Effects of subject and rater characteristics on the accuracy of visual analysis of single subject data

The accuracy of interpretation of single subject data was evaluated by comparing raters' visual analysis of behavior change with statistical determination of behavior change using the split-middle methods of trend estimation. In addition, the effects of rater background (undergraduate, graduate student) and characteristics of the fictitious student (gender, label) on the ratings were determined. Results indicated that the accuracy of visual analysis was less than chance (47%). Rater and student characteristics, for the most part, did not affect the ratings. Implications of these results are discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Spectral radiation involved in protoreactivation of ultraviolet-irradiated cultures of micro-organisms

Cultures of E. coli irradiated by ultraviolet energy of λ2537 can be partially reactivated by visible blue light from λ4500 to λ3800. Reactivation becomes most evident in the long-wave ultraviolet in the region of λ3650 or the so-called “black light” band of the mercury spectrum.These results are primarily qualitative. The use of color filters to isolate various bands of tungsten spectra in addition to obtaining monochromatic energy by means of a quartz spectrograph tend to place the region of maximal photoreactivity between λ3500 and λ4500.Simultaneous irradiation of air-borne respiratory micro-organisms with λ2537 ultraviolet and with visible light and near-ultraviolet energy from 4500° K fluorescent tubes showed no significant or measurable reactivation by the latter, even though the illumination was much higher than that generally prevailing indoors.     

Tibial shock measured during the fencing lunge: the influence of footwear

Fencing is a high-intensity sport involving dynamic movements such as the lunge exposing the musculoskeletal system to high impact forces, which emphasises the importance of the shock attenuating properties of footwear as a factor in the prevention of injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the magnitudes of the transient axial impact shock experienced at the tibia between traditional fencing shoes and standard athletic footwear during the impact phase of the fencing lunge. Peak tibial shock was measured in 19 male fencers in 4 different footwear conditions using an accelerometer placed on the distal aspect of the tibia. The standard footwear (11.08 g and 8.75 g for squash and running shoe, respectively) resulted in significant (p < 0.01) reductions in peak impact shock in comparison to the traditional fencing shoes (15.93 g and 13.97 g for the Adidas and Hi-Tec shoe, respectively). No significant differences were found between the running and squash shoes (p = 0.09) or between the fencing shoes (p = 0.48). The documented reduction in impact shock found suggests that running or squash specific footwear may reduce overuse injury occurrence, indicating that there is justification for a re-design of fencing shoes.     

Perspectives on gender and sexual diversity (GSD)-inclusive education: comparisons between gay/lesbian/bisexual and straight educators

This paper presents findings from a national study on the beliefs and practices of K-12 educators regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) issues in schools. Over 3400 Canadian educators participated in the study, which took the form of a bilingual (English/French) online survey. Respondents answered questions about their values regarding human rights and LGBTQ-inclusive education, their practices in the classroom, experiences with homophobic and transphobic harassment, and perceptions of support for LGBTQ-inclusive practices. Results indicate that there is a high level of in-principle support for LGBTQ-inclusive education (84.9%); however, actual practice is much lower (61.8%) and there are significant differences in the perspectives and experiences of gay, lesbian, and bisexual identified educators compared with their straight colleagues in terms of curriculum integration and bullying interventions. Findings offer important insights for teacher preparation, curriculum development, and law and policy implementation and reform.