The Heterogeneity of Self-Portraits of Gifted Students in France

The objective of this research is to understand the diversity of gifted students’ self-representations through self-portrait analysis. Two hundred twenty-seven French gifted students (intelligence quotient ≥ 130; 45 girls, 182 boys), aged from 9 to 15 years completed the GPS instrument (Genèse des Perceptions de Soi [Genesis of the Self-Concept]). The authors analyzed data with ALCESTE content analysis software (Reinert, 2003). Using a descending hierarchical classification, results suggested a distinct six-class solution, as well as differences between classes depending on degree of academic achievement, age, type of schooling, and gender. These results do not support the notion that gifted students represent a homogeneous population in regard to their self-perceptions.     

Confocal XRF depth profiling non-destructively reveals the original blue pigments in a Renaissance painting by Caroto

Recent restoration of The Rest on the Flight into Egypt by Giovanni Francesco Caroto, from the Louvre collections, included a technical examination of the Virgin's blue robe that aimed to characterize the original materials and later additions. The painting was examined using light microscopy and ultraviolet and infrared imaging, and one cross section was taken. None of these methods showed a clear distinction between the layers that were artist applied or modifications made by another hand. To gain information about the paint stratigraphy without taking additional samples, non-invasive confocal X-ray fluorescence (CXRF) analysis was carried out to examine several areas of the Virgin's robe. Using this technique, it was possible to identify the pigments and order of application of paint by the artist. All the pigments identified were considered to be artist applied, and on this basis no further cleaning was carried out and conservation proceeded with retouching of minor areas of loss or damage. This study highlights the advantages of CXRF analysis for the technical study of paintings, used in combination with classical methods for making informed conservation treatment decisions.     

The influence of playing surface on physiological and performance responses during and after soccer simulation

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of playing surface on physiological and performance responses during and in the 48 h after simulated soccer match play. Blood lactate, single-sprint, repeated-sprint and agility of eight amateur soccer players were assessed throughout a 90-min soccer-simulation protocol (SSP) completed on natural turf (NT) and artificial turf. Counter-movement jump, multiple-rebound jump, sprint (10 m, 60 m), L-agility run (L-AR), creatine kinase (CK) and perception of muscle soreness (PMS) were measured before, immediately after, 24 h and 48 h after exercise. Analyses revealed significant changes in blood lactate and single-sprint performance (both P < 0.05) during the SSP but with no significant differences between surfaces. Conversely, repeated-sprint performance demonstrated an interaction effect, with reductions in performance evident on NT only (P < 0.05). Whilst L-AR and 10-m sprint performance remained unchanged, 60-m sprint and multiple-rebound jump performance were impaired, and PMS and CK were elevated immediately following the SSP (all P < 0.05) but with no surface effects. Although performance, CK and PMS were negatively affected to some degree in the 48 h after the SSP, there was no surface effect. For the artificial and natural surfaces used in the present study, physiological and performance responses to simulated soccer match play appear to be similar. Whilst a potential for small differences in performance response exists during activity, surface type does not affect the pattern of recovery following simulated match play.     

The scientists: an experiment in science teaching

In an attempt to provide school science students with an appreciation and understanding of the work of scientists and the nature of scientific discovery, a project called ‘The Scientists’ was set up. The project is concerned with the development of curriculum materials which include biographies of scientists, instruction manuals and materials for carrying out experiments. The scope and nature of this project are briefly described.     

Method Boundness Among Zoo and Park Educators

A national survey of 131 park and zoo educators' teaching beliefs was conducted in 14 parks and zoos in the US in 1996 by The Ohio State University Extension. The survey included two primary instruments. The Van Tilburg/Heimlich Teaching Beliefs Scale and a self‐report time on task and importance of task related to teaching methods and techniques. A third series of questions explored teaching purposes. The Van Tilburg/Heimlich Teaching Beliefs Scale is a psychometric instrument containing two parallel Thurston equal‐appearing interval scales. Outcomes are graphed into a two by two matrix using the concepts of ‘sensitivity’ and ‘inclusion’. Developed with a theoretical base of adult education, these scales apply well to nonformal environmental educators. An operational hypothesis for the study, which was corroborated by the data, was that a preponderance of respondents would self‐identify their beliefs to be those of ‘Enabler’ – low control, high inclusion. The application of beliefs to practice, however, might suggest otherwise.