University of Wisconsin-Madison

About: University of Wisconsin-Madison is a education organization based out in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Gene. The organization has 108707 authors who have published 237594 publications receiving 11883575 citations.

The Science of Sex Differences in Science and Mathematics

Abstract: SUMMARY—Amid ongoing public speculation about the reasons for sex differences in careers in science and mathematics, we present a consensus statement that is based on the best available scientific evidence. Sex differences in science and math achievement and ability are smaller for the mid-range of the abilities distribution than they are for those with the highest levels of achievement and ability. Males are more variable on most measures of quantitative and visuospatial ability, which necessarily results in more males at both high- and low-ability extremes; the reasons why males are often more variable remain elusive. Successful careers in math and science require many types of cognitive abilities. Females tend to excel in verbal abilities, with large differences between females andmalesfound whenassessmentsincludewriting samples. High-level achievement in science and math requires the ability to communicate effectively and comprehend abstract ideas, so the female advantage in writing should be helpful in all academic domains. Males outperform females on most measures of visuospatial abilities, which have been implicated as contributing to sex differences on standardized examsin mathematics and science. An evolutionary account of sex differences in mathematics and science supports the conclusion that, although sex differences in math and science performance have not directly evolved, they could be indirectly related to differences in interests and specific brain and cognitive systems. We review the brain basis for sex differences in science and mathematics, describe consistent effects, and identify numerous possible correlates. Experience alters brain structures and functioning, so causal statements about brain differences and success in math and science are circular. A wide range of sociocultural forces contribute to sex differences in mathematics and science achievement and ability—including the effects of family,neighborhood,peer,andschoolinfluences;training and experience; and cultural practices. We conclude that early experience, biological factors, educational policy, and cultural context affect the number of women and men who pursue advanced study in science and math and that these effects add and interact in complex ways. There are no single or simple answers to the complex questions about sex differences in science and mathematics.

A re-examination of the fundamental limits on the radiation Q of electrically small antennas

Abstract: An exact method, which is more straightforward than those previously published, is derived for the calculation of the minimum radiation Q of a general antenna. This expression agrees with the previously published and widely cited approximate expression in the extreme lower limit of electrical size. However, for the upper end of the range of electrical size which is considered electrically small, the exact expression given here is significantly different from the approximate expression. This result has implications on both the bandwidth and efficiency limitations of antennas which fall into this category.

The object-oriented database system manifesto

Abstract: This paper attempts to define an object-oriented database system It describes the main features and characteristics that a system must have to qualify as an object-oriented database system We have separated these characteristics into three groups: • Mandatory, the ones the system must satisfy in order to be termed an object-oriented database system These are complex objects, object identity, encapsulation, types or classes, inheritance, overriding combined with late binding, extensibility, computational completeness, persistence, secondary storage management, concurrency, recovery and an ad hoc query facility • Optional, the ones that can be added to make the system better, but which are not mandatory These are multiple inheritance, type checking and inferencing, distribution, design transactions and versions • Open, the points where the designer can make a number of choices These are the programming paradigm, the representation system, the type system, and uniformity We have taken a position, not so much expecting it to be the final word as to erect a provisional landmark to orient further debate