Between the lines: documenting the multiple dimensions of computer-supported collaborations

This paper discusses the development of a documentation technique for collaborative interactions. We describe the original version of the technique as used for a single learner collaborating with a software based learning partner; the second generation of the technique, which required adaptation for application to the analysis of group use of multimedia; and finally the current variation, which is being used to record young children using digital toys and associated software. Particular attention is paid to the way in which the original approach has been adapted in order to accommodate learning contexts that involve technology beyond the desktop computer. We explore some of the challenges these different learning situations pose for those involved in the evaluation of collaborative learning and suggest that tried and tested techniques can be adapted and re-used, provided that the foci of interactivity are clearly specified and the appropriate data sources identified.     

Selective sparing after lesions of visual cortex in newborn kittens.

Previous findings are discordant regarding the effects of perinatal lesions of Cortical Areas 17 and 18 on visual discrimination learning in cats. Three potential determinants of such sparing were investigated: age at lesion (4 or 181 days), age at testing (3 or 9 months), and stimulus complexity. Age at testing was not significant, but performance varied with stimulus complexity and cortical damage, and there was an interaction between stimulus complexity and age at lesion. Both operated groups were transiently impaired in discriminating objects and subsequently learned to discriminate simple 2-dimensional patterns as well as done by controls, but the lesion groups were permanently impaired in discriminating similiar patterns circumscribed by irrelevant lines. The age-at-lesion groups differed, however, in discriminating patterns masked by superimposed lines. The group lesioned at 181 days was severely impaired at both acquisition and subsequent intercurrent performance; the group lesioned at 4 days was impaired only at intercurrent performance. This study suggests that sparing after early postnatal damage of Areas 17 and 18 occurs only under limited circumstances. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Pedagogical approaches for technology-integrated science teaching

The two separate projects described have examined how teachers exploit computer-based technologies in supporting learning of science at secondary level. This paper examines how pedagogical approaches associated with these technological tools are adapted to both the cognitive and structuring resources available in the classroom setting. Four teachers participated in the first study, undertaken as part of the InterActive Education project in Bristol; all of them used multimedia simulations in their lessons. The second study presented was part of the wider SET-IT project in Cambridge; 11 teachers in eight schools were observed using multimedia simulations, data logging tools and interactive whiteboards. Teachers were interviewed in all cases to elicit their pedagogical thinking about their classroom use of ICT.     

Micromachined,silicon filament light source for spectrophotometric microsystems

A miniature broadband light source is a critical element in a spectrophotometric microsystem. The design, fabrication, and characterization of a highly stable, miniature broadband light source that comprises filaments of single-crystal silicon are presented. Electrical current versus voltage and radiant emittance spectra under constant voltage bias are measured and related to filament dimensions. A maximum stable operating temperature for these filaments is estimated to be 1200 K. Resistance drift is demonstrated to be less than 0.5% over a 10-h period of continuous operation with visible incandescence. Emittance spectra of a multifilament array, measured at three different electrical biases, are presented and shown to compare well with theoretical blackbody radiation spectra. A continuous, total radiated power of 10.7 mW was achieved with a 1 mm x 1 mm filament array with peak emittance at lambda=2.7 micrometers.     

Volatile components produced during ontogeny of some cultivated crucifers

Changes in the volatile chemicals produced on autolysis were monitored during the development of cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, fodder rape and radish. Compounds were identified from gas-liquid chromatography retention times, and mass spectrometry, seven of the mass spectrographs not having previously been recorded. Of the 23 compounds identified overall, 19 were extracted from seeds which, whether aged or freshly harvested, contained the maximum concentration of volatiles encountered. A rapid decrease in the concentrations of volatile hydrolysis products occurred during the first 4 weeks of development. Thereafter a steady increase and change in compounds was recorded, usually related to biologically significant events. The enzymic production of these volatile chemicals is discussed with respect to the action of thioglucosidase and epithiospecifier protein.     

A new benzene-ethanol-water solvent system for TLC separation of aflatoxins

Gas liquid chromatography was used to determine the composition of the benzene-ethanol-water (BEW) solvent system frequently used in the separation of aflatoxins by thin layer chromatography. Investigation of a rapid procedure for preparing and using this solvent system led to the discovery of a new BEW solvent system with advantages for the routine determination of aflatoxins in roasted nut products, which consists of benzene-ethanol-water 40:6:3 for the trough solution and 4:27:20 for the bottom solution.     

MMPI patterns in drug abusers before and after treatment in therapeutic communities.

Administered MMPIs to 145 17-23 yr old male and female drug abusers on admission to 3 therapeutic communities. Retests were done after 3 mo for the females and at the finish of the 1st phase of the program (6-8 mo) for all who stayed. Comparisons of stayers and quitters showed quitters higher on the F and psychotic scales with more 2-point codes containing 2 psychotic scales. Stayers more frequently showed a psychopathic (49-94) pattern. With the exception of Ma, most clinical scales decreased after residence in the communities, leaving a residual psychopathic profile (49-94) in 63% of the residents. Depressive-neurotic patterns virtually disappeared and were assumed to have been reactive rather than causal in the drug abuser. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Nutritional evaluation of inter-esterified fats

Studies with inter-esterified fats prepared to maintain a high level of linoleic acid content have been undertaken in several series of experiments with rats. These fats are as digestible as the liquid nonhydrogenated oils and the biological value of the linoleic acid is not impaired by the inter-esterification. Investigations involving growth, reproduction and lactation, longevity, tissue cholesterol levels and histological tissue examination have revealed that these inter-esterified fats are utilized by the animal similarly to cottonseed oil. No tissue pathology or interferences with any of the nutritional indices are observed. When the inter-esterified fats are included in atherogenic diets, the atheroselerotic lesions which develop in the coronary arteries and aorta of the animals are similar to, but less marked than, those found when animals are fed cholesterol-containing diets with butter oil or conventional margarine oil of the all-hydrogenated type. It is concluded that these inter-esterified fats are at least nutritionally equal to other similar edible fats of equivalent essential fatty acid content.     

A multistate outbreak of Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium infection linked to raw milk consumption--Ohio, 2003

In December 2002, the Ohio Department of Health was notified of two children with Salmonella infection. Both had a history of drinking raw milk from a combination dairy-restaurant-petting zoo (dairy). The dairy was the only establishment in Ohio licensed to sell raw milk and reported 1.35 million visitors annually. We investigated to determine the extent of the outbreak and identify illness risk factors. A case patient was any person with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis-matched Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium from 30 November 2002 to 18 February 2003. Sixty-two met the confirmed case definition. Forty dairy case patient patrons were included in a case-control study; 56 controls were their well meal companions. Consumption of raw milk was found to be associated with illness (odds ratio, 45.1; 95% confidence interval, 8.8 to 311.9). The dairy discontinued selling raw milk. Because 27 other states still allow the sale of raw milk, awareness of the hazards of its consumption should be raised and relevant regulations carefully reviewed.     

Psychodynamics of partner, stranger, and generally violent male college students.

Understanding the dynamics of partner violence has been complicated by the fact that "partner violence" may include both partner and generally violent men. The authors hypothesized that partner violence may involve intimacy-related threats to masculinity, violence toward strangers may relate to alcohol abuse, and both partner and stranger violence may relate to object relations pathology. College men were nonviolent or violent toward partners, strangers, or partners and strangers (n?=?10 men in each group). Partner violence was related to higher Schwartz Castration Anxiety Scale scores (B. Schwartz, 1991), from Thematic Apperception Test responses. Stranger violence was related to higher Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) and MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale-Revised scores. Neither partner nor stranger violence was related to MMPI-2 anxiety or Westen's Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale (D. Westen, A. Barends, J. Leigh, M. Mendel, & D. Silbert, 1990). The authors discussed implications for understanding the dynamics of partner violence and treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)