The nature of the phonological processing in French dyslexic children: evidence for the phonological syllable and linguistic features' role in silent reading and speech discrimination

This study investigated the status of phonological representations in French dyslexic children (DY) compared with reading level- (RL) and chronological age-matched (CA) controls. We focused on the syllable’s role and on the impact of French linguistic features. In Experiment 1, we assessed oral discrimination abilities of pairs of syllables that varied as a function of voicing, mode or place of articulation, or syllable structure. Results suggest that DY children underperform controls with a ‘speed-accuracy’ deficit. However, DY children exhibit some similar processing than those highlighted in controls. As in CA and RL controls, DY children have difficulties in processing two sounds that only differ in voicing, and preferentially process obstruent rather than fricative sounds, and more efficiently process CV than CCV syllables. In Experiment 2, we used a modified version of the Colé, Magnan, and Grainger's (Applied Psycholinguistics 20:507–532, 1999) paradigm. Results show that DY children underperform CA controls but outperform RL controls. However, as in CA and RL controls, data reveal that DY children are able to use phonological procedures influenced by initial syllable frequency. Thus, DY children process syllabically high-frequency syllables but phonemically process low-frequency syllables. They also exhibit lexical and syllable frequency effects. Consequently, results provide evidence that DY children performances can be accounted for by laborious phonological syllable-based procedures and also degraded phonological representations.     

A 3D numerical simulation of laser-induced incandescence of soot particles in coal combustion products

Laser-induced incandescence （LII） has received increasing attention as a potentially powerful technique for in-situ measuring of the volume fraction and primary size of soot particles in combustion systems. In this study, a 3D Monte Carlo simulation combined with a Mie equation was developed to analyze the influence of spectral absorption and scattering on the measured LII flux emitted by soot particles. This paper represents a first attempt to analyze soot measurement using the LII technique in coal combustion products. The combustion products of gases （CO2, N2）, soot, and fly-ash particles, present between the location of laser-excited soot and the LII flux receiver. The simulation results indicated that an almost Beer-Lambert exponential decrease in LII flux occurred with an increase in the volume fraction of soot particles, while a nearly linear decrease occurred with an increase in the volume fraction of fly-ash particles. The results also showed that scattering effects of both soot and fly-ash particles on the LII flux could be neglected. Compared with the absorption of gases, a decrease of 20% of LII flux was observed with soot particles, and a decrease of 10% with fly-ash particles.     

Agencies,educators, communities and wildfire: partnerships to enhance environmental education for youth

We studied seven programs that engage youth from 10 to 18 years old in wildfire risk reduction in their communities in the United States through in-depth interviews to examine the nature and role of community-school partnerships in resource-focused environmental education. While the programs use a variety of strategies, from Scout badge to summer school, they exhibit several common dimensions: they all engage youth in community projects; they all arise from partnerships between resource agencies, community organizations, and educators; they all began when people familiar with both wildfire and youth education saw an opportunity to improve the community and educate youth through action; and all partners are able to contribute to the common program yet retain their individual identity as they meet their own mission-based goals. We use themes and quotes to illustrate these common dimensions for establishing community-school partnerships that could build action competence through environment-based education projects.     

The link between text difficulty,reading speed and exploration of printed text during shared book reading

In the current study the reading speed of the narration and the difficulty of the text was manipulated and links were explored with children’s attention to the printed text in shared book reading. Thirty-nine children (24 grade 1 and 15 grade 2) were presented easy and difficult books at slow (syllable by syllable) or fast (adult reading speed) pace while their eye movements were monitored. Results revealed an interaction between speed and difficulty. For the easy and difficult books, children spent more time and made more fixations on the printed text when it was presented at slow speed than at fast speed. However, at fast speed, children spend more time and made more fixations on the text of the easy rather than the difficult books, but at slow speed no difference was observed. In addition, at slow speed positive correlations were observed between attention to print and letter knowledge and word reading skills. Results provide important information for the practice of shared book reading suggesting that to increase attention to print, speed should be reduced. Future research should investigate the role of reading speed on reading related outcomes such as discourse comprehension and children’s interest in reading activities.     

Measuring patrons' technology habits: an evidence-based approach to tailoring library services

Librarians continually integrate new technologies into library services for health sciences students. Recently published data are lacking about student ownership of technological devices, awareness of new technologies, and interest in using devices and technologies to interact with the library. A survey was implemented at seven health sciences libraries to help answer these questions. Results show that librarian assumptions about awareness of technologies are not supported, and student interest in using new technologies to interact with the library varies widely. Collecting this evidence provides useful information for successfully integrating technologies into library services.     

“Toward Integrative Models of Flow”: Effects of Performance,Skill, Challenge,Playfulness, and Presence on Flow in Video Games

This research examined various predictors of flow in video games. Study 1 examined the effects of performance on flow across two game genres (shooting and medical simulation games) and demonstrated that successful performance results in greater flow. Study 2 demonstrated an interaction effect of skill and challenge on flow across three genres (racing, violent, and prosocial games). Highly skilled players experience greater flow when encountering higher challenge whereas players with moderate and low levels of skill experience less flow when encountering higher challenge. Study 3 tested the moderating role of users' playfulness in an exergame and a music game.     

Providing Dental Current Awareness to Faculty and Residents

Providing a current awareness service to patrons has long been a concern of many health sciences librarians. Dental librarians have a unique challenge in providing current awareness to patrons as the literature has not always been available in a timely manner through traditional systems. This article will discuss the evolution of current awareness systems, the issues facing dental librarians with regard to providing dental current awareness, and how the Wilson Dental Library addressed those issues.     

The learning experiences of health and social care paraprofessionals on a foundation degree

Foundation degrees have been developed in the UK as a means of meeting the learning needs of paraprofessionals in health and social care and the services within which they work in a cost‐effective fashion. Workplace learning is an intrinsic component to these degrees. Taking a socio‐cultural perspective, this paper examines how the students’ workplaces, life circumstances and sense of career trajectory shaped their learning experience and motivation. A small‐scale evaluation study, using semi‐structured interviews, focused on the learning experiences of a group of paraprofessionals enrolled in a foundation degree in health and social care. Data revealed fragmented employment patterns, underpinned by consistent vocational drives. While the study resonated with vocation, participants were ambivalent or lacked information about career progression. Workplace conditions, relationships and limited time shaped learning and coping strategies. A strategic and focused approach to student learning is required and includes attention to career pathways, workforce development strategy, the requirements of a range of stakeholders, workplace supervision and support for learning.     

Low-Income Minority Seniors' Enrollment in a Cybercafé: Psychological Barriers to Crossing the Digital Divide

Investigated were why some low income, predominantly immigrant seniors (n = 91) choose to enroll in free training and start to use computers and the Internet while others choose not to enroll. The study was conducted in collaboration with a senior center in downtown Los Angeles that provides free Internet access and training to its seniors. The results suggest that psychological variables (e.g., computer anxiety, computer self-efficacy, and aging anxiety) are stronger predictors of older adults' enrollment than their age or actual experience in using computers. Discussed are ways to motivate seniors to participate in computer training by reducing potential barriers.