Reality-based interaction affecting mental workload in virtual reality mental arithmetic training

ABSTRACT

The concept of digital game-based learning (DGBL) evolves rapidly together with technological enhancements of virtual reality (VR) and smart phones. However, the mental workload (MWL) that VR-training applications demand and motivational qualities originating from user experience (UX) should be identified in order to create effective and enjoyable training/learning challenges that fit with individual users’ capabilities. This study examined the effects of reality-based interaction (RBI) and VR on measures of student motivation and MWL, in a mental arithmetic game for secondary school pupils. In a randomised controlled trial with sixty school children, a mental arithmetic game was tested with three different interaction and two different presentation methods – VR RBI, VR head-mounted-display tapping and tablet flick-gesture. Results found a significant effect of RBI on MWL but no differences in enjoyment of training were found between VR-experience and tablet training-experience. In fact, adding the gaming-context to the mental arithmetic task created an enjoyable, motivating experience regardless of presentation or interaction-style.     

The oven test as an index of keeping quality

The Schaal or Oven Test, originally developed by the biscuit and cracker industry to provide a relative rating for stability of various shortenings, has been generally adopted by shortening manulacturers. Advantages as well as limitations of the test are enumerated. It is possible to estimate the Oven Test by determining peroxide development in the test sample after two to four days in the oven. Oven Tests may also be conducted without having determined them organoleptically by observing the color change at the point of extreme rancidity. Peroxide formation occurring in a fat contained in biscuits or crackers when subjected to the Oven Test has been investigated and a simple and rapid method of extracting the fat, without changing its peroxide characteristics, has been devised. Lever brothers company     

School-Based Child-Centered Play Therapy with Hispanic Children: Outcomes and Cultural Consideration.

Hispanic children are the fastest growing segment of the population. Numerous factors place them at-risk for school success. This study examined the effects of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) compared to a curriculum-based small group intervention with 29 Hispanic children referred for school counseling due to behavior problems. Children were assigned to treatment groups by random drawing within grade levels. Treatment was provided by Hispanic bilingual counselors. Statistical analysis revealed that, according to parent report, children receiving CCPT showed statistically significant decreases in externalizing behavior problems, compared to the curriculum-based treatment group. Effect size calculations revealed that CCPT demonstrated a large treatment effect on externalizing behavior problems and a moderate treatment effect on internalizing behavior problems. Cultural considerations and recommendations for practice and future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Hemodialysis in the United Kingdom

Hemodialysis was a neglected aspect of nephrology in the UK. At the request of the Renal Association, the first UK Haemodialysis Masterclass was organized in 2007. The articles in this supplement arose from that meeting. Here, an overview of UK hemodialysis services and nephrology training is presented as background. Government‐funded dialysis should be provided to all UK citizens who require it. In 2005, there were 17,645 patients receiving hemodialysis, 5057 on peritoneal dialysis and 19,074 with kidney transplants, looked after by 359 nephrologists working in 73 National Health Service renal units. Renal replacement therapy incidence and prevalence remain comparatively low, at 108 and 694 per million population, respectively. Whether this represents inadequate provision or genuinely lower need remains unclear. The Renal Association sets clinical practice guidelines for dialysis, and audits performance via the UK Renal Registry. Postgraduate medical education is undergoing radical change in the UK. This is driven by the reduction in trainee doctors' working hours to 48 hr/week (mandated by the European Working Time Directive), and the governments' wish to reduce the duration of training, but also by a desire to formalize training, Our challenge is to continue to produce talented clinical nephrologists educated in breadth and depth, despite the reduced emphasis on clinical experience and omission of period of scientific research. The future for hemodialysis services in the UK is, however, promising with an expansion in the number of specialists and dialysis centers, and a growing interest in dialysis practice and research.     

Compact design waveguide grating routers

A novel generic design for waveguide grating routers is demonstrated in the InP-InGaAsP material system that reduces the chip size by 50%, while still maintaining relaxed processing tolerances. Experimental results confirm no degradation in device performance for the compact design when compared to conventional devices     

Pulp Pulpits: Self-Disclosure on "Donahue"

This study examines why people choose to self-disclose on "Donahue" and what role television plays in their lives prior to disclosure. Focused interviews were conducted with 29 informants between the ages of 12 and 68 who had appeared on the program. Analysis revealed that an evangelical fervor underpinned their decision, overshadowing other concerns about disclosure in a public forum. Informants generally reported low levels of television viewing. They held a pragmatic view of talk shows as avenues to reach a dual audience that included the mainstream public and members of their out-groups. Television disclosure is a tactic in a counterhegemonic struggle. Respondents utilized numerous impression management techniques in their efforts to manage their stigmatized status. Participants on "Donahue" risk co-optation, but running the gauntlet of criticism and ridicule allows an opportunity for delabeling rarely afforded to out-groups.