Miscellaneous Archives - PosS_Lab https://www.possinghamlab.org/category/miscellaneous/ Blog about education and science in USA Mon, 30 Sep 2024 13:57:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.2 https://www.possinghamlab.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/cropped-bonrqlof-32x32.png Miscellaneous Archives - PosS_Lab https://www.possinghamlab.org/category/miscellaneous/ 32 32 The Impact of the Urban Environment on Ecosystems: Research and Conclusions https://www.possinghamlab.org/the-impact-of-the-urban-environment-on-ecosystems-research-and-conclusions/ Mon, 30 Sep 2024 13:57:31 +0000 https://www.possinghamlab.org/?p=204 Urbanization is a defining phenomenon of the 21st century, with more than half of the world’s population now living in cities. This shift from rural

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Urbanization is a defining phenomenon of the 21st century, with more than half of the world’s population now living in cities. This shift from rural to urban living has profound implications for ecosystems globally. The transformation of natural landscapes into urban areas disrupts ecological balance, alters habitats, and impacts biodiversity. This article delves into the various ways urban environments affect ecosystems, summarizing current research and drawing conclusions on the subject.

Urbanization and Ecosystem Changes

The expansion of urban areas leads to significant changes in land use and land cover. Natural habitats such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands are often converted into residential, commercial, and industrial zones. This transformation results in habitat fragmentation, which is the breaking up of continuous habitats into smaller, isolated patches. Fragmented habitats can no longer support the same levels of biodiversity, leading to a decline in species richness.

Moreover, urban areas introduce pollutants into the environment. Air pollution from vehicles and industries contributes to the degradation of air quality, affecting both human health and wildlife. Water bodies near cities often suffer from contamination due to runoff containing chemicals, heavy metals, and nutrients from fertilizers. This pollution can lead to eutrophication, harming aquatic life by depleting oxygen levels in the water.

Urban heat islands are another consequence of urbanization. Cities tend to be warmer than surrounding rural areas due to the absorption and retention of heat by buildings and pavement. This temperature increase can alter local climate patterns and affect species that are sensitive to temperature changes.

Effects on Biodiversity

Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. Urbanization impacts biodiversity in several ways:

  1. Habitat Loss: The most direct impact is the loss of habitats due to land development. Species that cannot adapt to urban environments are at risk of extinction in those areas.
  2. Introduction of Invasive Species: Cities often become hubs for invasive species that outcompete native flora and fauna, leading to reduced biodiversity.
  3. Light and Noise Pollution: Artificial lighting and noise can disrupt the natural behaviors of wildlife, affecting feeding, mating, and migration patterns.

Key Impacts of Urbanization on Ecosystems

ImpactDescriptionConsequences
Habitat FragmentationDivision of habitats into smaller, isolated patchesDecline in species diversity
PollutionIntroduction of contaminants into air, water, and soilHealth issues for humans and wildlife
Urban Heat IslandsHigher temperatures in cities compared to rural areasAltered local climates
Invasive SpeciesNon-native species introduced into new environmentsOutcompete native species
Light and Noise PollutionExcessive artificial light and noise in urban areasDisruption of wildlife behaviors

Major Impacts of Urban Environments on Ecosystems

  1. Alteration of Natural Habitats: Urban development replaces natural landscapes with man-made structures, leading to habitat destruction.
  2. Climate Change Contribution: Cities contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating global climate change.
  3. Resource Depletion: Urban areas consume large amounts of resources, leading to overexploitation of natural resources elsewhere.
  4. Water Cycle Disruption: Impervious surfaces prevent water infiltration, altering groundwater recharge and increasing runoff.
  5. Air Quality Degradation: Emissions from transportation and industries lead to smog and acid rain, affecting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Strategies for Mitigating Negative Impacts

  • Urban Planning: Incorporate green spaces and corridors to connect fragmented habitats.
  • Sustainable Transportation: Promote public transit, cycling, and walking to reduce vehicle emissions.
  • Green Building Practices: Utilize energy-efficient designs and renewable energy sources.
  • Pollution Control Measures: Implement strict regulations on industrial emissions and waste management.
  • Community Engagement: Educate the public about the importance of biodiversity and how to protect it.

The urban environment has a multifaceted impact on ecosystems, influencing everything from local biodiversity to global climate patterns. Research indicates that while urbanization poses significant challenges to ecological balance, there are strategies that can mitigate these effects. Sustainable urban planning, pollution control, and conservation efforts are essential to preserve ecosystems amid growing urban landscapes. By integrating environmental considerations into urban development, it is possible to create cities that coexist harmoniously with nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does urbanization specifically affect local wildlife?

Urbanization leads to habitat loss and fragmentation, making it difficult for local wildlife to find food, shelter, and mates. The introduction of invasive species and increased pollution further threaten native species, often resulting in reduced populations or local extinctions.

Can urban environments have any positive impacts on ecosystems?

Yes, urban environments can support ecosystems through green spaces like parks, urban forests, and green roofs. These areas can provide habitats for certain species, promote biodiversity, and offer ecosystem services such as air purification and temperature regulation.

What role can individuals play in mitigating the impact of urbanization on ecosystems?

Individuals can contribute by supporting and participating in urban greening projects, reducing their carbon footprint, properly disposing of waste, and advocating for environmentally friendly policies. Educating oneself and others about environmental issues also plays a crucial role in collective efforts to mitigate negative impacts.

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How do PayID Pokies and POLi Casinos in Australia Use Math to Improve Gameplay? https://www.possinghamlab.org/how-do-payid-pokies-and-poli-casinos-in-australia-use-math-to-improve-gameplay/ Sat, 15 Jul 2023 13:26:09 +0000 https://www.possinghamlab.org/?p=161 As a passionate Aussie player in the online casino world, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate workings behind the scenes. It’s no secret that

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As a passionate Aussie player in the online casino world, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate workings behind the scenes. It’s no secret that mathematics plays a vital role in shaping the operations of PayID and POLi casinos. From оptimizing transaсtions tо enhancing user experience, thе intеgration оf math intо thеir business рractices has rеvolutionizеd thе gambling industry. In this article, we will exрlore how thеsе casinos utilize math, algorithms, аnd cryptоgraphy tо еnsurе secure transaсtions, mаke informed decisions, аnd pаve thе way for an exciting future. So, let’s dive intо thе fascinating world where mathеmatics meets online gambling.

Optimizing Transactions: Algorithms at Play

As а pаssionаte Aussie cаsino plаyer, I’ve eхperienced firsthаnd thе importаnce оf seаmless аnd efficient trаnsаctions. Bеhind thе scenes оf onlinе cаsinos, sophisticаted аlgorithms work tirеlеssly tо оptimize еvеry trаnsаction. Тhese mаthеmаticаl mаrvels аnаlyze а rаnge оf vаriаbles, such аs pаyment methods, trаnsаction volumes, аnd procеssing times, tо ensure thаt deposits аnd withdrаwаls аre еxеcutеd smооthly. Тhe аlgorithms cоnsider fаctоrs like trаnsаction costs аnd seсurity prоtоcоls, аllowing thе cаsinos tо рrovide plаyers with а seаmless pаyment еxpеriеncе. It’s truly fаscinаting tо witness how mаthеmаticаl рrecision enhаnces thе effiсienсy аnd reliаbility оf trаnsаctions in thе onlinе gаmbling reаlm.

Enhancing User Experience: The Math behind the Magic

Austrаliаn onlinе cаsinos hаve а deep understаnding оf the significаnce оf prоviding аn immersive аnd cарtivаting user еxpеriеncе. Mаthеmаtics plаys а cruciаl rоle in асhieving this goаl, аs cаsinos utilize stаtisticаl аnаlysis, probаbility theory, аnd dаtа modeling to dеsign gаmes thаt truly cаptivаte plаyers. Вy саrefully аnаlyzing рlаyer behаvior аnd рreferences, mаthеmаtiсаl models enаble cаsinos to creаte persоnаlized gаming еxpеriеncеs, rеcommеnd gаmes thаt аlign with individuаl рreferences, аnd оffer tаilored bonuses аnd promotions. This dаtа-driven аpproаch ensures thаt plаyers reсeive а unique аnd enjoyаble еxpеriеncе thаt keeps thеm engаged аnd encourаges their continued pаrticipаtion. The use оf mаthеmаtics in gаme dеsign аnd personаlizаtion is а testаment to the commitment оf onlinе cаsinos to deliver а highly engаging аnd customizеd gаming environment.

Informed Decisions: Math as the Foundation

Online casinos in Australia heavily rely on mathematical analysis and modeling to make informed business decisions. By employing statistical techniques and data analysis, casinos can gain valuable insights into player behavior, game performance, and market trends. This data-driven decision-making process allows casinos to optimize their game offerings, adapt promotional strategies, and ultimately improve their profitability. Through the power of mathematical analysis, casinos can identify patterns, detect anomalies, and make data-backed decisions that drive success in the highly competitive online gambling industry.

Securing Transactions: Cryptography as the Shield

As a dedicated player of online pokies with PayID, I greatly appreciate the emphasis placed on security in every transaction. Mathematics plays a crucial role in ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of our financial interactions, thanks to the marvels of cryptography. This advanced field of mathematics allows for the encryption of sensitive data, making it virtually impossible for unauthorized individuals to access or manipulate our personal and financial information. From secure socket layer (SSL) encryption protocols to advanced encryption algorithms, these casinos employ state-of-the-art cryptographic techniques to protect our transactions. It’s reassuring to know that my financial data is shielded by the power of mathematics, allowing me to focus on enjoying my gaming experience with peace of mind.

The Future of PayID and POLi: Mathematics Shaping the Gambling Industry

Looking ahead, thе integrаtion of mathеmatics intо thе oрerations of onlinе cаsinos will cоntinue tо shaрe thе future of thе gambling industry. Advancements in mathеmatical modeling, machine lеarning, аnd аrtificiаl intelligence will unlock new possibilitiеs, enabling thеse cаsinos tо deliver еvеn more рersonalized еxpеriеncеs, oрtimize gаmeplаy, аnd enhance рlayer satisfactiоn. With mathеmatics as thеir foundation, onlinе cаsinos are poised tо lead thе wаy in innоvatiоn, ensuring a dynamic аnd immersive gambling exрerience fоr рlayers wоrldwide. The appliсation of аdvаnced mathеmatical teсhniques will рave thе wаy fоr еxciting advancements in gаme design, рlayer intеraction, аnd overall gaming еxpеriеncеs. The future hоlds tremendous pоtential fоr thе cоntinued integrаtion of mathеmatics intо thе oрerations of onlinе cаsinos, rеvolutionizing thе industry аnd raising thе bar fоr рlayer engagement аnd satisfactiоn.

Conclusion

As a player, I am truly amazed by the transformative impact of mathematics in PayID casinos. The integration of algorithms, statistical analysis, cryptography, and mathematical modeling has revolutionized the way we experience online gambling. The optimization of transactions, personalized user experiences, enhanced security, and data-driven decision-making have all contributed to a more enjoyable and rewarding gaming environment.

I can confidently say that mathematics has elevated online pokies to new heights, providing me with quick withdrawals, risk-free transactions, tailored game offerings, and a sense of security in my interactions. The power of mathematics has not only improved the efficiency and reliability of transactions but has also enhanced the overall user experience, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the world of online gambling.

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Where The American Public School System Gets It Wrong https://www.possinghamlab.org/where-the-american-public-school-system-gets-it-wrong/ Wed, 04 Jan 2023 11:35:08 +0000 https://www.possinghamlab.org/?p=137 A significant number of skeptics in the United States are of the opinion that the most significant issue confronting public education now is an inadequate

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A significant number of skeptics in the United States are of the opinion that the most significant issue confronting public education now is an inadequate concentration on the achievement of desired outcomes. The argument contends that students are not set to reach high standards and that the learning experience is given more weight than analyzing education’s outcomes in groups that make policy decisions.

To the degree that it applies, this is a legitimate argument. It is possible to advance it by an essential step. Not only do we struggle to hold individual learners answerable for poor results, but we have also struggled to keep the whole government-controlled education system answerable for its achievement since at least World War II.

This is a problem because poor performance in the classroom can have a ripple effect on the entire community. Failure characterizes the system of public education. So why wouldn’t individual learners model their work after what it shows?

Miracle Cures

The history of attempts to change the public education system in the United States is littered with half-hearted initiatives, almost comedic misdiagnosis of education issues, blame-shifting, and farce. Everyone considers themselves an expert, even though the vast majority of them have, of course, been negatively affected by the same system they seek to change.

A pretense of debate often underscores a surprising general agreement on the much-touted “miracle cure” of the decade at any given time during the process of school reforms. This “miracle cure” could be school standardization or liberal education as well as preschool programs or digitalizing the classroom, and it is expected to address the issues that plague the education system in the United States.

These miracle cures never live up to the hype. However, rather than modifying their method of attack, policymakers merely double down in vain hope that the most recent trend would be an exception to the pattern of failure shown by its predecessors.

Some naysayers maintain that proposed changes to the public school system are doomed to failure because they are watered down or undermined by education lobbyists, which consist of teacher groups, administrators, and politicians in their pockets. However, in many situations, blaming the collapse of reform on subversion does little more than clear the reform of blame. The vast majority of suggestions put up to improve education are either pointless or counterproductive. They were doomed to fail regardless of whether or not organized political interests fought against them.

Many right-wingers are of the opinion that the current state of public education in the United States is in a poor state because of changes in cultural and social norms, the majority of which began in the 1960s. These cultural and social shifts are thought to be responsible for the destruction of school management, the moral foundation for education, and a wide consensus on what subjects should be taught.

Certainly, there is some validity to this idea; nevertheless, it does not explain why pupils in the United States do not have the communicative and cognitive abilities necessary to thrive in college or the real world today.

Deeply Rooted

In addition, many people who think in terms of free markets believe that introducing market competition into the public school system will help alleviate many of the educational issues that plague the United States. This argument has some merit, but it overlooks the role that government policies (other than the distribution of students to schools) play in limiting students’ success in their academic endeavors.

It is impossible for a school to effectively impart the necessary skills, expertise, and outlook to its students when govt policy persists in enforcing rigid staff rules, bureaucratic nonsense, regulatory requirements, and an executive order to use schooling to engineer political or social outcomes. This is true regardless of whether or not the students decide to be enrolled in the school.

Last but not least, school reform discourse frequently ignores the critical role that individual decisions play in determining academic performance. This includes decisions made by students, guardians, business owners, and educators. Education and the acquisition of new information are not two things that can be compelled. If children are allowed by their parents to watch television instead of doing their schoolwork, the school’s efforts to provide them with chances will not ensure their success. We give insufficient credit to the function of policy-making when we assume that any collection of ideas for educational reform may produce an educated populace by some miracle cure. Education calls for initiative, a quality that is famously difficult to instill in others or teach them.

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Gameplay and Classrooms: A Perfect Match https://www.possinghamlab.org/gameplay-and-classrooms-a-perfect-match/ Wed, 04 Jan 2023 09:48:46 +0000 https://www.possinghamlab.org/?p=132 Over the years, teaching and learning methods have evolved and advanced in many different parts of the world. Many teaching methods adopted today would have

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Over the years, teaching and learning methods have evolved and advanced in many different parts of the world. Many teaching methods adopted today would have never been considered several decades ago, and these methods have proven even more effective than traditional ones.

Gameplay is one of these methods, which the world needs to accept not as a substitute for existing educational tools but as a secret weapon that helps make learning easier. When most people hear gameplay, there is this common misconception that it is just done for fun and relaxation. However, gaming can be a lot more than fun. Research by experts has revealed that it can be precious when helping students learn and develop faster. It is also instrumental in re-educating adults, helping them learn skills that will come in handy in their daily lives.

Here are some of the ways gaming can serve as a helpful learning tool:

1.  Gaming can help understand the concept of consequences

When playing games, you will always have to make decisions, and most times, you have to make them fast. Gameplay can teach students that making impulse decisions is not advisable as one must process information carefully before concussions. It also teaches that there are consequences to every decision made during gameplay and in real life. Gambling-code experts also agreed that through gaming, they got to understand that each decision can make the road even rockier or better or end the journey.

2.  Gaming can encourage more creativity when facing challenges

A child does not need to be a genius before being able to hack numbers and letters effectively. We have seen several number games that help students understand the multiplication table even better than adults. Many of these games provide easier and more creative methods to know and understand how numbers work and allow students to be creative with how they understand it instead of following a set pattern or plan.

In addition to helping children grasp different concepts at a young age, many of these games can also be used to help adults get a reeducation about concepts they could not fully grasp in childhood. An example is the very popular game of poker like at a site, where card counting and understanding numbers are essential. When playing a game of poker after visiting https://gambling-code.cz/ punters can get a completely different understanding of how numbers work and the possibilities it offers regardless of age.

3.  Gaming can improve the focus and attention of kids in the classroom

Regardless of how engaging a teacher is, children are known to have a short attention lifespan and can easily lose their focus in minutes, especially when expected to sit and listen. However, actively engaging in a learning activity can help increase their attention lifespan. It can even help them develop an interest in what the teacher has to say as long as it will help them understand how to perform the given task effectively.

There are also several games with storylines that can leave students completely engrossed, attaining a level of attention where every piece of information received at the moment is completely retained.

4.  Gaming can be instrumental in changing the attitude of students towards learning

It is general knowledge that many children do not like going to school for many different reasons. However, this is because many of these students consider learning complex or boring. Bringing gameplay into the picture as an educational tool easily remedies this situation. Thanks to creative developers, several games relevant to students of different ages and interests have been created and are readily available. Many of these games resent learning in a form that students can enjoy, making them even more interested and also learn faster and better. 

Once children do not realize they are being taught something, they tend to enjoy doing it more, and gaming or the introduction of gamification in a classroom can help teachers achieve that effectively.

Conclusion

Gameplay can change how adults and children think and act when used correctly. While playing, a player is limited only by their imaginations and set rules. As long as the players allow their creative spirit to do their job unhinged, no mountain cannot be climbed, regardless of how high it is, and that is the mindset that adopting gameplay as an educational tool will create for students.

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Unconventional research https://www.possinghamlab.org/unconventional-research/ Wed, 28 Sep 2022 15:09:14 +0000 https://www.possinghamlab.org/?p=49 Distance education is considered a means of providing education to individuals whose location, circumstances

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Distance Higher Education
Distance education is considered a means of providing education to individuals whose location, circumstances, or work make distance communication necessary or convenient. It is not considered a separate type of education. Rather, distance education is considered a mode of learning that is different from traditional on-campus education, but no less legitimate. There is a rapid growth of educational programs at all levels that are delivered via radio, television, satellite stations, video, computer terminals, and other means. Many programs are offered for credit and lead to certificates, diplomas, and degrees; others are designed for spare time, personal enrichment, or job-related special education and training.

Continuing higher education.
Often referred to as continuing education. Institutions offer specific continuing education programs, some of which are very broad and parallel to regular university degree offerings, while others are short or specialized programs. Continuing education may be structured to lead to certificates, diplomas, or degrees, or it may be unstructured and used to provide opportunities for general and liberal learning. Some continuing education is offered through distance learning methods while other programs are offered at the institution or provided at a branch office. When such education is offered to provide further education and training for professionals who already have basic qualifications, it is usually referred to as continuing professional education.

Higher education in industry
This is considered a special form of continuing vocational education and is called employer-sponsored training. Programs are offered by employers or under contract with institutions of higher education, professional associations, unions, or consulting organizations. Training or education can take place in the workplace or elsewhere. Continuing vocational education or training varies in length and depth from short courses designed to refresh or introduce new skills to full degree programs. Credit for work completed in such programs may be recognized and accepted by the regular higher education authorities in accordance with policies established by the institutions. A particular form of employer-sponsored study that is of great interest to many U.S. institutions of higher education, especially at the undergraduate level, is the study received in the United States. the armed forces and how to take credit for it when personnel return to civilian life. Detailed instructions were developed jointly by U.S. institutions and the armed forces.

Other forms of informal higher education
There are many educational options and learning opportunities that are not formally structured, do not lead to recognized awards, and are not designed to transfer credit or professional recognition. They include courses and programs provided by libraries, museums, parks and recreation, clubs, and other organizations for members or the public. Some programs provided by employers are not designed for formal recognition, such as informal seminars and presentations on work-related topics and products.

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Teacher Education https://www.possinghamlab.org/teacher-education/ Sat, 09 Jul 2022 15:09:00 +0000 https://www.possinghamlab.org/?p=52 The education and certification (license) requirements for preschool (kindergarten, kindergarten, preschool) and elementary (elementary) school teachers are set by state governments

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Preschool and Elementary/Children’s School Teacher Education

The education and certification (license) requirements for preschool (kindergarten, kindergarten, preschool) and elementary (elementary) school teachers are set by state governments, which require several tests (subject area, etc.) before entry into teacher education and again after graduation. teacher education, but before certification. While state regulations vary, there is a growing uniformity, driven in part by the federal No Child Left Behind Act’s requirement for highly qualified teachers. The basic requirement is completion of an established baccalaureate (undergraduate) program of study to qualify for entry-level certification, as well as satisfactory supervised practice and proficiency examinations.

Prior undergraduate study must be completed at an accredited institution in almost all states. While initial certification can be obtained with a bachelor’s degree, most states offer higher levels of certification based on experience and additional education, and many teachers at this level already have or will soon have a master’s degree. Continuing professional education is required for certification.

Secondary school teacher preparation

The basic pre-certification requirements for secondary school teachers are the same as those for elementary school teachers. The main difference is that middle school teachers are certified as competent in one or more academic or professional subjects and spend their careers concentrating in those subjects, whereas elementary school teachers, especially for younger grades, may be comprehensively certified to teach a full elementary course. or may specialize, especially in teaching the more differentiated upper elementary/middle school grades. All states certify teachers by subject specialization as well as by grade level/division.

Special education teachers are trained in most states in specialized programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and are also separately certified. Special education teachers are also certified in their specialty, such as teaching the deaf, teaching the visually impaired, etc., as well as the severity of the disability they are trained to work with. While the minimum academic requirement is a bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field (e.g., developmental psychology), most teachers have a master’s degree, and many obtain a higher qualification called an education specialist degree.

Higher education teacher preparation

State law varies with respect to the requirements for public postsecondary teachers, but public teachers are not considered public employees, and it is the responsibility of the individual institution and its teachers to determine academic and professional standards and requirements for teaching positions and to recruit and promote. department or school. State law, even for public institutions, is limited to ensuring that institutions do not discriminate in hiring or violate other employment or labor laws.

Requirements imposed by educational institutions may vary depending on the level at which teachers must teach, the subject or area of study, whether research must be conducted, whether professional licensure or qualifications are required, and whether the position is filled. or part-time and full-time. Accredited institutions also follow any faculty standards established by the regional accrediting association to which they belong and any standards established by the association that accredits programs in a particular field.

Higher education faculty members are expected to have the necessary experience and qualifications to teach and, where applicable, to conduct research and consultation in the discipline or professional area of their specialization. The general requirement is either a terminal research degree (PhD or equivalent) in the subject area of specialization or, for some professional and clinical faculties, a relevant professional qualification plus experience in successful practice and applied research.

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How the world of science works in the U.S. https://www.possinghamlab.org/how-the-world-of-science-works/ Mon, 23 May 2022 15:32:00 +0000 https://www.possinghamlab.org/?p=61 If science is to help solve the world's most important problems in improving human health, protecting the environment, and ensuring national security, scientific research must be transparent and collaborative.

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If science is to help solve the world’s most important problems in improving human health, protecting the environment, and ensuring national security, scientific research must be transparent and collaborative.

In the United States, the openness that scientists observe in their work reflects the openness of American society. It is the work environment that adheres to transparency that attracts talent from around the world.

In addition, the talent of scientists from diverse backgrounds working in the U.S. promotes constructive collaboration.

“It’s great when scientists want to come from abroad and work with Americans because they think we have an extremely positive scientific culture,” said Richard Freeman, a Harvard University economist who has studied the relationship between different kinds of collaborations and academic citations. – People from so many different backgrounds from so many countries work here – I think that strengthens American science.

In some countries, research is strictly controlled. “There are all sorts of ethics and oversight issues when everything is done in a closed system, without proper monitoring and without input from the entire scientific community,” said Alex Joske, a researcher at the Australian Institute for Strategic Policy’s International Cyber Policy Center. Moreover, “if the direction of research is too tightly controlled, it doesn’t allow for creativity and new ideas.”

According to the U.S. National Science Foundation’s 2018 data, the U.S. international collaboration rate was 37 percent, up 12 percent from 2006.

Freeman’s research at Harvard showed that the more diverse the research collaboration, the greater the impact of experimentation. In a paper published in 2014, Freeman and his colleague Wei Huang concluded that when co-investigators had different ethnic backgrounds, their publications were more likely to be cited.

“The quality of the research articles may not have been higher,” Freeman said. – But they had more readers, and more readers for a scientific article is a good thing in itself.” The extra attention means that other scientists are likely to try to recreate the experiment or extend its results.

Government sponsors scientific research
According to the same 2018 data provided by the U.S. National Science Foundation, the federal government remains the largest funder of basic research; it accounts for 44 percent of the total.

“One of the things about the publicly funded research model that we have in this country is that it really allows these more esoteric and foundational questions to be studied,” said Michael Weisberg, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, where his research focuses on the philosophy of science. – If this were a private scientific enterprise, we would never be able to do the kind of research we do.”

Weisberg said that because basic science is largely funded by taxpayers, government funding agencies such as the U.S. National Science Foundation require that researchers applying for federal grants demonstrate in their proposals that their work has “broader impact,” or the research project has the potential to benefit society. This encourages scientists to develop scientific knowledge as responsible citizens.

“Open science is about the transparent and inclusive workings of the scientific process,” explained Brian Nosek, head of the Center for Open Science, which provides online tools for scientific research. – “If you don’t see how I got to the discoveries I made, you can’t replicate them and you can’t challenge them.

Many initiatives involve global scientific collaboration. Open Source Malaria, for example, seeks to develop new drugs for malaria. Hundreds of participants from around the world use the online platform it developed to share ideas and data. In 2016, this consortium published a paper on potential antimalarial compounds that had more than 50 authors from seven countries.

“It’s really encouraging when the work is done openly because you’re collaborating with people you’ve never met and with people who have amazing expertise,” says Matthew Todd, chair of the Department of New Drug Research at University College London and founder of Open Source Malaria.

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How lessons are taught in an American high school https://www.possinghamlab.org/how-lessons-are-taught/ Thu, 14 Apr 2022 15:21:00 +0000 https://www.possinghamlab.org/?p=55 American lessons are not teacher monologues with occasional student responses, but discussions and lectures

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American lessons are not teacher monologues with occasional student responses, but discussions and lectures. Classes are aimed at the formation of skills of teamwork, at the development of logic, the ability to express their thoughts, to defend and argue a point of view. Pupils come to certain conclusions on their own and build logical chains.

Much attention is paid to work in groups: students create various projects together and work on a common task.

Physical education is an important component of the school system. Pupils participate in a sport of their choice four times a week. A different sport may be chosen at the beginning of each term.

How grades are assessed
Grades in an American school are letter grades, given on a five-point scale. Mostly assessed are written work: independent, homework. These can be handed in electronically.

Pupils get marks for joint big projects, presentations. Oral exams are rarely given at school.

In middle school children take their first examinations; in high school they take them at the end of each semester.

Public and private schools in the USA
There are two types of schools in America:

Public school – public schools, free of charge, only for U.S. citizens or those with a residency permit;
Private schools – private schools, tuition is charged, and foreign citizens can enter such institutions.

Private schools may be day schools (students live with their parents or guardians) or boarding schools (students live on campus during the semester). There are institutions with separate or mixed education.

Peculiarities of private schools:

are usually boarding schools;
They provide a high level of security for students;
such schools have well-developed infrastructure, all conditions for research work, versatile development of students.

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Emigration of Scientists https://www.possinghamlab.org/emigration-of-scientists/ Sat, 19 Mar 2022 15:28:00 +0000 https://www.possinghamlab.org/?p=58 One of the most important sources of U.S. scientific leadership has been, and still is, the emigration of scientists from all over the world.

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One of the most important sources of U.S. scientific leadership has been, and still is, the emigration of scientists from all over the world. They receive in America not only reliable shelter and a decent salary, but, most importantly, the opportunity to work freely and fruitfully. It is impossible to list the names of the world-renowned scientists who have become the pride of American science. First, of course, is the great Albert Einstein, the author of the theory of relativity, who had unquestionable scientific and moral authority. Thanks to him, many physicists were able to flee Europe to America in the 1930s, away from the impending brown plague.

In general, the emigration of scientists to America began a long time ago, although in the beginning it was not as widespread as in the twentieth century. For example, Joseph Priestly, the famous English chemist and physicist who discovered oxygen and is widely known for his work in the field of electricity, moved to America in the late 18th century. He was forced to leave because of his political views. In 1872, Alexander Bell, inventor of the first telephone, left Scotland. In 1884, Nikola Tesla, the greatest scientist and inventor, called “the man who invented the twentieth century,” emigrated from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Prerequisites for the development of science and technology in the United States

Besides the allocation of substantial funds for research mentioned at the beginning of this article, the most important premise for the development of science and technology is that scientists and entrepreneurs live and work in a free and democratic country. This means that they are not dominated by ideological dogmas, which have always limited the freedom of creativity in the Soviet Union, where it was constantly ensured that certain provisions of physics, biology, or genetics did not contradict the postulates of Marxist-Leninist theory. In addition – and this is especially important – any entrepreneur, creating his business and investing his money, knowledge and effort, can be sure that no one will “pick on” him and “steal” the business, that he will not face far-fetched accusations of tax evasion, drug use or being a serial killer. A businessman should “only” be honest and comply with established laws designed to protect him from all sorts of raider attacks, which are widespread in the States.

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