bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing individual differences in second language research
Authors: Linck Jared A.
Published: December 2016

Second language (L2) learners differ on myriad attributes, ranging from cognitive abilities (e.g. auditory perceptual acuity, working memory) to linguistic abilities like L2 proficiency to personality or motivational factors. For decades, scholars have been interested in understanding the impact of these individual differences on L2 outcomes as well as on the learner’s responsiveness to instructional treatments. In contrast to categorical factors like gender, when the attribute of interest varies along a continuum, there are various approaches for analyzing the individual difference variable. Simpler approaches involve reducing the complexity of the analysis by binning or splitting a sample into categorical groups (e.g. by performing a median split) then conducting traditional analyses such as t-tests and ANOVAs. But the concomitant loss of information in the individual difference measure can greatly reduce statistical power, thereby rendering it much more difficult to detect true effects — particularly when the effects are small, as they typically are in L2 research. Moreover, the resulting inferences may no longer map cleanly onto the research questions that originally motivated the research. Mixed effects models — a variant of regression — provide flexibility in the analysis of individual differences that can maintain the observed variability in the data so that scholars can directly test the hypotheses motivating their research. In this chapter, through a series of example models worked out in the R statistical software, I demonstrate the feasibility and ease of using mixed effects models to examine individual differences in L2 research. The examples focus on a scenario requiring the analysis of individual differences while also modeling the main and interactive effects of multiple factors (i.e. experimental design manipulations).
Corrective feedback and working memory capacity
Authors: Goo Jaemyung
Published: December 2016

The present study, as a conceptual replication of Goo (2012), is designed to compare recasts with metalinguistic feedback in terms of the development of the English that-trace filter and explore the role of working memory (WM) in the extent to which L2 learners benefit from the two feedback moves. Eighty-three Korean EFL learners were recruited and randomly assigned to one of three groups: recast (n = 24), metalinguistic (n = 27), and control (n = 32). Each learner carried out a series of tasks and tests: a WM span task (operation span), a dyadic intensive treatment task, oral production tests, and grammaticality judgment tests (GJTs). Results showed that metalinguistic feedback was more effective than recasts at facilitating accuracy in oral production involving the English that-trace filter, but not on the GJT measure, and that WM was not found to have mediated the effectiveness of either feedback move.
The Impact of the Law on Industrial Disputes Revisited: A Perspective on Developments over the Last Two Decades
Authors: Elgar Jane , Simpson Bob
Published: December 2016

This article revisits research carried out by the authors in the 1990s into the impact of the law on industrial disputes. A resumé of that work recalls the responses of union negotiators; this demonstrated considerable success in adapting their strategies in both negotiations and disputes in which industrial action was threatened in order to avoid or minimise the adverse impact of the changing legal requirements—or even adopt these requirements to their advantage. A further survey of union negotiators in the mid-1990s disclosed relatively optimistic expectations for amendments to the law by a Labour government which would make the legal framework for negotiations and disputes broadly acceptable. Our small survey of national union officials carried out during the period of the 2010–15 coalition government reflected the failure of the 1997–2010 Labour governments to make the requirements of the law on, in particular industrial action ballots, both more certain and less demanding on union resources. While the relative optimism of the 1990s had not come to fruition, trade unions’ ability to adapt to changing circumstances, which was a central feature of our earlier work, was still evident, albeit at a greater cost to their resources in a more restrictive legal environment.
Second Chance
Authors: Torrey E Fuller
Published: December 2016

My second career as a schizophrenia researcher will focus on infectious agents as a cause. It will include the collection of serial sera, cerebrospinal fluid, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging on a cohort of affected individuals over 20 years. Since I believe that the initial transmission of these agents occurs in childhood, I will also follow a cohort of children from birth to age 20. Additional projects will focus on rheumatoid arthritis, geographic case clusters, immigrants, and epidemiology.
Hemodynamic Disturbances in the Early Phase After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Studied by Bedside Xenon-enhanced CT
Authors: Engquist Henrik , Lewén Anders , Howells Tim , Johnson Ulf , Ronne-Engström Elisabeth , Nilsson Pelle , Enblad Per , Rostami Elham
Published: December 2016

Background:

The mechanisms leading to neurological deterioration and the devastating course of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are still not well understood. Bedside xenon-enhanced computerized tomography (XeCT) enables measurements of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during neurosurgical intensive care. In the present study, CBF characteristics in the early phase after severe SAH were explored and related to clinical characteristics and early clinical course outcome.

Materials and Methods:

Patients diagnosed with SAH and requiring mechanical ventilation were prospectively enrolled in the study. Bedside XeCT was performed within day 0 to 3.

Results:

Data from 64 patients were obtained. Median global CBF was 34.9 mL/100 g/min (interquartile range [IQR], 26.7 to 41.6). There was a difference in CBF related to age with higher global CBF in the younger patients (30 to 49 y). CBF was also related to the severity of SAH with lower CBF in Fisher grade 4 compared with grade 3. rCBF disturbances and hypoperfusion were common; in 43 of the 64 patients rCBF<20 mL/100 g/min was detected in more than 10% of the region-of-interest (ROI) area and in 17 patients such low-flow area exceeded 30%. rCBF was not related to the localization of the aneurysm; there was no difference in rCBF of ipsilateral compared with contralateral vascular territories. In patients who initially were in Hunt & Hess grade I to III, median global CBF day 0 to 3 was significantly lower for patients who were in poor neurological state at discharge compared with patients in good neurological state, 25.5 mL/100 g/min (IQR, 21.3 to 28.3) versus 37.8 mL/100 g/min (IQR, 30.5 to 47.6).

Conclusions:

CBF disturbances are common in the early phase after SAH. In many patients, CBF was heterogenic and substantial areas with low rCBF were detected. Age and CT Fisher grade were factors influencing global cortical CBF. Bedside XeCT may be a tool to identify patients at risk of deteriorating so they can receive intensified management, but this needs further exploration.
Looking closer at acute respiratory distress syndrome: the role of advanced imaging techniques
Authors: Bellani Giacomo , Rouby Jean-Jaques , Constantin Jean-Michel , Pesenti Antonio
Published: December 2016

Purpose of review

Advanced imaging techniques have provided invaluable insights in understanding of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and the effect of therapeutic strategies, thanks to the possibility of gaining regional information and moving from simple ‘anatomical’ information to in-vivo functional imaging.

Recent findings

Computed tomography (CT) led to the understanding of several ARDS mechanisms and interaction with mechanical ventilation. It is nowadays frequently part of routine diagnostic workup, often leading to treatment changes. Moreover, CT is a reference for novel techniques both in clinical and preclinical studies. Bedside transthoracic lung ultrasound allows semiquantitative regional analysis of lung aeration, identifies ARDS lung morphology and response to therapeutic maneuvers. Electrical impedance tomography is a radiation-free, functional, bedside, imaging modality which allows a real-time monitoring of regional ventilation. Finally, positron emission tomography (PET) is a functional imaging technique that allows to trace physiologic processes, by administration of a radioactive molecule. PET with 18FDG has been applied to patients with ARDS, thanks to its ability to track the inflammatory cells activity.

Progresses in lung imaging are key to individualize therapy, diagnosis, and pathophysiological mechanism at play in any patient at any specified time, helping to move toward personalized medicine for ARDS.
Heterotopic Abdominal Rat Heart Transplantation as a Model to Investigate Volume Dependency of Myocardial Remodeling
Authors: Benke Kálmán , Sayour Alex Ali , Mátyás Csaba , Ágg Bence , Németh Balázs Tamás , Oláh Attila , Ruppert Mihály , Hartyánszky István , Szabolcs Zoltán , Radovits Tamás , Merkely Béla , Szabó Gábor
Published: December 2016

Heterotopic abdominal rat heart transplantation has been extensively used to investigate ischemic-reperfusion injury, immunological consequences during heart transplantations and also to study remodeling of the myocardium due to volume unloading. We provide a unique review on the latter and present a summary of the experimental studies on rat heart transplantation to illustrate changes that occur to the myocardium due to volume unloading. We divided the literature based on whether normal or failing rat heart models were used. This analysis may provide a basis to understand the physiological effects of mechanical circulatory support therapy.
Management of acute stroke in patients on oral anticoagulants
Authors: Purrucker Jan C. , Steiner Thorsten
Published: December 2016

Purpose of review

An increasing number of patients are receiving oral anticoagulants. Since non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) were approved, primary prevention of ischemic stroke has become simpler. However, managing ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage while on oral anticoagulation (OAC) has become more complex. This review covers the latest developments in managing ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in patients receiving vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and NOACs.

Recent findings

Testing coagulation in patients with acute ischemic stroke and receiving NOACs is complex, and observational data challenge guideline recommendations. Initial registry and cohort data support the safety of endovascular therapy despite OAC. In intracerebral hemorrhage, rapid reversal of VKA can be achieved better with prothrombin complex concentrates than with fresh frozen plasma. Furthermore, rapid reversal seems to be associated with less hematoma expansion and better functional outcome. In addition, new evidence strongly supports resuming OAC after intracerebral hemorrhage. The unfavorable properties of NOAC-related intracerebral hemorrhage are similar to those associated with VKA.

Translation of recent findings might improve both outcome in acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in patients on oral anticoagulants and help refine clinical management. Data from randomized clinical trials are scarce.
Analysis of Cytochrome c Release by Immunocytochemistry
Authors: Crowley Lisa C. , Marfell Brooke J. , Scott Adrian P. , Waterhouse Nigel J.
Published: December 2016

Cytochrome c is normally localized between the inner and outer membranes of mitochondria in healthy cells. However, during apoptosis, it is released into the cytoplasm, where it binds to apoptotic protease activating factor. Caspase-9 is then recruited and activated by this complex in a process known as the induced proximity model. Release of cytochrome c from mitochondria is therefore a critical event in apoptosis and various protocols are available for its measurement. Cytochrome c in mitochondria has a punctate localization pattern in the cell and its translocation to the cytoplasm results in a diffuse distribution. This is visually striking and easily observed by immunocytochemistry. This protocol describes the use of immunocytochemistry to assay cytochrome c release during apoptosis.
Trends in open and distance learning research: 2005 vs 2015
Authors: Wong Yuen Yee , Zeng Jing , Ho Chun Kit
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the research trends in the field of open and distance learning (ODL) as reflected in journal articles.

Design/methodology/approach

It compares research articles published in 2005 and 2015. Content analysis was conducted on a total of 288 research articles published in seven peer-reviewed journals on ODL. The study covers research areas and keywords, research methodology and participant types, and author collaboration.

Findings

The results show that macro-level research on areas such as globalization and cultural aspects of ODL remain relatively scarce, and international collaboration appear uncommon in both 2005 and 2015. However, there was an increasing amount of international collaboration in developing macro-level research. Empirical research studies, especially those using quantitative methods, have become the dominant methodology. The data sources have also been broadened. Several new keywords which did not exist or were rarely used (e.g. massive open online courses) have become common in 2015.

Originality/value

The analysis offers insights for researchers into how they can develop their research effectively in the field and enhance the chances of their research outputs being accepted. Recommendations are also made for ODL researchers on the types of research that tend to be accepted for publication and will have a high potential impact in the future.
An experience based view on leader development: leadership as an emergent and complex accomplishment
Authors: Andersson Thomas , Tengblad Stefan
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The paper aims to identify and address matching problems in leader development and to propose how these problems can be dealt with.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on previous research, traditional leadership development (LD) is criticized and alternative approaches are suggested.

Findings

This research identifies two major matching problems in traditional LD – between participant and development effort and between development effort and realities of managerial work. A context-sensitive and emergent view of LD is suggested to address these matching problems.

Practical implications

The paper illustrates the need of leader development that is addressing the complex nature of managerial work in a more holistic way and to help participants to understand how such complexities can be dealt with.

Originality/value

An alternative view of leader development is identified. It matches managers’ diversities and the realities of managerial work better than traditional leader development does.
Building urban climate resilience through community-driven approaches to development
Authors: Archer Diane
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how the implementation of community-driven approaches to improve the living conditions of the urban poor can also have positive co-benefits for resilience to climate change, by addressing the underlying drivers of physical, social and economic vulnerability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies a case study approach, drawing from the documented experiences of organised urban poor groups in Asian countries already actively participating in collective settlement upgrading, building networks and financial resources for further action.

Findings

The findings show that while certain actions might not be taken with climate change adaptation specifically in mind, these development activities also contribute to broader resilience to climate change, by reducing exposure to risk and addressing other drivers of vulnerability. The findings also show that partnerships between low income communities and other urban stakeholders, including local government, and innovative financial mechanisms managed by communities, can lead to scaled-up action to address development and adaptation deficits. This can lead the way for transformation in socio-political systems.

Practical implications

The approaches applied by organised urban poor groups in Asia show that community-level actions can make a positive contribution to building their resilience to climate change, and with local government support and partnership, it could lead to scaled-up actions, through a bottom-up approach to multi-level governance.

Originality/value

This paper considers how community-driven actions can build resilience to climate change, and it argues that adaptation and development should be considered together.
Effectiveness of integrated low-carbon technologies
Authors: Fan Chunzeng , Wei Taoyuan
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Constructing a low-carbon agriculture (LCA) park is considered an effective means to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in developing countries. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of integrated low-carbon agricultural technologies based on evidence from a pilot LCA experiment in Shanghai, China, from 2008 to 2011.

Design/methodology/approach

Integrated low-carbon technologies in an agricultural park were adopted to reduce GHG emissions. Reduced emissions and net economic benefits were calculated by comparing emissions before and after the implementation of the experiment.

Findings

Results show that the low-carbon agricultural park experiment markedly reduced GHG emissions. This outcome can be attributed to the integrated technologies adopted in the experiment, including the reuse and recycle of resources, control of environmental pollution and GHG emissions and improvement of economic efficiency and social benefit. All the technologies adopted are already available and mature, thus indicating the great potential of LCA to reduce GHG emissions despite the lack of advanced technologies. However, supporting policies may be necessary to motivate private interests in LCA because of the considerable starting investments.

Originality/value

Previous macro-level and policy studies on LCA are based on knowledge from experimental studies, which typically specify environmental conditions to explore solely the effects of one low-carbon technology. Practically, integrating several low-carbon technologies in one experiment may be more effective, particularly for extensive agriculture, in developing countries. The effectiveness of integrated technologies is insufficiently discussed in the literature. Therefore, this study explores how effective integrated feasible LCA technologies can be in terms of both emission reduction and economic benefits based on the data obtained from an experiment in Shanghai, China.
Integrated working and intergenerational projects
Authors: Clark Michael , Murphy Charlie , Jameson-Allen Tony , Wilkins Chris
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to promote discussion about, and the development of the evidence-base underpinning integrated working for intergenerational working. It discusses perspectives on intergenerational work in general and specifically draws on case experiences of the use of intergenerational reminiscence based on sporting memories to highlight issues pertaining to integrated working.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a general discussion of issues of intergenerational projects and integrated working, with case discussions of the use of sporting memories as an intervention for focusing intergenerational contact.

Findings

It is concluded that intergenerational work has much to offer but that it is far from clear how best to organise integrated working for this type of work. There are interesting lessons to be drawn for intergenerational interventions and integrated working from the case study discussions.

Research limitations/implications

Although case studies can provide crucial in-depth knowledge they can be limited in developing evidence we can be sure is more generalisable across contexts. Hence, further research is required into the impact of intergenerational projects, and how best to maximise this through effective integrated working.

Practical implications

The discussion and case study materials suggest there is much potential in using intergenerational projects to achieve a range of possible outcomes but it is not clear how integrated working is best operationalised in such work. Care is required about clarity concerning the aims of specific projects, but practitioners and others should be encouraged to carefully explore this area of work.

Social implications

The challenges of an ageing society are significant, as is the need to maintain intergenerational contact, mutuality and the implicit social contract across generations. Specifically developing opportunities for such contact may help achieve this and a range of other positive outcomes.

Originality/value

This paper brings together a discussion of intergenerational projects with consideration of the challenges of integrated working, and adds specific case study lessons from the use of sports-based reminiscence.
The integrated resource-based and transaction cost approach to the growth process of firms
Authors: Gancarczyk Marta
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the process of entrepreneurial growth from the perspective of the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm and transaction cost theory (TCT) and to formulate propositions regarding the entrepreneurs’ decisional rules and structural elements in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

The argumentation draws upon three fields of academic research, namely, entrepreneurship studies on firm growth as well as strategic management and organization science studies on company scope and size (boundary). A systematic review of the literature was performed that combines the RBV and TCT to explain a firm’s boundary.

Findings

Three levels of entrepreneurial decisional rules in the process of growth were identified. The first level includes main decisional criteria. The second level approaches the structural elements of growth process, namely, its motives, rationale, mechanism and modes. The third level assumes evolutionary approach to decision making, namely, feedback relationships among transaction costs, governance and capabilities to create value from growth.

Originality/value

The paper broadens the early stream of research in the process of entrepreneurial growth. It contributes to explaining the way growth is realized, instead of identifying its predictors, which has dominated in to-date studies. The entrepreneurs’ decisional rules and choices in the process of expansion were suggested. Moreover, the integrated RBV-TCT approach was proposed as a theoretical background for studying this phenomenon.
Synthesis of some new symmetrical diselenide dyestuffs for dyeing polyester fabrics
Authors: Gaffer H.E. , Shaaban S. , Abed N.A. , Abdel-latif E.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aimed to synthesise some new selenium-containing pyrazole, thiazole and thiophene dyestuffs and investigate their application in dyeing polyester fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

4,4′-Diselanediyl-bis-(2-methoxyaniline) was diazotized by acetic acid/sodium nitrite and coupled with active methylene components such as malononitrile, ethyl cyanoacetate and ethyl acetoacetate, and their corresponding hydrazono products were cyclised with hydrazine or phenyl hydrazine to obtain a series of arylazo-pyrazole dyestuffs. Furthermore, diazo-coupling reactions of the diazotized 4,4′-diselanediyl-bis-(2-methoxyaniline) were developed to obtain a new series of 2-amino-5-arylazo-thiazole- and 4-aryazo-3-hydroxy-2-substituted thiophene dyestuffs.

Findings

The structure of the synthesised dyestuffs was established and confirmed based on their elemental analysis and spectral data (infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopies). The synthesised selenium-containing dyestuffs were applied as disperse dyes on polyester fabrics by high temperature-pressure technique. The dyeing characteristics of these dyestuffs were evaluated, and they were found to exhibit good fastness properties.

Originality/value

A series of symmetrical diselenide dyestuffs containing pyrazole, thiazole or thiophene coupler components were synthesised. The authors studied their application for dyeing polyester fabrics; they are superior in terms of preparation, yield, purity and fastness properties.
ISO 37500 – Comparing outsourcing life-cycle models
Authors: Babin Ron , Quayle Adrian
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate the value of the outsourcing life cycle, as described in several industry models, including ISO 37500.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present a comparison of outsourcing life cycles to provide an overview of current practices in the global outsourcing industry.

Findings

Several outsourcing life cycles have been defined by industry associations such as the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP) and the National Outsourcing Association (NOA). Academic research has created several outsourcing life cycles, notably the model from the London School of Economics (Cullen and Willcocks, 2005). Finally, commercial models have been defined, for example the Vendor and Sourcing Management model from IDC (2014).

Research limitations/implications

Researchers will find the overview of different life cycles useful in assessing maturity of outsourcing organizations.

Practical implications

Practitioners will find the detailed description of ISO 37500 and the comparative life cycles to be illustrative of different approaches to managing outsourcing transactions. Both buyers and providers will be able to compare their own life cycle to industry standards.

Originality/value

Little or no research has been conducted on how outsourcing life cycles contribute to effective outsourcing. This paper provides a foundation for such research.
Tricyclic Antidepressants Found in Pilots Fatally Injured in Civil Aviation Accidents
Authors: Dulkadir Zeki , Chaturvedi Arvind K. , Craft Kristi J. , Hickerson Jeffery S. , Cliburn Kacey D.
Published: December 2016

Prevalence of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) has not been explored in pilots. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) aviation accident and the Federal Aviation Administration's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) toxicology and medical certification databases were searched for pilots fatally injured in aviation accidents. During 1990–2012, CAMI received bio‐samples of pilots from 7037 aviation accidents. Of these, 2644 cases were positive for drugs. TCAs were present in 31. TCA blood concentrations ranged from therapeutic to toxic levels. The NTSB determined that the use of drugs and ethanol as the probable cause or contributing factor in 35% (11 of 31) of the accidents. None of the 31 pilots reported the use of TCAs during their aviation medical examination. The prevalence of TCAs in aviators was less than 0.5% (31 of 7037 cases). There is a need for aviators to fully disclose the use of medications at the time of their medical examination.
An Optimized Centrifugal Method for Separation of Semen from Superabsorbent Polymers for Forensic Analysis
Authors: Camarena Lucy R. , Glasscock Bailey K. , Daniels Demi , Ackley Nicolle , Sciarretta Marybeth , Seashols‐Williams Sarah J.
Published: December 2016

Connection of a perpetrator to a sexual assault is best performed through the confirmed presence of semen, thereby proving sexual contact. Evidentiary items can include sanitary napkins or diapers containing superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), complicating spermatozoa visualization and DNA analysis. In this report, we evaluated the impact of SAPS on the current forensic DNA workflow, developing an efficient centrifugal protocol for separating spermatozoa from SAP material. The optimized filtration method was compared to common practices of excising the top layer only, resulting in significantly higher sperm yields when a core sample of the substrate was taken. Direct isolation of the SAP‐containing materials without filtering resulted in 20% sample failure; additionally, SAP material was observed in the final eluted DNA samples, causing physical interference. Thus, use of the described centrifugal‐filtering method is a simple preliminary step that improves spermatozoa visualization and enables more consistent DNA yields, while also avoiding SAP interference.
The importance of the savings device in precautionary savings: Empirical evidence from rural Bangladesh
Authors: Michler Jeffrey D. , Balagtas Joseph V.
Published: December 2016

We test if precautionary behavior in the consumption decisions of rural households differs across the forms of savings. Using monthly panel data from Bangladesh, we find that, on average, the savings device does not matter but that the effect of income on savings indeed depends on the savings device. Precautionary savings in the form of staple grain are relatively constant across income quartiles, while nongrain precautionary savings vary across income quartiles. Previous studies, which treat these two types of savings devices as fungible, misdiagnose the reasons for, and by extension the market failures behind, a large percentage of the precautionary savings held by rural households.
Asset‐based poverty transition and persistence in rural China
Authors: You Jing
Published: December 2016

This article tests empirically for transition and persistence of poverty in rural China based on the theory of asset‐based poverty traps. It proposes an analytical framework mitigating the problem of endogenous switching between accumulation regimes and disentangling the true state‐dependence of poverty. Specifically, a dynamic asset threshold separating households into downward and upward mobility regimes is identified after taking households’ unobserved characteristics and observed regime‐differentiated accumulation strategies into account. The static analysis identifies causality running from settling into a downward mobility regime to the probability of poverty measured by consumption. Furthermore, allowing for endogenous initial poverty status, the dynamic analysis finds strong true state‐dependence in poverty. Households with the same characteristics are nearly twice as likely to be poor as if they had not previously switched to the accumulation regime. Assets below the dynamic threshold serve as a conduit through which poverty propagates itself. Factors that help to break this vicious circle are identified.
Integrating eye trackers with handwriting tablets to discover difficulties of solving geometry problems
Authors: Lin John J. H. , Lin Sunny S. J.
Published: December 2016

To deepen our understanding of those aspects of problems that cause the most difficulty for solvers, this study integrated eye‐tracking with handwriting devices to investigate problem solvers' online processes while solving geometry problems. We are interested in whether the difference between successful and unsuccessful solvers can be identified by employing eye‐tracking and handwriting. Sixty‐two high school students were required to complete a series of geometry problems using pen tablets. Responses, including eye movement measures, wrote/drew trace, perceived cognitive load and questionnaires concerning the source of difficulties, were collected. The results suggested that the technique could enhance methods to diagnose difficulties by differentiating between successful and unsuccessful solvers. We considered mental rotation could be a primary obstacle in the integrating stage of diagram comprehension. The technique can be extensively applied in various instructional scenarios. Educational implications for problem solving are discussed.
An inquiry into the efficiency of WhatsApp for self‐ and peer‐assessments of oral language proficiency
Authors: Samaie Mahmoud , Mansouri Nejad Ali , Qaracholloo Mahmoud
Published: December 2016

Social networking applications such as WhatsApp have been extensively used for language research; however, they have rarely been applied for language assessment purposes. To explore the efficiency of WhatsApp for assessment purposes, 30 Iranian English learners doing self‐ and peer‐assessments on WhatsApp are studied. The changes and the reasons for the changes in their attitudes towards the two assessment types are also investigated. In a multi‐phase study, the participants were trained on the new concepts of mobile‐assisted self‐ and peer‐assessments. They were also involved in the concurrent tasks of self‐ and peer‐assessments as well as think‐aloud protocols and filled out four attitude questionnaires before and after their involvement in the two assessment types. Finally, they were interviewed for the reasons of change(s) in their attitudes. The t‐test and think‐aloud results show that though the participants assigned different grades to themselves and their peers, this is not a procedural difference. The questionnaire results show that the participants generally adopted negative attitudes towards mobile‐assisted assessments after being involved in them. They also gave various reasons for the change(s) in their attitudes. The results can substantially contribute to the ongoing debates on the use of alternative assessments through mobile device applications.
Engaging students in school participatory practice through Facebook: The story of a failure
Authors: Manca Stefania , Grion Valentina
Published: December 2016

In recent years, there has been increasing emphasis on the benefits of social media and social network sites to foster young people's participation in digital public spaces and their civic engagement. Using the principles of the Student Voice approach, this study investigated the use of a Facebook group to support secondary school students’ voices and viewpoints on school quality and policy (N = 98). The results showed that students were reluctant to be active in the group for several reasons, such as mistrust of school policies and resistance to combining Facebook use with school‐related issues. The low participation provided clues to reflect on the design of Student Voice projects to support civic engagement at school and to evaluate the use of digital sites to support Student Voice. Some considerations on the reasons for project failure and how to successfully reach student participation in a technology‐enhanced environment at school that addresses power relations, authenticity and inclusion are provided.
Young children's everyday concepts of the internet: A platform for cyber‐safety education in the early years
Authors: Edwards Susan , Nolan Andrea , Henderson Michael , Mantilla Ana , Plowman Lydia , Skouteris Helen
Published: December 2016

Young children from around the world are accessing the internet in ever increasing numbers. The rapid increase in internet activity by children aged 4–5 years in particular is due to the ease access enabled them by touchscreen internet‐enabled tablet technologies. With young children now online, often independently of adult supervision, the need for early childhood cyber‐safety education is becoming urgent. In this paper, we report the early findings from a project aimed at examining the development of cyber‐safety education for young children. We argue that cyber‐safety education for young children cannot be effectively developed without first considering young children's thinking about the internet. In this paper, we use Vygotsky's ideas about the development of mature concepts from the merging of everyday and scientific concepts. We identify the potential range of everyday concepts likely to form the basis of young children's thinking about the internet as a platform for cyber‐safety education in the early years.
Dissociative Identity Disorder, Ambivalence, and Responsibility
Authors: Maiese Michelle
Published: December 2016

If someone with dissociative identity disorder (DID) commits a wrongful act, is she responsible? If one adopts the Multiple Persons Thesis, it may seem that one alter cannot be responsible for the actions of another alter. Conversely, if one regards the subject as a single person, it may seem that she is responsible for any actions she performs. I will argue that this subject is a single person, but one who suffers from delusions of disownership and therefore does not fulfill ordinary requirements for responsible agency. This is because she suffers from extreme ambivalence: her deep‐seated needs and desires conflict, and she forms alter‐personalities as a way to cope with inner discord without abandoning any of these contradictory impulses. However, although the ability to exercise autonomous agency is eroded in such cases, the capacity for autonomous agency is preserved. The subject with DID is weakly responsible for her wrongful acts.
Local strain accumulation in fatigue crack propagation process of Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy
Authors: Ye S. , Gong J. ‐G. , Tu S. ‐T. , Zhang X. ‐C. , Zhang C. ‐C.
Published: December 2016

Fatigue crack growth behaviours of the titanium alloy Ti‐6Al‐4V, with two different microstructures, at different maximum stresses were identified by digital image correlation technique. Full‐field strains were monitored around fatigue cracks after consecutive cycles in fatigue crack growth experiments. Results indicated that the Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy with a bi‐modal microstructure had a better fatigue resistance than that with a primary‐α microstructure. Typical behaviours of small cracks and the evolution of multi‐scale fatigue cracks were clarified. The strain accumulations around the micro‐notch and fatigue crack increased with increasing number of load cycles. On the basis of von Mises strain mapping, it was found that crack growth rate could be characterized by crack‐tip plastic zone size.
The Relationship Between Intelligence Quotient and Aspects of Everyday Functioning and Participation for People Who Have Mild and Borderline Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Arvidsson Patrik , Granlund Mats
Published: December 2016

Background

This study explored the relationship between intelligence quotient (IQ) and aspects of everyday functioning/participation in individuals (age 16–40) who have a mild/borderline intellectual disability (IQ 55–85).

Method

Correlations were examined between IQ and (i) self‐rated (n = 72) ability, participation as performance (how often an activity is performed), important participation restriction (not/seldom performing an activity perceived as important) and general well‐being and (ii) proxy‐rated (n = 41) ability and participation as performance.

Results

No significant correlations between IQ and any of the explored measures were found. However, the effect sizes of the correlations between IQ and ability were considered as small but not negligible.

Conclusions

The results support the notion that IQ is a poor predictor of general aspects of everyday functioning in persons with mild/borderline intellectual disability. The result indicates that self‐ratings partly generate other information than proxy ratings which may be important for assessments of supportive requirements and diagnosis.
Phytochemicals and Overall Quality of Leafy Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Varieties Grown in Closed Hydroponic System
Authors: Mampholo Bevly M. , Maboko Martin M. , Soundy Puffy , Sivakumar Dharini
Published: December 2016

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a popular salad vegetable and consumption of lettuce has many health benefits. The objective of this study was to select lettuce varieties grown in a closed hydroponic system based on their morphological parameters, phytochemical and mineral content for mixed fresh cut salads or as whole product.

Principal component analysis illustrated three separate groups based on the bioactive compounds, color values and fresh leaf mass for the 16 lettuce varieties. Group 1; Multired 4 contained the highest concentrations of total phenols, flavonoids (isohamnetin, quercetin, kaempferol, epicatechin, mycertin, anthocyanin), β‐carotene, ascorbic acid and higher antioxidant property and lower leaf fresh mass. Group 2; included the green lettuce varieties (Multigreen 3 and Multigreen 1) and the red varieties (Cantarix, Lunix, Soltero, Veneza Roxa, Feska) revealed moderately higher in bioactive compounds and fresh leaf mass. Group 3 contained the green lettuce varieties (Smile, Palmir, Hardy, Nasir, Monary, Atlantis and Vera Green Frilly) and showed lower bioactive compounds with leaf higher fresh mass.

Red lettuce varieties are rich in bioactive compounds and antioxidant property mainly due to higher total phenols and flavonoid compounds. Multired 4 (red), Multigreen 3 (green) and Multigreen 1 (green) and other red lettuce varieties can be recommended for mixed lettuce salads or as whole product.

Practical Applications

Lettuce consumption is determined by color, size, texture, taste and nutritional properties. Choice of lettuce varieties is important for lettuce mixed fresh cuts or as a whole product. Therefore, it is important to profile the phytochemical composition in different lettuce varieties to improve the antioxidant and nutrient intake in the diet.
Video ethnography during and after caesarean sections: methodological challenges
Authors: Stevens Jeni , Schmied Virginia , Burns Elaine , Dahlen Hannah G
Published: December 2016

Aims and objectives

To describe the challenges of, and steps taken to successfully collect video ethnographic data during and after caesarean sections.

Background

Video ethnographic research uses real‐time video footage to study a cultural group or phenomenon in the natural environment. It allows researchers to discover previously undocumented practices, which in‐turn provides insight into strengths and weaknesses in practice. This knowledge can be used to translate evidence‐based interventions into practice.

Design

Video ethnographic design.

Methods

A video ethnographic approach was used to observe the contact between mothers and babies immediately after elective caesarean sections in a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia. Women, their support people and staff participated in the study. Data were collected via video footage and field notes in the operating theatre, recovery and the postnatal ward.

Conclusions

Challenges faced whilst conducting video ethnographic research included attaining ethics approval, recruiting vast numbers of staff members and ‘vulnerable’ pregnant women, and endeavouring to be a ‘fly on the wall’ and a ‘complete observer’. There were disadvantages being an ‘insider’ whilst conducting the research because occasionally staff members requested help with clinical tasks whilst collecting data; however, it was an advantage as it enabled ease of access to the environment and staff members that were to be recruited. Despite the challenges, video ethnographic research enabled the provision of unique data that could not be attained by any other means.

Relevance to clinical practice

Video ethnographic data are beneficial as it provides exceptionally rich data for in‐depth analysis of interactions between the environment, equipment and people in the hospital environment. The analysis of this type of data can then be used to inform improvements for future care.
Knowledge and practice in cardiovascular disease prevention among hospital registered nurses: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ding Shu , Deng Ying , Lu Sai , Lamb Karen V , Zhang Ying , Wu Ying
Published: December 2016

Aims and objectives

To investigate the knowledge and clinical practices of cardiovascular disease prevention among registered nurses who worked on three major clinical units in Beijing hospitals.

Background

Health education on cardiovascular disease prevention is an important component of nursing practice; however, Chinese registered nurses’ knowledge and practice patterns have been poorly explored in previous studies.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A stratified random sample of three hundred registered nurses was recruited from two tertiary hospitals in Beijing, China. A validated questionnaire was used to examine nurses’ knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors, their practices and perceived barriers to cardiovascular disease prevention‐related patient education. The differences in knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors and the practice pattern associated with cardiovascular disease prevention were compared among nurses who worked on three major clinical units.

Results

Questionnaires were completed by 273 registered nurses with a response rate of 91%. More than 75% of the registered nurses knew the cardiovascular disease risk factors; however, less than half knew the right target goals for cardiovascular disease risk factors. Notably, fewer than 70% of registered nurses routinely provided health education for cardiovascular disease prevention during their practice. There was inconsistency between registered nurses’ knowledge of target goals for cardiovascular disease risk reduction and their education practices on cardiovascular disease prevention. The three major barriers to providing cardiovascular disease risk factor preventive education were lack of time, patients’ reluctance to change lifestyle and lack of physicians’ support.

Conclusions

Not all of the registered nurses were motivated to educate and encourage patients to engage healthy lifestyle changes, even though most of them were knowledgeable about cardiovascular disease risk factors. A gap between the knowledge and practice for the prevention of cardiovascular disease was identified.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings highlight the need to advocate for knowledge application and address knowledge deficits in the area of cardiovascular disease prevention among registered nurses.
A Chinese version of the Patient Continuity of Care Questionnaire: reliability and validity assessment
Authors: Chen Hsiao‐Mei , Chen Ching‐Min
Published: December 2016

Aims and objectives

To examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of Patient Continuity of Care Questionnaire (PCCQ) to see whether the Patient Continuity of Care Questionnaire can be applied in Chinese context.

Background

The rapid increase in the number of older adults with chronic diseases has made caring for this vulnerable population a priority healthcare issue in Taiwan. The PCCQ has been widely used in international studies. However, research has not yet assessed the suitability and applicability of the PCCQ in Taiwan.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey design was applied for the psychometric testing of the scale.

Methods

A total of 314 older Taiwanese adults with chronic diseases receiving discharge planning intervention were pooled from a hospital in Central Taiwan. After receiving permission from the author of the PCCQ, a Chinese translation and back translation were made.

Results

The scale was first rated by eleven experts with a Content Validity Index of 0·93. Two factors were extracted with the exploratory factor analysis, namely ‘information transfer to patients’ and ‘relationships with providers during hospitalisation’, with a total of 70·34% of the variance explained.

Conclusions

The PCCQ ‐ Chinese can be used to assist professionals to fully understand the continuity of care of the discharged patients under consideration.

Relevance to clinical practice

A PCCQ ‐ Chinese version can be used as a guide for discharging preparation that enables patients to receive high‐quality continuity of care and further to self‐manage their conditions.