Development of National Broadband Plans in Latin America and the Caribbean

All governments in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region should have a national broadband plan (NBP) as a key pillar for any digital agenda. Most countries have adopted them; however, most plans are outdated and, in general, lack clear, ambitious, and achievable policy-related commitments and quantifiable targets. Many also lack effective monitoring and evaluation programs. This publication details the benefits of and proposes a framework for NBPs in the region. As the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development has pointed out, a well-formed national broadband plan is a countrys blueprint for addressing and reducing digital inequality. In addition, in its latest Affordability Report, the Alliance for Affordable Internet details the linkage between high-quality national broadband plans and progress toward affordability.

GPS Coordinates for Modelling Correlated Herd Effects in Genomic Prediction Models Applied to Hanwoo Beef Cattle

It is widely known that the environment influences phenotypic expression and that its effects must be accounted for in genetic evaluation programs. The most used method to account for environmental effects is to add herd and contemporary group to the model. Although generally informative, the herd effect treats different farms as independent units. However, if two farms are located physically close to each other, they potentially share correlated environmental factors. We introduce a method to model herd effects that uses the physical distances between farms based on the Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates as a proxy for the correlation matrix of these effects that aims to account for similarities and differences between farms due to environmental factors. A population of Hanwoo Korean cattle was used to evaluate the impact of modelling herd effects as correlated, in comparison to assuming the farms as completely independent units, on the variance components and genomic prediction. The main result was an increase in the reliabilities of the predicted genomic breeding values compared to reliabilities obtained with traditional models (across four traits evaluated, reliabilities of prediction presented increases that ranged from 0.05 ± 0.01 to 0.33 ± 0.03), suggesting that these models may overestimate heritabilities. Although little to no significant gain was obtained in phenotypic prediction, the increased reliability of the predicted genomic breeding values is of practical relevance for genetic evaluation programs.

Using Handwriting Evaluation Software to Predict and Increase Diagnosis for Parkinson’s

Around the world, there currently exists a problem when it comes to the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Unfortunately, nearly half of all Americans who have PD remain undiagnosed, which is problematic when one considers the implications of such ignorance. People who continue to be undiagnosed do not have access to special treatments, therapies, and medications that would help alleviate the symptoms of PD and decrease the burden of it altogether. Fortunately, amidst recent technological advancements in computing and the contemporary paradigm shift to using handwriting as a diagnosis method for PD, a shimmer of hope reveals itself. By using a machine learning software program that predicts a user’s likelihood of having PD through their handwriting alone, people might feel more inclined to seek a formal evaluation for the disease. Since it is rather inexpensive, based on concrete, quantitative kinematics of an individual’s handwriting, and holds legitimacy due to the existence of similar evaluation programs, the software could help increase the amount of people that seek a formal PD evaluation and diagnosis.

Scoring Method of Assessment: Relevance and Perspective

The article reveals the essence of banking scoring and the importance of compiling high-quality scoring models for assessing risks when working with borrowers. The complexity of processing surface information about the borrower and the need for clarification with additional questions are indicated. The history and causes of the appearance of scoring modeling in the middle of the 20th century are described. The main criteria for scoring used to create algorithms for assessing the financial reliability of the borrower are listed. The contribution of post-Soviet scientists to the improvement of scoring models is indicated. Further prospects of banking scoring and its relevance in the light of the emergence of more progressive evaluation programs.

PROPOSAL DESIGN OF PROGRAM EVALUATION

This research is the result of observations made by researchers at SMA Muhammadiyah 2 Genteng Banyuwangi. This research is related to several evaluation programs implemented in schools. Every evaluation program definitely needs a proposal that is used to build an implemented evaluation program. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative. The data obtained were then presented in the form of words and narratives which were presented in depth. The informants in this study were from several school elements ranging from educators, education personnel and other employees. Determination of informants in this study is by purposive sampling where the researcher determines and chooses first who the informants are to support the compilation of this research report. The results obtained from this research are that with the existence of a proposal, every activity carried out will feel more helpful and light because the proposal can be used as a forum to convey meanings and objectives. In addition, proposals are also used to clarify and distinguish some of the elements contained in the activity, starting from the title, meaning and purpose, core and closing.

Green but How Green?

Consumers have gradually started to show more and more interest in green products and switched their purchasing behavior to buy green products. Changes in consumers' demands have created a growing market for green products, as customers become more concerned on the environment, health, and wealth in order to protect the earth's resources and the environment. On the other hand, manufacturers have become more active and sensitive about the issue of contributing their brand image to satisfy the demand and be compatible with compelling legal regulations. Green products refer to the products that have less or no impact on the environment, help to preserve the natural environment, and can be recycled or conserved. In this chapter, the authors aim to draw a framework for green product evaluation programs and explain how they could be used in terms of marketing.