Using the Information Structure Model to Compare Profile-Based Information Filtering Systems

In the IR field it is clear that the value of a system depends on the cost and benefit profiles of its users. It would seem obvious that different users would prefer different systems. In the TREC-9 filtering track, systems are evaluated by a utility measure specifying a given cost and benefit. However, in the study of decision systems it is known that, in some cases, one system may be unconditionally better than another. In this paper we employ a decision theoretic approach to find conditions under which an Information Filtering (IF) system is unconditionally superior to another for all users regardless of their cost and benefit profiles.It is well known that if two IF systems have equal precision the system with better recall will be preferred by all users. Similarly, with equal recall, better precision is universally preferred. We confirm these known results and discover an unexpected dominance relation in which a system with lower recall will be universally preferred provided its precision is sufficiently higher.     

Syntactic manipulations and semantic interpretations in algebra: The effect of graphic representation

This study examined the effect of graphic representation of algebraic functions on performance of tasks involving expressions' transformations. Twenty eight teachers, who received instruction and practice using multiple representation software, were tested on their ability to debug faulty transformed expressions, either with or without graphic feedback. Two main strategies were used while debugging — Syntactic Manipulation (SYM) and Semantic Interpretation (SEI). It was found that subjects who used the SEI strategy, improved their performance while using graphs, as compared to no use of graphs. Some positive effect of the graphic feedback was also manifested for those using the SYM strategy, who were assisted by the graphs but continued to syntactically manipulate the expressions. All subjects improved their performance after the treatment, as measured by paper-and-pencil traditional tasks.     

以科研促进生物工程专业实践教学模式的构建与实践

探讨在生物工程专业实践教学中,将科研项目的研究进展、研究思路以及研究方法与内容分别融入到课堂教学、实验教学、生产实习、毕业论文等教学活动中,构建以科研促进实践教学质量提高的模式.学生不仅了解了当前生物工程的研究热点和发展趋势,也训练了自己的科研思维能力,明显提高了自身的实践动手能力和创新意识.     

Authoritarianism, perceived threat and exclusionism on the eve of the Disengagement: Evidence from Gaza

Major political events such as terrorist attacks and forced relocation of citizens may have an immediate effect on attitudes towards ethnic minorities associated with these events. The psychological process that leads to political exclusionism of minority groups was examined using a field study among Israeli settlers in Gaza days prior to the Disengagement Plan adopted by the Israeli government on June 6, 2004 and enacted in August 2005. Lending credence to integrated threat theory and to theory on authoritarianism, our analyses show that the positive effect of religiosity on political exclusionism results from the two-staged mediation of authoritarianism and perceived threat. We conclude that religiosity fosters authoritarianism, which in turn tends to move people towards exclusionism both directly and through the mediation of perceived threat.     

一种车用智能报警装置的研究

目前学界对车用儿童滞留智能报警装置的研究大多停留在设计层面上,市场投入利用还不多.通过详细介绍一种车用智能报警装置的研究过程、装置设计原理、技术特点和需攻克的难题等,来促进此类智能报警装置实现产品的市场化,从而防止儿童因车内温度和有害气体的积聚而发生的安全事故.且该装置是一种具有主动实施安全防范措施的电子智能化产品.     

Fostering mathematical modelling competency of South African engineering students: which influence does the teaching design have?

Educational Studies in Mathematics - This paper reports on empirical results about the influence of two different teaching designs on the development of tertiary students’ modelling...     

A note from the Translator/Reviser

Instructional Science -     

The significance of mathematical knowledge in teaching elementary methods courses: perspectives of mathematics teacher educators

Our study investigates perspectives of mathematics teacher educators related to the usage of their mathematical knowledge in teaching “Methods of Teaching Elementary Mathematics” courses. Five mathematics teacher educators, all with experience in teaching methods courses for prospective elementary school teachers, participated in this study. In a clinical interview setting, the participants described where and how, in their teaching of elementary methods courses, they had an opportunity to use their advanced mathematical knowledge and provided examples of such opportunities or situations. We outline five apparently different viewpoints and then turn to the similar concerns that were expressed by the participants. In conclusion, we connect the individual perspectives by situating them in the context of unifying themes, both theoretical and practical.     

Exemplifying definitions: a case of a square

In this study we utilize the notion of learner-generated examples, suggesting that examples generated by students mirror their understanding of particular mathematical concepts. In particular, we explore examples generated by a group of prospective secondary school teachers for a definition of a square. Our framework for analysis includes the categories of accessibility and correctness, richness, and generality. Results shed light on participants’ understanding of what a mathematical definition should entail and, moreover, contrast their pedagogical preferences with mathematical considerations.