Multiplex dispensation order generation for pyrosequencing

This paper introduces the multiplex dispensation order generation problem, a real-life combinatorial problem that arises in the context of analyzing large numbers of short to medium length DNA sequences. The problem is modeled as a constraint optimization problem (COP). We present the COP, its constraint programming formulation, and a custom search procedure. We give some experimental data supporting our design decisions. One of the lessons learnt from this study is that the ease with which the relevant constraints are expressed can be a crucial factor in making design decisions in the COP model

What are student inservice teachers talking about in their online Communities of Practice?:investigating student inservice teachers’ experiences in a double-layered CoP

This qualitative case study is the first phase of a large-scale design-based research project to implement a theoretically derived double-layered CoP model within real-world teacher development practices. The main goal of this first iteration is to evaluate the courses and test and refine the CoP model for future implementations. This paper demonstrates the potential synergies between two major approaches to teacher professional development practices: i) teachers’ CoPs development and ii) online teacher education courses. The double-layered CoP model could provide a practical integration of the two approaches by providing student inservice teachers in an online graduate course with meaningful opportunities to participate in two different teachers’ CoPs: i) an internal course CoP and ii) an external professional CoP. Our analysis of student inservice teachers’ CoPs experiences shows that the two layers of CoPs supported each other iteratively through the course period. Several design considerations for the second iteration of the online course design are also addressed

Community-Based Policing in Nicaragua: Do the Claims of Communitarian, Proactive and Preventative Hold True?

Until the wave of political violence in 2018, the Nicaraguan model for community-based policing (COP) was viewed by many as the means by which the country had avoided the crime and insecurity reported elsewhere in Central America. Paralleling these positive claims, the Nicaraguan National Police have emphasized particular characteristics of the COP model as the basis of this success. The Nicaraguan COP model is founded on three ethical pillars i.e. that it is communitarian, proactive and preventative. In this article, we detail the development of the Nicaraguan community-policing model and evaluate its historical and persisting significance as the guarantor of law and order through a critical evaluation of these claims and characteristics. The article demonstrates the abiding significance of the Nicaraguan COP model, and the distinctive nature of its operation. In contrast to prevailing regional trends there is much to learn from policing that emphasizes dialogue with the community over a reliance on technological or strong-arm solutions. However, the article also observes severe challenges regarding its current capacities and its erosion as a result of the pressures of presidential authoritarianism, political corruption and securitization. This erosion of the COP model has negatively affected the conditions of human security in Nicaragua and is a significant factor explaining the character of recent violence

Community-based policing in Nicaragua: do the claims of communitarian, proactive and preventative hold true?

Until the wave of political violence in 2018, the Nicaraguan model for community-based policing (COP) was viewed by many as the means by which the country had avoided the crime and insecurity reported elsewhere in Central America. Paralleling these positive claims, the Nicaraguan National Police have emphasized particular characteristics of the COP model as the basis of this success. The Nicaraguan COP model is founded on three ethical pillars i.e. that it is communitarian, proactive and preventative. In this article, we detail the development of the Nicaraguan community-policing model and evaluate its historical and persisting significance as the guarantor of law and order through a critical evaluation of these claims and characteristics. The article demonstrates the abiding significance of the Nicaraguan COP model, and the distinctive nature of its operation. In contrast to prevailing regional trends there is much to learn from policing that emphasizes dialogue with the community over a reliance on technological or strong-arm solutions. However, the article also observes severe challenges regarding its current capacities and its erosion as a result of the pressures of presidential authoritarianism, political corruption and securitization. This erosion of the COP model has negatively affected the conditions of human security in Nicaragua and is a significant factor explaining the character of recent violence

Inspiring inclusion in your classroom and beyond

This article reflects upon teachers’ engagement in a Leadership for Inclusion Community of Practice (LIn-CoP), which utilised the Participatory Action Learning Action Research (PALAR) strategy. The study explored if and how engagement could support teachers to develop and exercise leadership for inclusion, using Grudnoff, Haigh, Cochran-Smith, Eil and Ludlow (2017) six facets for equity. Data were drawn from seven early career elementary teachers in the Republic of Ireland over a three-year period. The teachers sought successfully to: 1) develop six facets of equity and, 2) overcome barriers to applying their learning in their contexts. Analysis unveiled many examples of inclusive practices for promoting equity, thus narrowing the values practice gap related to inclusion. The findings also highlight for researchers and professional learning facilitators the potential of the PALAR LIn-CoP model for applying teacher learning in situated environments, in the face of organisational barriers

Applying the Cry of Pain model as a predictor of deliberate self-harm in an early-stage adult male prison population

Purpose: Deliberate self-harming behaviour is more prevalent within the prison environment than in community samples, with those in the first weeks of imprisonment at greatest risk. Research in this area has been largely atheoretical and a unifying model may improve the predictability of assessment and the development of intervention approaches. This study applied William and Pollock’s (2001) Cry of Pain model as the theoretical process of deliberate self-harm in the early stages of imprisonment. Method: A prospective study of new arrivals at an adult male prison. Participants (n =181) completed questionnaires and it was hypothesised that the factors derived from the model (perceived stress, defeat, entrapment and absence of rescue factors) would be predictive of future deliberate self-harm. Prisoners with active psychosis and non-English speakers were excluded. All participants were followed up for four months for instances of self-harm. Eighteen participants engaged in self-harm during this period. Results: The Cry of Pain Model was supported in the analysis. Hierarchical binary logistic regression confirmed that all features of the model were supported as predictive of future self-harm in prison, even after controlling for previous self-harm, depression and hopelessness. Conclusion: The Cry of Pain model is supported as a predictive model for deliberate self-harm in prison. Suggestions are offered as to the impact on assessment and intervention directions in prison

Communities of practice in academia

Up to now, the relationships among the fundamental notions of communities of practice (CoPs), i.e. knowledge, participation, identity, and artefact development have been based mainly on results from qualitative studies; they are not yet sufficiently based on quantitative evidence. Starting from a literature review, we formulate a quantitative, causal model of CoPs that describes these variables in the context of academic communities, and aim to validate this model in two academic CoPs with a total of N = 208 participants. A cluster analysis classifies the participants into clusters that are in line with the core-periphery structure known from previous qualitative studies. A regression analysis provides evidence for the hypothesized model on the basis of quantitative data. Suggested directions for future research are to focus on factors that determine CoP participants’ contributions to artefact development and on approaches to automated monitoring of virtual CoPs

Taking Care of the New Home Front: Leveraging Greater Federal Resources to Expand Community Capacity for NYS Veterans and Families

This report from the Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) looks at the progress of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, a first-of-its-kind initiative that assists veteran families at imminent risk of homelessness in maintaining safe, permanent housing.SSVF is also designed to meet the needs of veteran families that have become homeless by rapidly re-engaging with permanent housing and other support structures to achieve quick housing outcomes and community integration. SSVF ensures that every veteran household in New York State would have access to high-quality, outcome-oriented homelessness prevention services.The New York State Health Foundation (NYSHealth) and IVMF recognized this program as an opportunity to make a demonstrable impact in preventing veteran homelessness in New York State. With support from NYSHealth, the IVMF is working to grow the capacity for SSVF grantee applicants and will work with existing grantees to help increase their capacity to serve veterans. As result of NYSHealth's investment, New York State secured $26 million in federal resources through the SSVF program in 2013

Advancing Communities of Learning: A Collaborative Project between Local Universities, Funding Agencies, and Nonprofits to Develop a Subsidized Senior-Transportation Plan

The growing population of seniors in the United States poses both interesting and challenging transportation policy issues that demand research on alternatives to current transportation systems. This study was motivated by a local foundation’s interest in senior quality-of-life issues in the communities served. The aim of this study was to assess senior transportation needs and systems as a means to move policy makers and funders closer to providing high-quality senior transportation services. The localized nature of senior transportation needs is best examined as a case study. In this article, one mid-sized Indiana community is examined using focus group interviews and individual surveys of senior citizens. In addition, a survey of the literature on senior-transportation models provided critical information relevant to formulating best-practice recommendations for community-level senior-transportation systems. To design effective senior-transportation systems, five critical factors are evaluated. Finally, the article presents a case study highlighting the importance of multisector collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with critical senior-transportation issues in upcoming decades