The productive uncertainty of indigenous and decolonizing methodologies in the preparation of interdisciplinary STEM researchers

Cultural Studies of Science Education - This study, undertaken in the Northwest USA, explores how graduate students in an interdisciplinary social–ecological systems research course...     

Photoresists for microlithography

Characteristics of photoresists used in microlithography are highlighted. The microstructure of the matrix polymer used in these photoresists is critical for ensuring good lithographic performance and the same can be evaluated by using modern NMR spectroscopic techniques. It is now well-known that highly ordered ‘alternate’ and ‘semi-alternate’ tailor-made novolaks lead to better performing photoresists.     

Developing a sustained interest in science among urban minority youth

This study draws upon qualitative case study to investigate the connections between the “funds of knowledge” that urban, high‐poverty students bring to science learning and the development of a sustained interest in science. We found that youth developed a sustained interest in science when: (1) their science experiences connected with how they envision their own futures; (2) learning environments supported the kinds of social relationships students valued; and (3) science activities supported students' sense of agency for enacting their views on the purpose of science. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 466–489, 2007     

A Re-examination of Leadership Style for Hong Kong School-Based Management (SBM) Schools

Leadership style has always been a controversial topic in educational administration and management. Following the recommendation of the Education Commission to introduce school-based management (SBM) into Hong Kong schools in the early 1990s, discussions about the kind of leadership style that is appropriate for SBM schools have never ceased. The government holds a continuing belief that SBM schools work better if they are managed by “better” principals, and emphasises the value of transformational leadership. However, this paper articulates the limitations of that leadership style and argues for complementing it with educational leadership, which purports that principals have an obligation to learn with others about ways of promoting student learning. Secondly, the staff should also be encouraged and helped to carry out certain leadership functions. These arguments are supported by references to the most relevant literature. The discussion is useful to school principals, leaders, and teachers by offering them a better understanding of how to facilitate the implementation of SBM.     

Thyroid Disorders in Patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The study was planned to assess the prevalence of thyroid disorders in type 2 diabetes in North Indian population and to correlate the serum insulin and glycosylated haemoglobin levels with thyroid hormones. It is a case control study. One hundred and twenty patients of type 2 diabetes were included in the study along with 117 adults of the same age group and normal glucose levels as controls. All blood samples were taken from subjects who fasted for at least 12 h before the blood collection. Glycosylated hemoglobin was determined by ion exchange chromatography and serum insulin and thyroid hormones were assessed through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Fasting blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin levels were significantly higher in diabetics showing a poor glucose control. Serum tri-iodothyronine values were significantly lower in diabetics. There was a significant correlation between glycosylated haemoglobin and thyroid hormones. There was no correlation between serum insulin and thyroid hormones.     

Understanding conceptual change: connecting and questioning

We engage in a metalogue based on eight papers in this issue of Cultural Studies of Science Education that review the state of conceptual change research and its possible affect on the teaching and learning of science. Our discussion addresses three aspects of conceptual change research: theoretical, methodological, and practical, as we discuss conceptual change research in light of our experiences as science educators. Finally, we examine the implications of conceptual change research for the teachers and students with whom we work.

Evaluation of Sweat Production by Pilocarpine Iontophoresis: A Noninvasive Screening Tool for Hypohidrosis in Ectodermal Dysplasia

Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) is a genetic disorder affecting the skin, hair, nails, teeth and sweat glands. The clinical presentation is heterogenous; however, hypohidrotic (reduced sweat) ectodermal dysplasia (HED) being the commonest. Also known as anhidrotic ED, sweat glands are sparse or rudimentary, leading to dysregulation of body temperature and episodes of uncontrolled hyperthermia due to reduced sweating. Of the many aids to document hypohidrosis in HED, we present here the technique of pilocarpine iontophoresis to induce, collect and measure sweat. Evaluation of sweat generated (against normally obtained values) is a non-invasive alternative to establish hypohidrosis in disorders such as HED. This augments clinical decision levels to plan skin biopsy for confirmation of diagnosis and facilitates patient management and early discharge. We present two cases of HED that were primarily diagnosed with sweat gland dysplasia using pilocarpine iontophoresis, and later confirmed with skin biopsy findings.