The Question‐led Design of a Degree Programme

This article discusses a question‐led approach to the design of a new degree programme in computing and information studies, the Bachelor of Informatics, at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia. Basic considerations arising from various theories which have given a central place to problems and questions in human activity are outlined. Some implications of these considerations for the role and place of questions in education are discussed in terms of the notions of focussing, opening, and activating. It is argued that these notions are important in understanding education to be, in part, vitally concerned with critical inquiry. The specific context at Griffith University in which the question‐led approach came to be adopted is described, together with an account of a report concerning the planning of a new academic activity in the University which was made available to the planning group at the commencement of planning. The processes by which this approach was implemented in the design phase are described briefly. The resulting design, as it existed shortly prior to the commencement of teaching, is described. The conclusion discusses some issues arising from experience in the design and implementation of this programme, and provides some evaluative feedback from staff and second‐year students obtained during the second year during which the programme was offered (1986).     

Views of effective college faculty: a mixed analysis

A mixed analysis of the perceived characteristics of effective college faculty members was conducted through surveying 615 students, predominantly Hispanic, enrolled in courses at two southwest Hispanic‐serving universities. Beliefs were identified that led to 29 prevailing themes: Knowledgeable; Understanding; Communication; Teaches Well; Caring; Organised; Flexibility; Positive Attitude; Patience; Experience in the Classroom; Fair; Helping; Respectful; Open‐minded; Builds Relationships; Passion for the Job; Service; Makes Learning Interesting; Uses Different Modalities; Fun; Motivating; Intelligent; Involving Students; Being Available; Friendly; Connects with the Real World; Listening; Creativity; and Challenges Student. Of these themes, knowledgeable, Understanding, Communication and Teaches Well received the highest endorsements and are congruent with student evaluations that are components of promotion and tenure decisions.     

Psychometric Properties of the Malay Version of the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment for Geriatrics (M-LOTCA-G) Among the Malaysian Elderly Population

Current cognitive screening tests are difficult to use due to their deficit in cultural and conceptual significance and translation into other languages. The purpose of this study was to translate the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment for Geriatrics (LOTCA-G) into Malay language and test its reliability and validity for assessing cognitive deficit among institutional elderly who undergo occupational therapy. The study was based on a single group test–retest design of 52 selected subjects (among the elderly). Cronbach's alpha values were used to examine the reliability of the instrument. Convergent validity was also assessed by comparing the adapted Malay version to the original English version for any inconsistencies and abnormality in interpretation. This study concluded that the Malay version of the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment for Geriatrics is reliable as the overall Cronbach's alpha value was more than .90. This study also indicated that both the adapted Malay version and the original English versions of the instruments were consistent in their performance in cognitive components. The findings pointed out that the Malay version of the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment for Geriatrics is appropriate and reliable in identifying deficits in cognitive components in relation to occupational performance for the Malaysian elderly population.     

A low cost design and fabrication method for developing a leak proof paper based microfluidic device with customized test zone

This article describes a fabrication process for the generation of a leak proof paper based microfluidic device and a new design strategy for convenient incorporation of externally prepared test zones. Briefly, a negative photolithographic method was used to prepare the device with a partial photoresist layer on the rear of the device to block the leakage of sample. Microscopy and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy data validated the formation of the photoresist layer. The partial layer of photoresist on the device channel limits sample volume to 7 ± 0.2 μl as compared to devices without the partial photoresist layer which requires a larger sample volume of 10 ± 0.1 μl. The design prototype with a customized external test zone exploits the channel protrusions on the UV exposed photoresist treated paper to bridge the externally applied test zone to the sample and absorbent zones. The partially laminated device with an external test zone has a comparatively low wicking speed of 1.8 ± 0.9 mm/min compared to the completely laminated device with an inbuilt test zone (3.3 ± 1.2 mm/min) which extends the reaction time between the analyte and reagents. The efficacy of the prepared device was studied with colorimetric assays for the non-specific detection of protein by tetrabromophenol blue, acid/base with phenolphthalein indicator, and specific detection of proteins using the HRP-DAB chemistry. The prepared device has the potential for leak proof detection of analyte, requires low sample volume, involves reduced cost of production (∼$0.03, excluding reagent and lamination cost), and enables the integration of customized test zones.     

国际奥林匹克学院在青年奥运会组织中的作用

当国际奥林匹克大会在奥林匹亚酝酿的时候,在这种新的青年运动会中最令人兴奋的因素将是：让现在14至18岁的青少年有机会自己设计和执行“青年运动会”,我们的任务仅仅是帮助他们。