Who guards the guards? A descriptive analysis of state penitentiary ombudsmen and a proposal for classifying them

This study investigated whether descriptive analyses, experimental analyses, and reinforcer assessments produced similar patterns of data. Descriptive analyses were conducted to identify baseline levels of disruptive behavior and to systematically describe the co-variation between disruptive behaviors and teacher attention, peer attention, and the academic task. Data on disruptive behavior were analyzed by computing conditional probabilities associated with the preceding and maintaining stimuli (e.g., peer attention). Experimental analyses were conducted to examine the extent to which disruptive behavior was sensitive to the instructional task or to the systematically programmed consequences (e.g., teacher attention). A preference assessment was conducted to identify preferred stimuli for each subject (e.g., edibles). Hypotheses were developed and interventions were based on a simple contingency reversal using a changing condition within subject multiple baseline across subjects design and implemented within the naturally occurring reading class. Six children between the ages of 6--7 years within an urban school district served as subjects. The results showed that both descriptive and experimental analyses produced similar data for all six subjects. In addition, the intervention derived from the preference assessment was shown to be more effective than the interventions derived from the descriptive and experimental analyses for all six subjects. Results are discussed in terms of costs, efficacy, and efficiency of the various assessment procedures investigated.

Independent descriptive and experimental analyses as well as preferences assessments, were conducted. Descriptive analyses were conducted to identify baseline levels of off-task behavior, and to systematically describe the co-variation between off-task behaviors and peer attention, teacher attention, and the instructional task. Data on off-task behavior were analyzed by computing conditional probabilities associated with maintaining stimuli (e.g., peer attention). Intervention development was based on a simple contingency reversal. Experimental analyses were conducted to examine the extent to which off-task behavior was related to task difficulty or to consequences (i.e., peer attention) that were systematically programmed by the experimenter. Hypotheses and intervention development were developed in a manner similar to the interventions used for the descriptive analyses. In addition to developing interventions based upon descriptive and experimental analyses, an intervention for each participant was derived from a reinforcer preference assessment. The procedures were applied to five children between the ages of 6 and 11 years. The results showed that interventions derived from any of the three assessments were effective. For 4 of the 5 students there was little difference between interventions, derived from different assessment methods, and applied to the same child. When a difference in intervention efficacy was present, the intervention derived from the preference assessment generally was more effective than interventions derived from descriptive and experimental analyses. Results are discussed in terms of costs and benefits of various assessment procedures.

In this article, I offer guidance on how to combine descriptive and model-based empirical analysis within a paper. Drawing on examples from three recently published applied microeconomics papers, I argue that it is important to create a tight link between the descriptive analysis and the bottom-line deliverable of the model-based analysis, and I try to distill some lessons or principles for doing so. I also offer some thoughts on when a paper should start with descriptive analysis and then proceed to model-based analysis and when alternative structures may be desirable.

Sweetness enhancement by aromas has been suggested as a strategy to mitigate sugar reduction in food products, but enhancement is dependent on type of aroma and sugar level. A careful screening of aromas across sugar levels is thus required. Screening results might, however, depend on the method employed. Both descriptive sensory analysis and relative to reference scaling were therefore used to screen 5 aromas across 3 sucrose concentrations for their sweetness-enhancing effects in aqueous solutions. In the descriptive analysis, samples with added vanilla, honey, and banana aroma were rated as significantly sweeter than samples with added elderflower or raspberry aroma at all sucrose concentrations. In relative to reference scaling, honey aroma significantly increased the sweet taste compared with samples with added elderflower or no aroma at low and medium sucrose concentrations. Banana and raspberry aromas also increased the sweet taste significantly compared with the sample with added elderflower aroma at medium sucrose concentration in the relative to reference scaling. This demonstrates that the cross-modal effects observed by the 2 methods were different. In terms of the methods applied, relative to reference scaling was generally found to result in a decrease in the measured sweetness enhancement by aromas. In the descriptive analysis, the cross-modal effect of aromas on sweet taste perception was found to be significantly higher at 2.5% and 5.0% w/w sucrose compared with 7.5% w/w sucrose. These results highlight the importance of considering how references are employed in sensory analysis and how they affect cross-modal interactions.

The purpose of this study is to: 1) identify various types of direct and indirect benefits of mangrove forests, and 2) estimate the total economic value of the mangrove forest in Sarawet Village. This type of research is descriptive and quantitative using survey methods. Data analysis in this study uses descriptive and quantitative analysis. Descriptive analysis is used to explain the activities of utilizing natural resources of mangrove ecosystems, while quantitative analysis is used to calculate the total economic value of mangrove ecosystems. The selection of respondents used the purposive sampling method, with a total of 76 respondents. Analysis of the total economic value for the value of direct benefits using market prices, and the value of indirect benefits using replacement costs. The results showed that the people of Sarawet Village use the mangrove forest ecosystem directly in the form of mangrove wood used as firewood and fence stakes, leaves Nipah are made with roofs, and the community carries out fishing and crab activities around mangrove waters.Analysis of the total economic value of the mangrove forest in Sarawet Village amounted to Rp. 6.884.344.178,-/year. The total economic value is obtained from the value of direct benefits including utilization as firewood Rp. 4,160,000,- /year; fence pegs Rp. 87.500,-/year; roof of the house Rp. 330.000,-/year; fishing Rp. 769.174.000,-/year; crab fishing is Rp. 190.320.000,-/year, and the value of indirect benefits is as a barrier to abrasion and seawater waves Rp. 5.920.272.678,-/year. The large economic value of the total mangrove forest ecosystem in Sarawet Village shows that the mangrove ecosystem provides great benefits to the community.Keywords: direct benefit value, indirect benefit value, total economic value, MangroveAbstrakThe purpose of this study is to: 1) identify various types of direct and indirect benefits of mangrove forests, and 2) estimate the total economic value of the mangrove forest in Sarawet Village. This type of research is descriptive and quantitative using survey methods. Data analysis in this study uses descriptive and quantitative analysis. Descriptive analysis is used to explain the activities of utilizing natural resources of mangrove ecosystems, while quantitative analysis is used to calculate the total economic value of mangrove ecosystems. The selection of respondents used the purposive sampling method, with a total of 76 respondents. Analysis of the total economic value for the value of direct benefits using market prices, and the value of indirect benefits using replacement costs. The results showed that the people of Sarawet Village use the mangrove forest ecosystem directly in the form of mangrove wood used as firewood and fence stakes, leaves Nipah are made with roofs, and the community carries out fishing and crab activities around mangrove waters.Analysis of the total economic value of the mangrove forest in Sarawet Village amounted to Rp. 6.884.344.178,-/year. The total economic value is obtained from the value of direct benefits including utilization as firewood Rp. 4,160,000,- /year; fence pegs Rp. 87.500,-/year; roof of the house Rp. 330.000,-/year; fishing Rp. 769.174.000,-/year; crab fishing is Rp. 190.320.000,-/year, and the value of indirect benefits is as a barrier to abrasion and seawater waves Rp. 5.920.272.678,-/year. The large economic value of the total mangrove forest ecosystem in Sarawet Village shows that the mangrove ecosystem provides great benefits to the community.Keywords: direct benefit value, indirect benefit value, total economic value, Mangrove.

Descriptive analysis involves the direct observation of target behavior in natural (or naturalistic) contexts to gather information on contiguous and potentially relevant environmental events, in the absence of experimental manipulation. That is, descriptive analyses identify events that are correlated with the occurrence of some target response. Descriptive analysis is commonly used as a part of a comprehensive functional assessment of problem behavior, prior to conducting an experimental functional analysis. Several advantages of descriptive analysis have been noted in the literature. First, because descriptive analyses involve direct observation of behavior in the natural environment, they provide a means to gather baseline rates of problem behavior. These rates may be useful to determine treatment efficacy once an intervention is developed and implemented. Second, the direct observation aspect of descriptive analyses may be useful in developing operational definitions of behavior, rather than relying on verbal report of caregivers. Third, descriptive analyses may be helpful in identifying particular antecedents or consequences to incorporate into functional analyses. For example, certain functional analysis conditions may be added or omitted based on the common antecedent and consequent conditions observed in the natural environment. Fourth, it has been argued that descriptive analysis may be used as an assessment procedure when functional analyses are not possible due to the nature of the target behavior (e.g., extremely low rate or dangerous problem behavior). However, the use of descriptive analysis as a sole means of ascribing function to behavior is not recommended. This is because the complexity of the natural environment makes it difficult to determine which events are functionally related to the target behavior. Other potential negative aspects of using descriptive analysis to determine the function of the behavior have also been noted including the amount of time and complex data analysis necessary for a complete assessment, the correlational nature of the data, and poor validity outcomes reported in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to provide a summary of a variety of research areas in descriptive analysis, including suggestions of when descriptive analyses can and should be used. In addition, possible future areas of research using descriptive analysis will be discussed. Descriptive Analysis Techniques Several variations of direct observation techniques have been presented in the literature. The particular technique used affects the data presentation as well as the information that can be gleaned from the data analysis. For this reason, a brief description of the most commonly used techniques will be provided. The first technique is the scatter plot analysis, first described by Touchette, MacDonald and Langer (1985). A scatter plot analysis involves a grid data sheet with time intervals listed vertically (e.g., 30-minute intervals) and days of the week listed horizontally. The time intervals can be individually determined based on the particular individual's schedule. Caregivers record the frequency of behavior throughout the day by appropriately marking the boxes of the grid. For example, the nonoccurrence of behavior may be represented by leaving the box blank, low-rates of behavior may be represented by filling in the box with hatch marks, and high-rates of behavior may be represented by filling in the box. Data from scatter plots are typically expressed in terms of percent of intervals with the target behavior. After several days or weeks of data collection, it may be possible to observe patterns of behavior which can be tied to specific activities or times of the day. The advantages of scatter plot analyses may include ease of data collection and estimates of the occurrence of behavior both before and after intervention. Yet, few research studies have used scatter plot analyses, and when they have been conducted, there have been mixed results. …

Descriptive analysis via trained sensory panels has great power to facilitate flavor improvement in fresh fruits and vegetables. When paired with an understanding of fruit volatile organic compounds, descriptive analysis can help uncover the chemical drivers of sensory attributes. In the present study, 213 strawberry samples representing 56 cultivars and advanced selections were sampled over seven seasons and subjected to both sensory descriptive and chemical analyses. Principal component analysis and K-cluster analyses of sensory data highlighted three groups of strawberry samples, with one classified as superior with high sweetness and strawberry flavor and low sourness and green flavor. Partial least square models revealed 20 sweetness-enhancing volatile organic compounds and two sweetness-reducing volatiles, many of which overlap with previous consumer sensory studies. Volatiles modulating green, sour, astringent, overripe, woody, and strawberry flavors were also identified. The relationship between soluble solids content (SSC) and sweetness was modeled with Bayesian regression, generating probabilities for sweetness levels from varying levels of soluble solids. A hierarchical Bayesian model with month effects indicated that SSC is most correlated to sweetness toward the end of the fruiting season, making this the best period to make phenotypic selections for soluble solids. Comparing effects from genotypes, harvest months, and their interactions on sensory attributes revealed that sweetness, sourness, and firmness were largely controlled by genetics. These findings help formulate a paradigm for improvement of eating quality in which sensory analyses drive the targeting of chemicals important to consumer-desired attributes, which further drive the development of genetic tools for improvement of flavor.

Mathematics is one of the subjects that is often encountered and has an important role in everyday life. Mathematics lessons will always be found at every level of education, both in elementary school and in college. This development research was motivated by the problem of a lack of learning media that could increase students' interest and motivation in learning activities. This research aims to analyze the effectiveness of interactive multimedia based on a contextual approach in fourth grade elementary school mathematics subjects. This development research uses the ADDIE (Analyze, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) development model. The subjects of this research were 3 experts and 32 fourth grade elementary school students. The data collection methods used were observation, interviews, questionnaires and tests. Data collection instruments use questionnaires and multiplechoice tests. The data analysis techniques in this research are qualitative descriptive analysis, quantitative descriptive analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, inferential descriptive analysis. Based on the results of the t test, H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted. Thus, it can be concluded that interactive multimedia based on a contextual approach is feasible and effective for use in mathematics subjects with equal fraction material for fourth grade students in elementary school. The implications of this research are expected to help teachers provide mathematics learning that is fun and easy for students to understand.

The objective of this study was to conduct comprehensive aroma analyses of fermented soybean paste (doenjang) using descriptive sensory analysis and μ‐CTE–TD–GC–MS. Four doenjang samples were analyzed for its aroma using μ‐CTE–TD–GC–MS. Descriptive analysis was carried out with a highly trained panel (n = 6). A total of 38 volatile compounds were identified and significant differences in concentrations were noted especially between traditionally manufactured doenjang (S1) and commercially manufactured doenjang (S2–S4) samples. Authentically produced traditional doenjang samples (S1) characterized with meju, fish sauce, and roasted bean aromatics and these are previously reported as typical aromatics associated with traditional doenjang. Higher concentrations of Streker aldehydes and 3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone, 2‐hydroxy‐3‐pentanone, and butanoic acid were exclusively found in S1. Commercially manufactured doenjang samples were characterized with high alcohol and fruity aromatics and volatile compounds in alcohol and ester compounds were found in higher concentration than S1. Addition of different flavor enhancer also influenced the aroma characteristics of commercially manufactured doenjang, which seems irrelevant to soybean fermentation.Practical applicationsThis study provides the most abundant list of sensory descriptors for traditional doenjang, which can be used as a baseline for doenjang aroma wheel. In addition, this study confirms the use of μ‐CTE–TD–GC–MS for volatile aroma analysis to provide same or superior extraction efficiency for volatile aroma analysis. Overall, this study confirms the aroma differences between “traditionally made” doenjang and “commercially made” doenjang. Interestingly commercial doenjang advertised as “traditionally made doenjang” had different aroma characteristics than authentic, traditionally made doenjang. Finding from current study can assist the doenjang industry to strategically designing the traditional doenjang aroma development targeting for different consumer segments.

Recent research comparing results of descriptive and experimental (analog) functional analyses suggests disagreement regarding the identified function of target behavior is likely. In the current study, a “structured” descriptive analysis methodology is presented. The purpose of the structured descriptive methodology was to develop a set of procedures that is as easy to implement as the unstructured, but as rigorous as the analog in terms of data and interpretation. The structured procedures were designed to increase the likelihood that specific environmental events would occur sufficiently often to allow for an adequate sampling of their co-occurrence with challenging behavior. To that end, the frequency of occurrence of targeted environmental events during both unstructured and structured descriptive analyses conducted with two participants was compared. Further, data produced via the structured descriptive analyses were compared against those of experimental analyses conducted with the participants. Results showed that procedural modifications employed during the structured descriptive analysis increased the frequency of occurrence for most targeted environmental events for both participants. Additionally, the structured methodology produced results similar to those of the experimental analysis regarding hypotheses of the function of challenging behavior. Implications for the use of different functional analysis methodologies are discussed.

In spite of the fact that the road traffic crash fatality rate in South Africa is significantly higher than the global average, the characteristics and causes of road traffic crashes are still not well understood. Without a clear understanding of the characteristics and causes, intelligence-led countermeasures to reduce crashes cannot be developed or applied. The analysis of local South African road crash data is of particular importance in identifying the underlying problems responsible for the high crash rates across the country. While descriptive analyses can be used to present a snapshot of the crash problem, they are largely inadequate when it comes to throwing light on the underlying patterns and relationships between the contributing factors and causes of the crashes themselves. This paper presents a study of the use of Association Rule Analysis (ARA) on data related to crashes on the N4 between Pretoria and the Mozambican border, between 2015 and 2019, to see what added value ARA may offer to standard descriptive analyses of crash data. Apriori Association Rule algorithm was employed on the dataset to identify what contributory factors were not initially evident in the occurrence of serious and fatal crashes. ARA revealed that pedestrians, negligent driving, overtaking and single-vehicle crashes are common factors likely to be present in a serious crash. However, this study found that descriptive statistical analysis and ARA methods are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary. Where descriptive statistical analysis focuses on summarising and describing data, ARA focuses on identifying relationships and patterns within the data.

The consumer demand for locally grown fresh produce is continuously increasing in the United States. The high tunnel systems have been successfully utilized by small acreage growers for local production. Consumers are typically assessing appearance, freshness, flavor and aroma when purchasing produce. A common perception is that locally grown produce tastes better than nonlocal. However, there is not much evidence for supporting this claim. The objective of this study was to identify consumer acceptability and the sensory characteristics/differences of locally grown spinach in open field or in high tunnel and nonlocal commercially grown spinach. Spinach, Spinacia oleracea cv. "Corvair" was grown in open field and in high tunnel at Kansas State Univ. Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center (OHREC) in spring 2017 and the commercially grown spinach was purchased at a local retail store. A consumer study (n = 205) was conducted at Kansas State Univ., Olathe campus, and a descriptive sensory analysis was conducted by a highly trained descriptive analysis panel in the Center for Sensory Analysis and Consumer Behavior at Kansas State Univ., Manhattan campus, in spring 2017. The consumer test showed that high tunnel spinach scored significantly higher in overall liking (P < 0.0001), flavor liking (P < 0.0001), and texture liking (P < 0.05) when compared to open field and store purchased spinach. Descriptive analysis showed that locally grown spinach had higher intensity of attributes that indicate premium quality, such as green color and green/spinach flavors. Our results indicate that locally grown spinach was preferred from the consumers for its high organoleptic quality. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Locally grown spinach demonstrated high intensity in a set of sensory attributes that suggest a product with premium organoleptic quality. Correspondingly to these results, consumers liked spinach produced locally in high tunnels the most. The results of this study can be used for developing marketing strategies that are aiming specifically to the consumer niche that is seeking fresh produce of high organoleptic quality.

Objective: This research analyzes the determinants of budgetary participation's effect on financial performance through Dalihan Natolu's leadership style in 4 districts in the Toba Caldera region and conducts a descriptive economic analysis of social and economic indicators in 7 districts post-Regional Autonomy and Fiscal Decentralization. Analyze village category development using the village development index (IDM) in 7 Toba Caldera districts. Estimating economic development parameters in 7 Toba Caldera districts in North Sumatra. Method: This study uses a quantitative method with descriptive analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis in this study was carried out using frequency distribution analysis and inferential statistical analysis including: evaluation of the assumptions of the structure equation model (SEM), SEM analysis, model fit test and hypothesis testing. The data analysis technique in this study uses Partial Least Square (PLS). PLS is a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) equation model with an approach based on variance or component-based structural equation modeling. This research was conducted in 4 (four) administrative districts located around the Lake Toba Tourism Area which in their kinship life absolutely adhere to the local wisdom of Dalihan Natolu, namely Toba Regency, Samosir Regency, North Tapanuli Regency, Humbang Hasundutan Regency. Conclusion : This quantitative study's findings Budget Participation Factor also affects Financial Performance moderated by Dahlian Natolu's Leadership Style, as shown by t statistics &gt; t table (3,961 &gt; 2,032). To strengthen this analysis, you can also use the P Value, with the condition p &lt; 0.05, which shows 0.000 &lt; 0.05. In 2019, the Human Development Index in 7 Toba Caldera Region Regencies measured Life Expectancy (UHH), Average Length of Schooling (RLS), and Expenditure Per Capita. In 2019–2020, the Toba Caldera Region's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) is stable and led by Agriculture, Forestry &amp; Fisheries, Wholesale and Retail Trade, and Industrial Management. Karo Regency has the highest HDI and Humbang Ha Anglean the lowest. The comparative IPD for that year increased in 7 Toba Caldera Region Regencies from 2014 to 2018. Toba Caldera districts' Human Development Index (IPM) increases somewhat with GRDP per capita.

The data used in this study were collected from financial reports of eight sample banks and National bank of Ethiopia (NBE) for the period of 2000-2013. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the financial performance of banking sector in the Ethiopia and also to see the relation between capital adequacy and bank’s performance. In order to address these, both descriptive and econometric analyses were employed so as to assess the financial performance of the sector and the relationship between capital adequacy and bank performance. The descriptive analyses were made using CAMEL approach and central tendency measures. The descriptive data analysis shows that, as compared to other banks NIB’s overall performance was good.In addition to the descriptive data analysis, the study also employed regression model, GLS, which is used to see whether capital adequacy which is measured by the amount of shareholders fund affect the bank performance which is measured by Return on asset (ROA). The finding shows that, shareholders’ fund is the main factor that determines the performance of banking industry hence, the null hypothesis is rejected. Therefore, there exists positive relationship between capital adequacy and bank performance at 5% significant level, which is in line with theory.

In a competitive and demanding world, academic stress is of increasing concern to students. This systemic, adaptive, and psychological process is composed of stressful stimuli, imbalance symptoms, and coping strategies. The SISCO-II Academic Stress Inventory (SISCO-II-AS) is a psychometric instrument validated in Chile. It evaluates stressors, symptoms, and coping, both individually and globally. For its practical interpretation, a scale is required. Therefore, this study aims to descriptively analyze the SISCO-II-AS and to obtain its corresponding scales. Employing a non-experimental quantitative approach, we administered the SISCO-II-AS to 1,049 second and third-year students from three Chilean universities, with a disproportionate gender representation of 75.21% female to 24.79% male participants. Through descriptive and bivariate analysis, we established norms based on percentiles. For the complete instrument and its subscales, significant differences by sex were identified, with magnitudes varying from small to moderate. For the full instrument and its subscales, bar scale norms by percentile and sex are presented. Each subscale (stressors, physical and psychological reactions, social behavioural reactions, total reaction, and coping) has score ranges defined for low, medium, and high levels. These ranges vary according to the sex of the respondent, with notable differences in stressors and physical, psychological, and social behavioural reactions. This study stands out for its broad and heterogeneous sample, which enriches the representativeness of the data. It offers a comprehensive view of academic stress in college students, identifying distinctive factors and highlighting the importance of gender-sensitive approaches. Its findings contribute to understanding and guide future interventions. By offering a descriptive analysis of the SISCO-II-AS inventory and establishing bar norms, this research aids health professionals and educators in better assessing and addressing academic stress in the student population.