Real time simulation of quarkonium in a thermal medium using a 3D Lindblad equation

Using a new finite difference operator RN-SBP that has recently been developed and used for 1D simulations of the Lindblad equation, we extend it to the 3D case. We have not quite been able to implement the RN-SBP properly for 3D, but we have proved that it will preserve the trace if implemented correctly. We have also showed that the coherent dynamics of the Lindblad equation in 3D, and the recoiless limit in 3D works as intended

Speech as a writing tool : An exploratory study of speech-to-text technology in lower secondary education

The aim of this project is to explore the potential of STT as a writing tool for lower secondary education pupils with writing difficulties. The project comprises three studies. Study 1 is a scoping review of empirical research on the use of STT among secondary pupils with learning difficulties published from January 2000 to April 2022. Study 2 explores teachers’ perspectives of STT as an inclusive approach in secondary education through focus group interviews. Study 3 explores the use of STT as a writing modality through analyses of screen recordings and interviews with pupils with low writing achievement. The results of Study 1 indicate that very little research has been conducted on the use of such technology for adolescents with learning difficulties at the secondary education level. The review identified eight peer-reviewed studies and five publications of grey literature. Areas of interest include five topics: writing-related skills, text assessment, writing processes, accuracy of the technology and participants’ experiences. The findings further indicate that writing performance among pupils with learning difficulties is improved when using STT and that parents, teachers and pupils report positive experiences with using the technology. The results from Study 2 regarding teachers’ experiences of STT as an inclusive approach reveal that the implementation of STT technology challenges different aspects of inclusion. Furthermore, teachers primarily considered STT an assistive technology that is useful for pupils with writing difficulties. Yet, they also reported that the technology offers opportunities for all pupils to participate in collaborative writing tasks, discuss norms for formal and informal languages and produce first drafts without having to worry about spelling. In addition, whilst STT provides academic opportunities for most learners, it is also described as a disruptive and embarrassing element in a whole-class environment. Finally, the results from Study 3 reveal that pupils with low writing achievement could not rely on STT to be 100% accurate and to provide correct orthography and syntax in Norwegian. Such findings suggest that technological issues must be addressed and that sufficient practice is necessary before STT can be implemented as a truly beneficial tool for adolescents with low writing achievement within the context of Norwegian secondary education.publishedVersio

The Human Opportunity Index and Income Inequality in Brazil

This study calculates the Human Opportunity Index (HOI) proposed by de Barros et al. (2009) and a Gini Index of household income using nationally representative data from Brazil for the years 2001 to 2008. Macroregional HOIs and Gini Indexes were also calculated for the years 2001, 2005, and 2008. No statistically significant, linear trends were found over the eight year period for national HOIs. A statistically significant, linear, downward trend was found for the Gini Index of household incomes. Also, there was a statistically significant decrease in the macroregional variance of HOI scores, indicating a convergence of opportunity equity among macroregions. No such convergence was found for the macroregional Gini Indexes

Relationships are the Alpha and Omega. An exploration of the descriptions of nurturing and healthy learning environments given by teachers at adult education centres’youth departments

Masteroppgave i tilpassa opplæring - 201

Aggregate asset price inflation in the global economy a general review of trends in nominal wealth growth between 1900 and 2020

The wealth/income ratio gives an indication of the size of an economy’s asset holdings relative to income, it can also be seen as a broad definition of the capital stock. It has its limitations however, as it is difficult to say if asset prices at any given point in time actually give correct indications on an assets real economic value. This is where the phenomenon of asset price inflation comes into play. Just as for consumer goods, asset inflation generally refers to nominal price increases without corresponding real changes in value. It is however far more difficult to measure, as an asset can yield profits, or non, over long periods of time, its value is dependent on future developments, it is thereby always uncertain to some degree. This can cause bubbles to inflate in asset markets as perceived value is largely dependent on the risk willingness and general optimism or pessimism of investors. Before the actual reviewing of data and historical events, this paper lays out some general perspectives on economic relationships and economic theory. This is done in order for the |Aggregate Asset Price Inflation in the Global Economy| Norwegian School of Economics reader to more easily understand chains of reasoning and argumentation in later parts. The introductory part is in large part inspired by the writings of Hyman P. Minsky, especially his book titled “Stabilizing an Unstable Economy” (Minsky, 1986). In this book he conducts a general review of modern macroeconomic theory and policy. Among other things he deconstructs Neoclassical concepts and expands on the work and theories of John Maynard Keynes, which he sees as generally misinterpreted. The review of historical trends begins in whit a look at the pre–Great-War global economic system. Followed by a review of the inflationary events both during and after the war. In this section the central role of the government in modern inflationary processes is demonstrated. Afterwards there is a quick look at the events before and after the Great Depression, and then the Second World War. In this early section there is an almost exclusive focus on West Europe and North America. This comes from the fact that they were the most developed regions of the world in this period, and therefore kept more records. There are simply not very many data available for other economies, something which partly stems from many economies not being fully market focused and capitalistic in this period. After having reviewed the pre-WWII events, there is a brief look at the post-war international order, followed by a discussion of its breakdown in the 1970s. In the 1970s there is the stagflation and oil crises that are looked at. There is also a special focus on the UK and Japan, who both had more dramatic developments in their economies in this period than most other developed countries. In the 1980s there is the restraining of inflation and financial liberalization that is in interesting. Also in this decade the UK and Japan deviated from the rest. When the mid-1990s arrive the special developments that have been defining recent decades start to set in. This paper focuses on the role of deflationary pressures stemming from the rapid trade expansion of developing economies, aswell as the cheapening of IT-technology as processing power grows exponentially, as some of the main drivers of low consumer inflation and low interest rates. There is also a look at how this deflationary pressure also drives growth in asset prices, and especially housing wealth, as spending is increasingly directed at relatively inelastic goods, such as housing, while for example merchandise goods become relatively cheaper. When interest rates are low the demand for housing increases further as buyers can service more debt. There is also a look at how the building up of foreign exchange and bond reserves by Asian governments, as their currencies are rarely revalued, affect financial markets and government budget deficits, and their consequences, in other countries. The paper is wrapped up with a brief look into the future as the thorough deconstructions of resent events are still fresh in mind. When looking into the future with new perspectives in mind it is important to remember that these insights are gained retrospectively and thereby have most value when applied retrospectively. The uncertainties about where things are moving into the future are still to a large degree as great as they have usually been before, as we learn about the past slower than present circumstances are changing.nhhma

Speech-to-Text Technology as an Inclusive Approach: Lower Secondary Teachers’ Experiences

Speech-to-text (STT) technology enables pupils to write using their voice. This qualitative study explores six teachers’ experiences with introducing STT technology in a whole-class environment at a Norwegian lower secondary school. The aim was to explore the benefits and challenges of using STT as an inclusive approach for writing instruction in lower secondary education. The teachers in the study stated that most of their pupils found STT useful when beginning longer writing assignments (for example, as an aid for brainstorming and drafting) and producing texts in foreign languages. Reported challenges were pupils distracting each other, inaccuracy of the technology, improper use, and pupils whispering because they were too embarrassed to speak out loud. The teachers’ views were initially consistent with a broad definition of inclusion, as they saw the educational opportunities of introducing STT to the whole class. However, after implementation they were concerned with structural challenges, including formal assessment of writing and individual adaptation of the curricula, which suggests a narrow interpretation of inclusion.Speech-to-Text Technology as an Inclusive Approach: Lower Secondary Teachers’ ExperiencespublishedVersio

A social ecological analysis of physical activity promotion for overweight and normal weight youth

Introduction. The psychosocial correlates of youth physical activity have not been well scrutinized in the context of the relatively new phenomenon of an increased prevalence of overweight among youth. The purpose of the examination of unique subpopulations (rural vs. urban; overweight vs. normal overweight) within a psychosocial and social ecological framework, was to enhance the theoretical basis for designing improved physical activity interventions for youth. Methods. Data were from a large cohort of Iowa youth, ages 9--11 and 14--18 years (N = 2,862). Physical fitness, body composition, height and weight were assessed. Students completed a physical activity questionnaire, the Childrens\u27 Physical Activity Correlates Survey and the Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile (CY-PSPP). The Youth Physical Activity Promotion model (Welk, 1999) was used as a framework to examine physical, social ecological, enabling, predisposing, and reinforcing influences on youth physical activity. Results. Prevalence of overweight was higher among rural children (25%; p \u3c .001) than children from more urban areas (18%). Among girls, being overweight was associated with reduced global self-esteem, attraction to physical activity, and parental influence. Perceived physical activity competence did not vary appreciably by weight status, except for among adolescent girls. The largest differences between overweight and normal weight youth were lower physical self-perceptions of adolescent girls and boys (Cohens\u27 d = 0.74--1.16). The Youth Physical Activity Promotion model showed good fit to the data and provided parsimony in the evaluation of physical activity while still accounting for a significant amount of variance in physical activity (R2 = .33). Within the model, BMI showed a very small direct effect on physical activity, but did not show effects on the correlates of physical activity. Conclusions . The largest differences in psychosocial correlates of physical activity associated with weight category were in physical self-perceptions, yet BMI showed minimal influence on a model of youth physical activity promotion. The results suggest that parental reinforcement, perceived competence, and attraction to physical activity should be promoted for both overweight and normal weight youth

Fauna and Stratigraphy of the Meagher Formation at Three Localities in Southwestern Montana

In the past 75 years, the scenic area about the head­waters of the great Missouri River has attracted the atten­tion of many leading stratigraphers and paleontologists; for in this area bountiful outcrops of Paleozoic fossil horizons are available for study and correlation

Trust-Based Routing Selection Policy on Mobile Ad-Hoc Network Using Aodv Routing Protocol

This study presents an enhanced Ad-hoc On-demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol, termed Proposed_TAODV, designed to improve security in Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks (MANETs) of 150 nodes by incorporating trust-based mechanisms. Through a comprehensive simulation, the Proposed_TAODV is evaluated against existing AODV and Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) protocols under conditions of increasing malicious node presence. The results reveal that Proposed_TAODV maintains a higher Packet Delivery Ratio, experiences lower Average End-to-End Delay, and achieves greater Throughput compared to the benchmarks, indicating its superior performance and robustness. The integration of Direct Trust Evaluation, Indirect Trust Evaluation, and Trust Aggregation methods into the AODV protocol clearly enhances the MANET's resilience to security threats, establishing the Proposed_TAODV as a promising approach for securing MANETs against various forms of attacks and network disruptions