Modeling of musculoskeletal structure and function using a modular bond graph approach

The dynamic effects of muscle strength, timing of muscle activations, and body geometry have been modeled for a wide variety of human activities. These types of models require the development of complex system equations that account for the effects of rigid-body dynamics, musculotendon actuators, passive and active resistance to motion, and other physiological structures. One way in which model refinement can be expedited is through the use of bond graph modeling techniques. While bond graph techniques have been used extensively in a broad variety of applications, they have been used only sparingly in the field of biomechanics, despite the potential suitability of a modular, multidomain approach to the modeling of musculoskeletal function. In the current paper, bond graph modules representing muscle function and rigid-body motions of underlying bone structures are introduced. The system equations generated with the use of these models are equivalent to those developed with more traditional techniques, but the modules can be more easily used in conjunction with control models of neuromuscular function for the simulation of overall dynamic motor performance.     

The influence of task and gender on search and evaluation behavior using Google

To improve search engine effectiveness, we have observed an increased interest in gathering additional feedback about users’ information needs that goes beyond the queries they type in. Adaptive search engines use explicit and implicit feedback indicators to model users or search tasks. In order to create appropriate models, it is essential to understand how users interact with search engines, including the determining factors of their actions. Using eye tracking, we extend this understanding by analyzing the sequences and patterns with which users evaluate query result returned to them when using Google. We find that the query result abstracts are viewed in the order of their ranking in only about one fifth of the cases, and only an average of about three abstracts per result page are viewed at all. We also compare search behavior variability with respect to different classes of users and different classes of search tasks to reveal whether user models or task models may be greater predictors of behavior. We discover that gender and task significantly influence different kinds of search behaviors discussed here. The results are suggestive of improvements to query-based search interface designs with respect to both their use of space and workflow.     

The development and use of an instrument to measure willingness to seek help from peers and teachers when studying college mathematics

As part of a three-phase study, 18 items were developed to measure aspects of a student’s willingness to seek help from and/or work with peers and teachers when studying college mathematics. In the first phase, 24 items were developed and administered to 165 undergraduate college students. During the second phase, 20 items, modified from the first instrument, were completed by a sample of 314 undergraduate college students. The sample was randomly divided in half and principal factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed on the first half. Two factors emerged and were interpreted as: Willingness to Work with Students (nine items); and Willingness to Seek Help from Teachers (nine items). Based on the results of the exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the second half of the sample. Coefficient α estimates were calculated to assess internal consistency. In the third phase, the final 18-item survey was given to 140 undergraduate college students and confirmatory factor analysis was again performed based on the results of the exploratory factor analysis from Phase II. Recommendations for future uses of these scales are given.     

The contrasting discourses in the professional lives of educators in Vancouver, Canada

This study investigated the relationship between education policy changes and the working conditions of teachers and school leaders in Vancouver, Canada. We found that policy does shape educators’ discourse about their work conditions. This shaping manifested itself in the emotions teachers experience as they attempt to construct their identity as professional educators. Apparent contradictions emerged in educators’ discussions of their work conditions, particularly their contrasting reports of feeling satisfied with their working environment, yet concerned about issues related to workload and recognition. Two different discourses, the political and the professional, emerged at a deep level of practice. These discourses express conflicting emotions about teaching and teachers’ identity struggles in a context of rapid policy changes. The political discourse is framed around a partisan response to policy changes. The professional discourse focuses on engagement in satisfying educational activities. This study proffers a different conclusion to other studies implying a lack of understanding of practice by policy reformers. It suggests that, while teachers are very aware of policy changes, frequently engaging in a partisan critique thereof, they nevertheless temper that critique with a professional discourse shaped by pedagogical concerns in the local context. This concern with the classroom context enables them to focus their energies on constructing their sense of professional identity that frequently leads them to reinterpret policy initiatives from a local educator’s perspective. While the political discourse has trappings of despair, the professional–pedagogical contains glimpses of hope. We wish to express our appreciation of the work of Barbara Waldern in the analysis that supports the findings about the professional lives of educators.     

Does intensity matter? Preschoolers’ print knowledge development within a classroom-based intervention

The present study examined the extent to which two dimensions of intervention intensity, (dose frequency and dose) of a 30-week print-referencing intervention related to the print knowledge development of 367 randomly selected children from 55 preschool classrooms. Dose frequency refers to the number of intervention sessions implemented per week; teachers were randomly assigned to either the high-dose frequency condition (four intervention sessions per week) or the low-dose frequency condition (two intervention sessions per week). Dose refers to number of print-referencing teaching strategies used per intervention session and was a naturally varying variable across classrooms. Structural models of children's spring print knowledge showed a significant interaction of dose and dose frequency in relation to children's outcomes. Follow-up analyses showed that the benefit of providing four versus two print-referencing sessions per week disappeared when teachers were providing a relatively intense number teaching strategies within sessions (i.e., the dose was high). Considered differently, findings also show that increasing the number of print referencing teaching strategies within a session (i.e., the dose) related positively to children's print knowledge development, but only when the weekly number of intervention sessions were low (i.e., two intervention sessions weekly). Overall, findings show that there is a benefit to increasing the dose or dose frequency of the print referencing intervention, but increasing both aspects of intervention intensity appeared to have a diminishing benefit to children's learning. Findings empirically support the multi-dimensional nature of intervention intensity and implications for research and practice are discussed.     

Modeling the development of written language

Alternative models of the structure of individual and developmental differences of written composition and handwriting fluency were tested using confirmatory factor analysis of writing samples provided by first- and fourth-grade students. For both groups, a five-factor model provided the best fit to the data. Four of the factors represented aspects of written composition: macro-organization (use of top sentence and number and ordering of ideas), productivity (number and diversity of words used), complexity (mean length of T-unit and syntactic density), and spelling and punctuation. The fifth factor represented handwriting fluency. Handwriting fluency was correlated with written composition factors at both grades. The magnitude of developmental differences between first grade and fourth grade expressed as effect sizes varied for variables representing the five constructs: large effect sizes were found for productivity and handwriting fluency variables; moderate effect sizes were found for complexity and macro-organization variables; and minimal effect sizes were found for spelling and punctuation variables.     

Student practices in copyright culture: accessing learning resources

Using Schatzki’s practices framework as a lens, this paper reports on the practices of university students accessing learning resources at a research-intensive university in South Africa. Using a mixed-methods approach, 1001 survey responses and 6 focus groups were analysed to explore how students in three professional disciplines access learning resources, with the focus on digitally mediated piracy practices. The findings suggest a blurring between the legal and the illegal and indicate the normalcy of piracy practices, with nuanced distinctions and understandings manifest.     

Working With Grandparent-Headed Families in Schools: School Professionals' Perspectives

This qualitative study explores the experiences of school professionals working with grandparent-headed families. Twenty individual interviews with an array of professional school staff were conducted. Thematic analysis was utilized, and 3 key themes emerged: (a) compassion for grandparent-headed families' unique challenges; (b) lack of adequate knowledge about grandparent-headed families; and (c) strategies for engaging grandparents raising their grandchildren. Implications address the importance of understanding the unique needs of grandparent-headed families and ways to maximize the success of these marginalized families through active family engagement and school-linked services.     

An Assessment of the HIV Prevention Needs of Young Minority Women

This study tested the reliability of nine scales assessing psychosocial mediators of HIV-risk and protective behaviors of young minority women in New York City. Sixty-nine age-eligible women were approached during clinical sessions, 90% (n = 62) agreed to participate, and 83% (n = 57) completed a web-based survey. With one exception, scale measures were reliable. The exception was the scale assessing frequency of sexual communication with partners. This scale did not demonstrate adequate interitem reliability for Black women. Findings provide program planners with a reliable set of measures that may be useful for preintervention needs assessments of young minority women at-risk of acquiring HIV.