Understanding the Knowledge and Attitudes of Parents of Students with Limited English Proficiency towards Standardized Testing

State and federal regulations mandated standardized testing of students, including disadvantaged students: economically disadvantaged students, students with disabilities, and students with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). The results of the standardized tests were used for the accountability of school districts by way of state and federal reports, resulting in standardized testing also being referred to as high-stakes testing. Standardized testing was criticized for a number of reasons, including holding teachers accountable for students’ scores (Ysseldyke et al., 2004) and subjecting students to stress and anxiety brought on by the demands of standardized testing (Albrecht & Joles, 2003; Von der Embse & Hasson, 2012). Another criticism was that parents may have felt uninformed or ill-informed of the results of their children’s standardized tests (Osburn, Stegman, Suitt, & Ritter, 2004). Proponents of standardized assessments pointed out that standardized testing assisted in determining which facets of education and which specific schools needed enhancement. The purpose of this study was to better understand the knowledge and attitudes of parents of Spanish-speaking LEP students. The literature review examined two primary groups that had been identified as highly disadvantaged when it came to standardized testing: students with disabilities and students with LEP. Minimal research seemed to be available regarding parents’ views on standardized testing. It had been found that parents were involved and were very interested in their child’s performance on standardized tests (Osburn et al., 2004; Mulvenon et al., 2005). This descriptive quantitative study was conducted in a suburban New Jersey school district with approximately 5,200 students. Approximately 500 students were from households in which Spanish is the primary language. The quantitative survey instrument was sent to 223 parents of LEP students via email; 32 responded. The survey questions were presented in both Spanish and English. This study sought to gain understanding of the perspectives of the parents of Spanish-speaking students with LEP with regard to the climate of standardized testing in their child’s school, stress related to standardized testing, the value of standardized testing, and communication regarding testing results. The major findings of this study conveyed that parents of Spanish-speaking LEP students did not feel adequately informed about how their children performed on standardized testing. The parents of LEP students viewed the standardized testing as important and expressed that parents and teachers were responsible for helping students improve their performance on the tests. Greater understanding of parents’ views may support school administrators and staff members in engaging and communicating with parents of students with LEP

Open subtitles 2018 : Statistical rescoring of sentence alignments in large, noisy parallel corpora

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Electrophysiological and molecular genetic evidence for sympatrically occuring cryptic species in African weakly electric fishes (Teleostei : Mormyridae : Campylomormyrus)

For two sympatric species of African weakly electric fish, Campylomormyrus tamandua and Campylomormyrus numenius, we monitored ontogenetic differentiation in electric organ discharge (EOD) and established a molecular phylogeny, based on 2222 bp from cytochrome b, the S7 ribosomal protein gene, and four flanking regions of unlinked microsatellite loci. In C tamandua, there is one common EOD type, regardless of age and sex, whereas in C numenius we were able to identify three different male adult EOD waveform types, which emerged from a single common EOD observed in juveniles. Two of these EOD types formed well supported clades in our phylogenetic analysis. In an independent line of evidence, we were able to affirm the classification into three groups by microsatellite data. The correct assignment and the high pairwise FST values support our hypothesis that these groups are reproductively isolated. We propose that in C numenius there are cryptic species, hidden behind similar and, at least as juveniles, identical morphs. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Adaptive radiation in African weakly electric fish (Teleostei : Mormyridae : Campylomormyrus): a combined molecular and morphological approach

We combined multiple molecular markers and geometric morphometrics to revise the current taxonomy and to build a phylogenetic hypothesis for the African weakly electric fish genus Campylomormyrus. Genetic data (2039 bp DNA sequence of mitochondrial cytochrome b and nuclear S7 genes) on 106 specimens support the existence of at least six species occurring in sympatry. We were able to further confirm these species by microsatellite analysis at 16 unlinked nuclear loci and landmark-based morphometrics. We assigned them to nominal taxa by comparisons to type specimens of all Campylomormyrus species recognized so far. Additionally, we showed that the shape of the elongated trunk-like snout is the major source of morphological differentiation among them. This finding suggests that the radiation of this speciose genus might have been driven by adaptation to different food sources

Strained Silicon Complementary TFET SRAM: Experimental Demonstration and Simulations

A half SRAM cell with strained Si nanowire complementary tunnel-FETs (TFETs) was fabricated and characterized to explore the feasibility and functionality of 6T-SRAM based on TFETs. Outward-faced n-TFETs are used as access-transistors. Static measurements were performed to determine the SRAM butterfly curves, allowing the assessment of cell functionality and stability. The forward p-i-n leakage of the access-transistor at certain bias configurations leads to malfunctioning storage operation, even without the contribution of the ambipolar behavior. At large VDD, lowering of the bit-line bias is needed to mitigate such effect, demonstrating functional hold, read and write operations. Circuit simulations were carried out using a Verilog-A compact model calibrated on the experimental TFETs, providing a better understanding of the TFET SRAM operation at different supply voltages and for different cell sizing and giving an estimate of the dynamic performance of the cell

VNbCrMo refractory high-entropy alloy for nuclear applications

Refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) with high melting points and low neutron absorption cross-section are sought for generation-IV fission and fusion reactors. A high throughput computational screening tool, Alloy Search and Predict (ASAP), was used to identify promising RHEA candidates from over 1 million four-element equimolar combinations. The selected VNbCrMo RHEA was further studied by CALPHAD to predict phase formation, which was compared to an experimentally produced ingot aged at 1200 °C. The VNbCrMo RHEA was found to constitute a majority bcc phase, with a 6% area fraction of C15-Laves formed at interdendritic regions, in contrast to the predictions of single-phase. The prediction of the yield strength by a model based upon edge dislocation mechanisms indicated 2.1 GPa at room temperature and 850 MPa at 1000 °C for the equimolar single bcc phase. The hardness of the alloy with C15-Laves was 748 HV (yield strength ∼2.4 GPa). Finally, the macroscopic neutron absorption cross-section was modelled for a wide range of energies. Displacements per atom per year and activation calculations, up to 1000 years after 2 years of continuous operation, in typical fusion and fission reactor scenarios were also performed using the inventory code FISPACT-II. This work gives new insight into the phase stability and performance of the VNbCrMo RHEA, which is compared with a similar design concept alloy, to assess the potential of novel RHEAs for use in advanced nuclear applications.Fil: Ferreirós, Pedro Antonio. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: von Tiedemann, S. O.. The University Of Birmingham (tub);Fil: Parkes, N.. The University Of Birmingham (tub);Fil: Gurah, D.. The University Of Birmingham (tub);Fil: King, D. J. M.. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Norman, P.. The University Of Birmingham (tub);Fil: Gilbert, M. R.. The University Of Birmingham (tub);Fil: Knowles, A. J.. Imperial College London; Reino Unid

Leg 202 summary

More than 7 km of long and relatively continuous sediment sequences from 11 sites in the southeast and equatorial Pacific were recovered during Leg 202 for the study of the Earth’s climate and biogeochemical systems on scales that range from tectonic (millions of years) to orbital (tens to hundreds of thousands of years) and centennial to millennial (hundreds to thousands of years). These materials will be used to test a broad set of hypotheses on (1) the evolution of the South Pacific Ocean as it responds to and modulates the effects of major tectonic and climatic events, such as the opening of the Drake Passage, uplift of the Andes Mountains, closure of the Isthmus of Panama, and major expansion of polar ice sheets; (2) linkage between climate and biogeochemical changes in the high latitudes and the equatorial Pacific, related to rhythmic changes in Earth’s orbit, and the relationship of such changes to well-known glacial events of the Northern Hemisphere; and (3) global and regional changes in climate, biota, and ocean chemistry on timescales of centuries to millennia to millions of years. Three sites (1236, 1237, and 1241) targeted sequences with relatively low sedimentation rates of <30 m/m.y. to obtain long records of climate and oceanographic change representing the Neogene and, in some cases, the late Paleogene that are not subject to severe burial diagenesis. Two sites (1238 and 1239) targeted moderate sedimentation rates of 30– 80 m/m.y. to assess orbital-scale climate and biogeochemistry oscillations at a resolution suitable for the tuning of timescales and examination of changing responses to orbital forcing during the late Neogene. Six sites (1232 through 1235, 1240, and 1242) recovered sediments that accumulated rapidly, at rates of 80–2000 m/m.y., near the equator and in the higher southern latitudes to assess equator-to-pole climate and biogeochemical linkages at centennial, millennial, and orbital timescales. Drilling strategy and near real-time stratigraphic correlation played significant roles in the successful recovery of these sequences. Drilling multiple holes at each site and extensive use of overdrilling with the advanced piston corer (APC) provided long records with continuous recovery. Innovative use of rapid core logging allowed for real-time optimization of drilling strategies that maximized recovery and minimized redundant coring. Analysis of core expansion, as well as core-log integration and double extended core barrel (XCB) coring at some sites, facilitated the assembly of cores into a depth framework that will improve the quantitative analyses of sediment accumulation rates. On Nazca Ridge, Site 1237 provides a continuous sediment sequence, recovered in overlapping APC cores, that spans >30 m.y. (modern to middle Oligocene). Exceptional preservation of the flora and fauna in this long, continuous record indicates that this site will provide a much-needed stratigraphic reference in the southeast Pacific. Abrupt changes in the presence of volcanic ash layers here document an increase in tectonic activity during the late Miocene, while nearly at the same time an increase in dust flux and biogenic components associated with productive upwelling systems, such as diatoms, are associated with late Cenozoic cooling that may be associated with uplift of the Andes. Site 1236 provides an equally good record from shallower water depths for the last 28 m.y. that, when paired with Site 1237, will document variations of deep, intermediate, and surface water masses in the subtropical South Pacific. Near the equator, Sites 1238–1241 provide evidence for rhythmic oscillations of pelagic and hemipelagic sediments on the scale of Earth’s orbital cycles, which will help to test hypotheses on tropical vs. polar origins of the well-known 100-k.y. climate cycle that characterizes the late Pleistocene, as well as the response of the equatorial Pacific to closure of the Isthmus of Panama over millions of years. Again, complete recovery of long and well-preserved sediment sequences will provide unprecedented resolution of biotic and environmental changes. Century- to millennial-scale climate changes can be addressed with the records from rapidly accumulating (40–200 cm/k.y.) sediments recovered at Sites 1233–1235 from the central Chile margin. These sites will provide important data related to the southern westerlies and Antarctic Intermediate Water variability. A detailed record of paleomagnetic intensity and secular variability will link these records into a global chronological framework. At Site 1232, in the Chile Basin, a rapidly accumulating Pleistocene sequence documents terrigenous sediments eroded from the southern Andes and transported to the deep via turbidity currents. Near the equator, Sites 1240 and 1242 have moderately high sedimentation rates (~8–13 cm/k.y.), which will help to test linkages of millennial-scale climate changes between low and high latitudes. Together, the array of sites recovered during Leg 202 provides a new view of Southern Hemisphere and tropical climate variability and biogeochemical systems across a broad range of spatial and temporal scales in a region of the ocean that has received relatively little study in the past.Shipboard scientific party : Chapter 1, Leg 202 Summar

Tectonic motion site survey of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Green Bank, West Virginia

A geological and geophysical site survey was made of the area around the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) to determine whether there are at present local tectonic movements that could introduce significant errors to Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) geodetic measurements. The site survey consisted of a literature search, photogeologic mapping with Landsat and Skylab photographs, a field reconnaissance, and installation of a seismometer at the NRAO. It is concluded that local tectonic movement will not contribute significantly to VLBI errors. It is recommended that similar site surveys be made of all locations used for VLBI or laser ranging

Mitochondrial Control Region and microsatellite analyses on harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) unravel population differentiation in the Baltic Sea and adjacent waters

The population status of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the Baltic area has been a continuous matter of debate. Here we present the by far most comprehensive genetic population structure assessment to date for this region, both with regard to geographic coverage and sample size: 497 porpoise samples from North Sea, Skagerrak, Kattegat, Belt Sea, and Inner Baltic Sea were sequenced at the mitochondrial Control Region and 305 of these specimens were typed at 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci. Samples were stratified according to sample type (stranding vs. by-caught), sex, and season (breeding vs. non-breeding season). Our data provide ample evidence for a population split between the Skagerrak and the Belt Sea, with a transition zone in the Kattegat area. Among other measures, this was particularly visible in significant frequency shifts of the most abundant mitochondrial haplotypes. A particular haplotype almost absent in the North Sea was the most abundant in Belt Sea and Inner Baltic Sea. Microsatellites yielded a similar pattern (i.e., turnover in occurrence of clusters identified by STRUCTURE). Moreover, a highly significant association between microsatellite assignment and unlinked mitochondrial haplotypes further indicates a split between North Sea and Baltic porpoises. For the Inner Baltic Sea, we consistently recovered a small, but significant separation from the Belt Sea population. Despite recent arguments that separation should exceed a predefined threshold before populations shall be managed separately, we argue in favour of precautionary acknowledging the Inner Baltic porpoises as a separate management unit, which should receive particular attention, as it is threatened by various factors, in particular local fishery measures. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009