Autonomic Regulation on the Stroop Predicts Reading Achievement in School Age Children

In this study we examined high frequency heart rate variability (HF‐HRV, a parasympathetic index) both at rest and during challenge, to assess if variations in cardiovascular activity measured during a Stroop task could be used to predict reading achievement in typically developing children. Reading achievement was examined using the Peabody Individual Achievement Test–Revised. Results showed that greater HF‐HRV suppression during both the Stroop word and Stroop word–color conflict tasks was associated with better reading achievement. Higher basal levels of HF‐HRV did not predict better reading scores. These results are among the first to show a link between HF‐HRV and reading achievement in a normative school age population, and offer new insight into the association between cognitive activity and autonomic regulation of the heart.     

Perceptions of world view among Japanese and American university students: A cross‐cultural comparison

The Gilgen & Cho (1979a) Questionnaire to Measure Eastern and Western Thought was administered to 240 Japanese and 163 American respondents. Results indicate that significant differences exist between the two cultures. The Japanese reflect an Eastern thought mode while the Americans favor a Western one. Also, results indicate gender differences between cultures and within the American culture. American females are more Eastern thought inclined than are the males.     

Writing Centers and Libraries: One-Stop Shopping for Better Term Papers

In the university environment, libraries and writing centers often operate as separate entities, but they provide similar services to students. The placement of the writing center inside the library may provide opportunities for partnership. At Florida Gulf Coast University, the Humanities Librarian and the Writing Center Director decided to take advantage of their close proximity and observe each other's service desks. The authors identify five challenges common to librarians and writing consultants as well as cooperative solutions. Furthermore, an exploration of how other libraries and writing centers around the country are working together inspired additional avenues for collaboration.     

Estimating changes in hydration status from changes in body mass: Considerations regarding metabolic water and glycogen storage

Abstract

The potential for imprecision in the estimation of hydration status from changes in body mass has been outlined previously but the equations derived from these derivations appear inconsistent. Reconciliation of body mass loss in terms of sweat loss and effective body water loss is possible from specific equation sets provided that gains and losses of both body mass and water used in the derivation of sweat loss and to derive effective body water loss are in inclusive equation sets. This is obligatory so that mass and water changes as quantifiable determinants are consistent with both internal processes and external gains and losses. Thus, body mass loss, substrate oxidation, metabolic water, and all the terms used in simultaneous equation sets have to be reconciled not only as identical variables but mathematically balance exactly. The revised equation for effective body water loss given here is different from that originally proposed. Metabolic water is part of body mass loss corrected for substrate oxidation, fluid ingestion, and respiratory water to derive sweat loss and it may not be justified to also include water associated with glycogen as releasable bound water. Accordingly, our calculated effective body water loss is substantially a greater loss than originally supposed but clearly still less than the simple balance between mass loss and fluid ingested.     

Mathematical Communication in the Classroom: A Teacher Makes a Difference

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) states that “Communication is an essential part of mathematics and mathematics education” (2000, p. 60). In fact, communication is one of the five process standards emphasized by NCTM. The communication standard highlights the importance of young children communicating their mathematical thinking coherently to peers and teachers. This standard also states that young children should use math language to express mathematical ideas (Baroody, 2000; Ginsburg, Inoue, & Seo, 1999; NCTM, 2000; Rubenstein & Thompson, 2002; Whitin & Whitin, 2003). Teachers must create a link between mathematics and language (Rubenstein & Thompson, 2002; Stigler & Hiebert, 2004). This article focuses on the informal strategies used by Melissa (a kindergarten teacher) that promoted the use of math language. The strategies were identified during a 3-month observational period in her classroom at Clinton Elementary (pseudonym). Clinton Elementary is located in a low-income neighborhood of a southern city that has a population of approximately 450,000. The neighborhood population is predominantly African-American (Davis, 1994).     

A family service unit's approach to working with child abuse

The staff of Brent Family Service Unit, a voluntary social work agency operating in London, has developed a range of broadly based services to bring about real changes in the behaviour of families who suffer child abuse. The paper argues that integrated teams of workers containing a variety of roles, experiences and approaches is essential in responding to families who experience varying constellations of interrelated problems. Some basic principles underlying the team's work are described. Contract work with individuals, families and groups embodies some of the above principles. This approach is invaluable in bringing both structure to the work process plus enabling specific observable change goals to be negotiated. The creative use of games, exercises and materials are used to bring about changes in behaviour and attitudes. Observations that can be made regarding the value and effectiveness of this approach include a reduction in the incidence and frequency of injuries and the social isolation of families. Fewer children are received into care. Parents learn to have much more realistic expectations of their children's behaviour.