bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MULTI-OPTIMIZATION OF EMPIRICAL MODELS FOR THE MATERIAL EXTRUSION PROCESS
Authors: Mallian Schuravi , Chowdary Boppana
Published: October 2020

Advances in materials and manufacturing technology and increased competitiveness has led to companies needing to manufacture products more efficiently and rapidly to meet growing market demands. The Additive Manufacturing (AM) process is ideally suited to the fabrication of complex geometries usually impossible with traditional methods furthermore it is capable of fabricating entire assemblies in step without the need for tooling or human involvement. Due to the flexibility and advantages over conventional methods AM has garnered significant attention from the manufacturing sector in meeting market demands. Of the array of available AM processes, Material Extrusion (ME) utilizes a heated thermoplastic filament to construct parts or assemblies via a layer by layer deposition method. This process is not without its own flaws, suffering from accuracy, build time, strength etc., due to the conflicting nature of the process parameters of ME. Therefore, it is critical to understand the shortfalls of ME and classify the factors that directly influence the performance of a part. This paper focuses on the enhancement of the performance measures of the part in terms of build time, material consumption and max torsional stress. This is accomplished by understanding the influence of the process parameters such as raster width, raster angle, part orientation and layer thickness on the performance measures via statistically valid models and optimization methods. This was accomplished using a Box-Behnken design for the experimental design followed by the multi-objective optimization of the empirical models from which the optimum process settings was determined. This study has shown that complex a non-linear relationship exists between the process parameters and performance measures. Results show that the Artificial Neural Network had a better fit when compared to the Response Surface Methodology model and it can be a promising alternative for the prediction and optimization of the ME process.
Assessment Of Efficacy of Lab-Based Learning In Enhancing Critical Thinking And Creative Thinking Among Learners
Authors: Karki Dipesh , Lamichhane Roshee
Published: October 2020

Abstract With technological innovations happening at workplaces, 21st century organizations demand competencies in thinking creatively and critically. These two skills will potentially help prospective employees become confident individuals, concerned citizens, self-directed learners, and active professionals. In this context, it becomes imperative to overhaul the lecture-based and banking model of the traditional pedagogical approach in order to impart such skills among undergraduate and graduate students. To address this issue, a lab-based teaching-learning method focused on problem-solving and design thinking was introduced at OAMK Labs in Finland. This study assesses the efficacy of lab-based learning in enhancing creativity and critical thinking among students from engineering, management, and science backgrounds of Kathmandu University, Nepal. The study was conducted in a workshop setting using a randomized control trial (RCT) where participants were divided into control and treatment groups. Participants in treatment group took part in a design thinking workshop that applied lab-based learning pedagogy, while those in the control group were given some reading material on improving creativity and critical thinking. Standard tests on both critical and creative thinking in a pre- and post-stages were administered to both groups. Data was analyzed using standard Difference-in-Differences technique. The results showed that while the level of critical thinking improved significantly, among the learners in treatment group alone, the creativity level in the post-stage increased significantly among learners in both groups. Results validated the efficacy of lab-based teaching-learning in addressing the need for critical and creative thinking skills among learners. Keywords: critical thinking, creativity, lab based learning, innovation, higher education, Difference-in-Differences
Importance of Diversified Marketing Strategies for Fast Food Restaurant Chains
Authors: Shcherbakova Ekaterina
Published: October 2020

Every organization needs to consistently adjust operations and marketing strategies in order to perpetually satisfy consumers and reinforce dedication to the vision and mission of the company. The adjustments need to be made over time, according to situational influences as well as internal and external trends affecting consumer behavior. Without a proper marketing strategy, a company may go out of business due to internal and external organizational pressures. Nowadays, as the economies of countries worldwide show signs of crisis, fast food industry players need to adjust their marketing strategies in order to overcome the competition within new circumstances. This literature review demonstrates that in order to succeed in this competition, food chain companies need to combine multiple approaches and use omni-channel marketing campaigns. This article summarizes the research made over the last two decades and suggests topics in this area that can be further researched. The research documents, reviewed in chronological order, are peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, corporate websites and major media resources.
Keywords: consumer behavior, McDonald’s, decision-making process, business strategy, marketing strategy
Malnutrition Intervention in Low Socioeconomic Senior Populations
Authors: Vanderberg Taryn
Published: October 2020

This study aims to identify the effectiveness of malnutrition intervention programs within senior populations. Government subsidized nutrition intervention programs, such as Meals on Wheels, play a vital role in the prevention of malnutrition in lower socioeconomic senior populations in the United States (Roy, 2006). For many older adults, meals received via nutrition programs serve as a lifeline, meeting essential nutritional needs and preventing premature institutionalized care (Lepore, 2019). Sixty-three Meals on Wheels (MOW) participants residing in Southern California were assessed, comparing nutritional status upon program intake against nutritional status after three to six months to identify improvement or decline. This study relied on self-reporting on the part of senior participants to explore the characteristics related to socioeconomic status and nutritional risk, and collect quantitative data. Further, it aimed to highlight whether nutritional risk was decreased through program usage. Access to the MOW nutrition program was found to correlate with a reduction in malnutrition risk among the participants in the study. Through the use of nutrition programs and their evaluations, malnutrition and malnutrition risk may be detected earlier, and subsequent measures for prevention can be employed.
SEMEN ANALYSIS OF INFERTILE NIGERIAN MALES IN SOKOTO STATE NORTH WESTERN NIGERIA.
Authors: TS Yusuf , AA Panti , BA Ekele , EI Nwobodo
Published: October 2020

Background: Male infertility can occur when sperms are limited innumber or function. Infertility is a socially destabilizing and stigmatizing condition for couples but in our society many erroneously believe it is a problem from the female alone. Objectives: To evaluate the semen of infertilemale partners of couplesattending gynaecological clinic of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto. Methodology: This was a prospective study conducted at the gynaecological clinic of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto between 1stJanuary 2011 and 30th June 2011. For the purpose of this study all male partners of women who complained of inability to conceive after a period of a year or more of unprotected sexual intercourse were recruited into the study. Data was extracted and analyzed using SPSS (version 11). A P–value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: There were 125 cases of male infertility recruited during the period. Majority of the male patients (51.2%) were aged 40 years and above. Considerable percentage of the patients (46.4%) presented with duration of Infertility of 5 years and above. The identified risk factors were a previous history of Urethral discharge (37.6%) and previous treatment of sexually transmitted infections (29.6%). Hypospermia (33%) and Asthenospermia (42.4%) were the commonest disorders of semen Parameters seen. Low sperm count was seen in (36.8%) of studysubjects, Azoospermia was observed in 8% while 16% of them had disorder of sperm morphology. Conclusion: The study shows that infertility is associated with relatively high rate of abnormal sperm volume, motility and count. In addition, genital tract infections are major associated factors. Therefore, efforts to address STIs through primary, secondary and tertiary preventive measures may make significant contributions to reducing the prevalence of male infertility in Sokoto State.
AS REGRAS DE QUARTO E VINTENA E DA CONTA DE FLANDRES NO COMÉRCIO PORTUGUÊS DAS ESPECIARIAS (SÉCULO XVI)
Authors: Clain Teresa Costa
Published: October 2020

Os primeiros livros portugueses de aritmética prática apareceram no século XVI, em plena época de expansão marítima. Referimo-nos ao Tratado da Praticad’Arismetica(1519)de Gaspar Nicolas, à Pratica d’Arismeticade Ruy Mendes (1540) e ao Tratado da Arte de Arismeticade Bento Fernandes (1555). De acordo com o modelo tradicional, os tratados da aritmética portuguesa quinhentista exibem um conjunto de regras que visavam a prática comercial. Entre as regras consideradas clássicas, temos as baratas, as companhias e as ligas. A modelização aritmética presente nas obras portuguesas estende-se a outras regras. Referimo-nos à regra de quarto e vintena e à regra da conta de Flandres, ambas associadas a duas peças fundamentais do comércio português das especiarias –a Casa da Índia e a Feitoria da Flandres.No contexto da Matemática para o comércio designaremos a regra de quarto e vintena e a regra da conta de Flandres por “regras específicas”do comércio português, dado que não se conhecem outros tratados da mesma época que as contenham. Neste trabalho vamos descrever as duas regras e os problemas associados. Os enunciados propostos pelos autores levam-nos a crer numa aprendizagem por imitação dos problemas resolvidos e numa difusão da Matemática ligada a atividades profissionais.
A Falsa (Su-)Posição? Tradução dos Problemas 24, 25, 26 e 27 do Papiro de Rhind
Authors: Bertato Fábio Maia
Published: October 2020

Neste artigo apresentamos o que é, possivelmente, a primeira tradução diretamente do egípcio ao português de parte do conteúdo do Papiro Matemático de Rhind. Tal tradução serve de evidência contra a aceitação quase universal de que os egípcios antigos utilizavam o Método da Falsa Posição para resolver equações. Apresentamos, sucintamente, alguns argumentos que corroboram para uma nova interpretação dos procedimentos empregados no Papiro de Rhind para resolução de Problemas aHa (aHá), a saber, propondo um “algoritmo” que pode explicar a resolução do Problemas 24, 25, 26 e 27, os quais são apresentados aqui na versões hieráticas, e em transcrições hieroglíficas, transliterações, traduções interlineares e em nossa tradução final ao português. Também são apresentadas traduções de parte do Problema 21 do Papiro de Rhind e do Problema aHa do Papiro de Lahun.
Gaspar Nicolas e os 500 anos do Tratado da Pratica d’Arismetica (15 de novembro de 1519)
Authors: Clain Teresa Costa
Published: October 2020

Comemora-se em 2019 (15 de Novembro) os quinhentos anos do Tratado da Pratica d’Arismetica de Gaspar Nicolas. Esta obra foi o primeiro tratado de aritmética prática de autor português publicado em Portugal. Pertence a um conjunto de livros que entraram em cena numa época marcada por uma vontade de perpetuar na forma escrita o conhecimento outrora transmitido oralmente. Para esta mudança contribuíram a emancipação das línguas vernáculas relativamente ao latim e a eclosão da imprensa. O tratado insere-se ainda numa época de grande desenvolvimento comercial, com necessidades de modelos, para programar os grandes negócios associados à expansão marítima e comercial, utilizando algoritmos apoiados na vulgarização do cálculo com os números indo-árabes. À semelhança de outras obras para o mesmo fim, o tratado de Gaspar Nicolas refere alguns pontos de negócio e trata problemas ligados ao «Novo Mundo». São exemplo disso os enunciados sobre o negócio de especiarias com as respetivas quebras na mercadoria devido às más condições das viagens, uma realidade sentida por navegantes e mercadores. O Tratado da Pratica d’Arismetica aborda ainda temas «clássicos», tais como, como as progressões, raízes quadradas e cúbicas, os problemas para determinar números, entre outros que, embora desligados do mundo mercantil, assumiram um lugar de destaque no saber matemático da época. Estes temas estão associados a processos calculatórios, contudo, apresentam esboços de um ideal muito próximo do pensamento matemático. O conhecimento dos algoritmos das operações básicas e a consolidação da sua prática através de problemas é uma vertente de importância didático-pedagógica crucial e está presente no tratado e nas preocupações de bem ensinar do seu autor. Na obra destacam-se três princípios: realizar a transcrição do conhecimento oral  para o escrito,  explorar as vantagens da matemática calculatória, algorítmica e comercial, introduzir temas matemáticos que aparentemente nada têm a ver com os aspetos comerciais.
From Practical to Pure Geometry and Back
Authors: Valente Mário Bacelar
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this work is to address the relation existing between ancient Greek (planar) practical geometry and ancient Greek (planar) pure geometry. In the first part of the work, we will consider practical and pure geometry and how pure geometry can be seen, in some respects, as arising from an idealization of practical geometry. From an analysis of relevant extant texts, we will make explicit the idealizations at play in pure geometry in relation to practical geometry, some of which are basically explicit in definitions, like that of segments (straight lines) in Euclid‘s Elements. Then, we will address how in pure geometry we, so tospeak, ―refer back‖ to practical geometry. This occurs in two ways. One, in the propositions of pure geometry (due to the accompanying figures). The other, when applying pure geometry. In this case, geometrical objects can represent practical figures like, e.g., a practical segment.
MODERNIZATION AND STUDY OF THE DRIVE SYSTEM OF A MACHINING CENTER WITH COMPUTER NUMERICAL CONTROL
Authors: Zhilevski Marin , Mikhov Mikho
Published: October 2020

A generalized algorithm for selection of the electric drive system for a class of machining centers with computer numerical control is presented in this paper. The successive steps for the calculation of feed and spindle drives in scraping operations are shown in tabular form. The electric drive system for the considered class of ma-chines has been studied through computer simulation and on the basis of practical implementations with developed ladder diagrams. Research carried out and the results obtained can be used in the modernization of such type of machine tools.
Position control of asynchronous motor by vector control
Authors: Hristov Vladimir , Ionkov Todor
Published: October 2020

Asynchronous motors are the most widely-used motors due to a number of advantages they have. The introduction of frequency inverters, such as the widely used speed controllers for induction motors in these systems, allowed the speed to be easily controlled. In the present work is presented the control of the position of an induction motor by vector control, which has the possibility of realization thanks to the built-in plc controller in the inverter. The error that was reached is within 1%, which makes it extremely useful as position management for a number of production systems.
OVERVIEW OF THE METHODS FOR SELF-ORGANIZATION IN SWARM ROBOTICS
Authors: Marinchev Aleksandar
Published: October 2020

Self-organization is a common phenomenon observed in many natural and artificial systems. The overall coordinated behavior of the system is due to simple rules for interaction between its components. Thanks to these properties, self-organization plays a key role in swarm robotics, as it allows swarm coordination with minimal complexity of individual robots.
This paper reviews the methods and tools for self-organization that are used in swarm robotics or are found in natural systems.
DIGITAL AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY – CURRENT SITUATION ON THE BASIS OF EXISTING RESEARCHES AND SHARE FACTS
Authors: Yahov Ilker , Elenkov Andrey
Published: October 2020

Despite the big and rapid growth of technologies during the 21st century, there is still an industry that is lagging behind with the optimization and launch of its digital transformation. In fact, this is the agricultural sector. Therefore, in recent years, many attempts have been made to develop and implement optimized processes and technologies, in order to increase production and reduce costs while maintaining product quality. The purpose of this publication is to summarize the current situation on the basis of existing researches and share facts.
SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS OF DISTRIBUTED PARAMETER SYSTEMS
Authors: Perev Kamen
Published: October 2020

The paper considers the problem of distributed parameter systems modeling. The basic model types are presented, depending on the partial differential equation, which determines the physical processes dynamics. The similarities and the differences with the models described in terms of ordinary differential equations are discussed. A special attention is paid to the problem of heat flow in a rod. The problem set up is demonstrated and the methods of its solution are discussed. The main characteristics from a system point of view are presented, namely the Green function and the transfer function. Different special cases for these characteristics are discussed, depending on the specific partial differential equation, as well as the initial conditions and the boundary conditions.
RISK-BASED TESTING APPROACH FOR MEDICAL DEVICES SOFTWARE
Authors: Ivanov Ivan , Gueorguiev V. , Georgieva D. , Nenova M. , Ivanov B.
Published: October 2020

A successful "medical device" development requires the collaboration be-tween designers, developers, and quality engineers to be able to assess needs, functional requirements, specifications, and problems at every stage of development. The quality control of the developing process is achieved through a predefined set of policies, quality assessment, and the management of activities to eliminate defects and weaknesses wherever the development process.
Descompresión microvascular para el tratamiento de la neuralgia del trigémino
Authors: Sanchez Arriaran Shery Lane , Gonzalo Párraga Richard
Published: October 2020

La neuralgia del trigémino se define como (dolor paroxístico, unilateral, severo, penetrante, de corta duración y recurrente en la distribución de una o varias de las ramas del V par craneal). Puede ser esencial o secundaria. Su prevalencia es alta y ha ido aumentando junto con la expectativa de vida, constituye el 89% de las neuralgias faciales en personas mayores de 60 años. Su diagnóstico se basa en el cuadro clínico con exploración física y neurológica. Existen estudios complementarios como tomografía y resonancia de encéfalo, los cuales están enfocados a diferenciar entre una neuralgia esencial o secundaria. Esta patología continúa siendo una enfermedad desconocida para muchos médicos generales y lo que resulta aún peor, mal manejada por muchos de los especialistas encargados de la misma. En este trabajo se resumen las principales características anatomocli?nicas, fisiopatológicas, y una descripción de la técnica quirúrgica de la descompresión microvascular como la mejor opción terapéutica para la neuralgia del trigémino.
COSMOS-UK: National soil moisture and hydrometeorology data for empowering UK environmental science
Authors: Cooper Hollie M. , Bennett Emma , Blake James , Blyth Eleanor , Boorman David , Cooper Elizabeth , Fry Matthew , Jenkins Alan , Morrison Ross , Rylett Daniel , Stanley Simon , Szczykulska Magdalena , Trill Emily
Published: October 2020

Abstract. The COSMOS-UK observation network has been providing field scale soil moisture and hydrometeorological measurements across the UK since 2013. At the time of publication a total of 51 COSMOS-UK sites have been established, each delivering high temporal resolution data in near-real time. Each site utilises a cosmic-ray neutron sensor, which counts fast neutrons at the land surface. These measurements are used to derive field scale near-surface soil water content, which can provide unique insight for science, industry, and agriculture by filling a scale gap between localised point soil moisture and large-scale satellite soil moisture datasets. Additional soil physics and meteorological measurements are made by the COSMOS-UK network including precipitation, air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, soil heat flux, wind speed and direction, and components of incoming and outgoing radiation. These near-real time observational data can be used to improve the performance of hydrological models, validate remote sensing products, improve hydro-meteorological forecasting and underpin applications across a range of other scientific fields. The most recent version of the COSMOS-UK dataset is publically available at https://doi.org/10.5285/37702a54-b7a4-40ff-b62e-d14b161b69ca (Stanley et al., 2020).
Can the two-parameter recursive digital filter baseflow separation
method really be calibrated by the conductivity mass balance method?
Authors: Yang Weifei , Xiao Changlai , Zhang Zhihao , Liang Xiujuan
Published: October 2020

Abstract. The two-parameter recursive digital filter method (Eckhardt) and the conductivity mass balance method (CMB) are two widely-used baseflow separation methods favored by hydrologists. Some divergences in the application of these two methods have emerged in recent years. Some scholars believe that deviation of baseflow separation results of the two methods is due to uncertainty of the parameters of the Eckhardt method, and that the Eckhardt method should be corrected by reference to the CMB method. However, other scholars attribute the deviation to the fact that they contain different transient water components. This study aimed to resolve this disagreement by analyzing the effectiveness of the CMB method for correcting the Eckhardt method through application of the methods to 26 basins in the United States by comparison of the biases between the generated daily baseflow series. The results showed that the approach of calibrating the Eckhardt method against the CMB method provides a false calibration of total baseflow by offsetting the inherent biases in the baseflow sequences generated by the two methods. The reason for this phenomenon is that the baseflow sequence generated by the Eckhardt method usually includes slow interflow and bank storage return flow, whereas that of the CMB method usually includes high-salinity water flushed from swamps and depressions by rainfall, but not low-salinity interflow and bank storage return flow. Future studies can realize the multi-component separation of streamflow or identify the contribution of different transient water sources to streamflow by comparing the results of these two methods.
Information – based uncertainty decomposition in dual
channel microwave remote sensing of soil moisture
Authors: Li Bonan , Good Stephen P.
Published: October 2020

Abstract. NASA's Soil Moisture Active-Passive (SMAP) mission characterizes global spatiotemporal patterns in surface soil moisture using dual L-band microwave retrievals of horizontal, TBh, and vertical, TBv, polarized microwave brightness temperatures through a modeled relationship between vegetation opacity and surface scattering albedo (i.e. tau-omega model). Although this model has been validated against in situ soil moisture measurements across sparse validations sites, there is lack of systematic characterization of where and why SMAP estimates deviate from the in situ observations. Here, soil moisture observations from the US Climate Reference Network are used within a mutual information framework to decompose the overall retrieval uncertainty from SMAPs Modified Dual Channel Algorithm (MDCA) into random uncertainty derived from raw data itself and model uncertainty derived from the model’s inherent structure. The results shown that, on average, 12 % of the uncertainty in SMAP soil moisture estimates is caused by the loss of information in the MDCA model itself while the remainder is induced by inadequacy of TBh and TBv observations. We find the fraction of algorithm induced uncertainty is negatively correlated (pearson r of −0.48) with correlations between in-situ observations and MDCA estimates. A decomposition of mutual information between TBh, TBv and MDCA soil moisture shows that on average 55 % of the mutual information is redundantly shared by TBh and TBv, while the information provided uniquely from both TBh and TBv is 15 %. The fraction of information redundantly provided by TBh and TBv was found to be tightly correlated (pearson r = −0.7) to how well the MDCA output correlated to in situ observations. Thus, MDCA overall quality improves as TBh and TBv provide more redundant information for the MDCA. This suggests the informational redundancy between these remotely sensed observations can be used as independent metric to assess the overall quality of algorithms using these data streams. This study provides a baseline approach that can also be applied to evaluate other remote sensing models and understand informational loss as satellite retrievals are translated to end user products.
Mechanics and dynamics of pinning points on the Shirase Coast,
West Antarctica
Authors: Still Holly , Hulbe Christina
Published: October 2020

Abstract. Ice rises and rumples, sites of localised ice shelf grounding, contribute to shelf-wide mechanics by generating lateral and basal shear stresses, upstream compression and downstream tension. Here, using a case study approach, we simulate Ross Ice Shelf (RIS) and tributary ice stream flow, with and without the Shirase Coast Ice Rumples (SCIR), to quantify the specific contribution of these features to flow dynamics. While longitudinal stretching, and thus ice velocity, increases in response to pinning point removal, flow resistance generated by other grounded features also increases, providing a control on the magnitude of the velocity difference. Spatial variation in two parameters inferred during model initialisation, basal friction and ice softness, further condition the system response to the SCIR. MacAyeal Ice Stream (MacIS), located directly upstream of the SCIR, is less responsive to the loss of the ice rumples than the obliquely oriented Bindschadler Ice Stream due to zones of locally higher basal drag acting on the main trunk of MacIS. In the model, the larger basal drag acting on MacIS is itself, via regional changes in driving stress, a consequence of the coupled ice shelf and ice stream response to the SCIR. We also find that inversion of present-day flow and thickness for basal friction and ice softness, without feature-specific tuning, leads to the incorrect representation of ice rumple morphology, and by extension, any parameter that is affected by the initialisation procedure. Where pinning point effects are important, model tuning that respects pinning point morphology is necessary to represent the ice sheet-ice shelf system as a whole. Viewed from the perspective of change detection, we find that changes to the ice shelf geometry following removal of the SCIR are transient, as mass flux reduces thickness gradients in some areas and increases them in others, while changes to the ice streams persist, even without sustained grounding line retreat.
The Recruitment and Description of UniversityStudents who Self-Report Difficulty Acquiring Early Reading Skills
Authors: McGonnell Melissa , Parrila Rauno , Deacon Hélène
Published: October 2020

Self-report is a time- and cost-efficient screening measure that has the potential to be useful as a stand-alone means of recruiting adults for participation in reading research.We report on a sample of university students (N = 46) recruited using the Adult Reading History Questionnaire – Revised, half of whom reported early difficulty with reading acquisition. As a group, those reporting early difficulty with reading had poorer current reading skills than those who did not. Some (n = 13) of those who reported early reading difficulty appear to have compensated for this. We conclude that self-report has the potential to be used as an effective screening measure in research targeting adults with a history of early reading difficulties.
Gifted Children’s Representations of Learner Identities
Authors: Porath Marion Porath , Lupart Judy
Published: October 2020

Elementary and secondary students identified as gifted produced representations of themselves as readers, writers, and mathematicians and were interviewed about what they chose to represent. Interviews indicated a developmental pro-gression in the way academic learning is understood, a progression that also was evident in their representations. Action-based understanding of academic learn-ing in early childhood progresses to increasingly complex integration of mental activity and knowledge of self-as-learner with descriptions of learning activities in middle childhood. Adolescence is marked by views of learning as transforma-tive and emergent recognition of the nature of knowledge as important in learning. The representations showed similar developmental characteristics, but also offered complementary, creative views of the students’ learning identities.
The Experience of Doing Science with an Artistic Spirit: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study
Authors: Fogel Krista
Published: October 2020

This paper focuses on the concept of extracognition. It reports a qualitative study that explored the perceived experiences of doing science with an artistic spirit through the voices of living scientists who also engage in the arts. The purpose was to understand how accomplished scientists who engage in the arts make sense out of their experience of doing science. Four highly able scientists with ex-pertise in their field who also self-identified as actively engaged in the fine arts were given voice on their perceived experiences of doing science. Through her-meneutic phenomenological methodology using thematic analysis, four major themes emerged. This paper focuses on one theme, “Feeling Connected to Some-thing More through the Arts.” Three sub-topics are explored in relation to extracognition: (a) intuition, (b) serendipity, and (c) spirituality. The role of the arts is emphasized in attaining such experiences. Educational implications, limi-tations and strengths, and future directions are discussed.
School Readiness for Gifted Children: Considering the Issues
Authors: Porath Marion
Published: October 2020

This paper discusses issues relevant to gifted children’s readiness for school. It raises a number of questions that challenge thinking about what is meant by school readiness. Gifted children can often be ready for school entrance before the age traditionally considered appropriate. Their complex developmental pro-files challenge accepted notions of school readiness. Questions and issues pertaining to how giftedness is defined and nurtured, determination of social-emotional readiness for school, and development of giftedness across the life span are considered for their educational implications. Findings from developmental psychology on transition points in development, predictability of intelligence, and motivation to learn are presented as a framework for thinking about educational policy and practice that best support young children with learning profiles that include advanced levels of development. Questions raised also constitute direc-tions for research on a topic that lacks a solid research base.
Impact of Impairment on Children with Special Needs at School Entry:Comparison of School Readiness Outcomes in Canada, Australia, and Mexico
Authors: Janus Magdalena
Published: October 2020

Transition to school is particularly complex for children with special needs. A major difficulty faced by educational systems in trying to address these needs is the multitude of problems with which such children present. Based on populationlevel data collected with the Early Development Instrument in Canada, Australia, and Mexico, kindergarten-level school readiness outcomes in relation to particular impairments are explored here. Learning and behaviour problems have an overall impact on children’s school readiness, while physical, hearing, and vision impairments appear to affect only the area directly related to the impairment. Overall, the results show some variation but also remarkable similarities among the countries.
Bullying and Victimization among Students in Special Education and General Education Curricula
Authors: Rose Chad A , Espelage Dorthy L , Aragon Steven R , Elliott John
Published: October 2020

International research established over a decade ago that students who are en-rolled in special education curricula are victimized and perpetrate more bullying than their general education peers. However, few empirical studies have exam-ined bullying rates among American schoolchildren who receive special education services. In the current study, a sample of middle school students (n = 1009) enrolled in general and special education programs completed the Univer-sity of Illinois bullying, fighting, and victimization scales. As hypothesized, students with disabilities reported higher rates of victimization and fighting be-haviours than students without disabilities. Conversely, students with disabilities and their general education peers reported similar rates of bully perpetration.
The Relevance of Cultural Sensitivity in Early Intervention
Authors: Gardiner Emily , French Carmel
Published: October 2020

This research utilized a blend of quantitative and qualitative research designs to explore the perceptions held by early interventionists regarding family-centred care, cultural diversity, and cultural sensitivity. The Executive Directors (N = 11) of early intervention programs in Nova Scotia completed the Cultural Diversity in Early Intervention Survey. Early intervention professionals (N = 10) employed in two urban programs were interviewed. Participants were asked to discuss their interpretations of family-centred care and cultural sensitivity, and to highlight any associated areas of challenge. Results demonstrated that for the most part, participants had excellent conceptual understandings of early intervention and family-centred care. Their descriptions of cultural sensitivity were less well de-fined. This is likely due to the fact that no participants had received training specific to cultural sensitivity and were unsupported by necessary resources, such as translators.
WWW.com: A Brief Intervention to Bolster a 5th Grader's Regrouping Skills in Math
Authors: Waugh Matthew , Harrison Gina L.
Published: October 2020

This study examined the efficacy of a brief math intervention using cognitive behaviour instruction (CBI) supplemented by a mnemonic cue system for a 5th grade student with math computation and fluency difficulties. Regrouping operations in addition and subtraction were the targeted skills. Curriculum-based measurements were conducted at the end of each session to monitor the student’s response to the intervention. Pre- and post-assessment with alternate forms of Key Math-Revised were also conducted. As compared to baseline performance, there was a 48% improvement in computing regrouping problems. There was a greater effect on accuracy in computing addition than on subtraction problems requiring regrouping, based on the post-intervention assessment. The results are discussed in relation to previous intervention research incorporating CBI approaches aimed at promoting students’ cognitive, metacognitive, and self-regulatory skills for proficient computation.
Thriving on Challenge: Examining One Teacher’s View on Sources of Support for Motivation and Well-Being
Authors: Perry Nancy E , Brenner Charlotte , Collie Rebecca J , Hofer Gigi
Published: October 2020

Alarmingly high rates of teacher attrition exist in contexts designed for students with considerable needs, such as in alternative education programs serving marginalized youth. Research has linked teachers’ levels of motivation and well-being to their effectiveness and retention. Consequently, we explore what distinguishes teachers who thrive in contexts others find taxing. Specifically, we investigate whether and how their motivation and well-being support their teaching effectiveness. As part of a larger case study of an alternative education program for youth who haven’t found success in mainstream schools, this article reports a semi-structured interview asking whether and how one teacher’s perceived autonomy, belonging, and competence support other facets of his motivation (e.g., teaching efficacy) and his well-being (i.e., constructive responses to potentially stressful events.) Plentiful evidence was found to link our researcher-derived constructs from self-determination theory to the teacher’s professional experiences in general, and to his work with youth in particular, indicating that our conceptual framework is an authentic representation of his experience. Implications for theory and research are discussed.
Self-Regulatory Efficacy and Mindset of At-Risk Students: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Matheson Ian A
Published: October 2020

There is a limited body of research examining how students’ beliefs about intelligence and about their abilities relate to different learning environments. As reported here, I examined secondary school students’ beliefs, goals, and expectations guided by Zimmerman’s (2000) model of self-regulated learning. In this exploratory study, 230 secondary school students reported on their beliefs about learning and intelligence, as well as on their confidence in their self-regulatory abilities. I made comparisons between groups of students on beliefs, goals, and expectations based on their school stream, achievement, learning disability status, and gender. Both self-regulatory efficacy and reading mindset were significantly different for students based on their school stream and their achievement level. The findings of this exploratory study suggest a need for further research that focuses directly on whether at-risk students demonstrate maladaptive motivation and specifically on their beliefs, goals, and expectations of themselves as learners.
Traumatic Brain Injury: Persistent Misconceptions and Knowledge Gaps Among Educators
Authors: Ettel, PhD, NCSP Deborah , Glang Ann E , Todis Bonnie , Davies Susan C.
Published: October 2020

Each year approximately 700,000 U.S. children aged 0–19 years sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) placing them at risk for academic, cognitive, and behavioural challenges. Although TBI has been a special education disability category for 25 years, prevalence studies show that of the 145,000 students each year who sustain long-term injury from TBI, less than 18% are identified for special education services. With few students with TBI identified for special education, TBI is mistakenly viewed as a low-incidence disability, and is covered minimally in educator preparation. We surveyed educators and found that they lacked knowledge, applied skills, and self-efficacy in working with students with TBI. While those with special education credentials and/or additional training scored significantly higher than general educators, all demonstrated inadequate skills in working with students with TBI. This finding suggests that teachers, especially those in general education, have misconceptions and knowledge gaps about TBI and its effects on students. Misconceptions have led to the misidentification and under-identification of students with TBI, leaving this group of students with disabilities potentially underserved. To meet the academic and behavioural needs of students with TBI, all educators need effective training in working with students with TBI.
Facilitating Academic and Mental Health Resilience in Students with a Learning Disability
Authors: Piers Lisa , Duquette Cheryll A
Published: October 2020

This qualitative study explored the educational journeys of five postsecondary students with learning disabilities (LD) from the perspective of the students and their families. Using a resilience lens, it examined the challenges that they faced and the capacities and resources that facilitated their resilience and helped them achieve their current level of academic achievement and mental health. A retrospective, multiple case study design was used, and a series of three interviews was conducted with each university student with an LD and their families. The participants identified a number of interactions among the students and their parents, teachers, and peers that helped shape and develop the capacities they needed in order to negotiate for the supports and resources that sustained their well-being. These capacities included an awareness and acceptance of their LD and themselves as learners, the self-advocacy skills they needed in order to seek out and negotiate for the supports and accommodations that would help them succeed, the ability to set lofty yet attainable goals, the perseverance to work toward these goals in spite of setbacks and challenges, and the willingness to use the supports and resources that were available to them.
Working Together: Communication Between Stakeholders During the Transition from Early Intervention to School for Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Authors: Curle Deirdre , Jamieson Janet , Poon Brenda T , Buchanan Marla , Norman Nancy , Zaidman-Zait Anat
Published: October 2020

The transition to school can be a complicated process for families of children with exceptionalities (Janus, Lefort, Cameron, & Kopechanski, 2007). Little is known about the transition to school specifically for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH). The aim of this study was to examine the communication that occurred among early intervention (EI) providers, parents, and teachers before and during the child’s first year of kindergarten. Thematic analysis was used to analyze six sets of parent interviews, pre- and post-transition, three interviews with EI providers, and three interviews with teachers of the deaf. Participants from each group described factors that facilitated or hindered the transition to school for D/HH children. Findings were interpreted through the framework of ecological systems theory, which indicate that high-intensity transition support and fluid communication facilitated the transition and fostered positive relationships among those involved in the child’s transition to school.
Self-Paced and Video-Based Learning: Parent Training and Language Skills in Japanese Children with ASD
Authors: Hong Ee Rea , Gong Liyuan , Ganz Jennifer B , Neely Leslie
Published: October 2020

While no exact information on the prevalence exists, it is assumed that the overall incidence of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has risen every year in Japan. However, given the lack of resources and services for families of children with ASD in Japan, there is a dearth of practical guidance for the support for those families. This study examined the effects of an asynchronous training package (i.e., self-paced and video-based learning manual) to teach two Japanese mothers to implement incidental teaching. Effectiveness of the instruction was determined using a multiple-baseline design across mother–child dyads. Results indicated that the mother participants were able to implement the intervention with high fidelity over time. However, mixed effects of the mother-delivered intervention on target language behaviours were found across the child participants’ behaviours. This study adds an evidence to support that parents can be essential and efficient intervention agents for children with ASD.
Community Schools: New Perspectives on the Wraparound Approach
Authors: Bartlett Nadine A , Freeze Trevi B
Published: October 2020

An increasing number of children and youth have mental health disorders. To address this issue, federal and provincial mental health policymakers in Canada have recommended: (a) improving the coordination of services, and (b) increasing the role that schools play in providing supports. One way to operationalize these recommendations is to implement the wraparound approach in the context of a full-service community school. This qualitative, multiple-case study of three community schools in Manitoba, Canada, explores the experiences of stakeholders in community schools as they relate to support for children and youth with mental health disorders and their families. The findings indicate that community schools engage in practices that align with the 10 guiding principles of wraparound. Given the broad-based partnerships in community schools and their focus on collaborative action, they hold promise as sites with the potential to lead the implementation of the wraparound approach.
Assessing Inclusion Quality
Authors: Van Rhijn Tricia , Maich Kimberly , Lero Donna , Irwin Sharon
Published: October 2020

Recent advances in policy development and professional practice in the field of early learning and child care have led to the expectation that it is appropriate and advantageous to include children with disabilities and extra support needs in early child care and learning programs. Yet, to date, evidence-based research on the effects of experiences in inclusive programs has been hampered by the lack of appropriate measures to assess inclusion quality that are reliable, valid, and relatively easy to administer. The purpose of the current study was to examine a newer measure, the SpeciaLink Early Childhood Inclusion Quality Scale (SECIQS), using data from 588 classrooms in child care centres and preschool programs across Canada. Through examination of inter-item consistency and reliability, along with exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, evidence is provided for the utility and reliability of the measure. In addition, the validity of using both subscales is supported. Implications for policy and practice include recommending the use of all items in the SECIQS and scoring for all three factors in research studies. Further, separate subscale scores for the Inclusion Principles and Inclusion Practices subscales are recommended as useful for centre assessments, quality improvement initiatives, and for educating the field about the contributors to inclusion effectiveness.
An Examination of the Social Acceptance Levels of Gifted Students Toward Students with Disabilities
Authors: Firat Tahsin
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to determine the social acceptance levels of gifted students toward students with disabilities. The study, using quantitative and qualitative methodologies, was conducted in a city in southeastern Turkey. The present study group comprised 101 students from Grades 2, 3, and 4, identified as gifted. It is a descriptive study that reveals the views of gifted students, with regard to how they are willing to share the same neighbourhood, school, classroom, group, and desk with students with disabilities. Based on the study findings, students with visual impairments, hearing impairments, and physical disabilities were the disability groups with the highest levels of social acceptance by the gifted students. On the other hand, students with intellectual disabilities and those on the autism spectrum were the disability groups with the lowest levels of social acceptance. The participants were aware of the difficulties that their peers with disabilities experience in certain areas at school.