A graphical user interface for Boolean query specification

On-line information repositories commonly provide keyword search facilities via textual query languages based on Boolean logic. However, there is evidence to suggest that the syntactical demands of such languages can lead to user errors and adversely affect the time that it takes users to form queries. Users also face difficulties because of the conflict in semantics between AND and OR when used in Boolean logic and English language. We suggest that graphical query languages, in particular Venn-like diagrams, can alleviate the problems that users experience when forming Boolean expressions with textual languages. We describe Vquery, a Venn-diagram based user interface to the New Zealand Digital Library (NZDL). The design of Vquery has been partly motivated by analysis of NZDL usage. We found that few queries contain more than three terms, use of the intersection operator dominates and that query refinement is common. A study of the utility of Venn diagrams for query specification indicates that with little or no training users can interpret and form Venn-like diagrams which accurately correspond to Boolean expressions. The utility of Vquery is considered and directions for future work are proposed

The implementation of graphic organizers to teach reading comprehension skills to second graders of the sur oriental Boston Branch School

El propósito del siguiente proyecto fue seguir una secuencia didáctica y aplicar mapas mentales tal como un organizador gráfico como herramienta de entendimiento y al mismo tiempo mejorar las habilidades de lectura en el L2 con el fin de guiar los aprendices a localizar y clasificar información usando un mapa mental como un organizador gráfico para mejorar las habilidades de lectura

Bus Rules J

This article introduces Euler diagrams and Venn diagrams as business analysis instruments. Application of these visual schematics to support development of vocabulary and concept models can help business analysts deal with the complexity of relationships between concepts. It also can help contributing subject matter experts overcome a perplexity commonly observed with intricate aspects of concept modeling. Visualizing typical relationships between concepts with circles that include, exclude, and intersect each other results in simple visual schematics that assist in conducting concept analysis and modeling activities. An implementation example is provided, based on a vocabulary development in the public health domain of immunization information systems.CC999999/ImCDC/Intramural CDC HHSUnited States/2022-04-18T00:00:00Z35440915PMC901496511761vault:4150

The evolution of the photometric properties of Local Group dwarf spheroidal galaxies

We investigate the present-day photometric properties of the dwarf spheroidal galaxies in the Local Group. From the analysis of their integrated colours, we consider a possible link between dwarf spheroidals and giant ellipticals. From the analysis of the V vs (B-V) plot, we search for a possible evolutionary link between dwarf spheroidal galaxies (dSphs) and dwarf irregular galaxies (dIrrs). By means of chemical evolution models combined with a spectro-photometric model, we study the evolution of six Local Group dwarf spheroidal galaxies (Carina, Draco, Sagittarius, Sculptor, Sextans and Ursa Minor). The chemical evolution models, which adopt up-to-date nucleosynthesis from low and intermediate mass stars as well as nucleosynthesis and energetic feedback from supernovae type Ia and II, reproduce several observational constraints of these galaxies, such as abundance ratios versus metallicity and the metallicity distributions. The proposed scenario for the evolution of these galaxies is characterised by low star formation rates and high galactic wind efficiencies. Such a scenario allows us to predict integrated colours and magnitudes which agree with observations. Our results strongly suggest that the first few Gyrs of evolution, when the star formation is most active, are crucial to define the luminosities, colours, and other photometric properties as observed today. After the star formation epoch, the galactic wind sweeps away a large fraction of the gas of each galaxy, which then evolves passively. Our results indicate that it is likely that at a certain stage of their evolution, dSphs and dIrrs presented similar photometric properties. However, after that phase, they evolved along different paths, leading them to their currently disparate properties.Comment: 13 pages, Astronomy & Astrophysics, accepte

Computational analysis of the synergy among multiple interacting genes

Diseases such as cancer are often related to collaborative effects involving interactions of multiple genes within complex pathways, or to combinations of multiple SNPs. To understand the structure of such mechanisms, it is helpful to analyze genes in terms of the purely cooperative, as opposed to independent, nature of their contributions towards a phenotype. Here, we present an information-theoretic analysis that provides a quantitative measure of the multivariate synergy and decomposes sets of genes into submodules each of which contains synergistically interacting genes. When the resulting computational tools are used for the analysis of gene expression or SNP data, this systems-based methodology provides insight into the biological mechanisms responsible for disease

A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR EXAMİNİNG MATHEMATİCS TEACHERS’ PEDAGOGİCAL CONTENT KNOWLEDGE İN THE CONTEXT OF SUPPORTİNG MATHEMATİCAL THİNKİNG

This study has been aimed to propose a conceptual framework that helps researchers examine mathematics teachers’ PCK in the context of supporting students’ mathematical thinking. “Advancing Children’s Thinking Framework” which is a pedagogical model developed by Fraivillig, Murphy and Fuson (1999) that supports the development of students’ conceptual understanding of mathematics has been adopted as the theoretical foundation. Pedagogical content knowledge (knowledge of students’ thinking and knowledge of instructional strategies and representations) has been examined in the context of supporting mathematical thinking and has been interconnected to Advancing Children’s Thinking Framework. Then, a new framework has been obtained. Instructional examples included within the framework suggested as a result of the interconnection have become the indicators regarding PCK of mathematics teachers in the context of supporting mathematical thinking. Some examples from a performed research where this framework has been used as an analytical framework have been presented. As a conclusion, it can be said that the suggested framework may be a useful tool for the researchers and teacher educators who are dealing with teachers’ knowledge focusing on students’ mathematical thinking and a guide for the teachers.  Article visualizations

Issues of shaping the students’ professional and terminological competence in science area of expertise in the sustainable development era

The paper deals with the problem of future biology teachers’ vocational preparation process and shaping in them of those capacities that contribute to the conservation and enhancement of our planet’s biodiversity as a reflection of the leading sustainable development goals of society. Such personality traits are viewed through the prism of forming the future biology teachers’ professional and terminological competence. The main aspects and categories that characterize the professional and terminological competence of future biology teachers, including terminology, nomenclature, term, nomen and term element, have been explained. The criteria and stages of shaping the future biology teachers’ professional and terminological competence during the vocational training process have been fixed. Methods, techniques, technologies, guiding principles and forms of staged work on the forming of an active terminological dictionary of students have been described and specified. The content of the distant special course “Latin. Botanical Terminology”, which provides training for future teachers to study the professional subjects and to understand of international scientific terminology, has been presented. It is concluded that the proper level of formation of the future biology teachers’ professional and terminological competence will eventually ensure the qualitative preparation of pupils for life in a sustainable development era

Upgrading search strategy skills: unit one: developing search strategies for online searching: a continuing professional development course for library and information service managers

Information retrieval systems are complex systems requiring specialised training. The process of translating an information request into the language of a computer in an online, CD-ROM or network environment is called a search strategy development. Information retrieval systems operate on the principle of a set of matching functions taking place at high speed. The skill and knowledge of the searcher are the main determinants in obtaining the best results from an information retrieval system

Bilingual poetry: expanding the cognitive and cultural dimensions of children’s learning

Stories and poetry have long been considered a resource for the language and literacy development of bilingual children, particularly if they can work with texts in both mother tongue and English. This paper demonstrates that bilingual learning is also beneficial for second and third generation children whose English is often stronger than their mother tongue. Presenting data from an action research project in East London primary schools, we show how children investigated metaphor and cultural content in a Bengali lullaby, clarifying concepts through dialogue with their parents. Comparison with a lullaby in English from North America generated additional ideas concerning different cultural values. The learning process enabled children to use their bilingual skills and draw on different aspects of their bicultural identities. Finally, we explain how bilingual poetry can be used to stimulate learning in a multilingual classroom context, through the example of a whole-class lesson based around Bengali and English lullabies

Assessment of the needs and opportunities in post-harvest systems of non-grain starch staple food crops

This manual provides information on methods which can be used for assessing needs and opportunities related primarily to non-grain starch staple (NGSS) post-harvest systems. Between 1993 and 1995, case studies were carried out in Tanzania and Ghana to validate these methods. The results and experience derived from the studies were used as a basis for national and regional training workshops organized by the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) in collaboration with the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC) in March 1994, and the Post-Harvest Development Unit (PHDU) of the Ghana Ministry of Food and Agriculture in February 1995. The preparation of this document forms part of the ODA-funded project entitled 'Transfer of needs assessment methodologies and post-harvest technologies for non-grain starch staple food crops in sub-Saharan Africa'. The information provided in the manual focuses on the rationale and principles of using a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach to needs assessment, describes tools and techniques for rapid, cost-effective information gathering, and examines the methodological issues associated with the planning and implementation of a PRA survey. Owing to the strong market orientation of NGSS crops in many parts of Africa, Rapid Market Appraisal (RMA) techniques are also introduced. In addition to the case studies carried out in Tanzania and Ghana, the manual draws on a number of references. These will be indicated sparingly because of the nature of the manual. However, the following were used extensively: Gilling and Cropley (1993) in the section on practical issues, Holtzman et al. (1993) in the section on Rapid Market Appraisal, and Theis and Grady (1991) in the section on tools and techniques. Other references were used to a lesser extent. Appendix 1 provides a list of references and selected reading which may be useful when carrying out NGSS needs assessment surveys. The purpose of this document is to provide a guide for researchers, scientists, extension officers and other practitioners working on NGSS food crops, particularly post-harvest aspects. Although it may also be used for other rural development projects, the emphasis is on how to assess the post-harvest needs of NGSS food crop systems. The first section provides some background information on informal survey methodologies such as Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA), PRA and RMA. The practical aspects of planning and conducting a needs assessment survey are then examined before discussing the use of specific tools and techniques. The main part of the manual concludes with a discussion of the possible dangers and shortcomings of informal data collection. The Appendices also include checklists for NGSS needs assessment surveys and an overview of key informants who can be used in RMAs