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Making mathematics matter: professional development improving outcomes in high-poverty environments

This research study is a mixed – methods quantitative and qualitative study that analyzed data from an intensive, long – term professional development project named, Project : Making Mathematics Matter. (PM3) carried out in two low – performing, high – poverty districts. Two of the districts served as treatment districts and ALL teachers (general education, special education, ELL) who taught mathematics to students in grades 4-8 participated in a four-year PM3 mathematical intervention. Three elements identified in the research as effective components in mathematics professional development served as foundational for this project. They were: teachers attended monthly institutes focused on deepening the pedagogical, content knowledge for teaching mathematics; teachers received on-site coaching from an experienced mathematics educator to support implementation of new instructional strategies; and teachers participated in monthly, collegial, grade band meetings facilitated by their coach. This studys analyses focused around three areas: 1. increased pedagogical knowledge for teaching mathematics as measured by the Learning Mathematics for Teaching (LMT) assessment (Hill, Schilling, & Ball, 2004); 2. improved mathematics instructional quality as measured by the SAMPI Classroom Observational Protocol; 3. increased mathematics performance of students as measured on the state-wide MEAP test. Research findings were: 1. LMT data collected at the beginning, middle, and end of PM3 showed treatment teachers significantly increased their pedagogical, content knowledge for teaching mathematics over their matched-comparison teachers; 2. Analyses of SAMPI data demonstrated teachers significantly improved the quality of their classroom instruction; 3. Analyzing sets of MEAP student scale scores by grade and year, there was a significant interaction between district of the student and the year, during and following treatment teachers participation in PM3. Where in 2005, all sets of treatment scale scores were significantly different and lower than comparison scores, as the years of treatment teacher participation in PM3 increased many sets of compared sets of MEAP scores were no longer significantly different. This study suggests a connection between the increased content knowledge of teachers, the improved quality of classroom instruction, and the increased mathematics achievement of their students in high – poverty, low ndash performing districts

Exciton spin dynamics and photoluminescence polarization of CdSe/CdS dot-in-rod nanocrystals in high magnetic fields

The exciton spin dynamics and polarization properties of the related emission are investigated in colloidal CdSe/CdS dot-in-rod (DiR) and spherical core/shell nanocrystal (NC) ensembles by magneto-optical photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy in magnetic fields up to 15 T. It is shown that the degree of circular polarization (DCP) of the exciton emission induced by the magnetic field is affected by the NC geometry as well as the exciton fine structure and can provide information on nanorod orientation. A theory to describe the circular and linear polarization properties of the NC emission in magnetic field is developed. It takes into account phonon mediated coupling between the exciton fine structure states as well as the dielectric enhancement effect resulting from the anisotropic shell of DiR NCs. This theoretical approach is used to model the experimental results and allows us to explain most of the measured features. The spin dynamics of the dark excitons is investigated in magnetic fields by time-resolved photoluminescence. The results highlight the importance of confined acoustic phonons in the spin relaxation of dark excitons. The bare core surface as well as the core/shell interface give rise to an efficient spin relaxation channel, while the surface of core/shell NCs seems to play only a minor role.Comment: 18 pages, 15 figure

Eulerian CFD modeling of nozzle geometry effects on ECN Sprays A and D: assessment and analysis

This is the author's version of a work that was accepted for publication in International Journal of Engine Research. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published as https://doi.org/10.1177/1468087419882500.[EN] Diesel spray modeling is a multi-scale problem with complex interactions between different flow regions, that is, internal nozzle flow, near-nozzle region and developed spray, including evaporation and combustion. There are several modeling approaches that have proven particularly useful for some spray regions although they have struggled at other areas, while Eulerian modeling has shown promise in dealing with all characteristics at a reasonable computational effort for engineering calculations. In this work, the sigma -Y single-fluid diffuse-interface model, based on scale separation assumptions at high Reynolds and Weber numbers, is used to simulate the engine combustion network Sprays A and D within a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes turbulence modeling approach. The study is divided into two parts. First of all, the larger diameter Spray D is modeled from the nozzle flow till evaporative spray conditions, obtaining successful prediction of numerous spray metrics, paying special attention to the near-nozzle region where spray dispersion and interfacial surface area can be validated against measurements conducted at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory, including both the ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering and the X-ray radiography. Afterwards, an analysis of the modeling predictions is made in comparison with previous results obtained for Spray A, considering the nozzle geometry effects in the modeling behavior.The authors thank the freely shared X-ray radiography and ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering measurements performed at Argonne National Laboratory by the following authors: Daniel J. Duke, Jan Ilavsky, Katarzyna E. Matusik., Brandon A. Sforzo., Alan L. Kastengren and Christopher F. Powell. They also thankfully acknowledge the computer resources at Picasso and the technical support provided by Universidad de Malaga (UMA; RES-FI-2018-1-0039).Pandal, A.; García-Oliver, JM.; Pastor Enguídanos, JM. (2020). Eulerian CFD modeling of nozzle geometry effects on ECN Sprays A and D: assessment and analysis. International Journal of Engine Research. 21(1):73-88. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468087419882500S7388211PAYRI, R., GARCIA, J., SALVADOR, F., & GIMENO, J. (2005). Using spray momentum flux measurements to understand the influence of diesel nozzle geometry on spray characteristics. Fuel, 84(5), 551-561. doi:10.1016/j.fuel.2004.10.009Payri, R., Salvador, F. J., Gimeno, J., & Zapata, L. D. (2008). Diesel nozzle geometry influence on spray liquid-phase fuel penetration in evaporative conditions. Fuel, 87(7), 1165-1176. doi:10.1016/j.fuel.2007.05.058Payri, R., Salvador, F. J., Gimeno, J., & de la Morena, J. (2009). Effects of nozzle geometry on direct injection diesel engine combustion process. Applied Thermal Engineering, 29(10), 2051-2060. doi:10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2008.10.009Payri, F., Payri, R., Salvador, F. J., & Martínez-López, J. (2012). A contribution to the understanding of cavitation effects in Diesel injector nozzles through a combined experimental and computational investigation. Computers & Fluids, 58, 88-101. doi:10.1016/j.compfluid.2012.01.005Kastengren, A. L., Powell, C. F., Wang, Y., Im, K.-S., & Wang, J. (2009). X-RAY RADIOGRAPHY MEASUREMENTS OF DIESEL SPRAY STRUCTURE AT ENGINE-LIKE AMBIENT DENSITY. Atomization and Sprays, 19(11), 1031-1044. doi:10.1615/atomizspr.v19.i11.30Pickett, L. M., Manin, J., Kastengren, A., & Powell, C. (2014). Comparison of Near-Field Structure and Growth of a Diesel Spray Using Light-Based Optical Microscopy and X-Ray Radiography. SAE International Journal of Engines, 7(2), 1044-1053. doi:10.4271/2014-01-1412Dahms, R. N., Manin, J., Pickett, L. M., & Oefelein, J. C. (2013). Understanding high-pressure gas-liquid interface phenomena in Diesel engines. Proceedings of the Combustion Institute, 34(1), 1667-1675. doi:10.1016/j.proci.2012.06.169Arienti, M., & Sussman, M. (2017). A numerical study of the thermal transient in high-pressure diesel injection. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 88, 205-221. doi:10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2016.09.017Vallet, A., Burluka, A. A., & Borghi, R. (2001). DEVELOPMENT OF A EULERIAN MODEL FOR THE «ATOMIZATION» OF A LIQUID JET. 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M., Pastor, J. M., Pandal, A., Baldwin, E., & Schmidt, D. P. (2016). Coupled/decoupled spray simulation comparison of the ECN spray a condition with the -Y Eulerian atomization model. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 80, 89-99. doi:10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2015.12.002Garcia-Oliver, J. M., Pastor, J. M., Pandal, A., Trask, N., Baldwin, E., & Schmidt, D. P. (2013). DIESEL SPRAY CFD SIMULATIONS BASED ON THE Σ-Υ EULERIAN ATOMIZATION MODEL. Atomization and Sprays, 23(1), 71-95. doi:10.1615/atomizspr.2013007198Navarro-Martinez, S. (2014). Large eddy simulation of spray atomization with a probability density function method. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 63, 11-22. doi:10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2014.02.013Pandal, A., Pastor, J. M., García-Oliver, J. M., Baldwin, E., & Schmidt, D. P. (2016). A consistent, scalable model for Eulerian spray modeling. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 83, 162-171. doi:10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2016.04.003Pandal, A., Payri, R., García-Oliver, J. M., & Pastor, J. M. (2017). Optimization of spray break-up CFD simulations by combining Σ-Y Eulerian atomization model with a response surface methodology under diesel engine-like conditions (ECN Spray A). Computers & Fluids, 156, 9-20. doi:10.1016/j.compfluid.2017.06.022Pandal, A., García-Oliver, J. M., Novella, R., & Pastor, J. M. (2018). A computational analysis of local flow for reacting Diesel sprays by means of an Eulerian CFD model. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 99, 257-272. doi:10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2017.10.010Payri, R., Ruiz, S., Gimeno, J., & Martí-Aldaraví, P. (2015). Verification of a new CFD compressible segregated and multi-phase solver with different flux updates-equations sequences. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 39(2), 851-861. doi:10.1016/j.apm.2014.07.011Salvador, F. J., Gimeno, J., Pastor, J. M., & Martí-Aldaraví, P. (2014). Effect of turbulence model and inlet boundary condition on the Diesel spray behavior simulated by an Eulerian Spray Atomization (ESA) model. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 65, 108-116. doi:10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2014.06.003Demoulin, F.-X., Beau, P.-A., Blokkeel, G., Mura, A., & Borghi, R. (2007). A NEW MODEL FOR TURBULENT FLOWS WITH LARGE DENSITY FLUCTUATIONS: APPLICATION TO LIQUID ATOMIZATION. Atomization and Sprays, 17(4), 315-345. doi:10.1615/atomizspr.v17.i4.20Pandal, A., Pastor, J. M., Payri, R., Kastengren, A., Duke, D., Matusik, K., … Schmidt, D. (2017). Computational and Experimental Investigation of Interfacial Area in Near-Field Diesel Spray Simulation. SAE International Journal of Fuels and Lubricants, 10(2), 423-431. doi:10.4271/2017-01-0859Weller, H. G., Tabor, G., Jasak, H., & Fureby, C. (1998). A tensorial approach to computational continuum mechanics using object-oriented techniques. 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International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 55, 130-137. doi:10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2013.05.004Gimeno, J., Bracho, G., Martí-Aldaraví, P., & Peraza, J. E. (2016). Experimental study of the injection conditions influence over n-dodecane and diesel sprays with two ECN single-hole nozzles. Part I: Inert atmosphere. Energy Conversion and Management, 126, 1146-1156. doi:10.1016/j.enconman.2016.07.077Kastengren, A., Ilavsky, J., Viera, J. P., Payri, R., Duke, D. J., Swantek, A., … Powell, C. F. (2017). Measurements of droplet size in shear-driven atomization using ultra-small angle x-ray scattering. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 92, 131-139. doi:10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2017.03.005Kastengren, A. L., Tilocco, F. Z., Powell, C. F., Manin, J., Pickett, L. M., Payri, R., & Bazyn, T. (2012). ENGINE COMBUSTION NETWORK (ECN): MEASUREMENTS OF NOZZLE GEOMETRY AND HYDRAULIC BEHAVIOR. Atomization and Sprays, 22(12), 1011-1052. doi:10.1615/atomizspr.2013006309Matusik, K. E., Duke, D. 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Enriching Visual with Verbal Explanations for Relational Concepts -- Combining LIME with Aleph

With the increasing number of deep learning applications, there is a growing demand for explanations. Visual explanations provide information about which parts of an image are relevant for a classifier's decision. However, highlighting of image parts (e.g., an eye) cannot capture the relevance of a specific feature value for a class (e.g., that the eye is wide open). Furthermore, highlighting cannot convey whether the classification depends on the mere presence of parts or on a specific spatial relation between them. Consequently, we present an approach that is capable of explaining a classifier's decision in terms of logic rules obtained by the Inductive Logic Programming system Aleph. The examples and the background knowledge needed for Aleph are based on the explanation generation method LIME. We demonstrate our approach with images of a blocksworld domain. First, we show that our approach is capable of identifying a single relation as important explanatory construct. Afterwards, we present the more complex relational concept of towers. Finally, we show how the generated relational rules can be explicitly related with the input image, resulting in richer explanations

Analyzing the Structure and Function of Novel Cytochromes from a Natural Microbial Community

The Richmond mine in Iron Mountain, California, provides an unusual ecosystem suitable for the growth of microbial biofilms which produce many unique proteins. Through iron oxidation, these proteins facilitate acid mine drainage (AMD). Because this habitat is extremely acidic, survival is an extraordinary feat and the process of environmental selection is rare. In order to understand the mechanisms by which these organisms oxidize iron and gain electrons for energy, biochemical studies were applied. More specifically, column chromatography, spectrophotometry, and gel electrophoresis were used to determine the proteins present in different biofilms. Two specific locations of the mine researched were the AB drift and Ultraback C (UBC), which were both found to contain at least five different types of protein and a large amount of heme-bound cytochromes. Another application of these methods was to investigate proteins playing a major role within the community; one protein selected was cytochrome 579 (Cyt{sub 579}) due to its abundance in the biofilm, iron oxidizing potential, and signature absorbance of 579nm. The structure and function of Cyt{sub 579} could be characterized by the isolation of its heme, which was completed using column chromatography; however, one of the challenges has been liberating the heme from the column. Further research, including acid-base and temperature profiling of Cyt{sup 579} should help elucidate its structural changes within alternate environments and metabolism within the community

Resilience of the Dutch HPV-based cervical screening programme during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives: Organisation of a screening programme influences programme resilience to a disruption as COVID-19. Due to COVID-19, the Dutch human papillomavirus–based cervical screening programme was temporarily suspended. Afterwards, multiple measures have been taken to catch-up participation. This study aimed to investigate programme resilience by examining the effect of COVID-19 and programme measures taken on participation in cervical screening. Study design: Observational cohort study. Methods: Data from the national screening registry and Dutch nationwide pathology databank (Palga) were used on invitations and follow-up in 2018/2019 (pre-COVID) and 2020 (COVID). Sending invitations, reminders and self-sampling kits were suspended from March to July 2020. Main outcome measures include distribution of participant characteristics (age, region and screening history), participation rates by age and region, time between invitation and participation (i.e. response time) and self-sampling use per month. Results: Participation rate was significantly lower in 2020 (49.8%) compared to 2018/19 (56.8%, P &lt; 0.001), in all ages and regions. Compared to 2018/19, participation rates decreased most in women invited from January to March 2020 (−6.7%, −9.1% and −10.4%, respectively). From August, participation rates started to recover (difference between −0.8% and −2.7%). Median response time was longer in February and March (2020: 143 and 173 days; 2018/19: 53 and 55 days) and comparable from July onwards (median difference 0–6 days). Self-sampling use was higher in 2020 (16.3%) compared to 2018/19 (7.6%). Conclusions: The pandemic impacted participation rates in the Dutch cervical screening programme, especially of women invited before the programme pause. Implementation of self-sampling in national cervical screening programmes could increase participation rates and could serve as an alternative screening method in times of exceptional health care circumstances, such as a pandemic. Due to the well-organised programme and measures taken to catch-up participation, the impact of COVID-19 on the screening programme remained small.</p