Examination of the levels of Cogitive Demand Required by Probability Tasks in Middle Grades Mathematics Textbooks

We analyze probability content within middle grades (6, 7, and 8) mathematics textbooks from a historical perspective. Two series, one popular and the other alternative, from four recent eras of mathematics education (New Math, Back to Basics, Problem Solving, and Standards) were analyzed using the Mathematical Tasks Framework (Stein, Smith, Henningsen, & Silver, 2000). Standards-era textbook series devoted significantly more attention to probability than other series; more than half of all tasks analyzed were located in Standards-era textbooks. More than 85% of tasks for six series required low levels of cognitive demand, whereas the majority of tasks in the alternative series from the Standards era required high levels of cognitive demand. Recommendations for future research are offered

Alien Registration- Tarr, Dollie E. (Lewiston, Androscoggin County)

https://digitalmaine.com/alien_docs/26790/thumbnail.jp

THE PLANNING PARADOX OF REGIONAL TRANSMISSION COST ALLOCATION: FEDERAL POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EFFICIENT TRANSMISSION DEPLOYMENT

Current regional cost allocation procedures for transmission deployment do not reach the level of deployment necessary to support the domestic energy transition and unlock the full potential of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Regional transmission capacity expansion of 2.3%/year is needed to support domestic clean energy goals, enable generator interconnection, protect system reliability amidst a changing generation mix, and ensure access to electricity at the lowest cost. There is a policy failure in regional transmission cost allocation due to a failure in the overarching regional transmission planning process, named the “planning paradox.” An integrated literature review was conducted through a survey of reputable publications to synthesize the current policy state of regional transmission cost allocation procedures and identify improvements. The representative literature was used to generate new perspectives and make policy recommendations. The results found dual improvements to regional cost allocation and planning procedures would maximize efficient transmission deployment at 2.3%/year and solve the “planning paradox.” Policy recommendations include standardized improvements to benefit assessment, encouragement of the multi-value portfolio approach for project evaluation, increased stakeholder and state involvement, and increased transparency between local and regional planning. Additional recommendations include voluntary participation in joint planning and improved coordination between interconnection processes and regional planning

Geogenomic segregation and temporal trends of human pathogenic Escherichia coli o157:H7, Washington, USA, 2005-2014

The often-noted and persistent increased incidence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections in rural areas is not well understood. We used a cohort of E. coli O157:H7 cases reported in Washington, USA, during 2005–2014, along with phylogenomic characterization of the infecting isolates, to identify geographic segregation of and temporal trends in specific phylogenetic lineages of E. coli O157:H7. Kernel estimation and generalized additive models demonstrated that pathogen lineages were spatially segregated during the period of analysis and identified a focus of segregation spanning multiple, predominantly rural, counties for each of the main clinical lineages, Ib, IIa, and IIb. These results suggest the existence of local reservoirs from which humans are infected. We also noted a secular increase in the proportion of lineage IIa and IIb isolates. Spatial segregation by phylogenetic lineage offers the potential to identify local reservoirs and intervene to prevent continued transmission

Genetic screening for metabolic and age-related complications in HIV-infected persons

Genetic screening for HIV-related complications is emerging as a clinically relevant prediction tool. A number of single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with conditions such as dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes have been identified in both the general population and in HIV-infected individuals. Additionally, genome-wide association studies have looked at hepatitis C susceptibility in HIV-infected people, and genetic studies are ongoing for coronary artery disease, osteoporosis, and neurocognitive dysfunction. To date, understanding the contribution of genetic variation to the pathogenesis of lipoatrophy and kidney disease in HIV-infection is limited

Synchrony and social connection in immersive Virtual Reality

Synchronising movements in time with others can have significant positive effects on affiliative attitudes and behaviors. To explore the generalizability of synchrony effects, and to eliminate confounds of suggestion, competence and shared intention typical of standard laboratory and field experiments, we used an Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) environment. Participants, represented as virtual humans, took part in a joint movement activity with two other programmed virtual humans. The timings of the co-participant characters' movements were covertly manipulated to achieve synchrony or non-synchrony with the focal participant. Participants in the synchrony condition reported significantly greater social closeness to their virtual co-participants than those in the non-synchrony condition. Results indicate that synchrony in joint action causes positive social effects and that these effects are robust in a VR setting. The research can potentially inform the development of VR interventions for social and psychological wellbeing

The Energy Imbalance Market: Environmental Benefits of Regional Market Integration in the West

Compared to other regions of the United States, the Western electric grid is fragmented and balkanized, due to lack of regional market coordination. As the West anticipates the growth of renewable energy, there is an evident need for regional market interconnection. The Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) is the first sub-hourly regional power-trading market in the West, allowing Western utilities to buy and sell electricity across the diverse geographic region (EIM, 2018a). By tapping into the flexibility and diversity of regional production profiles, the EIM reduces the variability and intermittency of renewable power. According to the 2017 quarterly benefits report, from market inception in 2014 through December 2017, the Energy Imbalance Market reports $288.44 million in total market integration benefits (Figure 1). Benefits include enhanced grid reliability, higher electricity dispatch efficiency, increased renewable power integration, reduced renewable curtailment, and reduced flexibility ramping reserves