Electrical rectification

Owing to the saturation of the efficiency of silicon devices in electronics industry, molecular electronics has gained tremendous impetus in recent times. Theoretical predictions and experimental realizations of such systems have given birth to a new generation of miniaturized electronic devices. Organic molecules with delocalized π-electrons show a promising future in this aspect. The long-standing history and interesting properties of two isomeric organic molecules, naphthalene and azulene, motivate us to explore their electrical conductance property and possible electronic device applications that exploit the unique characteristics associated with their structural aspects. Single molecule of azulene shows higher conductivity than naphthalene. The charge transfer from the seven-membered ring to the five-membered ring in azulene gives the system aromatic stability, making it dipolar. As a consequence, the conductance becomes asymmetric for forward and reverse bias, opening an efficient application of azulene as molecular rectifier in electronic device fabrication.     

The validity of reading comprehension rate: Reading speed,comprehension, and comprehension rates

This article describes a secondary analysis of a brief reading comprehension rate measure, percent comprehension questions correct per minute spent reading (%C/M). This measure includes reading speed (seconds to read) in the denominator and percentage of comprehension questions answered correctly in the numerator. Participants were 22 4th‐, 29 5th‐, and 37 10th‐grade students. Results showed that reading speed accounted for much of the variance in Broad Reading Cluster scores and subtest scores of the Woodcock–Johnson III Tests of Achievement across all grade levels. Converting reading speed to the rate measure %C/M increased Broad Reading Cluster variance accounted for in the 4th‐ and 5th‐grade sample, but decreased the Broad Reading Cluster variance accounted for in the 10th‐grade sample. Discussion focuses on the importance of reading speed and the failure to enhance validity of a brief rate measure in more skilled readers by incorporating a direct measure of comprehension. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Class-wide Positive Behavior Support in Preschool: Improving Teacher Implementation Through Consultation

As the number of young children displaying challenging behavior in early childhood grows, so too does the need to implement evidence-based practices that prevent challenging behavior. Positive Behavior Support (PBS) provides a framework of tiered interventions focused on promoting social-emotional development and preventing challenging behavior. This study investigated the effects of consultation on teachers’ implementation of universal PBS practices and children’s academic engagement. A multiple-baseline design was applied across four preschool classrooms serving children from 33 to 63 months of age. A strong relationship was documented between consultation and teachers’ implementation of PBS skills. High levels of academic engagement were maintained following consultation. Implications of the results are provided for applications of universal PBS practices in early childhood settings.     

留学现实吗?

@ 留学听起来无疑非常吸引人,到发达国家留学的同学让我们非常羡慕,就像从地方来到首都北京会让老乡们羡慕不已一样.然而留学对绝大多数大学生们意味着什么?是遥远的天方夜谭,美丽的传说?还是现实的脚下可以看得见的道路?     

留学到哪里?

虽然只有很少一部分人毕业时能够飞跃重洋,但还是让我们来看一看他们都是去了哪里,我们能否追随他们的足迹.从目前实际的留学国家和地区来看,中国留学生在很多国家都留下了足迹,美国、英国、法国、德国、加拿大、澳大利亚、新西兰、芬兰、瑞典、瑞士、爱尔兰、日本、意大利、俄罗斯、匈牙利,甚至近邻新加坡、马来西亚--都有中国学生的身影.     

Perceptions and practices regarding M.A. capstone options and PH.D. admission decisions: A survey of communication M.A. and PH.D. program representatives

In terms of positioning a student for Ph.D. admission, the decision to complete a thesis or comprehensive exams as one's M.A. capstone is based on much speculation, but little systematic study. This study surveyed M.A. and Ph.D. Communication program representatives about doctoral programs' admission preferences and practices regarding applicants holding M.A.s from other institutions, as well as perceptions of their institution's students' actual capstone choices. In nearly half the cases, doctoral program representatives were unaware of whether students admitted with M.A.s had elected the thesis, comprehensive exams, or some other capstone option. Additionally, the results show that Ph.D. programs prioritize students' writing samples, statements of reasons, and GRE scores when deciding admission. There were discrepancies between M.A. program representatives' perceptions of what information weighed most heavily with doctoral admissions committees and the priorities reported by Ph.D. program representatives.     

E‐mail communication in workplace romantic relationships

This study examined workplace romantic relationship partners’ e‐mail practices and perceptions. Results suggest that the relationship may play an integral role in determining participants' uses and perceptions of e‐mail Workplace romantic couples used e‐mail as frequently as face‐to‐face communication to interact with romantic partners and rated it as both rich and important Participants used e‐mail for both work‐related and social tasks. In addition, participants used business e‐mail addresses for communicating with relational partners and perceived that few organizational policies existed regarding its use. Theoretically, these findings suggest the importance of studying the relationship as a factor that affects e‐mail practices and perceptions. Practically, results indicated that e‐mail may present an additional channel for enhancing communication and connectedness in workplace romantic relationships, and that organizations may need to reflect more carefully about policies concerning e‐mail use in the workplace.