scholarly journals Why Must Everything Be So Complicated? Demands and Challenges on Methods for Analyzing School Improvement Processes

2021 ◽  
pp. 9-25
Author(s):  
Tobias Feldhoff ◽  
Falk Radisch
Keyword(s):  
School Improvement ◽  
Research Gaps ◽  
School Effect ◽  
Innovative Methods ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Search And Selection ◽  
Selection Of

AbstractIn the recent years, awareness has risen by an increasing number of researchers that we need studies that appropriately model the complexity of school improvement if we want to increase our knowledge about school improvement substantially and to close the identified research gaps within this field (Feldhoff T, Radisch F, Klieme E, J Educ Admin 52(5):565–736, 2014; Hallinger P, Heck RH, School Effect School Improv 22(2):149–173, 2011; Sammons P, Davis S, Day C, Gu Q, J Educ Admin 52(5):565–589, 2014). So far, respective quantitative studies, that appropriately consider those complexities, have hardly been realized because of the high efforts of current methods and costs involved (Feldhoff T, Radisch F, Bischof LM, J Educ Admin 2(54):209–240, 2016). It is, therefore, apparent to look for new, innovative methods that can adequately take into account the complexity of school improvement. For a reasonable search and selection of innovative methods, it is necessary to describe the systematic complexity of school improvement and the resulting requirements for the methods in more detail. This is a central goal in this chapter. For this reason, we present our framework of complexity. We then formulate questions that will prompt the reader to reflect critically upon the methods in general and especially in this volume.

The Challenge of Evaluating Virtual Communities of Practice: A Systematic Mapping Study

10.28945/4505 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 039-064
Author(s):  
Rogerio Ferreira da Silva ◽  
Itana Maria de Souza Gimenes ◽  
José Carlos Maldonado
Keyword(s):  
Communities Of Practice ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Evaluation Methods ◽  
Systematic Mapping Study ◽  
Research Gaps ◽  
Systematic Mapping ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Virtual Communities Of Practice ◽  
Selection Of

Aim/Purpose: This paper presents a study of Virtual Communities of Practice (VCoP) evaluation methods that aims to identify their current status and impact on knowledge sharing. The purposes of the study are as follows: (i) to identify trends and research gaps in VCoP evaluation methods; and, (ii) to assist researchers to position new research activities in this domain. Background: VCoP have become a popular knowledge sharing mechanism for both individuals and organizations. Their evaluation process is complex; however, it is recognized as an essential means to provide evidences of community effectiveness. Moreover, VCoP have introduced additional features to face to face Communities of Practice (CoP) that need to be taken into account in evaluation processes, such as geographical dispersion. The fact that VCoP rely on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to execute their practices as well as storing artifacts virtually makes more consistent data analysis possible; thus, the evaluation process can apply automatic data gathering and analysis. Methodology: A systematic mapping study, based on five research questions, was carried out in order to analyze existing studies about VCoP evaluation methods and frameworks. The mapping included searching five research databases resulting in the selection of 1,417 papers over which a formal analysis process was applied. This process led to the preliminary selection of 39 primary studies for complete reading. After reading them, we select 28 relevant primary studies from which data was extracted and synthesized to answer the proposed research questions. Contribution: The authors of the primary studies analyzed along this systematic mapping propose a set of methods and strategies for evaluating VCoP, such as frameworks, processes and maturity models. Our main contribution is the identification of some research gaps present in the body of studies, in order to stimulate projects that can improve VCoP evaluation methods and support its important role in social learning. Findings: The systematic mapping led to the conclusion that most of the approaches for VCoP evaluation do not consider the combination of data structured and unstructured metrics. In addition, there is a lack of guidelines to support community operators’ actions based on evaluation metrics.

scholarly journals Screening of Amazonian bacillus strains for lipase production using glycerol as substrate

ScientiaTec ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (03) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giandra Volpato ◽  
Victória Furtado Migliavacca ◽  
Bruna Coelho de Andrade ◽  
Júlio Xandro Heck ◽  
Marco Antônio Záchia Ayub
Keyword(s):  
Organic Synthesis ◽  
Culture Medium ◽  
Lipolytic Activity ◽  
Gum Arabic ◽  
Lipase Production ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
Search And Selection ◽  
Triton X ◽  
Potential Use ◽  
Selection Of

The industrial application of lipolytic enzymes has been studied mainly due to the ability of these enzymes in catalyze reactions of synthesis and their stability in various organic solvents. One possibility is the use of lipase the organic synthesis, taking advantage as the generation of waste and difficult recovery of sub bioproducts. In this work, we carried out a selection of eighty-four isolates of Bacillus amazonian for lipase production, of which 30 strains showed lipolytic activity. The study of the culture conditions was performed through a Plackett-Burman experimental design using the strain that presented the highest lipolytic activity in a culture medium using glycerol as substrate.  The studied conditions were: concentration of soybean oil, olive oil, triton X-100, gum arabic, glycerol, and (NH4)2SO4, pH, temperature and concentration of inoculums. The best result obtained were 27 U/L in 48 h of cultivation by Bacillus circulans BL53. This work shows that the search and selection of microorganism with lipolytic activities can facilitate the discovery of new lipases, with potential use as by-product surplus.

Initial Approach to Performance (Balanced) Mix Design: The Virginia Experience

2019 ◽  
Vol 2673 (2) ◽  
pp. 335-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacey D. Diefenderfer ◽  
Benjamin F. Bowers
Keyword(s):  
Performance Testing ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Mix Design ◽  
Department Of Transportation ◽  
Innovative Methods ◽  
Asphalt Mix ◽  
Performance Additives ◽  
Virginia Department ◽  
Selection Of

Performance mix design (PMD) of asphalt mixtures, often referred to as balanced mix design, is a design methodology that incorporates performance testing into the mix design process. The Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT), like many owner agencies, is interested in ways to specify asphalt mix designs better in an effort to make its roadway network more sustainable, longer lasting, and more economical. By adding performance criteria through a PMD framework, that goal can be achieved. Further, a PMD framework should allow for the development of new, innovative methods to increase pavement recyclability, new performance additives, and other means to enhance pavement performance. This paper provides details and documentation of the approach being taken by the Virginia DOT in their efforts to develop a PMD specification. Aspects of development presented include PMD method options, selection of performance tests, and determination of acceptance criteria. A discussion about validating specifications with in-service performance data and addressing quality control and quality assurance is also provided. Although additional work is needed for full development and implementation, the methodology being applied has been found to provide useful outcomes for the Virginia DOT even in the initial stages of development.

scholarly journals Reply: “Comment on Search and Selection of Probiotics that Improve Mucositis Symptoms in Oncologic Patients. A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2019, 11, 2322”

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 401
Author(s):  
José Antonio Picó-Monllor ◽  
José Manuel Mingot-Ascencao
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Oncologic Patients ◽  
Search And Selection ◽  
Selection Of

In the article, “Search and Selection of Probiotics That Improve Mucositis Symptoms in Oncologic Patients [...]

A SELECTION OF METHODS AND TECHNIQUES PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS CAN APPLY TO THEIR OWN LIFELONG LEARNING

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 122-136
Author(s):  
Ilga Kusnere
Keyword(s):  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Innovative Methods ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
Methods And Techniques ◽  
Competency Based ◽  
Selection Of

A selection of methods and techniques professional teachers can apply to their own lifelong learning.Education is the key to converting knowledge and experience into practical actions, their analysis and application. It plays a key role in the synthesis of new knowledge into research and innovation. Such thoughts on education were expressed in the resolution of the sixth World Education Congress in 2011. Today, when world education forums are widely discussing how schools can better organise the learning process, when ambitious long-term reforms are being implemented in the Latvian education system—the transition to competency-based educational content and teaching methods—it is essential to assess current situation and to bring innovative methods and techniques to our teachers' own learning process. The new knowledge and experience teachers gain through lifelong learning, through their experience and the understanding of how to share it, can be presented and guided by such methods and techniques that enrich a teacher's emotional and intellectual function. My own research has confirmed my belief that for a teacher to be confident and capable enough to help her students discover the joy of learning and gain new knowledge through the process of education, that teacher must herself have the experience of active learning, insight, and personal growth through the learning process.The author has selected a number of methods and techniques for lifelong learning based on the methods and techniques developed by a number of education researchers (Kolb, 1984; Koķe, 1999; Stueck, 2010; Vedins, 2011; Ščurkova, 2016; Robinson, 2013; Amonašvili, 2017), and on her own experience of leading and developing a professional lifelong education programme for teachers. The model of teacher learning presented here has been used in practice since 2012 and has been well-received. Teachers can develop themselves mentally, emotionally and spiritually through the learning process and in doing so increase their professional value.Objective for the Study. To create a model for teaching professional teachers in the context of their own lifelong learning, to assemble a selection of methods and techniques for professional teachers’ lifelong learning, including several designed by the author, and to assess them.

scholarly journals Land Use as a Criterion for the Selection of the Trip Starting Locations of Park and Ride Mode Travelers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jairo Ortega ◽  
Dimitrios Rizopoulos ◽  
János Tóth ◽  
Tamás Péter
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Light Rail ◽  
Rail Transit ◽  
Urban Mobility ◽  
Real World Data ◽  
Park And Ride ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Sustainable Urban Mobility ◽  
Selection Of

In the attempt to study Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems, and their necessary underlying components, such as Park and Ride (P&R) sub-systems, this article aims to showcase the importance of land-use as a criterion in the selection of trip starting locations (i.e., points), that can potentially be used as the basis for quantitative studies on LRT and P&R systems. In order to achieve this goal, a method is introduced for the selection of locations that produce P&R mode trips based on the land-use attributes of sub-zones or neighborhoods, as they are included in Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs). Those land-use attributes are utilized as sub-criteria for the classification and valid selection of trip starting locations out of a broader dataset of available locations. As a second supportive technique that needs to be utilized for this study, an algorithm is introduced, which allows us to test the effectiveness of the method and the importance of land use as a criterion. The algorithm enables the calculation and comparison of the attributes of the trips to be followed by P&R mode users starting from selected trip starting locations for each zone in a city and having as destinations the several available P&R facilities. Results for the methods introduced in this article are showcased based on a case study on the mid-sized city of Cuenca, Ecuador, in which, several metrics, such as traveling times considering different traffic scenarios, are examined for the potential P&R mode trips as they emerge from real-world data.

scholarly journals Use of capital budgeting practices: an integrative review

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-157
Author(s):  
Paula de Souza Michelon ◽  
Rogério João Lunkes ◽  
Antonio Cezar Bornia
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Capital Budgeting ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Research Gaps ◽  
Practical Point ◽  
Practice Gap ◽  
Theory Practice Gap ◽  
Selection Of

This article aimed to highlight the relationships between these characteristics and the use ofcapital budgeting practices. For the selection of articles published on “capital budgeting” it wasused the Proknow-C tool. It was found that the theory-practice gap is both related with the organizationaland managerial characteristics from the practical point of view, but requires a reviewby academicians. Organizations should seek professionals with experience in capital projectsappraisal and who are familiar with and knowledgeable in the use of adequate practices for decision-making. This research contributes by indicating the research gaps that need to be explored by researchers and by trying to identify the difficulties found by managers that interfere in the capital budgeting results. 

scholarly journals Replenishment of Documents of Mathematical Digital Retro-collections by Searching in Semantic Web

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Dmitrievich Andreichev ◽  
Polina Olegovna Gafurova ◽  
Aleksandr Mikhajlovich Elizarov ◽  
Evgeny Konstantinovich Lipachev
Keyword(s):  
Semantic Web ◽  
Digital Library ◽  
Text Analysis ◽  
Semantic Network ◽  
Named Entities ◽  
Automatic Filtering ◽  
Search And Selection ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Information Objects ◽  
Selection Of

A method of forming a mandatory set of metadata for retro collections of a digital mathematical library is presented. The open resources of the Semantic Network were used as a source for completing metadata. With the help of the software tools of the metadata factory of the digital mathematical library Lobachevskii-DML, the main processes of text analysis of documents of digital retro collections are performed, in particular, the selection of named entities. Further, through the system of queries in the semantic network, the search and selection of information objects is carried out. After performing automatic filtering and normalization, the obtained information is included in the metadata set. As one of the results, the process of forming a mandatory set of metadata for one of the collections of the digital library Lobachevskii-DML – a retro-collection of articles of the journal "Izvestia of the Physics and Mathematics Society at Kazan University" is presented.

scholarly journals Difficulties Experienced by Pre-Service Teachers During Pedagogical Practice: Psychometric Properties of the Questionnaire Structure

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 ◽  
pp. 203-215
Author(s):  
Tomas Lazdauskas ◽  
Albina Saikauskienė
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Classroom Management ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Cluster Model ◽  
Pedagogical Practice ◽  
Psychometric Characteristics ◽  
Difficulty Scale ◽  
Search And Selection ◽  
Selection Of

The aim of our study was to describe the psychometric properties of the structure of a questionnaire designed to assess the difficulties experienced by pre-service teachers during their pedagogical practice. The study involved 110 pre-service teachers (university students): 96 women and 14 men, with a mean age of 24,28 years (SD = 5,03). Based on our previous research, a set of 20 items was developed asking students to rate their experience on a five-point scale. The hierarchical items cluster analysis algorithm ICLUST was used to test the psychometric characteristics of the questionnaire structure. The analysis was performed according to Revelle’s guidelines. Due to the ordinal nature of items, the cluster analysis was performed on the basis of a polychoric correlation matrix. The statistical analysis was carried out using the psych package in R. The reliability of the clusters was assessed taking into account Cronbach’s alpha and Revelle’s beta indicators. Cluster fit, pattern fit, and RMSR were selected as model fit indicators. Two models were developed: the seven-cluster model and two-cluster model. The seven-cluster model consisted of the following clusters: search and selection of material (K1; α = 0,75, β = 0,75), selection of teaching methods (K10; α = 0,77, β = 0,69), classroom management (K13; α = 0,81, β = 0,72), lack of subject and pedagogical knowledge (K3; α = 0,67, β = 0,67), emotions (K4; α = 0,75, β = 0,75), time management (K12; α = 0,70, β = 0,62), and organizational difficulties (K11; α = 0,66, β = 0,60). The two-cluster model consisted of the following clusters: search and selection of material (K1; α = 0,75, β = 0,75) and general difficulties (K18; α = 0,85, β =0,75). Combining 20 items into seven clusters allowed to achieve the best psychometric characteristics of the questionnaire and to reliably assess the difficulties experienced by pre-service teachers during their pedagogical practice. The characteristics of the two-cluster model were satisfactory, and the 18-items general difficulty scale of this model can be chosen as an alternative to calculate the overall estimate of the difficulties experienced by pre-service teachers during their pedagogical practice.

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