Statistical Tests for Joint Analysis of Performance Measures

Recently there has been an increasing interest in the development of new methods using Pareto optimality to deal with multi-objective criteria (for example, accuracy and architectural complexity). Once one has learned a model based on their devised method, the problem is then how to compare it with the state of art. In machine learning, algorithms are typically evaluated by comparing their performance on different data sets by means of statistical tests. Unfortunately, the standard tests used for this purpose are not able to jointly consider performance measures. The aim of this paper is to resolve this issue by developing statistical procedures that are able to account for multiple competing measures at the same time. In particular, we develop two tests: a frequentist procedure based on the generalized likelihood-ratio test and a Bayesian procedure based on a multinomial-Dirichlet conjugate model. We further extend them by discovering conditional independences among measures to reduce the number of parameter of such models, as usually the number of studied cases is very reduced in such comparisons. Real data from a comparison among general purpose classifiers is used to show a practical application of our tests.

School's out forever: Postsecondary educational trajectories of students with autism

Objective:Postsecondary educational attainment is the key for successful transition to adulthood, economic self-sufficiency, and good mental and physical health.Method:Secondary analyses of school leavers��� data were carried out to establish postsecondary educational trajectories of students on the autism spectrum in the United Kingdom.Results:Findings show that students with autism who had attended mainstream secondary schools enter Further Education (post-16 vocational training) and Higher Education (University) institutions at a similar rate to other students to study the full range ofsubjects on offer. However, they are more likely to be younger, study at a lower academic level, and remain living at home.Conclusion:While course completion data were not yet available, attainment data showed that prospects were improving, although more needs to be done to enable these young adults to a achieving their post secondary educational potential.

Ecotoxicological tests using Chironomus riparius

Os sistemas aqu��ticos naturais podem estar sujeitos frequentemente a entrada de t��xicos, quer seja atrav��s da lixivia����o dos campos agr��colas ou da descarga por parte de unidades industriais. Avaliar o impacto potencial destes contaminantes nos sistemas aqu��ticos �� muito importante, porque pode promover consequ��ncias s��rias no balan��o ecol��gico dos ecossistemas. Os efeitos de n��veis sub-letais destes t��xicos nas popula����es aqu��ticas s��o detectados, em muitos casos, somente ap��s diversas gera����es, dependendo da esp��cie e do contaminante. O comportamento animal �� considerado como sendo a primeira linha de defesa perante est��mulos ambientais, e pode ser uma representa����o de altera����es fisiol��gicas no organismo, sendo portanto um indicador excelente de altera����es ambientais. O desenvolvimento dos sistemas de aviso pr��vio que integram par��metros comportamentais pode ajudar a prever mais rapidamente poss��veis altera����es ao n��vel das popula����es naturais, do que a utiliza����o de testes ecotoxicol��gicos padr��o com a mesma finalidade. O conhecimento acerca de poss��veis implica����es devido a altera����es comportamentais, em organismos bent��nicos e em popula����es do campo sujeitas a t��xicos, �� ainda escasso. Sabendo isto, neste estudo pretendeu-se investigar como o comportamento de Chironomus riparius ��� usando um biomonitor em tempo real ��� e outros par��metros tais como crescimento, emerg��ncia de adultos, bioacumula����o e biomarcadores, s��o afectados pela exposi����o a imidacloprid e ao merc��rio, que foram seleccionados como contaminantes. Os resultados demonstraram que a exposi����o ��s concentra����es sub-letais de imidacloprid afecta o crescimento e o comportamento dos quironom��deos e que estes organismos podem recuperar de uma exposi����o curta ao insecticida. O comportamento que corresponde �� ventila����o de C. riparius revelou-se como um par��metro mais sens��vel do que a locomo����o e do que as respostas bioqu��micas, quando as larvas foram sujeitas ao imidacloprid. Larvas de C. riparius expostas a concentra����es sub-letais de merc��rio apresentaram uma tend��ncia de diminui����o de actividade comportamental, em testes com concentra����es crescentes do t��xico; o crescimento das larvas foi tamb��m prejudicado, e as taxas de emerg��ncia de adultos e o tempo de desenvolvimento apresentaram retardamento. Estes organismos podem bioacumular rapidamente o merc��rio em condi����es de n��o alimenta����o e apresentam uma lenta depura����o deste metal. Estes efeitos podem, em ��ltimo caso, conduzir a prov��veis repercuss��es ao n��vel da popula����o e das comunidades. As redu����es em actividades comportamentais, mesmo em concentra����es baixas, podem diminuir a quantidade de tempo gasta na procura de alimento, produzindo efeitos aos n��veis morfo-fisiol��gicos, e assim afectar severamente o desempenho dos quironom��deos no ambiente. O uso destes factores comportamentais como um par��metro ecotoxicol��gico sub-letal relevante ao n��vel da toxicologia aumentar�� a versatilidade dos testes, permitindo uma resposta comportamental mensur��vel e quantitativa ao n��vel do organismo, utilizando uma avalia����o n��o destrutiva, e assim certificando que esta aproxima����o pode ser usada em testes ecotoxicol��gicos futuros.

Autonomy in English language learning: a case study

The main goal of this study was to analyse the development of a pedagogy for autonomy tuned to the current situation in which Higher Education finds itself, namely of implementation of the Bologna Process in Europe, and in particular at the Escola Superior Agr��ria of the Polytechnic School at Coimbra. For this purpose new course units were created, new descriptors written, new materials developed and new methodologies tried. A case study was undertaken to observe and analyse the changes the institution was undergoing and to assess the impact of the new methodologies, particularly regarding the development of student autonomy. The target population for this study were the first year students on the Biotechnology degree in the year 2007/2008, to whom a battery of tests were applied, namely proficiency tests, belief tests, metacognitive tests, as well as methods of ethnographic research. The study relied on the European Framework of Reference for Languages and the European Language Portfolio to establish recognised levels and competences, and employed the portfolio as its main tool for measuring student autonomy. This portfolio was simultaneously biographical and descriptive and was organised by the students in their own time. Great incentive was given to this independent work. The ethnographic component of the study was of significant importance being given to students learning histories and to the collection of students��� reflections. This component aimed in particular to allow students the opportunity to express their thoughts on the experience they underwent during 20 weeks. From the analysis of the data, a significant improvement in self-confidence and motivation for lifelong learning is observable in the development of multiple tasks. Regarding the students��� progression towards proficiency, this improvement is less clear, but the final results of educational success were generally of great relevance.

O projeto PmatE e a aprendizagem da matem��tica no ensino superior

O contexto educacional exige renova����o de paradigmas. Imp��em-se profundas altera����es ao n��vel do papel e da fun����o do professor e dos alunos, devendo-se privilegiar metodologias de aprendizagem ativas, cooperativas e participativas, rompendo-se com o ensino magistral e a mera transmiss��o de ���conhecimentos���. As ferramentas inform��ticas poder��o constituir-se uma mais-valia no contexto educativo, promovendo uma aprendizagem significativa e autorregulada pelo aluno, sempre sob a adequada orienta����o do professor. Neste contexto, foi criado, na Universidade de Aveiro, o Projeto Matem��tica Ensino (PmatE), com o principal objetivo de combater, de uma forma inovadora, as causas do insucesso escolar a matem��tica. No entanto, tal plataforma ainda n��o foi alvo de uma avalia����o sistem��tica, nomeadamente ao n��vel do ensino superior, que nos permita concluir da consecu����o dos seus prop��sitos. Assim, a quest��o de investiga����o subjacente ao estudo em curso �� - Qual o impacte da utiliza����o diferenciada, como complemento �� abordagem did��ctica, da plataforma de ensino assistido (PEA) desenvolvida pelo PmatE na aprendizagem de temas matem��ticos ao n��vel do Ensino Superior, principalmente ao n��vel da autonomia, da constru����o e aplica����o de conhecimentos e do desenvolvimento de apet��ncias pela Matem��tica. Para se tentar dar resposta �� mesma, implementou-se um estudo misto, quantitativo e qualitativo, com alunos da unidade curricular An��lise Matem��tica I do Curso Engenharia Alimentar de um Instituto Polit��cnico portugu��s, a quem se prop��s uma explora����o pr��via da plataforma extra-aula para que, nesse espa��o, se pudesse conceptualizar os conceitos envolvidos e realizar tarefas variadas quanto �� sua natureza. Usaram-se como principais t��cnicas de recolha de dados a an��lise documental, a inquiri����o e a observa����o direta, suportadas pelos diversos instrumentos: Question��rio Inicial e Final; testes de avalia����o, nas vers��es pr��-teste, p��s-teste1 e p��s-teste2; produ����es de uma bateria de tarefas de natureza diversificada; registo computorizado do percurso dos alunos relativamente ao trabalho por eles desenvolvido na plataforma do PmatE; notas de campo; dossier dos alunos e entrevistas. Os resultados obtidos, a partir de uma an��lise estat��stica dos dados quantitativos e de conte��do dos dados qualitativos, indicam, por um lado, que os alunos mais aut��nomos, mais persistentes e que obt��m os melhores resultados s��o os alunos que usaram a plataforma com frequ��ncia e, por outro, que a utiliza����o da plataforma contribuiu para aumentar o gosto pela Matem��tica. Este estudo permitiu, tamb��m, obter informa����o importante sobre aspetos que poder��o melhorar a plataforma, em particular, relativos �� natureza das tarefas e �� resolu����o dos exerc��cios propostos.

An��lise do comportamento de pol��meros na estabiliza����o de solos em funda����es

O presente projeto de investiga����o em Engenharia Civil �� constru��do em torno das necessidades atuais expressas pelos setores da constru����o e obras p��blicas em funda����es. Em colabora����o com a empresa GEO este trabalho pretende dar resposta em tempo ��til aos empreiteiros, pondo o conhecimento cient��fico ao servi��o da ind��stria, colmatando a escassez de investiga����o acad��mica que se verifica neste dom��nio. Esta investiga����o, �� qual se associou a empresa BRASFOND, recorre ao estudo de ensaios de carga est��tica �� compress��o realizados no Brasil, segundo a NBR 12131 (2005) e NBR 12131 (2006). Assim, para estudar o desempenho de pol��meros aplicados na estabiliza����o de solos em funda����es, foram analisados 6 ensaios de carga realizados em obras de interven����o da empresa GEO, disponibilizados pela empresa BRASFOND. Os ensaios de carga verticais est��ticos de compress��o axial foram realizados em estacas de 3 obras, nomeadamente a constru����o de uma central termoel��trica, em 2009, e de dois edif��cios, em 2010. O projeto de funda����es da central termoel��trica assentou na execu����o de estacas com pol��meros, com 1270 estacas moldadas ���in loco��� com 1 000 mm de di��metro e profundidade vari��vel de 10 m a 18 m, em solos moles e pouco compactos de 8 m a 9 m de espessura, encastradas at�� 3 m sobre um maci��o Gnaisse medianamente alterado (W3). Dos ensaios de carga realizados nesta obra, foram alvo deste estudo a an��lise dos primeiros 4 disponibilizados pela empresa. Os valores estimados por m��todos semi-emp��ricos da capacidade resistente das estacas, considerando a recupera����o da rocha nos trechos encastrados, foram comparados com a carga resistente ��ltima �� compress��o obtida atrav��s do ensaio de carga. O projeto de funda����es de dois edif��cios de elevado n��mero de andares (cerca de 30) no litoral do Estado de S��o Paulo, em Santos, assentou na execu����o de funda����es indiretas em solos moles a muito moles, com estacas de grandes dimens��es moldadas com recurso a pol��meros. Para atestar a qualidade das estacas, de forma a avaliar o comportamento carga versus assentamento e estimar as caracter��sticas da capacidade de carga, procedeu-se �� execu����o de dois ensaios de carga est��tica �� compress��o, um dos quais instrumentado em profundidade. Os valores estimados por m��todos semi-emp��ricos da capacidade resistente das estacas foram comparados com a carga resistente ��ltima �� compress��o obtida atrav��s do ensaio de carga. Para al��m deste estudo se revestir de interesse acad��mico e empresarial, o contexto inerente �� aplica����o de pol��meros em funda����es �� relevante para a pr��tica pedag��gica. Assim, este projeto envolve tamb��m uma componente educacional, esta ��ltima implementada numa escola do ensino b��sico e secund��rio da regi��o centro do pa��s.

Seismic retrofitting of RC buildings using CFRP and post-tensioned metal straps: shake table tests

This article examines the effectiveness of two innovative retrofitting solutions at enhancing the seismic behaviour of a substandard reinforced concrete building tested on a shake table as part of the Pan-European funded project BANDIT. To simulate typical substandard construction, the reinforcement of columns and beam-column joints of the full-scale structure had inadequate detailing. An initial series of shake table tests were carried out to assess the seismic behaviour of the bare building and the effectiveness of a first retrofitting intervention using Post-Tensioned Metal Straps. After these tests, columns and joints were repaired and subsequently retrofitted using a retrofitting solution consisting of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers and Post-Tensioned Metal Straps applied on opposite frames of the building. The building was then subjected to unidirectional and three-dimensional incremental seismic excitations to assess the effectiveness of the two retrofitting solutions at improving the global and local building performance. The article provides details of the above shake table testing programme and retrofitting solutions, and discusses the test results in terms of the observed damage, global damage indexes, performance levels and local strains. It is shown that whilst the original bare building was significantly damaged at a peak ground acceleration (PGA) of 0.15g, the retrofitted building resisted severe threedimensional shake table tests up to PGA=0.60g without failure. Moreover, the retrofitting intervention enhanced the interstorey drift ratio capacity of the 1st and 2nd floors by 160% and 110%, respectively. Therefore, the proposed dual retrofitting system is proven to be very effective for improving the seismic performance of substandard buildings.

The Educational and Employment Aspirations of Adolescents from Areas of High Deprivation in London

Adolescents from areas of high deprivation are often assumed to have low aspirations for the future. However, recent research has suggested otherwise and there have been calls for more substantial investigation into the relationship between poverty and aspiration. This article reports levels and variation in aspiration from 1,214 adolescents (49.5% male; 50.5% female) living in areas of high deprivation across 20 London boroughs. A strength of this study is our large and diverse population of low socio-economic status (SES) adolescents, comprising of white British (22%), black African (21%), black Caribbean (9%), Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi/Other Asian (24%), mixed ethnicity (9%), and 15% defining themselves as Other. Our measures indicated a high group level of reported aspiration with notable variations. Females reported higher educational (but not occupational) aspirations than males; white British students reported lower educational and occupational aspirations than other ethnic groups; and black African children reported the highest educational aspirations. Perceived parental support for education had the largest positive association with aspirations. In contrast to previous findings from studies carried out in the United States, aspirations were found to be negatively associated with perceptions of school and school peer environment. These measures explored feelings of safety, happiness and belonging within the school environment and school peer group. We discuss possible explanations for this unexpected finding within our population of adolescents from UK state schools and how it might affect future policy interventions. This study makes an important contribution to the literature on adolescent aspirations because of the unique nature of the data sample and the multiple domains of functioning and aspiration measured.

Full-Scale Shaking Table Tests on a Substandard RC Building Repaired and Strengthened with Post-Tensioned Metal Straps

The effectiveness of a novel Post-Tensioned Metal Strapping (PTMS) technique at enhancing the seismic behaviour of a substandard RC building was investigated through full-scale shake-table tests during the EU-funded project BANDIT. The building had inadequate reinforcement detailing in columns and joints to replicate old construction practices. After the bare building was initially damaged significantly, it was repaired and strengthened with PTMS to perform additional seismic tests. The PTMS technique improved considerably the seismic performance of the tested building. Whilst the bare building experienced critical damage at an earthquake of PGA=0.15g, the PTMS-strengthened building sustained a PGA=0.35g earthquake without compromising stability.

Suggestions by the South Carolina Citizens��� Educational Association for the observance of American Education Week, December 3-9, 1922

The bulletin presents an outline for an educational talk for speakers promoting education in South Carolina.

A influ��ncia das Luzes na sociedade portuguesa : problemas de motiva����o e avalia����o da aprendizagem

Relat��rio da Pr��tica de Ensino Supervisionada, Ensino de Hist��ria e Geografia no 3.�� Ciclo do Ensino B��sico e Ensino Secund��rio, Universidade de Lisboa, 2013

Avalia����o online das aprendizagens com prop��sitos formativos : nota positiva?

Trabalho de projeto de mestrado, Tecnologias e Metodologias em E-Learning, Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto de Educa����o, Faculdade de Ci��ncias, 2013

Increasing inter-generational social mobility: is educational expansion the answer?

Reforms which increase the stock of education in a society have long been held by policy-makers as key to improving rates of intergenerational social mobility. Yet, despite the intuitive plausibility of this idea, the empirical evidence in support of an effect of educational expansion on social fluidity is both indirect and weak. In this paper we use the raising of the minimum school leaving age from 15 to 16 years in England and Wales in 1972 to estimate the effect of educational participation and qualification attainment on rates of intergenerational social class mobility. Because, in expectation, children born immediately before and after the policy was implemented are statistically exchangeable, the difference in the amount of education they received may be treated as exogenously determined. The exogenous nature of the additional education gain means that differences in rates of social mobility between cohorts affected by the reform can be treated as having been caused by the additional education. The data for the analysis come from the ONS Longitudinal Study, which links individual records from successive decennial censuses between 1971 and 2001. Our findings show that, although the reform resulted in an increase in educational attainment in the population as a whole and a weakening of the association between attainment and class origin, there was no reliably discernible increase in the rate of intergenerational social mobility.