Assessing the reproducibility of discriminant function analyses.

Data are the foundation of empirical research, yet all too often the datasets underlying published papers are unavailable, incorrect, or poorly curated. This is a serious issue, because future researchers are then unable to validate published results or reuse data to explore new ideas and hypotheses. Even if data files are securely stored and accessible, they must also be accompanied by accurate labels and identifiers. To assess how often problems with metadata or data curation affect the reproducibility of published results, we attempted to reproduce Discriminant Function Analyses (DFAs) from the field of organismal biology. DFA is a commonly used statistical analysis that has changed little since its inception almost eight decades ago, and therefore provides an opportunity to test reproducibility among datasets of varying ages. Out of 100 papers we initially surveyed, fourteen were excluded because they did not present the common types of quantitative result from their DFA or gave insufficient details of their DFA. Of the remaining 86 datasets, there were 15 cases for which we were unable to confidently relate the dataset we received to the one used in the published analysis. The reasons ranged from incomprehensible or absent variable labels, the DFA being performed on an unspecified subset of the data, or the dataset we received being incomplete. We focused on reproducing three common summary statistics from DFAs: the percent variance explained, the percentage correctly assigned and the largest discriminant function coefficient. The reproducibility of the first two was fairly high (20 of 26, and 44 of 60 datasets, respectively), whereas our success rate with the discriminant function coefficients was lower (15 of 26 datasets). When considering all three summary statistics, we were able to completely reproduce 46 (65%) of 71 datasets. While our results show that a majority of studies are reproducible, they highlight the fact that many studies still are not the carefully curated research that the scientific community and public expects

Studies based on the Earley and Wolffer social studies vocabulary tests for grades IV, V, and VI.

Thesis (Ed.M.)--Boston Universit

Externally pressurised stern - gear

Figures presented periodically by classification societies show, a major cause of ship casualty to be stem bearing failure. This is particularly the case for large fall bodied bulk carriers and tankers. Non-uniform wake distribution around the stem of vessels causes uneven and constantly varying loads upon the bearing. These loads are examined and it is concluded that they may cause lubricant film breakdown and seal failures. Examination of stem bearing failures generally confirms this view and several bearing case histories are presented Present designs of stem bearings are appraised with the conclusion that all recent advances in stem bearing design have been for the purpose of improving maintainability rather than reliability. Examination of the loading pattern and the basic design requirements of stem gear indicate that the provision of jacking oil would considerably improve stem gear reliability. This is particularly aimed at reducing the frequency of failure caused by turning gear operation. Experimental work in which oil film thickness measurements were taken on the aftermost bearing of a container ship is presented. This clearly demonstrates the problem of turning gear damage. Furthermore the shaft movements recorded at this plummer bearing show that considerable tallshaft lift (the full stem bearing clearance is taken up) occurs and that the tailskaft probably executes a closed loop under the action of the propeller. Design curves are given to show the lubricating oil pressures and quantities required. It is further postulated that, within the framework of existing classification society rules full hydrostatic lubrication would have even greater advantages. Design curves to a basis of shaft diameter are presented to enable clearance, pressure, lubricant flow, stiffness and basic dimensions to be derived by simple calculation. Experimental data on suitable materials are given and an overall material specification produced. Designs are given for three typical ship types and based upon these, cost comparisons made. Costs are such that an economic as well as technical case can be advanced for the use of hydrostatic stern bearings

The Principles of Universal Design for Learning implemented in a non-profit organization: The Discovery Center.

This capstone focuses on the implementation of Universal Design for Learning within The Discovery Center—a non-profit organization that provides educational programs for children in Connecticut. The intention of this capstone project is to raise awareness and share introductory knowledge around Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Universal Design for Learning is a framework that relays clear information for educators and people, in general, to mirror into their curricula to increase learning for multiple individuals (Rose, 2009). This paper proposes the adaptation of UDL into The Discovery Center (TDC) curriculum to increase access to students with different learning styles and abilities. TDC uses the inquiry-based learning in their curriculum and will be assessed throughout this paper to show its connections with the Universal Design for Learning framework. Inquiry-based learning helps shape leaders of tomorrow in thinking critically, questioning ideologies and embracing their own ideas ( Inquiry-Based Learning: Developing Student-Driven Questions, 2015). Therefore, this paper will aim to show the symbiosis between inquiry-based learning and the Universal Design for Learning Principles: multiple means of representation, multiple means of action and expression, and multiple means of engagement. The goal is to create a workshop for the teachers and facilitators at TDC to train them on UDL Principles. This paper can also be examined and readjusted to fit any organization that strives to become knowledgeable in the Principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and looks for opportunities to increase program access

Fingerprint for Network Topologies

A network's topology information can be given as an adjacency matrix. The bitmap of sorted adjacency matrix(BOSAM) is a network visualisation tool which can emphasise different network structures by just looking at reordered adjacent matrixes. A BOSAM picture resembles the shape of a flower and is characterised by a series of 'leaves'. Here we show and mathematically prove that for most networks, there is a self-similar relation between the envelope of the BOSAM leaves. This self-similar property allows us to use a single envelope to predict all other envelopes and therefore reconstruct the outline of a network's BOSAM picture. We analogise the BOSAM envelope to human's fingerprint as they share a number of common features, e.g. both are simple, easy to obtain, and strongly characteristic encoding essential information for identification.Comment: 12papes, 3 figures, in pres

I\u27m Looking for My Papa

https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mmb-vp/1795/thumbnail.jp

Influential Article Review - Formulating a Healthy Ageing at Workplace Scale: A Unique Approach to Evaluating Professional Growth

This paper examines leadership and development. We present insights from a highly influential paper. Here are the highlights from this paper: The aging of the world’s population has become a grand societal challenge, which requires an urgent response from researchers, professionals, and the wider society. One way to respond to this challenge is by supporting individuals in sustaining longer and healthier working lives, that is, age successfully. Although the advantages of promoting and enabling successful aging at work have been widely acknowledged, no single instrument for measuring this construct has been published so far. We develop and test in three consecutive samples a two-dimensional successful aging at work scale. This novel instrument is rooted conceptually in the most recent theoretical developments and is applicable to a variety of work settings and groups of workers. It can be used by both employees and employers for the purposes of individual and organizational development. We also propose directions for future research. For our overseas readers, we then present the insights from this paper in Spanish, French, Portuguese, and German