Simulation of Bayes' rule by means of Monte Carlo method

This contribution shows a simple implementation of Monte Carlo simulation method when presenting Bayes' rule. The implementation is carried out in the environment of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets by means of a generator of random numbers. The empiric results gained by simulation serve to confirm the correctness of the chosen procedures in calculations using Bayes' formula.     

Integrated use of technologies and techniques for construction knowledge management

The last two decades have witnessed a significant increase in discussions about the different dimensions of knowledge and knowledge management (KM). This is especially true in the construction context. Many factors have contributed to this growing interest including globalisation, increased competition, diffusion of new ICTs (information and communication technologies) and new procurement routes, among others. There are a range of techniques and technologies that can be used for KM in construction organisations. The use of techniques for KM is not new, but many technologies for KM are fairly new and still evolving. This paper begins with a review of different KM techniques and technologies and then reports the findings of case studies of selected U.K. construction organisations, carried out with the aim of establishing what tools are currently being used in U.K. construction organisations to support knowledge processes. Case study findings indicate that most organisations do not adopt a structured approach for selecting KM technologies and techniques. The use of KM techniques is more evident compared to KM technologies. There is also reluctance among construction companies to invest in highly specialised KM technologies. The high costs of specialist KM technologies are viewed as the barrier to their adoption. In conclusion, the paper advocates integrated use of KM techniques and technologies in construction organisations.     

Development and validation of perceptions of online interaction scale

The aim of this study was to develop a measurement instrument which is compatible with literature, of which validity and reliability are proved with the aim of determining interaction perceived by learners in online learning environments. Accordingly, literature review was made, and outline form of the scale was formed with item pool by taking 14 expert opinions. As a result of exploratory factor analysis of data obtained from participation of 177 learners from eight different universities, it was seen that the scale consisted of 30 items and 3 dimensions. These dimensions are learner–content interaction, learner–instructor interaction and learner–learner interaction. Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of the whole scale was .95. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that fit indexes of the structure provided a good and acceptable fit. Based on these findings, Perceptions of Online Interaction Scale is a valid and reliable tool that may be used in measuring interaction occurring in online learning environments.     

Post-collection acidification of spot urine sample is not needed before measurement of electrolytes

IntroductionKidney stone formers can have higher oxalate and phosphate salt amounts in their urine than healthy people and we hypothesized that its acidification may be useful. The study aims to compare results of urine concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphorus in the midstream portion of first voided morning urine samples without (FMU) and with post-collection acidification (FMUa) in kidney stone patients.Materials and methodsThis is a prospective single center study. A total of 138 kidney stone patients with spot urine samples were included in the study. Urine concentrations of calcium, magnesium and inorganic phosphorus were measured with and without post-collection acidification. Acidification was performed by adding 5 µL of 6 mol/L HCl to 1 mL of urine.ResultsThe median age (range) of all participants was 56 (18-87) years. The median paired differences between FMU and FMUa concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphorus were: - 0.040 mmol/L, 0.035 mmol/L, and 0.060 mmol/L, respectively. They were statistically different: P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.004, respectively. These differences are not clinically significant because biological variations of these markers are much higher.ConclusionsNo clinically significant differences in urinary calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphorus concentrations between FMU and FMUa in patients with kidney stones were found.     

Young children's adaptive partner choice in cooperation and competition contexts

Choosing adequate partners is essential for cooperation, but how children calibrate their partner choice to specific social challenges is unknown. In two experiments, 4- to 7-year-olds (N = 189, 49% girls, mostly White, data collection: 03.2021–09.2022) were presented with partners in possession of different positive qualities. Children then recruited partners for hypothetical tasks that differed with respect to the quality necessary for success. Children and the selected partner either worked together toward a common goal or competed against each other. From age 5, children selectively chose individuals in possession of task-relevant qualities as cooperative partners while avoiding them as competitors. Younger children chose partners indiscriminately. Children thus learn to strategically adjust their partner choice depending on context-specific task demands and different social goals.     

Preschool‐Age Problem Behavior and Teacher–Child Conflict in School: Direct and Moderation Effects by Preschool Organization

The hypothesis was tested that the new open‐group Norwegian day‐care centers would more than traditionally organized centers negatively affect (a) current and (b) future teacher–child relationships, and (c) the developmental legacy of preschool problem behavior. The focus was on eight hundred and fifty 4‐year‐olds from 153 centers who were followed up in first grade. Results of this natural quasi‐experiment revealed that children from open‐group centers (a) experienced less teacher–child closeness in preschool and (b) more teacher–child conflict in first grade, and (c) that high levels of preschool problem behavior forecast especially high levels of future teacher–child conflict, but only for children from open‐group centers. Results highlight the importance of spatial and social organization of day care and their translational implications.     

American Hungarian Library Connections: Collecting,Inventorying, Preserving,and Sharing Hungarian Documents in the United States

Several waves of Hungarian immigrants arrived in the United States, beginning with the economic immigrants of the late nineteenth century through the interwar period and post-World War II, to the last major refugee crisis after 1956. Hungarian communities preserved their cultural heritage and ethnic identity by creating their own institutions: churches, societies, schools, libraries, etc. The author discusses the relationships between Hungarian and American libraries and librarians in terms of collecting, registering, preserving, and sharing the Hungarian cultural heritage.