A Case Study in the Measurement of Educational Efficiency in Open and Distance Learning

Open and distance learning (ODL) gives learners control of the time, place, and pace of learning, often being characterized as flexible learning. However, this flexibility goes hand‐in‐hand with procrastination and non‐completion. As a result, the efficiency of the educational process is of importance to ODL providers, government funding agencies, and learners themselves. Despite its importance, measuring efficiency in ODL is problematic. This article presents a case study in measuring educational efficiency using a method which reflects the special characteristics of ODL. The article concludes with a discussion of the wider applicability of the measurement method in the context of lifelong learning.     

Biological activity and toxicity of the Chinese herb <Emphasis Type="Italic">Magnolia officinalis</Emphasis> Rehder &amp; E. Wilson (Houpo) and its constituents

Traditional Chinese herbal drugs have been used for thousands of years in Chinese pharmacopoeia. The bark of Magnolia officinalis Rehder & E. Wilson, known under the pinyin name “Houpo”, has been traditionally used in Chinese and Japanese medicines for the treatment of anxiety, asthma, depression, gastrointestinal disorders, headache, and more. Moreover, Magnolia bark extract is a major constituent of currently marketed dietary supplements and cosmetic products. Much pharmacological activity has been reported for this herb and its major compounds, notably antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antispasmodic effects. However, the mechanisms underlying this have not been elucidated and only a very few clinical trials have been published. In vitro and in vivo toxicity studies have also been published and indicate some intriguing features. The present review aims to summarize the literature on M. officinalis bark composition, utilisation, pharmacology, and safety.     

The Future of Book Publishing: Seven Technology Trends and Three Industry Goals

The Publishing Industry, as many other ones, is facing all the risks and opportunities linked to a digital transformation. This text provides new dimensions for analyzing seven technological trends and their potential impacts on the book publishing industry. The key consideration is that book publishing is totally dependent on Open Web Platform future. In such an agile environment, the publishing industry should focus on three key objectives in order to keep or even extend its influence on the internet world.     

Causes,prevention, and interventions regarding classroom disruptions in digital teaching: A systematic review

Education and Information Technologies - Digitization and the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic are accelerating the use of digital tools in teaching. Therefore, this systematic literature review offers an...     

Determination of the predictive clinical parameters to diagnose chronic exertional compartment syndrome

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is characterized by pain occurring during physical activity. As clinical examination is not sufficient to diagnose it, intracompartmental pressure (ICP) measure is used for CECS confirmation. Numerous clinical signs are reported but their diagnosis predictive ability has never been studied. We aimed to determine if the 12 classically reported clinical signs are predictive of CECS. We performed a single-centre retrospective cohort study on patients referred for CECS suspicion. Patients were asked to run on a treadmill. When pain occurred, post-exercise ICP was performed. We diagnosed CECS if the ICP was ≥30?mmHg and used a logistic regression to calculate the predictive value of clinical signs. One hundred twenty-five patients were evaluated. Ninety-six had CECS and 29 did not, according to the ICP 30?mmHg cut-off. Anterior and lateral compartments were the most frequently affected. After exercise, mean ICP was 58.6?mmHg?±?20.5 in the group with CECS versus 20.9?mmHg?±?4 in the group without (p?p?p?相似文献