Schools and the crisis

https://stars.library.ucf.edu/prism/1132/thumbnail.jp

Algorithm and Complexity for a Network Assortativity Measure

We show that finding a graph realization with the minimum Randi\'c index for a given degree sequence is solvable in polynomial time by formulating the problem as a minimum weight perfect b-matching problem. However, the realization found via this reduction is not guaranteed to be connected. Approximating the minimum weight b-matching problem subject to a connectivity constraint is shown to be NP-Hard. For instances in which the optimal solution to the minimum Randi\'c index problem is not connected, we describe a heuristic to connect the graph using pairwise edge exchanges that preserves the degree sequence. In our computational experiments, the heuristic performs well and the Randi\'c index of the realization after our heuristic is within 3% of the unconstrained optimal value on average. Although we focus on minimizing the Randi\'c index, our results extend to maximizing the Randi\'c index as well. Applications of the Randi\'c index to synchronization of neuronal networks controlling respiration in mammals and to normalizing cortical thickness networks in diagnosing individuals with dementia are provided.Comment: Added additional section on application

A Newly Discovered Poem by Erasmus

A previously unknown poem by Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536) has come to light in Cambridge University Library’s copy of the first collected edition of his epigrams. The book in which it was found was printed not as a separate work, but as the third part of a collection superintended by Erasmus and mainly consisting of the writings of Thomas More. For the chief item in it was More’s Utopia, supplemented first by More’s epigrams, and then by those of Erasmus. The volume is therefore catalogued at Cambridge as De optimo reip. statu, deque noua insula Vtopia (Basel: Froben, March 1518; classmark Rel.c.51.3). It is continuously paginated, and in the final section an early Tudor hand has copied into the margins three poems, all of them expressly ascribed to Erasmus. The first of them, described as an epitaph on King Henry VII (and inserted on page 319), has hitherto been unknown to modern scholars. The other two poems (inserted on page 355) both relate to Henry VIII’s meeting with the Emperor Charles V at Calais in July 1520.This is the author accepted manuscript. It is currently under an indefinite embargo pending publication by Leuven University Press

Using Outdoor Experiential Training To Stimulate Emotional Intelligence Competencies and Group Leadership Skills Among Undergraduate Students

This study reports on the use of outdoor experiential training as a methodology for accelerating the group citizenship and leadership behaviors of undergraduate students. Using the emotional intelligence foundational skills of interpersonal competence and intrapersonal insight as a frame of reference for skill acquisition and measurement, it outlines the results of a self-assessment instrument and a small group problem solving exercise. Students reported a significant increase in group citizenship skills and the problem solving exercise indicated behavioral manifestations of these skills. The importance of incorporating the lessons of outdoor experiential training into an engaged classroom environment, mythological limitations, and opportunities for further research are discussed

Performance and Design of Composite Beams With Web Openings

Fifteen tests to failure were carried out on full scale composite beams with web openings. All beams had ribbed slabs using formed steel deck. Ribs were perpendicular to or parallel to the steel section. The effects of moment-shear ratio, partial composite construction, deck rib orientation, slab thickness, opening shape, opening eccentricity, and modification of the deck over the opening are studied. A strength mode: and three versions of a practical design technique are developed. The model and ! the design techniques are compared with all experimental work on composite beams with web openings. Serviceability criteria are developed. The peak loads attained by composite beams with ribbed slabs at web openings are governed by the failure of the slab. Rib failure occurs in slabs with transverse ribs, while 1 ongi tudinal shear failure occurs in slabs with longitudinal ribs. As the number of shear connectors above the opening and between the opening and the support increases, the failure load increases. The failure of composite beams with ribbed slabs is, in general, ductile. First yield in the steel around the opening does not give an accurate indication of the section capacity. The strength model and the design techniques accurately predict the strength of composite beams at web openings for beams with solid or ribbed slabs

Bond of Top-Cast Bars in Bridge Decks

The effects of consolidation method and two-course construction on the bond strength of top-cast reinforcement in concrete bridge decks were studied as functions of slump, bleed. and slab depth. Consolidation was varied using vibrator spacing and insertion time. Four top covers were studied: !4 and 3 in. (19 and 76 mm) monolithic and 3 in. (76 mm) two-course with either !4 or 1 in. (19 or 25 mm) first course cover. Bond test specimens were of two types: shallow, with 8 in. (203 mm) of concrete below the reinforcement, and deep. with 24 in. (610 mm) of concrete below the reinforcement. Concrete densities were obtained from drilled cores. Based on the experimental work, high-density internal vibration provides improved bond over low-density internal vibration. A 3 in. (76 mm) monolithic cover provides higher bond strength than 3 in. (76 mm) two-course cover. Increased concrete slump has a negative effect on bond strength for top-cast reinforcement. Deep slabs made with stiff, well-consolidated concrete can provide the same bond strengths as shallow slabs

Effects of Construction Procedures on Bond in Bridge Decks

The effects of con so I i dati on method and two-course construction on concrete-steel bond in concrete bridge decks are studied as functions of slump, b I eed, and depth of slab. Consolidation was varied by vi bra tor spacing and insertion time. Four top covers were studied: 3/4, I ' and 3 inch mono I ith ic and 3 inch two-course. Bond test specimens were of two types: sha I I ow, with 8 inches of concrete below the reinforcement, and deep, with 24 inches of concrete below the reinforcement. All specimens were modified canti I ever beam type specimens. Concrete densities were obtai ned using core samples. Based on the experimental work, high density internal vibration provides improved bond over low density i nterna r vibration. 3 inch mono I ithic cover provides higher bond strength than 3 inch two-course cover. Increased concrete slump has a negative effect on bond strength for top-cast reinforcement. Deep specimens made with stiff, well conso I i dated concrete can provide the same bond strengths as sha I I ow specimens