Exchange Balance Research Articles

Can today’s standardized achievement tests yield instructionally useful data?

Purpose– Against a backdrop of high-stakes assessment policies in the USA, this paper explores the challenges, promises and the “state of the art” with regard to designing standardized achievement tests and educational assessment systems that are instructionally useful. Authors deliberate on the consequences of using inappropriately designed tests, and in particular tests that are insensitive to instruction, for teacher and/or school evaluation purposes.Methodology/approach– The method used is a “moderated policy discussion”. The six invited commentaries represent voices of leading education scholars and measurement experts, juxtaposed against views of a prominent leader and nationally recognized teacher from two American education systems. The discussion is moderated with introductory and concluding remarks from the guest editor, and is excerpted from a recent blog published byEducation Week. References and author biographies are presented at the end of the article.Findings– In the education assessment profession, there is a promising movement toward more research and development on standardized assessment systems that are instructionally sensitive and useful for classroom teaching. However, the distinctions among different types of testsvis-à-vistheir purposes are often unclear to policymakers, educators and other test users, leading to test misuses. The authors underscore issues related to validity, ethics and consequences when inappropriately designed tests are used in high-stakes policy contexts, offering recommendations for the design of instructionally sensitive tests and more comprehensive assessment systems that can serve a broader set of educational evaluation needs. As instructionally informative tests are developed and formalized, their psychometric quality and utility in school and teacher evaluation models must also be evaluated.Originality/value– Featuring perspectives of scholars, measurement experts and educators “on the ground”, this article presents an open and balanced exchange of technical, applied and policy issues surrounding “instructionally sensitive” test design and use, along with other types of assessments needed to create comprehensive educational evaluation systems.

Psychological Contract Breach and Organizational Commitment in the Greek Banking Sector: The Mediation Effect of Job Satisfaction

A plethora of studies have reported on the negative relationship between Psychological Contract Breach (PCB) and work attitudes such as Job Satisfaction (JS) and Organizational Commitment (OC). Prior research has examined and elaborated the aforementioned relationships through the spectrum of social exchange and equity theory, which suggest that individuals search for fair and balanced exchange relationships. This study aims to provide empirical evidence on the role of PCB and JS as predictors of OC of bank employees in Greece. PCB is conceptualized by six dimensions: (a) benefits, (b) pay, (c) advancement opportunities, (d) the work itself, (e) resource support, and (f) a good employment relationship.Drawing from a sample of 262 bank employees, this study confirms the mediating role of JS on association between specific PCB aspects and OC, elevating the importance of their role in the organizational context of the banking sector.

Reply to “Comments on ‘Direct Numerical Simulation of the Turbulent Ekman Layer: Evaluation of Closure Models’”

In this note, we respond to J. C. Bergmann’s comments (Bergmann 2014) regarding our recent article assessing Ekman-layer turbulence closure models using direct numerical simulation (DNS) results. As Bergmann notes in his introduction, many of the comments that he provides are not specifically related to our paper. While many of these issues are of interest for understanding the dynamicsoftheatmosphericboundarylayer(ABL),wewill limit our responses primarily to those issues that directly relate to the objectives and the results of our paper. In the following reply, we first discuss of the applicabilityoftheneutral,turbulentEkmanlayerasamodelfor the ABL, and we then address some fundamental objections that Bergmann raises to the use of DNS. We also address Bergmann’s other concerns regarding turbulence models, momentum balance, and vertical exchange and eddy viscosity modeling assumptions.

Perceptions of Equity, Balance of Support Exchange, and Mother-Adult Child Relations.

Equity theory suggests that relationships are more harmonious when both members of a dyad believe that their exchanges are fair. However, the level and frequency of exchange, rather than perceptions of equity, have been the focus of most research on support and the quality of intergenerational relations. Using data from 1,426 mother-child dyads nested within 413 families collected as part of the Within-Family Differences Study, the authors explored whether mothers' perceptions of equity are better predictors of closeness and tension than are mothers' reports of balanced exchanges of support. Mixed-model analyses revealed that mothers' perceptions of equity were more consistent predictors of relationship quality than were the balanced exchanges of support, though the results varied somewhat by gender of adult child. These findings contribute to a growing body of research demonstrating that the psychological processes that shape intergenerational relationships mirror those of other ties.

Effects of a nitrogen fixing plant Vigna radiata on growth, leaf stomatal gas exchange and hydraulic characteristics of the intercropping Juglans regia seedlings

Aims Our main purposes were to determine the effects of Vigna radiata, a nitrogen fixing plant, on growth, water balance and gas exchange of the intercropping Juglans regia seedlings and to investigate the hydraulic mechanism involved in photosynthesis and growth. Methods We measured growth, hydraulic characteristics, and rate of gas exchange in J. regia seedlings, and analyzed the effects of the intercropping nitrogen fixing V. radiata on xylem anatomic structure, water balance and photosynthetic characteristics of J. regia seedlings under conditions of nitrogen deprivation and enrichment. Important findings Under conditions of nitrogen deficiency, the nitrogen fixing V. radiata facilitated the growth of the intercropping J. regia seedlings by improving xylem development, water transport and hydraulic characteristics in high transpiration demand. However, with nitrogen addition, the occurrence of V. radiata inhibited the growth of J. regia seedlings, likely by competing for water and other elements.

Estimate of production of gaseous nitrogen in the human body based on 15N analysis of breath N2 after administration of [15N2]urea

After oral administration of [15N2]urea (1.5 mmol, 95 atom% 15N), we found that breath N2 was significantly 15N-labelled. The result suggests that molecular nitrogen in breath must be partly produced endogenously. Based on a metabolic model, the endogenous N2 production was estimated to be 0.40±0.25 mmol kg−1 d−1 or 2.9±1.8 % of the total (urinary and faecal) N excretion in fasted healthy subjects (n=4). In patients infected with Helicobacter pylori (n=5), the endogenous N2 production was increased to 1.24±0.59 mmol kg−1 d−1 or 9.0±4.3 % of the total N excretion compared to the healthy controls (p<0.05). We conclude that N balance and gas exchange measurements may be affected by endogenously produced nitrogen, especially in metabolic situations with elevated nitrosation, for instance in oxidative and nitrosative stress-related diseases such as H. pylori infections.

English

It should be pointed out that indoor climates in buildings is significant to the accomplishment of a building not only in making it comfortable, but also in deciding its energy consumption holistically and the thermal comfort of the occupants in the building. Thermal comfort can be defined as a psychological state of mind, often expressing a sensation of considerable heat or cold and it occurs when there is a balanced exchange of heat between a person's body and the environment, marked by the absence of regulatory sweating. Thermal comfort is imperative in both psychological and physical aspect where it could affects morale of the people. Based on their degree of thermal comfort, residents may complain, productivity may suffer and in some situations, people may refuse to work in a particular environment. This paper will discuss thoroughly the concept of thermal comfort, effects of thermal condition on occupants and some of the significant factors that influencing thermal comfort. In addition, thermal transition between the external environment and internal spaces of the buildings, human body interaction with surroundings and effective comfort range will also be presented to get a clear picture on how thermal comfort affects the building occupants comprehensively.

Two-stream cross flow heat exchangers in thermal communication with the surroundings – A generalized analysis

Thermal interactions of heat exchanger fluids with the surroundings are difficult to limit. It becomes a necessity to determine the effect of these interactions on exchanger performance when the demand of heat exchanger effectiveness is very high, like in case of cryogenic applications. In the present article, effect of heat in-leak in two-stream cross flow exchangers has been studied and compared with the two other type of flow arrangements, namely counter-current and co-current. Mathematical model involving mutual heat exchange between hot and cold fluid streams and their individual thermal interactions with ambient have been considered through overall heat transfer coefficients. Parametric studies have been made with different non-dimensional parameters and essentially generating effectiveness-NTU type of plots for balanced exchangers. Various heat exchange possibilities depending on the relative temperature difference between fluids and ambient have been considered.

The S-Curve Dynamics of U.S.-Mexico Commodity Trade

In testing the short-run effects of currency depreciation on the trade balance, rather than engaging in regression analysis, part of the literature basically looks at the correlation coefficients between past and future values of the trade balance and the current exchange rate. It is postulated that these coefficients are positive between future values of the trade balance and current exchange rate, but negative between past values of the trade balance and the current exchange rate, hence the S-Curve pattern. Previous research has shown that the curve is not supported for Mexico when aggregate trade data are used. In this paper we used bilateral trade data between Mexico and her main partner, the United States to test the curve. Still there was no support for the curve. However, when we disaggregated bilateral trade flows by industry and considered the trade balances of 223 industries that trade between the two countries, we were able to support the S-Curve in 90 industries.

Not All Group Exchange Structures Are Created Equal

Electronic communications collected from 233 undergraduate business students in 50 virtual teams were coded to identify group exchange structures. Results revealed four types of structures: unified generalized (characterized by high-quality exchange relationships among group members and high information sharing and cooperation; n = 10), unified generalized with isolates (high-quality exchange among most members, with negative exchange among some isolated members; n = 16), unified balanced (characterized by low-quality exchange relationships among members and low trust and concern for others; n = 8), and unified balanced with isolates (low-quality exchange among most members and negative exchange with some isolated members; n = 16). Contrary to expectations, virtual teams with unified generalized as opposed to unified balanced exchange structures did not experience higher levels of performance and member satisfaction. However, when isolates were present, adverse effects on performance and satisfaction were observed, but only for teams with balanced as opposed to generalized structures, as expected. The findings reveal the importance of promoting generalized exchange structures to avoid the potentially detrimental effects of group isolates on virtual team performance and member satisfaction. The implication for organizations planning to adopt virtual teams is that concerted efforts to foster positive social exchanges characterized by high levels of trust, cooperation, information sharing and coordination, and thereby avoid the creation of group isolates, may produce dividends in member satisfaction and team productivity.

Monitoring Bilingualism

Tandem learning is the collaborative learning partnership of two language learners with complementary language combinations, for example an Irish student learning German and a German student learning English. One of the major principles in tandem learning, apart from reciprocity and learner autonomy, is balanced bilingualism. While learners may find it relatively easy to control their bilingualism in email exchanges, it is not so easy to do so in synchronous text-based exchanges in object-oriented multi-user domains (MOOs), where measurements of bilingualism are often crude and inaccurate. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, we wanted to develop and test a computerized tool, the Bilingual Tandem Analyser, that automatically analyzes and provides feedback on the languages that are used during a "live" exchange. Second, we wanted to implement the tool in a bilingual exchange between German and Irish students to see whether the balance in bilingualism improved. Our results show that the Bilingual Tandem Analyser is quick, reliable, and highly accurate for the four languages tested. When implementing the tool, we noticed that there is a noticeable improvement towards more balanced exchanges but that more work is needed on the pedagogical implementation.

Testing J-Curve Phenomena for India

This paper attempts to examine the relationship between current account balance and Nominal Exchange rate (J-Curve phenomenon) for India. Current Account balance is the great interest because it is the part of Balance of Payment (trade balance) and varies with respect to the number of factors but in this paper my focus is only at the nominal exchange rate. In this paper we will see the effectiveness of devaluation of currency or increment of exchange rate lead to the J-Curve phenomenon or not. To estimate the relationship I have collected the data from 1980 to 2010 (31 observations). I think that it is insufficient data to estimate the long term relationship but we will try to work on this data to find the appropriate relationship. Indian current account been deficit from the long time, there was the surplus only for few years like 2001-2004. The reason behind this may be huge imports or more government expenditure than collected taxes. But Indian GDP is keep on growing with time.

Monitoring Soil-plant Interactions in an Apple Orchard Using 3D Electrical Resistivity Tomography

In this paper we present the application of time-lapse non invasive 3D micro-electrical tomography (ERT) to monitor soil-plant interactions in the root zone. The goal of the study is to better understand the soil-vegetation interactions by the use of non invasive technique, and how this dynamical process can be monitored by time lapse geophysical measurements to explain water balance exchanges in the upper subsoil critical zone. We designed, built and installed a 3D electrical tomography apparatus for the monitoring of the root zone of a single apple tree in an orchard located in the Trentino region, Northern Italy. The micro-ERT apparatus consists of 48 buried electrodes on 4 instrumented micro boreholes plus 24 mini-electrodes on the ground surface. We collected repeated ERT and TDR soil moisture measurements for about one year and performed three different controlled irrigation tests: one during a very dry summer and, during a highly dynamic plant growing spring period and one during a very wet autumn period. We also performed laboratory analysis on soil specimens, in order to evaluate the electrical response at different saturation steps. The results demonstrate that 3D micro-ERT is able to characterize subsoil conditions and monitor root zone activities, especially in terms of root zone suction regions. In particular, we note that in very dry conditions, 3D micro ERT is able to image water plumes on the shall subsoil produced using a drip irrigation system. In the very dynamic growing season, under induced widespread irrigation, micro 3D ERT can detect the main suction zones caused by the tree root activity. Complex interactions between soil moisture and pore water salinity complicate the interpretation. The presented approach is a very promising tool for a better understanding of hydrological interactions in the shallow subsoil, and for the quantification of the soil-plant-atmosphere mass exchanges.

Spatially explicit surface energy budget and partitioning with remote sensing and flux measurements in a boreal region of Interior Alaska

Extrapolating energy fluxes between the ground surface and the atmospheric boundary layer from point-based measurements to spatially explicit landscape estimation is critical to understand and quantify the energy balance components and exchanges in the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. This information is difficult to quantify and are often lacking. Using a Landsat image (acquired on 5 August 2004), the flux measurements from three eddy covariance flux towers (a 1987 burn, a 1999 burn, and an unburned control site) and a customized satellite-based surface energy balance model of Mapping Evapotranspiration at High Resolution with Internalized Calibration (METRIC), we estimated net radiation, sensible heat flux (H), latent heat flux (LE), and soil heat flux (G) for the boreal Yukon River Basin of Interior Alaska. The model requires user selection of two extreme conditions present within the image area to calibrate and anchor the sensible flux output. One is the “hot” condition which refers to a bare soil condition with specified residual evaporation rates. Another one is the “cold” condition which refers to a fully transpiring vegetation such as full-cover agricultural crops. We selected one bare field as the “hot” condition while we explored three different scenarios for the “cold” pixel because of the absence of larger expanses of agricultural fields within the image area. For this application over boreal forest, selecting agricultural fields whose evapotranspiration was assumed to be 1.05 times the alfalfa-based reference evapotranspiration as the “cold” pixel could result in large errors. Selecting an unburned flux tower site as the “cold” pixel could achieve acceptable results, but uncertainties remain about the energy balance closure of the flux towers. We found that METRIC performs reasonably well in partitioning energy fluxes in a boreal landscape.

Patch scale turbulence over dryland and irrigated surfaces in a semi-arid landscape under advective conditions during BEAREX08

Quantifying turbulent fluxes of heat and water vapor over heterogeneous surfaces presents unique challenges. For example, in many arid and semi-arid regions, parcels of irrigated cropland are juxtaposed with hot, dry surfaces. Contrasting surface conditions can result in the advection of warm dry air over an irrigated crop surface where it increases the water vapor deficit and, thereby, atmospheric demand. If sufficient water is available, this can significantly enhance evaporative water loss from the irrigated field. The scale and frequency of turbulent eddies over an irrigated surface during periods of strong advection is not fully understood. High frequency (20Hz) data were acquired over irrigated cotton, wheat stubble, and rangeland fields during the 2008 growing season as part of the Bushland Evapotranspiration and Agricultural Remote Sensing Experiment (BEAREX08). Spectral analysis of momentum and scalar quantities including heat and water vapor revealed low frequency features in the turbulence structure due to the penetration of the surface boundary layer by large-scale eddies during periods of unusually strong advection. Wavelet analysis was applied to assess specific events contributing to the spatial and temporal structure of turbulent flux eddies. The analysis showed that low frequency contributions were linked to both local and regional scale advective processes. These results clearly point to a need to better understand surface energy balance exchange for heterogeneous surfaces in arid and semi-arid regions under conditions of strong local and regional advection.

S-Curve dynamics of trade between Egypt and her two largest partners

The ‘S-Curve’ phenomenon postulates that while cross correlation coefficients between past values of the trade balance and current exchange rate could be negative, the same cross-correlation between future values of the trade balance and current exchange rate could be positive. In this study, we test the S-Curve using bilateral trade data between Egypt and its two largest trading partners. We test the phenomenon for 36 industries (59 industries) that trade between Egypt and USA (Egypt and EU). Out of a total of 95 industries, we were able to support the S-Curve hypothesis in 20, mostly small, industries.

The S-Curve Dynamics of US-Hong Kong Commodity Trade

It has been proved theoretically that correlation coefficients between future values of the trade balance and current exchange rate is positive where as those correlation coefficients between past values of the trade balance and the current exchange rate is negative, hence the S-Curve pattern. In this paper we tested the empirical validity of the curve using annual data from the period 1978–2006 of 104 industries that trade between the US and Hong Kong. We found evidence of the S-Curve in 34 industries. Included among the 34 industries one could see small and large industries as well as durable and non-durable ones.

Assessment of the predictive quality of simple indicator approaches for nitrate leaching from agricultural fields

Diffuse N losses from agriculture are a major cause of excessive nitrate concentrations in surface and groundwaters. Leaching through the soil is the main pathway of nitrate loss. For environmental management, an anticipatory assessment and monitoring of nitrate leaching risk by indicator (index) approaches is increasingly being used. Although complex Nitrogen Loss Indicator (NLI) approaches may provide more information, relatively simple NLIs may have advantages in many practical situations, for instance, when data availability is restricted. In this study, we tested four simple NLIs to assess their predictive properties: 1. N balance (Nbal); 2. Exchange frequency of soil solution (EF); 3. Potential nitrate concentration in leachate (PNCL); 4. A composite NLI (balance exchange frequency product, BEP). Field data of nitrate leaching from two sites in northeast Germany along with published data from several sites in Germany, Scotland and the USA were utilized. Nbal proved to be a relatively poor indicator of Nloss for the time frame of one year, whereas its prediction accuracy improved for longterm-averaged data. Correlation between calculated EF and experimental data was high for single-year data, whereas it was lower for longterm-averaged data. PNCL gave no significant correlations with measured data and high deviations. The results for BEP were intermediate between those for Nbal and EF. The results suggest that the use of EF is appropriate for assessing N leaching loss for single-year data and specific sites with comparable N input and management practices, whereas for longterm-averaged data, Nbal is better suited. BEP is an appropriate NLI both for single year and longterm data which accounts for source and transport factors and thus is more flexible than source-based Nbal and transport-based EF. However, such simplified NLIs have limitations: 1. The N cycle is not covered completely; 2. Processes in the vadose zone and the aquifer are neglected, 3. Assessment of management factors is restricted.

Taiwan's trade imbalance and exchange rate revisited

This article applies the recently developed econometric method of autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model to re-examine the relationship between the exchange rate and bilateral trade imbalance for Taiwan and its several trading partners: China, Hong Kong, the US, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. The implication of this issue is critical to policy makers, particularly after China and Taiwan joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in late 2001 and early 2002, respectively. The empirical evidence shows a stable long-run relationship of bilateral trade balance and real exchange rate between Taiwan and its trading partners except Japan. Other findings indicate that except for the US, there is no specific pattern supporting the J-curve phenomenon for these trading partners.

Intellectual property and cultural expressions in a digital environment

This article aims at examining to which extent the intellectual property system, and particularly the copyright system, is still capable of fostering creativity and spreading different opinions and cultures in the digital era. In fact, the adjustment of the intellectual property system to the digital environment seems to be among fundamental measures for promoting richer and more balanced cultural exchanges. The strengthening of copyright protection implies today the questioning of the system legitimacy.