Input Program Research Articles

Preweaned dairy calf nutrition: Veterinarian’s role in a milk feeding program

The herd veterinarian has an important role on calf raising op­erations to promote the health and welfare of calves through having a role in the milk phase nutrition program. Optimal nutrition will benefit the calves and the herd veterinarian can help provide input and critique of a milk program using their expertise in animal health, husbandry, nutrition and behav­ior. Milk feeding of calves, traditionally around 60 days, has been shown to have long term production benefits for adult dairy cows, and yet often the milk feeding plan is delegated to a private or feed company nutritionist. This paper describes tools and best practices for herd veterinarians to ensure young calves are fed appropriately to meet their genetic potential and the dairy producer’s goals. Even if the herd veterinarian does not have overall authority of a milk program, they can use the best practices to align producer expectations with what is be­ing offered to the calves and give their impartial input of how to best apply the producer’s resources in a feeding program for the benefit of the calves.

EVALUASI PELAKSANAAN EVENT SPORT TOURISM DALAM KEGIATAN TRIATHLON SUMATERA UTARA

The implementation of tourism promotion activities on a national and international scale and combined with sports activities (sport tourism) is one of the events organized by the North Sumatra Provincial government. Analysis of the potential of tourism and sports objects in North Sumatra Province needs to be carried out a thorough study and identify the weaknesses and strengths of the location of these tourism and sports objects. Evaluation research is used to find out what activities have been carried out according to the expected goals. The subjects involved in this study amounted to 17 people consisting of the responsible person, the chief executive and 15 participants. The instruments used were questionnaires, interviews, observation and document analysis. Based on the sub context program evaluation which includes three things namely: 1) Legal Basis and Government Policy; 2) Purpose; 3) Targets can be categorized as Good. Evaluation of the sub Input program includes four things, namely: 1) Participants, 2) Implementation, 3) Funding, and 4) Committees can be categorized as Good. the evaluation of the sub Process program includes two things, namely: 1) competition regulations and, 2) implementation can be categorized as Good. Evaluation of the sub Process program includes two things, namely: 1) The level of participation and public interest, and 2) The role of the media in the publication and promotion of sports to the public can be categorized as Good. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that the sport tourism Triathlon program can increase public interest in participation, the economy and the number of tourists who come because it is supported by government policies.

Low-incomeFilipino mothers’ cultural perceptions of healthy mothers and children do not align with standard nutritional recommendations

: The study explored cultural concepts of maternal and child health among low-income Filipino mothers, to serve as basis for planning health and nutrition education programs that will achieve behavior change. The objectives were to a) Characterize the following concepts from the point of view of mothers: qualities of a strong healthy mother; qualities of a strong healthy child; and proper nutrition practices to raise strong healthy children; b) Identify concepts that are consistent with good nutrition practices vs. concepts that need to be explained and clarified or corrected, to serve as input for nutrition education programs. : In-depth interviews were conducted among 26 mothers aged 20 to 35 years with children aged 3 to 12 years. Respondents were asked the following questions: a) What do you think are the qualities of a strong healthy child/mom? b) Complete the following sentence: A strong healthy child /mom is ______; c) In your opinion, what nutrition practices are important to have a strong healthy child during this pandemic? : Thematic analysis revealed most mothers believed 1) a strong healthy mother is one who is mentally strong and resilient in the face of problems; 2) a strong healthy child is one who is physically engaged and interacts actively with his/her surroundings; 3) while a healthy diet is important, the best nutrition practice to promote child health is to provide daily vitamin and mineral supplements. Filipino mothers possess cultural health concepts that are not consistent with standard nutritional recommendations.

Optimization Research of Directed Fuzzing Based on AFL

Fuzz testing is the process of testing programs by continually producing unique inputs in order to detect and identify security flaws. It is often used in vulnerability mining. The most prevalent fuzzing approach is grey-box fuzzing, which combines lightweight code instrumentation with data-feedback-driven generation of fresh program input seeds. AFL (American Fuzzy Lop) is an outstanding grey-box fuzzing tool that is well known for its quick fork server execution, dependable genetic algorithm, and numerous mutation techniques. AFLGO proposes and executes power scheduling based on a simulated annealing process for a more appropriate energy allocation to seeds, however it is neither reliable nor successful. To tackle this issue, we offer an energy-dynamic scheduling strategy based on the algorithm of the fruit fly. Adjusting the energy of the seeds dynamically controls the production of test cases. The findings demonstrate that the approach suggested in this research can test the target region more rapidly and thoroughly and has a high application value for patch testing and vulnerability replication.

Generative Datalog with Continuous Distributions

Arguing for the need to combine declarative and probabilistic programming, Bárány et al. (TODS 2017) recently introduced a probabilistic extension of Datalog as a “purely declarative probabilistic programming language.” We revisit this language and propose a more principled approach towards defining its semantics based on stochastic kernels and Markov processes—standard notions from probability theory. This allows us to extend the semantics to continuous probability distributions, thereby settling an open problem posed by Bárány et al. We show that our semantics is fairly robust, allowing both parallel execution and arbitrary chase orders when evaluating a program. We cast our semantics in the framework of infinite probabilistic databases (Grohe and Lindner, LMCS 2022) and show that the semantics remains meaningful even when the input of a probabilistic Datalog program is an arbitrary probabilistic database.

Spiral Groove Machining Through Wire Electrical Discharge Machining with Two Rotary Axes

In wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) that can perform 2-D or 2.5-D machining, 3-D complex shape machining is also possible via the addition of a rotary axis on the NC table. Several examples of pin-shaped machining using a rotating shaft like spindle have been previously reported. Alternatively, machining using a rotary axis as an indexing device has also been reported. In these machining processes, the rotary axis is not servo controlled. Conversely, a spiral groove is formed on the outer circumference of the round bar by gripping the round bar workpiece on the rotary axis and performing machining in synchronization with the x- and rotary axes. In this machining, the gap control in electrical discharge machining is performed along the x- and rotary axes. Furthermore, complicated shape machining becomes possible by adding a 2-axis rotary axis of rotation and tilt. When the x-axis is synchronized with the rotation and tilt axes, a spiral groove with a variable groove width is formed. In this case, servo control is synchronized with the three axes, and machining proceeds. In this study, we performed spiral groove shape machining through WEDM with the addition of 1-axis or 2-axis rotary axes, consequently verifying the machining accuracy. Moreover, two types of NC program were used for machining, direct input and CAM output, and the accuracy was compared. The results revealed that the groove width was wider in the direct input program. Therefore, there was a possibility that the wire could bend during machining and tilt along the direction of the apparent widening of the groove width. Thus, it is necessary to consider the deflection of the wire in WEDM with a rotary axis, which is different from the conventional one, to realize precision machining.

Implementation of Education and Training Program Evaluation

This study aims to describe the program evaluation model Context, Input, Process, and Product in the training of office administration managers at BBPLK Semarang. This research is evaluative research using a qualitative descriptive approach. Data collection techniques were carried out using observation, interviews, and documentation methods. Primary data collection uses observation instruments while secondary data is obtained through documentation and interviews. The research subjects comprised the head of the institution, the head of evaluation and reporting, a training instructor and two trainees. Data analysis techniques used are data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The results obtained in this study are seen from the Context Analysis of the needs and educational background of the training carried out by the training organizers by the planning. Judging from the input, the training was organized well and neatly. Instructors, curriculum, educational facilities, and infrastructure that have been well prepared to support the process Judging from the Process The training schedule compiled is carried out according to how, the performance is very good in preparing all training needs, activities run as expected and evaluation of activities carried out by collecting responses from the trainees and reviewed properly so that program improvements continue to be made. Judging from the product, the participants could understand both theoretically and practically. The conclusions of this study indicate that in the context of organizing training for office administration managers, can develop and organize competency-based training programs with national work competency standards.

A market study of early adopters of fault detection and diagnosis tools for rooftop HVAC systems

Retrofit fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) products are undergoing major advances in their ability to optimize the operation and maintenance of building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems as a result of advances in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and low-cost sensor networks. However, many market barriers still exist to their widespread adoption. This paper is the first to study the market and barriers for FDD products from the perspective of early adopters of HVAC rooftop retrofit FDD products as part of a field study of early adopters. Researchers engaged multiple sites and installed different FDD products at these sites for the purposes of (1) evaluating market readiness, market barriers, and user experience, (2) evaluating energy and demand savings, (3) evaluating the purchase, installation, training, and use process, and (4) determining overall FDD product effectiveness. This paper presents and focuses on the market study goals, methods, results, and findings determined based on survey data collected from key stakeholders participating in the study. These stakeholders included FDD providers, energy efficiency program managers and engineers, HVAC contractors, building owners, facility managers, energy managers, and consultants. The study provides results and analyses concerning (1) current knowledge and awareness levels for FDD technologies, (2) attitudes towards FDD products, (3) market barriers and resources available for FDD, and (4) insights on how stakeholders perceive and determine the value and cost for purchasing, using, and adopting FDD technologies and products. The study produced twelve (12) key findings, which provide valuable input for energy efficiency programs in their development of more effective FDD marketing programs that can increase adoption of FDD technologies and reduce barriers to widespread adoption.

A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE INDEX TESTING PROGRAM FOR MANICALAND AND MATABELELAND SOUTH PROVINCES, ZIMBABWE, 2022

Background: Zimbabwe has been implementing Index contact tracing and testing (ICT) since 2019 to expedite epidemic control and accelerate the identication of people living with HIV. We identied two comparable provinces (structure, catchment, and location) yet with contrasting HIV prevalence rates to evaluate the program and develop recommendations that can enhance program performance. A process Methodology: evaluation of the ICT program was conducted in 8 randomly selected districts shared between Manicaland and Matabeleland South provinces. A logical framework model was applied to evaluate program inputs and processes, correlated with outputs and contributions toward outcomes. Microsoft Excel 2021 was used to summarize data as frequencies and proportions. W Results: e recruited 1,393 health workers over one year shared between Manicaland, 57.1% (n=795) and Matabeleland South 42.9% (n=598). An overall 80.6% (n=14,500) of the targeted Rapid test kits and 84.9% (n=24,200) of HIVST kits were supplied, resulting in intermittent shortages in both provinces. A copy of the ICT register was supplied per facility against an average of 3 entry points each. Manicaland conducted 33.5% of their targeted ICT trainings against 80% for Matabeleland. Program implementation was scored at 62.2% for Manicaland and 81.8% for Matabeleland South. Manicaland scored an HIVST reactivity rate of 7.7% (871/11,320) whilst Matabeleland South documented a reactivity rate of 6.2% (679/10,890) against a target of 10%. Both provinces scored above 60% of their target for the identication of HIV-positive individuals (Manicaland: 61.1%, Matabeleland South: 79.5%). An overall positivity yield of 62.8% (n=742/1,181) was obtained among index contacts. Index testing proved to be a resourc Conclusion: e-intensive HIV testing model yet highly effective in identifying individuals living with HIV among index contacts. The resource demand is justied by the high positivity yield which can be aided by implementation delity, critical to expediting epidemic control by mopping up clients living with HIV without the knowledge thereof.

Role of the caudal peduncle in a fish-inspired robotic model: how changing stiffness and angle of attack affects swimming performance

In fish, the tail is a key element of propulsive anatomy that contributes to thrust during swimming. Fish possess the ability to alter tail stiffness, surface area and conformation. Specifically, the region at the base of the tail, the caudal peduncle, is proposed to be a key location of fish stiffness modulation during locomotion. Most previous analyses have focused on the overall body or tail stiffness, and not on the effects of changing stiffness specifically at the base of the tail in fish and robotic models. We used both computational fluid dynamics analysis and experimental measurements of propulsive forces in physical models with different peduncle stiffnesses to analyze the effect of altering stiffness on the tail angle of attack and propulsive force and efficiency. By changing the motion program input to the tail, we were able to alter the phase relationship between the front and back tail sections between 0° and 330°. Computational simulations showed that power consumption was nearly minimized and thrust production was nearly maximized at the kinematic pattern where φ = 270°, the approximate phase lag observed in the experimental foils and in free swimming tuna. We observed reduced thrust and efficiency at high angles of attack, suggesting that the tail driven during these motion programs experiences stalling and loss of lift. However, there is no single peduncle stiffness that consistently maximizes performance, particularly in physical models. This result highlights the fact that the optimal caudal peduncle stiffness is highly context dependent. Therefore, incorporating the ability to control peduncle stiffness in future robotic models of fish propulsion promises to increase the ability of robots to approach the performance of fish.

Automatic asphalt layer interface detection and thickness determination from ground-penetrating radar data

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has been widely used in asphalt pavement layer thickness measurement. It requires the detection of pavement layer interfaces, which could be accomplished via manual inspection. This may be subjective and cause inaccurate thickness measurements due to the field data noise. Existing layer interface detection methods for thickness determination usually require customized programming and/or manual inputs for execution, which could hinder real-time applications. This article proposes an automatic method for asphalt pavement layer interface detection and thickness determination using GPR. The effects of in-situ noise levels on thickness measurement accuracy were discussed. The Canny edge detector was used to estimate the two-way travel time (TWTT) range. The wavelet transform was used for noise cancellation. Layer interface reflections were identified using the matched filter method for thickness determination. Vibration effect during the continuous GPR survey was mitigated using the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method. A simulation study was conducted. The proposed method provided more accurate measurements than manual inspection for thickness values from 10.16 cm (4 in.) to 2.54 cm (1 in.). GPR field test was performed, and results were compared to field core thickness measurements. Results show that GPR-measured thickness errors are 6.5 % and 1.6 % using manual inspection and the proposed method, respectively. The proposed method is automatic and can be implemented using existing programming functions, which may enable real-time asphalt pavement thickness determination during GPR surveys.

"Effectiveness of English Language Teaching Programmes: Special Reference for Private Sectors"

This research was designed to determine the relationship between English Teaching Language Programmes and the private sector’s effectiveness and students’ Capability in Englishwas selected as the input for enhancement programs. The factors such as (1) Listening, (2) Writing, (3) Reading, and (4) Speaking were used to analyze the two aspects of (1) Capability in English and (2) Pedagogical expertise of the Teaching Language Programme’ effectiveness. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), and the results were presented using charts, figures, and tables. The overall mean for English Teaching Language Program Effectiveness is 2.77, which indicates that the program is effective. This implies that English Teachers Selected Colleges reflect the necessary effectiveness. The overall mean for Student Respondents’ English Capability is 3.85, which is considered good. The Pearson Correlation results revealed that all independent variables on the effectiveness of the English Teaching Language Program were correlated with the dependent variable on students’ English Capability. The correlation coefficient values range from 0.50 to 0.74, indicating a "High or Strong Relationship." Based on the study’s reasonable findings, the researcher proposed programmes of training to enhance the relationship between English Teaching Language Programmes in the private sector.

Health Promoting University Management Program in Realizing The Health Campus Society and Wellbeing in Andalas University 2022

A Health Promotion University is one of the public programs in an effort to create a healthy campus community in a comprehensive manner. Even though it is new, this program has a strategic and systematic role in the development of the community structure of the university environment. The purpose of this study is to find out how the management of a healthy campus program at Andalas University uses the system approach method by Azrul Azwar with input, process, output, impact indicators. The approach used is descriptive qualitative with data collection through document review, observation, interviews, and FGD with purposive sampling. Data were analyzed by codification/reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions. Data validity by source triangulation.                    The results of the study indicate that the management of the Andalas Health Promotion University has not been implemented properly based on; (1) program inputs are generally sufficient, both man, money, and material. Weaknesses are found in the method that has not been specifically formulated for program implementation guidelines at Unand, (2) The process has been carried out by Andalas University as a follow-up to the cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Health, but the work program planning has not been completed as a projection in achieving program goals and has not yet been included. in the Unand Strategic Plan. Organizing the Health Promotion University Management Team has been formed since 2019, but its position in the organizational structure at Andalas University is not yet clear, resulting in less effective coordination and communication in program implementation (3) The output of the Health Promotion University program has begun to be produced, but it is still very minimal because there are no program achievement indicators that should be contained in program planning. (4) The impact of this program can not be felt/measured because it is directly related to the output which cannot be obtained optimally.

PRINCIPALS’ COMPETENCIES AND TEACHERS’ JOB SATISFACTION AT DON BOSCO SCHOOLS UNDER THE CENTRAL FOUNDATION IN MANADO: BASIS FOR ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

This research is designed to determine the correlation between principals’ competencies and teachers’ job satisfaction at Selected Private Schools in Manado as input for Enhancement Programs. The principals’ competencies consisting of three aspects namely (1) Conceptual Competencies, (2) Technical Competencies, and (3) Human Relation Competencies. Meanwhile, the teachers’ job satisfaction was measured in terms of the following aspects: (1) Pay, (2) Promotion, (3) Supervision, (4) Fringe Benefits, (5) Contingent Rewards, (6) Operating Conditions, (7) Coworkers, (8) Nature of Work, and (9) Communication. The research was conducted using descriptive/correlational design; and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (Pearson r) to examine the correlation between identified variables. The results of the Pearson Correlation showed that most of the Principals’ Competencies are correlated with Job Satisfaction variables. Over-all, there is a positive significant correlation (r=0.364, p-value<0.05) between principal’s competencies and job satisfaction of teachers. The correlation can be interpreted as Moderate Relationship. The significant correlation between principals’ competencies and teachers’ job satisfaction implies that school principal should maintain and even increase their competencies if they want teachers to continue being satisfied with their job. Based on a reasonable output of this study, the researcher proposed a training program to enhance competencies of principals of Don Bosco Schools under the central fundation in Manado – Indonesia. Keywords: principals, conceptual competencies, technical competencies, human relation competencies, teachers, job satisfaction

Evaluation of the Stanford Anesthesiology Faculty Teaching Scholars Program Using the Context, Input, Process, and Product Framework.

Faculty development programs are essential to the educational mission of academic medical centers as they promote skill development and career advancement and should be regularly evaluated to determine opportunities for improvement. The context, input, process, and product (CIPP) framework evaluates all phases of a program and focuses on improvement and outcomes. The aim of this study was to use the CIPP framework to evaluate the Stanford Anesthesiology Faculty Teaching Scholars Program. Using the CIPP framework, a survey was developed for alumni (2007 to 2018) of the program, followed by structured interviews, and each interview was deductively coded to identify themes. Twenty-six of the 54 (48% response rate) participants in the program completed the survey, with 23 completing their projects and 17 of those projects still part of the anesthesiology training program. Seventeen survey responders went on to educational leadership roles. Twenty-five of the 26 survey responders would recommend this program to their colleagues. Fifteen structured interviews were conducted. Using the CIPP framework, themes were identified for context (reason for participation, previous experience in medical education, and resident education impact), input (benefits/negatives of the lecture series, availability of resources, and adequacy of nonclinical time), process (resident participation, mentorship, and barriers to implementation), and product (project completion, education sustainability, positive/negative outcomes of the program, and suggestions for improvement). The CIPP framework was successfully used to evaluate the Teaching Scholars Program. Areas of improvement were identified, including changing the program for input (add education lectures customized to faculty interests) and process (formally designate an experienced mentor to faculty).

Self-assessed tactical skills in tennis players: Psychometric evaluation of the Tactical Skills Questionnaire in Tennis.

To our knowledge, no feasible, valid and reliable instrument exists to examine tactical skills over the course of multiple training and game situations in tennis yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Tactical Skills Questionnaire in Tennis (TSQT). The TSQT is a new instrument with closed-ended questions designed to examine tactical skills in tennis players. Participants were 233 competitive tennis players (age: 17.06 ± 4.74 years) competing on national or regional levels. With a principal component analysis (PCA) we identified four theoretically meaningful subscales for the 31-item TSQT: “Anticipation and positioning,” “Game intelligence and adaptability,” “Decision-making,” and “Recognizing game situations” and confirmed them with a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (χ2 = 527.02, df = 426, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.045, SRMR = 0.079). Internal consistency was good, with Cronbach's alpha of 0.89 for the entire scale and McDonald's omega ranging from 0.69 to 0.78 for the separate subscales. A subsample of 57 players completed the TSQT twice to assess test-retest reliability. Absolute test-retest reliability of the subscales was good with no significant differences in mean scores between test and retest (p > 0.05). Relative test-retest reliability was moderate with ICC values ranging from 0.65 to 0.71. National players outperformed regional players on the subscales “Game intelligence and adaptability,” “Decision-making,” and “Recognizing game situations” (p < 0.05), and there was a trend toward significance for “Anticipation and positioning” (p = 0.07). This study supported the psychometric properties of the TSQT. Evaluating tactical skills with the TSQT provides players, coaches and other professionals with insight in players' self-assessed tactical skills over the course of multiple training and game situations. It creates the opportunity for players to reflect on their skills and detect personal development areas with their coach. We advise to use this information as input for tailor-made training programs.

Implementation and outcome evaluations of a multi-site improvement program in cancer genetics.

Program evaluation can identify the successes and challenges of implementing clinical programs, which can inform future dissemination efforts. A cancer genetics improvement program, disseminated from the Lead Team's institution to five health systems (Participating Sites), was genetic counselor led, using virtual implementation facilitation to support Participating Sites' performance of quality improvement (QI) activities over several years. Program implementation and outcome evaluations were performed and included evaluation of program delivery and initial effects of the program on Participating Sites. A logic model guided evaluation of program implementation (inputs, activities, outputs, delivery/fidelity, and coverage/reach) and initial outcomes (short-term and intermediate outcomes). Data were collected from program documents and an Evaluation Survey of Participating Site team members (21 respondents), compared against the Lead Team's expectations of participation, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. All program inputs, outputs, and activities were available and delivered as expected across the five Participating Sites. The most frequently used activities and inputs were facilitation-associated meetings and meeting resources, which were rated as useful/helpful by the majority of respondents. Nearly all respondents noted improvement in short-term outcomes following participation: 82.4% reported increased awareness of clinical processes, 94.1% increased knowledge of QI methods, 100% reported increased perceived importance of QI, 94.1% increased perceived feasibility of QI, and 76.5% reported increased problem-solving skills and self-efficacy to use QI at their site. Intermediate outcomes (identifying barriers, developing interventions, improved teamwork, and capacity) were achieved following program participation as indicated by the results of the program document review and Evaluation Survey responses. Implementation challenges at Participating Sites included staffing constraints, difficulties obtaining buy-in and participation, and developing interventions over time. The multi-site improvement program was delivered and implemented with high levels of fidelity and resulted in improved short and intermediate outcomes. Future research will evaluate long-term, patient-level outcomes associated with site-specific QI interventions.

High Temporal Variability in Late Blight Pathogen Diversity, Virulence, and Fungicide Resistance in Potato Breeding Fields: Results from a Long-Term Monitoring Study.

Long-term site-specific studies describing changes in the phenotypic variability of Phytophthora infestans populations allow quantitative predictions of pathogen spread and possible outbreaks of epidemics, and provide key input for regional resistance breeding programs. Late blight samples were collected from potato (Solanum tuberosum) breeding fields in Estonia during a twelve-year study period between 2001 and 2014. In total, 207 isolates were assessed for mating type and 235 isolates for metalaxyl resistance and 251 isolates for virulence factors. The frequency of mating types strongly fluctuated across the years, whereas the later period of 2010–2014 was dominated by the A2 mating. Despite fluctuations, both mating types were recorded in the same fields in most years, indicating sustained sexual reproduction of P. infestans with oospore production. Metalaxyl-resistant and intermediately resistant strains dominated in the first years of study, but with the progression of the study, metalaxyl-sensitive isolates became dominant, reaching up to 88%. Racial diversity, characterized by normalized Shannon diversity index decreased in time, varying from 1.00 in 2003 to 0.43 in 2013. The frequency of several virulence factors changed in a time-dependent manner, with R2 increasing and R6, R8, and R9 decreasing in time. Potato cultivar resistance background did not influence the frequency of P. infestans mating type, response to metalaxyl, and racial diversity. However, the diversity index decreased in time among isolates collected from resistant and susceptible cultivars, and remained at a high level in moderately resistant cultivars. These data demonstrate major time-dependent changes in racial diversity, fungicide resistance, and virulence factors in P. infestans, consistent with alterations in the control strategies and popularity of potato cultivars with different resistance.

The Linear Algebra Mapping Problem. Current State of Linear Algebra Languages and Libraries

We observe a disconnect between developers and end-users of linear algebra libraries. On the one hand, developers invest significant effort in creating sophisticated numerical kernels. On the other hand, end-users are progressively less likely to go through the time consuming process of directly using said kernels; instead, languages and libraries, which offer a higher level of abstraction, are becoming increasingly popular. These languages offer mechanisms that internally map the input program to lower level kernels. Unfortunately, our experience suggests that, in terms of performance, this translation is typically suboptimal. In this paper, we define the problem of mapping a linear algebra expression to a set of available building blocks as the “Linear Algebra Mapping Problem” (LAMP) ; we discuss its NP-complete nature, and investigate how effectively a benchmark of test problems is solved by popular high-level programming languages and libraries. Specifically, we consider Matlab, Octave, Julia, R, Armadillo (C++), Eigen (C++), and NumPy (Python); the benchmark is meant to test both compiler optimizations, as well as linear algebra specific optimizations, such as the optimal parenthesization of matrix products. The aim of this study is to facilitate the development of languages and libraries that support linear algebra computations.

Learning styles and Technology Livelihood Education (TLE) Competency Assessment of Junior High School Students: Input for a Competency-Based Program

The changing educational landscape and the vision of Education 4.0 have pushed curricular reforms in the Philippines. The K—12 Program was implemented to enhance the quality of education to uplift the Filipino learners' full potential, promoting equitable, culturally based skills and competency-based learning. With the recent educational developments, various modalities are essential to acquire the necessary competencies among learners. Specifically, the Technology Livelihood Education (TLE) under TechVoc is critical as it provides skilled courses to students in grades 7 to 12. Its ultimate goal is to train young individuals and help them gain the competencies and employability skills they need to qualify them to apply and work in local industries and other countries. Therefore, the researcher employed a descriptive correlational design to assess the competency of 50 Junior High School Students in Eulogio Rodriguez Vocational High School (ERVHS) with their learning styles. Results revealed that all of the respondents were competent and that no significant relationship exists between the respondents learning style and TLE competency. The post-structuralism theory implies that several factors must be considered, particularly students as learning agents. Moreover, the findings also critiqued the VARK model as an opportunity for future discourses on learning styles. Results geared at enhancing the least acquired competencies of students and input to the TLE intervention program.