Quantifying the similarity of 2D images using edge pixels: an application to the forensic comparison of footwear impressions

We propose a novel method to quantify the similarity between an impression (Q) from an unknown source and a test impression (K) from a known source. Using the property of geometrical congruence in the impressions, the degree of correspondence is quantified using ideas from graph theory and maximum clique (MC). The algorithm uses the x and y coordinates of the edges in the images as the data. We focus on local areas in Q and the corresponding regions in K and extract features for comparison. Using pairs of images with known origin, we train a random forest to classify pairs into mates and non-mates. We collected impressions from 60 pairs of shoes of the same brand and model, worn over six months. Using a different set of very similar shoes, we evaluated the performance of the algorithm in terms of the accuracy with which it correctly classified images into source classes. Using classification error rates and ROC curves, we compare the proposed method to other algorithms in the literature and show that for these data, our method shows good classification performance relative to other methods. The algorithm can be implemented with the R package shoeprintr.     

Validation of the Australian Midwifery Standards Assessment Tool (AMSAT): A tool to assess midwifery competence

Background

There is no current validated clinical assessment tool to measure the attainment of midwifery student competence in the midwifery practice setting. The lack of a valid assessment tool has led to a proliferation of tools and inconsistency in assessment of, and feedback on student learning.

Varieties of political support in emerging democracies: A cross-national analysis

Political support is a multidimensional construct encompassing evaluations of political leaders and institutions (specific support) as well as adherence to basic regime principles (diffuse support). Scholars have traditionally assumed that diffuse and specific support are driven by different forces and evolve largely independently. Prior empirical work, however, has struggled to untangle the two support dimensions and focused predominantly on cross-national differences, ignoring their dynamics. This paper develops an analytical and empirical approach to examine the levels and dynamic interplay of both support dimensions and estimate their determinants, applying it to South American democracies between 1996 and 2015. Contrary to received wisdom, we show that both dimensions are quite volatile and closely linked in this region. In particular, negative economic shocks not only undermine support for government actors, but also fuel democratic disenchantment. Nonetheless, while regime support is rather fickle in South America, it can be ultimately resistant to performance fluctuations.     

学习分析视域下S-ISAL在大学英语混合式教学中的构建与评估

学习分析技术在教育教学中的应用,其根本目的是为了构建新的教学法,更新教学与管理的方式。针对高校大学英语线上、线下混合教学无法有机融合的现状,S-ISAL（Space-based Information search and Analysis Learning）应运而生,它是基于网络学习空间的信息搜集与分析的教学模式,将学习分析技术引入大学英语混合式课程中。探究该教学模式在大学英语教学中的适切性和实效性是文章的研究重点,目的是为了实现大学英语线上、线下教学优势互补,为大学生在线英语学习提供更具个性化的学习内容和路径,并提升大学生自适应学习能力和在线学习绩效。     

Letting Students Control Their Own Learning: Using Games,Role-Plays,and Simulations in Middle School U.S. History Classrooms

The purpose of this article is to synthesize research on the benefits and use of games, role-plays, and simulations, whilst providing examples practicing teachers may wish to use in their classroom. Therefore, the article presents a discussion of key previous research on the use of games, role-plays, and simulations in secondary history classrooms. It also presents a discussion of the benefits games, role-plays, and simulations can have on student learning. This includes discussion of how such student-centered teaching and learning opportunities can improve students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills. Finally, it presents examples of these types of student-centered, inquiry-based, hands-on learning experiences, drawn from the author's previous 16 years of secondary classroom experiences.     

Public relations and artificial intelligence: It’s not (just) about robots

Organizations of all kinds, as well as their in-house or agency public relations teams, increasingly co-opt Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance their capabilities. This paper examines a relatively new topic that has received little scholarly attention: the growing relationship between AI and public relations. It outlines several key roles that AI may play in future, based on trends in other industries, and considers the implications for public relations practitioners, their clients and employers. It therefore launches a dialogue about the diversity and extent of AI’s uses in public relations practice. The paper argues that, to date, commentators have placed too much emphasis on AI’s potential for task automation; AI’s broader technological, economic and societal implications for public relations warrant greater critical attention. This does not imply that practitioners need become expert technologists; rather, they should develop a sufficient understanding of AI’s present and potential uses to be able to offer informed counsel.     

大学英语听力学习现状及策略使用调查研究——以湖南四所本科院校为实例

英语听力的提高一直是大学英语教学的重点和难点,随着英语四、六级考试的改革,对英语听说能力的要求变得更高。本研究通过问卷调查的形式,对湖南四所本科院校400名非英语专业大学生的听力现状及学习策略使用情况进行调查分析。调查发现非英语专业大学生对听力策略的使用处于中低等频率水平,听力教学应予以更正确积极的引导,以期使大学英语听力的教与学获得优化。     

马克思主义生态观与高校生态文明教育

马克思主义生态观是关于人与自然之间辩证关系的总体看法和根本观点,包含着人与自然、人与社会、人与人、人与自我和谐的重要主题,这对我国高校开展生态文明教育具有重要的理论指导。高校生态文明教育应以马克思主义生态观为指导,同时遵循科学性、综合性、实践性、发展性等原则,以确保教育目标实现。