bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simple, Cost-Effective Sensor for Detecting Lead Ions in Water Using Under-Potential Deposited Bismuth Sub-Layer with Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV)
Authors: Dai Yifan , Liu Chung Chiun
Published: April 2017

The accumulation of high levels of lead or lead ions in a human body is harmful, particularly to children. Its neurotoxic effect is profound, damaging the central and peripheral nervous systems, resulting in stunted growth, behavioral problems and learning disabilities. The major source of lead or lead ions comes from the drinking water and tap water. The assessment of the water quality, including lead or lead ion content, is usually completed by a regional water department professional. This assessment is time-consuming and requires expensive instruments and skilled operators. Therefore, there is a need to produce a simple-use and relatively inexpensive method to detect lead or lead ions in water samples. This research has developed a simple-use, cost effective sensor system for the detection of lead ions in tap water. An under-potential deposited bismuth sub-layer on a thin gold film based electrochemical sensor was designed, manufactured and evaluated. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurement technique was employed in this detection. Tap water from the Cleveland, Ohio, USA regional water district was the test medium. Concentrations of lead ion in the range of 8 X 10-8 M to 8 x 10-4 M were evaluated. This DPV detection system required 3 -6 minutes to complete the detection measurement. A longer measurement time of 6 minutes was used for the lower lead ion concentration. The selectivity of this lead ion sensor was very good, and Fe III, Cu II, Ni II and Mg II at a concentration level of 5×10-4 M did not interfere with the lead ion measurement.
Variations of Carbon Monoxide Concentrations in the Megacity of São Paulo from 2000 to 2015 in Different Time Scales
Authors: Rozante José Roberto , Rozante Vinícius , Alvim Débora S. , Manzi Antônio Ocimar , Chiquetto Júlio Barboza , D'Amelio Monica Siqueira , Moreira Demerval Soares
Published: April 2017

Air pollution is an important public health issue. High levels of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere are hazardous to human health. Studies regarding the concentration of this and other gases in the atmosphere allow political actions to manage and reduce the emission of pollutants. In this context, this paper studied the annual, seasonal and daily variations of carbon monoxide (CO) concentration for the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo (MRSP). We studied three sites in the MRSP, chosen due to the longer time series and the localities. Two of them are located in areas under the influence of heavy vehicle traffic (Osasco and Congonhas) and the third one in a city park (Ibirapuera Park). The results showed high influence of gasoline vehicles on CO emission. In the annual scale, instead of following the increasing number of vehicles, CO emission and concentration decreased due to improvements in emission technology. CO emission showed a seasonal, weekly and diurnal cycle. The highest values of mean concentration were observed in June/July for Osasco (2.20 ppm), Congonhas (2.04 ppm) and Ibirapuera (1.04 ppm), during the morning, due to weak dispersion of the polluting gases.
Transformation of Organic Matter and the Emissions of Methane and Ammonia during Storage of Liquid Manure as Affected by Acidification
Authors: Sommer Sven G. , Clough Timothy J. , Balaine Nimlesh , Hafner Sasha D. , Cameron Keith C.
Published: April 2017

Acidification of livestock manure can reduce emission of the greenhouse gases methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), as well as ammonia (NH3). We examined the relation between emission of these gases and transformation of organic matter as affected by acidification. Liquid cattle manure was acidified with sulfuric acid to pH 5.5 at a pilot scale (100 L), and we measured effects on CH4, N2O, CO2 and NH3 emissions and on transformation of pH buffer components and organic matter. Acidification reduced NH3 emissions by 62% (47 d) and emission of CH4 by 68% (57 d). Emissions of N2O were negligible, probably due to the absence of a surface crust. Reductions in NH3 and CH4 emission were highest at the start but declined over time concomitantly with a gradual increase in the stored liquid manure pH. Acidification did not significantly affect CO2 emissions. Emission of CO2 was high, five‐ to ten‐fold of CH4 emissions, until Day 16 of storage, after which the CO2 emission rate declined to around twice the CH4 emission rate; consequently, the majority of C loss during the early stages of storage was CO2. Cumulative emission of C in CO2 and CH4 closely matched depletion of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), suggesting that DOC may be a predictor for CH4 emission from dilute slurries. volatile fatty acid and total ammoniacal nitrogen concentrations in surface layers were substantially higher than at the center of stored liquid manure, perhaps resulting from microbial activity at the surface. This pattern deserves attention when predicting NH3 emission from stored slurry.

Core Ideas

Acidification reduced emission of NH3 and CH4, but the effect diminished over time.

Dissolved organic carbon may be a predictor for greenhouse gas emission.

The majority of carbon loss during the early stages of storage was as CO2.

VFA and TAN concentrations in surface layers may be higher than at the center.
Spatial Variability Effects on Precision and Power of Forage Yield Estimation
Authors: Sripathi Raghuveer , Conaghan Patrick , Grogan Dermot , Casler Michael D.
Published: April 2017

Spatial analyses of yield trials allow adjustment of cultivar means for spatial variation, improving the statistical precision of yield estimation. While the relative efficiency of spatial analysis has been frequently reported in several yield trials, its application to long‐term Lolium spp. forage yield trials has not been characterized. The objective of this study was to evaluate the trend analysis, nearest‐neighbor analysis (NNA), and correlated error (CE) models for their ability to account for spatial variability in 138 Lolium spp. forage yield trials. This case study was performed on data from five locations and 11 yr (2001–2011) using randomized complete block design (RCBD) trials conducted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) in Ireland. The relative efficiencies of trend, NNA, and CE models compared with RCBD models were 129, 143, and 193% for analysis by trial × year, and 121, 125, and 171% for analysis by trial, respectively. When the top one, two, three, four, or five cultivar(s) were compared between CE and RCBD models, the agreement between two models to find common cultivars varied from 66% for the top cultivar to 28% for the top five cultivars. Using CE models, four replicates were sufficient to detect mean yield differences between cultivars of 7% of the mean and 80% power. Spatial analysis should be added to the routine DAFM testing programs, not only to improve the precision of yield estimates, but also to reduce the risk of missing potential candidate cultivars, given the existence of spatial variation.
Staphylococcus aureus isolated from wastewater treatment plants in Tunisia: occurrence of human and animal associated lineages
Authors: Ben Said Meriam , Abbassi Mohamed Salah , Gómez Paula , Ruiz-Ripa Laura , Sghaier Senda , Ibrahim Chourouk , Torres Carmen , Hassen Abdennaceur
Published: April 2017

The objective was to characterize Staphylococcus aureus isolated from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in Tunis City (Tunisia), during the period 2014–2015. Genetic lineages, antibiotic resistance mechanisms and virulence factors were determined for the recovered isolates. S. aureus isolates were recovered from 12 of the 62 wastewater samples tested (19.35%), and one isolate/sample was characterized, all of them being methicillin-susceptible (MSSA). Six spa types (t587, t674, t224, t127, t701 and t1534) were found among the 12 isolates, and the spa-t587, associated with the new sequence type ST3245, was the most predominant one (7 isolates). The remaining isolates were assigned to five clonal complexes (CC5, CC97, CC1, CC6 and CC522) according to the sequence-type determined and/or the spa-type detected. S. aureus isolates were ascribed to agrI (n = 3), agrII (n = 7) and agrIII (n = 1); however, one isolate was non-typeable. S. aureus showed resistance to (number of isolates): penicillin (12), erythromycin (7), tetracycline (one) and clindamycin (one). Among the virulence factors investigated, only one isolate harboured the tst gene, encoding the TSST-1 (toxic shock syndrome toxin 1). Despite the low number of studied isolates, the present study reports the occurrence of both human- and animal-associated S. aureus clonal complexes in WWTPs in Tunisia.
Asyryjska diaspora Izraelitów jako wyzwanie dla biblistyki i asyriologii
Authors: Chrostowski Waldemar
Published: April 2017

Abstrakt
Między ekonomią a teologią: ekonomiczne archetypy ziemi w Pięcioksięgu
Authors: Błąd Marta
Published: April 2017

Abstrakt
Ks. Alfred Marek WIERZBICKI, Szeroko otwierał drzwi Kościoła, Gaudium, Lublin 2016
Authors: Chrostowski Waldemar
Published: April 2017

recenzja
Jan Paweł II wobec konfliktu zbrojnego na Bałkanach. Dokumenty papieskie, wybór i wstęp Sylwia GÓRZNA, Wydawnictwo UNUM, Kraków 2016
Authors: Sakowicz Eugeniusz
Published: April 2017

recenzja
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES (KAP) ON GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICES (GMP) AMONG FOOD HANDLERS IN TERENGGANU HOSPITALS
Authors: R. Norhaslinda , H. Norhayati A. , R. Mohd Adzim Khalili
Published: April 2017

Objective: This study was conducted to study the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on good manufacturing practices (GMP) among food handlers in Terengganu hospitals.Methods: A cross-sectional study was done with four hospitals involved. Then, sampling method used was purposive convenience sampling. The data had been collected using a method of a questionnaire and being analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 20.0 version.Results: The findings from this study indicate that food handlers in four Terengganu hospitals have a good level of knowledge (83.0±1.51), attitudes (87.2±3.42) and practices (90.7±1.76) regarding GMP. Results show that the association between socio-demographic data factors and variables of level KAP on GMP had significant value. The socio-demographic data involves were gender, ages, working experiences and attendance of training courses. In the other hand, a positive correlation was pointed out for three levels each, between knowledge and attitudes (r=0.13), knowledge and practices (r=0.24), and between attitudes and practices (r=0.42). However, only level practices and attitudes show significant correlation with p<0.05.Conclusion: As the conclusion, effective and compulsory food safety training on a regular and ongoing basis should be highlighted and conducted for all food service employees in order to minimize the prevalence of foodborne hazards.
MONSTER PHASE OF ACETAMINOPHEN USE IN PREGNANCY: CURRENT VISION OF AN OLD DRUG
Authors: S.s. Nisha Rani , Swaminathan Gomathi , R. Sambathkumar
Published: April 2017

In various countries, Acetaminophen [APAP] is the frequently used painkiller found in hundreds of medications during pregnancy. It has been broadly used for eras and health care professionals prefer acetaminophen as a choice during pregnancy for relieving pain and fever. Current research reports bothersome inclinations in the rate of acetaminophen exposure and related pregnancy outcome. The exposure of pregnant women to acetaminophen is of great concern. Existing literature evidence shows that acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy may leads to preterm birth, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, male infertility, asthma in pediatrics. Therefore, the prophylactic anticipation of acetaminophen exposure can be a far-sighted approach in order to safeguard humans and wildlife from enduring dangerous effects. This article reviews the epidemiological findings and aims to shed awareness into the second generation outcome of an old drug in pregnant women.
EFFECT OF METHYL-Β-CYCLODEXTRIN COMPLEXATION ON THE HYPOGLYCEMIC AND HYPOLIPIDEMIC EFFECTS OF KHELLIN: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Authors: Abousamra Mona M. , Basha Mona , Awdan Sally El , Ismail Nasser S. M.
Published: April 2017

Objective: The present work tackled the development and evaluation of inclusion complex of khellin (KH) and methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD). In addition, it tested its possible hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects.Methods: Inclusion complexes of KH-MβCD in the presence of water-soluble polymer were prepared by freeze drying (FD), co-evaporation (EV) and kneading methods (KN). The selected ternary complex was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), x-ray diffractometry (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy [1]. Assessment of the hypoglycemic effect of the selected ternary complex versus the standard drug metformin was studied. Two different doses of the ternary complex were administered orally to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2diabetic rats. Their hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects were evaluated by measuring the fasting blood glucose level (BGL), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides levels (TG) along the study period.Results: The FD complex showed the highest drug dissolution rate. All the performed characterization analysis confirmed the formation of a KH-MβCD inclusion complex. The in vivo study declared that both doses showed a marked hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects compared to metformin.Conclusion: In conclusion, this study points for the first time that the complexation of KH with MβCD could notably improve the dissolution rate and hence the bioavailability of KH. Moreover, this study demonstrated that this compound has a hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect. Thus, it can be a promising natural supportive treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
POLYMERIC NANOPARTICLES FOR IMPROVED BIOAVAILABILITY OF CILNIDIPINE
Authors: Mishra Rohit , Mir Showkat R. , Amin Saima
Published: April 2017

Objective: In the present study, we aimed to optimize, characterize and evaluate poly lactic-glycolic acid nanoparticles of cilnidipine for improved permeation across the gastrointestinal tract.Methods: Poly lactic-glycolic acid-cilnidipine (PLGA-CIL) nanoparticles were prepared by an emulsification solvent evaporation/diffusion method using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a surfactant. The prepared nanoparticles were successfully characterized for particle size, shape, drug release and pharmacological effect.Results: Polymeric nanoparticles of cilnidipine at a dose of 10 mg had a small particle size of 272 nm with smooth morphology. Nearly 81% of the drug was encapsulated in the polymeric structure and showed 18.99±0.59% of release at pH 1.2 within 3h, however, at pH 6.8 the release was 80.89±1.59%. The formulation had a better antihypertensive effect on methylprednisolone-induced hypertensive rats. The relative bioavailability of the nanoparticles was found to be 2.44 and 2.94 fold higher than the tablet and drug suspension respectively.Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the novel delivery system offers an effective strategy for treatment of hypertension.
UTILIZATION OF ETHNO-VETERINARY MEDICINAL PLANTS IN HASSAN DISTRICT OF KARNATAKA, INDIA
Authors: Kumar Gotruvalli Manjunatha Prashanth , Nagayya Shiddamallayya
Published: April 2017

Objective: Present work deals with the studies on ethnoveterinary medicinal plants used by local people in Hassan district, Karnataka, India Methods: The survey was undertaken during 2015-2016 to collect the information on the ethnoveterinary medicinal plants used for treating various diseases in livestock in rural areas.Results: A total of 36 ethnoveterinary medicinal plants species belonging to 23 families were recorded along with their botanical names, local names, family name, parts used and their ethnomedicinal usage.Conclusion: Survey was vital importance in finding some miraculous medicines for curing various veterinary diseases.
THE POSSIBILITY OF DEVELOPMENT OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE FROM MASSIVE AND UNCONTROLLED USE OF SULFONAMIDES IN MILK
Authors: Ibraimi Zana , Shehi Agim , Murtezani Ardiana , Haliti Fehim
Published: April 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to discover sulfa residues in milk and to determine the most appropriate time required for allowing the consumption of milk after drug’s use in dairy cattle.Methods: 150 samples of raw milk were collected from 95% of dairy farms in Kosovo that were visited during years 2015-2016. At these farms, using a questionnaire, we have identified the treatment procedures of dairy cattle, the dose and the type of drug administered to them, as well as the duration of this administration. Then, ELISA screening method and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection (HPLC/FD) confirmatory method were used to analyse the collected samples.Results: Out of 150 milk samples, 52% were given a combination of 400 mg sulfadiazine+80 mg trimethoprim, with a statistically significant difference compared to other sulfonamides p<0.01. During the examination by ELISA method, 8 of them (5%) had exceeded the limit of detection, while during the examination by HPLC/FD method, 4 of them (2.5%) had exceeded the maximum residue limit allowed. In the first 4 d after the treatment has ended, the level of sulfonamide residues was high 141.5%, which is as high as their initial dose, with statistically significant linear trend p<0.01.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that in the collected raw milk there were sulfonamide residues, whose level has fallen following 4 d of treatment of the animal. It also shows the necessary time allowed for milk consumption. During this time milk must not be consumed in order to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance in the human population.
A SINGLE CASE REPORT ON HYPERAMMONEMIA INDUCED BY VALPROATE MONOTHERAPY WITHOUT HEPATIC DYSFUNCTION
Authors: Saraswathi C. Prarthana , Rita J. Anu , Nambi S.
Published: April 2017

Valproate is a commonly used mood stabilizer. One of the important and rare side effects of valproate is hyperammonemia leading to delirium and hepatic encephalopathy. Valproate-induced delirium is commonly mistaken for worsening of manic symptoms or psychosis. We hereby report a case of bipolar affective disorder who was on a therapeutic dose of valproate monotherapy developed altered mental status where we found elevated levels of plasma ammonia which decreased after the discontinuation of valproate and with normal levels of serum valproate, LFT’s, EEG and imagings. This case report emphasises on the need to consider plasma ammonia levels in patients with altered mental status receiving valproate in addition to other investigations.
Social Exclusion and Conspicuous Consumption: The Moderating Effect of Power State
Authors: Liang Shichang , Chang Yaping , Wang Jinshan
Published: April 2017

Drawing on the compensation motivation of consumption, and the power, approach, and inhibition theory, we proposed that power state would moderate the effect of social exclusion on conspicuous consumption. We conducted a study with 223 undergraduate student participants to test our
hypotheses. Results showed that individuals in a low-power state were more prone to conspicuous consumption when they were in social exclusion than when they were socially included. In contrast, individuals in a high-power state did not exhibit any significant difference in terms of conspicuous
consumption, whether or not they were socially excluded or included. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Effect of Priming with Attachment Security on Positive Affect Among Individuals with Depression
Authors: Liao Ran , Wang Shuo , Zhang Peng , Zhou Ya , Liu Xiangping
Published: April 2017

We examined the effect of priming with attachment security on positive affect among 54 dependent individuals with depression and 51 self-critical individuals with depression. Participants received attachment security priming after they had completed the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire
and the Self-Rating Depression Scale. Results showed that dependent individuals experienced greater positive affect after priming, whereas there was no significant change in positive affect among self-critical individuals. These findings indicate that the 2 types of depression have distinct
development and change paths as regards positive affect, as well as different impact factors. Future researchers could further explore the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral differences between individuals with the 2 types of depression, to help improve clinical interventions.
12. I Light this Candle: Using Rituals in Teaching
Authors: Taylor Laura E.
Published: April 2017

The use of rituals in the classroom can enrich and enhance learning. They can also build a sense of community and belonging which in turn makes the classroom a safer place to risk sharing ideas and engaging in class discussion. Rituals also bring closure to a particular segment of the class learning experience or for the class itself. How many times have instructors taught the last class of a term or the final class of students’ university education without marking this rite of passage of having completed all of the classes required for a university degree? For many students who do not attend their graduation, the last class may afford them a unique opportunity to reflect on their passage of learning for their degree. This paper suggests that the classroom offers many opportunities for building rituals. It provides examples and guidelines for creating rituals. The instructor who is willing to spend the time to engage students in these activities will enrich the subject matter and the students’ learning experience. Rituals, however, need to be carefully considered to ensure that they are culturally and historically sensitive.
17. Learning By Observing Our Peers
Authors: Berry Dave
Published: April 2017

This essay describes the administration of peer observation programs with a focus on supporting scholarly teaching. The factors found to be influential in designing these programs are emphasized in an attempt to provide a framework on which others may build their own variations of a self-study group.
22. The Writing Development Initiative: A Pilot Project to Help Students Become Proficient Writers
Authors: Fukuzawa Sherry , Boyd Cleo
Published: April 2017

In 2005, the undergraduate advisory committee at the University of Toronto Mississauga found that across all disciplines, writing proficiency was the skill weakness that generated the greatest concern. Students reported that they often found writing tasks intimidating, and suggested that effective feedback and guidance would improve their writing. In response to these findings, the Dean’s office created the writing development initiative. Thirteen departments participated with a wide range of strategies to improve student writing. One successful participant was a first-year undergraduate course in biological anthropology (n=255 students and 7 teaching assistants). We created a writing improvement model that involved defined objectives for teaching assistants and additional contact hours between teaching assistants and students. These measures significantly improved the students’ writing skills. In addition, the intensive training and monitoring of teaching assistants’ grading by the instructor and director of the Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre contributed to a reduction in grading disputes. The success of the pilot project led to an extension of the writing development initiative for the 2006-2007 academic year.
23. Journal Writing as Taking Ownership of Internship Experiences
Authors: Bowen Tracey
Published: April 2017

Many disciplines employ journal writing as a tool for students to record and reflect on their learning experiences. In the internship program in Communications Culture and Information Technology at the University of Toronto Mississauga students experience the transfer of classroom theory to practice in the “real” work world during a once a week placement. Students use journals to account for these experiences reflecting on the knowledge they gain from their observations and how this knowledge incorporates into everyday work life. However, journal writing has pedagogical affordances that extend beyond recording and reflecting on experience. Language mediates the learning as students choose what to say about what they experience. They take ownership of these connections and make meaning by appropriating these ideas as part of who they are and who they are becoming as industry professionals. Identifying the ways in which students use journal writing to construct their professional selves will contribute to the evolving scholarship of experiential education.
1. 50 Ways to Lure Your Learner
Authors: Cassidy Alice
Published: April 2017

“Hop on the bus, Gus. Make a new plan, Stan.” * What are some techniques to hook or ‘lure’ learners and to keep them motivated? Knowing the diversity of students, their interests, backgrounds, and preferred learning styles, no single technique will be successful all of the time. This paper describes a large number of ways teachers can engage students with course material and objectives, citing examples from the author, participants in a 2008 Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) conference session, and web resources. After reading this paper and checking out some of the many hotlinks, readers will have ‘more spice’ to add to their teaching repertoire. We all want to help students learn. Let’s see if we can add 50 ways to do just that. “The answer is easy if you take it logically.”
22. Promoting Inclusive Education Through the Lens of Learning Disabilities
Authors: Santhanam Elizabeth , Paulusz Wendy
Published: April 2017

The Faculty of Engineering in an Australian university collaborated with a central academic/educational development unit to design and deliver a teaching development program for all engineering teaching assistants (TAs). This paper discusses the approach taken to promote inclusive education in engineering in a situation with competing priorities. One of the strategies employed in the program aimed at enhancing the TAs’ awareness of the diversity of learning styles and abilities within their student cohort with particular reference to students with a learning disability or a mental health condition. Research (Mortimore, 2003) has shown that certain learning styles can be characteristic of a learning disability or mental health condition. A standard learning styles inventory tool was introduced so TAs could identify their own preferences and realize the learning environment can be ‘disabling’ when there is a mismatch between a learning preference and teaching style. Through discussions and activities, TAs developed inclusive teaching strategies which could facilitate learning for all students. The program provided opportunities to discuss other issues related to diversity among students and other members of the university community, and effective communication skills. Changes in the attitude of the engineering TAs and faculty towards this program are discussed.
26. The Validity of Student Course Evaluations: An Eternal Debate?
Authors: Gravestock Pamela , Greenleaf Emily , Boggs Andrew M.
Published: April 2017

Student evaluation of courses and teaching at universities remains a highly contentious and divisive topic. Emotions and anecdotal evidence can overrule conclusions drawn from research on the validity and design of course evaluations. However, even amongst researchers, there is significant disagreement on the efficacy of course and teaching evaluations. This paper explores this ongoing dialogue through the medium of a parliamentary debate drawing from the breadth of current research on course evaluations.
27. The Sophistry of University Rankings: Implications for Learning and Student Welfare
Authors: Page Stewart , Cramer Kenneth M. , Page Laura
Published: April 2017

We present a data-based perspective concerning the recent Maclean’s magazine rankings of Canadian universities, including cluster and other analyses of the 2007 and 2008 data. Canadian universities empirically resemble and relate to each other in a manner different from their formal classification and final rank ordering in the Maclean’s system. Several pitfalls in ranking procedures, related to invalid and unreliable relationships among indices underlying the final ranks, are outlined, along with relevant findings from previous studies. In their present format, although they have become increasingly publicized and promoted, data based on the Maclean’s system are of limited practical use to students. Perhaps more important, ranking exercises have unintended though potentially serious consequences in terms of the intellectual and personal well-being of students.
29. Using Skills Portfolios in Fourth-Year University Transition to Work Courses
Authors: Wolstenholme Janet Z-K , Evers Fred
Published: April 2017

‘Transition from school to work’ courses are an excellent way to help fourth-year university students as they complete their studies and prepare for the world of work. In this paper we present The Bases of Competence (Evers, Rush, & Berdrow, 1998), a model of the advanced skills used by university graduates in the workplace. The model consists of four groupings of skills (base competencies): Managing Self, Communicating, Managing People and Tasks, and Mobilizing Innovation and Change. Each base competency consists of four or five more specific advanced skills (e.g., Mobilizing Innovation and Change consists of ability to conceptualize, creativity, risk-taking, and visioning). The base competencies and the skills within each base serve as the core of the skills that make up the skills portfolios students complete in the transition courses conducted at the University of Guelph and the University of Guelph-Humber. Students reflect on and report behaviours related to each skill based on their education, life, and work experiences. The portfolio also includes a résumé, cover letter, and other elements related to career development and work search. The portfolio comprises fifty percent of the course; the remainder is taken up with a project and presentation aimed at capping the student’s undergraduate experience with eyes to the future and enhancing under-utilized oral communication skills.
31. Real Problems, Real Research, Real Students: Authentic Research with Undergraduates as a Win-Win-Win Collaboration
Authors: Bank Carl-Georg (Charly) , Ryan Anne Marie
Published: April 2017

Authentic research, in which students pose original questions and attempt to find the unknown answers, addresses principles of undergraduate education in an ideal way. With careful planning and reasoned considerations it will benefit students, faculty, and institutions.
32. Increasing the Impact of Canadian Research on Teaching and Learning in Post-Secondary Education
Authors: Woodhouse Ros , Dence Carole
Published: April 2017

This paper builds on an inquiry process initiated during a session at the 2008 Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education conference. The goal was to promote scholarly research on teaching, learning, and educational development in Canadian post-secondary institutions by identifying and prioritizing research issues, and emerging collaborative strategies for inquiry into these issues. We reflect on the initial outcomes of the session and on strategies to increase the impact of research on teaching and learning in our institutions.
35. Fly on the Wall
Authors: Berry Dave , Korpan Cynthia
Published: April 2017

This paper describes the implementation of a peer observation program at the University of Victoria called the Lecture Club. The observers are not interactive during the class – they are the proverbial flies on the wall. The paper identifies the program as self-developmental, discussing the attributes of this learning-to-teach and peer-sharing methodology. The paper concludes with ideas for further development of this program.
7. Videoconference Teaching for Graduate Courses in Educational Administration
Authors: Brien Ken
Published: April 2017

One of the “tidal dilemmas” addressed by the 2009 Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education conference concerned physical vs. virtual learning environments. Videoconference teaching is an alternative to traditional classroom instruction and a subset of the broader field of distance education. Based on my recent experiences with videoconference teaching, this paper explores the application of videoconference teaching to graduate students in educational administration, with reference to the nature of both the subject matter and the learners.
14. Conversations and Collaborations
Authors: Korpan Cynthia
Published: April 2017

This paper looks at how a series of conversations contributed to the development of a newly formed role at the University of Victoria – Teaching Assistant Consultants (TACs). TACs act as departmental mentors for teaching assistants (TAs) in their respective departments, charged with providing support in the form of discipline-specific workshops aimed at improving performance of their duties and increased confidence in their roles, as well as fostering a TA community within departments.
26. Teaching Transdisciplinarity in a Discipline-Centred World
Authors: Snow M. Elizabeth , Salmon Amy , Young Richard
Published: April 2017

Health care researchers and practitioners are increasingly asked to work across disciplines (or, in keeping with the conference theme, “Between the Tides”) to deal with complex health issues. But working with individuals from different fields is more challenging than it sounds. Working across disciplines can result in tension and miscommunications. Furthermore, to explore interactions among disciplines requires breaking down disciplinary boundaries and creating a common framework and language to define, analyze, and develop new approaches.This paper explores the benefits and challenges of teaching transdisciplinarity in a discipline-centred world, including a description of the journey of one post-graduate research training program as it strives to help student researchers break down disciplinary borders and develop a common framework to approach a particular health issue – in this case, the problem of substance misuse and addictions.
27. L’Étudiant de Niveaux Débutant et Intermédiaire en Phonétique Corrective Face aux Outils d’Auto-Apprentissage
Authors: Kaménova Svetla
Published: April 2017

Les progrès technologiques des dernières années dans le domaine du multimédia proposent différentes ressources à l’enseignement de la phonétique et encouragent ainsi l’auto-apprentissage de la prononciation dans un environnement virtuel. L’étudiant peut choisir entre cédéroms, DVD, sites Internet et laboratoires virtuels pour se former dans un environnement convivial et autonome. Toutefois, le principe d’auto-apprentissage appliqué à la phonétique corrective aux niveaux débutant et intermédiaire est inévitablement entravé par la spécificité de la matière enseignée. En effet, l’apprentissage de la langue orale est fondé dans une grande mesure sur l’interaction entre la perception de la parole et sa production (Renard, 1979). Ainsi, un apprenant produira les sons tels qu’il les entend, et souvent ceux-ci sont profondément influencés par sa langue native. L’enseignement de la phonétique corrective, mené majoritairement dans un environnement virtuel et autonome, ne risque-t-il pas de donner une légitimité à l’erreur et à l’approximation plutôt qu’à la prononciation correcte?
30. L’Accès et la Réussite au Postsecondaire pour les Étudiants Issus de Groupes Sous-Représentés : Un Défi Collectif
Authors: Monette Marie-Jeanne , Wright W. Alan
Published: April 2017

Le présent article présente les domaines d’intervention et des programmes canadiens qui ont pour objectif l’amélioration de l’accès et la persévérance des étudiants des groupes sous-représentés (notamment les étudiants autochtones, ceux provenant de familles à faible revenu et les étudiants de première génération) dans les études postsecondaires. Suivant des recherches financées par la Fondation Canadienne des Bourses d’Études du Millénaire, les auteurs proposent une approche holistique pour aider ces étudiants à surmonter les nombreux obstacles auxquels ils font face à divers moment de leur vie étudiante.
5. Strategies for Evaluating Undergraduate Degree Programs
Authors: Coyle James P.
Published: April 2017

Evaluating higher education degree programs is an arduous task. This paper suggests innovative strategies for addressing four types of challenges that commonly occur during program evaluation: identifying theoretical models for evaluation, balancing potentially conflicting standards, accommodating faculty differences, and aligning courses. Examples from an undergraduate social work program evaluation are presented to illustrate the strategies.
6. Do I Do This In My Own Time? Using Induction Week to Maximize Student Engagement
Authors: Williams Jane
Published: April 2017

This study presents a project undertaken to address a potential problem in getting new students to engage with their academic life. In September 2009, a new course design was introduced into the BA (Hons) Education program at the University of Wales, Newport. The course team was keen to ensure this new development did not lead to a fragmentation of the new cohort, and wanted to develop an approach to aid the formation of a group identity early on. They decided to introduce a non-assessed group activity during induction week: the new cohort was given the task of creating a video guide to information literacy within the first four weeks of the course. The project resulted in the creation of video guides, and demonstrated that students engaged in a focused manner with a range of services and developed a level of awareness and familiarity to support them during their student life.
11. Peer Review: Structured, Informal, Confidential, Helpful!
Authors: Cassidy Alice , Lee Jack
Published: April 2017

This paper 1 describes an introductory workshop, Preparing to be a Peer Reviewer, presented at the University of British Columbia (UBC) to give hands-on practice to faculty members and others in order to provide formative peer review upon request. This workshop, which was designed at the request of a faculty member, is complemented by an Advanced Workshop for peer reviewers. We show the ways in which we actively involved Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) conference participants in a session to learn about the introductory workshop, and talk about peer review more generally. We briefly describe the Peer Teaching Network, created in the Faculty of Science, as an adaptation of the initial introductory workshop.
17. Science Education and Education for Citizenship and Sustainable Development
Authors: Johnston Ronald
Published: April 2017

In the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe, the need for education for sustainable development and global citizenship has recently been emphasised. This emphasis has arguably found its major home in the social studies in higher education. Concurrently, there has been a decline in interest in ‘the sciences’ as evidenced by a reduction in the number of students undertaking science degrees. It is proposed that basic scientific literacy is essential for effective education and participation in society’s decision making processes associated with many socio-scientific issues. This paper considers the challenges facing science teaching as an essential component of education for sustainable development and global citizenship. The results of a survey of students in Wales where this is compulsory and in France where it is optional are referred to as indicators of the effectiveness and challenges and the role of science teaching in this context.
25. Using Technology for Tutor and Student Learning Exchange
Authors: Hewlett Katherine
Published: April 2017

This project built upon the AchieveAbility initiative, which develops materials and training for teaching specific learning difference learners in schools and colleges. AchieveAbility devised the concept for the ‘InCurriculum’ Project and brought together a consortium of United Kingdom higher education institutions to deliver the practice: Norwich University College of the Arts, the University of Westminster, and De Montfort University. All partners delivered a range of art and design courses, using a variety of complementary learning techniques.The project was set up to investigate how changing teaching and assessment practice could be beneficial to different learning styles. The contextual justification for this action research project was to investigate effective practice to retain students within their higher level courses and to support their successful attainment.  The project was funded by the Higher Education Academy for a three year period, during which the United Kingdom educational landscape changed rapidly from a widening access perspective to a more business-orientated model of delivery. To make these changes, technology was shown to be essential to the negotiation that evolved for the learning exchange between the student and staff.
26. Digital Storytelling and Diasporic Identities in Higher Education
Authors: Benick Gail
Published: April 2017

The increase in global migration to Canada has changed the demographic profile of students in Canadian higher education.  Colleges and universities are becoming increasingly diverse by race, ethnicity, and culture.  At the same time, the process of teaching and learning is on the cusp of transformation with technology providing the tools to alter the way post-secondary educators teach and how students learn.  What pedagogical approaches have emerged to maximize educational benefit from these twin forces of migration and technology?  This paper explores the use of one method that has attracted global interest: digital storytelling.   Specifically, the article considers student-generated digital stories as a means to authenticate the multiple perspectives of learners and create space for their diverse voices in post-secondary education.
6. Faculty Understanding and Implementation of Internationalization and Global Citizenship
Authors: Hanson Cindy , McNeil Barbara
Published: April 2017

This paper shares insights into how university faculty understand and integrate internationalization and global citizenship ideas into their pedagogical practices. The study worked with a broad base of faculty to come to an understanding of what it means for scholarship to embrace internationalization in teaching and then to explore ways of sharing that knowledge through pedagogical practices in the classroom. The results demonstrate faculty commitments to global citizenship, willingness to share teaching strategies, and ethical concerns about internationalization. Through this project the researchers hope to inform capacity to understand, develop, and deliver teaching strategies that enhance values associated with global citizenship.
24. Developing an Educational Technology Group for Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Wilson Jay
Published: April 2017

The College of Education Technology Group is a pilot program that supports teacher candidates in developing an understanding of the integration of technology. By engaging teacher candidates with local schools the program is enhancing technology-based learning in the classroom for high school students, especially those from First Nations and other cultural backgrounds. This innovative program is based on the key goals of the College of Education and the Learning Charter of the University of Saskatchewan. This paper will share an overview of the first two years of the pilot and what has been learned about the application of technology to provide an enhanced learning experience for teacher candidates.
12. Undergraduate Essay Writing: Online and Face-to-Face Peer Reviews
Authors: Chong Mike R. , Goff Lori , Dej Kimberly
Published: April 2017

We implemented two different approaches of using peer review to support undergraduate essay assignments for students taking large second-year courses in life sciences and biology: a web-based online peer review (OPR) approach and a more traditional face-to-face peer review (FPR) approach that was conducted in tutorial settings. The essays consisted of a review of current literature to discuss the molecular involvement of cancer development or stem-cell growth. Following implementation of the peer reviews, we conducted a preliminary analysis of the pros and cons of using the two methods. Student and instructor feedback suggested that the activity of peer review was generally perceived as valuable regardless of which approach was used. OPR was convenient and saved time and resources relative to FPR, but the technical drawbacks using the OPR approach made it challenging for some students to use. A subsequent investigation using alternative OPR programs that offer additional functionality is planned.
30. Mystery Montage: A Holistic, Visual, and Kinesthetic Process for Expanding Horizons and Revealing the Core of a Teaching Philosophy
Authors: Ennis Kim , Priebe Carly , Shirapova Mayya , West Kim
Published: April 2017

Revealing the core of a teaching philosophy is the key to a concise and meaningful philosophy statement, but it can be an elusive goal. This paper offers a visual, kinesthetic, and holistic process for expanding the horizons of self-reflection, self-analysis, and self-knowledge.  Mystery montage, a variation of visual mapping, storyboarding, and collage, is utilized to uncover the core of a teaching philosophy and to challenge teachers to expand their horizons within a more holistic context.  We share our personal reflections and experiences and conclude by discussing possible applications of this process to other areas of teaching and learning.
15. A Transformative Experience: Expanding My Teaching and Learning Horizon
Authors: Kruger Mellissa L
Published: April 2017

At the beginning of my academic journey I held the belief that I would learn to teach simply by teaching.  To my dismay, I had underestimated the complicated nature of teaching in higher education and gave little consideration to the ways students learn.  Feeling overwhelmed by my situation, I began questioning my teaching practices and student learning.  It was then I understood that my teaching skill and conceptions of teaching and learning lacked a theoretical framework.  Missing an important piece of the teaching and learning puzzle, I have been on a quest to seek answers.  This paper outlines my journey of professional discovery through my experiences in the Graduate Certificate in Education.  This transformative experience has aided in expanding my teaching and learning horizon by focusing on diverse learners and inclusive teaching practices.
4. Creating Community: One Institution’s Experience With Communities of Practice
Authors: Heath Sally , McDonald Jeanette
Published: April 2017

This article examines the use and benefits of communities of practice (CoPs) in academic settings. In the 2010-2011 academic year Teaching Support Services at Wilfrid Laurier University introduced four theme-based CoPs for faculty and academic support staff after a successful pilot initiative. This article explores our motivation for focusing our programming efforts on CoPs and our anticipated outcomes of the project. We highlight the successes and challenges as well as share survey data and participant feedback on their experience. Central to the article as well as our philosophy is the idea that “good talk about good teaching” (Palmer, 1993) can prompt personal reflection about one’s teaching and meaningful exchange between colleagues.