Towards model governance in predictive toxicology

Efficient management of toxicity information as an enterprise asset is increasingly important for the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries. Many organisations focus on better information organisation and reuse, in an attempt to reduce the costs of testing and manufacturing in the product development phase. Toxicity information is extracted not only from toxicity data but also from predictive models. Accurate and appropriately shared models can bring a number of benefits if we are able to make effective use of existing expertise. Although usage of existing models may provide high-impact insights into the relationships between chemical attributes and specific toxicological effects, they can also be a source of risk for incorrect decisions. Thus, there is a need to provide a framework for efficient model management. To address this gap, this paper introduces a concept of model governance, that is based upon data governance principles. We extend the data governance processes by adding procedures that allow the evaluation of model use and governance for enterprise purposes. The core aspect of model governance is model representation. We propose six rules that form the basis of a model representation schema, called Minimum Information About a QSAR Model Representation (MIAQMR). As a proof-of-concept of our model governance framework we develop a web application called Model and Data Farm (MADFARM), in which models are described by the MIAQMR-ML markup language.     

Learning Together: The Student/Parent/Teacher Triad

This report contains an analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data on participant perceptions of the co‐production of learning. It constitutes a refinement of the working model of the triadic relationship between parents, students, and teachers which was the basis of previous reports (Coleman, Collinge, & Seifert, 1992; Coleman, Collinge, & Tabin, 1992; Coleman & Tabin, 1992; Coleman & Collinge, 1991). Given our earlier findings the focus in this paper is upon the theme of collaboration, which is emerging as one critical element in the relationships within the student/teacher/parent triad.

The analysis shows that there are sharp differences in perceptions of collaboration between different triad members. Collaboration between parents and students is perceived to be both strong and balanced in initiation. Teachers show little awareness of its strength. Collaboration between teachers and parents is perceived by both to be one‐sided; each party sees the other as unresponsive. It is invisible to students. Collaboration between students and teachers varies between classrooms, and seems to be based upon the teachers’ perception of student acceptance of responsibility; parents are very keenly aware of this collaboration where it exists. Classroom level differences are also strong; teacher attitudes and practices clearly determine the extent of collaboration.

In British Columbia parent and student attitudes towards classrooms and teachers are affected, sometimes strongly, by teacher practices of parent involvement. These attitudes contribute to parent and student rating of particular schools.     

Seeking the Levers of Change: Participant Attitudes and School Improvement

In this paper we argue that to improve schools we must change the relationships between teachers, parents, and students to render these more satisfying to all parties. Using data collected as part of a long‐term project, we show that certain aspects of teacher practice have a strong impact upon student and parent attitudes, and hence upon their ratings of schools; we contend that improving schools requires attention to these powerful attitudinal levers of change.     

In the Web: Internal and External Influences Affecting School Improvement

ABSTRACT

A more theoretical approach to effective schools research is needed, and a political systems model is an appropriate starting‐point since it directs attention to power issues, which are critical to school improvement. The model suggests that both internal and external influences on schools are important. There are four main classes of external influence: administrative; professional; societal; and familial. Each has the potential for strengthening or weakening school effectiveness. Studies of family influence on student learning and attitudes emphasize the potential of collaborative arrangements in which families and schools work together.

We argue that classroom and school improvement cannot be attained without changing the relationships between the three central figures ‐ teacher, student, and parent; this triad model is an ‘inside out’ version of school improvement, in which classroom and school improvement occurs as fundamental relationships between the triad members become more collaborative.

Our web metaphor suggests that those interested in research on effective schools should be sensitive to the impact of external influences; and that effective schools link participants together into a collaborative and responsive mutual influence system, the integrated school environment, the school level version of a political systems model, in which all gain.     

Enhancing professional writing skills of veterinary technology students: linking assessment and clinical practice in a communications course

Veterinary technology is an emerging profession within the veterinary and allied animal health fields in Australia and affords graduates the opportunity to contribute to the small but growing body of literature within this discipline. This study describes the introduction of a contextualised assessment task to develop students’ research capability, competence and confidence in professional writing, and to engage them with the academic publishing process. Students worked in self-selected dyads to author a scientific case report, of publishable standard, based on authentic cases from their clinical practicum. Intrinsic to the task, students attended a series of workshops that explored topics such as critiquing the literature, professional writing styles and oral presentation skills. Assessment was multi-staged with progressive feedback, including peer review, and culminated with students presenting their abstracts at a mock conference. Students reported the task to be an enjoyable and valuable learning experience which improved their competence and confidence in scientific writing; supported by a comparison of previously submitted work. Linking scientific writing skills to clinical practice experiences enhanced learning outcomes and may foster the professionalisation of students within this emerging discipline.     

How Do We Market to Distance Populations,and Does It Work?: Results From a Longitudinal Study and a Survey of the Profession

This article discusses the results of a longitudinal survey conducted by Kansas State University Libraries to assess the marketing of library services to the university's distance education population. The latest implementation of the survey revealed overall similar or increased awareness of and satisfaction with library services compared to the previous survey. Also included are results of a survey of library professionals on best practices for distance education librarians. Findings include the importance of developing relationships with campus distance education offices and faculty and the need to be persistent with marketing efforts to a changing population.     

The mass production of translation— For a limited market

The mass production of translation for a limited market was a concept initiated at Consultants Bureau in 1946 by the author, a concept that evolved over a period of several years amid trying circumstances. At each juncture, where it seemed the enterprise might fail, fresh thinking added further dimension. Even the potential threat that Robert Maxwell would either bury or swallow Consultants Bureau led to further orderliness in the end, not only of the process, but in international affairs, all the more remarkable since these events took place during and even at the height(s) of the Cold War, and without the possibility of intervention by any justice system or government influence. Earl Maxwell Coleman is the former president and CEO of the Plenum Publishing Corporation.     

Testing Generational,Life Cycle,and Period Effects of Age on Agenda Setting

This study explores the relationship between age and the media's agenda-setting effects both by cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis. Using American National Election Studies surveys and the New York Times Index data from 1960 to 2004, we test three possible effects of age on the agenda-setting process: generational, life-cycle, and period effects. Findings show the public agenda is fairly stable across generations and age cohorts despite increasing signs of media diversification and audience specialization. More important, different generations’ agendas were overall correlated with the media agenda in each year, indicating robust agenda-setting effects of the media on the public, except for baby boomers. The findings generally support the hypothesis of period effects. Implications of the findings are discussed.     

Nothing is Permanent but Change: The Journey to Consolidation and Back

Responding to a staffing shortage and assessment of usage data, eight of Hale Library's nine service desks were consolidated into one service point. Fourteen months later, the Libraries conducted an assessment of the consolidation using reference transaction data, responses to a survey administered to Libraries’ staff, and responses from a student focus group. The assessment revealed many logistical and staffing challenges with the new desk. As a result, a separate service point for reference was created directly outside the consolidated desk. Our statistics indicate that this was a successful change.