Discrimination in Metropolitan Housing Markets: Phase 3 - Native Americans

This paper documents the results of a pilot paired testing program to examine the treatment of Native Americans by real estate agents in rental housing markets in three states and owner-occupied housing markets in one state. The study finds that the level of discrimination experienced by Native Americans in rental markets exceed those experienced by Hispanics, Blacks, and Asian-Americans.

Lessons from PISA 2012 about mathematical literacy: an illustrated essay

Mathematics is central in school curricula around the world, yet outcomes are mixed at best. This is true both in relation to attitudes expressed towards mathematics, and in relation to observed assessment outcomes, showing how poorly individuals are prepared to use mathematics in a world in which the ability to do so is of increasing importance. Why? This essay uses some PISA 2012 mathematics outcomes to seek explanations and possible ways forward. The main message is that negative outcomes of school mathematics arise for a variety of reasons, and they can be reversed through deliberate and concerted action

Discrimination in Metropolitan Housing Markets Phase II: Asians and Pacific Islanders

This report documents the results of a an 11-city paired testing study by the Department of Housing and Urban Development of housing discrimination against Asian- Americans and Pacific Islanders. The study shows that one out of every five Asians and Pacific Islanders attempting to buy or rent a home are discriminated against, a rate similar to that of African Americans and Hispanics.

Immobilized photosensitizers for antimicrobial applications

Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) is a very promising alternative to conventional antibiotics for the efficient inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms; this is due to the fact that it is virtually impossible for resistant strains to develop due to the mode of action employed. PACT employs a photosensitizer, which preferentially associates with the microorganism, and is then activated with non-thermal visible light of appropriate wavelength(s) to generate high localized concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inactivating the microorganism. The concept of using photosensitizers immobilized on a surface for this purpose is intended to address a range of economic, ecological and public health issues. Photosensitising molecules that have been immobilized on solid support for PACT applications are described herein. Different supports have been analyzed as well as the target microorganism and the effectiveness of particular combinations of support and photosensitiser

Lecciones de PISA 2012 sobre competencia matemática: un ensayo ilustrado

Mathematics is central in school curricula around the world, yet outcomes are mixed at best. This is true both in relation to attitudes expressed towards mathematics, and in relation to observed assessment outcomes, showing how poorly individuals are prepared to use mathematics in a world in which the ability to do so is of increasing importance. Why? This essay uses some math-ematics outcomes from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012 to seek explanations and possible ways forward. The main mes-sage is that negative outcomes of school mathematics arise for a variety of reasons, and they can be reversed through deliberate and concerted action.Las Matemáticas son fundamentales en los currículos escolares de todo el mundo, pero los resultados no son los mejores. Esto es cierto tanto en relación con las actitudes expresadas hacia las matemáticas, como en relación con los resultados observados en la evaluación, mostrando cómo los individuos tienen una preparación pobre para utilizar las matemáticas en un mundo donde la habilidad para usarlas tiene una creciente importancia. Por qué? Este ensayo usa algunos resultados de PISA 2012 matemáticas para buscar explicaciones y posibles formas de abordarlos. El principal mensaje es que los resultados negativos en matemáticas escolares se producen por una variedad de razones, y pueden revertirse a través de acciones delibradas y coordinadas