Spatial and seasonal characterization of net primary productivity and climate variables in southeastern China using MODIS data

We developed a sophisticated method to depict the spatial and seasonal characterization of net primary productivity (NPP) and climate variables. The role of climate variability in the seasonal variation of NPP exerts delayed and continuous effects. This study expands on this by mapping the seasonal characterization of NPP and climate variables from space using geographic information system (GIS) technology at the pixel level. Our approach was developed in southeastern China using moderate-resolution imaging...     

Mapping paddy rice with multi-date moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer （MODIS） data in China

The objective of this study was to obtain spatial distribution maps of paddy rice fields using multi-date moderateresolution imaging spectroradiometer （MODIS） data in China. Paddy rice fields were extracted by identifying the unique characteristic of high soil moisture in the flooding and transplanting period with improved algorithms based on rice growth calendar regionalization. The characteristic could be reflected by the enhanced vegetation index （EVI） and the land surface water index （LSWI） derived from MODIS sensor data. Algorithms for single, early, and late rice identification were obtained from selected typical test sites. The algorithms could not only separate early rice and late rice planted in the same fields, but also reduce the uncertainties. The areal accuracy of the MODIS-derived results was validated by comparison with agricultural statistics, and the spatial matching was examined by ETM＋ （enhanced thematic mapper plus） images in a test region. Major factors that might cause errors, such as the coarse spatial resolution and noises in the MODIS data, were discussed. Although not suitable for monitoring the inter-annual variations due to some inevitable factors, the MODIS-derived results were useful for obtaining spatial distribution maps of paddy rice on a large scale, and they might provide reference for further studies.     

High bar swing performance in novice adults: effects of practice and talent

An individual's a priori talent can affect movement performance during learning. Also, task requirements and motor-perceptual factors are critical to the learning process. This study describes changes in high bar swing performance after a 2-month practice period. Twenty-five novice participants were divided by a priori talent level (spontaneous-talented [ST] and nonspontaneous-talented [NST]) and compared to experienced gymnasts. Additionally, we assessed their perception of their performance level before and after practice. We defined three events independently for hip (H) and shoulder (S) angle joints and for the lag between consecutive events (phases [P]): the smallest angle during downswing (P1H, P1S), the largest angle after P1 (P2H, P2S), and the smaller angle during upswing (P3H, P3S). Movement performance variables were the maximum elevation on the downswing (Pi) and the upswing (Pf), and the total path between both (swing amplitude). Data were collected during pre- and postpractice sessions by two video cameras. At the end of both sessions, participants drew a sketch to represent their perception of their performance level relative to the Pi, Pf and the hip events. Results showed a similar practice effect in the swing amplitude in both novice groups. However the ST group 's performance and perception variables on the downswing improved more than the NST group due to practice. This study suggests that (a) downswing improvements were easier than in the upswing, possibly due to familiarity of the visual reference in combination with proprioceptive feedback; and (b) being ST may involve a better orfaster gain in perception of self-action compared to NST.     

The end of innocence: historiography and representation in the discursive practice of LD

In this article, I discuss two interrelated sets of challenges that the discursive practice of learning disability (LD) will need to address, namely, issues associated with the development of a historiography of special education and a more complex understanding of representation issues. I use social theory to address these challenges and raise questions the LD field will need to grapple with as we move toward the consolidation of discursive practices.     

Addressing Special Education Inequity Through Systemic Change: Contributions of Ecologically Based Organizational Consultation

Since the inception of special education, scholars and practitioners have been concerned about the disproportionate representation of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds among students identified with disabilities. Professional efforts to address this disproportionality have encompassed a range of targets, but scholars increasingly view disproportionality as a complex, multiply-determined problem that requires systemic change to ameliorate disparities. In this article, we describe a framework for systemic change to foster equity in special education identification and placement. We discuss the use of ecologically oriented organizational consultation as a means of facilitating systemic change, emphasizing the role of stakeholders, and the implications for school psychology practice and training.     

Sodium bicarbonate ingestion does not alter the slow component of oxygen uptake kinetics in professional cyclists

We examined the effects of pre-exercise sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion on the slow component of oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics in seven professional road cyclists during intense exercise. One hour after ingesting either a placebo or NaHCO3 (0.3 g x kg body mass(-1)), each cyclist (age, 25 +/- 2 years; VO2max, 74.7 +/- 5.9 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1); mean +/- s) performed two bouts of 6 min duration at an intensity of 90% VO2max interspersed by 8 min of active recovery. Gas exchange and blood data (pH, blood lactate concentration and [HCO3-]) were collected during the tests. In both bouts, the slow component of VO2 was defined as the difference between end-exercise VO2 and the VO2 at the end of the third minute. No significant difference was found in the slow component of VO2 between conditions in the first (NaHCO3, 210 +/- 69 ml; placebo, 239 +/- 105 ml) or second trial (NaHCO3, 123 +/- 88 ml; placebo, 197 +/- 101 ml). In conclusion, pre-exercise NaHCO3 ingestion did not significantly attenuate the VO2 slow component of professional road cyclists during high-intensity exercise.     

A synthesis of research on effectiveness of school-based drug prevention programmes / Claves de eficacia de los programas de prevención de consumo de sustancias en el contexto escolar: una meta-revisión

Abstract

Relevant information on effectiveness of school-based drug prevention programmes is available. Despite this, there is still contradictory evidence that makes it necessary to continue to shed light on this issue. Based on a synthesis research method, the aim of this study was to determine the relevant variables that enhance the efficacy of these programmes and to determine the weight of their empirical evidence. Furthermore, several features of the evaluation designs whose variables had been proven effective were examined. A systematic review of periodical literature was conducted, which led us to extract 1,622 papers, of which 17 studies were analysed. An in-depth analysis of these publications led us to identify 29 key variables associated with the efficacy of the programme, which were ranked according to the weight of their empirical evidence. Moreover, the characteristics of the studies included in the review highlighted the need to improve the rigorousness and quality of the evaluation designs in this field.     

Evaluating the school assets that promote positive adolescent development from the perspective of the student / La evaluación de los activos escolares para el desarrollo positivo adolescente desde la perspectiva del alumnado

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating students’ perceptions of their school’s key strengths, or school assets, using the positive adolescent development approach. To do this, we first created a scale after carrying out a review of the instruments already in use to evaluate school climate and aspects related to the school context which have been identified as factors that promote the socio-personal development and adjustment of adolescents. Secondly, expert judgement was sought to ensure the validity of the scale’s content. And finally, in order to analyse the psychometric properties of the scale, it was given to a sample of 2,400 adolescents (1,068 boys and 1,332 girls) aged 12–17 (M = 14.73, SD = 1.25) in secondary education in state and private schools in Western Andalusia. The results obtained endorsed the scale’s psychometric properties. The external and predictive validity of the instrument remains to be tested in future studies.