration of a planisphere to this latitude. It's also discussed about the Solstices and, more specifically, about the Equinoxes and their particularities for an observer in latitude zero. The offered approach can help teachers of Physics and Science who work in regular education schools to explore these important astronomical phenomena.

Profiling interest of students in science: Learning in school and beyond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dierks, Pay O.; Höffler, Tim N.; Parchmann, Ilka

2014-05-01

Background:Interest is assumed to be relevant for students' learning processes. Many studies have investigated students' interest in science; most of them however have not offered differentiated insights into the structure and elements of this interest. Purpose:The aim of this study is to obtain a precise image of secondary school students' interest for school and out-of-school learning opportunities, both formal and informal. The study is part of a larger project on measuring the students' Individual Concept about the Natural Sciences (ICoN), including self-efficacy, beliefs and achievements next to interest variables. Sample:Next to regular school students, a specific cohort will be analyzed as well: participants of science competitions who are regarded as having high interest, and perhaps different interest profiles than regular students. In the study described here, participants of the International Junior Science Olympiad (N = 133) and regular students from secondary schools (N = 305), age cohorts 10 to 17 years, participated. Design and methods:We adapted Holland's well-established RIASEC-framework to analyze if and how it can also be used to assess students' interest within science and in-school and out-of-school (leisure-time and enrichment) activities. The resulting questionnaire was piloted according to quality criteria and applied to analyze profiles of different groups (boys - girls, contest participants - non-participants). Results:The RIASEC-adaption to investigate profiles within science works apparently well for school and leisure-time activities. Concerning the interest in fostering measures, different emphases seem to appear. More research in this field needs to be done to adjust measures better to students' interests and other pre-conditions in the future. Contrasting different groups like gender and participation in a junior science contest uncovered specific interest profiles. Conclusions:The instrument seems to offer a promising approach to identify different interest profiles for different environments and groups of students. Based on the results, further studies will be carried out to form a solid foundation for the design of enrichment measures.

A study of the continuum of integration of mathematics content with science concepts at the middle school level in West Virginia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meisel, Edna Marie

The purpose of this study was to examine the practices and perceptions of regular education seventh grade middle school mathematics teachers in West Virginia concerning the integration of mathematics objectives with science concepts. In addition, this study also emphasized the use of integrated curriculum continuum models to study mathematics teachers' practices and perceptions for teaching mathematics objectives in connection with science concepts. It was argued that the integrated curriculum continuum model can be used to help educators begin to form a common definition of integrated curriculum. The population was described as the regular education seventh grade middle school mathematics teachers in West Virginia. The entire population (N = 173) was used as the participants in this study. Data was collected using an integrated curriculum practices and perceptions survey constructed by the researcher. This was a descriptive study that incorporated the Chi Square statistic to show trends in teacher practices and perceptions. Also, an ex post facto design, that incorporated the Mann-Whitney U statistic, was used to compare practices and perceptions between teachers grouped according to factors that influence teaching practices and perceptions. These factors included teaching certificate endorsement and teacher professional preparation. Results showed that the regular education seventh grade middle school mathematics teachers of West Virginia are teaching mathematics objectives mainly at a discipline-based level with no formal attempt for integration with science concepts. However, these teachers perceived that many of the mathematics objectives should be taught at varying levels of integration with science concepts. It was also shown that teachers who experienced professional preparation courses that emphasized integrated curriculum courses did teach many of the mathematics objectives at higher levels of integration with science than those teachers who did not experience integrated curriculum courses.

Probabilistic Downscaling of Remote Sensing Data with Applications for Multi-Scale Biogeochemical Flux Modeling.

PubMed

Stoy, Paul C; Quaife, Tristan

2015-01-01

Upscaling ecological information to larger scales in space and downscaling remote sensing observations or model simulations to finer scales remain grand challenges in Earth system science. Downscaling often involves inferring subgrid information from coarse-scale data, and such ill-posed problems are classically addressed using regularization. Here, we apply two-dimensional Tikhonov Regularization (2DTR) to simulate subgrid surface patterns for ecological applications. Specifically, we test the ability of 2DTR to simulate the spatial statistics of high-resolution (4 m) remote sensing observations of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in a tundra landscape. We find that the 2DTR approach as applied here can capture the major mode of spatial variability of the high-resolution information, but not multiple modes of spatial variability, and that the Lagrange multiplier (γ) used to impose the condition of smoothness across space is related to the range of the experimental semivariogram. We used observed and 2DTR-simulated maps of NDVI to estimate landscape-level leaf area index (LAI) and gross primary productivity (GPP). NDVI maps simulated using a γ value that approximates the range of observed NDVI result in a landscape-level GPP estimate that differs by ca 2% from those created using observed NDVI. Following findings that GPP per unit LAI is lower near vegetation patch edges, we simulated vegetation patch edges using multiple approaches and found that simulated GPP declined by up to 12% as a result. 2DTR can generate random landscapes rapidly and can be applied to disaggregate ecological information and compare of spatial observations against simulated landscapes.

Probabilistic Downscaling of Remote Sensing Data with Applications for Multi-Scale Biogeochemical Flux Modeling

PubMed Central

Stoy, Paul C.; Quaife, Tristan

2015-01-01

Upscaling ecological information to larger scales in space and downscaling remote sensing observations or model simulations to finer scales remain grand challenges in Earth system science. Downscaling often involves inferring subgrid information from coarse-scale data, and such ill-posed problems are classically addressed using regularization. Here, we apply two-dimensional Tikhonov Regularization (2DTR) to simulate subgrid surface patterns for ecological applications. Specifically, we test the ability of 2DTR to simulate the spatial statistics of high-resolution (4 m) remote sensing observations of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in a tundra landscape. We find that the 2DTR approach as applied here can capture the major mode of spatial variability of the high-resolution information, but not multiple modes of spatial variability, and that the Lagrange multiplier (γ) used to impose the condition of smoothness across space is related to the range of the experimental semivariogram. We used observed and 2DTR-simulated maps of NDVI to estimate landscape-level leaf area index (LAI) and gross primary productivity (GPP). NDVI maps simulated using a γ value that approximates the range of observed NDVI result in a landscape-level GPP estimate that differs by ca 2% from those created using observed NDVI. Following findings that GPP per unit LAI is lower near vegetation patch edges, we simulated vegetation patch edges using multiple approaches and found that simulated GPP declined by up to 12% as a result. 2DTR can generate random landscapes rapidly and can be applied to disaggregate ecological information and compare of spatial observations against simulated landscapes. PMID:26067835

Optimized scheduling of VLBI UT1 intensive sessions for twin telescopes employing impact factor analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leek, Judith; Artz, Thomas; Nothnagel, Axel

2015-09-01

Daily Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) intensive measurements make an important contribution to the regular monitoring of Earth rotation variations. Since these variations are quite rapid, their knowledge is important for navigation with global navigation satellite system and for investigations in Earth sciences. Unfortunately, the precision of VLBI intensive observations is 2-3 times worse than the precision of regular 24h-VLBI measurements with networks of 5-10 radio telescopes. The major advancement of research in this paper is the improvement of VLBI intensive results by (a) using twin telescopes instead of single telescopes and (b) applying an entirely new scheduling concept for the individual observations. Preparatory investigations of standardintensive sessions suggest that the impact factors of the observations are well suited for the identification of the most influential observations which are needed for the determination of certain parameters within the entire design of a VLBI session. Based on this experience, the scheduling method is designed for optimizing the observations' geometry for a given network of radio telescopes and a predefined set of parameters to be estimated. The configuration of at least two twin telescopes, or one twin and two single telescopes, offers the possibility of building pairwise sub-nets that observe two different sources simultaneously. In addition to an optimized observing plan, a special parametrization for twin telescopes leads to an improved determination of Earth rotation variations, as it is shown by simulated observations. In general, an improvement of about 50 % in the formal errors can be realized using twin radio telescopes. This result is only due to geometric improvements as higher slew rates of the twin telescopes are not taken into account.

Teachers and Students Perceptions of the Active Science Curriculum: Incorporating Physical Activity into Middle School Science Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Finn, Kevin E.; McInnis, Kyle J.

2014-01-01

Many children get little to no regular physical education during the school day. National recommendations call for schools to offer physical activity as part of planned academic lessons that teach math, language arts, science, and other subjects through movement. The purpose of this study was to analyze the student and teacher perceptions of the…

Teachers' perspectives of why and how they use the resources of informal science education sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Youker, Christian Rene

There has been a growing interest in fostering increased connections between schools and community resources---such as informal science sites. This is due, in part, to the recognition that museum learning has many potential advantages, including improving motivation and attitudes, and nurturing curiosity. Some teachers are using the resources of informal science sites more than others. The purpose of this study was to determine why and how some teachers have continually used the resources of informal science education sites. The study was situated within a constructivist paradigm and employed a naturalistic inquiry strategy. Emergent interviews were conducted with six elementary teachers who regularly used the resources of informal science sites. Observations of informal science use and relevant documents were also used in data analysis. Using a qualitative data analysis program, data were unitized, coded and emergent themes were identified. Findings indicated that the teachers shared many characteristics in terms of why they used informal science, and they situated this within the context of their approaches to science teaching. Yet they valued different aspects of informal science as a resource. Support, especially emotional and social support, for using informal science was also important to these teachers, although where this support came from differed among them. All of the teachers had a strong interest in science, were leaders in science education on many levels and tended to seek out science-related projects and activities. While they shared many characteristics in terms of their approach to science teaching, there was great variation in how these teachers used informal science sites and in the amount and kind of support they received. These findings support the notion that there may be many definitions of the effective use of informal science by elementary teachers.

Fixed-head star tracker attitude updates on the Hubble Space Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nadelman, Matthew S.; Karl, Jeffrey B.; Hallock, Lou

1994-01-01

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) was launched in April 1990 to begin observing celestial space to the edge of the universe. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) standard fixed-head star trackers (FHST's) are used operationally onboard the HST to regularly adjust ('update') the spacecraft attitude before the acquisition of guide stars for science observations. During the first 3 months of the mission, the FHST's updated the spacecraft attitude successfully only 85 percent of the time. During the other periods, the trackers were unable to find the selected stars -- either they failed to find any star, or worse, they selected incorrect stars and produced erroneous attitude updates. In July 1990, the HST project office at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) requested that Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) form an investigative 'tiger' team to examine these FHST update failures. This paper discusses the work of the FHST tiger team, describes the investigations that led the team to identify the sources of the errors, and defines the solutions that were subsequently developed, which ultimately increased the success rate of FHST updates to approximately 98 percent.

Chemistry in a Large, Multidisciplinary Laboratory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lingren, Wesley E.; Hughson, Robert C.

1982-01-01

Describes a science facility built at Seattle Pacific University for approximately 70 percent of the capital cost of a conventional science building. The building serves seven disciplines on a regular basis. The operation of the multidisciplinary laboratory, special features, laboratory security, and student experience/reactions are highlighted.…

Enriching Science and Math through Engineering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Redmond, Adrienne; Thomas, Julie; High, Karen; Scott, Margaret; Jordan, Pat; Dockers, Jean

2011-01-01

This case study reviewed the collaborative efforts of university engineers, teacher educators, and middle school teachers to advance sixth- and seventh-grade students' learning through a series of project-based engineering activities. This two-year project enriched regular school curricula by introducing real-world applications of science and…

Using Tikhonov Regularization for Spatial Projections from CSR Regularized Spherical Harmonic GRACE Solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Save, H.; Bettadpur, S. V.

2013-12-01

It has been demonstrated before that using Tikhonov regularization produces spherical harmonic solutions from GRACE that have very little residual stripes while capturing all the signal observed by GRACE within the noise level. This paper demonstrates a two-step process and uses Tikhonov regularization to remove the residual stripes in the CSR regularized spherical harmonic coefficients when computing the spatial projections. We discuss methods to produce mass anomaly grids that have no stripe features while satisfying the necessary condition of capturing all observed signal within the GRACE noise level.

Regularized Semiparametric Estimation for Ordinary Differential Equations

PubMed Central

Li, Yun; Zhu, Ji; Wang, Naisyin

2015-01-01

Ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are widely used in modeling dynamic systems and have ample applications in the fields of physics, engineering, economics and biological sciences. The ODE parameters often possess physiological meanings and can help scientists gain better understanding of the system. One key interest is thus to well estimate these parameters. Ideally, constant parameters are preferred due to their easy interpretation. In reality, however, constant parameters can be too restrictive such that even after incorporating error terms, there could still be unknown sources of disturbance that lead to poor agreement between observed data and the estimated ODE system. In this paper, we address this issue and accommodate short-term interferences by allowing parameters to vary with time. We propose a new regularized estimation procedure on the time-varying parameters of an ODE system so that these parameters could change with time during transitions but remain constants within stable stages. We found, through simulation studies, that the proposed method performs well and tends to have less variation in comparison to the non-regularized approach. On the theoretical front, we derive finite-sample estimation error bounds for the proposed method. Applications of the proposed method to modeling the hare-lynx relationship and the measles incidence dynamic in Ontario, Canada lead to satisfactory and meaningful results. PMID:26392639

Perimenarchal air pollution exposure and menstrual disorders.

PubMed

Mahalingaiah, S; Missmer, S E; Cheng, J J; Chavarro, J; Laden, F; Hart, J E

2018-01-25

What is the association between perimenarchal exposure to total suspended particulate (TSP) in air, menstrual irregularity phenotypes and time to menstrual cycle regularity? Exposures to TSP during high school are associated with slightly increased odds of menstrual irregularity and longer time to regularity in high school and early adulthood. The menstrual cycle is responsive to hormonal regulation. Particulate matter air pollution has demonstrated hormonal activity. However, it is not known if air pollution is associated with menstrual cycle regularity. Cross sectional study of 34 832 of the original 116 430 women (29.91%) enrolled in 1989 from the Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII). The follow-up rate for this analytic sample was 97.76% at the 1991 survey. Annual averages of TSP were available for each year of high school attendance. We created three case definitions including high school menstrual irregularity and androgen excess. The time to menstrual cycle regularity was reported by participants as <1 year, 1-2 years, 3-4 years, 5 years or longer, or never on the baseline questionnaire. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for 45 μg/m3 increases in TSP exposure, adjusted for risk factors for menstrual irregularity. In multivariable adjusted models, we observed that for every 45 μg/m3 increase in average high school TSP there was an increased odds (95%CI) of 1.08 (1.03-1.14), 1.08 (1.02-1.15) and 1.10 (0.98-1.25) for moderate, persistent, and persistent with androgen excess irregularity phenotypes, respectively. TSP was also associated with a longer time to cycle regularity, with stronger results among women with older ages at menarche and those living in the Northeast or the West. The outcomes of menstrual regularity and time to cycle regularity were retrospectively assessed outcomes and may be susceptible to recall bias. There is also the potential for selection bias, as women had to live until 2011 to provide addresses. Temporal exposure to air pollution in the adolescent and early adulthood window may be especially important, given its association with phenotypes of menstrual irregularity. The data from this study agrees with existing literature regarding air pollution and reproductive tract diseases. Shruthi Mahalingaiah: Reproductive Scientist Development Program HD000849, and a research grant from the Boston University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stacey Missmer: R01HD57210 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Environmental Health Sciences Translational Pilot Project Program, R01CA50385 from the National Cancer Institute, Jaime Hart and Francine Laden: 5R01ES017017 from the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, Jaime Hart: P30 ES00002 from the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences at the National Institute of Health, The Nurses' Health Study II is supported by infrastructure grant UM1CA176726 from the National Cancer Institute, NIH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. © The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Science: An Indian Perspective. Ten Modules for Learning. Indian Ethnic Heritage Studies Curriculum Development Project, 1974-75.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allery, Alan J.

In this unit, ten modules provide an open approach to science, offering a wide variety of activities and experiences that include aspects of Indian studies incorporated into the regular science curricula. The materials are intended for use in middle grades as part of a social studies program. The objectives of the unit are to develop students'…

The Impact of Participation in an Ancillary Science and Mathematics Program (SEMAA) on Engagement Rates of Middle School Students in Regular Mathematics Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seaton, Daniel M.; Carr, Donna

2005-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of participation in a federally sponsored, short-term, cocurricular, mathematics and science program (Science Engineering Mathematics Aerospace Academy, SEMAA) on the engagement rates of sixth- and seventh-grade students in public school mathematics classes. Engagement was measured with the…

Evaluation of Bacterial & Fungal Culture Practices in School Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weese, J. Scott

2009-01-01

A wide range of activities may be undertaken in elementary and secondary school science laboratories as part of regular curricular activities or optional classroom activities, including science fair projects. Among these is the culturing of microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi. There are various potential educational opportunities associated…

Nature of Science and Decision-Making

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khishfe, Rola

2012-01-01

The study investigated the relationship of nature of science (NOS) instruction and students' decision-making (DM) related to a controversial socioscientific issue about genetically modified food. Participants were ninth-grade students in four intact sections (two regulars and two honors) in a public high school in the Midwest. All four groups were…

Kernel-Based Discriminant Techniques for Educational Placement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lin, Miao-hsiang; Huang, Su-yun; Chang, Yuan-chin

2004-01-01

This article considers the problem of educational placement. Several discriminant techniques are applied to a data set from a survey project of science ability. A profile vector for each student consists of five science-educational indicators. The students are intended to be placed into three reference groups: advanced, regular, and remedial.…

Translating visual information into action predictions: Statistical learning in action and nonaction contexts.

PubMed

Monroy, Claire D; Gerson, Sarah A; Hunnius, Sabine

2018-05-01

Humans are sensitive to the statistical regularities in action sequences carried out by others. In the present eyetracking study, we investigated whether this sensitivity can support the prediction of upcoming actions when observing unfamiliar action sequences. In two between-subjects conditions, we examined whether observers would be more sensitive to statistical regularities in sequences performed by a human agent versus self-propelled 'ghost' events. Secondly, we investigated whether regularities are learned better when they are associated with contingent effects. Both implicit and explicit measures of learning were compared between agent and ghost conditions. Implicit learning was measured via predictive eye movements to upcoming actions or events, and explicit learning was measured via both uninstructed reproduction of the action sequences and verbal reports of the regularities. The findings revealed that participants, regardless of condition, readily learned the regularities and made correct predictive eye movements to upcoming events during online observation. However, different patterns of explicit-learning outcomes emerged following observation: Participants were most likely to re-create the sequence regularities and to verbally report them when they had observed an actor create a contingent effect. These results suggest that the shift from implicit predictions to explicit knowledge of what has been learned is facilitated when observers perceive another agent's actions and when these actions cause effects. These findings are discussed with respect to the potential role of the motor system in modulating how statistical regularities are learned and used to modify behavior.

VLITE Surveys the Sky: A 340 MHz Companion to the VLA Sky Survey (VLASS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peters, Wendy; Clarke, Tracy; Brisken, Walter; Cotton, William; Richards, Emily E.; Giacintucci, Simona; Kassim, Namir

2018-01-01

The VLA Low Band Ionosphere and Transient Experiment (VLITE; ) is a commensal observing system on the Karl G. Janksy Very Large Array (VLA) which was developed by the Naval Research Laboratory and NRAO. A 64 MHz sub-band from the prime focus 240-470 MHz dipoles is correlated during nearly all regular VLA observations. VLITE uses dedicated samplers and fibers, as well as a custom designed, real-time DiFX software correlator, and requires no additional resources from the VLA system running the primary science program. The experiment has been operating since November 2014 with 10 antennas; a recent expansion in summer 2017 increased that number to 16 and more than doubled the number of baselines.The VLA Sky Survey (VLASS; ), is an ongoing survey of the entire sky visible to the VLA at a frequency of 2-4 GHz. The observations are made using an "on-the-fly" (OTF) continuous RA scanning technique which fills in the sky by observing along rows of constant declination. VLITE breaks the data into 2-second integrations and correlates these at a central position every 1.5 degrees. All data for each correlator position is imaged separately, corrected and weighted by an appropriately elongated primary beam model, and then combined in the image plane to create a mosaic of the sky. A catalog of the sources is extracted to provide a 340 MHz sky model.We present preliminary images and catalogs from the 2017 VLASS observations which began in early September, 2017, and continued on a nearly daily basis throughout the fall. In addition to providing a unique sky model at 340 MHz, these data complement VLASS by providing spectral indices for all cataloged sources.

Statistical regularities in the rank-citation profile of scientists.

PubMed

Petersen, Alexander M; Stanley, H Eugene; Succi, Sauro

2011-01-01

Recent science of science research shows that scientific impact measures for journals and individual articles have quantifiable regularities across both time and discipline. However, little is known about the scientific impact distribution at the scale of an individual scientist. We analyze the aggregate production and impact using the rank-citation profile c(i)(r) of 200 distinguished professors and 100 assistant professors. For the entire range of paper rank r, we fit each c(i)(r) to a common distribution function. Since two scientists with equivalent Hirsch h-index can have significantly different c(i)(r) profiles, our results demonstrate the utility of the β(i) scaling parameter in conjunction with h(i) for quantifying individual publication impact. We show that the total number of citations C(i) tallied from a scientist's N(i) papers scales as [Formula: see text]. Such statistical regularities in the input-output patterns of scientists can be used as benchmarks for theoretical models of career progress.

COMMUNICATING ASTRONOMY IN EUROPE: Strategies and Challenges in International Organisations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrosa, Mariana

2007-08-01

How much do Europeans really know about science and technology? What do they think about it? For more than a decade, the European Union (EU) has carried out regular surveys to measure public opinion and knowledge on a variety of themes across its member states. One survey carried out in early 2005 is of particular interest to science communication - "Europeans, Science and Technology". It's easy to see that science and technology are racing along faster than ever and you would think that people's knowledge and interest of science and technology would be keeping pace. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Over the past few years, Europeans' overall interest in science and technology has decreased. Astronomy plays a special role within public science communication. It serves as a general science "catcher", not only for young people. Astronomy embraces core sciences such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and geology as well as technical disciplines including optics, observational techniques and data analysis. Astronomy reaches wide into the realm of philosophy; it rubs shoulders with religion and is at the core of many science fiction stories. In short, astronomy attracts a wide spectrum of people and may serve as a powerful vehicle for improving the public awareness and understanding of science. Several key International Organisations like the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Southern Observatory (ESO), Europlanet and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) work in Astronomy and Space Sciences in Europe. As well as a general overview of the outreach and communication actions of some of these Organisations, focus will be made in specific cases and examples in the context of these organisations. 2009 will be the International Year of Astronomy. It will be interesting to see how these European Organisations are getting ready for this ultimate science communication challenge.

Accessible Universe: Making Astronomy Accessible to All in the Regular Elementary Classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grady, C. A.; Farley, N.; Avery, F.; Zamboni, E.; Clark, B.; Geiger, N.; de Angelis, M.; Woodgate, B.

2002-05-01

Astronomy is one of the most publicly accessible of the sciences, with a steady stream of new discoveries, and wide public interest. The study of exo-planetary systems is a natural extension of studies of the Solar System at the elementary and middle-school level. Such space-related topics are some of the most popular science curriculum areas at the elementary level and can serve as a springboard to other sciences, mathematics, and technology for typical student learners. Not all students are typical: 10 percent of American students are identified as having disabilities which impact their education sufficiently that they receive special education services; various estimates suggest that an additional 10 percent may have milder impairments. Most frequently these students are placed in comprehensive (mixed-ability) classrooms. Budgetary limitations for most school systems have meant that for the bulk of these children, usually those with comparatively mild learning impairments affecting their ability to access text materials and in some cases to make effective use of visual materials, individualized accommodations in the science curriculum have not been readily available. Our team, consisting of an astronomer, regular education teachers, and special educators has been piloting a suite of curriculum materials, modified activities, including use of assistive technology, age- appropriate astronomy web resources, and instructional strategies which can more effectively teach astronomy to children with disabilities in the regular education grade 3-5 classroom. This study was supported by a grant HST-EO-8474 from the STScI and funded by NASA.

Factors That Contributed to Gifted Students' Success on STEM Pathways: The Role of Race, Personal Interests, and Aspects of High School Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Steenbergen-Hu, Saiying; Olszewski-Kubilius, Paula

2017-01-01

In this study, we conducted binary logistic regression on survey data collected from 244 past participants of a Talent Search program who attended regular high schools but supplemented their regular high school education with enriched or accelerated math and science learning activities. The participants completed an online survey 4 to 6 years…

The RCT 1.3 m robotic telescope: broadband color transformation and extinction calibration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Strolger, L.-G.; Gott, A. M.; Carini, M.

2014-03-01

The Robotically Controlled Telescope (RCT) 1.3 m telescope, formerly known as the Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) 50 inch telescope, has been refurbished as a fully robotic telescope, with an autonomous scheduler to take full advantage of the observing site without the requirement of a human presence. Here we detail the current configuration of the RCT and present, as a demonstration of its high-priority science goals, the broadband UBVRI photometric calibration of the optical facility. In summary, we find the linear color transformation and extinction corrections to be consistent with similar optical KPNO facilities, to within a photometric precision ofmore » 10% (at 1σ). While there were identified instrumental errors that likely added to the overall uncertainty, associated with since-resolved issues in engineering and maintenance of the robotic facility, a preliminary verification of this calibration gave a good indication that the solution is robust, perhaps to a higher precision than this initial calibration implies. The RCT has been executing regular science operations since 2009 and is largely meeting the science requirements set during its acquisition and redesign.« less

Science data visualization in planetary and heliospheric contexts with 3DView

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Génot, V.; Beigbeder, L.; Popescu, D.; Dufourg, N.; Gangloff, M.; Bouchemit, M.; Caussarieu, S.; Toniutti, J.-P.; Durand, J.; Modolo, R.; André, N.; Cecconi, B.; Jacquey, C.; Pitout, F.; Rouillard, A.; Pinto, R.; Erard, S.; Jourdane, N.; Leclercq, L.; Hess, S.; Khodachenko, M.; Al-Ubaidi, T.; Scherf, M.; Budnik, E.

2018-01-01

We present a 3D orbit viewer application capable of displaying science data. 3DView, a web tool designed by the French Plasma Physics Data Center (CDPP) for the planetology and heliophysics community, has extended functionalities to render space physics data (observations and models alike) in their original 3D context. Time series, vectors, dynamic spectra, celestial body maps, magnetic field or flow lines, 2D cuts in simulation cubes, etc, are among the variety of data representation enabled by 3DView. The direct connection to several large databases, the use of VO standards and the possibility to upload user data makes 3DView a versatile tool able to cover a wide range of space physics contexts. The code is open source and the software is regularly used at Masters Degree level or summer school for pedagogical purposes. The present paper describes the general architecture and all major functionalities, and offers several science cases (simulation rendering, mission preparation, etc.) which can be easily replayed by the interested readers. Future developments are finally outlined.

Register of Education and Training Activities in Librarianship, Information Science and Archives = Inventaire des activites de formation dans le domaine de la bibliotheconomie, des sciences de l'information et de l'archivistique = Inventario de las actividades de formacion en la esfera de la bibliotecologia, las ciencias de la informacion y la archivologia.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Grolier, Eric, Comp.

This register provides information on information science, librarianship, documentation, and archival science training activities conducted outside regular university courses organized by specialized schools. Based on a December 1980 UNESCO questionnaire survey, the register includes seminars, refresher courses, continuing education courses, and…

Graduate Teaching Assistants; Critical Colleagues or Casual Components in the Undergraduate Laboratory Learning? An Exploration of the Role of the Postgraduate Teacher in the Sciences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ryan, Barry J.

2014-01-01

Laboratory training is key to many science subjects and those that teach the practical laboratory skills maintain a pivotal role in undergraduate science training. Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) are regularly used in higher education institutes to teach these practical lab skills. The GTA can be involved in both laboratory teaching and…

Keynote address second sudden oak death science symposium Monterey California, January 19, 2005

Treesearch

Lynn Woolsey

2006-01-01

It is my great pleasure to be with you today at this impressive gathering of women and men of science. As a member of the House Science Committee, I am privileged to regularly hear from people from many disciplines in the scientific community. I so enjoy those hearings with not only brilliant, rigorous thinkers, but also people with a passion for the truth and...

Advanced Information Technology Investments at the NASA Earth Science Technology Office

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clune, T.; Seablom, M. S.; Moe, K.

2012-12-01

The NASA Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO) regularly makes investments for nurturing advanced concepts in information technology to enable rapid, low-cost acquisition, processing and visualization of Earth science data in support of future NASA missions and climate change research. In 2012, the National Research Council published a mid-term assessment of the 2007 decadal survey for future spacemissions supporting Earth science and applications [1]. The report stated, "Earth sciences have advanced significantly because of existing observational capabilities and the fruit of past investments, along with advances in data and information systems, computer science, and enabling technologies." The report found that NASA had responded favorably and aggressively to the decadal survey and noted the role of the recent ESTO solicitation for information systems technologies that partnered with the NASA Applied Sciences Program to support the transition into operations. NASA's future missions are key stakeholders for the ESTO technology investments. Also driving these investments is the need for the Agency to properly address questions regarding the prediction, adaptation, and eventual mitigation of climate change. The Earth Science Division has championed interdisciplinary research, recognizing that the Earth must be studied as a complete system in order toaddress key science questions [2]. Information technology investments in the low-mid technology readiness level (TRL) range play a key role in meeting these challenges. ESTO's Advanced Information Systems Technology (AIST) program invests in higher risk / higher reward technologies that solve the most challenging problems of the information processing chain. This includes the space segment, where the information pipeline begins, to the end user, where knowledge is ultimatelyadvanced. The objectives of the program are to reduce the risk, cost, size, and development time of Earth Science space-based and ground-based systems, increase the accessibility and utility of science data, and to enable new observation measurements and information products. We will discuss the ESTO investment strategy for information technology development, the methods used to assess stakeholder needs and technology advancements, and technology partnerships to enhance the infusion for the resulting technology. We also describe specific investments and their potential impact on enabling NASA missions and scientific discovery. [1] "Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey", 2012: National Academies Press, http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13405 [2] "Responding to the Challenge of Climate and Environmental Change: NASA's Plan for a Climate-Centric Architecture for Earth Observations and Applications from Space", 2010: NASA Tech Memo, http://science.nasa.gov/media/medialibrary/2010/07/01/Climate_Architecture_Final.pdf

Compost: The Rot Thing for Our Earth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Estes, Fred; Fucigna, Carolee

2013-01-01

Fred Estes is a science teacher and lower school science coordinator at The Nueva School in Hillsborough, California. Carolee Fucigna is a prekindergarten teacher at The Nueva School in Hillsborough, California. Their year in the classroom regularly begins with starting a compost pile that serves as a focus for classroom research and science…

Does the Modality Principle for Multimedia Learning Apply to Science Classrooms?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harskamp, Egbert G.; Mayer, Richard E.; Suhre, Cor

2007-01-01

This study demonstrated that the modality principle applies to multimedia learning of regular science lessons in school settings. In the first field experiment, 27 Dutch secondary school students (age 16-17) received a self-paced, web-based multimedia lesson in biology. Students who received lessons containing illustrations and narration performed…

Career Activities in Science: Grades 7, 8, 9.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boise City Independent School District, ID.

The career activities guide in science, part of an Idaho State Department of Vocational Education career exploration series for grades 7, 8, and 9, is designed as supplementary material to enrich the regular curriculum. Any one activity in the guide might be used without involving any other activities. The cross-referenced index indicates grades,…

Producing "Industry-Ready" Doctorates: Australian Cooperative Research Centre Approaches to Doctoral Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harman, Kay M.

2004-01-01

How the experience of science-based Ph.D. students working in or funded by Australian Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) compares with their peers in regular university science-based departments is the key focus of this article. CRC doctoral programmes that integrate industry needs with professional development offer an alternative to traditional…

Collaborative Embodied Learning in Mixed Reality Motion-Capture Environments: Two Science Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson-Glenberg, Mina C.; Birchfield, David A.; Tolentino, Lisa; Koziupa, Tatyana

2014-01-01

These 2 studies investigate the extent to which an Embodied Mixed Reality Learning Environment (EMRELE) can enhance science learning compared to regular classroom instruction. Mixed reality means that physical tangible and digital components were present. The content for the EMRELE required that students map abstract concepts and relations onto…

Reading to Understand Anatomy: A Literature Circle Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calmer, Joseph; Straits, William

2014-01-01

As a science teacher, I regularly use outside reading assignments (e.g., news articles) to help develop my students' understanding of topics addressed in my anatomy class. However, I have found that in simply reading texts, students often fail to (1) understand the context of the science discussed, (2) make the connections between ideas…

Career Activities in Social Science: Grades 7, 8, 9.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boise City Independent School District, ID.

The career activities guide in social science, part of an Idaho State Department of Vocational Education career exploration series for grades 7, 8, and 9, is designed as supplementary material to enrich the regular curriculum. Any one activity in the guide might be used without involving any other activities. The cross-referenced index indicates…

When Academics Integrate Research Skill Development in the Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Willison, J. W.

2012-01-01

This study considered outcomes when 27 academics explicitly developed and assessed student research skills in 28 regular (non-research methods) semester-length courses. These courses ranged from small (n = 17) to medium-large (n = 222) and included those from first year to masters in business, engineering, health science, humanities and science,…

Understanding the Complexity of Teacher Reflection in Action Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luttenberg, Johan; Meijer, Paulien; Oolbekkink-Marchand, Helma

2017-01-01

Reflection in action research is a complex matter, as is action research itself. In recent years, complexity science has regularly been called upon in order to more thoroughly understand the complexity of action research. The present article investigates the benefits that complexity science may yield for reflection in action research. This article…

Program on Public Conceptions of Science, Newsletter 12.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shelanski, Vivien, Ed.; Blanpied, William A., Ed.

This newsletter presents a summary of important, but little publicized, issues involving the National Science Foundation. In addition, it also contains a timetable of impending actions to be taken by congressional committees, and a list of documents and articles where additional information can be found. In addition to the regular sections, News…

Learning with Otis. A Conservation Education Activities Book, Grade 3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haley-Oliphant, Ann; Behrens, Larry

The Learning with Otis program is designed to provide elementary school teachers with practical conservation education activities which should be infused into the existing curriculum on a regular basis. Although many of these activities are science-oriented, the program is not, and should not be considered a science curriculum exclusively. This…

Oracle Database 10g: a platform for BLAST search and Regular Expression pattern matching in life sciences.

PubMed

Stephens, Susie M; Chen, Jake Y; Davidson, Marcel G; Thomas, Shiby; Trute, Barry M

2005-01-01

As database management systems expand their array of analytical functionality, they become powerful research engines for biomedical data analysis and drug discovery. Databases can hold most of the data types commonly required in life sciences and consequently can be used as flexible platforms for the implementation of knowledgebases. Performing data analysis in the database simplifies data management by minimizing the movement of data from disks to memory, allowing pre-filtering and post-processing of datasets, and enabling data to remain in a secure, highly available environment. This article describes the Oracle Database 10g implementation of BLAST and Regular Expression Searches and provides case studies of their usage in bioinformatics. http://www.oracle.com/technology/software/index.html.

Moving People from Science Adjacent to Science Doers with Twitch.tv

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gay, Pamela L.; CosmoQuest

2017-10-01

The CosmoQuest community is testing the ability to attract people from playing online videogames to doing fully online citizen science by engaging people through the Twitch.tv streaming platform. Twitch.tv launched in 2011 as an online platform for video gamers to stream their gameplay while providing narrative. In its six years of regular growth, the platform has added support for people playing non-video games, and for those participating in non-game activities. As part of their expansion, in April 2017, Twitch.tv hosted a science week during which they streamed the Cosmos series and allowed different feeds provide real-time commentary. They also hosted panel discussions on a variety of science topics. CosmoQuest participated in this event and used it as a jumping off point for beginning to interact with Twitch.tv community members online. With CosmoQuest’s beta launch of Image Detectives, they expanded their use of this streaming platform to include regular “office hours”, during which team members did science with CosmoQuest’s online projects, took questions from community members, and otherwise promoted the CosmoQuest community. This presentation examines this case study, and looks at how well different kinds of Twitter engagements attracted audiences, the conversion rate from viewer to subscriber, and at how effectively CosmoQuest was able to migrate users from viewing citizen science on Twitch.tv to participating in citizen science on CosmoQuest.org.This project was supported through NASA cooperative agreement NNX17AD20A.

Demonstrating the viability and value of community-based monitoring schemes in catchment science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starkey, Eleanor; Parkin, Geoff; Quinn, Paul; Large, Andy

2016-04-01

Hydrological catchments are complex systems which need to be monitored over time in order to characterise their behaviour on a local level, model, implement mitigation measures and meet policy targets. Despite hydrometric monitoring techniques being well developed, data is often inadequate within rural areas. Local knowledge and experiences are also vital sources of information in this sector but they are not routinely harvested. Long-term evidence is required to provide stakeholders with confidence and innovation is required to fully engage with and inform the public. Citizen science and volunteered geographical information (VGI) projects are encouraging volunteers to participate in crowdsourcing activities and generate new knowledge, but they have not been fully investigated within catchment science. A citizen science approach has therefore been implemented within the 42km2 Haltwhistle Burn catchment (northern England) using effective engagement techniques. This catchment responds rapidly, experiences flash flood events, and like many, it does not benefit from any traditional monitoring equipment. Participation levels confirm that members of the public do want to monitor their local water environment, with flooding being a key driver. Regular 'River Watch' volunteers and passers-by are sharing their knowledge and monitoring rainfall, river levels, water quality parameters, sediment issues, flood events and performance of flood risk management features. This has enabled a variety of low-cost data collection and submission tools to be tested over a two year period. Training has encouraged good quality data to be collected and volunteers are ready to capture meaningful information during unexpected flood events. Although volunteers are capable of collecting quantitative information, photographs and videos are submitted more readily. Twitter has also been used to share real-time observations successfully. A traditional monitoring network has been running in parallel for the purpose of assessing the quality of citizen science observations. It has been found that citizen science observations are essential for capturing localised convective storms. Citizen scientists want their observations to be used to gain meaningful information and tackle local issues. Data has therefore been utilised to build, calibrate and validate hydrological models and support a range of catchment management applications. This has further demonstrated the value of citizen science, along with the social benefits it has to offer. Other communities are also beginning to source funding and implement their own monitoring schemes, indicating that they are both capable and self-motivated. Citizen science makes use of evolving and more readily available technology, providing catchment stakeholders with vital information. Although these types of observations present various challenges, it is argued that a citizen science approach is not intending to replace traditional techniques, rather they can be used to complement them, fill the gaps and/or provide an indication of catchment behaviour across space and through time.

International trends in health science librarianship part 17: a comparison of health science libraries with academic and research libraries.

PubMed

Murphy, Jeannette

2015-12-01

Over the last 4 years this Regular Feature has looked at trends in health science librarianship in the 21st century. Although there are still a few more regions to be covered in this series, this issue explores general trends in academic and research libraries with a view to discovering whether the trends identified for health science libraries are similar. Are health science libraries unique? Or do their experiences mirror those found in the wider world of academic and research libraries? © 2015 Health Libraries Group.

Deuteron electromagnetic form factors with the light-front approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Bao-dong; Dong, Yu-bing

2017-01-01

The electromagnetic form factors and low-energy observables of the deuteron are studied with the help of the light-front approach, where the deuteron is regarded as a weakly bound state of a proton and a neutron. Both the S and D wave interacting vertexes among the deuteron, proton, and neutron are taken into account. Moreover, the regularization functions are also introduced. In our calculations, the vertex and the regularization functions are employed to simulate the momentum distribution inside the deuteron. Our numerical results show that the light-front approach can roughly reproduce the deuteron electromagnetic form factors, like charge G 0, magnetic G 1, and quadrupole G 2, in the low Q 2 region. The important effect of the D wave vertex on G 2 is also addressed. Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (10975146, 11475192), The fund provided by the Sino-German CRC 110 “Symmetries and the Emergence of Structure in QCD" project is also appreciated, YBD thanks FAPESP grant 2011/11973-4 for funding his visit to ICTP-SAIFR

From observational to analytical morphology of the stratum corneum: progress avoiding hazardous animal and human testings

PubMed Central

Piérard, Gérald E; Courtois, Justine; Ritacco, Caroline; Humbert, Philippe; Fanian, Ferial; Piérard-Franchimont, Claudine

2015-01-01

Background In cosmetic science, noninvasive sampling of the upper part of the stratum corneum is conveniently performed using strippings with adhesive-coated discs (SACD) and cyanoacrylate skin surface strippings (CSSSs). Methods Under controlled conditions, it is possible to scrutinize SACD and CSSS with objectivity using appropriate methods of analytical morphology. These procedures apply to a series of clinical conditions including xerosis grading, comedometry, corneodynamics, corneomelametry, corneosurfametry, corneoxenometry, and dandruff assessment. Results With any of the analytical evaluations, SACD and CSSS provide specific salient information that is useful in the field of cosmetology. In particular, both methods appear valuable and complementary in assessing the human skin compatibility of personal skincare products. Conclusion A set of quantitative analytical methods applicable to the minimally invasive and low-cost SACD and CSSS procedures allow for a sound assessment of cosmetic effects on the stratum corneum. Under regular conditions, both methods are painless and do not induce adverse events. Globally, CSSS appears more precise and informative than the regular SACD stripping. PMID:25767402

Learning about the Nature of Science Using Newspaper Articles with Scientific Content

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

García-Carmona, Antonio; Acevedo Díaz, José Antonio

2016-01-01

This article presents a study aiming at assessing the efficacy of reading newspaper articles with scientific content in order to incorporate nature of science (NOS) aspects in initial primary teacher education. To this aim, a short teaching intervention based on newspaper articles was planned and performed under regular class conditions. First,…

Social Situation of Development: Parents Perspectives on Infants-Toddlers' Concept Formation in Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sikder, Shukla

2015-01-01

The social situation of development (SSD) specific to each age determines regularly the whole picture of the child's life. Therefore, we need to learn about the whole context surrounding children relevant to their development. The focus of the study is to understand parent's views on infant-toddler's science concept formation in the family…

Instructional Practices in Fifth-Through Eighth-Grade Science Classrooms of a Selected Seventh-Day Adventist Conference

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burton, Larry D.; Nino, Ruth J.; Hollingsead, Candice C.

2004-01-01

This investigation focused on instructional practices within fifth- through eighth-grade science classes of selected Seventh-day Adventist schools. Teachers reported regular use of discussion, student projects, and tests or quizzes. Most respondents said they did not feel prepared or had "never heard of" inquiry, the learning cycle, or…

International Trends in Health Science Librarianship Part 20: The Balkan States (Serbia and Slovenia).

PubMed

Ivkovic, Ana; Rožić, Anamarija; Turk, Nana

2016-12-01

This is the 20th in a series of articles exploring international trends in health science librarianship in the 21st century. The focus of the present issue is the Balkan region (Serbia and Slovenia). The next regular feature will look at Russia and the Ukraine. JM. © 2016 Health Libraries Group.

Forest Services: World of Work Project: Fifth Grade: Science.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Utah State Board for Vocational Education, Salt Lake City.

The document is one of the teaching units developed by the Utah World of Work Project, designed to integrate career awareness into the regular curriculum at the elementary level. The fifth grade guide is tied to the science area and focuses on conservation as practiced by Forest Service workers; the growth cycle of forests and the management of…

A Better Model for Residential High Schools for Talented Youths.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stanley, Julian C.

1991-01-01

Describes the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, a residential school for youths talented in mathematics and science. TAMS students, who come as eleventh graders, take only regular college courses taught by university faculty members. They complete the last two years and the first two years of college in just two academic years. (MLH)

EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION IN THE SMALL SCHOOL.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LEDFORD, LOWELL E.

HENSLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, CONSISTING OF 72 STUDENTS AND 3 TEACHERS, HAS INCORPORATED 12 EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION PROGRAMS AS A REGULAR PART OF THE CURRICULUM IN THE FIRST 6 GRADES. GRADES 1 AND 2 VIEWED PROGRAMS IN SCIENCE, SPEECH, ART, MUSIC, AND STORY TIME. GRADES 3 AND 4 VIEWED SERIES IN MUSIC, SCIENCE, ART, AND SPEECH, WHILE GRADES 5 AND 6 WERE…

Outrageous Outreach — Unconventional Ways of Communicating Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandu, O.; Christensen, L. L.

2011-07-01

The golden rule of communication, advertising, public relations and marketing is "follow your target group". In this article, we look at how this mantra is applied in science communication and public outreach. Do we really follow our target groups? Do we regularly research the behaviour, interests and preferences of the individuals behind the demographic categories? Or do we just believe that we are following them when in fact we are "preaching to the converted" — the demographic group that is already intrinsically interested in science and actively scours the science sections of the national newspapers?

The Search for Regularity: Four Aspects of Scientific Discovery.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-09-01

explore the processes of scientific discovery. Our goal is not to explain historical details, though the history of science is fascinating and we will...chemical laws, as well as other laws from the history of science Table 1. BACON’s method viewed as search through a data space. Initial state: the null...discovery, then a deeper answer to the above questions is required. For instance, we know from the history of science that empirical laws eventuay

Status of Mars Global Surveyor Science Data Archives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slavney, S.; Arvidson, R. E.; Guinness, E. A.; Springer, R. J.

2001-01-01

The Mars Global Surveyor has been in orbit around Mars since September 1997, completing its primary mission on January 31, 2001. As of that date the spacecraft had completed more than 8000 mapping orbits. Data from its science instruments, radio science experiment, and SPICE files have been released regularly to the NASA Planetary Data System (PDS) as described in the MGS Archive Plan and Addendum and are available online. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Comparison of radon doses based on different radon monitoring approaches.

PubMed

Vaupotič, Janja; Smrekar, Nataša; Žunić, Zora S

2017-04-01

In 43 places (23 schools, 3 kindergartens, 16 offices and one dwelling), indoor radon has been monitored as an intercomparison experiment, using α-scintillation cells (SC - Jožef Stefan Institute, Slovenia), various kinds of solid state nuclear track detectors (KfK - Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany; UFO - National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba, Japan; RET - University College Dublin, Ireland) and active electronic devices (EQF, Sarad, Germany). At the same place, the radon levels and, consequently, the effective doses obtained with different radon devices differed substantially (by a factor of 2 or more), and no regularity was observed as regards which detector would show a higher or lower dose. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Different Types of X-Ray Bursts from GRS 1915+105 and Their Origin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, J. S.; Rao, A. R.; Agrawal, P. C.; Paul, B.; Seetha, S.; Kasturirangan, K.

1999-06-01

We report X-ray observations of the Galactic X-ray transient source GRS 1915+105 with the pointed proportional counters of the Indian X-ray Astronomy Experiment (IXAE) onboard the Indian satellite IRS-P3, which show remarkable richness in temporal variability. The observations were carried out on 1997 June 12-29 and August 7-10, in the energy range of 2-18 keV and revealed the presence of very intense X-ray bursts. All the observed bursts have a slow exponential rise, a sharp linear decay, and broadly can be put in two classes: irregular and quasi-regular bursts in one class, and regular bursts in the other. The regular bursts are found to have two distinct timescales and to persist over extended durations. There is a strong correlation between the preceding quiescent time and the burst duration for the quasi-regular and irregular bursts. No such correlation is found for the regular bursts. The ratio of average flux during the burst time to the average flux during the quiescent phase is high and variable for the quasi-regular and irregular bursts, while it is low and constant for the regular bursts. We present a comprehensive picture of the various types of bursts observed in GRS 1915+105 in the light of the recent theories of advective accretion disks. We suggest that the peculiar bursts that we have seen are characteristic of the change of state of the source. The source can switch back and forth between the low-hard state and the high-soft state near critical accretion rates in a very short timescale, giving rise to the irregular and quasi-regular bursts. The fast timescale for the transition of the state is explained by invoking the appearance and disappearance of the advective disk in its viscous timescale. The periodicity of the regular bursts is explained by matching the viscous timescale with the cooling timescale of the postshock region. A test of the model is presented using the publicly available 13-60 keV RXTE/PCA data for irregular and regular bursts concurrent with our observations. It is found that the 13-60 keV flux relative to the 2-13 keV flux shows clear evidence for state change between the quiescent phase and the burst phase. The value of this ratio during burst is consistent with the values observed during the high-soft state seen on 1997 August 19, while its value during quiescent phase is consistent with the values observed during the low-hard state seen on 1997 May 8.

Oracle Database 10g: a platform for BLAST search and Regular Expression pattern matching in life sciences

PubMed Central

Stephens, Susie M.; Chen, Jake Y.; Davidson, Marcel G.; Thomas, Shiby; Trute, Barry M.

2005-01-01

As database management systems expand their array of analytical functionality, they become powerful research engines for biomedical data analysis and drug discovery. Databases can hold most of the data types commonly required in life sciences and consequently can be used as flexible platforms for the implementation of knowledgebases. Performing data analysis in the database simplifies data management by minimizing the movement of data from disks to memory, allowing pre-filtering and post-processing of datasets, and enabling data to remain in a secure, highly available environment. This article describes the Oracle Database 10g implementation of BLAST and Regular Expression Searches and provides case studies of their usage in bioinformatics. http://www.oracle.com/technology/software/index.html PMID:15608287

Graded effects of regularity in language revealed by N400 indices of morphological priming.

PubMed

Kielar, Aneta; Joanisse, Marc F

2010-07-01

Differential electrophysiological effects for regular and irregular linguistic forms have been used to support the theory that grammatical rules are encoded using a dedicated cognitive mechanism. The alternative hypothesis is that language systematicities are encoded probabilistically in a way that does not categorically distinguish rule-like and irregular forms. In the present study, this matter was investigated more closely by focusing specifically on whether the regular-irregular distinction in English past tenses is categorical or graded. We compared the ERP priming effects of regulars (baked-bake), vowel-change irregulars (sang-sing), and "suffixed" irregulars that display a partial regularity (suffixed irregular verbs, e.g., slept-sleep), as well as forms that are related strictly along formal or semantic dimensions. Participants performed a visual lexical decision task with either visual (Experiment 1) or auditory prime (Experiment 2). Stronger N400 priming effects were observed for regular than vowel-change irregular verbs, whereas suffixed irregulars tended to group with regular verbs. Subsequent analyses decomposed early versus late-going N400 priming, and suggested that differences among forms can be attributed to the orthographic similarity of prime and target. Effects of morphological relatedness were observed in the later-going time period, however, we failed to observe true regular-irregular dissociations in either experiment. The results indicate that morphological effects emerge from the interaction of orthographic, phonological, and semantic overlap between words.

The Undergraduate Capstone Course in the Social Sciences: Results from a Regional Survey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hauhart, Robert C.; Grahe, Jon E.

2010-01-01

Among the common requirements for receipt of a degree in the social sciences is the completion of a senior seminar in which a senior thesis or capstone project is produced. A number of educational goals have been proposed for this requirement: integrating the knowledge base supplied by the regular curriculum, contributing to students' future roles…

International Trends in Health Science Librarianship Part 19: The Balkan States (Bulgaria and Croatia).

PubMed

Kirilova, Savina; Skoric, Lea

2016-09-01

This is the 19th in a series of articles exploring international trends in health science librarianship in the 21st century. The focus of the present issue is the Balkan Region (Bulgaria and Croatia). The next regular feature column will investigate two other Balkan states - Serbia and Slovenia. JM. © 2016 Health Libraries Group.

Linking the Components of a University Program to the Qualification Profile of Graduates: The Case of a Sustainability-Oriented Environmental Science Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hansmann, Ralf

2009-01-01

A university Environmental Sciences curriculum is described against the background of requirements for environmental problem solving for sustainability and then analyzed using data from regular surveys of graduates (N = 373). Three types of multiple regression models examine links between qualifications and curriculum components in order to derive…

Modular Mayhem? A Case Study of the Development of the A-Level Science Curriculum in England

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayward, Geoff; McNicholl, Jane

2007-01-01

This article investigates the costs and benefits of the increased use of modular or unitized qualification designs through a case study of the GCE A-level science curriculum in England. Following a brief review of the development of modular A-levels, the various proposed advantages of modularity--short-term goals and regular feedback, flexibility…

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES FOR THE GIFTED CHILD IN THE REGULAR CLASSROOM--GRADES FOUR THROUGH EIGHT.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MCARTHUR, BERNARD

ENRICHMENT SUGGESTIONS FOR TEACHERS OF GRADES FOUR THROUGH EIGHT IN THE AREAS OF SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, SOCIAL STUDIES, AND LANGUAGE AND READING WERE PRESENTED. EACH SUBJECT INCLUDED A DESCRIPTION OF THE LESSON, WITH MATERIALS, AND HOW TO EXPLAIN THE PURPOSES. AN EXAMPLE OF A SCIENCE ACTIVITY WAS BUILDING A TEST COIL FOR A SEVENTH GRADE CLASS. THE…

The Use of Online Current Awareness Services by Natural Sciences and Engineering Faculty at Western Michigan University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leatherman, Carrie C.; Eckel, Edward J.

2012-01-01

Nearly every commercial database that covers natural sciences and engineering offers some type of current awareness (CA) service that provides regular updates to users on current literature in a selected field of interest. Current awareness services include e-mail alerts, tables of contents, and RSS feeds. This study was designed to find out what…

What Do Learning Scientists Do? A Survey of the ISLS Membership

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yoon, Susan A.; Hmelo-Silver, Cindy E.

2017-01-01

This study responds to a question that people working in the field of learning sciences get asked regularly: What do learning scientists do? Earlier attempts to answer this question came from a need to define a new field of educational research. Now that the International Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS) has grown into a robust and…

Teachers' Guide for Aviation Education. For Use in Grades Two Through Six. Communication Arts, Science, Social Studies, Health, Career Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Federal Aviation Administration (DOT), Washington, DC.

This teacher's guide provides elementary teachers (grades 2-6) with supplementary learning activities centered around the subject of aviation, which may be used to enrich their regular programs. The guide is divided into the following five subject areas: communication arts, science, social studies, health, and careers in aviation. The guides vary…

An investigation into the differentiating characteristics between car key burglars and regular burglars.

PubMed

Chapman, Rachel; Smith, Lisa L; Bond, John W

2012-07-01

Car key burglary has recently become the focus of empirical investigation as offenders, no longer able to steal vehicles without first obtaining their keys, resort to "burgling" target properties. Research surrounding the modus operandi of these offenses is beginning to emerge; however, little attention has been paid to investigating the characteristics of car key burglary offenders. Challenging the assumption that car key burglary offenses are perpetrated by regular burglars, this study aims to differentiate between offenders. Logistic regression analysis of 110 car key and 110 regular burglary offenders revealed that car key burglars are more likely to have previous vehicle theft convictions and are also more likely to be detected on information supplied to the police than regular burglars. Regular burglars are more likely to have previous shoplifting convictions. It was concluded that car key burglars are a distinct sample of offenders and the implications of these findings are discussed. © 2012 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Observations from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE): Martian dust devils in Gusev and Russell craters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verba, Circe A.; Geissler, Paul E.; Titus, Timothy N.; Waller, Devin

2010-09-01

Two areas targeted for repeated imaging by detailed High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) observations allow us to examine morphological differences and monitor seasonal variations of Martian dust devil tracks at two quite different locations. Russell crater (53.3°S, 12.9°E) is regularly imaged to study seasonal processes including deposition and sublimation of CO2 frost. Gusev crater (14.6°S, 175.4°E) has been frequently imaged in support of the Mars Exploration Rover mission. Gusev crater provides the first opportunity to compare “ground truth” orbital observations of dust devil tracks to surface observations of active dust plumes. Orbital observations show that dust devil tracks are rare, forming at a rate <1/110 that of the occurrence of active dust plumes estimated from Spirit's surface observations. Furthermore, the tracks observed from orbit are wider than typical plume diameters observed by Spirit. We conclude that the tracks in Gusev are primarily formed by rare, large dust devils. Smaller dust devils fail to leave tracks that are visible from orbit, perhaps because of limited surface excavation depths. Russell crater displays more frequent, smaller sinuous tracks than Gusev. This may be due to the thin dust cover in Russell, allowing smaller dust devils to penetrate through the bright dust layer and leave conspicuous tracks. The start of the dust devil season and peak activity are delayed in Russell in comparison to Gusev, likely because of its more southerly location. Dust devils in both sites travel in directions consistent with general circulation model (GCM)-predicted winds, confirming a laboratory-derived approach to determining dust devil travel directions based on track morphology.

The kids at Hamilton Elementary School: Purposes and practices for co-opting science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortiz, Loaiza

The purpose of this study was to explore youth's purposes and motivations for engaging in science through the lens of science practices. The construct of science practices allowed me to see science in youths' lives in a holistic way, shaped by social, political, historical, economic and cultural forces. The framework for understanding urban youths' science practices is grounded in the intersections of critical and feminist theory, sociocultural learning theories, especially as applied in research in urban science education, and recent work in critical literacy studies. As I explored the answers to my research questions---(1) When 5th grade youth, living in predominantly Latino communities struggling with urban poverty, engage in science how and why do they co-opt science in ways that result in changes in participation in science? (2) What are the science practices that facilitate youths' coopting of science? And how are those practices framed by context (school, out-of-school), content (LiFE curriculum), and funds of knowledge? (3) In what ways are science practices expressions of youths' scientific literacy? And (4) In what ways do youth use science practices as tools for expressing identities and agency?---I engaged in feminist ethnography with embedded case studies. Data were collected in 2004 in school and in out of school settings. I recorded numerous informal conversations, interviews, and observations both during after-school and students' regular science and non-science classes. Findings describe how and why students co-opted science for purposes that make sense for their lives. These purposes included gaining and activating resources, building and maintaining social relationships, bridging home and school knowledge, positioning themselves with authority, and constructing science identities. Findings also explored what practices facilitated youth's co-opting of science. I highlighted three practices: making ideas public, storytelling and prioritizing and using evidence. Finally, I present an in-depth analysis of the science practice of storytelling. Analysis revealed that students engaged in storytelling to facilitate co-opting of science by: allowing them to change the discourse of the science classroom, to seek legitimacy, and to position themselves with authority. I end with implications for urban science education, teacher education and for future research.

Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus Science Insert - 03

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moreno, Nancy; Stodieck, Louis; Cushing, Paula; Stowe, Mark; Hamilton, Mary Ann; Werner, Ken

2008-01-01

Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus Science Insert - 03 (CSI-03) is the third set of investigations in the CSI program series. The CSI program provides the K-12 community opportunities to utilize the unique microgravity environment of the International Space Station as part of the regular classroom to encourage learning and interest in science, technology, engineering and math. CSI-03 will examine the complete life cycle of the painted lady butterfly and the ability of an orb weaving spider to spin a web, eat and remain healthy in space.

Probing the limits of reality: the metaphysics in science fiction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, John L.

2003-01-01

Science fiction provides a genre in which metaphysical questions concerning the ultimate structure of reality regularly arise. In addressing these questions, contemporary scientists tend to assume that the questions are of a scientific nature and should be handled solely by reference to our best theories. In this paper, it is argued that we cannot afford to neglect the role of conceptual analysis - a distinctively philosophical task - in thinking critically about the possibilities that science fiction claims to describe.

NASA's Earth Science Flight Program Meets the Challenges of Today and Tomorrow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ianson, Eric E.

2016-01-01

NASA's Earth science flight program is a dynamic undertaking that consists of a large fleet of operating satellites, an array of satellite and instrument projects in various stages of development, a robust airborne science program, and a massive data archiving and distribution system. Each element of the flight program is complex and present unique challenges. NASA builds upon its successes and learns from its setbacks to manage this evolving portfolio to meet NASA's Earth science objectives. NASA fleet of 16 operating missions provide a wide range of scientific measurements made from dedicated Earth science satellites and from instruments mounted to the International Space Station. For operational missions, the program must address issues such as an aging satellites operating well beyond their prime mission, constellation flying, and collision avoidance with other spacecraft and orbital debris. Projects in development are divided into two broad categories: systematic missions and pathfinders. The Earth Systematic Missions (ESM) include a broad range of multi-disciplinary Earth-observing research satellite missions aimed at understanding the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced forces and changes. Understanding these forces will help determine how to predict future changes, and how to mitigate or adapt to these changes. The Earth System Science Pathfinder (ESSP) program provides frequent, regular, competitively selected Earth science research opportunities that accommodate new and emerging scientific priorities and measurement capabilities. This results in a series of relatively low-cost, small-sized investigations and missions. Principal investigators whose scientific objectives support a variety of studies lead these missions, including studies of the atmosphere, oceans, land surface, polar ice regions, or solid Earth. This portfolio of missions and investigations provides opportunity for investment in innovative Earth science that enhances NASA's capability for better understanding the current state of the Earth system. ESM and ESSP projects often involve partnerships with other US agencies and/or international organizations. This adds to the complexity of mission development, but allows for a greater scientific return on NASA's investments. The Earth Science Airborne Science Program provides manned and unmanned aircraft systems that further science and advance the use of satellite data. NASA uses these assets worldwide in campaigns to investigate extreme weather events, observe Earth system processes, obtain data for Earth science modeling activities, and calibrate instruments flying aboard Earth science spacecraft. The Airborne Science Program has six dedicated aircraft and access to many other platforms. The Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations program acquires, preserves, and distributes observational data from operating spacecraft to support Earth Science research focus areas. The Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS), which has been in operations since 1994, primarily accomplishes this. EOSDIS acquires, processes, archives, and distributes Earth Science data and information products. The archiving of NASA Earth Science information happens at eight Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs) and four disciplinary data centers located across the United States. The DAACs specialize by topic area, and make their data available to researchers around the world. The DAACs currently house over 9 petabytes of data, growing at a rate of 6.4 terabytes per day. NASA's current Earth Science portfolio is responsive to the National Research Council (NRC) 2007 Earth Science Decadal Survey and well as the 2010 NASA Response to President Obama's Climate Plan. As the program evolves into the future it will leverage the lessons learned from the current missions in operations and development, and plan for adjustments to future objectives in response to the anticipated 2017 NRC Decadal Survey.

Neuroscience, power and culture: an introduction.

PubMed

Vrecko, Scott

2010-01-01

In line with their vast expansion over the last few decades, the brain sciences -- including neurobiology, psychopharmacology, biological psychiatry, and brain imaging -- are becoming increasingly prominent in a variety of cultural formations, from self-help guides and the arts to advertising and public health programmes. This article, which introduces the special issue of "History of the Human Science" on "Neuroscience, Power and Culture," considers the ways that social and historical research can, through empirical investigations grounded in the observation of what is actually happening and has already happened in the sciences of mind and brain, complement speculative discussions of the possible social implications of neuroscience that now appear regularly in the media and in philosophical bioethics. It suggests that the neurosciences are best understood in terms of their lineage within the "psy"-disciplines, and that, accordingly, our analyses of them will be strengthened by drawing on existing literatures on the history and politics of psychology -- particularly those that analyze formations of knowledge, power and subjectivity associated with the discipline and its practical applications. Additionally, it argues against taking today's neuroscientific facts and brain-targetting technologies as starting points for analysis, and for greater recognition of the ways that these are shaped by historical, cultural and political-economic forces.

Spacecraft exploration of Phobos and Deimos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duxbury, Thomas C.; Zakharov, Alexander V.; Hoffmann, Harald; Guinness, Edward A.

2014-11-01

We review the previous exploration of Phobos and Deimos by spacecraft. The first close-up images of Phobos and Deimos were obtained by the Mariner 9 spacecraft in 1971, followed by much image data from the two Viking orbiters at the end of the 70s, which formed the basis for early Phobos and Deimos shape and dynamic models. The Soviet Phobos 2 spacecraft came within 100 km of landing on Phobos in 1988. Mars Global Surveyor (1996-2006) and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (since 2005) made close-up observations of Phobos on several occasions. Mars Express (since 2003) in its highly elliptical orbit is currently the only spacecraft to make regular Phobos encounters and has returned large volumes of science data for this satellite. Landers and rovers on the ground (Viking Landers, Mars Pathfinder, MER rovers, MSL rover) frequently made observations of Phobos, Deimos and their transits across the solar disk.

An emerging action science of social settings.

PubMed

Seidman, Edward

2012-09-01

Seymour B. Sarason's innovative ideas have influenced much of my work. These same ideas-in particular, his concepts of social settings, behavioral and programmatic regularities, and the universe of alternatives-also serve as the foundation for an action science of social settings. Questions regarding theory, measurement, intervention, and research design and data analysis are central to the development of this action science, and there have been recent innovations in each of these areas. However, future challenges remain for the field. We must continue to move forward to advance an action science of social settings and make a real difference in people's lives.

Linkages of fracture network geometry and hydro-mechanical properties to spatio-temporal variations of seismicity in Koyna-Warna Seismic Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selles, A.; Mikhailov, V. O.; Arora, K.; Ponomarev, A.; Gopinadh, D.; Smirnov, V.; Srinu, Y.; Satyavani, N.; Chadha, R. K.; Davulluri, S.; Rao, N. P.

2017-12-01

Well logging data and core samples from the deep boreholes in the Koyna-Warna Seismic Zone (KWSZ) provided a glimpse of the 3-D fracture network responsible for triggered earthquakes in the region. The space-time pattern of earthquakes during the last five decades show strong linkage of favourably oriented fractures system deciphered from airborne LiDAR and borehole structural logging to the seismicity. We used SAR interferometry data on surface displacements to estimate activity of the inferred faults. The failure in rocks at depths is largely governed by overlying lithostatic and pore fluid pressure in the rock matrix which are subject to change in space and time. While lithostatic pressure tends to increase with depth pore pressure is prone to fluctuations due to any change in the hydrological regime. Based on the earthquake catalogue data, the seasonal variations in seismic activity associated with annual fluctuations in the reservoir water level were analyzed over the time span of the entire history of seismological observations in this region. The regularities in the time changes in the structure of seasonal variations are revealed. An increase in pore fluid pressure can result in rock fracture and oscillating pore fluid pressures due to a reservoir loading and unloading cycles can cause iterative and cumulative damage, ultimately resulting in brittle failure under relatively low effective mean stress conditions. These regularities were verified by laboratory physical modeling. Based on our observations of main trends of spatio-temporal variations in seismicity as well as the spatial distribution of fracture network a conceptual model is presented to explain the triggered earthquakes in the KWSZ. The work was supported under the joint Russian-Indian project of the Russian Science Foundation (RSF) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of India (RSF project no. 16-47-02003 and DST project INT/RUS/RSF/P-13).

TEMPO Early Adopters in Air-Quality Forecasting, Planning and Assessment, Pollution Emissions, Health, Agriculture, and Environmental Impacts: Applications and Decision Support

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newchurch, M.; Zavodsky, B.; Chance, K.; Haynes, J.; Lefer, B. L.; Naeger, A.

2016-12-01

The AQ research community has a long legacy of using space-based observations (e.g., Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet Instrument [SBUV], Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment [GOME], Ozone Monitoring Instrument [OMI], and the Ozone Mapping & Profiler Suite [OMPS]) to study atmospheric chemistry. These measurements have been used to observe day-to-day and year-to-year changes in atmospheric constituents. However, they have not been able to capture the diurnal variability of pollution with enough temporal or spatial fidelity and a low enough latency for regular use by operational decision makers. As a result, the operational AQ community has traditionally relied on ground-based (e.g., collection stations, LIDAR) and airborne observing systems to study tropospheric chemistry. In order to maximize its utility for applications and decision support, there is a need to educate the community about the game-changing potential for the geostationary TEMPO mission well ahead of its expected launch date early in the third decade of this millinium. This NASA mission will engage user communities and enable science across the NASA Applied Science Focus Areas of Health and Air Quality, Disasters, Water Resources, and Ecological Forecasting, In addition, topics discussed will provide opportunities for collaborations extending TEMPO applications to future program areas in Agriculture, Weather and Climate (including Numerical Weather Prediction), Energy, and Oceans.

Analysing the physics learning environment of visually impaired students in high schools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toenders, Frank G. C.; de Putter-Smits, Lesley G. A.; Sanders, Wendy T. M.; den Brok, Perry

2017-07-01

Although visually impaired students attend regular high school, their enrolment in advanced science classes is dramatically low. In our research we evaluated the physics learning environment of a blind high school student in a regular Dutch high school. For visually impaired students to grasp physics concepts, time and additional materials to support the learning process are key. Time for teachers to develop teaching methods for such students is scarce. Suggestions for changes to the learning environment and of materials used are given.

Science Programs for a 2-m Class Telescope at Dome C, Antarctica: PILOT, the Pathfinder for an International Large Optical Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burton, M. G.; Lawrence, J. S.; Ashley, M. C. B.; Bailey, J. A.; Blake, C.; Bedding, T. R.; Bland-Hawthorn, J.; Bond, I. A.; Glazebrook, K.; Hidas, M. G.; Lewis, G.; Longmore, S. N.; Maddison, S. T.; Mattila, S.; Minier, V.; Ryder, S. D.; Sharp, R.; Smith, C. H.; Storey, J. W. V.; Tinney, C. G.; Tuthill, P.; Walsh, A. J.; Walsh, W.; Whiting, M.; Wong, T.; Woods, D.; Yock, P. C. M.

2005-08-01

The cold, dry, and stable air above the summits of the Antarctic plateau provides the best ground-based observing conditions from optical to sub-millimetre wavelengths to be found on the Earth. Pathfinder for an International Large Optical Telescope (PILOT) is a proposed 2m telescope, to be built at Dome C in Antarctica, able to exploit these conditions for conducting astronomy at optical and infrared wavelengths. While PILOT is intended as a pathfinder towards the construction of future grand-design facilities, it will also be able to undertake a range of fundamental science investigations in its own right. This paper provides the performance specifications for PILOT, including its instrumentation. It then describes the kinds of projects that it could best conduct. These range from planetary science to the search for other solar systems, from star formation within the Galaxy to the star formation history of the Universe, and from gravitational lensing caused by exo-planets to that produced by the cosmic web of dark matter. PILOT would be particularly powerful for wide-field imaging at infrared wavelengths, achieving near diffraction-limited performance with simple tip-tilt wavefront correction. PILOT would also be capable of near diffraction-limited performance in the optical wavebands, as well be able to open new wavebands for regular ground-based observation, in the mid-IR from 17 to 40μm and in the sub-millimetre at 200μm.

To What Extent Do Biology Textbooks Contribute to Scientific Literacy? Criteria for Analysing Science-Technology-Society-Environment Issues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calado, Florbela M.; Scharfenberg, Franz-Josef; Bogner, Franz X.

2015-01-01

Our article proposes a set of six criteria for analysing science-technology-society-environment (STSE) issues in regular textbooks as to how they are expected to contribute to students' scientific literacy. We chose genetics and gene technology as fields prolific in STSE issues. We derived our criteria (including 26 sub-criteria) from a literature…

Effects of a Girls-Only Curriculum during Adolescence: Performance, Persistence, and Engagement in Mathematics and Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shapka, Jennifer D.; Keating, Daniel P.

2003-01-01

This article investigates the benefits of girls-only classroom instruction in math and science during Grades 9 and 10, in the context of a public coeducational high school. It is based on a longitudinal investigation with 786 participants: 85 girls in all-girl classes, and 319 girls and 382 boys in a regular coeducational program. Preexisting…

12 CFR 261b.8 - Meetings closed to public observation under regular procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Meetings closed to public observation under regular procedures. 261b.8 Section 261b.8 Banks and Banking FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM (CONTINUED) BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM RULES REGARDING PUBLIC OBSERVATION OF MEETINGS § 261b.8 Meetings...

Leveraging Citizen Science and Information Technology for Population Physical Activity Promotion.

PubMed

King, Abby C; Winter, Sandra J; Sheats, Jylana L; Rosas, Lisa G; Buman, Matthew P; Salvo, Deborah; Rodriguez, Nicole M; Seguin, Rebecca A; Moran, Mika; Garber, Randi; Broderick, Bonnie; Zieff, Susan G; Sarmiento, Olga Lucia; Gonzalez, Silvia A; Banchoff, Ann; Dommarco, Juan Rivera

2016-05-15

While technology is a major driver of many of society's comforts, conveniences, and advances, it has been responsible, in a significant way, for engineering regular physical activity and a number of other positive health behaviors out of people's daily lives. A key question concerns how to harness information and communication technologies (ICT) to bring about positive changes in the health promotion field. One such approach involves community-engaged "citizen science," in which local residents leverage the potential of ICT to foster data-driven consensus-building and mobilization efforts that advance physical activity at the individual, social, built environment, and policy levels. The history of citizen science in the research arena is briefly described and an evidence-based method that embeds citizen science in a multi-level, multi-sectoral community-based participatory research framework for physical activity promotion is presented. Several examples of this citizen science-driven community engagement framework for promoting active lifestyles, called "Our Voice", are discussed, including pilot projects from diverse communities in the U.S. as well as internationally. The opportunities and challenges involved in leveraging citizen science activities as part of a broader population approach to promoting regular physical activity are explored. The strategic engagement of citizen scientists from socio-demographically diverse communities across the globe as both assessment as well as change agents provides a promising, potentially low-cost and scalable strategy for creating more active, healthful, and equitable neighborhoods and communities worldwide.

Leveraging Citizen Science and Information Technology for Population Physical Activity Promotion

PubMed Central

King, Abby C.; Winter, Sandra J.; Sheats, Jylana L.; Rosas, Lisa G.; Buman, Matthew P.; Salvo, Deborah; Rodriguez, Nicole M.; Seguin, Rebecca A.; Moran, Mika; Garber, Randi; Broderick, Bonnie; Zieff, Susan G.; Sarmiento, Olga Lucia; Gonzalez, Silvia A.; Banchoff, Ann; Dommarco, Juan Rivera

2016-01-01

PURPOSE While technology is a major driver of many of society’s comforts, conveniences, and advances, it has been responsible, in a significant way, for engineering regular physical activity and a number of other positive health behaviors out of people’s daily lives. A key question concerns how to harness information and communication technologies (ICT) to bring about positive changes in the health promotion field. One such approach involves community-engaged “citizen science,” in which local residents leverage the potential of ICT to foster data-driven consensus-building and mobilization efforts that advance physical activity at the individual, social, built environment, and policy levels. METHOD The history of citizen science in the research arena is briefly described and an evidence-based method that embeds citizen science in a multi-level, multi-sectoral community-based participatory research framework for physical activity promotion is presented. RESULTS Several examples of this citizen science-driven community engagement framework for promoting active lifestyles, called “Our Voice”, are discussed, including pilot projects from diverse communities in the U.S. as well as internationally. CONCLUSIONS The opportunities and challenges involved in leveraging citizen science activities as part of a broader population approach to promoting regular physical activity are explored. The strategic engagement of citizen scientists from socio-demographically diverse communities across the globe as both assessment as well as change agents provides a promising, potentially low-cost and scalable strategy for creating more active, healthful, and equitable neighborhoods and communities worldwide. PMID:27525309

Literacy events during science instruction in a fifth-grade classroom: Listening to teacher and student voices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deal, Debby

Concern with science literacy and how to achieve it has a long history in our education system. The goals and definitions established by the National Science Education Standards (1996) suggest that if we are to successfully prepare students for the information age, science education must blend the natural and social sciences. However, research indicates that connections between hands-on science and literacy, as a tool for processing information, do not regularly occur during school science instruction. This case study explored the use of literacy by a second year teacher in a fifth grade class during consecutive science units on chemistry and liquids. The research questions focused on how and why the teacher and students used literacy during science and how and why the teacher and selected focus students believed literacy influenced their learning in science. Data was collected through classroom observations and multiple interviews with the teacher and selected focus students. Interview data was analyzed and coded using an iterative process. Field notes and student artifacts were used to triangulate the data. The study found that the teacher and students used reading and writing to record and acquire content knowledge, learn to be organized, and to facilitate assessment. Although the teacher had learned content literacy strategies in her pre-service program, she did not implement them in the classroom and her practice seemed to reflect her limited science content knowledge and understanding of the nature of science. The focus students believed that recording and studying notes, reading books, drawing, and reading study guides helped them learn science. The findings suggest the following implications: (1) More data is needed on the relationship between teaching approach, science content knowledge, and beliefs about science. (2) Elementary student voices make a valuable contribution to our understanding of science learning. (3) Pre-service candidates should have multiple opportunities to explicitly reflect on their beliefs about literacy, the nature of science, and learning in general. (4) Science methods classes should balance content, beliefs and attitudes related to science, and content literacy strategies.

The hypergraph regularity method and its applications

PubMed Central

Rödl, V.; Nagle, B.; Skokan, J.; Schacht, M.; Kohayakawa, Y.

2005-01-01

Szemerédi's regularity lemma asserts that every graph can be decomposed into relatively few random-like subgraphs. This random-like behavior enables one to find and enumerate subgraphs of a given isomorphism type, yielding the so-called counting lemma for graphs. The combined application of these two lemmas is known as the regularity method for graphs and has proved useful in graph theory, combinatorial geometry, combinatorial number theory, and theoretical computer science. Here, we report on recent advances in the regularity method for k-uniform hypergraphs, for arbitrary k ≥ 2. This method, purely combinatorial in nature, gives alternative proofs of density theorems originally due to E. Szemerédi, H. Furstenberg, and Y. Katznelson. Further results in extremal combinatorics also have been obtained with this approach. The two main components of the regularity method for k-uniform hypergraphs, the regularity lemma and the counting lemma, have been obtained recently: Rödl and Skokan (based on earlier work of Frankl and Rödl) generalized Szemerédi's regularity lemma to k-uniform hypergraphs, and Nagle, Rödl, and Schacht succeeded in proving a counting lemma accompanying the Rödl–Skokan hypergraph regularity lemma. The counting lemma is proved by reducing the counting problem to a simpler one previously investigated by Kohayakawa, Rödl, and Skokan. Similar results were obtained independently by W. T. Gowers, following a different approach. PMID:15919821

Accelerated observers and the notion of singular spacetime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olmo, Gonzalo J.; Rubiera-Garcia, Diego; Sanchez-Puente, Antonio

2018-03-01

Geodesic completeness is typically regarded as a basic criterion to determine whether a given spacetime is regular or singular. However, the principle of general covariance does not privilege any family of observers over the others and, therefore, observers with arbitrary motions should be able to provide a complete physical description of the world. This suggests that in a regular spacetime, all physically acceptable observers should have complete paths. In this work we explore this idea by studying the motion of accelerated observers in spherically symmetric spacetimes and illustrate it by considering two geodesically complete black hole spacetimes recently described in the literature. We show that for bound and locally unbound accelerations, the paths of accelerated test particles are complete, providing further support to the regularity of such spacetimes.

Specious causal attributions in the social sciences: the reformulated stepping-stone theory of heroin use as exemplar.

PubMed

Baumrind, D

1983-12-01

The claims based on causal models employing either statistical or experimental controls are examined and found to be excessive when applied to social or behavioral science data. An exemplary case, in which strong causal claims are made on the basis of a weak version of the regularity model of cause, is critiqued. O'Donnell and Clayton claim that in order to establish that marijuana use is a cause of heroin use (their "reformulated stepping-stone" hypothesis), it is necessary and sufficient to demonstrate that marijuana use precedes heroin use and that the statistically significant association between the two does not vanish when the effects of other variables deemed to be prior to both of them are removed. I argue that O'Donnell and Clayton's version of the regularity model is not sufficient to establish cause and that the planning of social interventions both presumes and requires a generative rather than a regularity causal model. Causal modeling using statistical controls is of value when it compels the investigator to make explicit and to justify a causal explanation but not when it is offered as a substitute for a generative analysis of causal connection.

Supporting Regularized Logistic Regression Privately and Efficiently.

PubMed

Li, Wenfa; Liu, Hongzhe; Yang, Peng; Xie, Wei

2016-01-01

As one of the most popular statistical and machine learning models, logistic regression with regularization has found wide adoption in biomedicine, social sciences, information technology, and so on. These domains often involve data of human subjects that are contingent upon strict privacy regulations. Concerns over data privacy make it increasingly difficult to coordinate and conduct large-scale collaborative studies, which typically rely on cross-institution data sharing and joint analysis. Our work here focuses on safeguarding regularized logistic regression, a widely-used statistical model while at the same time has not been investigated from a data security and privacy perspective. We consider a common use scenario of multi-institution collaborative studies, such as in the form of research consortia or networks as widely seen in genetics, epidemiology, social sciences, etc. To make our privacy-enhancing solution practical, we demonstrate a non-conventional and computationally efficient method leveraging distributing computing and strong cryptography to provide comprehensive protection over individual-level and summary data. Extensive empirical evaluations on several studies validate the privacy guarantee, efficiency and scalability of our proposal. We also discuss the practical implications of our solution for large-scale studies and applications from various disciplines, including genetic and biomedical studies, smart grid, network analysis, etc.

Supporting Regularized Logistic Regression Privately and Efficiently

PubMed Central

Li, Wenfa; Liu, Hongzhe; Yang, Peng; Xie, Wei

2016-01-01

As one of the most popular statistical and machine learning models, logistic regression with regularization has found wide adoption in biomedicine, social sciences, information technology, and so on. These domains often involve data of human subjects that are contingent upon strict privacy regulations. Concerns over data privacy make it increasingly difficult to coordinate and conduct large-scale collaborative studies, which typically rely on cross-institution data sharing and joint analysis. Our work here focuses on safeguarding regularized logistic regression, a widely-used statistical model while at the same time has not been investigated from a data security and privacy perspective. We consider a common use scenario of multi-institution collaborative studies, such as in the form of research consortia or networks as widely seen in genetics, epidemiology, social sciences, etc. To make our privacy-enhancing solution practical, we demonstrate a non-conventional and computationally efficient method leveraging distributing computing and strong cryptography to provide comprehensive protection over individual-level and summary data. Extensive empirical evaluations on several studies validate the privacy guarantee, efficiency and scalability of our proposal. We also discuss the practical implications of our solution for large-scale studies and applications from various disciplines, including genetic and biomedical studies, smart grid, network analysis, etc. PMID:27271738

Temporal sparsity exploiting nonlocal regularization for 4D computed tomography reconstruction

PubMed Central

Kazantsev, Daniil; Guo, Enyu; Kaestner, Anders; Lionheart, William R. B.; Bent, Julian; Withers, Philip J.; Lee, Peter D.

2016-01-01

X-ray imaging applications in medical and material sciences are frequently limited by the number of tomographic projections collected. The inversion of the limited projection data is an ill-posed problem and needs regularization. Traditional spatial regularization is not well adapted to the dynamic nature of time-lapse tomography since it discards the redundancy of the temporal information. In this paper, we propose a novel iterative reconstruction algorithm with a nonlocal regularization term to account for time-evolving datasets. The aim of the proposed nonlocal penalty is to collect the maximum relevant information in the spatial and temporal domains. With the proposed sparsity seeking approach in the temporal space, the computational complexity of the classical nonlocal regularizer is substantially reduced (at least by one order of magnitude). The presented reconstruction method can be directly applied to various big data 4D (x, y, z+time) tomographic experiments in many fields. We apply the proposed technique to modelled data and to real dynamic X-ray microtomography (XMT) data of high resolution. Compared to the classical spatio-temporal nonlocal regularization approach, the proposed method delivers reconstructed images of improved resolution and higher contrast while remaining significantly less computationally demanding. PMID:27002902

Solve the Dilemma of Over-Simplification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitt, Gerhard

Complexity science can help to understand the functioning and the interaction of the components of a city. In 1965, Christopher Alexander gave in his book A city is not a tree a description of the complex nature of urban organization. At this time, neither high-speed computers nor urban big data existed. Today, Luis Bettencourt et al. use complexity science to analyze data for countries, regions, or cities. The results can be used globally in other cities. Objectives of complexity science with regard to future cities are the observation and identification of tendencies and regularities in behavioral patterns, and to find correlations between them and spatial configurations. Complex urban systems cannot be understood in total yet. But research focuses on describing the system by finding some simple, preferably general and emerging patterns and rules that can be used for urban planning. It is important that the influencing factors are not just geo-spatial patterns but also consider variables which are important for the design quality. Complexity science is a way to solve the dilemma of oversimplification of insights from existing cities and their applications to new cities. An example: The effects of streets, public places and city structures on citizens and their behavior depend on how they are perceived. To describe this perception, it is not sufficient to consider only particular characteristics of the urban environment. Different aspects play a role and influence each other. Complexity science could take this fact into consideration and handle the non-linearity of the system...

Embedding argumentation discourse within elementary inquiry teaching: Implications for professional development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borger, Laurie Landon

The National Research Council's most recent report Taking Science to School: Learning and Teaching Science in Grades K-8, (2007) has suggested a redefinition of science proficiency. "This framework rests on a view of science as both a body of knowledge and an evidence-based, model building enterprise that continually extends, refines, and revises knowledge" (p.2). Therefore embedding argumentation discourse within inquiry teaching includes educating students to voice their own evidence based explanations and justifications for acceptance, refinement, or possible rejection by their peers. This new perspective will require elementary teachers to challenge their own knowledge, beliefs, and practices about science proficiency. It will necessitate the creation of professional development opportunities that are specific to the needs of the teachers who are facilitating the reform during a time period when the NCLB (2001) legislation requires 100% proficiency for all students in reading and math. This intrinsic case study involved the purposive sampling of 30 regular elementary education teachers in one rural school district in Pennsylvania. A grounded theory perspective was used to examine the elementary teachers' beliefs, practices, and barriers as a means to specify the necessary supports needed to accept the challenges associated with the redefinition of science proficiency. Data was collected through a survey, observational inventory, checklist, and interviews. Using constant comparison analysis, this researcher and the district's Science Department Head, identified and refined emerging trends into the following four essential themes: equity and accountability, teacher's beliefs, isolation, and curriculum rigor. Each theme influenced instructional practices. Most notably the implementation of the teacher evaluation plan encouraged teachers to view science as a lower priority and hindered their desire to improve it. Isolation kept teachers' science knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge stagnate, including their beliefs surrounding the ultimate goal of elementary science. The science curriculum did not include explanation or argumentation as a top level goal for instruction consequently instructional practices were limited. Eight specific components for professional development are delineated.

What is 'settled Science'?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, M.

2013-12-01

Republican strategist Frank Luntz famously advised party leaders to emphasize the lack of ';scientific certainty' about global warming because, once the public became convinced of a scientific consensus on global warming, they would accept it and policies responding to it. But philosophical work on scientific methodology puts absolute certainty out of reach. Today almost all philosophers are fallibilists, holding that every belief is subject to correction. Does it follow that an honest report of what science has to say about any topic cannot claim that the matter is settled? I defend a more confident view: much of what science has to say about the world is settled. On this view, settled science doesn't require philosophical certainty. Instead, it is based on stable agreement and practical reliability--values central to C.S. Peirce's account of the scientific method. Defending this position requires care over changes in theory that can undermine the language in which these settled points were initially expressed. It also requires epistemic modesty, since our confidence in any claim, including observational claims, depends on a kind of induction, and could, in principle, be undermined. Interestingly, this line of thought also suggests many of the central claims the historical sciences make about our world are more stable and reliable than the more theory-dependent claims we think of as central to the foundations of physics. David Hume undermined philosophical certainty about causal laws when he argued that, no matter how many times we make observations confirming a law, it could still fail the next test. This point is sometimes confused with healthy scientific skepticism, but Hume's worry has a much broader scope than scientific skepticism. For Hume each instance of a causal relation was doubtful, no matter how similar to previous instances. But scientists are diffident about applying a well-tested law only when the circumstances differ. For instance, particle physicists regard the standard model as extremely reliable for a wide range of energies, though it is expected to fail at higher energies. Peirce's emphasis on stable agreement and practical reliability has two important implications for understanding settled science: first, it exposes our confidence in observations to Hume's worries about induction, since our confidence in observation is, on his account, grounded in regular, reliable agreement between observers. But well-established observational results are paradigmatic examples of settled science! In turn, this points toward a more general account of settled science. The successes of general relativity, quantum mechanics and the standard model in particle physics are inconclusive for the foundations of physics, which aim (ambitiously) at a unified theory of all the forces of nature. But they remain settled successes for these theories. Similarly, biology and geology have achieved stable consensus on many points, including the importance of processes such as natural selection and plate tectonics, and climate science has achieved stable consensus on many conclusions as well (Cook et al., 2013), from the processes responsible for the ';greenhouse' effect and the role of CO2 emissions in amplifying that effect, to a range of estimates for climate sensitivity, based on multiple lines of evidence, that makes the danger of continued emissions plain.

Learning multiple rules simultaneously: Affixes are more salient than reduplications.

PubMed

Gervain, Judit; Endress, Ansgar D

2017-04-01

Language learners encounter numerous opportunities to learn regularities, but need to decide which of these regularities to learn, because some are not productive in their native language. Here, we present an account of rule learning based on perceptual and memory primitives (Endress, Dehaene-Lambertz, & Mehler, Cognition, 105(3), 577-614, 2007; Endress, Nespor, & Mehler, Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 13(8), 348-353, 2009), suggesting that learners preferentially learn regularities that are more salient to them, and that the pattern of salience reflects the frequency of language features across languages. We contrast this view with previous artificial grammar learning research, which suggests that infants "choose" the regularities they learn based on rational, Bayesian criteria (Frank & Tenenbaum, Cognition, 120(3), 360-371, 2013; Gerken, Cognition, 98(3)B67-B74, 2006, Cognition, 115(2), 362-366, 2010). In our experiments, adult participants listened to syllable strings starting with a syllable reduplication and always ending with the same "affix" syllable, or to syllable strings starting with this "affix" syllable and ending with the "reduplication". Both affixation and reduplication are frequently used for morphological marking across languages. We find three crucial results. First, participants learned both regularities simultaneously. Second, affixation regularities seemed easier to learn than reduplication regularities. Third, regularities in sequence offsets were easier to learn than regularities at sequence onsets. We show that these results are inconsistent with previous Bayesian rule learning models, but mesh well with the perceptual or memory primitives view. Further, we show that the pattern of salience revealed in our experiments reflects the distribution of regularities across languages. Ease of acquisition might thus be one determinant of the frequency of regularities across languages.

USA Science and Engineering Festival 2014

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-25

Two boys attending the USA Science and Engineering Festival pose with Robonaut 2 at the NASA Stage. Robonaut 2 is NASA's first dexterous humanoid robot that has been working on the International Space Station for the last three years. R2 recently received 1.2 meter long legs to allow mobility. This will enable R2 to assist more with regular and repetitive tasks inside and outside the station. The USA Science and Engineering Festival took place at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC on April 26 and 27, 2014. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Extended generalized recurrence plot quantification of complex circular patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riedl, Maik; Marwan, Norbert; Kurths, Jürgen

2017-03-01

The generalized recurrence plot is a modern tool for quantification of complex spatial patterns. Its application spans the analysis of trabecular bone structures, Turing patterns, turbulent spatial plankton patterns, and fractals. Determinism is a central measure in this framework quantifying the level of regularity of spatial structures. We show by basic examples of fully regular patterns of different symmetries that this measure underestimates the orderliness of circular patterns resulting from rotational symmetries. We overcome this crucial problem by checking additional structural elements of the generalized recurrence plot which is demonstrated with the examples. Furthermore, we show the potential of the extended quantity of determinism applying it to more irregular circular patterns which are generated by the complex Ginzburg-Landau-equation and which can be often observed in real spatially extended dynamical systems. So, we are able to reconstruct the main separations of the system's parameter space analyzing single snapshots of the real part only, in contrast to the use of the original quantity. This ability of the proposed method promises also an improved description of other systems with complicated spatio-temporal dynamics typically occurring in fluid dynamics, climatology, biology, ecology, social sciences, etc.

The Effects of the Use of Activities of Science - A Process Approach on the Oral Communication Skills of Disadvantaged Kindergarten Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huff, Phyllis Ester

Reported is a study of the effects of participation in the activities of Science - A Process Approach on the development of oral transmitting skills. This study was directed toward the instruction of 113 kindergarten children enrolled in four regularly scheduled classes, in an inner-city school. Two of the classes, one morning and one afternoon,…

A Gifted and Talented Curriculum Handbook for Science in the Intermediate Grades of Lee County's Department of Exceptional Children. Gifted and Talented Resource Program, Grades 4-6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baggarley, Margaret; And Others

Intended for regular classroom teachers in intermediate science classes serving the gifted and talented student, the curriculum handbook is designed to give a basic understanding of gifted education, to list appropriate goals and objectives for the gifted student, and to suggest materials and strategies for implementation within the regular…

Making science accessible through collaborative science teacher action research on feminist pedagogy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capobianco, Brenda M.

The underrepresentation of women and minorities in science is an extensively studied yet persistent concern of our society. Major reform movements in science education suggest that better teaching, higher standards, and sensitivity to student differences can overcome long-standing obstacles to participation among women and minorities. In response to these major reform movements, researchers have suggested teachers transform their goals, science content, and instructional practices to make science more attractive and inviting to all students, particularly young women and minorities (Barton, 1998; Brickhouse, 1994; Mayberry & Rees, 1999; Rodriguez, 1999; Roychoudhury, Tippins, & Nichols, 1995). One of the more dominant approaches currently heralded is the use of feminist pedagogy in science education. The purpose of this study was to examine the ways eleven middle and high school science teachers worked collaboratively to engage in systematic, self-critical inquiry of their own practice and join with other science teachers to engage in collaborative conversations in effort to transform their practice for a more equitable science education. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews, whole group discussions, classroom observations, and review of supporting documents. Data analysis was based on grounded theory (Strauss & Corbin, 1990) and open coding (Miles and Huberman, 1994). This study described the collective processes the science teachers and university researcher employed to facilitate regular collaborative action research meetings over the course of six months. Findings indicated that engaging in collaborative action research allowed teachers to gain new knowledge about feminist science teaching, generate a cluster of pedagogical possibilities for inclusive pedagogy, and enhance their understanding for science teaching. Additional findings indicated dilemmas teachers experienced including resistance to a feminist agenda and concerns for validity in action research. This study revealed that there are no uniform solutions or standard methods to address issues of equity and accessibility in science education. This study recommends teachers be given time, support, and freedom to collaborate with other teacher-researchers, enact decisions for change, and reflect on and make public the results of their work. Additional implications suggest science teacher educators collaborate with practicing science teachers to devise practical applications and feasible resources for a wider audience.

Education and training for implementation science: our interest in manuscripts describing education and training materials.

PubMed

Straus, Sharon E; Sales, Anne; Wensing, Michel; Michie, Susan; Kent, Bridie; Foy, Robbie

2015-09-28

Alongside the growth in interest in implementation science, there has been a marked increase in training programs, educational courses, degrees, and other offerings in implementation research and practice to meet the demand for this expertise. We believe that the science of capacity building has matured but that we can advance it further by shining light on excellent work in this area and by highlighting gaps for future research. At Implementation Science, we regularly receive manuscripts that describe or evaluate training materials, competencies, and competency development in implementation curricula. We are announcing a renewed interest in manuscripts in this area, with specifications described below.

Changing the science education paradigm: from teaching facts to engaging the intellect: Science Education Colloquia Series, Spring 2011.

PubMed

Fischer, Caleb Nathaniel

2011-09-01

Dr. Jo Handelsman, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at Yale University, is a long-time devotee of scientific teaching, receiving this year's Presidential Award for Science Mentoring. She gave a seminar entitled "What is Scientific Teaching? The Changing Landscape of Science Education" as a part of the Scientific Education Colloquia Series in spring 2011. After dissecting what is wrong with the status quo of American scientific education, several ideological and practical changes are proposed, including active learning, regular assessment, diversity, and mentorship. Copyright © 2011.

Learning Electron Transport Chain Process in Photosynthesis Using Video and Serious Game

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Espinoza Morales, Cecilia

This research investigates students' learning about the electron transport chain (ETC) process in photosynthesis by watching a video followed by playing a serious board game-Electron Chute- that models the ETC process. To accomplish this goal, several learning outcomes regarding the misconceptions students' hold about photosynthesis and the ETC process in photosynthesis were defined. Middle school students need opportunities to develop cohesive models that explain the mechanistic processes of biological systems to support their learning. A six-week curriculum on photosynthesis included a one day learning activity using an ETC video and the Electron Chute game to model the ETC process. The ETC model explained how sunlight energy was converted to chemical energy (ATP) at the molecular level involving a flow of electrons. The learning outcomes and the experiences were developed based on the Indiana Academic Standards for biology and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for the life sciences. Participants were 120 eighth grade science students from an urban public school. The participants were organized into six classes based on their level of academic readiness, regular and challenge, by the school corporation. Four classes were identified as regular classes and two of them as challenge classes. Students in challenge classes had the opportunity to be challenged with more difficult content knowledge and required higher level thinking skills. The regular classes were the mainstream at school. A quasi-experimental design known as non-equivalent group design (NEGD) was used in this study. This experimental design consisted of a pretest-posttest experiment in two similar groups to begin with-the video only and video+game treatments. Intact classes were distributed into the treatments. The video only watched the ETC video and the video+game treatment watched the ETC video and played the Electron Chute game. The instrument (knowledge test) consisted of a multiple-choice section addressing general knowledge of photosynthesis and specific knowledge about ETC, and an essay section where students were asked to interpret each part of a diagram about the ETC process. Considering only the effect of treatments on score gain, regular and challenge groups reached higher scores in the posttest in comparison to the pretest after playing Electron Chute in both section of the test. However, the effect of treatments between the classes for each treatment was inconclusive. In the essay, the score gain was higher in the challenge than the regular class, but there was not a significant difference between both classes in the multiple-choice section. In regard to the learning outcomes, the initial model provided by the ETC video was mostly effective on addressing the misconception related to the oxygen production, which derives from the photolysis -or splitting-of the water molecules. Playing Electron Chute was effective on addressing most of the misconceptions targeted in the instruction design used for study. Most of these misconceptions were related to ATP and NADPH production and the cell structures where the ETC process takes place. At the end of the video+game learning treatment, a survey was used to collect data about students' experiences while playing the game. The majority of students agreed that playing the game increased their ability to explain how plants use light energy, but only about a third of them felt they could explain how ETC worked. Enjoyment and need for more explanations were different between students who attended the regular and challenge classes. The majority of the students who attended a regular class indicated they liked the ETC video and playing Electron Chute, percentage of agreement that was significantly higher than students who attended the challenge class. As a result, more students in the regular class indicated an interest in learning other science concepts like ETC. Students who attended the regular class reported that clear rules about how to play the game were helpful for learning. Further, the challenge group indicated the video and the Electron Chute game could include more explanations. These results suggest the video and game learning experience has the potential for engaging students’ interest in science when they participated in a regular class. This study also demonstrates a principled approach for designing a video and game to illustrate important methods for creating content knowledge that supports students’ ability to make sense of how complex systems work. Through more refinements of the game, the learning experiences could be a viable learning experience that accommodates the needs of a diverse population of students who might prefer different learning methods.

77 FR 40591 - Applications for New Awards; Veterans Upward Bound Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-10

...: Regular UB grants, UB Math and Science (UBMS) grants, and Veterans UB (VUB) grants. This notice announces... who in the first year of postsecondary education placed into college-level math and English without...

Sparsely sampling the sky: Regular vs. random sampling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paykari, P.; Pires, S.; Starck, J.-L.; Jaffe, A. H.

2015-09-01

Aims: The next generation of galaxy surveys, aiming to observe millions of galaxies, are expensive both in time and money. This raises questions regarding the optimal investment of this time and money for future surveys. In a previous work, we have shown that a sparse sampling strategy could be a powerful substitute for the - usually favoured - contiguous observation of the sky. In our previous paper, regular sparse sampling was investigated, where the sparse observed patches were regularly distributed on the sky. The regularity of the mask introduces a periodic pattern in the window function, which induces periodic correlations at specific scales. Methods: In this paper, we use a Bayesian experimental design to investigate a "random" sparse sampling approach, where the observed patches are randomly distributed over the total sparsely sampled area. Results: We find that in this setting, the induced correlation is evenly distributed amongst all scales as there is no preferred scale in the window function. Conclusions: This is desirable when we are interested in any specific scale in the galaxy power spectrum, such as the matter-radiation equality scale. As the figure of merit shows, however, there is no preference between regular and random sampling to constrain the overall galaxy power spectrum and the cosmological parameters.

Building an Understanding: What Motivates Teachers to use Science in Motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spuck, Karen M.

Science education reform documents call for instructional practices that include scientific equipment and materials. Often, these types of resources are inaccessible for schools, especially those which are rural and socio-economically challenged, due largely to budgetary considerations. Science outreach partnerships are able to bridge the gap between what is called for in science education reform documents and the realities of many schools. Science in Motion is a science outreach partnership project located in rural Northwestern Pennsylvania, supported by state funds, that provides equipment, curricular materials, and professional development free of charge for area science educators. Teacher participation in this project is completely voluntary. Not a grassroots initiative, nor a top down mandated project, why do teachers decide to use this project? This study examined the volitional use of the Science in Motion project at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Qualitative research methods were used to answer the following research question: what are the reasons for project use reported by teachers who use the project on a regular basis? Sub research questions were: what is it about the teacher that encouraged her/him to initiate Science in Motion services, and what is it about the teacher that encourages her/him to continue using Science in Motion services? Two focus group interviews as well as a paper/pencil questionnaire were used to collect data from teacher participants who use the project on a regular basis. A phenomenological lens was used to examine data. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze data. Research findings reveal teachers initiated use because: the project provided opportunities for teaching and learning that otherwise were inaccessible, the project was perceived as user friendly and easy to access, the project embedded professional development provided the support needed to encourage initial use, and the project resources were perceived as a means to facilitate teaching and learning goals and beliefs held by this group of teachers. Reasons for continued use included the project was found to be user friendly and the project maintained a variety of equipment, and updated labs and equipment on a regular basis. In addition, teachers were given an opportunity to have a voice in the project, selecting labs and materials as the project expanded over the years, which gave teachers a sense of ownership and empowerment. Assertions about this group of teachers were also developed. These teachers were found to be reflective about their teaching practices, and resourceful problem-solvers. They also maintain strong professional attitudes, and value life-long learning. The research participants believe maintaining a dynamic curriculum and continued professional growth keep the teaching processes exciting for themselves, which then sparks student interest excitement and motivation to learn.

An Observational Study of Instructional and Curricular Practices Used with Gifted and Talented Students in Regular Classrooms. Research Monograph 93104.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Westberg, Karen L.; And Others

This report describes one part of the Classroom Practices Study, focusing on systematic observations of gifted and talented students in 46 third and fourth grade classrooms. The observations were designed to determine if and how teachers meet the needs of gifted and talented students in regular classroom settings. The Classroom Practices Record…

12 CFR 311.5 - Regular procedure for closing meetings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Regular procedure for closing meetings. 311.5 Section 311.5 Banks and Banking FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION PROCEDURE AND RULES OF PRACTICE RULES GOVERNING PUBLIC OBSERVATION OF MEETINGS OF THE CORPORATION'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS § 311.5 Regular...

Science communication on YouTube: Factors that affect channel and video popularity.

PubMed

Welbourne, Dustin J; Grant, Will J

2016-08-01

YouTube has become one of the largest websites on the Internet. Among its many genres, both professional and amateur science communicators compete for audience attention. This article provides the first overview of science communication on YouTube and examines content factors that affect the popularity of science communication videos on the site. A content analysis of 390 videos from 39 YouTube channels was conducted. Although professionally generated content is superior in number, user-generated content was significantly more popular. Furthermore, videos that had consistent science communicators were more popular than those without a regular communicator. This study represents an important first step to understand content factors, which increases the channel and video popularity of science communication on YouTube. © The Author(s) 2015.

Evolutionary paths among different red galaxy types at 0.3 < z < 1.5 and the build-up of massive E-S0's

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallego, Jesús; Prieto, Mercedes; Eliche-Moral, M. Carmen; Balcells, Marc; Cristóbal-Hornillos, David; Erwin, Peter; Abreu, David; Domínguez-Palmero, Lilian; Hempel, Angela; López-Sanjuan, Carlos; Guzmán, Rafael; Pérez-González, Pablo G.; Barro, Guillermo; Zamorano, Jaime

2013-07-01

Some recent observations seem to disagree with hierarchical theories of galaxy formation on the role of major mergers in a late build-up of massive early-type galaxies. We re-address this question by analysing the morphology, structural distortion level, and star formation enhancement of a sample of massive galaxies (M* > 5 × 1010M⊙) lying on the Red Sequence and its surroundings at 0.3 < z < 1.5. We have used an initial sample of ~1800 sources with Ks < 20.5 mag over an area ~155 arcmin2 on the Groth Strip, combining data from the Rainbow Extragalactic Database and the GOYA Survey. Red galaxy classes that can be directly associated to intermediate stages of major mergers and to their final products have been defined. For the first time we report observationally the existence of a dominant evolutionary path among massive red galaxies at 0.6 < z < 1.5, consisting in the conversion of irregular disks into irregular spheroids, and of these ones into regular spheroids. This result points to: 1) the massive red regular galaxies at low redshifts derive from the irregular ones populating the Red Sequence and its neighbourhood at earlier epochs up to z ~ 1.5; 2) the progenitors of the bulk of present-day massive red regular galaxies have been blue disks that have migrated to the Red Sequence majoritarily through major mergers at 0.6 < z < 1.2 (these mergers thus starting at z ~ 1.5); 3) the formation of E-S0's that end up with M* > 1011M⊙ at z = 0 through gas-rich major mergers has frozen since z ~ 0.6. Our results support that major mergers have played the dominant role in the definitive build-up of present-day E-S0's with M* > 1011M⊙ at 0.6 < z < 1.2, in good agreement with the hierarchical scenario proposed in the Eliche-Moral et al. (2010a) model (see also Eliche-Moral et al. 2010b). This study is published in Prieto et al. (2012). Supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN) under projects AYA2009-10368, AYA2006-12955, AYA2010-21887-C04-04, and AYA2009-11137, by the Madrid Regional Government through the AstroMadrid Project (CAM S2009/ESP-1496), and by the Spanish MICINN under the Consolider-Ingenio 2010 Program grant CSD2006-00070: ``First Science with the GTC'' (http://www.iac.es/consolider-ingenio-gtc/). S. D. H. & G.

Regular-Fat Dairy and Human Health: A Synopsis of Symposia Presented in Europe and North America (2014–2015)

PubMed Central

Astrup, Arne; Rice Bradley, Beth H.; Brenna, J. Thomas; Delplanque, Bernadette; Ferry, Monique; Torres-Gonzalez, Moises

2016-01-01

In recent history, some dietary recommendations have treated dairy fat as an unnecessary source of calories and saturated fat in the human diet. These assumptions, however, have recently been brought into question by current research on regular fat dairy products and human health. In an effort to disseminate, explore and discuss the state of the science on the relationship between regular fat dairy products and health, symposia were programmed by dairy industry organizations in Europe and North America at The Eurofed Lipids Congress (2014) in France, The Dairy Nutrition Annual Symposium (2014) in Canada, The American Society for Nutrition Annual Meeting held in conjunction with Experimental Biology (2015) in the United States, and The Federation of European Nutrition Societies (2015) in Germany. This synopsis of these symposia describes the complexity of dairy fat and the effects regular-fat dairy foods have on human health. The emerging scientific evidence indicates that the consumption of regular fat dairy foods is not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and inversely associated with weight gain and the risk of obesity. Dairy foods, including regular-fat milk, cheese and yogurt, can be important components of an overall healthy dietary pattern. Systematic examination of the effects of dietary patterns that include regular-fat milk, cheese and yogurt on human health is warranted. PMID:27483308

Regular-Fat Dairy and Human Health: A Synopsis of Symposia Presented in Europe and North America (2014-2015).

PubMed

Astrup, Arne; Rice Bradley, Beth H; Brenna, J Thomas; Delplanque, Bernadette; Ferry, Monique; Torres-Gonzalez, Moises

2016-07-29

In recent history, some dietary recommendations have treated dairy fat as an unnecessary source of calories and saturated fat in the human diet. These assumptions, however, have recently been brought into question by current research on regular fat dairy products and human health. In an effort to disseminate, explore and discuss the state of the science on the relationship between regular fat dairy products and health, symposia were programmed by dairy industry organizations in Europe and North America at The Eurofed Lipids Congress (2014) in France, The Dairy Nutrition Annual Symposium (2014) in Canada, The American Society for Nutrition Annual Meeting held in conjunction with Experimental Biology (2015) in the United States, and The Federation of European Nutrition Societies (2015) in Germany. This synopsis of these symposia describes the complexity of dairy fat and the effects regular-fat dairy foods have on human health. The emerging scientific evidence indicates that the consumption of regular fat dairy foods is not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and inversely associated with weight gain and the risk of obesity. Dairy foods, including regular-fat milk, cheese and yogurt, can be important components of an overall healthy dietary pattern. Systematic examination of the effects of dietary patterns that include regular-fat milk, cheese and yogurt on human health is warranted.

Word diffusion and climate science.

PubMed

Bentley, R Alexander; Garnett, Philip; O'Brien, Michael J; Brock, William A

2012-01-01

As public and political debates often demonstrate, a substantial disjoint can exist between the findings of science and the impact it has on the public. Using climate-change science as a case example, we reconsider the role of scientists in the information-dissemination process, our hypothesis being that important keywords used in climate science follow "boom and bust" fashion cycles in public usage. Representing this public usage through extraordinary new data on word frequencies in books published up to the year 2008, we show that a classic two-parameter social-diffusion model closely fits the comings and goings of many keywords over generational or longer time scales. We suggest that the fashions of word usage contributes an empirical, possibly regular, correlate to the impact of climate science on society.

[Acupuncture at Baihui(GV 20) and Shenting(GV 24) combined with basic treatment and regular rehabilitation for post-stroke cognitive impairment:a randomized controlled trial].

PubMed

Zhan, Jie; Pan, Ruihuan; Guo, Youhua; Zhan, Lechang; He, Mingfeng; Wang, Qiuchun; Chen, Hongxia

2016-08-12

To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture at Baihui(GV 20) and Shenting(GV 24) combined with rehabilitation for post-stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI). Fifty patients with PSCI were randomly assigned to an observation group and a control group,25 cases in each one. In the control group,basic treatment and regular rehabilitation were applied. In the observation group,acupuncture at Baihui(GV 20) and Shenting(GV 24) and the same therapies as the control group were used for continuous four weeks,once a day and five times a week. Mini-mental state examination(MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA) were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. After treatment,the scores of MMSE and MoCA were improved apparently(both P <0.05),with better results in the observation group(both P <0.05). Acupuncture at Baihui(GV 20) and Shenting(GV 24) combined with basic treatment and regular rehabilitation can obviously improve the cognitive function of PSCI,and the effect is superior to that of basic treatment and regular rehabilitation.

Fusion Energy Sciences Network Requirements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dart, Eli; Tierney, Brian

2012-09-26

The Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) is the primary provider of network connectivity for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. In support of the Office of Science programs, ESnet regularly updates and refreshes its understanding of the networking requirements of the instruments, facilities, scientists, and science programs that it serves. This focus has helped ESnet to be a highly successful enabler of scientific discovery for over 25 years. In December 2011, ESnet and the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES), of the DOE Officemore » of Science (SC), organized a workshop to characterize the networking requirements of the programs funded by FES. The requirements identified at the workshop are summarized in the Findings section, and are described in more detail in the body of the report.« less

Special Issue: 14th International Symposium on Novel and Nano Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Woo-Byoung; Choa, Yong-Ho; Ahn, Hyo-Jin; Park, Il-Kyu

2017-09-01

This Special Issue of Applied Surface Science is intended to provide a collection of peer-reviewed contributions presented at the 14th International Symposium on Novel Nano Materials (ISNNM) held in Budapest, Hungary as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe from July 3 to July 8, 2016. All selected papers underwent the regular peer review process as set by the journal of Applied Surface Science and its publisher (Elsevier).

Reconfigurable Computing for Computational Science: A New Focus in High Performance Computing

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-01

in the past decade. Researchers are regularly employing the power of large computing systems and parallel processing to tackle larger and more...complex problems in all of the physical sciences. For the past decade or so, most of this growth in computing power has been “free” with increased...the scientific computing community as a means to continued growth in computing capability. This paper offers a glimpse of the hardware and

Admission Path, Family Structure and Outcomes in Ghana's Public Universities: Evidence from KNUST Students Enrolled in the Social Sciences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yusif, Hadrat; Ofori-Abebrese, Grace

2017-01-01

At the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana, first year enrolment increased by 1466.81% from 708 in 1961/1962 to 11,093 in 2011. In the 2013/2014 academic year, the total student population was 45,897. There are now five main admission paths, comprising regular, mature, fee paying, less endowed, and protocol/staff…

SPICE Supports Planetary Science Observation Geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall Acton, Charles; Bachman, Nathaniel J.; Semenov, Boris V.; Wright, Edward D.

2015-11-01

"SPICE" is an information system, comprising both data and software, providing scientists with the observation geometry needed to plan observations from instruments aboard robotic spacecraft, and to subsequently help in analyzing the data returned from those observations. The SPICE system has been used on the majority of worldwide planetary exploration missions since the time of NASA's Galileo mission to Jupiter. Along with its "free" price tag, portability and the absence of licensing and export restrictions, its stable, enduring qualities help make it a popular choice. But stability does not imply rigidity-improvements and new capabilities are regularly added. This poster highlights recent additions that could be of interest to planetary scientists.Geometry Finder allows one to find all the times or time intervals when a particular geometric condition exists (e.g. occultation) or when a particular geometric parameter is within a given range or has reached a maximum or minimum.Digital Shape Kernel (DSK) provides means to compute observation geometry using accurately modeled target bodies: a tessellated plate model for irregular bodies and a digital elevation model for large, regular bodies.WebGeocalc (WGC) provides a graphical user interface (GUI) to a SPICE "geometry engine" installed at a mission operations facility, such as the one operated by NAIF. A WGC user need have only a computer with a web browser to access this geometry engine. Using traditional GUI widgets-drop-down menus, check boxes, radio buttons and fill-in boxes-the user inputs the data to be used, the kind of calculation wanted, and the details of that calculation. The WGC server makes the specified calculations and returns results to the user's browser.Cosmographia is a mission visualization program. This tool provides 3D visualization of solar system (target) bodies, spacecraft trajectory and orientation, instrument field-of-view "cones" and footprints, and more.The research described in this publication was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Students with Chronic Conditions: Experiences and Challenges of Regular Education Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Selekman, Janice

2017-01-01

School nurses have observed the increasing prevalence of children with chronic conditions in the school setting; however, little is known about teacher experiences with these children in their regular classrooms. The purpose of this mixed-method study was to describe the experiences and challenges of regular education teachers when they have…

12 CFR 407.3 - Procedures applicable to regularly scheduled meetings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Procedures applicable to regularly scheduled meetings. 407.3 Section 407.3 Banks and Banking EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES REGULATIONS GOVERNING PUBLIC OBSERVATION OF EX-IM BANK MEETINGS § 407.3 Procedures applicable to regularly scheduled...

MGS Radio Science Electron Density Profiles: Interannual Variability and Implications for the Martian Neutral Atmosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bougher, S. W.; Engel, S.; Hinson, D. P.; Murphy, J. R.

2004-01-01

Martian electron density profiles provided by the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Radio Science (RS) experiment over the 95-200 km altitude range indicate what the height of the electron peak and the longitudinal structure of the peak height are sensitive indicators of the physical state of the Mars lower and upper atmospheres. The present analysis is carried out on five sets of occultation profiles, all at high solar zenith angles (SZA). Variations spanning 2 Martian years are investigated near aphelion conditions at high northern latitudes (64.7 - 77.6 N) making use of four of these data sets. A mean ionospheric peak height of 133.5 - 135 km is obtained near SZA = 78 - 82 deg.; a corresponding mean peak density of 7.3 - 8.5 x l0(exp 4)/ qu cm is also measured during solar moderate conditions at Mars. Strong wave number 2 - 3 oscillations in peak heights are consistently observed as a function of longitude over the 2 Martian years. These observed ionospheric features are remarkably similar during aphelion conditions 1 Martian year apart. This year-to-year repeatability in the thermosphere-ionosphere structure is consistent with that observed in multiyear aphelion temperature data of the Mars lower atmosphere. Coupled Mars general circulation model (MGCM) and Mars thermospheric general circulation model (MTGCM) codes are run for Mars aphelion conditions, yielding mean and longitude variable ionospheric peak heights that reasonably match RS observations. A tidal decomposition of MTGCM thermospheric densities shows that observed ionospheric wave number 3 features are linked to a non-migrating tidal mode with semidiurnal period (sigma = 2) and zonal wave number 1 (s = -1) characteristics. The height of this photochemically determined ionospheric peak should be monitored regularly.

ScienceDirect through SciVerse: a new way to approach Elsevier.

PubMed

Bengtson, Jason

2011-01-01

SciVerse is the new combined portal from Elsevier that services their ScienceDirect collection, SciTopics, and their Scopus database. Using SciVerse to access ScienceDirect is the specific focus of this review. Along with advanced keyword searching and citation searching options, SciVerse also incorporates a very useful image search feature. The aim seems to be not only to create an interface that provides broad functionality on par with other database search tools that many searchers use regularly but also to create an open platform that could be changed to respond effectively to the needs of customers.

Science, art and geometrical imagination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luminet, Jean-Pierre

2011-06-01

From the geocentric, closed world model of Antiquity to the wraparound universe models of relativistic cosmology, the parallel history of space representations in science and art illustrates the fundamental rôle of geometric imagination in innovative findings. Through the analysis of works of various artists and scientists like Plato, Dürer, Kepler, Escher, Grisey or the author, it is shown how the process of creation in science and in the arts rests on aesthetical principles such as symmetry, regular polyhedra, laws of harmonic proportion, tessellations, group theory, etc., as well as on beauty, conciseness and an emotional approach of the world.

[The thirty years of Acta Genetica Sinica].

PubMed

Li, Shao-Wu; Zhou, Su; Xue, Yong-Biao; Zhu, Li-Huang

2003-04-01

Acta Genetica Sinica (AGS) is sponsored by the Genetics Society of China and the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and is published by Science Press. The journal is a leading national academic periodical and one of the Chinese key periodicals of natural sciences. Currently, AGS is being indexed by several well-known domestic and international indexing systems, such as the American Chemical Digest (CA), BIOSIS database, Biological Digest (BA), Medical Index and Russian Digest (P [symbol: see text]). Papers in the areas of genetics, developmental biology, cell molecular biology and evolution are regularly published by AGS.

The understandings and meanings eight seventh and eighth grade Latinas gave to science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parker, Carolyn Ann

My study examined the experiences of eight seventh and eighth grade girls of Central American descent, in and out of the science classroom. The study was interpretive in design and explored the question, "How did the eight participants understand and make meaning of science?" Guided by a sociocultural perspective and a socially critical stance, I explored issues of educational access, particularly to science, mediated by the relationships and experiences formed by families, peers, science classrooms, schools, and society. Data sources included monthly individual interviews, regular focus group meetings, school observations, and interviews with teachers and family members. Findings include the importance of school science experiences that emphasize hands-on activities and the study of topics relevant to students' everyday lives. School influences that I discuss include English-as-a-Second Language learning, English language ability and its effect on classroom interactions, ability grouping, standardized testing, and teachers' instructional practices. Out-of-school influences I examine include the national science education reform movement, familial expectations, and society and the media's portrayal of science and the scientist. The implications and recommendations of the study are particularly germane to practice. Recommendations for the science classroom include a continued emphasis on hands-on science experiences that incorporate high academic expectations for all students, including second-language learners. Moreover, curriculum should be connected and relevant to students' everyday experiences. Recommendations for outside-the-science classroom include a thoughtful examination of the educational environment created by a school's tracking policy and continued support of meaningful professional development experiences for teachers. Future research and the subsequent development of theory should include a further analysis of the influence of gender, ethnicity, science, and recently immigrated students. A study of the influence of English-language ability on students' educational experiences would be especially informative. Studies like this can assist the science education community to implement gender and culturally-equitable curricula, instructional materials, and assessment strategies that could better meet the needs of students who have historically been underrepresented in the discipline, including, but not limited to, second-language learners and recent immigrants to the United States.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Osovski, Shmuel; Moiseyev, Nimrod

The recent pioneering experiments of the [Nature 412, 52 (2001)] and [Science, 293, 274 (2001)] groups have demonstrated the dynamical tunneling of cold atoms interacting with standing electromagnetic waves. It has been shown [Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 253201 (2002)], that the tunneling oscillations observed in these experiments correspondingly stems from two- and three-Floquet quantum state mechanism and can be controlled by varying the experimental parameters. The question where are the fingerprints of the classical chaotic dynamics in a quantum dynamical process which is controlled by 2 or 3 quantum states remains open. Our calculations show that although the effective ({Dirac_h}/2{pi})more » associated with the two experiments is large, and the quantum system is far from its semiclassical limit, the quantum Floquet-Bloch quasienergy states still can be classified as regular and chaotic states. In both experiments the quantum and the classical phase-space entropies are quite similar, although the classical phase space is a mixed regular-chaotic space. It is also shown that as the wave packet which is initially localized at one of the two inner regular islands oscillates between them through the chaotic sea, it accumulates a random phase which causes the decay of the amplitude of the oscillating mean momentum, , as measured in both experiments. The extremely high sensitivity of the rate of decay of the oscillations of to the very small changes in the population of different Floquet-Bloch states, is another type of fingerprint of chaos in quantum dynamics that presumably was measured in the NIST and AUSTIN experiments for the first time.« less

Three-dimensional Gravity Inversion with a New Gradient Scheme on Unstructured Grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, S.; Yin, C.; Gao, X.; Liu, Y.; Zhang, B.

2017-12-01

Stabilized gradient-based methods have been proved to be efficient for inverse problems. Based on these methods, setting gradient close to zero can effectively minimize the objective function. Thus the gradient of objective function determines the inversion results. By analyzing the cause of poor resolution on depth in gradient-based gravity inversion methods, we find that imposing depth weighting functional in conventional gradient can improve the depth resolution to some extent. However, the improvement is affected by the regularization parameter and the effect of the regularization term becomes smaller with increasing depth (shown as Figure 1 (a)). In this paper, we propose a new gradient scheme for gravity inversion by introducing a weighted model vector. The new gradient can improve the depth resolution more efficiently, which is independent of the regularization parameter, and the effect of regularization term will not be weakened when depth increases. Besides, fuzzy c-means clustering method and smooth operator are both used as regularization terms to yield an internal consecutive inverse model with sharp boundaries (Sun and Li, 2015). We have tested our new gradient scheme with unstructured grids on synthetic data to illustrate the effectiveness of the algorithm. Gravity forward modeling with unstructured grids is based on the algorithm proposed by Okbe (1979). We use a linear conjugate gradient inversion scheme to solve the inversion problem. The numerical experiments show a great improvement in depth resolution compared with regular gradient scheme, and the inverse model is compact at all depths (shown as Figure 1 (b)). AcknowledgeThis research is supported by Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China (41530320), China Natural Science Foundation for Young Scientists (41404093), and Key National Research Project of China (2016YFC0303100, 2017YFC0601900). ReferencesSun J, Li Y. 2015. Multidomain petrophysically constrained inversion and geology differentiation using guided fuzzy c-means clustering. Geophysics, 80(4): ID1-ID18. Okabe M. 1979. Analytical expressions for gravity anomalies due to homogeneous polyhedral bodies and translations into magnetic anomalies. Geophysics, 44(4), 730-741.

Creating a NASA-Wide Museum Alliance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sohus, Anita M.

2006-01-01

NASA's Museum Alliance is a nationwide network of informal educators at museums, science centers, and planetariums that present NASA information to their local audiences. Begun in 2002 as the Mars Museum Visualization Alliance with advisors from a dozen museums, the network has grown to over 300 people from 200 organizations, including a dozen or so international partners. The network has become a community of practice among these informal educators who work with students, educators, and the general public on a daily basis, presenting information and fielding questions about space exploration. Communications are primarily through an active listserve, regular telecons, and a pass word protected website. Professional development is delivered via telecons and downloadable presentations. Current content offerings include Mars exploration, Cassini, Stardust, Genesis, Deep Impact, Earth observations, STEREO, and missions to explore beyond our solar system.

Harnessing Our Inner Angels and Demons: What We Have Learned About Want/Should Conflicts and How That Knowledge Can Help Us Reduce Short-Sighted Decision Making.

PubMed

Milkman, Katherine L; Rogers, Todd; Bazerman, Max H

2008-07-01

Although observers of human behavior have long been aware that people regularly struggle with internal conflict when deciding whether to behave responsibly or indulge in impulsivity, psychologists and economists did not begin to empirically investigate this type of want/should conflict until recently. In this article, we review and synthesize the latest research on want/should conflict, focusing our attention on the findings from an empirical literature on the topic that has blossomed over the last 15 years. We then turn to a discussion of how individuals and policy makers can use what has been learned about want/should conflict to help decision makers select far-sighted options. © 2008 Association for Psychological Science.

Hidden topological constellations and polyvalent charges in chiral nematic droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Posnjak, Gregor; Čopar, Simon; Muševič, Igor

2017-02-01

Topology has an increasingly important role in the physics of condensed matter, quantum systems, material science, photonics and biology, with spectacular realizations of topological concepts in liquid crystals. Here we report on long-lived hidden topological states in thermally quenched, chiral nematic droplets, formed from string-like, triangular and polyhedral constellations of monovalent and polyvalent singular point defects. These topological defects are regularly packed into a spherical liquid volume and stabilized by the elastic energy barrier due to the helical structure and confinement of the liquid crystal in the micro-sphere. We observe, for the first time, topological three-dimensional point defects of the quantized hedgehog charge q=-2, -3. These higher-charge defects act as ideal polyvalent artificial atoms, binding the defects into polyhedral constellations representing topological molecules.

Hidden topological constellations and polyvalent charges in chiral nematic droplets

PubMed Central

Posnjak, Gregor; Čopar, Simon; Muševič, Igor

2017-01-01

Topology has an increasingly important role in the physics of condensed matter, quantum systems, material science, photonics and biology, with spectacular realizations of topological concepts in liquid crystals. Here we report on long-lived hidden topological states in thermally quenched, chiral nematic droplets, formed from string-like, triangular and polyhedral constellations of monovalent and polyvalent singular point defects. These topological defects are regularly packed into a spherical liquid volume and stabilized by the elastic energy barrier due to the helical structure and confinement of the liquid crystal in the micro-sphere. We observe, for the first time, topological three-dimensional point defects of the quantized hedgehog charge q=−2, −3. These higher-charge defects act as ideal polyvalent artificial atoms, binding the defects into polyhedral constellations representing topological molecules. PMID:28220770

How to Enter, Fly In, and Exit the A-Train Constellation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vincent, Mark A.

2015-01-01

The collaborative science obtained from the satellites in the A-Train is an unparalleled success. The constellation framework that has evolved is well-formulated and documented by its international members. Communication between teams is enhanced by a web-based Constellation Coordination System. Safety and correlated observations are ensured by defining independent control boxes with buffers in between. Each mission stays within its control box by regular drag makeup maneuvers. Annual inclination adjustments are coordinated by all missions to maintain their absolute and relative Mean Local Time of Ascending Node (MLTAN). Since the satellites are in different orbit planes their separation involves a three-dimensional triad made up of the along track separations, reference groundtracks and MLTAN's. For further safety, a Constellation Envelope has been defined to determine safe entry and exit orbits.

NASA Museum Alliance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sohus, Anita

2006-12-01

NASA’s Museum Alliance is a nationwide network of informal educators at museums, science centers, and planetariums that present NASA information to their local audiences. Begun in 2002 as the Mars Museum Visualization Alliance with advisors from a dozen museums, the network has grown to over 300 people from 200 organizations, including a dozen or so international partners. The network has become a community of practice among these informal educators who work with students, educators, and the general public on a daily basis, presenting information and fielding questions about space exploration. Communications are primarily through an active listserve, regular telecons, and a password-protected website. Professional development is delivered via telecons and downloadable presentations. Current content offerings include Mars exploration, Cassini, Stardust, Genesis, Deep Impact, Earth observations, STEREO, and missions to explore beyond our solar system.

Image volume analysis of omnidirectional parallax regular-polyhedron three-dimensional displays.

PubMed

Kim, Hwi; Hahn, Joonku; Lee, Byoungho

2009-04-13

Three-dimensional (3D) displays having regular-polyhedron structures are proposed and their imaging characteristics are analyzed. Four types of conceptual regular-polyhedron 3D displays, i.e., hexahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron, and icosahedrons, are considered. In principle, regular-polyhedron 3D display can present omnidirectional full parallax 3D images. Design conditions of structural factors such as viewing angle of facet panel and observation distance for 3D display with omnidirectional full parallax are studied. As a main issue, image volumes containing virtual 3D objects represented by the four types of regular-polyhedron displays are comparatively analyzed.

GLAS Long-Term Archive: Preservation and Stewardship for a Vital Earth Observing Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fowler, D. K.; Moses, J. F.; Zwally, J.; Schutz, B. E.; Hancock, D.; McAllister, M.; Webster, D.; Bond, C.

2012-12-01

Data Stewardship, preservation, and reproducibility are fast becoming principal parts of a data manager's work. In an era of distributed data and information systems, it is of vital importance that organizations make a commitment to both current and long-term goals of data management and the preservation of scientific data. Satellite missions and instruments go through a lifecycle that involves pre-launch calibration, on-orbit data acquisition and product generation, and final reprocessing. Data products and descriptions flow to the archives for distribution on a regular basis during the active part of the mission. However there is additional information from the product generation and science teams needed to ensure the observations will be useful for long term climate studies. Examples include ancillary input datasets, product generation software, and production history as developed by the team during the course of product generation. These data and information will need to be archived after product data processing is completed. NASA has developed a set of Earth science data and information content requirements for long term preservation that is being used for all the EOS missions as they come to completion. Since the ICESat/GLAS mission was one of the first to end, NASA and NSIDC, in collaboration with the science team, are collecting data, software, and documentation, preparing for long-term support of the ICESat mission. For a long-term archive, it is imperative to preserve sufficient information about how products were prepared in order to ensure future researchers that the scientific results are accurate, understandable, and useable. Our experience suggests data centers know what to preserve in most cases. That is, the processing algorithms along with the Level 0 or Level 1a input and ancillary products used to create the higher-level products will be archived and made available to users. In other cases, such as pre-launch, calibration/validation, and test data, the data centers must seek guidance from the science team. All these data are essential for product provenance, contributing to and helping establish the integrity of the scientific observations for long term climate studies. In this presentation we will describe application of information gathering with guidance from the ICESat/GLAS Science Team, and the flow of additional information from the ICESat Science team and Science Investigator-Led Processing System to the NSIDC Distributed Active Archive Center. This presentation will also cover how we envision user support through the years of the Long-Term Archive.

All-Sky Earth Occultation Observations with the Fermi Gamma Ray Burst Monitor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson-Hodge, C. A.; Beklen, E.; Bhat, P. N.; Briggs, M.; Camero-Arranz, A.; Case, G.; Chaplin, V.; Cherry, M.; Connaughton, V.; Finger, M.;

Documenting Collections: Cornerstones for More History of Science in Museums

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lourenço, Marta C.; Gessner, Samuel

2014-04-01

Historians of science have recently become increasingly involved with collections and scientific instruments. This creates opportunities for a more significant role of history in museums of science, as well as more meaningful and contextualized exhibitions and educational programmes. However, complementing the mainstream focus on universal scientific principles with history requires structural and cultural changes in museums' approaches and practices. In this paper we draw from recent collaborative work with historians of science at the University of Lisbon to reflect on the challenges museums face as they prepare for a more meaningful historical approach to science. We argue that documentation is crucial both before objects enter the museum and as regular collections practice. We propose a conceptual and methodological framework comprising two operational levels: documenting individual objects and documenting collections.

CALIPSO Instrument OFF

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2013-12-05

... the 100MeV levels are above the 1 pfu, which requires the computer to be powered down.   Recovery planning has begun and will be ... Payload was returned to Data Acquisition and regular nightly science data downlinks following the Inclination Maneuver on April 16th at ...

34 CFR 645.3 - Who is eligible to participate in an Upward Bound project?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... a Regular, Veterans, or a Math and Science Upward Bound project if the individual meets all of the following requirements: (a)(1) Is a citizen or national of the United States. (2) Is a permanent resident of...

34 CFR 645.3 - Who is eligible to participate in an Upward Bound project?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... a Regular, Veterans, or a Math and Science Upward Bound project if the individual meets all of the following requirements: (a)(1) Is a citizen or national of the United States. (2) Is a permanent resident of...

34 CFR 645.3 - Who is eligible to participate in an Upward Bound project?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... a Regular, Veterans, or a Math and Science Upward Bound project if the individual meets all of the following requirements: (a)(1) Is a citizen or national of the United States. (2) Is a permanent resident of...

34 CFR 645.3 - Who is eligible to participate in an Upward Bound project?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... a Regular, Veterans, or a Math and Science Upward Bound project if the individual meets all of the following requirements: (a)(1) Is a citizen or national of the United States. (2) Is a permanent resident of...

75 FR 63438 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-15

...: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Title: Conflict of Interest Disclosure for.... Form Number(s): NA. Type of Request: Regular submission (renewal of a currently approved information... adapt the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) policy for evaluating conflicts of interest when selecting...

14 CFR 1259.101 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... definitions shall apply: (a) Field related to space means any academic discipline or field of study (including the physical, natural and biological sciences, and engineering, space technology, education, economics...) Institution of higher education means any college or university in any State which: (1) Admits as regular...

Overview of Space Science and Information Research Opportunities at NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, James L.

2000-01-01

It is not possible to review all the opportunities that NASA provides to support the Space Science Enterprise, in the short amount of time allotted for this presentation. Therefore, only a few key programs will be discussed. The programs that I will discuss will concentrate on research opportunities for faculty, graduate and postdoctoral candidates in Space Science research and information technologies at NASA. One of the most important programs for research opportunities is the NASA Research Announcement or NRA. NASA Headquarters issues NRA's on a regular basis and these cover space science and computer science activities relating to NASA missions and programs. In the Space Sciences, the most important NRA is called the "Research Opportunities in Space Science or the ROSS NRA. The ROSS NRA is composed of multiple announcements in the areas of structure and evolution of the Universe, Solar System exploration, Sun-Earth connections, and applied information systems. Another important opportunity is the Graduate Student Research Program (GSRP). The GSRP is designed to cultivate research ties between a NASA Center and the academic community through the award of fellowships to promising students in science and engineering. This program is unique since it matches the student's area of research interest with existing work being carried out at NASA. This program is for U.S. citizens who are full-time graduate students. Students who are successful have made the match between their research and the NASA employee who will act as their NASA Advisor/ Mentor. In this program, the student's research is primarily accomplished under the supervision of his faculty advisor with periodic or frequent interactions with the NASA Mentor. These interactions typically involve travel to the sponsoring NASA Center on a regular basis. The one-year fellowships are renewable for up to three years and over $20,000 per year. These and other important opportunities will be discussed.

Constructivism in Practice: an Exploratory Study of Teaching Patterns and Student Motivation in Physics Classrooms in Finland, Germany and Switzerland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beerenwinkel, Anne; von Arx, Matthias

2017-04-01

For the last three decades, moderate constructivism has become an increasingly prominent perspective in science education. Researchers have defined characteristics of constructivist-oriented science classrooms, but the implementation of such science teaching in daily classroom practice seems difficult. Against this background, we conducted a sub-study within the tri-national research project Quality of Instruction in Physics (QuIP) analysing 60 videotaped physics classes involving a large sample of students ( N = 1192) from Finland, Germany and Switzerland in order to investigate the kinds of constructivist components and teaching patterns that can be found in regular classrooms without any intervention. We applied a newly developed coding scheme to capture constructivist facets of science teaching and conducted principal component and cluster analyses to explore which components and patterns were most prominent in the classes observed. Two underlying components were found, resulting in two scales—Structured Knowledge Acquisition and Fostering Autonomy—which describe key aspects of constructivist teaching. Only the first scale was rather well established in the lessons investigated. Classes were clustered based on these scales. The analysis of the different clusters suggested that teaching physics in a structured way combined with fostering students' autonomy contributes to students' motivation. However, our regression models indicated that content knowledge is a more important predictor for students' motivation, and there was no homogeneous pattern for all gender- and country-specific subgroups investigated. The results are discussed in light of recent discussions on the feasibility of constructivism in practice.

Small-World Network Spectra in Mean-Field Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grabow, Carsten; Grosskinsky, Stefan; Timme, Marc

2012-05-01

Collective dynamics on small-world networks emerge in a broad range of systems with their spectra characterizing fundamental asymptotic features. Here we derive analytic mean-field predictions for the spectra of small-world models that systematically interpolate between regular and random topologies by varying their randomness. These theoretical predictions agree well with the actual spectra (obtained by numerical diagonalization) for undirected and directed networks and from fully regular to strongly random topologies. These results may provide analytical insights to empirically found features of dynamics on small-world networks from various research fields, including biology, physics, engineering, and social science.

Proceedings of the 92nd regular meeting of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Finnie, D.G.

1996-12-31

The proceedings of the 92nd Regular Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute held June 29-July 2, 1996 in Durango, CO. are presented. Attention was focused on the following areas: plots, plans, and partnerships in US mining; partnerships at McKinley; deregulation of the electric utility industry; environmental partnerships; Federal Mine Safety and Health Act; injury prevention in the coal mining industry; new trend in back injury prevention; and automated high wall mining. Selected papers are indexed separately for inclusion in the Energy Science and Technology Database.

Applications of exact traveling wave solutions of Modified Liouville and the Symmetric Regularized Long Wave equations via two new techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Dianchen; Seadawy, Aly R.; Ali, Asghar

2018-06-01

In this current work, we employ novel methods to find the exact travelling wave solutions of Modified Liouville equation and the Symmetric Regularized Long Wave equation, which are called extended simple equation and exp(-Ψ(ξ))-expansion methods. By assigning the different values to the parameters, different types of the solitary wave solutions are derived from the exact traveling wave solutions, which shows the efficiency and precision of our methods. Some solutions have been represented by graphical. The obtained results have several applications in physical science.

Evaluation of meat as a first complementary food for breastfed infants: impact on iron intake.

PubMed

Hambidge, K Michael; Sheng, Xiaoyang; Mazariegos, Manolo; Jiang, Tianjiang; Garces, Ana; Li, Dinghua; Westcott, Jamie; Tshefu, Antoinette; Sami, Neelofar; Pasha, Omrana; Chomba, Elwyn; Lokangaka, Adrien; Goco, Norman; Manasyan, Albert; Wright, Linda L; Koso-Thomas, Marion; Bose, Carl; Goldenberg, Robert L; Carlo, Waldemar A; McClure, Elizabeth M; Krebs, Nancy F

2011-11-01

The rationale for promoting the availability of local, affordable, non-fortified food sources of bioavailable iron in developing countries is considered in this review. Intake of iron from the regular consumption of meat from the age of 6 months is evaluated with respect to physiological requirements. Two major randomized controlled trials evaluating meat as a first and regular complementary food are described in this article. These trials are presently in progress in poor communities in Guatemala, Pakistan, Zambia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and China. © 2011 International Life Sciences Institute.

Influence of Regularity of Exposure to Chronic Stress on the Pattern of Habituation of Pituitary-Adrenal Hormones, Prolactin and Glucose.

PubMed

Martí; Armario

1997-05-01

The effect of regularity of exposure to two different chronic stressors (noise or immobilization (IMO)) on the pattern of habituation of pituitary-adrenal (PA) hormones, prolactin and glucose was evaluated in adult male rats. Animals were chronically subjected to either regular or irregular time schedule of noise (30 min/day) or IMO (2 h/day) for two weeks. The day after the last stress session the rats were killed without stress or after having been subjected to 30 min of the homotypic stressor. Whereas regular noise did not affect food intake, body weight gain or adrenal weight, irregular noise decreased body weight gain and induced a moderate adrenal hypertrophy. In addition, previous daily exposure to regular but not to irregular noise reduced both prolactin and corticosterone responses to acute noise. In contrast, glucose response to acute noise was reduced after both regular and irregular exposure to chronic noise. Either regular or irregular exposure to chronic IMO decreased food intake and body weight and increased adrenal weight to the same extent. Likewise, no influence of regularity of exposure to chronic IMO on corticosterone and prolactin responses to acute IMO was observed. However, habituation of the ACTH response to acute IMO was observed in rats subjected to chronic regular IMO, but not in rats subjected to chronic irregular IMO. Finally, acute IMO-induced hyperglycemia diminished to the same extent after regular and irregular IMO. From these results we can conclude that: first, the process of habituation of the PA axis to chronic stress is greatly dependent upon factors such as regularity of exposure to the stressor and stressor intensity, and second, the influence of regularity on the pattern of habituation to a repeated stressor is dependent on the physiological variable we are dealing with.

Three-dimensional ionospheric tomography reconstruction using the model function approach in Tikhonov regularization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Sicheng; Huang, Sixun; Xiang, Jie; Fang, Hanxian; Feng, Jian; Wang, Yu

2016-12-01

Ionospheric tomography is based on the observed slant total electron content (sTEC) along different satellite-receiver rays to reconstruct the three-dimensional electron density distributions. Due to incomplete measurements provided by the satellite-receiver geometry, it is a typical ill-posed problem, and how to overcome the ill-posedness is still a crucial content of research. In this paper, Tikhonov regularization method is used and the model function approach is applied to determine the optimal regularization parameter. This algorithm not only balances the weights between sTEC observations and background electron density field but also converges globally and rapidly. The background error covariance is given by multiplying background model variance and location-dependent spatial correlation, and the correlation model is developed by using sample statistics from an ensemble of the International Reference Ionosphere 2012 (IRI2012) model outputs. The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations in China are used to present the reconstruction results, and measurements from two ionosondes are used to make independent validations. Both the test cases using artificial sTEC observations and actual GNSS sTEC measurements show that the regularization method can effectively improve the background model outputs.

Spaceborne observations of a changing Earth - Contribution from ESÁ s operating and approved satellite missions.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johannessen, J. A.

2009-04-01

The overall vision for ESÁs Earth Observation activities is to play a central role in developing the global capability to understand planet Earth, predict changes, and mitigate negative effects of global change on its populations. Since Earth observation from space first became possible more than forty years ago, it has become central to monitoring and understanding how the dynamics of the Earth System work. The greatest progress has been in meteorology, where space-based observations have become indispensable, but it is now also progressively penetrating many of the fields making up Earth sciences. Exploiting Earth observation from space presents major multidisciplinary challenges to the researches working in the Earth sciences, to the technologists who build the state-of-the-art sensors, and to the scientists interpreting measurements made of processes occurring on or within the Earth's surface and in its atmosphere. The scientific community has shown considerable imagination in rising to these challenges, and in exploiting the latest technological developments to measure from space the complex processes and interactions that occur in the Earth System. In parallel, there has been significant progress in developing computer models that represent the many processes that make up the Earth System, and the interactions and feedback between them. Success in developing this holistic view is inextricably linked to the data provided by Earth Observation systems. Satellites provide the fundamental, consistent, regular and global measurements needed to drive, parameterise, test and improve those Earth System models. These developments, together with changes in society's awareness of the need for information on a changing world, have repetitively supported the decisions on how ESA can best focus its resources, and those of the European community that it serves, in order to address critical issues in Earth System science. Moreover, it is a fact that many operational, managerial and regulatory activities (i.e. weather forecasting, deforestation, flooding, etc.) essential to the safe exploitation of global resources, conservation of sustainable ecosystems, and the compliance with numerous international treaties and conventions, depend absolutely on continuity of satellite missions to maximise socio-economic and environmental benefits. This presentation will highlight some of the multidisciplinary Earth science achievements and operational applications using ESA satellite missions. It will also address some of the key scientific challenges and need for operational monitoring services in the years to come. It capitalizes on the knowledge and awareness outlined in "The Changing Earth - New scientific challenges for ESÁs Living Planet Programme" issued in 2006 together with updated views and approved plans expressed during ESÁs Earth Sciences Advisory Committee (ESAC) meetings and agreed at the recent User Consultation meeting in January 2009.

National Ice Center Visiting Scientist Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Austin, Meg

2001-01-01

The objectives of the work done by Dr. Kim Partington were to manage NASA's polar research program, including its strategic direction, research funding and interagency and international collaborations. The objectives of the UCAR Visiting Scientist Program at the National Ice Center (NIC) are to: (1) Manage a visiting scientist program for the NIC Science Center in support of the mission of the NIC; (2) Provide a pool of researchers who will share expertise with the NIC and the science community; (3) Facilitate communications between the research and operational communities for the purpose of identifying work ready for validation and transition to an operational environment; and (4) Act as a focus for interagency cooperation. The NIC mission is to provide worldwide operational sea ice analyses and forecasts for the armed forces of the US and allied nations, the Departments of Commerce and Transportation, and other US Government and international agencies, and the civil sector. The NIC produces these analyses and forecasts of Arctic, Antarctic, Great Lakes, and Chesapeake Bay ice conditions to support customers with global, regional, and tactical scale interests. The NIC regularly deploys Naval Ice Center NAVICECEN Ice Reconnaissance personnel to the Arctic and Antarctica in order to perform aerial ice observation and analysis in support of NIC customers. NIC ice data are a key part of the US contribution to international global climate and ocean observing systems.

Asteroid science by Gaia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muinonen, Karri; Cellino, Alberto; Dell Oro, Aldo; Tanga, Paolo; Delbo, Marco; Mignard, Francois; Thuillot, William; Berthier, Jerome; Carry, Benoit; Hestroffer, Daniel; Granvik, Mikael; Fedorets, Grigori

2016-07-01

Since the start of its regular observing program in summer 2014, the Gaia mission has carried out systematic photometric, spectrometric, and astrometric observations of asteroids. In total, the unique capabilities of Gaia allow for the collection of an extensive and homogeneous data set of some 350,000 asteroids down to the limiting magnitude of G = 20.7 mag. The Gaia performance remains excellent over the entire available brightness range. Starting from 2003, a working group of European asteroid scientists has explored the main capabilities of the mission, defining the expected scientific impact on Solar System science. These results have served as a basis for developing the Gaia data reduction pipeline, within the framework of the Data Processing and Analysis Consortium (DPAC). We describe the distribution of the existing and forecoming Gaia observations in space and time for different categories of objects. We illustrate the peculiar properties of each single observation, as these properties will affect the subsequent exploitation of the mission data. We will review the expected performances of Gaia, basically as a function of magnitude and proper motion of the sources. We will further focus on the areas that will benefit from complementary observational campaigns to improve the scientific return of the mission, and on the involvement of the planetary science community as a whole in the exploitation of the Gaia survey. We will thus describe the current and future opportunities for ground-based observers and forthcoming changes brought by Gaia in some observational approaches, such as stellar occultations by transneptunian objects and asteroids. We will show first results from the daily, short-term processing of Gaia data, all the way from the onboard data acquisition to the ground-based processing. We illustrate the tools developed to compute predictions of asteroid observations, we discuss the procedures implemented by the daily processing, and we illustrate some tests and validations of the processing of the asteroid observations. Overall, our findings are consistent with the expectations from the performances of Gaia and of the subsequent data reduction. As to the long-term processing of Gaia data, we expect to derive masses, sizes, average densities, spin properties, reflectance spectra, albedos, as well as new taxonomic classifications for large numbers of asteroids. In this review, we will describe the prospects for Gaia photometry and spectrophotometry. We will describe inverse methods for sparse photometric data using the so-called Lommel-Seeliger ellipsoids. We will further describe the modeling of Gaia spectra for the compositional studies of asteroids, as well as the prospects for a new Gaia asteroid taxonomy. Gaia data will open a new era in asteroid science, allowing us to answer fundamental questions concerning, for example, the interrelation between asteroid internal structure and surface properties.

Biomedical journals in Republic of Macedonia: the current state.

PubMed

Polenakovic, Momir; Danevska, Lenche

2014-01-01

Several biomedical journals in the Republic of Macedonia have succeeded in maintaining regular publication over the years, but only a few have a long-standing tradition. In this paper we present the basic characteristics of 18 biomedical journals that have been published without a break in the Republic of Macedonia. Of these, more details are given for 14 journals, a particular emphasis being on the journal Prilozi/Contributions of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Section of Medical Sciences as one of the journals with a long-term publishing tradition and one of the journals included in the Medline/PubMed database. A brief or broad description is given for the following journals: Macedonian Medical Review, Acta Morphologica, Physioacta, MJMS-Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, International Medical Journal Medicus, Archives of Public Health, Epilepsy, Macedonian Orthopaedics and Traumatology Journal, BANTAO Journal, Macedonian Dental Review, Macedonian Pharmaceutical Bulletin, Macedonian Veterinary Review, Journal of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Balkan Journal of Medical Genetics, Contributions of the Macedonian Scientific Society of Bitola, Vox Medici, Social Medicine: Professional Journal for Public Health, and Prilozi/Contributions of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts. Journals from Macedonia should aim to be published regularly, should comply with the Uniform requirements for manuscripts submitted to biomedical journals, and with the recommendations of reliable organizations working in the field of publishing and research. These are the key prerequisites which Macedonian journals have to accomplish in order to be included in renowned international bibliographic databases. Thus the results of biomedical science from the Republic of Macedonia will be presented to the international scientific arena.

Monitoring variable X-ray sources in nearby galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, A. K. H.

2010-12-01

In the last decade, it has been possible to monitor variable X-ray sources in nearby galaxies. In particular, since the launch of Chandra, M31 has been regularly observed. It is perhaps the only nearby galaxy which is observed by an X-ray telescope regularly throughout operation. With 10 years of observations, the center of M31 has been observed with Chandra for nearly 1 Msec and the X-ray skies of M31 consist of many transients and variables. Furthermore, the X-ray Telescope of Swift has been monitoring several ultraluminous X-ray sources in nearby galaxies regularly. Not only can we detect long-term X-ray variability, we can also find spectral variation as well as possible orbital period. In this talk, I will review some of the important Chandra and Swift monitoring observations of nearby galaxies in the past 10 years. I will also present a "high-definition" movie of M31 and discuss the possibility of detecting luminous transients in M31 with MAXI.

Cell Membrane Tracking in Living Brain Tissue Using Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy.

PubMed

Lee, John; Kolb, Ilya; Forest, Craig R; Rozell, Christopher J

2018-04-01

Differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy is widely used for observing unstained biological samples that are otherwise optically transparent. Combining this optical technique with machine vision could enable the automation of many life science experiments; however, identifying relevant features under DIC is challenging. In particular, precise tracking of cell boundaries in a thick ( ) slice of tissue has not previously been accomplished. We present a novel deconvolution algorithm that achieves the state-of-the-art performance at identifying and tracking these membrane locations. Our proposed algorithm is formulated as a regularized least squares optimization that incorporates a filtering mechanism to handle organic tissue interference and a robust edge-sparsity regularizer that integrates dynamic edge tracking capabilities. As a secondary contribution, this paper also describes new community infrastructure in the form of a MATLAB toolbox for accurately simulating DIC microscopy images of in vitro brain slices. Building on existing DIC optics modeling, our simulation framework additionally contributes an accurate representation of interference from organic tissue, neuronal cell-shapes, and tissue motion due to the action of the pipette. This simulator allows us to better understand the image statistics (to improve algorithms), as well as quantitatively test cell segmentation and tracking algorithms in scenarios, where ground truth data is fully known.

Development of daily "swath" mascon solutions from GRACE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Save, Himanshu; Bettadpur, Srinivas

2016-04-01

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission has provided invaluable and the only data of its kind over the past 14 years that measures the total water column in the Earth System. The GRACE project provides monthly average solutions and there are experimental quick-look solutions and regularized sliding window solutions available from Center for Space Research (CSR) that implement a sliding window approach and variable daily weights. The need for special handling of these solutions in data assimilation and the possibility of capturing the total water storage (TWS) signal at sub-monthly time scales motivated this study. This study discusses the progress of the development of true daily high resolution "swath" mascon total water storage estimate from GRACE using Tikhonov regularization. These solutions include the estimates of daily total water storage (TWS) for the mascon elements that were "observed" by the GRACE satellites on a given day. This paper discusses the computation techniques, signal, error and uncertainty characterization of these daily solutions. We discuss the comparisons with the official GRACE RL05 solutions and with CSR mascon solution to characterize the impact on science results especially at the sub-monthly time scales. The evaluation is done with emphasis on the temporal signal characteristics and validated against in-situ data set and multiple models.

International CPR guidelines - perspectives in CPR.

PubMed

Nolan, Jerry P

2013-09-01

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) co-ordinates regular reviews of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) science and publishes consensus on science statements and treatment recommendations. These outputs are used by international resuscitation organisations to generate clinical guidelines. This review will outline the history behind the development of international CPR guidelines and will provide a detailed description of the current guideline generating process. A perspective is provided on the future of this process and the prospects for completely unified international CPR guidelines. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Foreign Science and Engineering Presence in U.S. Institutions and the Labor Force

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-07-23

doctors, and physical therapists . The application for H-1B status must be filed by (continued...) to 583,921 in 2004.5 It is estimated that by 2010...Through Regularized Immigration and a Vibrant Economy Act of 2007, would provide, among other things, an expansion of the types of individuals who...would no longer be subjected to the annual limits on legal immigrants . Included in this group would be those who (1) hold an advanced degree in science

Thermodynamics of a class of regular black holes with a generalized uncertainty principle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maluf, R. V.; Neves, Juliano C. S.

2018-05-01

In this article, we present a study on thermodynamics of a class of regular black holes. Such a class includes Bardeen and Hayward regular black holes. We obtained thermodynamic quantities like the Hawking temperature, entropy, and heat capacity for the entire class. As part of an effort to indicate some physical observable to distinguish regular black holes from singular black holes, we suggest that regular black holes are colder than singular black holes. Besides, contrary to the Schwarzschild black hole, that class of regular black holes may be thermodynamically stable. From a generalized uncertainty principle, we also obtained the quantum-corrected thermodynamics for the studied class. Such quantum corrections provide a logarithmic term for the quantum-corrected entropy.

Homework and Science Learning in Secondary Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tamir, Pinchas

1985-01-01

Offers a conceptual framework for studying and analyzing potential benefits/disadvantages of homework. Also describes studies (measurement of conditions, practices, and attitudes toward homework). Findings show that students value homework, that few teachers regularly check homework, and that there are sex differences between Arab and Jewish…

Personal, Situational, and Organizational Determinants of Navy Enlisted Attrition

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-01

of regular high school instruction. The GED test battery contains five testsz writing skills, social studies, science, reading skills, and mathematics ...expanded apprentice train- ing program for airmen and seamen might, ceteris paribus, bring the GENDET attrition rate closer to acceptable lvels . 13 ] KN

Effects of Cooperative Education on Student Adaptation to University.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carrell, Suzanne E.; Rowe, Patricia M.

1993-01-01

In a comparison of cooperative education and regular students in arts, math, and science (n=267), co-op students reported better social adjustment and attachment to the university and greater commitment to educational goals. Arts students were better adapted to university than others. (SK)

45 CFR 640.2 - Committee on Environmental Matters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 640.2 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION COMPLIANCE WITH THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT § 640.2 Committee on Environmental Matters. (a) There... replies to such correspondence. (c) The Committee shall meet regularly to discuss NSF policies and...

45 CFR 640.2 - Committee on Environmental Matters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 640.2 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION COMPLIANCE WITH THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT § 640.2 Committee on Environmental Matters. (a) There... replies to such correspondence. (c) The Committee shall meet regularly to discuss NSF policies and...

45 CFR 640.2 - Committee on Environmental Matters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 640.2 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION COMPLIANCE WITH THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT § 640.2 Committee on Environmental Matters. (a) There... replies to such correspondence. (c) The Committee shall meet regularly to discuss NSF policies and...

45 CFR 640.2 - Committee on Environmental Matters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 640.2 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION COMPLIANCE WITH THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT § 640.2 Committee on Environmental Matters. (a) There... replies to such correspondence. (c) The Committee shall meet regularly to discuss NSF policies and...

45 CFR 640.2 - Committee on Environmental Matters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 640.2 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION COMPLIANCE WITH THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT § 640.2 Committee on Environmental Matters. (a) There... replies to such correspondence. (c) The Committee shall meet regularly to discuss NSF policies and...

Avoiding the Coming Higher Ed Wars

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newfield, Christopher

2010-01-01

For the past thirty years, conventional wisdom has held that cutting public funding will make public institutions more efficient. This idea has profoundly altered support for higher education. University leaders have regularly assured legislators, and the general public, that business-oriented science, fundraising, and sophisticated financing…

EarthObserver: Bringing the world to your fingertips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, W. B.; Goodwillie, A. M.; Coplan, J.; Carbotte, S. M.; Arko, R. A.; Ferrini, V.; O'hara, S. H.; Chan, S.; Bonczkowski, J.; Nitsche, F. O.; Morton, J. J.; McLain, K.; Weissel, R.

2011-12-01

EarthObserver (http://www.earth-observer.org/), developed by the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, brings a wealth of geoscience data to Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch mobile devices. Built around an easy-to-use interface, EarthObserver allows users to explore and visualise a wide range of data sets superimposed upon a detailed base map of land elevations and ocean depths - tapping the screen will instantly return the height or depth at that point. A simple transparency function allows direct comparison of built-in content. Data sets include high-resolution coastal bathymetry of bays, sounds, estuaries, harbors and rivers; geological maps of the US states and world - tapping the screen displays the rock type, and full legends can be viewed; US Topo sheets; and, geophysical content including seafloor crustal age and sediment thickness, earthquake and volcano data, gravity and magnetic anomalies, and plate boundary descriptions. The names of physiographic features are automatically displayed. NASA Visible Earth images along with ocean temperature, salinity and productivity maps and precipitation information expose data sets of interest to the atmospheric, oceanic and biological communities. Natural hazard maps, population information and political boundaries allow users to explore impacts upon society. EarthObserver, so far downloaded by more than 55,000 users, offers myriad ways for educators at all levels to bring research-quality geoscience data into the learning environment, whether for use as an in-class illustration or for extensive exploration of earth sciences data. By using cutting-edge mobile app technology, EarthObserver boosts access to relevant earth science content. The EarthObserver base map is the Global Multi-Resolution Topography digital elevation model (GMRT; http://www.marine-geo.org/portals/gmrt/), also developed at LDEO and updated regularly. It provides land elevations with horizontal resolution as high as 10m for mainland USA and 30m globally, and detailed oceanic depths derived from numerous sources including multibeam echo-soundings data.

1989”1990 AGU Congressional Fellow report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frank, Barbara J.

Describing the last 3 months on the Subcommittee on International Scientific Cooperation of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology is no easy task. I have learned a great deal about many issues and about the workings of Congress; yet this knowledge has not been gained in a necessarily straightforward or logical manner.Although my status on the Subcommittee is that of a Fellow, in effect I am expected to function as a regular staff member. I immediately became involved in the preparation of two hearings, the first on science and technology initiatives for Poland and Hungary, and the second on the Human Genome Project. At these hearings, I learned firsthand about important aspects of science-related issues that concern Congress, namely, intellectual property rights, U.S. competitiveness in the science and technology arena with other countries, Japan, in particular; and big science versus small science funding.

With Whom Does LANL Publish? – A look at LANL collaborations from 1990 -2015 using the Web of Science

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Springer, Everett P.

Collaborations are critical to the science, technology, and engineering achievements at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). This report analyzed the collaborations as measured through peer-reviewed publications from the Web of Science (WoS) database for LANL for the 1990 – 2015 period. Both a cumulative analysis over the entire time period and annual analyses were performed. The results found that the Department of Energy national laboratories, University of California campuses, and other academic institutions collaborate with LANL on regular basis. Results provide insights into trends in peer-reviewed papers collaborations for LANL.

Polar Resources: The Key To Development of Cis-Lunar Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larson, William E.

2017-01-01

There are plenty of unanswered science questions regarding the Moon that justify surface missions: (1) However the rate of science missions launched remains painfully slow: (a) Google X-Prize Landers may offer more opportunities, but the jury is still out: (2) Science alone will not be enough to sustain long term interest in the Moon by the Congress (or the Public) nor will it generate a frequent mission rate. We need something that drives a frequent and continual reason to go to the Moon: (1) Lunar tourism not practical in the near term; (2) Lunar Resources can be the economic driver that enables regular access to the lunar surface.

Theoretical Problems in Materials Science

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Langer, J. S.; Glicksman, M. E.

1985-01-01

Interactions between theoretical physics and material sciences to identify problems of common interest in which some of the powerful theoretical approaches developed for other branches of physics may be applied to problems in materials science are presented. A unique structure was identified in rapidly quenched Al-14% Mn. The material has long-range directed bonds with icosahedral symmetry which does not form a regular structure but instead forms an amorphous-like quasiperiodic structure. Finite volume fractions of second phase material is advanced and is coupled with nucleation theory to describe the formation and structure of precipitating phases in alloys. Application of the theory of pattern formation to the problem of dendrite formation is studied.

Box-and-arrow explanations need not be more abstract than neuroscientific mechanism descriptions.

PubMed

Datteri, Edoardo; Laudisa, Federico

2014-01-01

The nature of the relationship between box-and-arrow (BA) explanations and neuroscientific mechanism descriptions (NMDs) is a key foundational issue for cognitive science. In this article we attempt to identify the nature of the constraints imposed by BA explanations on the formulation of NMDs. On the basis of a case study about motor control, we argue that BA explanations and NMDs both identify regularities that hold in the system, and that these regularities place constraints on the formulation of NMDs from BA analyses, and vice versa. The regularities identified in the two kinds of explanation play a crucial role in reasoning about the relationship between them, and in justifying the use of neuroscientific experimental techniques for the empirical testing of BA analyses of behavior. In addition, we make claims concerning the similarities and differences between BA analyses and NMDs. First, we argue that both types of explanation describe mechanisms. Second, we propose that they differ in terms of the theoretical vocabulary used to denote the entities and properties involved in the mechanism and engaging in regular, mutual interactions. On the contrary, the notion of abstractness, defined as omission of detail, does not help to distinguish BA analyses from NMDs: there is a sense in which BA analyses are more detailed than NMDs. In relation to this, we also focus on the nature of the extra detail included in NMDs and missing from BA analyses, arguing that such detail does not always concern how the system works. Finally, we propose reasons for doubting that BA analyses, unlike NMDs, may be considered "mechanism sketches." We have developed these views by critically analyzing recent claims in the philosophical literature regarding the foundations of cognitive science.

Modeling the Internal Kinematics (Rotation and Dispersion) of Distant Galaxies (z ~ 1.0) Using Multi-PA Keck DEIMOS Slit Spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miao, Connie; Chen, Jerry; Torres Hernandez, Jose; Guhathakurta, Puragra; Jang, Hyerin

2017-01-01

The stark difference between the chaotic internal motion of distant galaxies and the ordered rotation of typical local spiral galaxies suggests that disordered galaxies at high redshifts (i.e., early times in the Universe's history) gradually settle into well ordered disk morphologies with ordered rotation. We have used slit spectra obtained with Keck DEIMOS at four different position angles for 133 distant objects (z ~ 1.0) in the GOODS-N field. The emission lines in the 2D spectra of the galaxies were used to calculate the redshift/velocity at each spatial location. For each slit row, the distribution of flux over velocity was modeled as a Gaussian curve from which we obtained the radial velocity and spread of radial velocity. Rotation curves and velocity dispersions for each galaxy at each slit angle were plotted at these values. We qualitatively classified galaxies as regularly rotating, merging, face-on, or unable to be determined by examining overlays of the rotation curves from the four slit angles. We found that regular rotating galaxies tended to have peak velocity dispersion at the center while mergers had fairly constant velocity dispersions. Face-on galaxies had chaotic and inconsistent velocity dispersions between different slit angles. Regularly rotation galaxies represented 45% of our sample and mergers represented 27%. The relative percentage of galaxies that were either regularly rotating or mergers roughly matched those of the literature. This research was supported by NASA and the National Science Foundation. Most of this work was carried out by high school students working under the auspices of the Science Internship Program at UC Santa Cruz.

A new window on the cosmos: The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gehrz, R. D.; Becklin, E. E.; de Pater, I.; Lester, D. F.; Roellig, T. L.; Woodward, C. E.

2009-08-01

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a joint US/German Project to develop and operate a gyrostabilized 2.5-m telescope in a Boeing 747-SP. This observatory will allow astronomical observations from 0.3 μm to sub-millimeter wavelengths at stratospheric altitudes as high as 45,000 ft where the atmosphere is not only cloud-free, but largely transparent at infrared wavelengths. The dynamics and chemistry of interstellar matter, and the details of embedded star formation will be key science goals. In addition, SOFIA's unique portability will enable large-telescope observations at sites required to observe transient phenomena and location specific events. SOFIA will offer the convenient accessibility of a ground-based telescope for servicing, maintenance, and regular technology upgrades, yet will also have many of the performance advantages of a space-based telescope. Initially, SOFIA will fly with nine first-generation focal plane instruments that include broad-band imagers, moderate resolution spectrographs that will resolve broad features from dust and large molecules, and high resolution spectrometers capable of studying the chemistry and detailed kinematics of molecular and atomic gas. First science flights will begin in 2010, leading to a full operations schedule of about 120 8-10 h flights per year by 2014. The next call for instrument development that can respond to scientifically exciting new technologies will be issued in 2010. We describe the SOFIA facility and outline the opportunities for observations by the general scientific community with cutting edge focal plane technology. We summarize the operational characteristics of the first-generation instruments and give specific examples of the types of fundamental scientific studies these instruments are expected to make.

Obtaining sparse distributions in 2D inverse problems.

PubMed

Reci, A; Sederman, A J; Gladden, L F

2017-08-01

The mathematics of inverse problems has relevance across numerous estimation problems in science and engineering. L 1 regularization has attracted recent attention in reconstructing the system properties in the case of sparse inverse problems; i.e., when the true property sought is not adequately described by a continuous distribution, in particular in Compressed Sensing image reconstruction. In this work, we focus on the application of L 1 regularization to a class of inverse problems; relaxation-relaxation, T 1 -T 2 , and diffusion-relaxation, D-T 2 , correlation experiments in NMR, which have found widespread applications in a number of areas including probing surface interactions in catalysis and characterizing fluid composition and pore structures in rocks. We introduce a robust algorithm for solving the L 1 regularization problem and provide a guide to implementing it, including the choice of the amount of regularization used and the assignment of error estimates. We then show experimentally that L 1 regularization has significant advantages over both the Non-Negative Least Squares (NNLS) algorithm and Tikhonov regularization. It is shown that the L 1 regularization algorithm stably recovers a distribution at a signal to noise ratio<20 and that it resolves relaxation time constants and diffusion coefficients differing by as little as 10%. The enhanced resolving capability is used to measure the inter and intra particle concentrations of a mixture of hexane and dodecane present within porous silica beads immersed within a bulk liquid phase; neither NNLS nor Tikhonov regularization are able to provide this resolution. This experimental study shows that the approach enables discrimination between different chemical species when direct spectroscopic discrimination is impossible, and hence measurement of chemical composition within porous media, such as catalysts or rocks, is possible while still being stable to high levels of noise. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Obtaining sparse distributions in 2D inverse problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reci, A.; Sederman, A. J.; Gladden, L. F.

2017-08-01

The mathematics of inverse problems has relevance across numerous estimation problems in science and engineering. L1 regularization has attracted recent attention in reconstructing the system properties in the case of sparse inverse problems; i.e., when the true property sought is not adequately described by a continuous distribution, in particular in Compressed Sensing image reconstruction. In this work, we focus on the application of L1 regularization to a class of inverse problems; relaxation-relaxation, T1-T2, and diffusion-relaxation, D-T2, correlation experiments in NMR, which have found widespread applications in a number of areas including probing surface interactions in catalysis and characterizing fluid composition and pore structures in rocks. We introduce a robust algorithm for solving the L1 regularization problem and provide a guide to implementing it, including the choice of the amount of regularization used and the assignment of error estimates. We then show experimentally that L1 regularization has significant advantages over both the Non-Negative Least Squares (NNLS) algorithm and Tikhonov regularization. It is shown that the L1 regularization algorithm stably recovers a distribution at a signal to noise ratio < 20 and that it resolves relaxation time constants and diffusion coefficients differing by as little as 10%. The enhanced resolving capability is used to measure the inter and intra particle concentrations of a mixture of hexane and dodecane present within porous silica beads immersed within a bulk liquid phase; neither NNLS nor Tikhonov regularization are able to provide this resolution. This experimental study shows that the approach enables discrimination between different chemical species when direct spectroscopic discrimination is impossible, and hence measurement of chemical composition within porous media, such as catalysts or rocks, is possible while still being stable to high levels of noise.

Youth marijuana use: state of the science for the practicing clinician.

PubMed

Hadland, Scott E; Harris, Sion K

2014-08-01

Despite widespread marijuana use among adolescents, accurate information on known health effects is poorly disseminated to clinicians and their patients. Amidst rapidly evolving drug policy in the United States and elsewhere, it is imperative that providers understand the short-term and long-term consequences of marijuana use. Research on regular marijuana use highlights a unique susceptibility of the developing adolescent brain to adverse neurocognitive and psychiatric outcomes. Although studies have not firmly established causality, onset of regular marijuana use in adolescence is associated with later decline in cognitive function, as well as with adult onset of psychosis and anxiety. Educational and employment outcomes may be poorer among regular marijuana-using adolescents. A number of other adverse respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine and gastrointestinal associations with regular marijuana use have also been established. Good screening tools and promising brief intervention and behavioral treatment programs are available to clinicians, who are in a position to identify problematic marijuana use among adolescents. A common misperception among youth is that marijuana use is without harm. However, adolescent marijuana use may have measurable, durable, and potentially irreversible effects on later cognitive function and mental health.

Approximate isotropic cloak for the Maxwell equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Tuhin; Tarikere, Ashwin

2018-05-01

We construct a regular isotropic approximate cloak for the Maxwell system of equations. The method of transformation optics has enabled the design of electromagnetic parameters that cloak a region from external observation. However, these constructions are singular and anisotropic, making practical implementation difficult. Thus, regular approximations to these cloaks have been constructed that cloak a given region to any desired degree of accuracy. In this paper, we show how to construct isotropic approximations to these regularized cloaks using homogenization techniques so that one obtains cloaking of arbitrary accuracy with regular and isotropic parameters.

ScienceCast 90: Record-Setting Asteroid Flyby

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-01-28

On Feb. 15th an asteroid about half the size of a football field will fly past Earth closer than many man-made satellites. Since regular sky surveys began in the 1990s, astronomers have never seen an object so big come so close to our planet.

Culture in the Classroom.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Le, Thuong Van; Le, Nancylee

New methods are proposed for teachers to increase the cultural knowledge of their students. Rather than emphasizing food, festivals, and famous faces from other lands, there should be an attempt to use culture in the classroom as content in the regular instruction of speaking, listening, writing, mathematics, reading, and science. Teaching…

Guide to Special Information in Scientific and Engineering Journals.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Mary Elizabeth

This annotated bibliography lists 203 special features or special issues of science and technology periodicals with emphasis on compilations of information that appear in periodicals on a regular basis. Subjects covered in the guide include aeronautics, air-conditioning and refrigeration engineering, astronomy, automobiles, biology, botany,…

The Plant Phenology Monitoring Design for the National Ecological Observatory Network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elmendorf, Sarah C.; Jones, Katherine D.; Cook, Benjamin I.; Diez, Jeffrey M.; Enquist, Carolyn A. F.; Hufft, Rebecca A.; Jones, Matthew O.; Mazer, Susan J.; Miller-Rushing, Abraham J.; Moore, David J. P.;

Teaching Rocks and Minerals in the Context of Dynamic Earth Systems and Interactions: Using the Three Dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards as an Organizing Framework to Engage Learners in Teacher Preparation Courses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brady, M. E.; Nelson, F.

2014-12-01

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) call for a shift from science learning as a fixed body of decontextualized facts toward a deliberate integration of three dimensions that transcend instructional level: 1) Disciplinary Core Ideas, 2) Crosscutting concepts, and 3) Science & Engineering Practices. This new approach to K-12 science education requires a dedicated effort to address teacher preparation in ESS. Here, we present an instructional model that explicitly integrates the three dimensions of the NGSS as an organizing framework in large-enrollment, undergraduate introductory geoscience courses targeted toward future teachers. This curriculum development is part of a campus-wide collaboration among science, engineering, and education faculty to enhance science teacher preparation. This approach reflects NGSS conceptual shifts and promotes a learner-centered environment where students regularly engage with each other and course material as part of the course: 1) In terms of content, Earth systems and interactions, are emphasized; rocks and minerals are discussed in the context of their use to understand and predict changes over Earth's past, present, and future; and engineering and technology are incorporated into discussions of mediating human impacts on Earth systems. 2) Cross-cutting concepts, such as cycles and flows, are explicitly referenced throughout the course to promote connections between and application of prior knowledge and new information or situations. 3) Guided by explicit prompts for partner discussions in class, students regularly engage in scientific practices, such as arguing by evidence and constructing an explanation. We will provide examples of student learning assessment, including in-class responses pre- and post- partner discussions, short written reflections, and cumulative projects. Ongoing evaluation of this instructional approach will include pre- and post- Geoscience Concept Inventory responses.

The Value of Change: Surprises and Insights in Stellar Evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bildsten, Lars

2018-01-01

Astronomers with large-format cameras regularly scan the sky many times per night to detect what's changing, and telescopes in space such as Kepler and, soon, TESS obtain very accurate brightness measurements of nearly a million stars over time periods of years. These capabilities, in conjunction with theoretical and computational efforts, have yielded surprises and remarkable new insights into the internal properties of stars and how they end their lives. I will show how asteroseismology reveals the properties of the deep interiors of red giants, and highlight how astrophysical transients may be revealing unusual thermonuclear outcomes from exploding white dwarfs and the births of highly magnetic neutron stars. All the while, stellar science has been accelerated by the availability of open source tools, such as Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA), and the nearly immediate availability of observational results.

When the Sun Gets in the Way: Stereo Science Observations on the Far Side of the Sun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vourlidas, A.; Thompson, W. T.; Gurman, J. B.; Luhmann, J. G.; Curtis, D. W.; Schroeder, P. C.; Mewaldt, R. A.; Davis, A. J.; Wortman, K.; Russell, C. T.; Galvin, A. B.; Popecki, M.; Kistler, L. M.; Ellis, L.; Howard, R.; Rich, N.; Hutting, L.; Maksimovic, M.; Bale, S. D.; Goetz, K.

2014-12-01

With the two STEREO spacecraft on the opposite side of the Sun from Earth, pointing the high gain antenna at Earth means that it's also pointed very close to the Sun. This has resulted in unexpectedly high temperatures in the antenna feed horns on both spacecraft, and is forcing the mission operations team to take corrective action, starting in August 2014 for STEREO Ahead, and December 2014 for STEREO Behind. By off-pointing the antennas to use one of the lower power side lobes instead of the main lobe, the feed horn temperatures can be kept at a safe level while still allowing reliable communication with the spacecraft. However, the amount of telemetry that can be brought down will be highly reduced. Even so, significant science will still be possible from STEREO's unique position on the solar far side. We will discuss the science and space weather products that will be available from each STEREO instrument, when those products will be available, and how they will be used. Some data, including the regular space weather beacon products, will be brought down for an average of a few hours each day during the daily real-time passes, while the in situ and radio beacon data will be stored on the onboard recorder to provide a continuous 24-hour coverage for eventual downlink once the spacecraft is back to normal operations.

Partly cloudy with a chance of migration: Weather, radars, and aeroecology

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chilson, Phillip B.; Frick, Winifred F.; Kelly, Jeffrey F.; Howard, Kenneth W.; Larkin, Ronald P.; Diehl, Robert H.; Westbrook, John K.; Kelly, T. Adam; Kunz, Thomas H.

2012-01-01

Aeroecology is an emerging scientific discipline that integrates atmospheric science, Earth science, geography, ecology, computer science, computational biology, and engineering to further the understanding of biological patterns and processes. The unifying concept underlying this new transdisciplinary field of study is a focus on the planetary boundary layer and lower free atmosphere (i.e., the aerosphere), and the diversity of airborne organisms that inhabit and depend on the aerosphere for their existence. Here, we focus on the role of radars and radar networks in aeroecological studies. Radar systems scanning the atmosphere are primarily used to monitor weather conditions and track the location and movements of aircraft. However, radar echoes regularly contain signals from other sources, such as airborne birds, bats, and arthropods. We briefly discuss how radar observations can be and have been used to study a variety of airborne organisms and examine some of the many potential benefits likely to arise from radar aeroecology for meteorological and biological research over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Radar systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated with the advent of innovative signal processing and dual-polarimetric capabilities. These capabilities should be better harnessed to promote both meteorological and aeroecological research and to explore the interface between these two broad disciplines. We strongly encourage close collaboration among meteorologists, radar scientists, biologists, and others toward developing radar products that will contribute to a better understanding of airborne fauna.

NRES: The Network of Robotic Echelle Spectrographs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siverd, Robert; Brown, Timothy M.; Henderson, Todd; Hygelund, John; Barnes, Stuart; Bowman, Mark; De Vera, Jon; Eastman, Jason D.; Kirby, Annie; Norbury, Martin; Smith, Cary; Taylor, Brook; Tufts, Joseph; Van Eyken, Julian C.

2017-06-01

Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) is building the Network of Robotic Echelle Spectrographs (NRES), which will consist of four to six identical, optical (390 - 860 nm) high-precision spectrographs, each fiber-fed simultaneously by up to two 1-meter telescopes and a Thorium-Argon calibration source. We plan to install one at up to 6 observatory sites in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, creating a single, globally-distributed, autonomous spectrograph facility using up to ten 1-m telescopes. Simulations suggest we will achieve long-term radial velocity precision of 3 m/s in less than an hour for stars brighter than V = 11 or 12. Following a few months of on-sky evaluation at our BPL test facility, the first spectrograph unit was shipped to CTIO in late 2016 and installed in March 2017. Barring serious complications, we expect regular scheduled science observing to begin in mid-2017. Three additional units are in building or testing phases and slated for deployment in late 2017. Acting in concert, these four spectrographs will provide a new, unique facility for stellar characterization and precise radial velocities. We will briefly overview the LCO telescope network, the NRES spectrograph design, the advantages it provides, and development challenges we encountered along the way. We will further discuss real-world performance from our first unit, initial science results, and the ongoing software development effort needed to automate such a facility for a wide array of science cases.

The effects of formative assessment on student self-regulation, motivational beliefs, and achievement in elementary science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, Melissa Digennaro

Goals 2000 set forth a bold vision for U.S. students: they would be "first in the world in science and mathematics" by the year 2000. Performance indicators such as the TIMSS-R (1999) and NAEP (2000) reports suggest that U.S. students have not yet reached that goal. This study intended to learn how specific assessment strategies might contribute to improved student performance in science. This quasi-experimental study investigated the effects of formative assessment with reflection on students' motivational beliefs, self-regulatory skills, and achievement in elementary science. The study aimed to find out whether and how classroom applications of formative assessment during science instruction might influence fifth-grade students' attitudes and self-perceptions about science learning, self-regulatory learning behaviors, and achievement. To explore the effects of the assessment intervention, the study utilized a mixed methods approach involving quantitative and qualitative investigations of treatment and control groups during a four-week intervention period. Quantitative measures included student self-report surveys administered pre- and post-treatment and an end-of-unit science test. Qualitative measures included classroom observations, student interviews (post-treatment), and a teacher interview (post-treatment). Findings indicated that the fifth-grade students in this study had positive attitudes toward science and high levels of self-efficacy for science. Results suggested that these elementary students employed a wide variety of cognitive and metacognitive strategies to support science learning. Findings revealed that these fifth graders believed formative assessment with reflection was beneficial for science learning outcomes. Research results did not show that the formative assessment intervention contributed to significant differences between treatment and control groups. However, the data revealed different levels of academic achievement and self-regulation for students in specific instructional services subgroups (i.e., gifted, regular education, special education, and ESL). For example, high achieving students reported higher levels of self-regulatory learning behavior than other fifth grade students. Findings suggested that elementary science instruction that includes classroom applications of formative assessment with reflection may provide support for science learning and the development of self-regulatory learning behavior. However, widespread implementation of this practice in elementary science classrooms represents significant challenges for today's educators, due to time limitations and increasing accountability pressures in our nation's schools.

Compression in visual working memory: using statistical regularities to form more efficient memory representations.

PubMed

Brady, Timothy F; Konkle, Talia; Alvarez, George A

2009-11-01

The information that individuals can hold in working memory is quite limited, but researchers have typically studied this capacity using simple objects or letter strings with no associations between them. However, in the real world there are strong associations and regularities in the input. In an information theoretic sense, regularities introduce redundancies that make the input more compressible. The current study shows that observers can take advantage of these redundancies, enabling them to remember more items in working memory. In 2 experiments, covariance was introduced between colors in a display so that over trials some color pairs were more likely to appear than other color pairs. Observers remembered more items from these displays than from displays where the colors were paired randomly. The improved memory performance cannot be explained by simply guessing the high-probability color pair, suggesting that observers formed more efficient representations to remember more items. Further, as observers learned the regularities, their working memory performance improved in a way that is quantitatively predicted by a Bayesian learning model and optimal encoding scheme. These results suggest that the underlying capacity of the individuals' working memory is unchanged, but the information they have to remember can be encoded in a more compressed fashion. Copyright 2009 APA

Operating a wide-area remote observing system for the W. M. Keck Observatory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wirth, Gregory D.; Kibrick, Robert I.; Goodrich, Robert W.; Lyke, James E.

2008-07-01

For over a decade, the W. M. Keck Observatory's two 10-meter telescopes have been operated remotely from its Waimea headquarters. Over the last 6 years, WMKO remote observing has expanded to allow teams at dedicated sites in California to observe either in collaboration with colleagues in Waimea or entirely from the U.S. mainland. Once an experimental effort, the Observatory's mainland observing capability is now fully operational, supported on all science instruments (except the interferometer) and regularly used by astronomers at eight mainland sites. Establishing a convenient and secure observing capability from those sites required careful planning to ensure that they are properly equipped and configured. It also entailed a significant investment in hardware and software, including both custom scripts to simplify launching the instrument interface at remote sites and automated routers employing ISDN backup lines to ensure continuation of observing during Internet outages. Observers often wait until shortly before their runs to request use of the mainland facilities. Scheduling these requests and ensuring proper system operation prior to observing requires close coordination between personnel at WMKO and the mainland sites. An established protocol for approving requests and carrying out pre-run checkout has proven useful in ensuring success. The Observatory anticipates enhancing and expanding its remote observing system. Future plans include deploying dedicated summit computers for running VNC server software, implementing a web-based tracking system for mainland-based observing requests, expanding the system to additional mainland sites, and converting to full-time VNC operation for all instruments.

Atmospheric movies acquired at the Mars Science Laboratory landing site: Cloud morphology, frequency and significance to the Gale Crater water cycle and Phoenix mission results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moores, John E.; Lemmon, Mark T.; Rafkin, Scot C. R.; Francis, Raymond; Pla-Garcia, Jorge; de la Torre Juárez, Manuel; Bean, Keri; Kass, David; Haberle, Robert; Newman, Claire; Mischna, Michael; Vasavada, Ashwin; Rennó, Nilton; Bell, Jim; Calef, Fred; Cantor, Bruce; Mcconnochie, Timothy H.; Harri, Ari-Matti; Genzer, Maria; Wong, Michael; Smith, Michael D.; Javier Martín-Torres, F.; Zorzano, María-Paz; Kemppinen, Osku; McCullough, Emily

2015-05-01

We report on the first 360 sols (LS 150° to 5°), representing just over half a Martian year, of atmospheric monitoring movies acquired using the NavCam imager from the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Rover Curiosity. Such movies reveal faint clouds that are difficult to discern in single images. The data set acquired was divided into two different classifications depending upon the orientation and intent of the observation. Up to sol 360, 73 Zenith movies and 79 Supra-Horizon movies have been acquired and time-variable features could be discerned in 25 of each. The data set from MSL is compared to similar observations made by the Surface Stereo Imager (SSI) onboard the Phoenix Lander and suggests a much drier environment at Gale Crater (4.6°S) during this season than was observed in Green Valley (68.2°N) as would be expected based on latitude and the global water cycle. The optical depth of the variable component of clouds seen in images with features are up to 0.047 ± 0.009 with a granularity to the features observed which averages 3.8°. MCS also observes clouds during the same period of comparable optical depth at 30 and 50 km that would suggest a cloud spacing of 2.0 to 3.3 km. Multiple motions visible in atmospheric movies support the presence of two distinct layers of clouds. At Gale Crater, these clouds are likely caused by atmospheric waves given the regular spacing of features observed in many Zenith movies and decreased spacing towards the horizon in sunset movies consistent with clouds forming at a constant elevation. Reanalysis of Phoenix data in the light of the NavCam equatorial dataset suggests that clouds may have been more frequent in the earlier portion of the Phoenix mission than was previously thought.

34 CFR 645.1 - What is the Upward Bound Program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... the following three types of projects: (1) Regular Upward Bound projects. (2) Upward Bound Math and Science Centers. (3) Veterans Upward Bound projects. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 and 1070a-13) ...) The Upward Bound Program provides Federal grants to projects designed to generate in program...

34 CFR 645.1 - What is the Upward Bound Program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... the following three types of projects: (1) Regular Upward Bound projects. (2) Upward Bound Math and Science Centers. (3) Veterans Upward Bound projects. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 and 1070a-13) ...) The Upward Bound Program provides Federal grants to projects designed to generate in program...

34 CFR 645.1 - What is the Upward Bound Program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... the following three types of projects: (1) Regular Upward Bound projects. (2) Upward Bound Math and Science Centers. (3) Veterans Upward Bound projects. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 and 1070a-13) ...) The Upward Bound Program provides Federal grants to projects designed to generate in program...

The CAN Microcluster: Parallel Processing over the Controller Area Network

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuban, Paul A.; Ragade, Rammohan K.

2005-01-01

Most electrical engineering and computer science undergraduate programs include at least one course on microcontrollers and assembly language programming. Some departments offer legacy courses in C programming, but few include C programming from an embedded systems perspective, where it is still regularly used. Distributed computing and parallel…

Natural Science Centers: Directory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Natural Science for Youth Foundation, Roswell, GA.

A nature center is defined as an organized and permanent nonprofit institution which is essentially educational, scientific, and cultural in purpose with professional staff, and open to the public on some regular schedule. A nature center manages and interprets its lands, native plants and animals and facilities to promote an understanding of…

Living in Space. A Preschool Aerospace Curriculum Module.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Young Astronaut Council, Washington, DC.

This program is designed to be an extension of the regular curriculum providing preschool children with a firm foundation and life-long appreciation for space and space-related topics. The program delivers both classroom and at-home family activities which emphasize age-appropriate language, math, art, science, nutrition, and health concepts…

Investigating Mathematics with PentaBlocks.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berman, Sheldon; Plummer, Gary A.; Scheuer, Don

These classic pattern blocks were introduced in the early 1960s as part of the Elementary Science Study materials developed by the Educational Development Center (EDC). The six classic shapes share one common characteristic: all of the angle measurements are multiplies of 30 degrees. Shapes include the regular triangle, square, and hexagon; the…

A RESOURCE BOOK OF AEROSPACE ACTIVITIES, K-6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lincoln Public Schools, NE.

THIS RESOURCE BOOK OF ACTIVITIES WAS WRITTEN FOR TEACHERS OF GRADES K-6, TO HELP THEM INTEGRATE AEROSPACE SCIENCE WITH THE REGULAR LEARNING EXPERIENCES OF THE CLASSROOM. SUGGESTIONS ARE MADE FOR INTRODUCING AEROSPACE CONCEPTS INTO THE VARIOUS SUBJECT FIELDS SUCH AS LANGUAGE ARTS, MATHEMATICS, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, SOCIAL STUDIES, AND OTHERS. SUBJECT…

78 FR 69643 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-20

... Rationalization Social Study. OMB Control Number: None. Form Number(s): NA. Type of Request: Regular submission... negative social impacts. Sufficient non-economic social science data will be collected to describe the..., social impacts may be measured. The collection of this data will provide fisheries managers with social...

Local Assessment Moderation in SEPUP.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Lily; And Others

Assessment moderation is a procedure in which scorers or raters meet to achieve a consensus on scores assigned to student work. In the Science Education for Public Understanding Program (SEPUP), local teams of teachers met regularly at six sites nationwide to score student work, review methods of assigning scores, discuss and resolve discrepancies…

The Challenge of Characterizing Operations in the Mechanisms Underlying Behavior

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bechtel, William

2005-01-01

Neuroscience and cognitive science seek to explain behavioral regularities in terms of underlying mechanisms. An important element of a mechanistic explanation is a characterization of the operations of the parts of the mechanism. The challenge in characterizing such operations is illustrated by an example from the history of physiological…

Gifted Children's Education and a Glance to Turkey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Birgili, Bengi; Çalik, Basak

2013-01-01

The paper provides a critical overview about teaching children in regular classrooms, designing and enriching curricula for gifted children and using multiple intelligence theory as teaching mathematics by giving several examples. Teaching mathematics or science to gifted children doesn't seem easy because every student is different than each…

Nutrition Education in the Medical Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cardullo, Alice C.

1982-01-01

It is important that nutrition education be made part of the regular and postgraduate curriculum in all medical schools. The medical student should be provided training in nutrition and dietetics, both as part of the basic science syllabus and of the clinical aspects as they apply to disease states. (MSE)

34 CFR 645.1 - What is the Upward Bound Program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... the following three types of projects: (1) Regular Upward Bound projects. (2) Upward Bound Math and Science Centers. (3) Veterans Upward Bound projects. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 and 1070a-13) ...) The Upward Bound Program provides Federal grants to projects designed to generate in program...

Nitrate Water Activities, Science Study Aid No. 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Agricultural Research Service (USDA), Washington, DC.

Intended to supplement a regular program, this pamphlet provides background information, related activities, and suggestions for other activities on the subject of nitrate as a water pollutant. Two activities related to plant nutrient pollution, nitrate filtration and measuring mitrate used by plants, are explained in detail, outlining objectives,…

Science, Standards, and Differentiation: It Really Can Be Fun!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sondergeld, Toni A.; Schultz, Robert A.

2008-01-01

Teaching in a regular classroom has become more complicated than ever with increased student diversity and pressure to connect learning experiences to educational standards and test preparation. Although teaching to the middle is often what occurs in traditional classrooms to meet required standards, it is neither an appropriate nor meaningful…

Improving Middle School Science Learning Using Diagrammatic Reasoning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cromley, Jennifer G.; Weisberg, Steven M.; Dai, Ting; Newcombe, Nora S.; Schunn, Christian D.; Massey, Christine; Merlino, F. Joseph

2016-01-01

We explored whether existing curricula can be adapted to increase students' skills at comprehending and learning from diagrams using an intervention delivered by regular middle-school teachers in intact classrooms. Ninety-two teachers in three states implemented our modified materials over six curricular units from two publishers: "Holt"…

The Relationship of Communication Competency to Perceived Teacher Effectiveness.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blatt, Stephen J.; Benz, Carolyn

A study investigated the relationships between a university standardized student evaluation of faculty teaching and students' perceptions of the communication skills used by the instructor. Subjects, 397 students taught by 12 instructors from the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Dayton (Ohio), completed the regular teacher…

The Taliban Insurgency and an Analysis of ’Shabnamah’ (Night Letters)

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

regular terminology used by al-Qaeda. It proclaims a clash of civilisations . The declaration accuses the ‘crusaders and their domestic servants’ of...In Violence: Foreign Support Seen Behind Attacks That Mimic Those in Iraq’, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Nov. 2005, p.1. 56. Eric Schmitt

Teaching with the Seasons.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weber, Larry

1998-01-01

Describes a natural science course designed to teach students that nature is nearby rather than somewhere else. Students learn about local flora and fauna, track the weather, and closely monitor the progression of the seasons. The course uses no textbook, regularly uses the outdoors as a classroom, and follows the seasons' phenology as the…

Personal Learning Network Clusters: A Comparison between Mathematics and Computer Science Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harding, Ansie; Engelbrecht, Johann

2015-01-01

"Personal learning environments" (PLEs) and "personal learning networks" (PLNs) are well-known concepts. A personal learning network "cluster" is a small group of people who regularly interact academically and whose PLNs have a non-empty intersection that includes all the other members. At university level PLN…

9 CFR 391.4 - Laboratory services rate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Laboratory services rate. 391.4 Section 391.4 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... dividing the Office of Public Health Science (OPHS) previous fiscal year's regular direct pay by OPHS...

9 CFR 391.4 - Laboratory services rate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Laboratory services rate. 391.4 Section 391.4 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... dividing the Office of Public Health Science (OPHS) previous fiscal year's regular direct pay by OPHS...

9 CFR 391.4 - Laboratory services rate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Laboratory services rate. 391.4 Section 391.4 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... dividing the Office of Public Health Science (OPHS) previous fiscal year's regular direct pay by OPHS...

Investigating Our Environment. Science: Grade 6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New York City Board of Education, Brooklyn, NY. Bureau of Curriculum Development.

Intended mainly for use in the intermediate grades, this document provides demonstrations, field trips and laboratory experiences designed to help students investigate the role that people play in problems associated with environmental quality, pollution, and ecology in general. The book was developed as an alternative program to the regular sixth…

The STEAM behind the Scenes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Carmen Petrick; King, Barbara; González, Diana

2015-01-01

There is a growing need for STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) knowledge and skills across a wide range of professions (Brazell 2013). Yet students often fail to see the usefulness of mathematics beyond the classroom (Kloosterman, Raymond, and Emenaker 1996), and they do not regularly make connections between…

Differences in academic performance and self-regulated learning based on level of student participation in supplemental instruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mack, Ana C.

This study examined differences in academic performance and self-regulated learning based on levels of student participation in Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions in two introductory undergraduate biology and chemistry courses offered at University of Central Florida in the Spring 2006 semester. The sample consisted of 282 students enrolled in the biology class and 451 students enrolled in chemistry. Academic performance was measured using students' final course grades and rates of withdrawal from the courses. The self-regulated learning constructs of motivation, cognition, metacognition, and resource management were measured using the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). Relationships between students' gender and ethnic background and levels of SI participation were also analyzed in this research. Findings in both biology and chemistry courses revealed a statistically significant decrease in student motivation from beginning to end of semester. In chemistry, frequent SI participants also showed statistically significantly higher levels of motivation at the end of the semester than occasional and non-SI participants. There were no statistically significant gains in cognitive, metacognitive, and resource management strategies from beginning to end of semester. However, statistically significant differences in resource management were observed at the end of the semester among SI attendance groups in both courses. Students in the high SI attendance group were more likely to use learning resources than those who did not participate regularly or did not participate at all. Statistically significant differences in academic performance based on students' SI participation were found in both biology and chemistry courses. Frequent SI participants had significantly higher final percentage grades and were more likely to receive grades of A, B, or C, than those who either did not attend SI regularly of did not participate at all. They were also less likely to withdraw from the course than occasional or non-SI participants. In biology, no relationship between SI participation, gender, and student ethnic background was found. In chemistry, female students were significantly more likely to attend SI regularly than males. Chemistry minority students had significantly higher representation among occasional SI participants. An important implication involved the use of pedagogical approaches that make lecture classrooms more interactive and encourage student motivation and engagement. This study could be replicated in other science and non-science courses that offer SI sessions. Additional factors in the success of SI programs and student motivation can be added, such as SI leaders' experience and major. Follow-up studies on students who completed the courses included in this study can be conducted to determine whether they reenrolled in other science courses, continued attending SI sessions, and gained self-regulated learning skills.

Heuristic Diagrams as a Tool to Teach History of Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chamizo, José A.

2012-05-01

The graphic organizer called here heuristic diagram as an improvement of Gowin's Vee heuristic is proposed as a tool to teach history of science. Heuristic diagrams have the purpose of helping students (or teachers, or researchers) to understand their own research considering that asks and problem-solving are central to scientific activity. The left side originally related in Gowin's Vee with philosophies, theories, models, laws or regularities now agrees with Toulmin's concepts (language, models as representation techniques and application procedures). Mexican science teachers without experience in science education research used the heuristic diagram to learn about the history of chemistry considering also in the left side two different historical times: past and present. Through a semantic differential scale teachers' attitude to the heuristic diagram was evaluated and its usefulness was demonstrated.

The International Space Station: A National Science Laboratory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giblin, Timothy W.

2011-01-01

After more than a decade of assembly missions and on the heels of the final voyage of Space Shuttle Discovery, the International Space Station (ISS) has reached assembly completion. With visiting spacecraft now docking with the ISS on a regular basis, the Station now serves as a National Laboratory to scientists back on Earth. ISS strengthens relationships among NASA, other Federal entities, higher educational institutions, and the private sector in the pursuit of national priorities for the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In this lecture we will explore the various areas of research onboard ISS to promote this advancement: (1) Human Research, (2) Biology & Biotechnology, (3) Physical & Material Sciences, (4) Technology, and (5) Earth & Space Science. The ISS National Laboratory will also open new paths for the exploration and economic development of space.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of students towards blood donation in Arsi university and Adama science and technology university: a comparative cross sectional study.

PubMed

Gebresilase, Habtom Woldeab; Fite, Robera Olana; Abeya, Sileshi Garoma

2017-01-01

Blood can save millions of lives. Even though people do not donate blood regularly, there is a constant effort to balance the supply and demand of blood. The aim of this study was, therefore, to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of blood donation between university students. The comparative cross sectional study design was used in Adama Science and Technology University and Arsi University from April 11-May 2, 2016.360 students were selected using stratified sampling. Frequencies and proportions were computed. Chi-Square and logistic regressions were carried out and associations were considered significant at p <0.05. The study revealed that there was a significant knowledge difference (χ2 = 152.779, p <0.001) and Attitude difference (χ2 = 4.142, p  = 0.042) between Health Science students of Arsi University and Non-Health Science students of Adama Science and Technology University. The gender of the students (AOR = 3.150, 95% CI: 1.313, 7.554) was a significant predictor of the level of knowledge of Health Science students. The ethnicity of students (AOR = 2.085, 95% CI: 1.025, 4.243) was a significant predictor of the level of an attitude of Health Science students and gender of students (AOR = 0.343, 95% CI: 0.151, 0.779) was a significant predictor of the level of an attitude of Health Science students. Concerning Non-Health Science students, religion (AOR = 10.173, 95% CI: 1.191, 86.905) and original residence (AOR = 0.289, 95% CI: 0.094, 0.891) were a significant predictor of the level of knowledge of Non-Health Science students. Gender (AOR = 0.389, 95% CI: 0.152, 0.992) and Year of study (AOR = 0.389(0.164, 0.922) were significant predictor of level of attitude of Non-Health Science students. Year of study (AOR = 5.159, 95% CI: 1.611, 16.525) was a significant predictor of level of practice of Health Science students. Significant knowledge difference and attitude difference were observed between students from Arsi University and Adama Science and Technology University.

Novel Fibonacci and non-Fibonacci structure in the sunflower: results of a citizen science experiment.

PubMed

Swinton, Jonathan; Ochu, Erinma

2016-05-01

This citizen science study evaluates the occurrence of Fibonacci structure in the spirals of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seedheads. This phenomenon has competing biomathematical explanations, and our core premise is that observation of both Fibonacci and non-Fibonacci structure is informative for challenging such models. We collected data on 657 sunflowers. In our most reliable data subset, we evaluated 768 clockwise or anticlockwise parastichy numbers of which 565 were Fibonacci numbers, and a further 67 had Fibonacci structure of a predefined type. We also found more complex Fibonacci structures not previously reported in sunflowers. This is the third, and largest, study in the literature, although the first with explicit and independently checkable inclusion and analysis criteria and fully accessible data. This study systematically reports for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, seedheads without Fibonacci structure. Some of these are approximately Fibonacci, and we found in particular that parastichy numbers equal to one less than a Fibonacci number were present significantly more often than those one more than a Fibonacci number. An unexpected further result of this study was the existence of quasi-regular heads, in which no parastichy number could be definitively assigned.

Novel Fibonacci and non-Fibonacci structure in the sunflower: results of a citizen science experiment

PubMed Central

Swinton, Jonathan; Ochu, Erinma

2016-01-01

This citizen science study evaluates the occurrence of Fibonacci structure in the spirals of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seedheads. This phenomenon has competing biomathematical explanations, and our core premise is that observation of both Fibonacci and non-Fibonacci structure is informative for challenging such models. We collected data on 657 sunflowers. In our most reliable data subset, we evaluated 768 clockwise or anticlockwise parastichy numbers of which 565 were Fibonacci numbers, and a further 67 had Fibonacci structure of a predefined type. We also found more complex Fibonacci structures not previously reported in sunflowers. This is the third, and largest, study in the literature, although the first with explicit and independently checkable inclusion and analysis criteria and fully accessible data. This study systematically reports for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, seedheads without Fibonacci structure. Some of these are approximately Fibonacci, and we found in particular that parastichy numbers equal to one less than a Fibonacci number were present significantly more often than those one more than a Fibonacci number. An unexpected further result of this study was the existence of quasi-regular heads, in which no parastichy number could be definitively assigned. PMID:27293788

Joint scale-change models for recurrent events and failure time.

PubMed

Xu, Gongjun; Chiou, Sy Han; Huang, Chiung-Yu; Wang, Mei-Cheng; Yan, Jun

2017-01-01

Recurrent event data arise frequently in various fields such as biomedical sciences, public health, engineering, and social sciences. In many instances, the observation of the recurrent event process can be stopped by the occurrence of a correlated failure event, such as treatment failure and death. In this article, we propose a joint scale-change model for the recurrent event process and the failure time, where a shared frailty variable is used to model the association between the two types of outcomes. In contrast to the popular Cox-type joint modeling approaches, the regression parameters in the proposed joint scale-change model have marginal interpretations. The proposed approach is robust in the sense that no parametric assumption is imposed on the distribution of the unobserved frailty and that we do not need the strong Poisson-type assumption for the recurrent event process. We establish consistency and asymptotic normality of the proposed semiparametric estimators under suitable regularity conditions. To estimate the corresponding variances of the estimators, we develop a computationally efficient resampling-based procedure. Simulation studies and an analysis of hospitalization data from the Danish Psychiatric Central Register illustrate the performance of the proposed method.

Generalization of the binary structural phase field crystal model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Nathan; Provatas, Nikolas

2017-10-01

Two improvements to the binary structural phase field crystal (XPFC) theory are presented. The first is an improvement to the phenomenology for modelling density-density correlation functions and the second extends the free energy of the mixing term in the binary XPFC model beyond ideal mixing to a regular solution model. These improvements are applied to study kinetics of precipitation from solution. We observe a two-step nucleation pathway similar to recent experimental work [N. D. Loh, S. Sen, M. Bosman, S. F. Tan, J. Zhong, C. A. Nijhuis, P. Král, P. Matsudaira, and U. Mirsaidov, Nat. Chem. 9, 77 (2017), 10.1038/nchem.2618; A. F. Wallace, L. O. Hedges, A. Fernandez-Martinez, P. Raiteri, J. D. Gale, G. A. Waychunas, S. Whitelam, J. F. Banfield, and J. J. De Yoreo, Science 341, 885 (2013), 10.1126/science.1230915] in which the liquid solution first decomposes into solute-poor and solute-rich regions, followed by precipitate nucleation of the solute-rich regions. Additionally, we find a phenomenon not previously described in the literature in which the growth of precipitates is accelerated in the presence of uncrystallized solute-rich liquid regions.

Crowdsourcing Broad Absorption Line Properties and Other Features of Quasar Outflow Using Zooniverse Citizen Science Project Platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crowe, Cassie; Lundgren, Britt; Grier, Catherine

2018-01-01

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) regularly publishes vast catalogs of quasars and other astronomical objects. Previously, the SDSS collaboration has used visual inspection to check quasar redshift validity and flag instances of broad absorption lines (BALs). This information helps researchers to easily single out the quasars with BAL properties and study their outflows and other intervening gas clouds. Due to the ever-growing number of new SDSS quasar observations, visual inspections are no longer possible using previous methods. Currently, BAL information is being determined entirely computationally, and the accuracy of that information is not precisely known. This project uses the Zooniverse citizen science platform to visually inspect quasar spectra for BAL properties, to check the accuracy of the current autonomous methods, and to flag multi-phase outflows and find candidates for in-falling gas into the quasar central engine. The layout and format of a Zooniverse project provides an easier way to inspect and record data on each spectrum and share the workload via crowdsourcing. Work done by the SDSS collaboration members is serving as a beta test for a public project upon the official release of the DR14 quasar catalog by SDSS.

A tangled web: Interactions and structures in university-school collaborations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohana, Christina Pickerell

1999-10-01

In this volume, I examine some of the structures and beliefs embedded in a university-school partnership. I try to untangle the complex web of interests, ideologies, and information that participants bring to the project. This dissertation includes three research papers. In the first paper, "Integration of Theory with Practice: A Comparison of Two Science Methods Courses," I studied the work of students in two science methods courses. One class was a preservice cohort involved in an experimental program with significant levels of field experiences. Their work was compared to students in the regular program who have a modest field component. In this analysis, cohort students made many more references to field placements than students in the regular program. Cohort students also used peers as sources of information and authority. Students in the regular program used sources from university coursework to help them interpret field experiences. They rarely mentioned peers. These differences were interpreted in light of their meaning for efforts to improve teacher education. In the second paper, "Preservice Cohorts and their Implications for Mathematics and Science Education," I surveyed the literature on cohorts in preservice teacher education. I described the structure of three preservice programs at different universities that have mathematics- or science-focused preservice cohorts. While some progress is apparent, there are many areas which were unaffected by the new structure. There are also effects that may be undesirable. Both the literature and site visits highlighted the need for program developers in teacher education to attend to both design and purpose. In the final paper, "Interests, Ideology, Information, and Institutions in a University-School Partnership," I examined the programs from a broader perspective. I used a model of interests, ideology, information, and institution (the "4 I's,") to examine how university-school partnerships link two very complex institutions. I found that in order for the two institutions to work together, they must accommodate the interests, ideology, and information of the other. This accommodation allowed the two organizations to work together but prevents more fundamental change.

Software and hardware complex for observation of star occultations by asteroids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karbovsky, V.; Kleshchonok, V.; Buromsky, M.

2017-12-01

The preparation to the program for observation of star occultations by asteroids on the AZT-2 telescope was started in 2016. A new method for registration of occultation with a CCD camera in the synchronous transfer mode was proposed and developed. The special program was written to control the CCD camera and record images during such observations. The speed of image transfer can vary within wide limits, which makes it possible to carry out observations in a wide range of stellar magnitudes. The telescope AZT-2 is used, which has the largest mirror diameter in Kiev (D = 0.7 m. F = 10.5 m). A 3-fold optical reducer was produced, which providing a field of view with a CCD camera Apogee Alta U47 10 arcminutes and the equivalent focal length of the telescope 3.2 meters. The results of test observations are presented. The program is implemented jointly by the Main Astronomical Observatory of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the Astronomical Observatory of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Regular observations of star occultation by asteroids are planned with the help of this complex. % Z https://occultations.org Kleshchonok,V.V.,Buromsky,M. I. 2005, Kinematics and Physics of Celestial Bodies, 21, 5, 405 Kleshchonok, V.V., Buromskii, N. I., Khat’ko,I.V.2008, Kinematics and Physics of Celestial Bodies, 24, 2, 114

Solar Observations with ALMA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wedemeyer, Sven

2018-04-01

The continuum intensity at millimeter wavelengths can serve as an essentially linear thermometer of the plasma in a thin layer in the atmosphere of the Sun, whereas the polarisation of the received radiation is a measure for the longitudinal magnetic field component in the same layer. The enormous leap in terms of spatial resolution with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) now makes it possible to observe the intricate fine-structure of the solar atmosphere at sufficiently high spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution, thus enabling studies of a wide range of scientific topics in solar physics that had been inaccessible at millimeter wavelengths before. The radiation observed by ALMA originates mostly from the chromosphere - a complex and dynamic layer between the photosphere and corona, which plays a crucial role in the transport of energy and matter and, ultimately, the heating of the outer solar atmosphere. ALMA observations of the solar chromosphere, which are offered as a regular capability since 2016, therefore have the potential to make important contributions towards the solution of fundamental questions in solar physics with implications for our understanding of stars in general. In this presentation, I will give a short description of ALMA's solar observing mode, it challenges and opportunities, and selected science cases in combination with numerical simulations and coordinated observations at other wavelengths. ALMA's scientific potential for studying the dynamic small-scale pattern of the solar chromosphere is illustrated with first results from Cycle 4.

Team science for science communication.

PubMed

Wong-Parodi, Gabrielle; Strauss, Benjamin H

2014-09-16

Natural scientists from Climate Central and social scientists from Carnegie Mellon University collaborated to develop science communications aimed at presenting personalized coastal flood risk information to the public. We encountered four main challenges: agreeing on goals; balancing complexity and simplicity; relying on data, not intuition; and negotiating external pressures. Each challenge demanded its own approach. We navigated agreement on goals through intensive internal communication early on in the project. We balanced complexity and simplicity through evaluation of communication materials for user understanding and scientific content. Early user test results that overturned some of our intuitions strengthened our commitment to testing communication elements whenever possible. Finally, we did our best to negotiate external pressures through regular internal communication and willingness to compromise.

The Citizen Sky Planetarium Trailer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turner, Rebecca; Price, A.; Wyatt, R.

2011-05-01

Citizen Sky is a multi-year, citizen science project focusing on the bright variable star, epsilon Aurigae. We have developed a six-minute video presentation describing eclipsing binary stars, light curves, and the Citizen Sky project. Designed like a short movie trailer, the video can be shown at planetariums before their regular, feature shows or integrated into a longer presentation. The trailer is available in a wide range of formats for viewing on laptops all the way up to state-of-the-art planetariums. The show is narrated by Timothy Ferris and was produced by the Morrison Planetarium and Visualization Studio at the California Academy of Sciences. This project has been made possible by the National Science Foundation.

The Citizen Sky Planetarium Trailer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turner, R.; Price, A.; Wyatt, R.

2012-06-01

(Abstract only) Citizen Sky is a multi-year, citizen science project focusing on the bright variable star e Aurigae. We have developed a six-minute video presentation describing eclipsing binary stars, light curves, and the Citizen Sky project. Designed like a short movie trailer, the video can be shown at planetariums before their regular, feature shows or integrated into a longer presentation. The trailer is available in a wide range of formats for viewing on laptops all the way up to state-of-the-art planetariums. The show is narrated by Timothy Ferris and was produced by the Morrison Planetarium and Visualization Studio at the California Academy of Sciences. This project has been made possible by the National Science Foundation.

Catalytic micromotor generating self-propelled regular motion through random fluctuation.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Daigo; Mukai, Atsushi; Okita, Naoaki; Yoshikawa, Kenichi; Shioi, Akihisa

2013-07-21

Most of the current studies on nano∕microscale motors to generate regular motion have adapted the strategy to fabricate a composite with different materials. In this paper, we report that a simple object solely made of platinum generates regular motion driven by a catalytic chemical reaction with hydrogen peroxide. Depending on the morphological symmetry of the catalytic particles, a rich variety of random and regular motions are observed. The experimental trend is well reproduced by a simple theoretical model by taking into account of the anisotropic viscous effect on the self-propelled active Brownian fluctuation.

Catalytic micromotor generating self-propelled regular motion through random fluctuation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, Daigo; Mukai, Atsushi; Okita, Naoaki; Yoshikawa, Kenichi; Shioi, Akihisa

2013-07-01

Most of the current studies on nano/microscale motors to generate regular motion have adapted the strategy to fabricate a composite with different materials. In this paper, we report that a simple object solely made of platinum generates regular motion driven by a catalytic chemical reaction with hydrogen peroxide. Depending on the morphological symmetry of the catalytic particles, a rich variety of random and regular motions are observed. The experimental trend is well reproduced by a simple theoretical model by taking into account of the anisotropic viscous effect on the self-propelled active Brownian fluctuation.

Examples of the Zeroth Theorem of the History of Science

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jackson, J.D.

2007-08-24

The zeroth theorem of the history of science, enunciated byE. P. Fischer, states that a discovery (rule,regularity, insight) namedafter someone (often) did not originate with that person. I present fiveexamples from physics: the Lorentz condition partial muAmu = 0 definingthe Lorentz gauge of the electromagnetic potentials; the Dirac deltafunction, delta(x); the Schumann resonances of the earth-ionospherecavity; the Weizsacker-Williams method of virtual quanta; the BMTequation of spin dynamics. I give illustrated thumbnail sketches of boththe true and reputed discoverers and quote from their "discovery"publications.

Atmospheric electricity at Durham: the scientific contributions and legacy of J. A. ("Skip") Chalmers (1904-1967)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aplin, Karen L.

2018-03-01

John Alan Chalmers made major contributions to atmospheric electricity over almost 40 years spent at Durham University, UK. He is particularly remembered in the atmospheric science community for his accessible and insightful textbook, Atmospheric Electricity, and his work on corona currents, which are still regularly cited. He also supervised over 35 research students. This article discusses his background, scientific contributions, and significant legacy to modern atmospheric science within the context of a long and productive career spent at one of England's principal northern universities.

Large-scale visualization projects for teaching software engineering.

PubMed

Müller, Christoph; Reina, Guido; Burch, Michael; Weiskopf, Daniel

2012-01-01

The University of Stuttgart's software engineering major complements the traditional computer science major with more practice-oriented education. Two-semester software projects in various application areas offered by the university's different computer science institutes are a successful building block in the curriculum. With this realistic, complex project setting, students experience the practice of software engineering, including software development processes, technologies, and soft skills. In particular, visualization-based projects are popular with students. Such projects offer them the opportunity to gain profound knowledge that would hardly be possible with only regular lectures and homework assignments.

The next steps in Seti-Italia science and technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montebugnoli, Stelio; Cosmovici, Cristiano; Monari, Jader; Pluchino, Salvatore; Zoni, Luca; Bartolini, Marco; Orlati, Andrea; Salerno, Emma; Schillirò, Francesco; Pupillo, Giuseppe; Perini, Federico; Bianchi, Germano; Tani, Mattia; Amico, Leonardo

2010-02-01

The Italian Medicina Radioastronomy Station (nearby Bologna) is equipped with two antennas: the 32 mt (VLBI) dish and the Northern Cross, a large T-shaped parabolic/cylindrical antenna (30.000 sqm). So far Seti observations have been performed using a SERENDIP IV high resolution spectrometer connected to the VLBI dish in "piggy back" mode configuration. In order to facilitate data interpretation and to introduce innovative methods to search for possible extraterrestrial signals, we are planning to make use of the large UHF Northern Cross transit telescope. Sky observations performed at least within two months, could provide for each day a number of matrices labeled according to the observing sidereal time. The entire set of matrices will be characterized by an averaged spectrum on each row per day. Keeping constant the transit antenna declination, a coherent signal coming from a definite position of the sky, would produce a "flag on" in the same submatrix at the same sidereal time. Detections collected in this way could be considered "confirmed" since they always come from the same region of the sky and are observed regularly. An extremely powerful processing board based on a multi-FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) core was developed and is now under programming. This is conceived to be the processing core for this new kind of investigations.

Women in Planetary Science: Career Resources and e-Mentoring on Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niebur, S. M.; Singer, K.; Gardner-Vandy, K.

2012-08-01

Fifty-one interviews with women in planetary science are now available as an e-mentoring and teaching resource on WomeninPlanetaryScience.com. Each scientist was nominated and interviewed by a fellow member of the planetary science community, and each gladly shared her advice for advancement in the field. Women in Planetary Science was founded in 2008 to connect communities of current and prospective scientists, to promote proposal and award opportunities, and to stimulate discussion in the planetary science community at large. Regular articles, or posts, by nearly a dozen collaborators highlight a range of current issues for women in this field. These articles are promoted by collaborators on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ and shared again by the collaborators' contacts, reaching a significantly wider audience. The group's latest project, on Pinterest, is a crowd-sourced photo gallery of more than 350 inspiring women in planetary science; each photo links to the scientist's CV. The interviews, the essays, and the photo gallery are available online as resources for prospective scientists, planetary scientists, parents, and educators.

Predatory Publishing Is a Threat to Non-Mainstream Science.

PubMed

Gasparyan, Armen Yuri; Nurmashev, Bekaidar; Udovik, Elena E; Koroleva, Anna M; Kitas, George D

2017-05-01

This article highlights the issue of wasteful publishing practices that primarily affect non-mainstream science countries and rapidly growing academic disciplines. Numerous start-up open access publishers with soft or nonexistent quality checks and huge commercial interests have created a global crisis in the publishing market. Their publishing practices have been thoroughly examined, leading to the blacklisting of many journals by Jeffrey Beall. However, it appears that some subscription journals are also falling short of adhering to the international recommendations of global editorial associations. Unethical editing agencies that promote their services in non-mainstream science countries create more problems for inexperienced authors. It is suggested to regularly monitor the quality of already indexed journals and upgrade criteria of covering new sources by the Emerging Sources Citation Index (Web of Science), Scopus, and specialist bibliographic databases. Regional awareness campaigns to inform stakeholders of science communication about the importance of ethical writing, transparency of editing services, and permanent archiving can be also helpful for eradicating unethical publishing practices. © 2017 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.

Accuracy of sign interpreting and real-time captioning of science videos for the delivery of instruction to deaf students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadler, Karen L.

2009-04-01

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively examine the impact of third-party support service providers on the quality of science information available to deaf students in regular science classrooms. Three different videotapes that were developed by NASA for high school science classrooms were selected for the study, allowing for different concepts and vocabulary to be examined. The focus was on the accuracy of translation as measured by the number of key science words included in the transcripts (captions) or videos (interpreted). Data were collected via transcripts completed by CART (computer assisted real-time captionists) or through videos of sign language interpreters. All participants were required to listen to and translate these NASA educational videos with no prior experience with this information so as not to influence their delivery. CART personnel using captions were found to be significantly more accurate in the delivery of science words as compared to the sign language interpreters in this study.

Counted Sb donors in Si quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Meenakshi; Pacheco, Jose; Bielejec, Edward; Perry, Daniel; Ten Eyck, Gregory; Bishop, Nathaniel; Wendt, Joel; Luhman, Dwight; Carroll, Malcolm; Lilly, Michael

2015-03-01

Deterministic control over the location and number of donors is critical for donor spin qubits in semiconductor based quantum computing. We have developed techniques using a focused ion beam and a diode detector integrated next to a silicon MOS single electron transistor to gain such control. With the diode detector operating in linear mode, the numbers of ions implanted have been counted and single ion implants have been detected. Poisson statistics in the number of ions implanted have been observed. Transport measurements performed on samples with counted number of implants have been performed and regular coulomb blockade and charge offsets observed. The capacitances to various gates are found to be in agreement with QCAD simulations for an electrostatically defined dot. This work was performed, in part, at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, a U.S. DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences user facility. The work was supported by Sandia National Laboratories Directed Research and Development Program. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed-Martin Company, for the U. S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC04-94AL85000.

76 FR 78621 - Applications for New Awards; Upward Bound Program (Regular Upward Bound (UB))

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-19

... high school who in the first year of postsecondary education placed into college-level math and English... education placed into college-level math and English or needed remediation in those subjects. The Department... grants; Veterans UB grants; and UB Math and Science grants. This notice only announces deadlines and...

Developing Effective Boards, Councils and Commissions. Revised.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dyer, Delwyn A.; Williams, Oscar M.

Effective board operations are an art as well as a science. Local advisory boards or governing boards/councils refer to active, duly organized, and representative bodies that hold regular meetings and make decisions on behalf of the membership, and whose members serve without pay. Advisory boards assist those who make organizational decisions but…

A Nation under Joint Custody: How Conflicting Family Models Divide US Politics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wehling, Eva Elisabeth

2013-01-01

Across the globe and throughout history, politics are regularly divided into "left-leaning" and "right-leaning" camps. Explaining the sources of this conservative-liberal divide has become a major quest in the cognitive and social sciences. Early attempts have focused on self-interest as a possible explanation. However, as the…

FCS Teacher Takes on Obesity Epidemic

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carlton, Toni

2007-01-01

Fighting the childhood obesity problem at Mayfield Middle School is an ongoing campaign. As a family and consumer sciences (FCS) teacher, the author decided to go outside the box to teach students and their families how to cook healthy dishes, eat a balanced and nutritious diet, and exercise regularly. All students at Mayfield attend a 6-week…

Good Governance Connects Science and Society

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hurlbut, J. Benjamin; Robert, Jason Scott

2012-01-01

Owen-Smith et al. (this issue) answer the question about expanding funding for human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) research decisively and emphatically. They conclude that the U.S. federal government should expand funding in volume and scope, and stabilize it through regularity. According to Hurlbut and Robert, If the clear goal of policy should…

School Science Inspired by Improving Weather Forecasts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reid, Heather; Renfrew, Ian A.; Vaughan, Geraint

2014-01-01

High winds and heavy rain are regular features of the British weather, and forecasting these events accurately is a major priority for the Met Office and other forecast providers. This is the challenge facing DIAMET, a project involving university groups from Manchester, Leeds, Reading, and East Anglia, together with the Met Office. DIAMET is part…

Privacy Impact Assessment for the TRIO Programs Annual Performance Report (APR) System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

US Department of Education, 2008

2008-01-01

The TRIO Programs Annual Performance Report (APR) System collects individual student records on individuals served by the following Federal TRIO Programs: Upward Bound (which includes regular Upward Bound (UB), Upward Bound Math-Science (UBMS), and Veterans Upward Bound (VUB)); Student Support Services (SSS); and the Ronald E. McNair Post…

Out in the Field: Experiencing a Research Learning Journey through a Community-Based Pilot Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maich, Kimberly; Hall, Carmen

2011-01-01

Applied undergraduate degrees have become regular offerings at community colleges across Ontario, including the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Early Childhood Leadership and the Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate at Fanshawe College, both of which include coursework related to applied research. In collaboration with community…

Innovation Labs: A Professional Approach to Honors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bormans, Ron

2015-01-01

Honors education at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (RUAS) focuses on students who are willing to invest more in their study than the average student. Selection criteria are the students' willingness to develop beyond what is offered in the regular curriculum and are not based on previous accomplishments. The additional challenge of the…

The Danger of Poison. Level 4 = El Veneno es Peligroso. [Nivel 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pennsylvania State Dept. of Education, Harrisburg.

Developed especially for migrant children, this field-tested curriculum teaches the benefits and hazards of pesticides to intermediate grade students. Materials, prepared in Spanish and English, can be used as a separate science/health unit on pesticides or integrated into the regular math and reading curriculum. Topics include benefits of…

Using Situational Interest to Enhance Individual Interest and Science-Related Behaviours

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palmer, David; Dixon, Jeanette; Archer, Jennifer

2017-01-01

Situational interest is a relatively transient reaction to highly stimulating factors in the immediate environment, whereas individual interest is a relatively long-term preference for a particular subject or activity. It has been proposed that regular experiences of situational interest in a subject may eventually lead to the development of…

Salting the Oats: Using Inquiry-based Science To Engage Learners at Risk.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lynch, Paddy

2001-01-01

Considers how due to the emphasis of reading, writing, and math, low-performing students are pulled from their regular classes for one-on-one tutorial sessions, restricting their exposure to group discussions and activities that encourage higher-order thinking skills. Suggests a reshaping of remedial curricula based on six guidelines. (SG)

In Designing a Preschool Program, We Went Straight to the Source: Parents.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zorn, Robert L.

1988-01-01

In response to overwhelming demand, Poland (Ohio) Schools proposed a pilot program to demonstrate that people wanted preschool and day care services that could pay for themselves. The program integrated early childhood programs with the regular school curriculum to stimulate children's interest in art, music, health, and sciences and develop motor…

A Computational Model of Early Argument Structure Acquisition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alishahi, Afra; Stevenson, Suzanne

2008-01-01

How children go about learning the general regularities that govern language, as well as keeping track of the exceptions to them, remains one of the challenging open questions in the cognitive science of language. Computational modeling is an important methodology in research aimed at addressing this issue. We must determine appropriate learning…

34 CFR 645.43 - What other requirements must a grantee meet?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... period, Regular Upward Bound projects shall serve between 50 and 150 participants and Upward Bound Math and Science projects shall serve between 50 and 75 participants. (2) Veterans Upward Bound projects... requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section if the applicant can demonstrate that the project...

Plato, Pascal, and the Dynamics of Personal Knowledge

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Otte, Michael Friedrich; Campos, Tania M. M.; Abido, Alexandre S.

2013-01-01

Educational practices are to be based on proven scientific knowledge, not least because the function science has to perform in human culture consists of unifying practical skills and general beliefs, the episteme and the techne (Amsterdamski, 1975, pp. 43-44). Now, modern societies first of all presuppose regular and standardized ways of…

Innovation from a Computational Social Science Perspective: Analyses and Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Casstevens, Randy M.

2013-01-01

Innovation processes are critical for preserving and improving our standard of living. While innovation has been studied by many disciplines, the focus has been on qualitative measures that are specific to a single technological domain. I adopt a quantitative approach to investigate underlying regularities that generalize across multiple domains.…

"Quod Erat Demonstrandum": Understanding and Explaining Equations in Physics Teacher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karam, Ricardo; Krey, Olaf

2015-01-01

In physics education, equations are commonly seen as calculation tools to solve problems or as concise descriptions of experimental regularities. In physical science, however, equations often play a much more important role associated with the formulation of theories to provide explanations for physical phenomena. In order to overcome this…

32 CFR 575.3 - Appointments; sources of nominations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... include the name, grade, social security number/service number, and branch of service of the parent as a... Forces); the name, grade, and branch of service of the parent; and a brief statement of the date and... Military Science or Senior Army Instructor at the school. (6) Regular Army: This category is for enlisted...

32 CFR 575.3 - Appointments; sources of nominations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... include the name, grade, social security number/service number, and branch of service of the parent as a... Forces); the name, grade, and branch of service of the parent; and a brief statement of the date and... Military Science or Senior Army Instructor at the school. (6) Regular Army: This category is for enlisted...

32 CFR 575.3 - Appointments; sources of nominations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... include the name, grade, social security number/service number, and branch of service of the parent as a... Forces); the name, grade, and branch of service of the parent; and a brief statement of the date and... Military Science or Senior Army Instructor at the school. (6) Regular Army: This category is for enlisted...

32 CFR 575.3 - Appointments; sources of nominations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... include the name, grade, social security number/service number, and branch of service of the parent as a... Forces); the name, grade, and branch of service of the parent; and a brief statement of the date and... Military Science or Senior Army Instructor at the school. (6) Regular Army: This category is for enlisted...

32 CFR 575.3 - Appointments; sources of nominations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... include the name, grade, social security number/service number, and branch of service of the parent as a... Forces); the name, grade, and branch of service of the parent; and a brief statement of the date and... Military Science or Senior Army Instructor at the school. (6) Regular Army: This category is for enlisted...

Tillamook's Learning Disabilities Program for Secondary Students. OSSC Bulletin, Vol. 24, No. 5.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Maggie

The Tillamook program provides support to learning disabled students who experience difficulty in science, social studies, and other content areas in the regular class setting, as a result of mainstreaming efforts. The program model includes a professionally staffed resource room, a diagnostic-prescriptive team, and a library of multimedia…

Rocky Mountain Research Station: 2006 Research Accomplishments

Treesearch

Rick Fletcher

2007-01-01

The Rocky Mountain Research Station has a long and celebrated legacy of conducting relevant natural resources research throughout the Interior West and beyond. Land managers and planners regularly rely upon our science to help make wise resource decisions. Our niche among research organizations is distinct: mission-oriented, close to the customers, a reputation for...

Superintendent Selection: Lessons from Political Science.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brunner, C. Cryss

Research has shown that women are underrepresented in positions of educational authority. This paper presents findings of a study that asked the following question: What is it about the regularities in discourse and practice in relationship to power in a particular community that would allow a woman to be selected for the superintendency, when…

Integration of Social Sciences in Terrorism Modelling: Issues, Problems and Recommendations

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-02-01

qualitative social research : empirical data, patterns, regularities and case studies Terrorism emergence: causes...quantitative and qualitative methods in studies of terrorism, mass violence and conflicts, suggested models of human behaviour response to the threat of...epistemology of social research , demographics, quantitative sociological research , qualitative social research , cultural studies , etc.) can contribute

Physical Science. Teacher's Guide [and Student Guide]. Parallel Alternative Strategies for Students (PASS).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Danner, Greg, Ed.; Fresen, Sue, Ed.

This teacher's guide and student guide unit contains supplemental readings, activities, and methods adapted for secondary students who have disabilities and other students with diverse learning needs. The materials are designed to help these students succeed in regular education content courses and include simplified text and smaller units of…

Biotechnology Process Engineering Center at MIT - Overview

Science.gov Websites

ADVISORY BOARD Under an academic paradigm set forth by the National Science Foundation for National Engineering Research Centers, BPEC exists as a partnership with industry. Regular two-way information flow sabbaticals at MIT and student internships at our industrial partners. We have selected an elite group of

Dissemination of Continuing Education Materials Via Television Delivery Systems. Final Technical Report and Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Munushian, Jack

In 1972, the University of Southern California School of Engineering established a 4-channel interactive instructional television network. It was designed to allow employees of participating industries to take regular university science and engineering courses and special continuing education courses at or near their work locations. Final progress…

Enhancing Equity in the Classroom by Teaching for Mathematical Creativity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luria, Sarah R.; Sriraman, Bharath; Kaufman, James C.

2017-01-01

Equity is an important element of educational discourses pertaining to mathematics and science education. Creativity is an aspect of the classroom that is often ignored due to curricular constraints and the burden of testing. However mathematics offers avenues to infuse the regular curricula with activities that are thought provoking and require…

The Reflective Professional Honours Programme of the Dutch Saxion Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Dijk, Trijntje

2012-01-01

The Reflective Professional Honours Programme of the Saxion Universities of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands centers on a profile of what graduates of the program should have accomplished in addition to their regular bachelor's degree program. The development team for our programme first investigated what the profile should be, interviewing…

Modeling discourse management compared to other classroom management styles in university physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desbien, Dwain Michael

2002-01-01

A classroom management technique called modeling discourse management was developed to enhance the modeling theory of physics. Modeling discourse management is a student-centered management that focuses on the epistemology of science. Modeling discourse is social constructivist in nature and was designed to encourage students to present classroom material to each other. In modeling discourse management, the instructor's primary role is of questioner rather than provider of knowledge. Literature is presented that helps validate the components of modeling discourse. Modeling discourse management was compared to other classroom management styles using multiple measures. Both regular and honors university physics classes were investigated. This style of management was found to enhance student understanding of forces, problem-solving skills, and student views of science compared to traditional classroom management styles for both honors and regular students. Compared to other reformed physics classrooms, modeling discourse classes performed as well or better on student understanding of forces. Outside evaluators viewed modeling discourse classes to be reformed, and it was determined that modeling discourse could be effectively disseminated.

Statistical learning in social action contexts.

PubMed

Monroy, Claire; Meyer, Marlene; Gerson, Sarah; Hunnius, Sabine

2017-01-01

Sensitivity to the regularities and structure contained within sequential, goal-directed actions is an important building block for generating expectations about the actions we observe. Until now, research on statistical learning for actions has solely focused on individual action sequences, but many actions in daily life involve multiple actors in various interaction contexts. The current study is the first to investigate the role of statistical learning in tracking regularities between actions performed by different actors, and whether the social context characterizing their interaction influences learning. That is, are observers more likely to track regularities across actors if they are perceived as acting jointly as opposed to in parallel? We tested adults and toddlers to explore whether social context guides statistical learning and-if so-whether it does so from early in development. In a between-subjects eye-tracking experiment, participants were primed with a social context cue between two actors who either shared a goal of playing together ('Joint' condition) or stated the intention to act alone ('Parallel' condition). In subsequent videos, the actors performed sequential actions in which, for certain action pairs, the first actor's action reliably predicted the second actor's action. We analyzed predictive eye movements to upcoming actions as a measure of learning, and found that both adults and toddlers learned the statistical regularities across actors when their actions caused an effect. Further, adults with high statistical learning performance were sensitive to social context: those who observed actors with a shared goal were more likely to correctly predict upcoming actions. In contrast, there was no effect of social context in the toddler group, regardless of learning performance. These findings shed light on how adults and toddlers perceive statistical regularities across actors depending on the nature of the observed social situation and the resulting effects.

Statistical learning in social action contexts

PubMed Central

Meyer, Marlene; Gerson, Sarah; Hunnius, Sabine

2017-01-01

Sensitivity to the regularities and structure contained within sequential, goal-directed actions is an important building block for generating expectations about the actions we observe. Until now, research on statistical learning for actions has solely focused on individual action sequences, but many actions in daily life involve multiple actors in various interaction contexts. The current study is the first to investigate the role of statistical learning in tracking regularities between actions performed by different actors, and whether the social context characterizing their interaction influences learning. That is, are observers more likely to track regularities across actors if they are perceived as acting jointly as opposed to in parallel? We tested adults and toddlers to explore whether social context guides statistical learning and—if so—whether it does so from early in development. In a between-subjects eye-tracking experiment, participants were primed with a social context cue between two actors who either shared a goal of playing together (‘Joint’ condition) or stated the intention to act alone (‘Parallel’ condition). In subsequent videos, the actors performed sequential actions in which, for certain action pairs, the first actor’s action reliably predicted the second actor’s action. We analyzed predictive eye movements to upcoming actions as a measure of learning, and found that both adults and toddlers learned the statistical regularities across actors when their actions caused an effect. Further, adults with high statistical learning performance were sensitive to social context: those who observed actors with a shared goal were more likely to correctly predict upcoming actions. In contrast, there was no effect of social context in the toddler group, regardless of learning performance. These findings shed light on how adults and toddlers perceive statistical regularities across actors depending on the nature of the observed social situation and the resulting effects. PMID:28475619

The Wmo Global Atmosphere Watch Programme: Global Framework for Atmospheric Composition Observations and Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarasova, O. A.; Jalkanen, L.

2010-12-01

The WMO Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme is the only existing long-term international global programme providing an international coordinated framework for observations and analysis of the chemical composition of the atmosphere. GAW is a partnership involving contributors from about 80 countries. It includes a coordinated global network of observing stations along with supporting facilities (Central Facilities) and expert groups (Scientific Advisory Groups, SAGs and Expert Teams, ETs). Currently GAW coordinates activities and data from 27 Global Stations and a substantial number of Regional and Contributing Stations. Station information is available through the GAW Station Information System GAWSIS (http://gaw.empa.ch/gawsis/). There are six key groups of variables which are addressed by the GAW Programme, namely: ozone, reactive gases, greenhouse gases, aerosols, UV radiation and precipitation chemistry. GAW works to implement integrated observations unifying measurements from different platforms (ground based in situ and remote, balloons, aircraft and satellite) supported by modeling activities. GAW provides data for ozone assessments, Greenhouse Gas Bulletins, Ozone Bulletins and precipitation chemistry assessments published on a regular basis and for early warnings of changes in the chemical composition and related physical characteristics of the atmosphere. To ensure that observations can be used for global assessments, the GAW Programme has developed a Quality Assurance system. Five types of Central Facilities dedicated to the six groups of measurement variables are operated by WMO Members and form the basis of quality assurance and data archiving for the GAW global monitoring network. They include Central Calibration Laboratories (CCLs) that host primary standards (PS), Quality Assurance/Science Activity Centres (QA/SACs), World Calibration Centers (WCCs), Regional Calibration Centers (RCCs), and World Data Centers (WDCs) with responsibility for archiving and access to GAW data. Education, training, workshops, comparison campaigns, station audits/visits and twinning are also provided to build capacities in atmospheric sciences in Member countries.

Youth Marijuana Use: State of the Science for the Practicing Clinician

PubMed Central

Hadland, Scott E.; Harris, Sion K.

2014-01-01

Purpose of review Despite widespread marijuana use among adolescents, accurate information on known health effects is poorly disseminated to clinicians and their patients. Amidst rapidly evolving drug policy in the United States and elsewhere, it is imperative that providers understand the short- and long-term consequences of marijuana use. Recent findings Research on regular marijuana use highlights a unique susceptibility of the developing adolescent brain to adverse neurocognitive and psychiatric outcomes. Although studies have not firmly established causality, onset of regular marijuana use in adolescence is associated with later decline in cognitive function, as well as with adult onset of psychosis and anxiety. Educational and employment outcomes may be poorer among regular marijuana-using adolescents. A number of other adverse respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine and gastrointestinal associations with regular marijuana use have also been established. Good screening tools and promising brief intervention and behavioral treatment programs are available to clinicians, who are in a position to identify problematic marijuana use among adolescents and refer for services. Summary A common misperception among youth is that marijuana use is without harm. However, adolescent marijuana use may have measurable, durable and potentially irreversible effects on later cognitive function and mental health. PMID:24914878

ETS Gene Fusions as Predictive Biomarkers of Resistance to Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-01

science   seminars,   hosted   by   the   Departments   Medicine,   and  Molecular   and  Cellular  Biology,  which  have  broadened  by   scientific... knowledge   within   my   field.   I   have   also   regularly   attended   Gene   Fusion   and   Cancer   Biology   Research   Meetings,  run  by...the  ASTRO  annual   meeting.    Finally,   I  have  met   regularly  with  my  mentors,  Drs.  Arul  Chinnaiyan,  Ted  Lawrence,   and  Tom   Carey

Regularized joint inverse estimation of extreme rainfall amounts in ungauged coastal basins of El Salvador

USGS Publications Warehouse

Friedel, M.J.

2008-01-01

A regularized joint inverse procedure is presented and used to estimate the magnitude of extreme rainfall events in ungauged coastal river basins of El Salvador: Paz, Jiboa, Grande de San Miguel, and Goascoran. Since streamflow measurements reflect temporal and spatial rainfall information, peak-flow discharge is hypothesized to represent a similarity measure suitable for regionalization. To test this hypothesis, peak-flow discharge values determined from streamflow recurrence information (10-year, 25-year, and 100-year) collected outside the study basins are used to develop regional (country-wide) regression equations. Peak-flow discharge derived from these equations together with preferred spatial parameter relations as soft prior information are used to constrain the simultaneous calibration of 20 tributary basin models. The nonlinear range of uncertainty in estimated parameter values (1 curve number and 3 recurrent rainfall amounts for each model) is determined using an inverse calibration-constrained Monte Carlo approach. Cumulative probability distributions for rainfall amounts indicate differences among basins for a given return period and an increase in magnitude and range among basins with increasing return interval. Comparison of the estimated median rainfall amounts for all return periods were reasonable but larger (3.2-26%) than rainfall estimates computed using the frequency-duration (traditional) approach and individual rain gauge data. The observed 25-year recurrence rainfall amount at La Hachadura in the Paz River basin during Hurricane Mitch (1998) is similar in value to, but outside and slightly less than, the estimated rainfall confidence limits. The similarity in joint inverse and traditionally computed rainfall events, however, suggests that the rainfall observation may likely be due to under-catch and not model bias. ?? Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2007.

Utilization and acceptance of virtual patients in veterinary basic sciences - the vetVIP-project.

PubMed

Kleinsorgen, Christin; Kankofer, Marta; Gradzki, Zbigniew; Mandoki, Mira; Bartha, Tibor; von Köckritz-Blickwede, Maren; Naim, Hassan Y; Beyerbach, Martin; Tipold, Andrea; Ehlers, Jan P

2017-01-01

Context: In medical and veterinary medical education the use of problem-based and cased-based learning has steadily increased over time. At veterinary faculties, this development has mainly been evident in the clinical phase of the veterinary education. Therefore, a consortium of teachers of biochemistry and physiology together with technical and didactical experts launched the EU-funded project "vetVIP", to create and implement veterinary virtual patients and problems for basic science instruction. In this study the implementation and utilization of virtual patients occurred at the veterinary faculties in Budapest, Hannover and Lublin. Methods: This report describes the investigation of the utilization and acceptance of students studying veterinary basic sciences using optional online learning material concurrently to regular biochemistry and physiology didactic instruction. The reaction of students towards this offer of clinical case-based learning in basic sciences was analysed using quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were collected automatically within the chosen software-system CASUS as user-log-files. Responses regarding the quality of the virtual patients were obtained using an online questionnaire. Furthermore, subjective evaluation by authors was performed using a focus group discussion and an online questionnaire. Results: Implementation as well as usage and acceptance varied between the three participating locations. High approval was documented in Hannover and Lublin based upon the high proportion of voluntary students (>70%) using optional virtual patients. However, in Budapest the participation rate was below 1%. Due to utilization, students seem to prefer virtual patients and problems created in their native language and developed at their own university. In addition, the statement that assessment drives learning was supported by the observation that peak utilization was just prior to summative examinations. Conclusion: Veterinary virtual patients in basic sciences can be introduced and used for the presentation of integrative clinical case scenarios. Student post-course comments also supported the conclusion that overall the virtual cases increased their motivation for learning veterinary basic sciences.

Preservice Teachers' Images of Scientists: Do Prior Science Experiences Make a Difference?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milford, Todd M.; Tippett, Christine D.

2013-06-01

This article presents the results of a mixed methods study that used the Draw-a-Scientist Test as a visual tool for exploring preservice teachers' beliefs about scientists. A questionnaire was also administered to 165 students who were enrolled in elementary (K-8) and secondary (8-12) science methods courses. Taken as a whole, the images drawn by preservice teachers reflected the stereotype of a scientist as a man with a wild hairdo who wears a lab coat and glasses while working in a laboratory setting. However, results indicated statistically significant differences in stereotypical components of representations of scientists depending on preservice teachers' program and previous science experiences. Post degree students in secondary science methods courses created images of scientists with fewer stereotypical elements than drawings created by students in the regular elementary program.

Statistical regularities in art: Relations with visual coding and perception.

PubMed

Graham, Daniel J; Redies, Christoph

2010-07-21

Since at least 1935, vision researchers have used art stimuli to test human response to complex scenes. This is sensible given the "inherent interestingness" of art and its relation to the natural visual world. The use of art stimuli has remained popular, especially in eye tracking studies. Moreover, stimuli in common use by vision scientists are inspired by the work of famous artists (e.g., Mondrians). Artworks are also popular in vision science as illustrations of a host of visual phenomena, such as depth cues and surface properties. However, until recently, there has been scant consideration of the spatial, luminance, and color statistics of artwork, and even less study of ways that regularities in such statistics could affect visual processing. Furthermore, the relationship between regularities in art images and those in natural scenes has received little or no attention. In the past few years, there has been a concerted effort to study statistical regularities in art as they relate to neural coding and visual perception, and art stimuli have begun to be studied in rigorous ways, as natural scenes have been. In this minireview, we summarize quantitative studies of links between regular statistics in artwork and processing in the visual stream. The results of these studies suggest that art is especially germane to understanding human visual coding and perception, and it therefore warrants wider study. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Complementary learning systems within the hippocampus: a neural network modelling approach to reconciling episodic memory with statistical learning.

PubMed

Schapiro, Anna C; Turk-Browne, Nicholas B; Botvinick, Matthew M; Norman, Kenneth A

2017-01-05

A growing literature suggests that the hippocampus is critical for the rapid extraction of regularities from the environment. Although this fits with the known role of the hippocampus in rapid learning, it seems at odds with the idea that the hippocampus specializes in memorizing individual episodes. In particular, the Complementary Learning Systems theory argues that there is a computational trade-off between learning the specifics of individual experiences and regularities that hold across those experiences. We asked whether it is possible for the hippocampus to handle both statistical learning and memorization of individual episodes. We exposed a neural network model that instantiates known properties of hippocampal projections and subfields to sequences of items with temporal regularities. We found that the monosynaptic pathway-the pathway connecting entorhinal cortex directly to region CA1-was able to support statistical learning, while the trisynaptic pathway-connecting entorhinal cortex to CA1 through dentate gyrus and CA3-learned individual episodes, with apparent representations of regularities resulting from associative reactivation through recurrence. Thus, in paradigms involving rapid learning, the computational trade-off between learning episodes and regularities may be handled by separate anatomical pathways within the hippocampus itself.This article is part of the themed issue 'New frontiers for statistical learning in the cognitive sciences'. © 2016 The Author(s).

Specific patterns of canine scavenging in indoor settings.

PubMed

Colard, Thomas; Delannoy, Yann; Naji, Stephan; Gosset, Didier; Hartnett, Kristen; Bécart, Anne

2015-03-01

Postmortem animal mutilations due to domestic dogs in isolated domestic deaths are taphonomic modifications regularly observed by forensic pathologists. They are rarely described in the literature; however, even though they present specific patterns. Through 41 cases, 10 at the forensic institute in Lille (France) and 31 at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (USA), plus 22 cases from the literature, specific locations and patterns of postmortem scavenging lesions are proposed. These lesions are mainly distributed in three locations: the face, especially the nose and the mouth (73.1%), the neck (43.1%), and the arm (shoulder/upper limb [29.2%], hand [26.8%]). We discuss the time span between death and scavenging, the consequences on identification, and comparison with outdoor settings. Outdoor scavenging lesions are mainly located on the trunk and limbs usually sparing the head, which strongly differs from indoor distribution and imply different animal motivations. © 2015 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Power laws governing epidemics in isolated populations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhodes, C. J.; Anderson, R. M.

1996-06-01

TEMPORAL changes in the incidence of measles virus infection within large urban communities in the developed world have been the focus of much discussion in the context of the identification and analysis of nonlinear and chaotic patterns in biological time series1-11. In contrast, the measles records for small isolated island populations are highly irregular, because of frequent fade-outs of infection12-14, and traditional analysis15 does not yield useful insight. Here we use measurements of the distribution of epidemic sizes and duration to show that regularities in the dynamics of such systems do become apparent. Specifically, these biological systems are characterized by well-defined power laws in a manner reminiscent of other nonlinear, spatially extended dynamical systems in the physical sciences16-19. We further show that the observed power-law exponents are well described by a simple lattice-based model which reflects the social interaction between individual hosts.

Simulating incompressible flow on moving meshfree grids using General Finite Differences (GFD)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasyliv, Yaroslav; Alexeev, Alexander

2016-11-01

We simulate incompressible flow around an oscillating cylinder at different Reynolds numbers using General Finite Differences (GFD) on a meshfree grid. We evolve the meshfree grid by treating each grid node as a particle. To compute velocities and accelerations, we consider the particles at a particular instance as Eulerian observation points. The incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are directly discretized using GFD with boundary conditions enforced using a sharp interface treatment. Cloud sizes are set such that the local approximations use only 16 neighbors. To enforce incompressibility, we apply a semi-implicit approximate projection method. To prevent overlapping particles and formation of voids in the grid, we propose a particle regularization scheme based on a local minimization principle. We validate the GFD results for an oscillating cylinder against the lattice Boltzmann method and find good agreement. Financial support provided by National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship, Grant No. DGE-1148903.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Stellar populations in the Magellanic bridge (Skowron+, 2014)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skowron, D. M.; Jacyszyn, A. M.; Udalski, A.; Szymanski, M. K.; Skowron, J.; Poleski, R.; Kozlowski, S.; Kubiak, M.; Pietrzynski, G.; Soszynski, I.; Mroz, P.; Pietrukowicz, P.; Ulaczyk, K.; Wyrzykowski, L.

2017-05-01

The current, fourth phase of the OGLE survey (OGLE-IV) started in 2010 March with the commissioning of a large new-generation 256 Megapixel 32 chip mosaic camera. The Galactic bulge and disk, the Magellanic Clouds, and the Magellanic Bridge, including vast areas around them, are the primary observing targets for the OGLE-IV survey. Regular monitoring of the selected sky regions by the OGLE survey is carried out with the 1.3 m Warsaw telescope located at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile (operated by the Carnegie Institution for Science). The field of view of the camera is 1.4 deg2 with a pixel size of ~0.26''. The magnitude range of the standard OGLE survey is approximately 12-21 mag in the I band and 12.5-21.5 mag in the V band. (1 data file).

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Galactic bulge eclipsing & ellipsoidal binaries (Soszynski+, 2016)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soszynski, I.; Pawlak, M.; Pietrukowicz, P.; Udalski, A.; Szymanski, M. K.; Wyrzykowski, L.; Ulaczyk, K.; Poleski, R.; Kozlowski, S.; Skowron, D. M.; Skowron, J.; Mroz, P.; Hamanowicz, A.

2018-04-01

Our collection of binary systems in the Galactic bulge is based on the photometric data collected by the OGLE survey between 1997 and 2015 at Las Campanas Observatory, Chile, with the 1.3-m Warsaw Telescope. The observatory is operated by the Carnegie Institution for Science. In 1997-2000, during the OGLE-II stage, about 30 million stars in the area of 11 square degrees in the central parts of the Milky Way were constantly monitored. In 2001, with the beginning of the OGLE-III survey, the sky coverage was extended to nearly 69 square degrees and the number of monitored stars increased to 200 million. Finally, from 2010 until today the OGLE-IV project regularly observes about 400 million stars in 182 square degrees of the densest regions of the Galactic bulge. Our search for eclipsing variables was based primarily on the OGLE-IV data. (4 data files).

Summary of Terra and Aqua MODIS Long-Term Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xiong, Xiaoxiong (Jack); Wenny, Brian N.; Angal, Amit; Barnes, William; Salomonson, Vincent

2011-01-01

Since launch in December 1999, the MODIS ProtoFlight Model (PFM) onboard the Terra spacecraft has successfully operated for more than 11 years. Its Flight Model (FM) onboard the Aqua spacecraft, launched in May 2002, has also successfully operated for over 9 years. MODIS observations are made in 36 spectral bands at three nadir spatial resolutions and are calibrated and characterized regularly by a set of on-board calibrators (OBC). Nearly 40 science products, supporting a variety of land, ocean, and atmospheric applications, are continuously derived from the calibrated reflectances and radiances of each MODIS instrument and widely distributed to the world-wide user community. Following an overview of MODIS instrument operation and calibration activities, this paper provides a summary of both Terra and Aqua MODIS long-term performance. Special considerations that are critical to maintaining MODIS data quality and beneficial for future missions are also discussed.

Dunes on Pluto.

PubMed

Telfer, Matt W; Parteli, Eric J R; Radebaugh, Jani; Beyer, Ross A; Bertrand, Tanguy; Forget, François; Nimmo, Francis; Grundy, Will M; Moore, Jeffrey M; Stern, S Alan; Spencer, John; Lauer, Tod R; Earle, Alissa M; Binzel, Richard P; Weaver, Hal A; Olkin, Cathy B; Young, Leslie A; Ennico, Kimberly; Runyon, Kirby; Buie, Marc; Buratti, Bonnie; Cheng, Andy; Kavelaars, J J; Linscott, Ivan; McKinnon, William B; Reitsema, Harold; Reuter, Dennis; Schenk, Paul; Showalter, Mark; Tyler, Len

2018-06-01

The surface of Pluto is more geologically diverse and dynamic than had been expected, but the role of its tenuous atmosphere in shaping the landscape remains unclear. We describe observations from the New Horizons spacecraft of regularly spaced, linear ridges whose morphology, distribution, and orientation are consistent with being transverse dunes. These are located close to mountainous regions and are orthogonal to nearby wind streaks. We demonstrate that the wavelength of the dunes (~0.4 to 1 kilometer) is best explained by the deposition of sand-sized (~200 to ~300 micrometer) particles of methane ice in moderate winds (<10 meters per second). The undisturbed morphology of the dunes, and relationships with the underlying convective glacial ice, imply that the dunes have formed in the very recent geological past. Copyright © 2018 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

Perspectives on statistics education: observations from statistical consulting in an academic nursing environment.

PubMed

Hayat, Matthew J; Schmiege, Sarah J; Cook, Paul F

2014-04-01

Statistics knowledge is essential for understanding the nursing and health care literature, as well as for applying rigorous science in nursing research. Statistical consultants providing services to faculty and students in an academic nursing program have the opportunity to identify gaps and challenges in statistics education for nursing students. This information may be useful to curriculum committees and statistics educators. This article aims to provide perspective on statistics education stemming from the experiences of three experienced statistics educators who regularly collaborate and consult with nurse investigators. The authors share their knowledge and express their views about data management, data screening and manipulation, statistical software, types of scientific investigation, and advanced statistical topics not covered in the usual coursework. The suggestions provided promote a call for data to study these topics. Relevant data about statistics education can assist educators in developing comprehensive statistics coursework for nursing students. Copyright 2014, SLACK Incorporated.

At-Risk and Bilingual Fifth-Grade Students' On-Task Behavior and Conceptual Understanding in Earth Science-Related Topics during Inquiry-, Technology-, and Game-Based Activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McNeal, K.; Vasquez, Y.; Avandano, C.; Moreno, K.; Besinaiz, J.

2007-12-01

The Graduate K-12 (GK12) program has been developed by NSF to support the national effort to advance scientific knowledge through educational partnerships. This paper highlights research conducted during the 2006-2007 school year with the Texas A&M University GK12 project. Two elementary schools with very high numbers of at risk students - those who are poor, speak English as their second language, and have a history of failing state-mandated tests were identified to be the field site for the GK12 project. In these two, high-minority (97% and 40% African American and Hispanic) schools, 80% and 56% of the children have been identified by the state as at risk; 94% and 52% are classified as economically disadvantaged; and 46% and 2% are limited English proficient, respectively. In the past year, 30% and 73% of fifth grade students in these schools passed the science portion of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test. Data collected during a three- week period where GK12 fellows taught the fifth graders Earth science-related topics is presented. During the implementation, students were engaged in technology-, inquiry-, and game-based activities. Students were divided into low-, medium-, and high-abilities in one school, and regular and bilingual groups in the other. Pre- post open-ended multiple choice tests indicated that all but the low performing students' conceptual understanding (CU) significantly (p < 0.05) improved during the IT activity. The low and high student groups' CU significantly improved during the inquiry activity, and the high and bilingual students' CU significantly improved for the game activities. Classroom observation assessments showed that there was a significant (p < 0.10) positive (0.347) correlation between on-task behavior and CU. Significant differences between student groups' CU and on-task behavior indicated that technology-based activities showed greatest differences between the low- ability learners and the other students, whereas, inquiry-based activities tended not to show such extremes. In the case of the bilingual and regular students however, technology-based instruction tended to increase their scores and decrease gaps with other groups. Using different pedagogical approaches (e.g., technology-, inquiry- and game-based methods) to teach Earth science is important to reach all elementary students. Earth science educators should not forget that there does not exist any one teaching and learning method that will be a 'quick fix' for the masses. However, educational partnerships between universities and K-12 schools strengthen the efforts to increase scientific literacy among all students, including diverse and at risk populations.

Assessing the quality of informed consent in a resource-limited setting: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Kiguba, Ronald; Kutyabami, Paul; Kiwuwa, Stephen; Katabira, Elly; Sewankambo, Nelson K

2012-08-21

The process of obtaining informed consent continues to be a contentious issue in clinical and public health research carried out in resource-limited settings. We sought to evaluate this process among human research participants in randomly selected active research studies approved by the School of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee at the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University. Data were collected using semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaires on clinic days after initial or repeat informed consent procedures for the respective clinical studies had been administered to each study participant. Of the 600 participants interviewed, two thirds (64.2%, 385/600) were female. Overall mean age of study participants was 37.6 (SD = 7.7) years. Amongst all participants, less than a tenth (5.9%, 35/598) reported that they were not given enough information before making a decision to participate. A similar proportion (5.7%, 34/597) reported that they had not signed a consent form prior to making a decision to participate in the study. A third (33.7%, 201/596) of the participants were not aware that they could, at any time, voluntarily withdraw participation from these studies. Participants in clinical trials were 50% less likely than those in observational studies [clinical trial vs. observational; (odds ratio, OR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.35-0.78)] to perceive that refusal to participate in the parent research project would affect their regular medical care. Most of the participants signed informed consent forms and a vast majority felt that they received enough information before deciding to participate. On the contrary, several were not aware that they could voluntarily withdraw their participation. Participants in observational studies were more likely than those in clinical trials to perceive that refusal to participate in the parent study would affect their regular medical care.

Activity of invasive slug Limax maximus in relation to climate conditions based on citizen's observations and novel regularization based statistical approaches.

PubMed

Morii, Yuta; Ohkubo, Yusaku; Watanabe, Sanae

2018-05-13

Citizen science is a powerful tool that can be used to resolve the problems of introduced species. An amateur naturalist and author of this paper, S. Watanabe, recorded the total number of Limax maximus (Limacidae, Pulmonata) individuals along a fixed census route almost every day for two years on Hokkaido Island, Japan. L. maximus is an invasive slug considered a pest species of horticultural and agricultural crops. We investigated how weather conditions were correlated to the intensity of slug activity using for the first time in ecology the recently developed statistical analyses, Bayesian regularization regression with comparisons among Laplace, Horseshoe and Horseshoe+ priors for the first time in ecology. The slug counts were compared with meteorological data from 5:00 in the morning on the day of observation (OT- and OD-models) and the day before observation (DBOD-models). The OT- and OD-models were more supported than the DBOD-models based on the WAIC scores, and the meteorological predictors selected in the OT-, OD- and DBOD-models were different. The probability of slug appearance was increased on mornings with higher than 20-year-average humidity (%) and lower than average wind velocity (m/s) and precipitation (mm) values in the OT-models. OD-models showed a pattern similar to OT-models in the probability of slug appearance, but also suggested other meteorological predictors for slug activities; positive effect of solar radiation (MJ) for example. Five meteorological predictors, mean and highest temperature (°C), wind velocity (m/s), precipitation amount (mm) and atmospheric pressure (hPa), were selected as the effective factors for the counts in the DBOD-models. Therefore, the DBOD-models will be valuable for the prediction of slug activity in the future, much like a weather forecast. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

History matching by spline approximation and regularization in single-phase areal reservoirs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, T. Y.; Kravaris, C.; Seinfeld, J.

1986-01-01

An automatic history matching algorithm is developed based on bi-cubic spline approximations of permeability and porosity distributions and on the theory of regularization to estimate permeability or porosity in a single-phase, two-dimensional real reservoir from well pressure data. The regularization feature of the algorithm is used to convert the ill-posed history matching problem into a well-posed problem. The algorithm employs the conjugate gradient method as its core minimization method. A number of numerical experiments are carried out to evaluate the performance of the algorithm. Comparisons with conventional (non-regularized) automatic history matching algorithms indicate the superiority of the new algorithm with respect to the parameter estimates obtained. A quasioptimal regularization parameter is determined without requiring a priori information on the statistical properties of the observations.

The compatibility of reform initiatives in inclusion and science education: Perceptions of science teachers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chung, Su-Hsiang

The purposes of this investigation were to examine science teachers' instructional adaptations, testing and grading policies, as well as their perceptions toward inclusion. In addition, whether the perceptions and adaptations differ among three disability areas (learning disabilities, emotional handicaps, and mental handicaps), school level (elementary, middle, and high school), course content (life and physical science), instructional approach (textbook-oriented or activity-oriented), and other related variables was examined. Especially, the intention was to determine whether the two educational reform efforts (inclusion and excellence in science education) are compatible. In this study, 900 questionnaires were mailed to teachers in Indiana and 424 (47%) were returned. Due to incomplete or blank data, 38 (4%) responses were excluded. The final results were derived from a total of 386 respondents contributing to this investigation. The descriptive data indicated that teachers adapted their instruction moderately to accommodate students' special needs. In particular, these adaptations were made more frequently for students with mental handicaps (MH) or learning disabilities (LD), but less for students with emotional handicaps (EH). With respect to testing policies, less than half of the teachers (44.5%) used "same testing standards as regular students" for integrated LD students, while a majority of the teachers (57%) used such a policy for EH students. Unfortunately, considerably fewer teachers modified their grading policies for these two groups of students. In contrast, approximately two thirds of the teachers indicated that they used different testing or grading policies for MH students who were in the regular settings. Moreover, the results also showed that changes in classroom procedure did not occur much in the science teachers' classrooms. Perceptions of science teachers toward inclusion practices were somewhat mixed. Overall, teachers had neutral attitudes. Among the three groups of teachers, elementary teachers were most positive toward inclusion practices, while high school teachers least. The present investigation adds several new insights into the existing research that school level, science teaching approach, and science course content are associated with the likelihood of adaptation making behaviors of science teachers. With respect to instructional adaptations, variables such as special education coursework, workshops attended, gender, as well as years of teaching experience, were also found significantly associated with teachers' instructional adjustments. Teachers who were more likely to adjust their teaching instruction included those who taught life science, those who used hands-on activities as the major teaching method, those who took more courses in special education, and those who attended more mainstreaming-related workshops. On the contrary, teachers with more experience made fewer adaptations in their general science classrooms.

Approaches to Interactive Video Anchors in Problem-based Science Learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, David Devraj

2010-02-01

This paper is an invited adaptation of the IEEE Education Society Distinguished Lecture Approaches to Interactive Video Anchors in Problem-Based Science Learning. Interactive video anchors have a cognitive theory base, and they help to enlarge the context of learning with information-rich real-world situations. Carefully selected movie clips and custom-developed regular videos and virtual simulations have been successfully used as anchors in problem-based science learning. Examples discussed include a range of situations such as Indiana Jones tackling a trap, a teenager misrepresenting lead for gold, an agriculture inspection at the US border, counterintuitive events, analyzing a river ecosystem for pollution, and finding the cause of illness in a nineteenth century river city. Suggestions for teachers are provided.

International Conferences and Young Scientists Schools on Computational Information Technologies for Environmental Sciences (CITES) as a professional growth instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordov, E. P.; Lykosov, V. N.; Genina, E. Yu; Gordova, Yu E.

2017-11-01

The paper describes a regular events CITES consisting of young scientists school and international conference as a tool for training and professional growth. The events address the most pressing issues of application of information-computational technologies in environmental sciences and young scientists’ training, diminishing a gap between university graduates’ skill and concurrent challenges. The viability of the approach to the CITES organization is proved by the fact that single event organized in 2001 turned into a series, quite a few young participants successfully defended their PhD thesis and a number of researchers became Doctors of Science during these years. Young researchers from Russia and foreign countries show undiminishing interest to these events.

Reinventing a health sciences digital library--organizational impact.

PubMed

Moore, Margaret E; Garrison, Scott; Hayes, Barrie; McLendon, Wallace

2003-01-01

What is the organizational impact of becoming a digital library, as well as a physical entity with facilities and collections? Is the digital library an add-on or an integrated component of the overall library package? Librarians see sweeping environmental and technological changes. The staff members feel exhilarated and challenged by the pressures to adapt quickly and effectively. Librarians recognize that a Web presence, like other technology components, must be continuously enhanced and regularly re-engineered. The Health Sciences Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is reinventing its digital presence to better meet the needs of the community. This paper provides a case study focusing on major changes in planning processes, organizational structure, staffing, budgeting, training, communications, and operations at the Health Sciences Library.

Engaging in vocabulary learning in science: the promise of multimodal instruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Townsend, Dianna; Brock, Cynthia; Morrison, Jennifer D.

2018-02-01

To a science 'outsider', science language often appears unnecessarily technical and dense. However, scientific language is typically used with the goal of being concise and precise, which allows those who regularly participate in scientific discourse communities to learn from each other and build upon existing scientific knowledge. One essential component of science language is the academic vocabulary that characterises it. This mixed-methods study investigates middle school students' (N = 59) growth in academic vocabulary as it relates to their teacher's instructional practices that supported academic language development. Students made significant gains in their production of general academic words, t(57) = 2.32, p = .024 and of discipline-specific science words, t(57) = 3.01, p = .004 in science writing. Results from the qualitative strand of this inquiry contextualised the students' learning of academic vocabulary as it relates to their teacher's instructional practices and intentions as well as the students' perceptions of their learning environment. These qualitative findings reveal that both the students and their teacher articulated that the teacher's intentional use of resources supported students' academic vocabulary growth. Implications for research and instruction with science language are shared.

Individuals and Leadership in an Australian Secondary Science Department: A Qualitative Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melville, Wayne; Wallace, John; Bartley, Anthony

2007-12-01

In this article, we consider the complex and dynamic inter-relationships between individual science teachers, the social space of their work and their dispositions towards teacher leadership. Research into the representation of school science departments through individual science teachers is scarce. We explore the representations of four individual teachers to the assertions of teacher leadership proposed by Silva et al. (Teach Coll Rec, 102(4):779-804, 2000). These representations, expressed during regular science department meetings, occur in the social space of Bourdieu's "field" and are a reflection of the "game" of science education being played within the department. This departmentally centred space suggests an important implication when considering the relationship between subject departments and their schools. The development of an individual's representation of teacher leadership and the wider "field" of science education appears to shape the individual towards promoting their own sense of identity as a teacher of science, rather than as a teacher within a school. Our work suggests that for these individuals, the important "game" is science education, not school improvement. Consequently, the subject department may be a missing link between efforts to improve schools and current organizational practices.

Incompressible flow simulations on regularized moving meshfree grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasyliv, Yaroslav; Alexeev, Alexander

2017-11-01

A moving grid meshfree solver for incompressible flows is presented. To solve for the flow field, a semi-implicit approximate projection method is directly discretized on meshfree grids using General Finite Differences (GFD) with sharp interface stencil modifications. To maintain a regular grid, an explicit shift is used to relax compressed pseudosprings connecting a star node to its cloud of neighbors. The following test cases are used for validation: the Taylor-Green vortex decay, the analytic and modified lid-driven cavities, and an oscillating cylinder enclosed in a container for a range of Reynolds number values. We demonstrate that 1) the grid regularization does not impede the second order spatial convergence rate, 2) the Courant condition can be used for time marching but the projection splitting error reduces the convergence rate to first order, and 3) moving boundaries and arbitrary grid distortions can readily be handled. Financial support provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship, Grant No. DGE-1148903.

Linking Classroom Environment with At-Risk Engagement in Science: A Mixed Method Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collins, Stephen Craig

This explanatory sequential mixed-method study analyzed how the teacher created learning environment links to student engagement for students at-risk across five science classroom settings. The learning environment includes instructional strategies, differentiated instruction, positive learning environment, and an academically challenging environment. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered in the form of self-reporting surveys and a follow-up interview. The researcher aimed to use the qualitative results to explain the quantitative data. The general research question was "What are the factors of the teacher-created learning environment that were best suited to maximize engagement of students at-risk?" Specifically explaining, (1) How do the measured level of teacher created learning environment link to the engagement level of students at-risk in science class? and (2) What relationship exists between the student perception of the science classroom environment and the level of behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and social engagement for students at-risk in science class? This study took place within a large school system with more than 20 high schools, most having 2000-3000 students. Participating students were sent to a panel hearing that determined them unfit for the regular educational setting, and were given the option of attending one of the two alternative schools within the county. Students in this alternative school were considered at-risk due to the fact that 98% received free and reduced lunch, 97% were minority population, and all have been suspended from the regular educational setting. Pairwise comparisons of the SPS questions between teachers using t-test from 107 students at-risk and 40 interviews suggest that each category of the learning environment affects the level of behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and social engagement in science class for students at-risk in an alternative school setting. Teachers with higher student perceptions of learning environment showed increased levels of all types of engagement over the teachers with a lower perception of learning environment. Qualitative data suggested that teachers who created a more positive learning environment had increased student engagement in their class. Follow-up questions also revealed that teachers who incorporated a wider variety of classroom instructional strategies increased behavioral engagement of students at-risk in science class.

Geological applications and training in remote sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sabins, F. F., Jr.

1981-01-01

Some of the experiences, methods, and opinions developed during 15 years of teaching an introductory course in remote sensing at several universities in the Southern California area are related. Although the course is offered in Geology departments, every class includes significant numbers of students from other disciplines including geography, computer science, biology, and environmental science. The instructor or teaching assistant provides a few hours of tutorial lectures (outside of regular class time) on basic geology for these nongeologists. This approach is successful because the grade distribution for nongeologists is similar to that for geologists. The schedule for a typical one-semester course is given.

Making Interdisciplinary Connections to Your School Gardening Program. Education in Blossom: The School Garden-Community Partnership.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eames-Sheavly, Marcia

1998-01-01

Proposes that it is critical for children to understand and appreciate plants, and that gardening can be integrated into the regular school curriculum. Gives examples of "pizza garden" and flower garden projects related to math, science, language arts, creative arts, nutrition and health, physical education, Earth stewardship, music, social…

Costs of Success: Financial Implications of Implementation of Active Learning in Introductory Physics Courses for Students and Administrators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brewe, Eric; Dou, Remy; Shand, Robert

2018-01-01

Although active learning is supported by strong evidence of efficacy in undergraduate science instruction, institutions of higher education have yet to embrace comprehensive change. Costs of transforming instruction are regularly cited as a key factor in not adopting active-learning instructional practices. Some cite that alternative methods to…

West Europe Report, Science and Technology.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-02-12

developing new materials and energy sources, additional discoveries in the fields of aerodynamics and thermal engineering, in building " artificial ...matter of perfecting a reliable and simple diagnostic material to permit diabetics to monitor their own sugar balance at regular intervals. They also...fine chemicals 11. Fine chemicals and active substances 12. Pharmaceutical specialties. Bulk products: antibiotics, active substances, sweeteners

Moon Phase as a Context for Teaching Scale Factor

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wallace, Ann; Dickerson, Daniel; Hopkins, Sara

2007-01-01

The Sun and the Moon are our most visible neighbors in space, yet their distance and size relative to the Earth are often misunderstood. Science textbooks fuel this misconception because they regularly depict linear images of Moon phases without respect to the actual sizes of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, nor their correlated distances from one…

Points of View: A Survey of Survey Courses--Are They Effective? Argument Favoring a Survey as the First Course for Majors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ledbetter, Mary Lee; Campbell, A. Malcolm

2005-01-01

Reasonable people disagree about how to introduce undergraduate students to the marvels and complexities of the biological sciences. With intrinsically varied subdisciplines within biology, exponentially growing bases of information, and new unifying theories rising regularly, introduction to the curriculum is a challenge. Some decide to focus…

NCI/DCCPS R21 Program Announcements | DCCPS/NCI/NIH

Cancer.gov

The Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences funds a large portfolio of grants and contracts. The portfolio currently includes approximately 800 grants valued at nearly $450 million. Here we provide a listing of funding opportunities that are currently accepting applications. Please visit this page regularly as new funding opportunities are added upon approval by NCI.

Example Based Pedagogical Strategies in a Computer Science Intelligent Tutoring System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Green, Nicholas

2017-01-01

Worked-out examples are a common teaching strategy that aids learners in understanding concepts by use of step-by-step instruction. Literature has shown that they can be extremely beneficial, with a large body of material showing they can provide benefits over regular problem solving alone. This research looks into the viability of using this…

Follow-Up with Students after 6 Years of Participation in Project Excite

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Seon-Young; Olszewski-Kubilius, Paula; Peternel, George

2009-01-01

Project EXCITE is a program for minority students that supplements the regular school offerings with an emphasis on enhancing students' interest and performance in math and science. This study examines the experience and perceptions of 14 student participants in the program and their parents. In student and parent interviews, Project EXCITE was…

Ask the Cognitive Scientist: Does Tailoring Instruction to "Learning Styles" Help Students Learn?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Willingham, Daniel T.

2018-01-01

In this regular "American Educator" column, findings from the field of cognitive science that are strong and clear enough to merit classroom application are considered. Research over the last 10 years measuring whether participants learn better when new content fits their purported learning style shows little to no support for style…

Using Regular, Lowstakes Tests to Secure Pupils' Contextual Knowledge in Year 10

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Donaghy, Lee

2014-01-01

Lee Donaghy was concerned that his GCSE students' weak contextual knowledge was letting them down. Inspired by a mixture of cognitive science and the arguments of other teachers expressed in various blogs, he decided to tackle the problem by teaching and testing knowledge more intensively. The result was a rapid improvement in secure factual…

34 CFR 645.3 - Who is eligible to participate in an Upward Bound project?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Who is eligible to participate in an Upward Bound project? An individual is eligible to participate in a Regular, Veterans, or a Math and Science Upward Bound project if the individual meets all of the... project? 645.3 Section 645.3 Education Regulations of the Offices of the Department of Education...

Space Mathematics, A Resource for Teachers Outlining Supplementary Space-Related Problems in Mathematics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reynolds, Thomas D.; And Others

This compilation of 138 problems illustrating applications of high school mathematics to various aspects of space science is intended as a resource from which the teacher may select questions to supplement his regular course. None of the problems require a knowledge of calculus or physics, and solutions are presented along with the problem…

Guide to Special Information in Scientific and Engineering Journals.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Mary Elizabeth

This update of a 1983 annotated bibliography lists 298 special features or special issues of science and technology periodicals with emphasis on compilations of information that appear in periodicals on a regular basis. In addition to the 203 entries listed in the original edition, 95 new entries are included. Subjects covered in the guide include…

NCI/DCCPS R03 Program Announcements | DCCPS/NCI/NIH

Cancer.gov

The Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences funds a large portfolio of grants and contracts. The portfolio currently includes approximately 800 grants valued at nearly $450 million. Here we provide a listing of funding opportunities that are currently accepting applications. Please visit this page regularly as new funding opportunities are added upon approval by NCI.

Regularization of instabilities in gravity theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramazanoǧlu, Fethi M.

2018-01-01

We investigate instabilities and their regularization in theories of gravitation. Instabilities can be beneficial since their growth often leads to prominent observable signatures, which makes them especially relevant to relatively low signal-to-noise ratio measurements such as gravitational wave detections. An indefinitely growing instability usually renders a theory unphysical; hence, a desirable instability should also come with underlying physical machinery that stops the growth at finite values, i.e., regularization mechanisms. The prototypical gravity theory that presents such an instability is the spontaneous scalarization phenomena of scalar-tensor theories, which feature a tachyonic instability. We identify the regularization mechanisms in this theory and show that they can be utilized to regularize other instabilities as well. Namely, we present theories in which spontaneous growth is triggered by a ghost rather than a tachyon and numerically calculate stationary solutions of scalarized neutron stars in these theories. We speculate on the possibility of regularizing known divergent instabilities in certain gravity theories using our findings and discuss alternative theories of gravitation in which regularized instabilities may be present. Even though we study many specific examples, our main point is the recognition of regularized instabilities as a common theme and unifying mechanism in a vast array of gravity theories.

Pepsi and Coca Cola in Delhi, India: availability, price and sales.

PubMed

Taylor, Fiona C; Satija, Ambika; Khurana, Swati; Singh, Gurpreet; Ebrahim, Shah

2011-04-01

India is experiencing increased consumption of sugar-sweetened carbonated drinks, consumption that may be associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The aim of the study was to determine the availability, price and quantity sold of 'Pepsi' and 'Coca Cola' in their 'regular' and 'diet' forms in Delhi and London. A questionnaire about the availability, price and quantity sold per day of both regular and diet Pepsi and Coca Cola was devised and piloted. Using this, a survey of food and drink outlets within a 100 m radius of randomly selected Metro stations was conducted in both cities. Store vendors, owners and staff of food and drink outlets. Delhi, India; London, United Kingdom. In Delhi, of the outlets stocking regular Pepsi and Coca Cola, only 34% sold diet versions and these were more readily available in the most affluent areas than in the poorest areas (34% v. 6%, Z=3.67, P<0.001). This social patterning was not observed in London. Little price differential between regular and diet versions of Pepsi and Coca Cola was observed in Delhi; however, profit margins were better for regular, relative to diet, Coca Cola. Sales of regular products were significantly greater than those of diet products (P<0.002). Low availability of diet versions of Pepsi and Coca Cola in less affluent areas of Delhi is likely to exacerbate the obesity and diabetes trends. Price differentials to promote diet versions and other healthier or traditional low-energy drinks may be beneficial.

Observing Solar Radio Bursts from the Lunar Surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

MacDowall, R. J.; Lazio, T. J.; Bale, S. D.; Burns, J.; Gopalswamy, N.; Jones, D. L.; Kaiser, M. L.; Kasper, J.; Weiler, K. W.

2010-01-01

Locating low frequency radio observatories on the lunar surface has a number of advantages. Here, we describe the Radio Observatory for Lunar Sortie Science (ROLSS), a concept for a low frequency, radio imaging interferometric array designed to study particle acceleration in the corona and inner heliosphere. ROLSS would be deployed during an early lunar sortie or by a robotic rover as part of an unmanned landing. The prime science mission is to image type II and type III solar radio bursts with the aim of determining the sites at and mechanisms by which the radiating particles are accelerated. Secondary science goals include constraining the density of the lunar ionosphere by searching for a low radio frequency cutoff of the solar radio emissions and constraining the low energy electron population in astrophysical sources. Furthermore, ROLSS serves a pathfinder function for larger lunar radio arrays. Key design requirements on ROLES include the operational frequency and angular resolution. The electron densities in the solar corona and inner heliosphere are such that the relevant emission occurs below 10 MHz, essentially unobservable from Earth's surface due to the terrestrial ionospheric cutoff. Resolving the potential sites of particle acceleration requires an instrument with an angular resolution of at least 2 deg, equivalent to a linear array size of approximately 500 meters. Operations would consist of data acquisition during the lunar day, with regular data downlinks. The major components of the ROLSS array are 3 antenna arms arranged in a Y shape, with a central electronics package (CEP). Each antenna arm is a linear strip of polyimide film (e.g., Kapton (TM)) on which 16 single polarization dipole antennas are located by depositing a conductor (e.g., silver). The arms also contain transmission lines for carrying the radio signals from the science antennas to the CEP.

Active Thrusting and Earthquake Recurrence Near Aksu, Southern Tianshan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hubert-Ferrari, A.; Suppe, J.; van der Woerd, J.; Wang, Xin

The 'Berlin Exoplanet Search Telescope' (BEST) is a small aperture (20cm), wide- field, Schmidt-telescope for detection of close-in Jupiter-sized exoplanets in edge-on orbits of Sun-like stars. The field-of-view of the telescope, equipped with a 2k CCD, is around 3 x 3 degrees, allowing a large number of stars (>20000) to be observed simultaneously in a typical field centered in the galactic plane. Regular observations of several fields have started in July 2001 at the 'Thüringer Landessternwarte Tauten- burg', Germany. We also used this telescope to observe the known planetary transits across the star HD 209458 (Charbonneau et al., 2000) to demonstrate the detection capabili- ties of the instrument. These observations and first results of the ongoing regular field observations will be presented.

Space Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Jeffrey R.

2006-01-01

This abstract covers a one hour presentation on Space Exploration. The audience is elementary students; therefore there are few words on the slides, mostly pictures of living and working in space. The presentation opens with a few slides describing a day in the life of a space explorer. It begins with a launch, discussions of day-night cycles, eating, exercising, housekeeping, EVA, relaxation, and sleeping. The next section of the presentation shows photos of astronauts performing experiments on the ISS. Yokomi Elementary School launched this fall with the most advanced educational technology tools available in schools today. The science and technology magnet school is equipped with interactive white boards, digital projectors, integrated sound systems and several computers for use by teachers and students. The only elementary school in Fresno Unified with a science focus also houses dedicated science classrooms equipped specifically for elementary students to experience hands-on science instruction in addition to the regular elementary curriculum.

Introduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaskin, J. A.; Smith, I. S.; Jones, W. V.

In 1783, the Montgolfier brothers ushered in a new era of transportation and exploration when they used hot air to drive an un-tethered balloon to an altitude of 2 km. Made of sackcloth and held together with cords, this balloon challenged the way we thought about human travel, and it has since evolved into a robust platform for performing novel science and testing new technologies. Today, high-altitude balloons regularly reach altitudes of 40 km, and they can support payloads that weigh more than 3000 kg. Long-duration balloons can currently support mission durations lasting 55 days, and developing balloon technologies (i.e. Super-Pressure Balloons) are expected to extend that duration to 100 days or longer; competing with satellite payloads. This relatively inexpensive platform supports a broad range of science payloads, spanning multiple disciplines (astrophysics, heliophysics, planetary and earth science). Applications extending beyond traditional science include testing new technologies for eventual space-based application and stratospheric airships for planetary applications.

Advanced Scientific Computing Research Network Requirements: ASCR Network Requirements Review Final Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bacon, Charles; Bell, Greg; Canon, Shane

The Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) is the primary provider of network connectivity for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC), the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. In support of SC programs, ESnet regularly updates and refreshes its understanding of the networking requirements of the instruments, facilities, scientists, and science programs that it serves. This focus has helped ESnet to be a highly successful enabler of scientific discovery for over 25 years. In October 2012, ESnet and the Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) of the DOE SCmore » organized a review to characterize the networking requirements of the programs funded by the ASCR program office. The requirements identified at the review are summarized in the Findings section, and are described in more detail in the body of the report.« less

Impacting university physics students through participation in informal science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hinko, Kathleen; Finkelstein, Noah D.

2013-01-01

Informal education programs organized by university physics departments are a popular means of reaching out to communities and satisfying grant requirements. The outcomes of these programs are often described in terms of broader impacts on the community. Comparatively little attention, however, has been paid to the influence of such programs on those students facilitating the informal science programs. Through Partnerships for Informal Science Education in the Community (PISEC) at the University of Colorado Boulder, undergraduate and graduate physics students coach elementary and middle school children during an inquiry-based science afterschool program. As part of their participation in PISEC, university students complete preparation in pedagogy, communication and diversity, engage with children on a weekly basis and provide regular feedback about the program. We present findings that indicate these experiences improve the ability of university students to communicate in everyday language and positively influence their perspectives on teaching and learning.

Regular Fat and Reduced Fat Dairy Products Show Similar Associations with Markers of Adolescent Cardiometabolic Health

PubMed Central

O’Sullivan, Therese A.; Bremner, Alexandra P.; Mori, Trevor A.; Beilin, Lawrence J.; Wilson, Charlotte; Hafekost, Katherine; Ambrosini, Gina L.; Huang, Rae Chi; Oddy, Wendy H.

2016-01-01

Reduced fat dairy products are generally recommended for adults and children over the age of two years. However, emerging evidence suggests that dairy fat may not have detrimental health effects. We aimed to investigate prospective associations between consumption of regular versus reduced fat dairy products and cardiometabolic risk factors from early to late adolescence. In the West Australian Raine Study, dairy intake was assessed using semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires in 860 adolescents at 14 and 17-year follow-ups; 582 of these also had blood biochemistry at both points. Using generalized estimating equations, we examined associations with cardiometabolic risk factors. Models incorporated reduced fat and regular fat dairy together (in serves/day) and were adjusted for a range of factors including overall dietary pattern. In boys, there was a mean reduction in diastolic blood pressure of 0.66 mmHg (95% CI 0.23–1.09) per serve of reduced fat dairy and an independent, additional reduction of 0.47 mmHg (95% CI 0.04–0.90) per serve of regular fat dairy. Each additional serve of reduced fat dairy was associated with a 2% reduction in HDL-cholesterol (95% CI 0.97–0.995) and a 2% increase in total: HDL-cholesterol ratio (95% CI 1.002–1.03); these associations were not observed with regular fat products. In girls, there were no significant independent associations observed in fully adjusted models. Although regular fat dairy was associated with a slightly better cholesterol profile in boys, overall, intakes of both regular fat and reduced fat dairy products were associated with similar cardiometabolic associations in adolescents. PMID:26729163

The New Web Outreach Program fy the Regional Collaborative for Excellence in Science Teaching at the University of North Texas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imholt, Timothy; Roberts, Jim

2001-10-01

A new effort is being undertaken by the Regional Collaborative for Excellence in Science Teaching UNT, under the direction of Dr. James A. Roberts is underway. This effort includes the utilization of the multi-media capabilities of the world wide web, and a little ingenuity to attempt to pass on information to students that not only attempts to capture their attention, but perhaps spark an interest in them about the broad realm of science. Science to students is occasionally a frightening subject. This web based approach attempts to remove the fear and anxiety, while still passing on interesting, and useful information. The website will be regularly previewed and requests for contributions of exercises that might be added and shared will be solicited. Area teachers are invited to make contributions to the effort that will enhance the learning of science and mathematics by their students through the use of the web distribution.

Epistemic beliefs of non-STEM majors regarding the nature of science: Where they are and what we can do

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Willoughby, Shannon D.; Johnson, Keith

2017-06-01

Students enrolled in introductory astronomy at a mid-sized land grant institution were surveyed at the start and end of each semester for three years regarding their epistemic beliefs about the physical sciences. After collecting data for two years in the control (baseline) course, the course was revised to include regular discussions of the nature of science, practice identifying pseudoscientific claims, and practice with metacognition. Survey data on epistemic beliefs were collected for one more academic year after the course was revised. This work details how the course was structured during the baseline and revised portions of the study. Data from both portions of the study are analyzed as a whole as well as broken down by gender. Negative trends seen in the baseline data are mostly eradicated in the revised portion of the course. The data analysis motivates a discussion of why including content regarding the nature of science should be integrated in classes geared toward non-science majors.

Grappling with the Literature of Education Research and Practice

PubMed Central

2007-01-01

The absence of a central database and use of specialized language hinder nonexperts in becoming familiar with the science teaching and learning literature and using it to inform their work. The challenge of locating articles related to a specific question or problem, coupled with the difficulty of comprehending findings based on a variety of different perspectives and practices, can be prohibitively difficult. As I have transitioned from bench to classroom-based research, I have become familiar with how to locate, decipher, and evaluate the education research literature. In this essay, I point out analogies to the literature of science research and practice, and I reference some of the literature that I have found useful in becoming an education researcher. I also introduce a new regular feature, “Current Insights: Recent Research in Science Teaching and Learning,” which is designed to point CBE—Life Sciences Education (CBE-LSE) readers to current articles of interest in life sciences education, as well as more general and noteworthy publications in education research. PMID:18056300

Predatory Publishing Is a Threat to Non-Mainstream Science

PubMed Central

Nurmashev, Bekaidar

2017-01-01

This article highlights the issue of wasteful publishing practices that primarily affect non-mainstream science countries and rapidly growing academic disciplines. Numerous start-up open access publishers with soft or nonexistent quality checks and huge commercial interests have created a global crisis in the publishing market. Their publishing practices have been thoroughly examined, leading to the blacklisting of many journals by Jeffrey Beall. However, it appears that some subscription journals are also falling short of adhering to the international recommendations of global editorial associations. Unethical editing agencies that promote their services in non-mainstream science countries create more problems for inexperienced authors. It is suggested to regularly monitor the quality of already indexed journals and upgrade criteria of covering new sources by the Emerging Sources Citation Index (Web of Science), Scopus, and specialist bibliographic databases. Regional awareness campaigns to inform stakeholders of science communication about the importance of ethical writing, transparency of editing services, and permanent archiving can be also helpful for eradicating unethical publishing practices. PMID:28378542

Capturing citation activity in three health sciences departments: a comparison study of Scopus and Web of Science.

PubMed

Sarkozy, Alexandra; Slyman, Alison; Wu, Wendy

2015-01-01

Scopus and Web of Science are the two major citation databases that collect and disseminate bibliometric statistics about research articles, journals, institutions, and individual authors. Liaison librarians are now regularly called upon to utilize these databases to assist faculty in finding citation activity on their published works for tenure and promotion, grant applications, and more. But questions about the accuracy, scope, and coverage of these tools deserve closer scrutiny. Discrepancies in citation capture led to a systematic study on how Scopus and Web of Science compared in a real-life situation encountered by liaisons: comparing three different disciplines at a medical school and nursing program. How many articles would each database retrieve for each faculty member using the author-searching tools provided? How many cited references for each faculty member would each tool generate? Results demonstrated troubling differences in publication and citation activity capture between Scopus and Web of Science. Implications for librarians are discussed.

Expanding capacity and promoting inclusion in introductory computer science: a focus on near-peer mentor preparation and code review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pon-Barry, Heather; Packard, Becky Wai-Ling; St. John, Audrey

2017-01-01

A dilemma within computer science departments is developing sustainable ways to expand capacity within introductory computer science courses while remaining committed to inclusive practices. Training near-peer mentors for peer code review is one solution. This paper describes the preparation of near-peer mentors for their role, with a focus on regular, consistent feedback via peer code review and inclusive pedagogy. Introductory computer science students provided consistently high ratings of the peer mentors' knowledge, approachability, and flexibility, and credited peer mentor meetings for their strengthened self-efficacy and understanding. Peer mentors noted the value of videotaped simulations with reflection, discussions of inclusion, and the cohort's weekly practicum for improving practice. Adaptations of peer mentoring for different types of institutions are discussed. Computer science educators, with hopes of improving the recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups, can benefit from expanding their peer support infrastructure and improving the quality of peer mentor preparation.

Grappling with the literature of education research and practice.

PubMed

Dolan, Erin L

2007-01-01

The absence of a central database and use of specialized language hinder nonexperts in becoming familiar with the science teaching and learning literature and using it to inform their work. The challenge of locating articles related to a specific question or problem, coupled with the difficulty of comprehending findings based on a variety of different perspectives and practices, can be prohibitively difficult. As I have transitioned from bench to classroom-based research, I have become familiar with how to locate, decipher, and evaluate the education research literature. In this essay, I point out analogies to the literature of science research and practice, and I reference some of the literature that I have found useful in becoming an education researcher. I also introduce a new regular feature, "Current Insights: Recent Research in Science Teaching and Learning," which is designed to point CBE--Life Sciences Education (CBE-LSE) readers to current articles of interest in life sciences education, as well as more general and noteworthy publications in education research.

The Pedometer as a Tool to Enrich Science Learning in a Public Health Context

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rye, James A.; Zizzi, Samuel J.; Vitullo, Elizabeth A.; Tompkins, Nancy O'hara

2005-12-01

The United States is experiencing an obesity epidemic: A science-technology-society public health issue tied to our built environment, which is characterized by heavy dependence on automobiles and reduced opportunities to walk and bicycle for transportation. This presents an informal science education opportunity within "science in personal and social perspectives'' to use pedometer technology for enhancing students' understandings about human energy balance. An exploratory study was conducted with 29 teachers to investigate how pedometers could be used for providing academic enrichment to secondary students participating in after-school Health Sciences and Technology Academy clubs. Frequency analysis revealed that the pedometer activities often investigated kilocalorie expenditure and/or incorporated hypothesis testing/experimenting. Teachers' perspectives on learning outcomes most frequently conveyed that students increased their awareness of the importance of health habits relative to kilocalorie intake and expenditure. Pedometers have considerable merit for the regular science curriculum as they allow for numerous mathematics applications and inquiry learning and target concepts such as energy and equilibrium that cut across the National Science Education Standards. Pedometers and associated resources on human energy balance are important tools that science teachers can employ in helping schools respond to the national call to prevent childhood obesity.

Collaborative Science Work in the Elementary Classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kersey, Denise A.

Not all students with disabilities receive special education accommodations in science class. Without special education support, students with disabilities are unable to comprehend and apply science concepts. Implementing a co-teaching model could be a remedy for this lack of supports. Framed by constructivist theory, this study sought to determine if there was a difference in science assessment scores between students in a co-taught science class and those in a regular education science class. Following a pretest-posttest control group design, this study examined the relation between two teaching models and achievement in science. Using a convenience sample of 84 students drawn from a population of 144 fourth grade special education students in a public school district located in the Southeastern United States, analysis of variance was used to compare the mean growth of the two groups. The data revealed no statistically significant difference in mean gain scores between the two groups. Additional studies using a larger sample and longer trial are needed. Implications for social change include understanding instructional strategies that allow educators to differentiate for diverse learners in mainstreamed classrooms as well as removing barriers for underrepresented groups, thereby allowing equal access to science related professions.

Hands-On Science Reform, Science Achievement, and the Elusive Goal of "science for All" in a Diverse Elementary School District

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Echevarria, Marissa

Given the emphasis on "science for all" in national reform documents, this study analyzed student science achievement scores in hands-on reform versus traditional classrooms for 3,667 students in Grades 3 to 6 by gender, ethnicity, free or reduced lunch status, parent education, and level of English proficiency to determine whether these subgroups performed better or worse in reform classrooms. Teachers in reform classrooms used exemplary hands-on science kits and attended 1-day in-service training per kit. Teachers in traditional classrooms used the regular activity-based science curriculum with textbook. Gender differences favoring boys appeared in both types of classrooms, but were larger in the reform classrooms. Boys from lower socioeconomic levels performed better in reform classrooms, but limited-English-proficient boys performed worse. Parent education was significantly related to higher achievement for boys only in reform classrooms. For girls this relation was significant only in traditional classrooms. White girls performed significantly worse in reform classroom, but there were no differences for Asian and Hispanic girls. Implications for adapting hands-on science reform to meet student needs are discussed.

Supports for Children with Disabilities in Regular Education Classrooms: An Account of Different Perspectives in Flanders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mortier, Kathleen; Van Hove, Geert; De Schauwer, Elisabeth

2010-01-01

This paper presents the experiences and interpretations of children, parents, teachers and support persons concerning the implementation of supports in regular school environments in Flanders, Belgium. The data were gathered through observations, interviews and focus group meetings. Those multiple perspectives provide insights into the complexity…

Assistance to Pupils with Physical Disabilities in Regular Schools: Promoting Inclusion or Creating Dependency?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Egilson, Snaefridur Thora; Traustadottir, Rannveig

2009-01-01

Drawing on the perspectives of pupils with physical disabilities, their parents and teachers, this study explored the adult support provided to pupils with physical disabilities in regular schools. Data were collected through observations at schools and qualitative interviews. In all, 49 individuals participated in this study: 14 pupils with…

75 FR 14429 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-25

... regular security audits and have been certified for operation. The CPSC observes all industry and Federal government best practices for network security. CPSC staff regularly analyzes its systems for vulnerabilities and malware, and monitor the network for real-time intrusion attempts. B. Estimated Burden The CPSC...

Beautiful Math, Part 5: Colorful Archimedean Tilings from Dynamical Systems.

PubMed

Ouyang, Peichang; Zhao, Weiguo; Huang, Xuan

2015-01-01

The art of tiling originated very early in the history of civilization. Almost every known human society has made use of tilings in some form or another. In particular, tilings using only regular polygons have great visual appeal. Decorated regular tilings with continuous and symmetrical patterns were widely used in decoration field, such as mosaics, pavements, and brick walls. In science, these tilings provide inspiration for synthetic organic chemistry. Building on previous CG&#x0026;A &#x201C;Beautiful Math&#x201D; articles, the authors propose an invariant mapping method to create colorful patterns on Archimedean tilings (1-uniform tilings). The resulting patterns simultaneously have global crystallographic symmetry and local cyclic or dihedral symmetry.

Gene targeting technologies in rats: zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats.

PubMed

Mashimo, Tomoji

2014-01-01

The laboratory rat has been widely used as an animal model in biomedical science for more than 150 years. Applying zinc-finger nucleases or transcription activator-like effector nucleases to rat embryos via microinjection is an efficient genome editing tool for generating targeted knockout rats. Recently, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated endonucleases have been used as an effective tool for precise and multiplex genome editing in mice and rats. In this review, the advantages and disadvantages of these site-specific nuclease technologies for genetic analysis and manipulation in rats are discussed. © 2013 The Author Development, Growth & Differentiation © 2013 Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists.

Maximizing the Science Output of GOES-R SUVI during Operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaw, M.; Vasudevan, G.; Mathur, D. P.; Mansir, D.; Shing, L.; Edwards, C. G.; Seaton, D. B.; Darnel, J.; Nwachuku, C.

2017-12-01

Regular manual calibrations are an often-unavoidable demand on ground operations personnel during long-term missions. This paper describes a set of features built into the instrument control software and the techniques employed by the Solar Ultraviolet Imager (SUVI) team to automate a large fraction of regular on-board calibration activities, allowing SUVI to be operated with little manual commanding from the ground and little interruption to nominal sequencing. SUVI is a Generalized Cassegrain telescope with a large field of view that images the Sun in six extreme ultraviolet (EUV) narrow bandpasses centered at 9.4, 13.1, 17.1, 19.5, 28.4 and 30.4 nm. It is part of the payload of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) mission.

General physical activity levels influence positive and negative priming effects in young adults.

PubMed

Kamijo, Keita; Takeda, Yuji

2009-03-01

To investigate the relationship between general physical activity level and the cognitive functions of executive control in young adults using behavioral measures and event-related brain potentials. Forty young adults (mean age=21.1 yrs; 19 females) were differentiated on the basis of their regular physical activity level into two groups: active and sedentary. They performed a spatial priming task consisting of three conditions: control, positive, and negative priming. Spatial priming effects, which are related to executive control and occur automatically, were assessed as indicators of cognitive functioning. Negative priming effects on reaction time and P3 latency in the active group were larger than in the sedentary group. By contrast, positive priming effects were only observed in the sedentary group. The cognitive effects of regular physical activity could be observed using a relatively simple paradigm. The results indicate that regular physical activity has a beneficial effect on the cognitive processes on executive control in young adults. The present study provides additional evidence of the beneficial effects of regular physical activity on cognitive functioning in young adults.

Earth Science Informatics Community Requirements for Improving Sustainable Science Software Practices: User Perspectives and Implications for Organizational Action

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Downs, R. R.; Lenhardt, W. C.; Robinson, E.

2014-12-01

Science software is integral to the scientific process and must be developed and managed in a sustainable manner to ensure future access to scientific data and related resources. Organizations that are part of the scientific enterprise, as well as members of the scientific community who work within these entities, can contribute to the sustainability of science software and to practices that improve scientific community capabilities for science software sustainability. As science becomes increasingly digital and therefore, dependent on software, improving community practices for sustainable science software will contribute to the sustainability of science. Members of the Earth science informatics community, including scientific data producers and distributers, end-user scientists, system and application developers, and data center managers, use science software regularly and face the challenges and the opportunities that science software presents for the sustainability of science. To gain insight on practices needed for the sustainability of science software from the science software experiences of the Earth science informatics community, an interdisciplinary group of 300 community members were asked to engage in simultaneous roundtable discussions and report on their answers to questions about the requirements for improving scientific software sustainability. This paper will present an analysis of the issues reported and the conclusions offered by the participants. These results provide perspectives for science software sustainability practices and have implications for actions that organizations and their leadership can initiate to improve the sustainability of science software.

Outside school time: an examination of science achievement and non-cognitive characteristics of 15-year olds in several countries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suter, Larry E.

2016-03-01

Elementary and secondary students spend more hours outside of class than in formal school and thus have more time for interaction with everyday science. However, evidence from a large international survey, Program of International Student Assessment (PISA) (OECD 2012), found a negative relationship between number of hours attending after-school science and science assessment scores in many countries, raising questions about why. The secondary analysis of the 2006, 2009, and 2012 PISA surveys found that in most Western countries the longer students attended after-school science programs (in a typical week), the lower their PISA standardized science test score, but the higher their positive attitudes toward future science careers, interest in science, and self-confidence in science. Several potential hypotheses for this relationship are examined and rejected. Further analysis of a causal relationship between frequent attendance in after-school programs and student achievement and attitudes should clearly identify the content of the program so that the analysis could distinguish experiences closely related to regular school curricula from the informal science activities that are not. A new analysis also should include carefully designed longitudinal surveys to test the effectiveness of informal experiences on later life choices in career and study. Revision of a Paper prepared for AERA meetings in Chicago, 19 April 2015.

Regular exercise behaviour and intention and symptoms of anxiety and depression in coronary heart disease patients across Europe: Results from the EUROASPIRE III survey.

PubMed

Prugger, Christof; Wellmann, Jürgen; Heidrich, Jan; De Bacquer, Dirk; De Smedt, Delphine; De Backer, Guy; Reiner, Željko; Empana, Jean-Philippe; Fras, Zlatko; Gaita, Dan; Jennings, Catriona; Kotseva, Kornelia; Wood, David; Keil, Ulrich

2017-01-01

Regular exercise lowers the risk of cardiovascular death in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. We aimed to investigate regular exercise behaviour and intention in relation to symptoms of anxiety and depression in CHD patients across Europe. This study was based on a multicentre cross-sectional survey. In the EUROpean Action on Secondary and Primary Prevention through Intervention to Reduce Events (EUROASPIRE) III survey, 8966 CHD patients <80 years of age from 22 European countries were interviewed on average 15 months after hospitalisation. Whether patients exercised or intended to exercise regularly was assessed using the Stages of Change questionnaire in 8330 patients. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Total physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in patients from a subset of 14 countries. Overall, 50.3% of patients were not intending to exercise regularly, 15.9% were intending to exercise regularly, and 33.8% were exercising regularly. Patients with severe symptoms of depression less frequently exercised regularly than patients with symptoms in the normal range (20.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 14.8-26.8 vs 36.7%, 95% CI 29.8-44.2). Among patients not exercising regularly, patients with severe symptoms of depression were less likely to have an intention to exercise regularly (odds ratio 0.62, 95% CI 0.46-0.85). Symptoms of anxiety did not affect regular exercise intention. In sensitivity analysis, results were consistent when adjusting for total physical activity. Lower frequency of regular exercise and decreased likelihood of exercise intention were observed in CHD patients with severe depressive symptoms. Severe symptoms of depression may preclude CHD patients from performing regular exercise. © The European Society of Cardiology 2016.

Direct Observation of Electron-Phonon Coupling and Slow Vibrational Relaxation in Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Perovskites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hurtado Parra, Sebastian; Straus, Daniel; Iotov, Natasha; Fichera, Bryan; Gebhardt, Julian; Rappe, Andrew; Subotnik, Joseph; Kikkawa, James; Kagan, Cherie

Quantum and dielectric confinement effects in Ruddlesden-Popper 2D hybrid perovskites create excitons with a binding energy exceeding 150 meV. We exploit the large exciton binding energy to study exciton and carrier dynamics as well as electron-phonon coupling (EPC) in hybrid perovskites using absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. At temperatures <75 K, we resolve splitting of the excitonic absorption and PL into multiple regularly spaced resonances every 40-46 meV, consistent with EPC to phonons located on the organic cation. We also resolve resonances with a 14 meV spacing, in accord with coupling to phonons with mixed organic and inorganic character. These assignments are supported by density-functional theory calculations. Hot exciton PL and time-resolved PL measurements show that vibrational relaxation occurs on a picosecond time scale competitive with that for PL. At temperatures >75 K, excitonic absorption and PL exhibit homogeneous broadening. While absorption remains homogeneous, PL becomes inhomogeneous at temperatures <75K, which we speculate is caused by the formation and subsequent dynamics of a polaronic exciton. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences Grant DE-SC0002158 and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Grant DGE-1321851.

The SuperNova Integral Field Spectrograph

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aldering, Gregory S.; Supernova Factory, Nearby

2007-05-01

The SuperNova Integral Field Spectrograph (SNIFS) is operated at the University of Hawaii 2.2 meter telescope on Mauna Kea by the Nearby Supernova Factory. The IFU has a 6x6 arcsecond field of view, and the combined blue and red channels simultaneously cover the full optical (320-1000 nm) spectral range. SNIFS was designed to allow spectrophotometry of supernovae under both photometric and non-photometric conditions. SNIFS is operated entirely remotely, in a quasi-automated mode, from as nearby as Hilo, Hawaii and as far away as Paris, France. Being mounted at the south bent Cassegrain focus of the UH 2.2-m, SNIFS is always available, either for regular Nearby Supernova Factory observations, or any of a range of programs conducted by astronomers at the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy. We illustrate some of the unique features of SNIFS and some of the science programs that have been undertaken using it. This work is supported in part by the Director, Office of Science, Office of High Energy and Nuclear Physics, of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contracts No. DE-FG0-92ER40704, by a grant from the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, and in France by CNRS/IN2P3, CNRS/INSU and PNC.

Improvements in GRACE Gravity Fields Using Regularization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Save, H.; Bettadpur, S.; Tapley, B. D.

2008-12-01

The unconstrained global gravity field models derived from GRACE are susceptible to systematic errors that show up as broad "stripes" aligned in a North-South direction on the global maps of mass flux. These errors are believed to be a consequence of both systematic and random errors in the data that are amplified by the nature of the gravity field inverse problem. These errors impede scientific exploitation of the GRACE data products, and limit the realizable spatial resolution of the GRACE global gravity fields in certain regions. We use regularization techniques to reduce these "stripe" errors in the gravity field products. The regularization criteria are designed such that there is no attenuation of the signal and that the solutions fit the observations as well as an unconstrained solution. We have used a computationally inexpensive method, normally referred to as "L-ribbon", to find the regularization parameter. This paper discusses the characteristics and statistics of a 5-year time-series of regularized gravity field solutions. The solutions show markedly reduced stripes, are of uniformly good quality over time, and leave little or no systematic observation residuals, which is a frequent consequence of signal suppression from regularization. Up to degree 14, the signal in regularized solution shows correlation greater than 0.8 with the un-regularized CSR Release-04 solutions. Signals from large-amplitude and small-spatial extent events - such as the Great Sumatra Andaman Earthquake of 2004 - are visible in the global solutions without using special post-facto error reduction techniques employed previously in the literature. Hydrological signals as small as 5 cm water-layer equivalent in the small river basins, like Indus and Nile for example, are clearly evident, in contrast to noisy estimates from RL04. The residual variability over the oceans relative to a seasonal fit is small except at higher latitudes, and is evident without the need for de-striping or spatial smoothing.

Emergence of self and other in perception and action: an event-control approach.

PubMed

Jordan, J Scott

2003-12-01

The present paper analyzes the regularities referred to via the concept 'self.' This is important, for cognitive science traditionally models the self as a cognitive mediator between perceptual inputs and behavioral outputs. This leads to the assertion that the self causes action. Recent findings in social psychology indicate this is not the case and, as a consequence, certain cognitive scientists model the self as being epiphenomenal. In contrast, the present paper proposes an alternative approach (i.e., the event-control approach) that is based on recently discovered regularities between perception and action. Specifically, these regularities indicate that perception and action planning utilize common neural resources. This leads to a coupling of perception, planning, and action in which the first two constitute aspects of a single system (i.e., the distal-event system) that is able to pre-specify and detect distal events. This distal-event system is then coupled with action (i.e., effector-control systems) in a constraining, as opposed to 'causal' manner. This model has implications for how we conceptualize the manner in which one infers the intentions of another, anticipates the intentions of another, and possibly even experiences another. In conclusion, it is argued that it may be possible to map the concept 'self' onto the regularities referred to in the event-control model, not in order to reify 'the self' as a causal mechanism, but to demonstrate its status as a useful concept that refers to regularities that are part of the natural order.

Expanding the Universe of "Astronomy on Tap" Public Outreach Events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rice, Emily L.; Levine, Brian; Livermore, Rachael C.; Silverman, Jeffrey M.; LaMassa, Stephanie M.; Tyndall, Amy; Muna, Demitri; Garofali, Kristen; Morris, Brett; Byler, Nell; Fyhrie, Adalyn; Rehnberg, Morgan; Hart, Quyen N.; Connelly, Jennifer L.; Silvia, Devin W.; Morrison, Sarah J.; Agarwal, Bhaskar; Tremblay, Grant; Schwamb, Megan E.

2016-01-01

Astronomy on Tap (AoT, astronomyontap.org) is free public outreach event featuring engaging science presentations in bars, often combined with music, games, and prizes, to encourage a fun, interactive atmosphere. AoT events feature several short astronomy-related presentations primarily by local professional scientists, but also by visiting scientists, students, educators, amatuer astronomers, writers, and artists. Events are held in social venues (bars, coffee shops, art galleries, etc.) in order to bring science directly to the public in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. With this we hope to engage a more diverse audience than typical lectures at academic and cultural institutions and to develop enthusiasm for science among voting, tax-paying adults. The flexible format and content of an AoT event is easy to adapt and expand based on the priorities, resources, and interests of local organizers. The social nature of AoT events provides important professional development and networking opportunities in science communication. Since the first New York City event in April 2013, Astronomy on Tap has expanded to more than ten cities globally, including monthly events in NYC, Austin, Seattle, and Tucson; semi-regular events in Columbus, New Haven, Santiago, Toronto, and Denver; occasional (so far) events in Rochester (NY), Baltimore, Lansing, and Washington, DC; and one-off events in Chicago and Taipei. Several venues regularly attract audiences of over 200 people. We have received media coverage online, in print, and occasionally even on radio and television. In this poster we describe the overarching goals and characteristics of AoT events, distinct adaptations of various locations, resources we have developed, and the methods we use to coordinate among the worldwide local organizers.

The effectiveness of conceptual change texts and concept clipboards in learning the nature of science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Çil, Emine; Çepni, Salih

2016-01-01

Background: One of the most important goals of science education is to enable students to understand the nature of science (NOS). However, generally regular science teaching in classrooms does not help students improve informed NOS views. Purpose: This study investigated the influence of an explicit reflective conceptual change approach compared with an explicit reflective inquiry-oriented approach on seventh graders' understanding of NOS. Sample: The research was conducted with seventh grade students. A total of 44 students participated in the study. Design and method: The study was an interpretive study because this study focused on the meanings that students attach to target aspects of NOS. Participants were divided into two groups, each consisting of 22 students. One of the groups learned NOS with an explicit reflective conceptual change approach. The requirements of conceptual change were provided through the use of conceptual change texts and concept cartoons. The other group learned NOS with an explicit reflective inquiry-oriented approach. The data were collected through open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. These instruments were employed in a pre-test, a post-test and a delayed test. Students' views of the aspects of NOS were categorized as naive, transitional and informed. Results: The result of this study indicated that before receiving instruction, most of the participants had transitional views of the tentative, empirical and imaginative and creative aspects of the NOS, and they had naive understandings of the distinction between observation and inference. The instruction in the experimental group led to a 60% - a 25% increase in the number of students who possessed an informed understanding of the tentative, empirical, creative and observation and inference aspect of the NOS. The instruction in the control group led to a 30% - a 15% increase in the informed NOS views. Conclusion: The explicit reflective conceptual change approach is more effective than the explicit reflective inquiry-oriented approach in improving participants' NOS conceptions. Another conclusion of this study is that if NOS is taught within the explicit reflective conceptual change approach, learners can retain learned views long after instruction.

Factors influencing post-traumatic stress in Korean forensic science investigators.

PubMed

Yoo, Yang-Sook; Cho, Ok-Hee; Cha, Kyeong-Sook; Boo, Yun-Jeong

2013-09-01

The aim of this study was to understand factors that influence post-traumatic stress (PTS) in Korean forensic science investigators. A total of 111 forensic science investigators were recruited in Korea. PTS was measured using the tool modified by Choi (2001) from the original developed by Foa, Riggs, Dancu, and Rothbaum (1993) based on DSM-IV. Factors influencing PTS included demographic and job-related characteristics, emotional intelligence, and death anxiety. PTS scores were positively correlated with personality type, fatigue from work, and death anxiety. PTS scores were negatively correlated with length of career as a forensic science investigator and emotional intelligence. The factors that had the greatest influence on PTS were death anxiety, years spent as a forensic science investigator, personality type, emotional intelligence, fatigue, and homicide experience. The explanatory power of these six factors was 44.0%. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly evaluate the mental health of those who are vulnerable to PTS. Based on these results, various interventions could be implemented for promoting overall health of the forensic science investigators. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Local Patterns to Global Architectures: Influences of Network Topology on Human Learning.

PubMed

Karuza, Elisabeth A; Thompson-Schill, Sharon L; Bassett, Danielle S

2016-08-01

A core question in cognitive science concerns how humans acquire and represent knowledge about their environments. To this end, quantitative theories of learning processes have been formalized in an attempt to explain and predict changes in brain and behavior. We connect here statistical learning approaches in cognitive science, which are rooted in the sensitivity of learners to local distributional regularities, and network science approaches to characterizing global patterns and their emergent properties. We focus on innovative work that describes how learning is influenced by the topological properties underlying sensory input. The confluence of these theoretical approaches and this recent empirical evidence motivate the importance of scaling-up quantitative approaches to learning at both the behavioral and neural levels. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Community of Scientists and Educators: The Compass Project at UC Berkeley

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roth, Nathaniel; Schwab, Josiah

2016-01-01

The Berkeley Compass Project is a self-formed group of graduate and undergraduate students in the physical sciences at the University of California, Berkeley. Its goals are to improve undergraduate physics education, provide opportunities for professional development, and increase retention of students from populations underrepresented in the physical sciences. For undergraduate students, the core Compass experience consists of a summer program and several seminar courses. These programs are designed to foster a diverse, collaborative student community in which students engage in authentic research practices and regular self-reflection. Graduate students, together with upper-level undergraduates, design and run all Compass programs. Compass strives to incorporate best practices from the science education literature. Experiences in Compass leave participants poised to be successful students researchers, teachers, and mentors.

Downscaling Satellite Precipitation with Emphasis on Extremes: A Variational ℓ1-Norm Regularization in the Derivative Domain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foufoula-Georgiou, E.; Ebtehaj, A. M.; Zhang, S. Q.; Hou, A. Y.

2014-05-01

The increasing availability of precipitation observations from space, e.g., from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and the forthcoming Global Precipitation Measuring (GPM) Mission, has fueled renewed interest in developing frameworks for downscaling and multi-sensor data fusion that can handle large data sets in computationally efficient ways while optimally reproducing desired properties of the underlying rainfall fields. Of special interest is the reproduction of extreme precipitation intensities and gradients, as these are directly relevant to hazard prediction. In this paper, we present a new formalism for downscaling satellite precipitation observations, which explicitly allows for the preservation of some key geometrical and statistical properties of spatial precipitation. These include sharp intensity gradients (due to high-intensity regions embedded within lower-intensity areas), coherent spatial structures (due to regions of slowly varying rainfall), and thicker-than-Gaussian tails of precipitation gradients and intensities. Specifically, we pose the downscaling problem as a discrete inverse problem and solve it via a regularized variational approach (variational downscaling) where the regularization term is selected to impose the desired smoothness in the solution while allowing for some steep gradients (called ℓ1-norm or total variation regularization). We demonstrate the duality between this geometrically inspired solution and its Bayesian statistical interpretation, which is equivalent to assuming a Laplace prior distribution for the precipitation intensities in the derivative (wavelet) space. When the observation operator is not known, we discuss the effect of its misspecification and explore a previously proposed dictionary-based sparse inverse downscaling methodology to indirectly learn the observation operator from a data base of coincidental high- and low-resolution observations. The proposed method and ideas are illustrated in case studies featuring the downscaling of a hurricane precipitation field.

Downscaling Satellite Precipitation with Emphasis on Extremes: A Variational 1-Norm Regularization in the Derivative Domain

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foufoula-Georgiou, E.; Ebtehaj, A. M.; Zhang, S. Q.; Hou, A. Y.

2013-01-01

The increasing availability of precipitation observations from space, e.g., from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and the forthcoming Global Precipitation Measuring (GPM) Mission, has fueled renewed interest in developing frameworks for downscaling and multi-sensor data fusion that can handle large data sets in computationally efficient ways while optimally reproducing desired properties of the underlying rainfall fields. Of special interest is the reproduction of extreme precipitation intensities and gradients, as these are directly relevant to hazard prediction. In this paper, we present a new formalism for downscaling satellite precipitation observations, which explicitly allows for the preservation of some key geometrical and statistical properties of spatial precipitation. These include sharp intensity gradients (due to high-intensity regions embedded within lower-intensity areas), coherent spatial structures (due to regions of slowly varying rainfall),and thicker-than-Gaussian tails of precipitation gradients and intensities. Specifically, we pose the downscaling problem as a discrete inverse problem and solve it via a regularized variational approach (variational downscaling) where the regularization term is selected to impose the desired smoothness in the solution while allowing for some steep gradients(called 1-norm or total variation regularization). We demonstrate the duality between this geometrically inspired solution and its Bayesian statistical interpretation, which is equivalent to assuming a Laplace prior distribution for the precipitation intensities in the derivative (wavelet) space. When the observation operator is not known, we discuss the effect of its misspecification and explore a previously proposed dictionary-based sparse inverse downscaling methodology to indirectly learn the observation operator from a database of coincidental high- and low-resolution observations. The proposed method and ideas are illustrated in case studies featuring the downscaling of a hurricane precipitation field.

Colloidal domain lithography for regularly arranged artificial magnetic out-of-plane monodomains in Au/Co/Au layers.

PubMed

Kuświk, Piotr; Ehresmann, Arno; Tekielak, Maria; Szymański, Bogdan; Sveklo, Iosif; Mazalski, Piotr; Engel, Dieter; Kisielewski, Jan; Lengemann, Daniel; Urbaniak, Maciej; Schmidt, Christoph; Maziewski, Andrzej; Stobiecki, Feliks

2011-03-04

Regularly arranged magnetic out-of-plane patterns in continuous and flat films are promising for applications in data storage technology (bit patterned media) or transport of individual magnetic particles. Whereas topographic magnetic structures are fabricated by standard lithographical techniques, the fabrication of regularly arranged artificial domains in topographically flat films is difficult, since the free energy minimization determines the existence, shape, and regularity of domains. Here we show that keV He(+) ion bombardment of Au/Co/Au layer systems through a colloidal mask of hexagonally arranged spherical polystyrene beads enables magnetic patterning of regularly arranged cylindrical magnetic monodomains with out-of-plane magnetization embedded in a ferromagnetic matrix with easy-plane anisotropy. This colloidal domain lithography creates artificial domains via periodic lateral anisotropy variations induced by periodic defect density modulations. Magnetization reversal of the layer system observed by magnetic force microscopy shows individual disc switching indicating monodomain states.

Multipole Vortex Blobs (MVB): Symplectic Geometry and Dynamics.

PubMed

Holm, Darryl D; Jacobs, Henry O

2017-01-01

Vortex blob methods are typically characterized by a regularization length scale, below which the dynamics are trivial for isolated blobs. In this article, we observe that the dynamics need not be trivial if one is willing to consider distributional derivatives of Dirac delta functionals as valid vorticity distributions. More specifically, a new singular vortex theory is presented for regularized Euler fluid equations of ideal incompressible flow in the plane. We determine the conditions under which such regularized Euler fluid equations may admit vorticity singularities which are stronger than delta functions, e.g., derivatives of delta functions. We also describe the symplectic geometry associated with these augmented vortex structures, and we characterize the dynamics as Hamiltonian. Applications to the design of numerical methods similar to vortex blob methods are also discussed. Such findings illuminate the rich dynamics which occur below the regularization length scale and enlighten our perspective on the potential for regularized fluid models to capture multiscale phenomena.

Developing Young Researchers: 15 Years of Authentic Science Experiences for K-12 with NASA's S'COOL Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chambers, L. H.; Crecelius, S.; Rogerson, T.; Lewis, P. M.; Moore, S.; Madigan, J. J.; Deller, C.; Taylor, J.

2012-12-01

In late 1996, members of the Atmospheric Science Directorate at NASA's Langley Research Center decided that there had to be a better way to share the excitement of our research than black and white, text-heavy Fact Sheets. We invited a group of local teachers to a half-day session on Center to help guide an improved approach. We suggested a variety of approaches to them, and asked for feedback. They were eager for anything other than black and white Fact Sheets! Fortunately, one local middle school science teacher took us up on the offer to stick around and talk over lunch. In that conversation, she said that anything that would connect the science her kids studied in the classroom to the outside world - especially to NASA! - would be very motivating to her students. From that conversation was born the Students' Cloud Observations On-Line (S'COOL Project), now a nearly 16-year experiment in K-12 science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) engagement. S'COOL is the Education and Public Outreach (EPO) arm of the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) project, and involves K-12 students as a source of ground truth for satellite cloud retrievals. It was designed from the beginning as a 2-way project, with communication of information from the students to NASA, but also from NASA back to the students. With technology evolution since the project began, we have continued to enhance this focus on 2-way interaction. S'COOL involves students with observation skills, math skills (to compute cloud cover from multiple observers or convert units), geography skills (locating their school on a map and comparing to satellite imagery), and exposes them to cutting edge engineering in the form of a series of NASA satellites. As a priority Earth Observing Instrument, CERES currently flies on Terra, Aqua and NPP, with an additional instrument in development for JPSS. Students are involved in occasional Intensive Observing Periods (as with the launch of NPP), and are connected to ongoing NASA developments through the Observe Your World blog (previously a monthly email and before that a monthly print newsletter). Ten years into the project, an external evaluator performed an assessment. Among her findings: - Teachers felt strongly that the project was useful, and that it kept students engaged. - Several teachers commented that the project often brought out leadership qualities and sparked interest in students who were reluctant to participate in regular classroom activities. - Students loved the idea that they were helping NASA conduct real research. - Even teachers who did not use the program spoke highly of it, and hoped to someday have the time to fully engage. This assessment provided confirmation that the S'COOL Project was on the right track. Recommendations to further improve the project, especially through enhancements to the website, have been and continue to be implemented. This presentation will share lessons learned through the course of this project, and share metrics and statistics on participation and impact.

Researching the Practice, Practicing the Research, and Promoting Responsible Policy: Usable Knowledge in Mind, Brain, and Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Christodoulou, Joanna A.; Daley, Samantha G.; Katzir, Tami

2009-01-01

The theme of Usable Knowledge in Mind, Brain, and Education will be a special section that will appear regularly in the journal. The section will focus on the synergistic connections between biology, cognitive science, and human development on the one hand and educational thought, policy, and practice on the other. Efforts to create usable…

Developing Mathematical Knowledge and Skills through the Awareness Approach of Teaching and Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cherif, Abour H.; Gialamas, Stefanos; Stamati, Angeliki

2017-01-01

Every object we think of or encounter, whether a natural or human-made, has a regular or irregular shape. In its own intrinsic conceptual design, it has elements of mathematics, science, engineering, and arts, etc., which are part of the object's geometric shape, form and structure. Geometry is not only an important part of mathematics, but it is…

Idea Place: Early Grades. [Columns Compiled from Seven Issues of Learning Magazine, September to November 1982 and January to April-May 1983.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Learning, 1983

1983-01-01

The "Idea Place," a regular feature carried by the magazine "Learning," provides an assortment of practical teaching techniques selected from commercially available materials and from ideas submitted by readers. Games, puzzles, and other activities are given for the areas of language arts, reading, mathematics, science, social…

Virtual Laboratory "vs." Traditional Laboratory: Which Is More Effective for Teaching Electrochemistry?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hawkins, Ian; Phelps, Amy J.

2013-01-01

The use of virtual laboratories has become an increasing issue regarding science laboratories due to the increasing cost of hands-on laboratories, and the increase in distance education. Recent studies have looked at the use of virtual tools for laboratory to be used as supplements to the regular hands-on laboratories but many virtual tools have…

A Study of Continuing Education Course Credit Strategy. Office of College & Community Research, Vol. XV, No. 8.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bakshis, Robert; Saracco, Bonnie

In October, 1979, a survey of students enrolled in noncredit Data Processing (DP) and Secretarial Science (SS) courses at Triton Community College was conducted to determine if conversion of noncredit adult education courses to regular college credit status would result in a substantial loss of students. Responses were obtained from 474 SS…

The Dynamics of Learning and the Emergence of Distributed Adaption

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-05-01

regular access to experts in a wide range of disciplines—such as, biology, economics, cognitive science, and sociology—that historically have...organized a successful workshop on “Collective Cognition : Mathemati- cal Foundations of Distributed Intelligence,” bringing together workers in...processing and cognition . (For a complete list of participants, talk titles and abstracts, and other information on the workshop, see http

Introducing Past and Present Technical Writing into the Freshman Composition Course.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weaver, Laura H.

Using technical writing in the regular freshman composition course stimulates student interest by having the appeal of novelty and expands the horizons of students in the humanities and the pure and applied sciences. To begin the unit, one might stimulate interest in the content and style of technical writing of the past by using Robert M.…

The School Library: A Space for Critical Thinking about Data and Mathematical Questions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kimmel, Sue C.

2012-01-01

Which potato chip is healthiest: (1) regular; (2) baked; or (3) sour cream and onion? This problem requires critical and numerical skills in order to read and compare nutrition labels. The question has applications in mathematics and science classrooms but also in teachers' lounges and school cafeterias. It is a problem that addresses the five…

It's Not the Culture of Poverty, It's the Poverty of Culture: The Problem with Teacher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ladson-Billings, Gloria

2006-01-01

The preparation of novice teachers is dominated by psychological notions almost to the exclusion of other social science paradigms. The perspective that is least likely to be evident in teacher preparation is that of anthropology. However, prospective and novice teachers regularly and loosely use the word "culture" as an explanation for student…

School Engagement Mediates Well-Being Differences in Students Attending Specialized versus Regular Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Orkibi, Hod; Tuaf, Hila

2017-01-01

The authors examined (a) differences in school engagement and the subjective well-being (SWB) of 330 Israeli students (Grades 7-10, 52% girls) in specialized school classes (arts and science) versus students in classes with no specialized subject and (b) the role of engagement as a mediator between class choice and SWB. A multivariate analysis of…

Beyond Data Points and Research Contributions: The Personal Meaning and Value Associated with Public Participation in Scientific Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haywood, Benjamin K.

2016-01-01

As public participation in scientific research (PPSR) initiatives have expanded rapidly among private, public, and non-profit science research communities over the past decade, program managers and scholars regularly promote, evaluate, and manage such programs with a focus on the value and impact of PPSR efforts on the practice and relevancy of…

A Bayesian Framework for Word Segmentation: Exploring the Effects of Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldwater, Sharon; Griffiths, Thomas L.; Johnson, Mark

2009-01-01

Since the experiments of Saffran et al. [Saffran, J., Aslin, R., & Newport, E. (1996). Statistical learning in 8-month-old infants. "Science," 274, 1926-1928], there has been a great deal of interest in the question of how statistical regularities in the speech stream might be used by infants to begin to identify individual words. In this work, we…

The medical geochemistry of dusts, soils, and other Earth materials: Chapter 7

USGS Publications Warehouse

Plumlee, Geoffrey S.; Ziegler, Thomas L.

2003-01-01

A quick scan of newspapers, television, science magazines, or the internet on any given day has a fairly high likelihood of encountering stories (accompanied by headlines such as those above) regarding human health concerns linked to dusts, soils, or other Earth materials. Many such concerns have been recognized and studied for decades, but new concerns arise regularly.

Teaching the Interlanguage: Some Experiments. Lektos: Interdisciplinary Working Papers in Language Sciences, Special Issue.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wood, Richard E.

Second language instruction in the U.S. and Europe is in difficulties. The choice of a second language is artibrary and the motivation dubious. In Europe and now also in the U.S., attention has turned to the planned interlanguage Esperanto, which offers a maximally regularized structure, is considered "easy" by learners, and has the…

A Chat with the Survey Monkey: Case Studies and the Flipped Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herreid, Clyde Freeman; Schiller, Nancy A.; Herreid, Ky F.; Wright, Carolyn B.

2014-01-01

This article discusses the results of a survey that was posted for those who regularly peruse the website of the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science (NCCSTS). Faculty members were asked about their use of case studies and videos in their General Biology classrooms. The results are enlightening because General Biology is arguably the…

Plant Parts Snack--A Way to Family Involvement, Science Learning, and Nutrition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matt, Megan Mason

2008-01-01

As a teacher who loves to bring botany into her preschool classroom of 4- and 5-year-olds, the author makes edible plants a regular, popular feature of her students' environment. The author is fascinated when her students become increasingly adventurous in their tastes for vegetables the more they handle and understand plants. The author decided…

Prevalence of substance abuse among regular degree health science students in Sheba University College in Mekelle Town, Tigray - Ethiopia

PubMed Central

Hagos, Esietu Gebregazabher; Asfeha, Gebrekidan Gebregzabher; Berihu, Birhane Alem

2016-01-01

Background: Substance abuse (SA) refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. The most common substances which are usually abused are alcohol and tobacco. Herein, we assessed the prevalence of SA among regular degree health science students of the Sheba University College (SUC). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 1076 SUC students using self-administered structured questionnaire. The simple sampling technique was used to select students. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were done. Results: The overall prevalence of “ever used substance” for at least one was 45.5%. The most commonly used drugs in descending order were alcohol (25.1%), cigarette (11.4%), and khat (9.2%). Male participants, urban setting, peer pressure, personal pleasure, and academic dissatisfaction and pocket money were highly associated with SA. Conclusion: This study showed a lower magnitude (45.6% ever use and 21% still using) of SA among students' compared to other studies. Even if a considerable decrease in SA among study subjects, the creation of awareness and health education should be continued to fully combat the problem of abuse. PMID:27114648

Debating the role of econophysics.

PubMed

Rosser, J Barkley

2008-07-01

Research in econophysics has been going on for more than a decade with considerable publicity in some of the leading general science journals. Strong claims have been made by some advocates regarding its reputed superiority to economics, with arguments that in fact the teaching of microeconomics and macroeconomics as they are currently constituted should cease and be replaced by appropriate courses in mathematics, physics, and some other harder sciences. The lack of invariance principles in economics and the failure of economists to deal properly with certain empirical regularities are held against it in this line of argument. Responding arguments address four points: (a) that many econophysicists lack awareness of what has been done in economics and thus sometimes claim a greater degree of originality and innovativeness in their work than is deserved, (b) that econophysicists do not use as sufficiently rigorous or sophisticated statistical methodology as econometricians, (c) that econophysicists search for universal empirical regularities in economics that probably do not exist, and (d) that the theoretical models they adduce to explain empirical phenomena have many difficulties and limits. This article examines the arguments and concludes that nonlinear dynamics and entropy concepts may provide a productive way forward.

Prevalence of substance abuse among regular degree health science students in Sheba University College in Mekelle Town, Tigray - Ethiopia.

PubMed

Hagos, Esietu Gebregazabher; Asfeha, Gebrekidan Gebregzabher; Berihu, Birhane Alem

2016-01-01

Substance abuse (SA) refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. The most common substances which are usually abused are alcohol and tobacco. Herein, we assessed the prevalence of SA among regular degree health science students of the Sheba University College (SUC). A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 1076 SUC students using self-administered structured questionnaire. The simple sampling technique was used to select students. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were done. The overall prevalence of "ever used substance" for at least one was 45.5%. The most commonly used drugs in descending order were alcohol (25.1%), cigarette (11.4%), and khat (9.2%). Male participants, urban setting, peer pressure, personal pleasure, and academic dissatisfaction and pocket money were highly associated with SA. This study showed a lower magnitude (45.6% ever use and 21% still using) of SA among students' compared to other studies. Even if a considerable decrease in SA among study subjects, the creation of awareness and health education should be continued to fully combat the problem of abuse.

Machine learning properties of materials and molecules with entropy-regularized kernels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ceriotti, Michele; Bartók, Albert; CsáNyi, GáBor; de, Sandip

Application of machine-learning methods to physics, chemistry and materials science is gaining traction as a strategy to obtain accurate predictions of the properties of matter at a fraction of the typical cost of quantum mechanical electronic structure calculations. In this endeavor, one can leverage general-purpose frameworks for supervised-learning. It is however very important that the input data - for instance the positions of atoms in a molecule or solid - is processed into a form that reflects all the underlying physical symmetries of the problem, and that possesses the regularity properties that are required by machine-learning algorithms. Here we introduce a general strategy to build a representation of this kind. We will start from existing approaches to compare local environments (basically, groups of atoms), and combine them using techniques borrowed from optimal transport theory, discussing the relation between this idea and additive energy decompositions. We will present a few examples demonstrating the potential of this approach as a tool to predict molecular and materials' properties with an accuracy on par with state-of-the-art electronic structure methods. MARVEL NCCR (Swiss National Science Foundation) and ERC StG HBMAP (European Research Council, G.A. 677013).

Encoding Dissimilarity Data for Statistical Model Building.

PubMed

Wahba, Grace

2010-12-01

We summarize, review and comment upon three papers which discuss the use of discrete, noisy, incomplete, scattered pairwise dissimilarity data in statistical model building. Convex cone optimization codes are used to embed the objects into a Euclidean space which respects the dissimilarity information while controlling the dimension of the space. A "newbie" algorithm is provided for embedding new objects into this space. This allows the dissimilarity information to be incorporated into a Smoothing Spline ANOVA penalized likelihood model, a Support Vector Machine, or any model that will admit Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space components, for nonparametric regression, supervised learning, or semi-supervised learning. Future work and open questions are discussed. The papers are: F. Lu, S. Keles, S. Wright and G. Wahba 2005. A framework for kernel regularization with application to protein clustering. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 102, 12332-1233.G. Corrada Bravo, G. Wahba, K. Lee, B. Klein, R. Klein and S. Iyengar 2009. Examining the relative influence of familial, genetic and environmental covariate information in flexible risk models. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 106, 8128-8133F. Lu, Y. Lin and G. Wahba. Robust manifold unfolding with kernel regularization. TR 1008, Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin-Madison.