Post Facto Research Articles

External Constraints on the Development of Quality Assessment of Students’ Learning in Higher Education

Learning-oriented assessment models, which tend to generate better learning processes, better academic performance and greater student involvement in teaching–learning processes, are increasingly being used in European universities; they are also more suitable for competence-based learning. However, there are a number of constraints that hinder their implementation, either due to internal (lack of teacher training and attitude/motivation to make changes in teaching and assessment methodology) or external (teaching load of lecturers and group size (number of students per group)) factors. Taking the latter into account, the aim of this study was to determine to what extent the teaching load and the number of students per group condition the use or not of quality assessment systems in the university world. A questionnaire of assessment systems and instruments with a high level of reliability and validity was administered to a large and representative sample of the teaching staff from numerous Spanish universities. Multivariate analyses were carried out to try to achieve the research objective. The results, based on a post facto model, show that quality assessment systems are advancing. Furthermore, the conclusion was reached that the teaching load and the number of students to be assessed are factors that correlate significantly with a greater use of assessment systems involving exams with closed questions. They correlate negatively with the use of continuous and formative assessment (FA) systems, although there is much variability in the latter case and the results do not seem clearly conclusive, suggesting more research on this topic and its sustainability.

Theoretically grounded approaches to account for polarization effects in fixed-charge force fields.

Non-polarizable, or fixed-charge, force fields are the workhorses of most molecular simulation studies. They attempt to describe the potential energy surface (PES) of the system by including polarization effects in an implicit way. This has historically been done in a rather empirical and ad hoc manner. Recent theoretical treatments of polarization, however, offer promise for getting the most out of fixed-charge force fields by judicious choice of parameters (most significantly the net charge or dipole moment of the model) and application of post facto polarization corrections. This Perspective describes these polarization theories, namely the "halfway-charge" theory and the molecular dynamics in electronic continuum theory, and shows that they lead to qualitatively (and often, quantitatively) similar predictions. Moreover, they can be reconciled into a unified approach to construct a force field development workflow that can yield non-polarizable models with charge/dipole values that provide an optimal description of the PES. Several applications of this approach are reviewed, and avenues for future research are proposed.

A search for mode coupling in magnetic bright points

Magnetic bright points (MBPs) are one of the smallest manifestations of the magnetic field in the solar atmosphere and are observed to extend from the photosphere up to the chromosphere. As such, they represent an excellent feature to use in searches for types of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves and mode coupling in the solar atmosphere. In this work, we aim to study wave propagation in the lower solar atmosphere by comparing intensity oscillations in the photosphere with the chromosphere via a search for possible mode coupling, in order to establish the importance of these types of waves in the solar atmosphere, and their contribution to heating the chromosphere. These observations were conducted in July 2011 with the Rapid Oscillations of the Solar Atmosphere (ROSA) and the Hydrogen-Alpha Rapid Dynamics Camera (HARDCam) instruments at the Dunn Solar Telescope. Observations with good seeing were made in the G-band and Halpha wave bands. Speckle reconstruction and several post facto techniques were applied to return science-ready images. The spatial sampling of the images was 0.069arcsec /pixel (50 km/pixel). We used wavelet analysis to identify traveling MHD waves and derive frequencies in the different bandpasses. We isolated a large sample of MBPs using an automated tracking algorithm throughout our observations. Two dozen of the brightest MBPs were selected from the sample for further study. We find oscillations in the G-band MBPs, with frequencies between 1.5 and 3.6 mHz. Corresponding MBPs in the lower solar chromosphere observed in Halpha show a frequency range of 1.4 to 4.3 mHz. In about 38<!PCT!> of the MBPs, the ratio of Halpha to G-band frequencies was near two. Thus, these oscillations show a form of mode coupling where the transverse waves in the photosphere are converted into longitudinal waves in the chromosphere. The phases of the Halpha and G-band light curves show strong positive and negative correlations only 21<!PCT!> and 12<!PCT!> of the time, respectively. From simple estimates we find an energy flux of approx 45 $ $ W m$^ $ and show that the energy flowing through MBPs is enough to heat the chromosphere, although higher-resolution data are needed to explore this contribution further. Regardless, mode coupling is important in helping us understand the types of MHD waves in the lower solar atmosphere and the overall energy budget.

Uncovering an emerging policy direction for Australian energy and future fuels using a “participatory decision-making” framework

IntroductionAn online deliberative engagement process was undertaken with members of the general public to understand what they value or would like to change about the energy system, within the broader context of decarbonizing Australia's energy networks, identifying a role for future fuels (hydrogen and biogas). Citizens developed a set of principles that could guide Australia's path toward a low-carbon energy future, reflecting on expectations they place upon energy transition. Next, citizens' principles were shared with policy-makers in government and policy-influencers from the energy industry using an online interactive workshop.MethodsThis study analyses policy-makers and -influencers response to citizens' guiding principles using the 'diamond of participatory decision-making' framework for analysis. Convergence and divergence in diverse, complex and rich views across cohorts and implications thereupon energy policy were identified.ResultsAlthough considerable alignment between multi-stakeholders' views was noted, key areas of divergence, or what is called the “groan zone” were easily identified in relation to social and environmental justice issues. This groan zone highlights the struggles that energy policy-makers face -the need to listen and respond to citizens' voices, vs. the need for practical and workable policies that also support overarching government or industry objectives.DiscussionPolicy making when the views of different stakeholders align is relatively straightforward. However, this is not the case where the expectations diverge. More creative measures will be needed to address divergent views and expectations whilst maintaining procedural fairness, in this case, using democratic deliberative engagement processes. While the use of deliberative processes is gaining momentum worldwide, particularly concerning climate change and energy transition policies, this paper also highlights the benefits of conducting a robust post facto analysis of the content of the processes. Areas of alignment, where policy can be made and implemented relatively easily without contention are identified. Other areas (such as making electrification mandatory) might be more complex or have unwanted negative social and environmental justice effects. Overall, this paper bridges an analytical gap between “expectation studies” and participatory research. By borrowing terminology from a participatory research framework we sharpen the concepts in “expectation studies” from a consensus, inclusion and diversity standpoint.

Solar multiobject multiframe blind deconvolution with a spatially variant convolution neural emulator

Context.The study of astronomical phenomena through ground-based observations is always challenged by the distorting effects of Earth’s atmosphere. Traditional methods of post facto image correction, essential for correcting these distortions, often rely on simplifying assumptions that limit their effectiveness, particularly in the presence of spatially variant atmospheric turbulence. Such cases are often solved by partitioning the field of view into small patches, deconvolving each patch independently, and merging all patches together. This approach is often inefficient and can produce artifacts.Aims.Recent advancements in computational techniques and the advent of deep learning offer new pathways to address these limitations. This paper introduces a novel framework leveraging a deep neural network to emulate spatially variant convolutions, offering a breakthrough in the efficiency and accuracy of astronomical image deconvolution.Methods.By training on a dataset of images convolved with spatially invariant point spread functions and validating its generalizability to spatially variant conditions, this approach presents a significant advancement over traditional methods. The convolution emulator is used as a forward model in a multiobject multiframe blind deconvolution algorithm for solar images.Results.The emulator enables the deconvolution of solar observations across large fields of view without resorting to patch-wise mosaicking, thus avoiding the artifacts associated with such techniques. This method represents a significant computational advantage, reducing processing times by orders of magnitude.

Efficacy of firm size and structure on organizational performance

Firm size plays an important role in determining firm’s performance even though it’s not clear whether firm size affect organizational perfor[1]mance. Therefore; an investigation is required to assess the effect firm size and structure will have on firm’s performance. The specific objectives were to investigate the relationship between firm size and firm performance and to analyze the relationship between organizational structure and firm per[1]formance. For the purpose of this study primary data was used. The ex[1]post facto method was employed. The population consists of the members of staff of Guinness International PLC Plant, Lagos Nigeria. Yamane for[1]mula was adopted to determine the sample size. The data was analyzed us[1]ing manual and electronic based methods through the data preparation grid and statistical package for the social sciences, (SPSS). Linear regression analysis method which also makes use of ANOVA was employed to test the hypothesis. The findings of this study have shown a positive relation[1]ship between firm size and competitive advantage such that competitive advantage is affected by firm size. A finding from the study also shows that there is significant relationship between organizational structure and firm performance. It was concluded that strategic factors cannot be overempha[1]sized in determine the size, structure and performance of firm. This study has made us understand the effect of strategic factor on firm performance and also revealed immense benefit to both local and international firms as well as useful to students for further research. This study will make orga[1]nizations to understand the effect of strategic factor on firm performance and it will also be of immense benefit to both local and international firms as well as useful to students for further research. It will help management and manager to identify the effect of strategic factors on firm performance. The study will give more insight into the relationship between strategic factors and firm performance for academician. Key words: firm size, structure, organizational performance, strate[1]gic factors.

The interdisciplinary method of musical literacy, education and artistic sensibilization: Objectives, structure and evaluation

The Interdisciplinary Method of Musical Literacy, Education and Artistic Awareness (MILMESA) aims to provide a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to education, integrating four artistic expressions (theatre, music, visual arts and physical/motor expression) essential for the development of skills such as creativity, expression and improvisation in a school context. The method aims to prepare adults who are in training for future practices aimed at children, young people or adults. MILMESA integrates 129 activities, classified by degree of difficulty, to improve personal and artistic skills, foster innovation and creativity, improve interaction and sociability, promote concentration and active listening, and improve rhythm, repetition, movement skills, expression and improvisation. A non-experimental methodology was chosen in which post facto questionnaire interviews were applied to 350 training participants. This method is a valuable tool for those looking to expand their artistic knowledge, as well as preparing them to educate and raise awareness among future generations. They also demonstrate the development of interdisciplinary artistic skills and practices in an educational context, the integral development of the individual, the connection and interaction between the arts and other areas of knowledge, and the improvement of skills in individuals who are training for future roles as teachers or artists.

THE INFLUENCE OF PROBLEM SOLVING TYPE TEACHER TEACHING VARIATIONS ON LEARNING OUTCOMES OF CLASS XI IPS STUDENTS OF STATE 16 BONE

This research aims to determine the effect of teacher teaching variations in the type of problem solving on the learning outcomes of Class XI IPS students at SMA Negeri 16 Bone. This research is a post facto research. The variables of this research are student learning outcomes, Teacher Teaching Variations Type Problem Solving. The population in this study was 32 students of class XI IPS 1 SMA Negeri 16 Bone. The data collection technique uses a questionnaire. The analysis method uses the Rehabilitation Test, Reliability Test, and t Test. From the results of the research, it was concluded that, the learning outcomes of class and H1 is accepted. Indicators of the criteria for completeness of student learning outcomes determined by researchers, it can be concluded that learning outcomes after implementing the Problem Solving learning model have increased compared to during the Pre Test, which means that they have met the criteria for completeness of learning outcomes, namely 84.375% ≥ 70%.

Ex Post Facto Evaluation of Participant Recruitment Techniques in a Zoological Setting

Existing literature suggests that passive recruitment techniques, such as those using signage, have been demonstrated to be an effective and reliable recruitment mechanism. The current evaluation examined the differences in participant-provided responses in a zoo exhibit between active and passive recruitment methods using a post facto analysis. Findings from this evaluation of data collected demonstrate that survey completion rates and most participant demographics remained consistent between the two recruitment methods. However, there was an observed difference in participant-provided responses when comparing the active and passive recruitment strategies. Passive recruitment strategies have the potential to reduce participant reactivity. Based on the findings of this evaluation, it is recommended that researchers employing passive techniques utilize signage that is disruptive to the visitor experience to draw attention, keep survey instruments easy to understand, and avoid conflicting with the overall visitor experience.

The Effect of Study Habits on the Learning Outcomes of Natural and Social Sciences (IPAS) at Elementary School Students

Study habits are a way or technique to establish students when receiving learning, reading books, and doing assignments to complete teaching and learning activities. With these good Study habits, students can improve learning outcomes from the scores obtained previously. This study aims to determine the effect of student study habits on student learning outcomes in class IV Natural and Social Sciences (IPAS) subjects at SDN Kedensari II. This research is a quantitative study using the post facto approach. The population in this study was grade IV students, and the research sample was 50 students. Data collection in this study is the first to use a questionnaire and documentation of mid-semester test scores as learning outcomes in Natural and Social Sciences (IPAS) subjects. Data analysis used descriptive analysis, prerequisite test analysis, and hypothesis testing with the T-test, and the results showed that students' study habits were included in a reasonably good category with a percentage of 38%. The value of learning outcomes from the midterm test scores was included in the good enough type, with the highest rate of 34%. This research proves that Study habits significantly affect student learning outcomes in class IV Natural and Social Sciences (IPAS) subjects at SDN Kedensari II.

Duginast Krimmini. Vene intelligentsi reageeringud sotsiaalmeedias sündmustele septembrist 2022 märtsini 2023

The study that was conducted from September 2022 to April 2023 demonstrates how perceptions of seemingly stable times change in times of crisis (war in Ukraine, repressions, dictatorship, political censorship, etc.). The methodology used in the study allows us to record the reinterpretation of memorable dates and the emergence of new events significant for social media users. The data analysis allows us to form a post facto order of significant events of the end of August 2022 – April 2023. I have conditionally called this order of events a “mental calendar”. The research was aimed at a certain social group of Russian society – intellectuals, who play an important role in the public and media space. The ability to generate narratives, descriptive strategies and interpretive frameworks suggests that the research will allow for a cross-sectional analysis of the perceptions of the entire Russian society. It was fundamental to observe the Russian segment of social networks, those who did not leave and remained in Russia, because this reaction from within demonstrates the plurality of opinions, different survival strategies, etc. This approach yielded important results for understanding what was happening inside the aggressor country, but at the same time had a number of limitations, primarily in the disclosure of the respondents' personal data.

Effectiveness of investment in business acquisition: Results of disclosures 2021–2022

Aim. To perform an assessment of the performance of investments in business acquisitions over the years to 2021 by analyzing the impairments recognized in 2021 and 2022.Objectives. To examine the possible approaches to analyze the performance of mergers and acquisitions; to elaborate on one of the approaches in the aspect of investigating the impairment of goodwill previously recognized as a result of company acquisitions; to analyze the indicators of available financial statements of companies for 2021 and 2022.Methods. The study is based on the analysis of consolidated financial statements of Russian companies and sample data on foreign companies. We considered individual transactions on foreign companies’ exit from the Russian market and assessed the effect of their influence on the financial statements of foreign companies.Results. The authors have carried out a post facto evaluation of the indicators of the largest Russian companies in the sample, assessed the possibilities of goodwill recovery as a result of M&A transactions. As a result of the analysis the conclusion is formed that the situation in the considered sector of economy remains stable. Meanwhile, foreign investors who have left the Russian market recognize significant impairment of investments in their financial statements.Conclusions. The prospect for further research is to conduct a more extensive analysis based on a larger sample of companies. In 2023, some companies that preferred not to publish their 2022 financial statements have started to disclose their financial results again. This provides an opportunity to continue the research begun in the paper on the results obtained and to make further refinements.

Tendency on the Application of Drill-Down Analysis in Scientific Studies: A Systematic Review

With the fact that new server technologies are coming to market, it is necessary to update or create new methodologies for data analysis and exploitation. Applied methodologies go from decision tree categorization to artificial neural networks (ANN) usage, which implement artificial intelligence (AI) for decision making. One of the least used strategies is drill-down analysis (DD), belonging to the decision trees subcategory, which because of not having AI resources has lost interest among researchers. However, its easy implementation makes it a suitable tool for database processing systems. This research has developed a systematic review to understand the prospective of DD analysis on scientific literature in order to establish a knowledge platform and establish if it is convenient to drive it to integration with superior methodologies, as it would be those based on ANN, and produce a better diagnosis in future works. A total of 80 scientific articles were reviewed from 1997 to 2023, showing a high frequency in 2021 and experimental as the predominant methodology. From a total of 100 problems solved, 42% were using the experimental methodology, 34% descriptive, 17% comparative, and just 7% post facto. We detected 14 unsolved problems, from which 50% fall in the experimental area. At the same time, by study type, methodologies included correlation studies, processes, decision trees, plain queries, granularity, and labeling. It was observed that just one work focuses on mathematics, which reduces new knowledge production expectations. Additionally, just one work manifested ANN usage.

Polarization-consistent force field for ketones

Ketones are some of the most widely used solvents, with a variety of applications. In addition, molecules with ketone functional groups feature prominently in pharmaceutical APIs. However, they present a particular challenge for modelling, particularly when considering solutions and mixtures. In this paper, we present a new classical nonpolarizable model for ketones, based on our recently-proposed Polarization-Consistent Approach (PolCA). PolCA is based on a theoretically-grounded consideration of polarization effects in a nonpolarizable framework, which lead to an optimal selection of the model’s effective dipole moment and point charges, as well as to the derivation of post facto corrections for solvation free energy and dielectric constant predictions. This allows us to effectively account for the missing effects of polarization in a computationally expedient way. At the core of this approach is a realistic estimate of the dipole moment of ketones in the liquid phase, which we obtain by applying the recently-developed Self-Consistent Electrostatic Embedding (SCEE) method. The new model, developed under this paradigm, provides significantly improved predictions over the state-of-the-art TraPPE model, and shows improved transferability to heterogeneous systems.

Coma Off It: Regularizing Variable Point-spread Functions

We describe a rapid and direct method for regularizing, post facto, the point-spread function (PSF) of a telescope or other imaging instrument across its entire field of view (FOV). Imaging instruments in general blur point sources of light by local convolution with a PSF that varies slowly across the FOV, due to coma, spherical aberration, and similar effects. It is possible to regularize the PSF in post-processing, producing data with a homogeneous “effective PSF” across the entire FOV. In turn, the method enables seamless wide-field astronomical mosaics at higher resolution than would otherwise be achievable, and potentially changes the design trade space for telescopes, lenses, and other optical systems where data uniformity is important. For many kinds of optical aberration, simple and rapid convolution with a locally optimized “transfer PSF” produces extremely uniform imaging properties at low computational cost. PSF regularization does not require access to the instrument that obtained the data, and can be bootstrapped from existing data sets that include starfield images or other means of estimating the PSF across the field.

Cosmological Fast Optical Transients with the Zwicky Transient Facility: A Search for Dirty Fireballs

Dirty fireballs are a hypothesized class of relativistic massive-star explosions with an initial Lorentz factor Γinit below the Γinit ∼ 100 required to produce a long-duration gamma-ray burst (LGRB), but which could still produce optical emission resembling LGRB afterglows. Here we present the results of a search for on-axis optical afterglows using the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF). Our search yielded seven optical transients that resemble on-axis LGRB afterglows in terms of their red colors (g − r > 0 mag), faint host galaxies (r > 23 mag), rapid fading (dr/dt > 1 mag day−1), and in some cases X-ray and radio emission. Spectroscopy of the transient emission within a few days of discovery established cosmological distances (redshift z = 0.876 to 2.9) for six of the seven events, tripling the number of afterglows with redshift measurements discovered by optical surveys without a γ-ray trigger. A likely associated LGRB (GRB 200524A, GRB 210204A, GRB 210212B, and GRB 210610B) was identified for four events (ZTF 20abbiixp/AT 2020kym, ZTF 21aagwbjr/AT 2021buv, ZTF 21aakruew/AT 2021cwd, and ZTF 21abfmpwn/AT 2021qbd) post facto, while three (ZTF 20aajnksq/AT 2020blt, ZTF 21aaeyldq/AT 2021any, and ZTF 21aayokph/AT 2021lfa) had no detected LGRB counterpart. The simplest explanation for the three “orphan” events is that they were regular LGRBs missed by high-energy satellites owing to detector sensitivity and duty cycle, although it is possible that they were intrinsically subluminous in γ-rays or viewed slightly off-axis. We rule out a scenario in which dirty fireballs have a similar energy per solid angle to LGRBs and are an order of magnitude more common. In addition, we set the first direct constraint on the ratio of the opening angles of the material producing γ-rays and the material producing early optical afterglow emission, finding that they must be comparable.

On Identifying and Mitigating Bias in Inferred Measurements for Solar Vector Magnetic-Field Data

The problem of bias, meaning over- or under-estimation, of the component perpendicular to the line-of-sight [B_{perp }] in vector magnetic-field maps is discussed. Previous works on this topic have illustrated that the problem exists; here we perform novel investigations to quantify the bias, fully understand its source(s), and provide mitigation strategies. First, we develop quantitative metrics to measure the B_{perp } bias and quantify the effect in both local (physical) and native image-plane components. Second, we test and evaluate different options available to inversions and different data sources, to systematically characterize the impacts of these choices, including explicitly accounting for the magnetic fill fraction [f!!f]. Third, we deploy a simple model to test how noise and different models of the bias may manifest. From these three investigations we find that while the bias is dominantly present in under-resolved structures, it is also present in strong-field, pixel-filling structures. Noise in the spectropolarimetric data can exacerbate the problem, but it is not the primary cause of the bias. We show that fitting f!!f explicitly provides significant mitigation, but that other considerations such as the choice of chi ^{2}-weights and optimization algorithms can impact the results as well. Finally, we demonstrate a straightforward “quick fix” that can be applied post facto but prior to solving the 180^{circ} ambiguity in B_{perp }, and which may be useful when global-scale structures are, e.g., used for model boundary input. The conclusions of this work support the deployment of inversion codes that explicitly fit f!!f or, as with the new SyntHIA neural-net, that are trained on data that did so.

Technical Analysis on the Cyber Organizational Criminology of Dictatorial Military Conducts -- Experience from Human Trafficking and Coercions by Military Cyber Aggressions

The reformulated paper after the proceeding of the NCWMC 2022 recovers some previous manuscripts intercepted by the PLA of PRC for covert military operations with intrusions in global investment and financial systems. The crimes are analytically conducted through cloud servers and I/O for intelligence gathering. The information contained in the manuscripts with THEIR informatics not only could have led to further economic-financial surrogation of the PLA in American economy with investments, but also threats American national security through ontological calculation frameworks with artificial intelligence and further calculative power assertions - apart from the threats of outer space peace and security. It can be the reason behind the black hole and white hole observational results with the signal-satelliteinformation approach to general relativity manuscripts. A preliminary conception for defense strategy is proposed with previous insights and post facto security breaches to USA Space Command directly and national security conductively.

Historical criminology, a moving target: Understanding and challenging trends in British and American periodization

Within historical research, any identification of a chronological start and end point constitutes a tacit assertion that the period is worthy of study as a complete narrative. For that reason, an historical subfield's cumulative decisions regarding periodization may offer valuable insights into how it envisions its most important eras and epochs. This article analyzes periodization choices within historical criminology, employing a convenience sample (n = 1966) of representative monographs and articles as a means of creating a general, if provisional, sense of which time periods scholars working on United States- and Great Britain-based subjects consider most worthy of study. Based on an analysis of titles with explicit periodizations (n = 703), the authors uncovered distinct patterns, as British topics decidedly leaned toward the early Victorian Era (1835–1849), whereas United States-focused works lean toward the late Gilded Age (1890–1901). We contend that, in both instances, an era's privileged place within the literature is attributable to a variety of factors, including availability of evidence, the state of the secondary literature, and a feeling that the period resonates in the present day. The authors conclude that, because historical eras are post facto inventions and all times are ultimately interrelated and inseparable, historical criminologists should push to “flatten the curve” of periodization by giving approximately equal attention to all time periods, beginning with greater attention to the Colonial United States and pre-Tudor England.

Square Root Compression and Noise Effects in Digitally Transformed Images

We report on a particular example of noise and data representation interacting to introduce systematic error into scientific measurements. Many instruments collect integer digitized values and apply nonlinear coding, in particular square root coding, to compress the data for transfer or downlink; this can introduce surprising systematic errors when they are decoded for analysis. Square root coding and subsequent decoding typically introduces a variable ±1 count value-dependent systematic bias in the data after reconstitution. This is significant when large numbers of measurements (e.g., image pixels) are averaged together. Using direct modeling of the probability distribution of particular coded values in the presence of instrument noise, one may apply Bayes’ theorem to construct a decoding table that reduces this error source to a very small fraction of a digitizer step; in our example, systematic error from square root coding is reduced by a factor of 20 from 0.23 to 0.012 count rms. The method is suitable both for new experiments such as the upcoming PUNCH mission, and also for post facto application to existing data sets—even if the instrument noise properties are only loosely known. Further, the method does not depend on the specifics of the coding formula, and may be applied to other forms of nonlinear coding or representation of data values.