Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The lost promise of teacher professional development in England

This paper explores three influences on the effectiveness of teacher professional development for improving schools – the individual teacher, the learning activities in which teachers participate and the structures and supports provided by schools for teacher learning. It does so by relying on survey data collected for a national study of teacher professional development in England. The analysis indicates that while the professional development of teachers in England is generally ineffectual and lacks school level systems and supports, the professional development and supports for professional learning by teachers in high performing schools display many of the characteristics associated with effective professional learning. Given the results showing a link between school factors and professional learning and the lack of influence of individual teacher factors, the paper concludes that the previously reported importance of school capacity in influencing learning and improvement is supported by the findings.
Fingerspelling as a phonological code for deaf and hard of hearing students

Phonological awareness (PA), an important skill for learning to read among hearing children, has also been correlated with the reading ability of deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students. Given the limited auditory input available to DHH children, a number of alternative forms of phonological codes have been proposed, including fingerspelling. This study explored the relationship between fingerspelling and PA, using PA tasks in speech and in fingerspelling to look at the word internal knowledge of DHH students and their ability to manipulate the phonemic components of language through fingerspelling. Further analysis assessed relationships with vocabulary and reading. The Phonological Awareness Test for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (PAT-DHH) was developed for the present investigation, and includes subtests in alliteration, rhyming, elision, and blending words; each in fingerspelling and spoken conditions. Participants were 10 DHH students (kindergarten through fourth grade) attending bilingual educational programs for DHH students. Results confirmed that children are able to demonstrate PA skills in fingerspelling and that they use both “sounding out” as well as “fingerspelling out” strategies. The measure of ASL vocabulary correlated significantly with explicit PA in fingerspelling, but not with the other PA constructs in fingerspelling. Both fingerspelling ability and PA in the fingerspelled condition were predictors of reading ability; however PA in the fingerspelled condition was the stronger predictor of the two, predicting 20% of the variance of reading achievement. This has important implications for the role of fingerspelling in the clinic and classroom settings and in how we teach children to read.
An investigation of human palmar skin friction and the effects of materials, pinch force and moisture.

A study was conducted to determine the friction characteristics for various materials against human palmar skin. Seven materials were tested using two pinch-force levels under both moist and dry conditions. Using a two-fingered pinch grip, subjects held a specially designed dynamometer covered with one of the test materials. They maintained a constant pinch force as load force was increased at a constant rate until the dynamometer slipped from their fingers. The load force at the slip point was then used to determine the coefficient of friction from Amonton's Law. The effects of subject, material, moisture, pinch force and the material-moisture and pinch force-moisture interactions were all significant. The coefficient of friction decreased with increased levels of pinch force for every material-moisture combination. The coefficient of friction for porous materials showed a significant increase when moisture was present. This information may be applicable in tool handle and work station surface design.
EFFECTS OF SELF‐EFFICACY and GOAL‐ORIENTATION TRAINING ON NEGOTIATION SKILL MAINTENANCE: WHAT ARE THE MECHANISMS?

In a replication and extension of Gist, Stevens, and Bavetta (1991), we examined the effects of self-efficacy and a performance- versus a mastery-oriented post-training session on trainees' negotiation skill maintenance. Sixty MBA students received salary-negotiation training and engaged in practice negotiations with a confederate. They then attended either a performance- or a mastery-oriented post-training session. A second practice negotiation was conducted 7 weeks later. Results indicated that mastery-oriented trainees engaged in more interim skill-maintenance activities, planned to exert more effort, and showed more positive affect than did performance-oriented trainees. In addition, self-efficacy interacted with the post-training condition on Time 2 performance: Low self-efficacy trainees performed more poorly than high self-efficacy trainees in the performance- but not in the mastery-oriented post-training condition. Analyses indicated that trainees' cognitive withdrawal mediated this effect. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Measuring Cultural Consonance: Examples with Special Reference to Measurement Theory in Anthropology

A valid and reliable anthropological measurement must be culturally appropriate for a particular social setting. Justifying the appropriateness of a measurement often depends on the skill of the researcher in describing the ethnographic setting. This has resulted in valuable research, but it is difficult to systematize and lacks transparency. Here the authors present a measurement model for anthropology that links structured ethnographic methods—cultural domain analysis and cultural consensus analysis—to the assessment of individual behavior and personal beliefs. These procedures are illustrated with the concept of cultural consonance, or the degree to which an individual approximates in his or her own behavior or belief the shared cultural model in some domain. The concrete steps taken to develop measures of cultural consonance in four domains (lifestyle, social support, family life, and national characteristics) are described, and the reliability and validity of these measures are evaluated. This describes a measurement model for anthropology.
Early Evolution and Historical Biogeography of Fishflies (Megaloptera: Chauliodinae): Implications from a Phylogeny Combining Fossil and Extant Taxa

Fishflies (Corydalidae: Chauliodinae) are one of the main groups of the basal holometabolous insect order Megaloptera, with ca. 130 species distributed worldwide. A number of genera from the Southern Hemisphere show remarkably disjunctive distributions and are considered to be the austral remnants or “living fossils” of Gondwana. Hitherto, the evolutionary history of fishflies remains largely unexplored due to limited fossil record and incomplete knowledge of phylogenetic relationships. Here we describe two significant fossil species of fishflies, namely Eochauliodes striolatus gen. et sp. nov. and Jurochauliodes ponomarenkoi Wang & Zhang, 2010 (original designation for fossil larvae only), from the Middle Jurassic of Inner Mongolia, China. These fossils represent the earliest fishfly adults. Furthermore, we reconstruct the first phylogenetic hypothesis including all fossil and extant genera worldwide. Three main clades within Chauliodinae are recognized, i.e. the Dysmicohermes clade, the Protochauliodes clade, and the Archichauliodes clade. The phylogenetic and dispersal-vicariance (DIVA) analyses suggest Pangaean origin and global distribution of fishflies before the Middle Jurassic. The generic diversification of fishflies might have happened before the initial split of Pangaea, while some Gondwanan-originated clades were likely to be affected by the sequential breakup of Pangaea. The modern fauna of Asian fishflies were probably derived from their Gondwanan ancestor but not the direct descendents of the Mesozoic genera in Asia.
The influence of lower limb amputation level on the approach in the amputee long jump

Abstract In this study, we investigated the adjustments to posture, kinematic and temporal characteristics of performance made by lower limb amputees during the last few strides in preparation for long jump take-off. Six male unilateral trans-femoral and seven male unilateral trans-tibial amputees competing in a World Championships final were filmed in the sagittal plane using a 100-Hz digital video camera positioned so that the last three strides to take-off were visible. After digitizing using a nine-segment model, a range of kinematic variables were computed to define technique characteristics. Both the trans-femoral and trans-tibial athletes appeared to achieve their reduction in centre of mass during the flight phase between strides, and did so mainly by extending the flight time by increasing stride length, achieved by a greater flexion of the hip joint of the touch-down leg. The trans-tibial athletes appeared to adopt a technique similar to that previously reported for able-bodied athletes. They lowered their centre of mass most on their second last stride (−1.6% of body height compared with −1.4% on the last stride) and used a flexed knee at take-off on the last stride, but they were less able to control their downward velocity at touch-down (−0.4 m · s−1). Both this and their restricted approach speed (8.9 m · s−1 at touch-down), rather than technique limitations, influenced their jump performance. The trans-femoral athletes lowered their centre of mass most on the last stride (−2.3% of body height compared with −1.6% on the second last stride) and, as they were unable to flex their prosthetic knee sufficiently, achieved this by abducting their prosthetic leg during the support phase, which led to a large downward velocity at touch-down (−0.6 m · s−1). This, combined with their slower approach velocity (7.1 m · s−1 at touch-down), restricted their performance.
Expertise-Based Intuition and Decision Making in Organizations

There has been a growing popular fascination with how experts make rapid and effective decisions. This interest has been paralleled in various scientific research communities. Across these disciplinary boundaries, researchers have found that intuition plays a critical role in expert decision making. Therefore, an understanding of how experts develop and use intuition effectively within organizations has the potential to greatly influence organizational practices and effectiveness. The purpose of this review is to integrate the extant literature related to expertise-based intuition—intuition rooted in extensive experience within a specific domain—in decision making. To that end, this review addresses four specific goals. First, the authors review the scientific literature on expertise and intuition to define expertise-based intuition, the type of intuition of most value to organizations. Second, the authors propose a set of descriptive developmental and performance mechanisms of expertise-based intuition in decision making. Third, the authors discuss the multilevel nature of expertise-based intuition. Fourth, the authors propose future directions for research and application.
A case study of exclusion on the basis of behaviour (and experiences of migration and racialisation)

Dwayne is a Grade 6 student who came to Canada from Jamaica at the age of seven. Upon arrival in a new school Dwayne had to adapt to a new culture. In addition, Dwayne was identified as having severe behavioural problems and learning difficulties, and it was recommended within the first month of school that the boy be medicated in order for him to cope. His mother refused. Through interviewing Dwayne's mother and his teacher, a case study details Dwayne's experiences of schooling in as a result of segregation and in a non-segregated classroom setting. The story of Dwayne illustrates how experiences of disablement are interrelated with experiences of migration and racialisation. The article makes a case for understanding inclusive education practice as well as the construction of disability as central to understanding systemic exclusion through special education.
Capacidad predictiva de las metas académicas sobre el rendimiento en diferentes áreas curriculares

El objetivo de este estudio es el analisis del poder predictivo de los diferentes tipos de metas academicas sobre el rendimiento academico en cinco areas curriculares. Para ello, se ha aplicado el Cuestionario de Metas Academicas a una amplia muestra de adolescentes que cursaban los cuatro cursos de la Ensenanza Secundaria en Espana (12 a 16 anos). Los resultados obtenidos indican que el rendimiento se encuentra explicado, en primer lugar, positiva y significativamente por motivos de adquisicion de competencia y control asi como de obtencion de un buen trabajo futuro y, en segundo lugar, negativamente por motivos muy relacionados con la proteccion de la autoestima. Son presentadas y discutidas algunas implicaciones de los datos para el proceso de aprendizaje.
Seelische Gesundheit in Ost und West: Analysen auf der Grundlage des Bundesgesundheitssurveys

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Bisher vorliegende Studien zur Haufigkeit psychischer Probleme und psychischer Storungen in den alten und neuen Bundeslandern zeigen widerspruchliche Befunde: wahrend einige uber keine bedeutsamen Unterschiede berichten, haben andere auf eine bedeutsam schlechtere seelische Gesundheitslage in den neuen Bundeslandern hingewiesen. Fragestellung: 1. Haben Personen in den neuen Bundeslandern haufiger psychische Storungen? 2. Weisen Personen in den neuen Bundeslandern eine schlechtere Lebensqualitat und geringere Lebenszufriedenheit auf? Methode: Die Ergebnisse beruhen auf einer bevolkerungsreprasentativen Stichprobe von N = 4181 Personen der erwachsenen Durchschnittsbevolkerung im Alter von 18-65 Jahren (Bundesgesundheitssurvey 1998/99). Psychische Storungen nach DSM-IV wurden mit einem standardisierten diagnostischen Interview (M-CIDI), die gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualitat mit dem SF-36 beurteilt. Ergebnisse: Die 12-Monatspravalenz psychischer Storungen betragt 28% (neue Bunde.
Effects of Theatrical Elements on Experiential Quality and Loyalty Intentions for Theme Parks

Issues surrounding hedonic consumption, experience economy and experiential marketing have become highly important in recent years. This study applies consumption experience and theater theory and proposes a model to explore the effects of theatrical elements of theme parks (including attractiveness of scripts, charm of setting, planning of activities and consistency of theme) on consumers' experiential quality (including immersion, surprise, participation and fun), experiential satisfaction and loyalty intentions. A survey composed of 408 customers in Hualien Ocean Park was conducted in Taiwan. The results of structural equation modeling indicate that most theatrical elements relate positively to experiential quality and that experiential quality in turn relates positively to experiential satisfaction. Furthermore, experiential satisfaction is positively related to loyalty intentions. Managers of theme parks could focus on improving the theatrical elements to satisfy customers and gain loyalty.
A Single Neonatal Injection of Ethinyl Estradiol Impairs Passive Avoidance Learning and Reduces Expression of Estrogen Receptor α in the Hippocampus and Cortex of Adult Female Rats

Although perinatal exposure of female rats to estrogenic compounds produces irreversible changes in brain function, it is still unclear how the amount and timing of exposure to those substances affect learning function, or if exposure alters estrogen receptor α (ERα) expression in the hippocampus and cortex. In adult female rats, we investigated the effects of neonatal exposure to a model estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol (EE), on passive avoidance learning and ERα expression. Female Wistar-Imamichi rats were subcutaneously injected with oil, 0.02 mg/kg EE, 2 mg/kg EE, or 20 mg/kg 17β-estradiol within 24 h after birth. All females were tested for passive avoidance learning at the age of 6 weeks. Neonatal 0.02 mg/kg EE administration significantly disrupted passive avoidance compared with oil treatment in gonadally intact females. In a second experiment, another set of experimental females, treated as described above, was ovariectomized under pentobarbital anesthesia at 10 weeks of age. At 15–17 weeks of age, half of each group received a subcutaneous injection of 5 μg estradiol benzoate a day before the passive avoidance learning test. Passive avoidance learning behavior was impaired by the 0.02 mg/kg EE dose, but notably only in the estradiol benzoate-injected group. At 17–19 weeks of age, hippocampal and cortical samples were collected from rats with or without the 5 μg estradiol benzoate injection, and western blots used to determine ERα expression. A significant decrease in ERα expression was observed in the hippocampus of the estradiol-injected, neonatal EE-treated females. The results demonstrated that exposure to EE immediately after birth decreased learning ability in adult female rats, and that this may be at least partly mediated by the decreased expression of ERα in the hippocampus.
Latino English Language Learners: Bridging Achievement and Cultural Gaps Between Schools and Families

This qualitative study grounded in critical inquiry and cultural-ecological theory explores barriers to academic achievement for Latino English language learners (ELLs). Parents and teachers were purposefully selected from a rural school district in the Rocky Mountain region to participate in focus group interviews. Findings included barriers related to communication gaps; culture clashes; poorly articulated ELL plans; lack of teacher preparation in multiculturalism, language acquisition, and ELL instructional strategies; and a lack of support systems for families transitioning to a new environment and culture. Recommendations address systemic planning, professional development, ELL program articulation, parental involvement, and culturally responsive support for families.
The Promise of Partnership and Continuities of Dependence: External Support to Higher Education in Africa

Abstract: After a period of conscious neglect and dramatic deterioration, higher education in Africa is again attracting external attention, with an emphasis now on “partnerships” rather than “aid. ” This report is based on an extensive survey of links between African institutions of higher education and foreign governments, foundations, and universities, with particular emphasis on links with the United States. In it, we explore the evolution, characteristics, promise, and problems of external support. Earlier, most African universities were linked to European institutions. With independence, they asserted their sovereignty and autonomy. By the 1980s, however, resources were inadequate nearly everywhere. Today, renewed attention may bring new funds, yet it also may bring new problems. Academic partnerships are often one-sided, and external support commonly carries conditions. By framing, organizing, and orienting the academic enterprise and thus ways of knowing and validating knowledge, partnerships threaten to reintroduce, in both explicit and subtle ways, the external direction of the earlier era. A consideration of these and other issues is followed by several appendixes, which contain a thorough cataloging of this material and may be used as a resource for future research.
Lower extremity deep vein thrombosis: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial in comatose or sedated patients undergoing femoral vein catheterization.

OBJECTIVES To determine the rate of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis after the use of femoral catheters in intensive care unit (ICU) comatose or sedated adults. Results were then compared with results of patients undergoing superior vena cava catheterization. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, controlled, unblinded study. SETTING A mixed medical/surgical ICU in a university hospital. PATIENTS Sixty-one comatose or sedated patients admitted to the ICU who underwent central venous catheterization. INTERVENTIONS Patients were monitored for signs of thrombotic complications. On catheter removal, a lower-extremity bilateral phlebographic examination was performed in each patient. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS After randomization, 31 patients underwent femoral vein catheterization and 30 patients underwent superior vena cava catheterization, either by axillary (21 patients) or internal jugular vein (10 patients) cannulation. Single lumen polyurethane catheters were inserted for a mean duration of 7.1 +/- 4.6 (SD) days in the femoral vein group and 9.9 +/- 5.5 days in the superior vena cava group (p = NS). No patient had clinical signs of leg venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism during the study period. In each patient, lower extremity bilateral phlebography was performed at the time of catheter removal. Leg phlebographies were normal in 18 (60%) patients in the femoral vein group and 26 (84%) patients in the superior vena cava group. Fibrin sleeves which developed around the femoral catheters were seen in seven (23.3%) patients in the femoral vein group and in no patients in the superior vena cava cannulation group. Three patients had femoral vein thrombosis, two (6.6%) patients in the femoral vein group (two nonobstructive thromboses, adherent to the common femoral vein wall) and one (3.0%) patient in the superior vena cava group (nonobstructive thrombosis which developed in the superficial femoral vein) (p = NS). Lower deep extremities thrombosis developed in five (16.7%) patients in the femoral vein group and in five (16%) patients in the superior vena cava group (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS Femoral vein catheterization with a polyurethane catheter is associated with a lower rate of extremity deep vein thrombosis which is similar to the rate observed after superior vena cannulation in comatose or sedated patients. Femoral vein thrombosis was observed at a rate of 6.6% after femoral vein cannulation and a rate of 3% after superior vena cava cannulation. Given the acceptable rate of this clinically important complication, femoral vein cannulation offers an attractive alternative to insertion via the vena cava in the critically ill.
The Value of Trees

The article discusses the value and importance of urban trees and factors that significantly influence public support for protecting them. These factors were identified by examining mail survey data obtained from a representative sample of 800 homeowners living in a rapidly urbanizing area within Southern Appalachia. A series of multiple regression analysis tested an Integrated Model of Urban Tree Support that combines measures of attitudes, beliefs, values, and sociodemographic variables to predict homeowner support for local urban tree protection. The findings lend support to many features of the model and revealed that homeowners who have stronger protree attitudes, have greater environmental concerns, place more importance on trees when looking for a new place to live, attribute symbolic value and meaning to them are more supportive. Women and Democrats are also more supportive. Recommendations are offered for future research and policy.