136,892 research outputs found
Using the Asian Knowledge Model “APO” as a Determinant for Performance Excellence in Universities- Empirical Study at Al -Azhar University- Gaza
This study aims to use the Asian knowledge model “APO” as a determinant for performance excellence in universities and identifying the most effecting factors on it. This study was applied on Al-Azhar University in Gaza strip. The result of the study showed that (APO) model is valid as a measure and there are four dimensions in the model affecting significantly more than the others (university processes, KM leadership, personnel, KM outputs). Furthermore, performance excellence produced though modernizing the means of education, curriculum development, technology and flexibility in the organizational structure. The study recommends expanding the usage of (APO) model, enhancing the role of knowledge leadership, technology, organizational flexibility, sharing culture and incentive systems that encouraging innovation
Zero-Shot Hashing via Transferring Supervised Knowledge
Hashing has shown its efficiency and effectiveness in facilitating
large-scale multimedia applications. Supervised knowledge e.g. semantic labels
or pair-wise relationship) associated to data is capable of significantly
improving the quality of hash codes and hash functions. However, confronted
with the rapid growth of newly-emerging concepts and multimedia data on the
Web, existing supervised hashing approaches may easily suffer from the scarcity
and validity of supervised information due to the expensive cost of manual
labelling. In this paper, we propose a novel hashing scheme, termed
\emph{zero-shot hashing} (ZSH), which compresses images of "unseen" categories
to binary codes with hash functions learned from limited training data of
"seen" categories. Specifically, we project independent data labels i.e.
0/1-form label vectors) into semantic embedding space, where semantic
relationships among all the labels can be precisely characterized and thus seen
supervised knowledge can be transferred to unseen classes. Moreover, in order
to cope with the semantic shift problem, we rotate the embedded space to more
suitably align the embedded semantics with the low-level visual feature space,
thereby alleviating the influence of semantic gap. In the meantime, to exert
positive effects on learning high-quality hash functions, we further propose to
preserve local structural property and discrete nature in binary codes.
Besides, we develop an efficient alternating algorithm to solve the ZSH model.
Extensive experiments conducted on various real-life datasets show the superior
zero-shot image retrieval performance of ZSH as compared to several
state-of-the-art hashing methods.Comment: 11 page
A Review of Student Difficulties in Upper-Level Quantum Mechanics
Learning advanced physics, in general, is challenging not only due to the
increased mathematical sophistication but also because one must continue to
build on all of the prior knowledge acquired at the introductory and
intermediate levels. In addition, learning quantum mechanics can be especially
challenging because the paradigms of classical mechanics and quantum mechanics
are very different. Here, we review research on student reasoning difficulties
in learning upper-level quantum mechanics and research on students'
problem-solving and metacognitive skills in these courses. Some of these
studies were multi-university investigations. The investigations suggest that
there is large diversity in student performance in upper-level quantum
mechanics regardless of the university, textbook, or instructor and many
students in these courses have not acquired a functional understanding of the
fundamental concepts. The nature of reasoning difficulties in learning quantum
mechanics is analogous to reasoning difficulties found via research in
introductory physics courses. The reasoning difficulties were often due to
over-generalizations of concepts learned in one context to another context
where they are not directly applicable. Reasoning difficulties in
distinguishing between closely related concepts and in making sense of the
formalism of quantum mechanics were common. We conclude with a brief summary of
the research-based approached that take advantage of research on student
difficulties in order to improve teaching and learning of quantum mechanics
Improving the Yields in Higher Education: Findings from Lumina Foundation's State-Based Efforts to Increase Productivity in U.S. Higher Education
In 2008, Lumina asked SPEC Associates (SPEC) to evaluate the foundation's grant making aimed at improving the productivity of higher education through statewide policy and program change. The initiative was initially known as Making Opportunity Affordable and later became known more broadly as Lumina's higher education productivity initiative. Eleven states received planning grants in 2008 and a year later seven of these states received multi-year grants to implement their productivity plans. In 2009, Lumina published Four Steps to Finishing First in Higher Education to frame the content of its productivity work. In 2010, the foundation, working with HCM Strategists, launched the Strategy Labs Network to deliver just-in-time technical assistance, engagement, informationsharing and convenings to states. Lumina engaged SPEC to evaluate these productivity investments in the seven states through exploring this over-arching question: What public will building, advocacy, public policy changes, and system or statewide practices are likely to impact higher education productivity for whom and in what circumstances, and which of these are likely to be sustainable, transferable, and/or scalable
Techno-mathematical literacies in the workplace: a critical skills gap
There has been a radical shift in the mathematical skills required in modern workplaces. With the ubiquity of IT, employees now require Techno-mathematical Literacies, the mastery of new kinds of mathematical knowledge shaped by the systems that govern their work. The education system does not fully recognise these skills, employees often lack them, and companies struggle to improve them. This project has developed prototype learning resources to train a variety of employees in the mathematical awareness and knowledge that today’s employment require
Connecting Mathematics and the Applied Science of Energy Conservation
To effectively teach science in the elementary classroom, pre-service K-8 teachers need a basic understanding of the underlying concepts of physics, which demand a strong foundation in mathematics. Unfortunately, the depth of mathematics understanding of prospective elementary teachers has been a growing and serious concern for several decades. To overcome this challenge, a two-pronged attack was used in this study. First. students in mathematics courses were coupled with physical science courses by linking registration to ensure co-requisites were taken. This alone improved passing rates. Secondly, an energy conservation project was introduced in both classes that intimately tied the theoretical mathematics base knowledge to problems in physical science, energy efficiency, and household economics. These connections made the mathematics highly relevant to the students and improved both their theoretical understanding and their grades. Together, the two approaches of tying mathematics to physical science and applying mathematical skills to solving energy efficiency problems have shown to be extremely effective at improving student performance. This five-year study not only exhibited record improvements in student performance, but also can be easily replicated at other institutions experiencing similar challenges in training pre-service elementary school teachers
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