Method for the drawing of Newman projections: Understanding Newman projections with the help of hands

The interconversion between the perspective formulae and Newman projections is illustrated here. The method describes how students can look at their own hands as models for the visualization and interconversion. The procedure is also applicable for drawing Newman projections of chair conformations.     

Choices of destination for transnational higher education: “pull” factors in an Asia Pacific market

Traditional assumptions favouring native English language countries in transnational higher education (TNHE) overlook experiences of international students in new emerging Asian education hubs. Specifically, there has been limited research relating to international students’ choice for studying in Malaysia. Drawing from the “push-pull” model of factors influencing the movement of international student destination choice, this study identifies determinants of student destination decision for TNHE. While acknowledging perceived qualities and values of individual institutions as important criteria, findings from interviews with students that are currently enrolled at international branch campuses also indicated key influences driven by “pull” factors of country image – attractive features of Malaysia, i.e. comparatively low cost of living, low tuition fees, safe country for living, stable government, modern amenities, proximity in culture and religion and freedom from discrimination – as focal motives in their choice decision. These findings provide implications for policy-makers to deploy their educational resources as well as develop effective promotional and marketing strategies in promoting the local reputation and amenities in order to attract more international students.     

Relying on High-Stakes Standardized Tests to Evaluate Schools and Teachers: A Bad Idea

In the twenty-first century, the use of standardized tests as the primary means to evaluate schools and teachers in the United States has contributed to severe dilemmas, including misleading information on what students know, lower-level instruction, cheating, less collaboration, unfair treatment of teachers, and biased teaching. This article provides reasons for the increased use in high-stakes testing and detail on the problems it causes. Also included are possible solutions to alleviate the concerns associated with high-stakes testing.     

Screening of field pea （Pisum sativum） selections for their reactions to root-knot nematode （Meloidogyne incognita）

INTRODUCTION Fieldpea (Pisum sativum L.) is one of the im-portant pulse crops of the world and is cultivated over 5.9 million hectares with a production of about 11.7 million tons (Singh, 1983). In India it is grown over 0.7 million hectares yielding about 0.6 million tons (Singh, 1983). Among various obstacles in cultivating this crop, root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood has been reported to cause severe yield losses of up to 20%~33% (Upadhyay and Dwiv…     

Does interest have an expiration date? An analysis of students’ questions as resources for context-based learning

ABSTRACT

Context-based approaches can bridge the gap between abstract, difficult science concepts and the world students live in. However, the relevance of specific contexts to different groups of learners, and its stability over time, have not been extensively explored. This study used four datasets, collected in different formal and informal settings, to examine which types of contexts could capture the interest of many students and remain so for many years. In the formal setting, responses to closed-ended questionnaires in which 4–12th graders indicated their interest in studying the answers to science questions were compared. Over 700 questionnaires collected in 2007 were compared to over 1600 questionnaires collected in 2016. To document the stability of children’s interest in informal science learning settings we compared over 1600 science questions sent to a TV science show in 2004 with over 7000 science questions submitted to a commercial exhibition in 2014. Although there were some differences across ages, students’ interest in science remained relatively stable over the 10 years. In the formal setting, this similarity was reflected in the significant linear relationship between the two databases (r?=?0.917) with regard to the questions students found interesting. In the informal setting, there was a striking similarity in the proportions of spontaneous questions in biology, astrophysics, Earth Science and chemistry. Based on the findings of this study and the literature we recommended, frequently asked questions are a valuable resource for context-based teaching which can serve to identify contexts that enhance the relevance of science in students’ lives.     

Mechanical determinants of acceleration and maximal sprinting speed in highly trained young soccer players

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine, in highly trained young soccer players, the mechanical horizontal determinants of acceleration (Acc) and maximal sprinting speed (MSS). Eighty-six players (14.1 ± 2.4 year) performed a 40-m sprint to assess Acc and MSS. Speed was measured with a 100-Hz radar, and theoretical maximal velocity (V₀), horizontal force (F₀) and horizontal power (P_max) were calculated. Within each age group, players were classified as high Acc/fast MSS (>2% faster than group mean), medium (between ?2% and +2%), and low/slow (>2% slower). Acc and MSS were very largely correlated (?0.79; 90% confidence limit [?0.85; ?0.71]). The determinants (multiple regression r² = 0.84 [0.78; 0.89]) of Acc were V₀ (partial r: 0.80 [0.72; 0.86]) and F₀ (0.57 [0.44; 0.68]); those of MSS (r² = 0.96 [0.94; 0.97]) were V₀ (0.96 [0.94; 0.97]) and P_max (0.73 [0.63; ?0.80]). High/Med have likely greater F₀ (Cohen’s d: +0.8 [0.0; 1.5]), V₀ (+0.6 [?0.1; 1.3]) and P_max (+0.9 [0.2; 1.7]) than Low/Med. High/Fast have an almost certainly faster V₀ (+2.1 [1.5; 2.7]) and a likely greater P_max (+0.6 [?0.1; 1.3]) than High/Med, with no clear differences in F₀ (?0.0 [?0.7; 0.6]). Speed may be a generic quality, but the mechanical horizontal determinants of Acc and MSS differ. While maximal speed training may improve both Acc and MSS, improving horizontal force production capability may be efficient to enhance sprinting performance over short distances.     

Managing Relationships: Insights from a Student Gratitude Model

Research in Higher Education - This paper develops a student relationship model which highlights the role of gratitude in impacting students’ positive perceptions, attitudes, and behavioral...