Assessment of Students Performances in Biology: Implication for Measurements and Evaluation of Learning

Scienceeducation is believed to be a vital tool for individual and societal development at large. The persistent low levels of students' achievement in sciences at the various public examinations in Nigeria have continued to draw the attention of major stakeholders in education. This study examined academic achievement of Senior Secondary School students in biology and gender difference in students' achievement was examined. Ex-post facto design of descriptive research was adopted for the study. A proforma was used to collect data from a sample of two hundred (200) students, selected using stratified random sampling procedure from the Science secondary schools in Kano state Nigeria. The data collected were the students' performances in biology achievement tests. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and independent-sample t-test. Overall results showed that the test internal consistency reliability is low and unsatisfactory; the students performed below average (M=47.02, SD=16.493 (47%). Similarly, gender difference exists in biology performance with another significant difference between performance of urban and rural school students. The study concludes that, biology test used in Kano state qualifying examinations to assess students potential ability in biology is not a reliable measurement tool and that, academic performance of students in biology is unsatisfactory and evidence of differential performance between gender and schools locations. The implication for measurements and evaluation of learning as well as recommendations has been discussed

On the rate of convergence in periodic homogenization of scalar first-order ordinary differential equations

In this paper, we study the rate of convergence in periodic homogenization of scalar ordinary differential equations. We provide a quantitative error estimate between the solutions of a first-order ordinary differential equation with rapidly oscillating coefficients and the limiting homogenized solution. As an application of our result, we obtain an error estimate for the solution of some particular linear transport equations

On a parabolic logarithmic Sobolev inequality

In order to extend the blow-up criterion of solutions to the Euler equations, Kozono and Taniuchi have proved a logarithmic Sobolev inequality by means of isotropic (elliptic) $BMO$ norm. In this paper, we show a parabolic version of the Kozono-Taniuchi inequality by means of anisotropic (parabolic) $BMO$ norm. More precisely we give an upper bound for the $L^{\infty}$ norm of a function in terms of its parabolic $BMO$ norm, up to a logarithmic correction involving its norm in some Sobolev space. As an application, we also explain how to apply this inequality in order to establish a long-time existence result for a class of nonlinear parabolic problems

Dynamics of dislocation densities in a bounded channel. Part I: smooth solutions to a singular coupled parabolic system

We study a coupled system of two parabolic equations in one space dimension. This system is singular because of the presence of one term with the inverse of the gradient of the solution. Our system describes an approximate model of the dynamics of dislocation densities in a bounded channel submitted to an exterior applied stress. The system of equations is written on a bounded interval with Dirichlet conditions and requires a special attention to the boundary. The proof of existence and uniqueness is done under the use of two main tools: a certain comparison principle on the gradient of the solution, and a parabolic Kozono-Taniuchi inequalityComment: 36 page

Dynamics of dislocation densities in a bounded channel. Part II: existence of weak solutions to a singular Hamilton-Jacobi/parabolic strongly coupled system

We study a strongly coupled system consisting of a parabolic equation and a singular Hamilton-Jacobi equation in one space dimension. This system describes the dynamics of dislocation densities in a material submitted to an exterior applied stress. The equations are written on a bounded interval with Dirichlet boundary conditions and require special attention to the boundary. We prove a result of global existence of a solution. The method of the proof consists in considering first a parabolic regularization of the full system, and then passing to the limit. We show some uniform bounds on this solution which uses in particular an entropy estimate for the densities

Carrier-induced ferromagnetism in n-type ZnMnAlO and ZnCoAlO thin films at room temperature

The realization of semiconductors that are ferromagnetic above room temperature will potentially lead to a new generation of spintronic devices with revolutionary electrical and optical properties. Transition temperatures in doped ZnO are high but, particularly for Mn doping, the reported moments have been small. We show that by careful control of both oxygen deficiency and aluminium doping the ferromagnetic moments measured at room temperature in n-type ZnMnO and ZnCoO are close to the ideal values of 5mB and 3mB respectively. Furthermore a clear correlation between the magnetisation per transition metal ion and the ratio of the number of carriers to the number of transition metal donors was established as is expected for carrier induced ferromagnetism for both the Mn and Co doped films. The dependence of the magnetisation on carrier density is similar to that predicted for the transition temperature for a dilute magnetic semiconductor in which the exchange between the transition metal ions is through the free carriers.Comment: 14 pages pd

Analisis Kinerja Keuangan dengan Rasio Profitabilitas dan Pengaruhnya terhadap Harga Saham Perusahaan Sektor Industri Dasar dan Kimia Sub Sektro Pulp & Paper di Bursa Efek Indonesia

This study aims to determine and analyze the influence of financial performance with profitability ratios which are used as independent variables, Gross Profit Margn (GPM), Return On Investmant (ROI), Return on Equity (ROE) and Earning Per Share (EPS). while being used as the dependent variable is the price of shares in Pulp & Paper Indonesia Stock Exchange.The data used in this research is secondary data, financial highlights (annual report) and performance summary. As for the company\u27s data Pulp & Paper Tbk listed on the Stock Exchange for 3 years ie 2012, 2013, 2014. Sampling was done by purposive sampling. the sample used was 5 Companies Pulp & Paper Tbk. Classic assumption test in this study include tests multikoliniearitas, heterocedasticity test, test for normality. Analysis of data using multiple linear regression analysis, t test, and test the coefficient of determination. Analysis of data using multiple linear regression analysis with SPSS 19.The results showed that the analysis of the influence of financial performance with the profitability ratio on stock prices, namely GPM, ROI, ROE and EPS on sector companies Pulp & Paper Tbk are Partial (t test) no significant effect on stock prices. The results of the koefesiens determination (R2) of 0.420, which means that the variable contribution GPM, ROI, ROE and EPS on stock prices was 24.0%. While the remaining 58.0% is influenced by other variables not included in this mode

Analysis the Influence of Marketing Mix and After Sales Service Towards Purchase Decision on Toyota Yaris at PT. Agung Automall Duri.

This study aimed to analyze the influence of the marketing mix which consisting of Price, Product, Promotion and After sales service towards purchase decision on Toyota Yaris at PT. Agung Automall Duri located on jl.Raya Dumai Km thriteen, number four Duri. The population in this study are the consumers who bought Toyota Yatis car at PT. Agung Automall in year two thousand eleven. The research conducted by using census method with members of thirty seven respondents. Data analyze using multiple linier regression model with SPSS version seventeen.The results of this study showed that simultaneously, all independent variables : Price, Product, Promotion and After sales service have a significant effect towards dependent variable (purchase decision). It can be seen from the calculated F value is greater than the E table. While partially each variable : Price, Product and promotion has a significant effect that indicated from the T value of each variable is greater than. The T table but after sales service variable has not significant effect to its T value is smaller than the T table. The coefficient of determination (Adjusted R2) shows the independent variables contributed very powerfull in explaining the dependent variable (Purchase decision).Keywords: Purchase decision, Price, Product, Promotion, After sales service