bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Careers and Course Information Services
Authors: Inglis Alistair
Published: March 2013

Recent attempts to develop general careers and course information directories in Australia are reviewed. A comparison is made of these services in terms of (a) range of functions supported, (b) geographic coverage, (c) sectoral coverage, (d) modes of access and (e) ability to support direct contact with the course providers. Several limitations of these services and the likely directions of future development are discussed.
Research Digest
Authors: Meredith Shears
Published: March 2013

This section of the journal includes abstracts of research. Research reported is at varying stages from early development of ideas to completion. Authors of abstracts would like to hear from anyone else working in their area. Please contact authors if you are interested, either through the Editor or direct.
Career Education, Career Guidance and Curricular Choice
Authors: Byrne Eileen M. , Beavers W. Sam
Published: March 2013

A research review of career education, career guidance and curricular choice in a sample of Australian secondary schools reveals an almost total lack of rationale; a lack of any coherent, planned approach; and some continuing serious confusion in the field about the actual and distinct nature of the separate but related functions of career education, career guidance and career counselling. This group of activities is also either under-resourced or not provided at all at the level of need or demand. The relationship between any form of career education processes and curricular choice structures was weak or non-existent. The interim research outcomes include recommendations for new systemic and school-based investment of specialist resources, staff and information dissemination techniques.
Expectations of Career Counselling
Authors: Hutton Dorothy , Lockhart Janice , Cobain Marilyn
Published: March 2013

The research in this study is based on the work of Tinsley (1982, 1992) on expectations of counselling and work of Galassi, Grace, Martin, James, and Wallace (1992) on the expectations of career counselling. The perspective taken by this paper, in support of Galassi et al. (1992), is that career counselling needs to be investigated as a discrete area of counselling. The brief version of the Expectation of Counseling (EOCB) and additional items based on a decision-making model of career counselling were given to 278 respondents from educational institutions. The findings indicate that the expectations of the groups converge. There was a general expectation that career counselling would take more than three sessions. The significant differences in the scores on the subscales for the groups do not indicate that counsellors, providers, clients, and students are working on substantially different models. The preferred model of the respondent group was for some elements of the career counselling decision-making model using a client centred humanistic approach rather than a testing and guidance model. Clients/students indicated that they expected the process to be pleasurable, whereas counsellors/providers did not expect this. There is a surprise finding that the central elements of the decision-making process, self exploration and decision-making were not part of the expectation set. It is recommended that future research in this field use a career counselling specific instrument.
Careers Forum
Authors: Calvert Greg
Published: March 2013

At the beginning of July, schools and colleges received What's next? Future steps careers information kits. Eighteen thousand copies were distributed to all Year 10, 11 and 12 students in state, private and Catholic schools throughout Tasmania.
Occupational Concerns and Well-Being of Skilled Hong Kong Immigrants in Australia
Authors: Mak Anita
Published: March 2013

Hong Kong is currently Australia's largest source of non-English-speaking background immigrants with professional and managerial skills. Many highly trained recent Hong Kong immigrants may be fluent in English and hold recognised qualifications, but would experience initial problems in a culturally different workplace, especially when their customary interpersonal style, which has previously brought them successes, seems no longer valued in their new work settings. This paper provides a context for these intercultural communication concerns by drawing on relevant research findings and case vignettes. The well-being of highly trained immigrant workers would be enhanced through intercultural training that aims at augmenting their repertoire of social competencies. The human resources issues involved in utilising immigrants' bicultural skills to improve the nation's productivity will be discussed using the case of Hong Kong immigrants.
Common Sense Assumptions and Language in Career Counselling
Authors: Hyndman Ken , Patching Bill
Published: March 2013

Counsellors and clients enter career counselling with assumptions that effect the process and outcomes of counselling. Common sense assumptions are assumptions that are implicit in interactions and of which people are generally unaware. This article argues that there is a need for counsellors to be aware of these assumptions and acknowledge how they may influence the use of language in the counselling process. Segments of career counselling interactions between school counsellors and secondary students were reviewed using four language study techniques to identify assumptions implicit in the interactions. The results showed that the career counselling sessions were dominated by the counsellor who had a tendency to lead the discussion and outcomes. This confirmed the view of other researchers, who indicate that despite advances in career counselling theory, the counselling process has been limited by the approach of counsellors who have continued to rely on a directive trait and factor approach. Recommendations for addressing the situation are offered.
Career Counselling, Possible Selves and Changing Occupational Skill Requirements
Authors: Cornford Ian
Published: March 2013

The concept of possible selves is important in understanding client selection of an occupation from a range of choices as well as the development of motivation for the successful pursuit of required courses of training or study in order to achieve employment. Recent changes to many jobs and skill requirements, stemming from technological and economic changes, mean that clients may bring with them beliefs and prejudices about occupations that are based upon incorrect information. Such beliefs have the potential to adversely affect the process of effective career selection and the development of concepts of possible selves that are close to reality. This article considers what career counsellors may do to facilitate clients' formulation of realistic conceptions of possible selves that accurately reflect actual, current occupational skill requirements.
Training Needs of Career Development Counsellors and Facilitators
Authors: Splete Howard , Hutton Dorothy
Published: March 2013

This article describes the need for trained career development personnel to assist in a variety of settings. The professional role and training requirements in the United States and Australia show a marked similarity in recent government attention to the area and in the sequence and timing of initiatives. A disparity that exists between state provisions of training and expectations of standards is receiving attention from national government bodies and national professional associations. Professional bodies in both countries are currently developing national certification and accreditation guidelines and procedures, but the United States, with its tradition of training, supervision and examination, has moved much further along the accreditation path than Australia. Some of the major issues concerning the certification and accreditation of careers practitioners and examples of training and curriculum models are provided. The article provides a glimpse of future directions in the profession of career counselling.
The Ethics of Testing
Authors: Garton Alison
Published: March 2013

This paper is concerned with ethical issues in the practice and administration of tests. Some broad principles related to the knowledge required for test usage are described, together with the skills necessary for competent test use. Ethical practice in relation to test users, training in testing, test administration, test interpretation and test instruments is also examined. The focus then changes to a consideration of the more general ethical principles that apply to professional practice and are equally applicable to testing. A final section examines the relevance of these issues for career guidance practitioners and also some recent professional developments that will encourage ethical practice in testing.
Assessment of Interests and Aptitudes for Career Planning
Authors: Care Esther
Published: March 2013

In order to ensure that the guidance process is effective, career guidance professionals must make decisions about what techniques and interventions to implement with clients in the limited time generally available. Given the variety of interventions in the professional's repertoire, a decision to implement any one of these must be based on a strong probability that the outcome will be constructive. This study reports on the relevance of using vocational interests and aptitude data in the guidance process. The immediate and longer-term aptness of the assessment results is examined through analysis of measured interests, aspirations, scholastic aptitudes and tertiary course entry of 335 female secondary students. Results indicated excellent concurrent and predictive validity for the interest data while also indicating the role played by aptitudes.
Tracking Adult Career Development
Authors: Hutton Dorothy
Published: March 2013

The Adult Career Concerns Inventory (ACCI) was designed to measure career planning and career adjustment in four stages of career development: exploration, establishment, maintenance and disengagement. In this study 288 employees, aged between 25 and 55 completed the ACCI. A factor analysis found that the items in five of the six subscales of the establishment and maintenance scales loaded together. Eight other items, which loaded together, could be interpreted to represent becoming established in a job or workplace. Two previous factor analyses testing a four factor model gave conflicting results, and the discrepancy between the studies is discussed. That adults move through stages in their careers is not questioned. Research areas that remain open for investigation include the number of stages in mid-career and the measurable constructs in those stages, the relationships between stages of career development and other career variables and the empirical establishment of the sequence of the stages.
Career Indecision and Self-Efficacy among Adolescents
Authors: Tuck Bryan , Rolfe Jan , Adair Vivienne
Published: March 2013

Three hundred and forty-one high school students completed measures of how confident they were in their ability to perform a variety of specific occupational tasks (task career self-efficacy), how decided they were on a career (career decidedness) and how easy it was for them to make independent decisions (indecisiveness). There were no significant differences between the gender groups on the measure of career decidedness, although females reported more difficulty in making decisions. There were significant correlations between some of the task career self-efficacy subscales and both career decidedness and indecisiveness. In particular females and males who were confident in their verbal interpersonal skills tended to be relatively decisive and relatively career-decided. A series of regression analyses indicated that the relationship between task career self-efficacy, indecisiveness and career decidedness was similar for females and males.
Students' Perceptions of Help Received during the Tertiary Admissions Process
Authors: Hesketh Beryl , Whiteley Sonja
Published: March 2013

Two cohorts of Year 12 students were surveyed three times following their completion of Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations in December 1993 and 1994, after HSC results were received in January 1994 and 1995, and while the students were undertaking tertiary studies in May 1994 and 1995. This paper describes the students' decision approaches together with the outcomes of the approaches used and an evaluation of the help received during the tertiary education decision process. Recommendations arising from the research are relevant to careers advisers in schools and to tertiary education institutions in preparing information for prospective students.

SUMMARY
Ozjac: Australia's National Course Information Database
Authors: Inglis Alistair , Cropley Murray , Trembath Richard
Published: March 2013

The results of an investigation commissioned by the Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET) for the development of an implementation strategy for Australia's new national course information system — OZJAC — are reported. The rationale for the establishment of a national course information database is explained; the major user needs that were identified for such a database are given; the type of organisational structure that was judged likely to provide the most effective support for such a system is discussed; and the implementation strategy that was recommended for the establishment of the new database is described. Finally an update on the developments since the presentation of the report is provided.
Cross-Cultural Career Counselling
Authors: Rainey Linda
Published: March 2013

When conducting a search of the literature concerning the career decision-making process undertaken by Vietnamese Australian tertiary students, various papers concerning career counselling with ethnic minorities and cross-cultural career counselling have been consulted. This paper presents the main points in the literature because of their relevance to the Australian context. The knowledge and skills required of career counsellors who work with such clients, as described in these texts, highlight the challenges facing these professionals.
Paraplegia, Quadriplegia and Employment in Australia
Authors: Murphy Gregory , Brown Douglas , Foreman Peter , Young Amanda , Athanasou James
Published: March 2013

The educational and vocational achievements of a sample of Australians with spinal cord injuries are described in this study. Of the 180 working-age people surveyed, 36% were holding full-time or part-time employment at the time of the survey and one-third had gone on to obtain further qualifications post-injury. The most frequent methods of finding a job post-injury were informal rather than formal, with only 5% of jobs gained through advertisements or employment services. Of those who gained work, 49% did so within 12 months of discharge, but another 14% obtained their job more than five years after initial hospital discharge. The results indicate that there is considerable scope for employment and education achievements following spinal cord injury.
Counselling Culturally Different Clients in Careers
Authors: Hyland Jenny
Published: March 2013

Career counsellors and advisers in a variety of workplace settings often experience a degree of discomfort when counselling culturally different clients from non-English-speaking backgrounds. This may be due to a lack of cultural awareness, background knowledge and counselling skills that are necessary in meeting the needs of many in this client group. Using the Career Decision Making Model as a guide, this paper highlights the special needs of culturally different clients at each stage of the model: self awareness, opportunity awareness, decision-making, and implementation and transition. It aims at heightening career counsellors' sensitivity to and knowledge of cultural issues affecting the career decision-making process for culturally different clients, with an emphasis on people from Asia. It also presents intervention strategies to enable the reduction of communication barriers that may exist between counsellor and client.
Aboriginal and Islander Tertiary Aspirations Program
Authors: Nasir Tanyah
Published: March 2013

The Aboriginal and Islander Tertiary Aspiration Program (AITAP) aims to enhance the attendance and academic achievement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students during their secondary school years to increase the number of indigenous Australians successfully completing Year 12 studies. AITAP encourages them to nurture aspirations involving tertiary education while maintaining their pride in their cultural heritage. AITAP, which has been operating in NT schools since 1994, is about raising the level of expectations and aspirations of students, parents and teachers, and encouraging positive attitudes towards education and towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Overcoming Communication Barriers
Authors: Hoogstad Valerie
Published: March 2013

Offer a nicely wrapped gift when invited to a Japanese home. Never touch the head of a Thai. Respecting other people's cultures is not simply good manners — it's good business. Many Australian businesses have a culturally diverse workforce, where productivity can depend on the ability to communicate across cultures. As Australian businesses become more international, the ability to communicate across cultures also becomes more important. This paper explains some of the traditions and dimensions of cultural differences across a number of countries, and how this affects communication. As well as considering the many barriers to cross-cultural communication, practical ideas on how to overcome these are offered. A case study from a business setting is used to demonstrate barriers to cross cultural communication and their effects. Appropriate strategies for overcoming these barriers are elaborated.
Reluctant Researchers
Authors: Prestage Marilyn , Lichtenberg Anna
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to identify factors contributing to the low participation rates of women in research-based postgraduate study. Although it was acknowledged that there were increases in the participation of women in postgraduate studies, this was primarily at the Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate level. As these courses do not provide a direct entry point to Masters and PhD programs, a large potential source of research degree candidates is being lost. In recognition of the value of successful completion of an Honours degree as a foundation for research-based higher degree qualifications, the parameters of this project were narrowed in order to examine the specific factors influencing the enrolment of students in Honours programs.
Career Counsellors and the Promotion of Lifelong Learning
Authors: Cornford Ian , Athanasou James , Pithers Robert
Published: March 2013

Career counsellors have important roles to play in the dissemination of ideas and the changing of outdated attitudes to work and learning. Significant economic and technological changes in Australia are creating an awareness of the need for the development and maintenance of high levels of occupational skills. Engagement in lifelong learning, which is required to maintain knowledge bases and currency of skills, appears to offer benefits in terms of economic productivity. Lifelong learning also promises longer-term benefits for the individual. Results from a recent survey are used to indicate the surprising amounts of time required for high levels of skilling to be developed through on-the-job learning. Career counsellors need to disseminate these new ideas concerning maintenance of skill currency and lifelong learning to clients who may not be aware of them.
How can One Careers Advisor Cover a Whole School?
Authors: Bredemeyer Bob , Nicholson Ross
Published: March 2013

This case study reports on the role of computer-assisted career guidance in the work of a careers advisor. In particular, it describes the JIIG-CAL program.
The Function of Performance Appraisal in Career Development
Authors: Baldwin Jennifer
Published: March 2013

The design of a performance appraisal system may be considered an unusual topic in the field of career development. However, it is considered most relevant in the current employment climate for graduates given the repeated emphasis on career development at various stages of the employment process. There has been a growing emphasis since the mid-1970s on employees' needs rather than just organisational needs, and a recognition of the strategic value of employees being developed to their best potential. Organisations have become increasingly aware that the effective development of their employees' skills and knowledge has benefits for the whole organisation.

Career development (or employee or professional development) is a thread that runs through each stage of this discussion of the design of a performance appraisal system. This issue of career development may also be observed in promotional brochures and information sessions given by recruiters of graduates of tertiary institutions. Much is made of training and development opportunities as organisations seek to attract the brightest and best graduates to their graduate management trainee programs. Performance appraisal can be a crucial factor in the setting of career goals and the perception of job satisfaction leading to increased motivation and productivity.
Dual-Career Couples and Role Conflict
Authors: Paulsen Michael
Published: March 2013

Abundant research supports the view that for dual-career couples, women do a significantly higher proportion of housework than men and men place far more importance on their own careers than those of their partners. This paper identifies these two areas as prime sources of conflict and examines why, even for egalitarian couples, such conflict arises. The article also explores the notions of achieving balance between work and personal life, and of maintaining socially sustainable relationships. Changes that may be needed in career direction in order to achieve these two goals are suggested. Implications for careers practitioners are provided that may be of benefit for enhancing career development programs. These include changing the way that the problematic concept of career is viewed, and the benefits that men may derive in becoming equally responsible for household chores.
An Annotated Bibliography on Career Transitions in Sport
Authors: Lavallee David , Wylleman Paul , Sinclair Dana A.
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this bibliography is to provide researchers, career counsellors and others interested in career transitions in sport with an annotated reference list on the topic. In 1980, McPherson reported that an extensive literature search generated 20 references pertaining to this area, and that few of these citations were empirical studies. As previously outlined by Lavallee, Sinclair and Wylleman (1998), in conjunction with the Special Interest Group on Career Transitions in Sport, a total of 221 references (93 counselling-based references; 128 empirical references) have recently been identified on the topic of career transitions in sport, including 80 conference presentations (e.g. papers, posters and proceedings), 59 journal articles (19 sociology articles, 16 psychology articles and 24 articles on other topics), 27 book chapters/books, 12 monographs/reports, 28 dissertations/theses and 15 other citations (e.g. magazine articles). In order to document the recent resurgence in the area, as well as highlight the seminal references on career transitions in sport, a decision was made to include all references from 1965 to 1997 in the bibliography. References focusing on the career transition of coaches and dancers were also included due to the applied and empirical similarities documented in the literature on career transitions of athletes.
Incolink
Authors: Furness John
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the activities of the Incolink Training, Employment and Careers Unit (TEC) since its establishment in September 1994. This overview will explain the functions of the Unit and how these functions integrate with other Incolink services.

The TEC Unit provides a comprehensive range of employment-related services based around placing unemployed building and construction industry persons back into work; providing funding for training so that workers can gain extra skills to improve their employability; coordination of an extensive on-site training grants program; and the provision of a range of careers-related information and services.
Portfolio Career
Authors: Petrovski Lynda
Published: March 2013

The changing world of work requires new models of career management. The old concept of “jobs” is disappearing, and the “glass ceiling” (a perceived invisible barrier to promotion) is still very real for corporate women in 1999. In addition, companies are in transition mode, undergoing rightsizing and placing greater emphasis on cost controls, efficiency and productivity. Change is the only constant in our world of work. Consequently, careers need to be fluid and varied throughout an adult's entire lifecycle. Is it any wonder that women are seeking more control and satisfaction in their career path?
Measuring the Congruence of Worker and Workplace
Authors: Hutchinson T. P.
Published: March 2013

Suppose we know the Holland three-letter codes for a worker and for a workplace — for example, somebody assessed to be RCI may be working in an occupation considered to be CRS. This paper considers how to measure the similarity (or congruence) between the codes. Previous methods are briefly reviewed. Then it is shown how the familiar idea of correlation may be adapted to the problem. Some of the existing methods are shown to be special cases of the new approach.
Career Interventon Considerations for Students with Disabilities
Authors: Raeye Colleen
Published: March 2013

Career development is a complex lifelong transition influenced by a diversity of factors. For individuals who have disabilities, education/career-related issues are even more complex. Issues such as social acceptance, limitations to mobility, inadequate pre-vocational experiences and narrow employment prospects are some potential barriers that impact upon an individual's transition from school to work (Parmenter, 1990). Indeed, in recognition of these issues for individuals with disabilities, a shift in educational and employment policy and practice has embraced principles of inclusiveness. As a consequence, inclusive principles have articulated the role of, and the dynamic processes of, career education interventions for individuals with disabilities.

Part One of this article highlights current educational and employment policy and practices that influence career guidance for individuals with disabilities. Part Two describes the needs that steer the career intervention process. Part Three identifies goals and outcomes that provide a career intervention framework. Part Four discusses a systemic and individual career intervention for Alan.
Career Aspirations of Young Aboriginal Women
Authors: Sophia Gool , Patton Wendy
Published: March 2013

This article focuses on the career aspirations of young female Aboriginal students at high school. Its aim is to contribute to a greater understanding of these clients' needs and concerns in order to be able to not only assist them with appropriate information and contacts but to help develop an awareness of relevant issues for careers advisers. It is the thesis of this article that careers advisers who liaise with both education and vocational institutions are well placed to facilitate the career decision-making process for indigenous clients. However, too little is known about their career aspirations and their concerns with respect to career. The research was based on open-ended interviews with 12 young Aboriginal women.
Career Management and Development in New Zealand Organisations
Authors: Humphries Maria , Carr Kim
Published: March 2013

In a 1988 study, only three of New Zealand's largest private sector organisations reported that they had career development systems in place (Elkin 1989). Almost 10 years later a new study has found that all 16 out of the 20 organisations that responded to the research reported involvement in the career development of their employees. This paper reports on the methods these organisations use to guide, explore and develop the careers of their employees, and notes with concern the general lack of organisational involvement in the career development of their part-time and casual employees.
Clarification of Students' Career Interests and Its Effect on Self-Concept
Authors: Keevers Kristene , Bradley Graham
Published: March 2013

Given the importance of careers in Western society, surprisingly little attention has been given to career development as an integral part of adolescent psychological development. This study investigated the impact of clarifying career interests on adolescent self-concept. Fifty-five Year Nine students attending a rural high school took part in a school-based career development program. Pretest and post-test measures were taken utilising the Piers-Harris Children's Self-concept Scale. Two groups of students were allocated to a career intervention that involved a career interest test followed by specific career exploration, whereas a third group was allocated to a control condition. One intervention group was allocated to a longer period of exploration between the intervention and the post-test. A significant increase in self-concept scores was found for the longer exploration group. A similar trend was evident for the shorter exploration group, but this effect was not significant.
Constructing a Framework for a K-12 Career Education Program
Authors: McMahon Mary , Carroll John
Published: March 2013

It has long been accepted that career development is a life-long process (Super, 1990; Vondracek, Lerner & Schulenberg, 1986). Similarly, there has been acceptance for many years that career development is a complex process as evidenced by the range of theories that have been proposed to account for it, such as trait and factor theory, personality theories, and developmental-contextual theory. Such a range of theories is testament to the myriad of factors that influence the career development of individuals (Patton & McMahon, 1999; Super, 1990; Vondracek et al., 1986). With these theoretical formulations in mind, these authors report on the development of a K-12 career education program.
A high-rate shape memory alloy actuator for aerodynamic load control on wind turbines
Authors: Lara-Quintanilla Adrian , Hulskamp Anton W , Bersee Harald EN
Published: March 2013

This article discusses the development of a high-rate shape memory alloy–driven actuator. The concept of the actuator was developed to act as aerodynamic load control surface on wind turbines. It was designed as a plate or beam-like structure with prestrained shape memory alloy wires embedded off its neutral axis. Moreover, the shape memory alloy material was embedded in channels through which air was forced to actively cool the wires when the recovery load was to be released. Wires were implemented on both sides of the neutral axis to deflect the beam in both directions. Thermal analysis of the cooling channels showed that they increased the cooling rate up to 10-fold in comparison to the same set-up without forced convection. Subsequently, a fuzzy logic controller was designed to control the thermo-mechanical system. The inputs were the error between the deflection and the set point, the value of the set point and the time derivative of the set point. The output consisted of two signals to the valves that controlled the flow through the channels and a signal heating signal that was split into both sets of wires, depending on its sign. The controller was tested on an antagonistic set-up, through which a similar thermo-mechanical behaviour as with the actuator was obtained, but eliminating the beam dynamics. The results were satisfactory; an actuation bandwidth of 1 Hz was attained. Subsequently, the controller was tested on the actuator. With increasing actuation frequency, until 0.6 Hz, a relatively small error between the set point and the actual deflection was observed. Above that frequency, the error increased, but the sinusoidal response was lost. This is believed to be due to snap-through behaviour around the neutral position of the actuator. This was substantiated by the apparent inability of the actuator to track the set point around the neutral position in tracking a composite sinusoidal set point.
Application of statistical monitoring using latent-variable techniques for detection of faults in sensor networks
Authors: Hernandez-Garcia Miguel R , Masri Sami F
Published: March 2013

The ability of using measurements collected through a sensor network for detecting and locating damage via structural health monitoring algorithms relies on accurate sensor measurements from the deployed sensor network, and therefore, it can be affected by the presence of malfunctioning and/or faulty sensors. In this article, three sensor fault detection and identification techniques based on statistical monitoring, using latent-variable techniques, were implemented, evaluated, and compared with respect to their capability to detect and identify faulty sensors using case studies from an analytical three-dimensional truss and from an actual cable-supported bridge in the metropolitan Los Angeles, California region. It is shown that the leading sensor fault detection algorithms are effective in detecting certain classes of sensor failure mechanisms but are of limited utility when dealing with representative types of sensor faults encountered in typical structural health monitoring of civil infrastructure systems.
Comparative analysis of laser ultrasonic propagation imaging system with capacitance and piezoelectric air-coupled transducers
Authors: Lee Jung-Ryul , Sunuwar Nitam , Park Chan-Yik
Published: March 2013

Air-coupled nondestructive testing is an attractive technique that allows easy scanning inspection capability due to its noncontact nature with the specimen. A piezoelectric air-coupled transducer has been combined with a laser ultrasonic propagation imaging system as a fixed noncontact sensor. However, the large impedance mismatch between air and a specimen and its narrowband frequency range has prevented it from being efficiently used in real-world applications as a laser-air-coupled transducer ultrasonic propagation imaging system. Therefore, instead of combination with a piezoelectric air-coupled transducer, a combination between a laser and a capacitance air-coupled transducer is proposed through a comparative analysis between the capacitance and piezoelectric air-coupled transducers as the ultrasonic detector of the ultrasonic propagation imaging system. Under the same conditions, a series of experiments was conducted to examine the damage sensitivity in metal and composite specimens that have a hidden crack and barely visible impact damages, respectively. This noncontact system was further improved using repeat-scanning technique to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio and to overcome high attenuation problems, especially in composite specimens.
Legitimizing and Elevating Telework
Authors: Long Ziyu , Kuang Kai , Buzzanell Patrice M.
Published: March 2013

Telework—the performance of paid labor activities at sites other than conventional workplaces and through the use of communication technologies—has not been considered a legitimate work form in China. Analyzing in-depth interviews thematically, the authors found that teleworkers from the post-80s generation not only legitimized their work form pragmatically and morally but also elevated it as a better choice for more achievement, flexibility, autonomy, efficiency, and professional development. Although they evaluated their choice positively, these teleworkers also acknowledged the unique challenges in cultivating guanxi (building relationships) and careers in China when working remotely. The authors suggest that telework in China offers a contested site for studying the dialectic tensions between traditional Chinese values and Western business discourses.
The Evolution of English as the Business Lingua Franca
Authors: Kankaanranta Anne , Lu Wei
Published: March 2013

This study questions the conventional view of the indirectness of Chinese communication. Drawing on qualitative interviews with Finnish and Chinese business professionals, the authors examine the effect of cultural identity on the directness of the communication of Chinese professionals who work for internationally operating Finnish companies located in Beijing and Shanghai, China, and who use English as the shared language with their Finnish colleagues. Three components of cultural identity (i.e., vocation as an international business professional, fairly young age, and the use of English as the business lingua franca) are particularly relevant in the participants’ professional communication and stimulated its openness and directness. The study finds that the evolution of English as the business lingua franca can be detected in the signs of convergence identified in Chinese and Finnish professional communication.
Subtalar Distraction Arthrodesis Using Fresh-Frozen Allogeneic Femoral Head Augmented With Local Autograft
Authors: Chiang Chao-Ching , Tzeng Yun-Hsuan , Lin Chien-Fu Jeff , Huang Ching-Kuei , Chen Wei-Ming , Liu Chien-Lin , Chen Tain-Hsiung
Published: March 2013

Background:

Tricortical autograft has been commonly used in subtalar distraction arthrodesis (SDA) for severe calcaneal malunion. Structural allograft enriched with orthobiological agents is an alternative. This study was performed to evaluate the results of SDA using fresh-frozen allogeneic femoral head without the addition of orthobiological agents.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 15 consecutive SDA procedures (13 patients) with allogeneic femoral head augmented with local autograft for the treatment of severe calcaneal malunion. Clinical outcome was evaluated with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, Short Form-12 (SF-12), range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint, and patient satisfaction rate. Radiographic assessment included the talar declination angle (TDA), calcaneal inclination angle (CIA), lateral talocalcaneal angle (LTCA), heel height, calcaneal length, and union time.

Results:

At a median follow-up of 36.0 months (range, 24-47 months), all 15 feet (100%) achieved union, at a median of 13.0 weeks (range, 12-18 weeks). The AOFAS score and VAS pain score improved significantly, with a satisfaction rate of 93.3%. The TDA, CIA, LTCA, and heel height improved significantly. The median increase in heel height was 8.6 mm (range, 1.9-20.1 mm). There was a significant reduction in calcaneal length. Complications included 1 varus malalignment, 1 complex regional pain syndrome, 1 hardware irritation, and 1 sural neuralgia.

Conclusion:

This study found that SDA using fresh-frozen femoral head allograft without an orthobiological agent was cost-effective and may have outcomes comparable to those using autograft or allograft enriched with orthobiological agents.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Midterm Results and Complications After Minimally Invasive Distal Metatarsal Osteotomy for Treatment of Hallux Valgus
Authors: Iannò Bruno , Familiari Filippo , De Gori Marco , Galasso Olimpio , Ranuccio Francesco , Gasparini Giorgio
Published: March 2013

Background:

Minimally invasive distal metatarsal osteotomy (MIDMO) is a common technique used to correct the hallux valgus deformity, but controversy remains regarding the expected outcomes of this surgery.

Methods:

Seventy-two patients (85 feet) suffering from hallux valgus underwent MIDMO with a modified Bösch technique. Patients were prospectively evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux score, and the AOFAS recovery rate was calculated. Before surgery and at follow-up, the hallux valgus (HVA), intermetatarsal (IMA), and distal metatarsal articular (DMAA) angles were measured, and the severity of disease was categorized according to the preoperative HVA. The tibial sesamoid position and articular congruence were evaluated. Postoperative complications were noted.

Results:

After an average follow-up of 73.3 ± 38.1 months, the total AOFAS score improved from 47.6 ± 13.3 to 87.3 ± 11.5 ( P < .001). The HVA decreased from 34.7 ± 8.2 to 14.8 ± 7.8 degrees, the IMA from 14.7 ± 4 to 6.6 ± 3.6 degrees, and the DMAA from 20.9 ± 9.8 to 9 ± 6.6 degrees ( P < .001 for all). Postoperative improvement in AOFAS was inversely related to the preoperative severity of disease ( P < .001, β = –.378). Sixteen (18.8%) deformity recurrences were noted, 9 of which were observed in patients with preoperative HVA more than 40 degrees. Worse preoperative congruence of the metatarsophalangeal joint and tibial sesamoid position correlated with a higher rate of recurrence of the disease after surgery ( P = .001, β = –.353 and P < .001, β = .427, respectively).

Conclusions:

Satisfactory clinical and radiological results can be expected after MIDMO, but caution should be exercised when using this technique because of the likelihood of possible complications (29.4% overall complication rate). Predictors of surgical outcomes can be used to select the best candidates for this surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Tissue Factor-Mediated Activation of the Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC) is Differently Inhibited by Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, and Apixaban
Authors: Sadeghi Nasiredin , Kahn Daniel , Jeske Walter , Hoppensteadt Debra , Fareed Jawed
Published: March 2013

Currently, several newer oral anticoagulants namely dabigatran (anti-IIa), rivaroxaban (anti-Xa), and apixaban are available for various clinical implications. Another oral anti-Xa edoxaban is under development. A parenteral anti-Xa drug namely otamixaban is also under development for cardiovascular interventions. Bleeding complications have been reported in the new oral anticoagulants and have been managed by conventional approaches with limited success. Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) are reported to neutralize the anticoagulant activity of these agents. The PCCs are also able to generate endogenous factor Xa and IIa along with other proteases that are capable of neutralizing the circulating anti-Xa or anti-IIa activities of the newer anticoagulants. The generation of Xa and IIa is also dependent on the type of tissue factor available for their activation. These reported studies suggest that different tissue factors differentially activate a PCC namely Profilnine SD. Furthermore, dabigatran differs from rivaroxaban and other factor Xa inhibitors in its inhibitory profile.
Variations in the Circulating Heparin Levels During Maintenance Hemodialysis in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Kaneva Kristiyana , Bansal Vinod , Hoppensteadt Debra , Cunanan Josephine , Fareed Jawed
Published: March 2013

Unfractionated heparin has remained the anticoagulant of choice in patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, wide variations in the heparinization responses have been observed in patients anticoagulated with this drug. The purpose of this investigation was to measure circulating heparin levels in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) prior to and after maintenance hemodialysis. This study included 119 patients with ESRD undergoing maintenance hemodialysis who received heparin during dialysis. Citrated blood samples were collected prior to and immediately after the dialysis session and analyzed utilizing clot-based methods such as activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), Heptest, and prothrombinase-induced clotting time (PiCT). Circulating anti-Xa levels, antithrombin III levels, and thrombin generation (TG) were also measured. The circulating heparin levels ranged from 0 to 1.08 IU/mL with a mean of 0.07 ± 0.11 for the APTT and a range of 0 to 1.98 for the Heptest with a mean of 0.09 ± 0.26 U/mL. There was no significant difference in circulating levels of heparin between pre- and post-hemodialysis samples using APTT, Heptest, and PiCT, whereas the TG and anti-Xa tests showed a statistically significant P value <0.05 when comparing the 2 groups. The presence of detectable levels of heparin in the predialysis plasma samples for almost two-thirds (87 of 119) of the patients suggests that residual heparin circulates in these patients for a longer period of time. In all, 5% of postdialysis samples, 6 of 119, contained >0.25 U/mL of heparin, which may be related to a central catheter vascular access flushed with heparin. These findings suggest that patients on maintenance hemodialysis may accumulate a detectable amount of heparin due to the decreased renal clearance.
Raising Future Scientists
Authors: Heilbronner Nancy N.
Published: March 2013

Parents and teachers may suspect early science talent in children, which frequently manifests itself through insatiable curiosity and an intense interest in one or more areas of science. However, sometimes they struggle with identification and then knowing what to do to nurture these talents. The author of this practical article provides a rationale for why early identification is important and then discusses ways to spot and develop children’s talents in the sciences. Strategies and lists of resources that parents and teacher may use to nurture talent are provided.
Moving the Past Forward
Authors: Tieso Carol L.
Published: March 2013

What do you do with the student who says she hates history, yet watches The History Channel every night? What do you do with the student who is underachieving in social science but has visited every battlefield in Virginia? Our curriculum frameworks and pacing guides suggest a chronological, fact-based approach to teaching and learning history, but is that the best way? Curriculum leaders and teachers must know and make better decisions with respect to what are the most important concepts, principles, and skills that students should know and be able to do. How might we better address the strengths and talents of all of our students while not leaving anyone behind? How could we revise or enhance our existing history curriculum to make it more engaging and challenging for our students? How can we, in effect, bring the past forward and help our students see the cycles and themes that make up the history of the American people? We in gifted education are aware that curriculum that emanates from a textbook is rarely engaging for gifted students but, according to a recent article in Salon.com , now we must acknowledge that it is often as lifeless and boring for typical students as well. A recent federally funded grant project focused on using the curricula and pedagogy of gifted education with students in Title I elementary and middle school U.S. history classes across two states. This article represents our collective journey from textbook-based, uninspired curriculum units to dynamic, engaging, and challenging stories told by historical participants with multiple perspectives for budding historiographers of diverse opinions and abilities.
iPads
Authors: Siegle Del
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this article is to provide a rationale for using iPad technology with young students. Various inexpensive apps are described that parents and educators will find useful.