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The present article gives an overview of several studies on the predictive validity of the C-test. In the first part of the article, we discuss the construct validity of this test format. Only if the underlying construct of this test is understood, can a justification for high predictive validity be made. In the second part, we discuss several previous studies where the C-test format is used to predict the study and training success of international students. The third part discusses the findings of two as yet unpublished studies on the predictive validity of the C-test. We wish to contribute to the ongoing discussion of the validity of the C-test and argue that it is not only a language test, but also a test of processing speed which is related to working memory. For international students, processing speed in English as a foreign language is related to vocabulary knowledge, which includes statistical knowledge about the probability of words occurring in a given context as well as the probability of words following or preceding each other. The C-test taps precisely into these aspects of language proficiency which explains its high predictive validity for the study success of international students.

Educational digital games are often presented at Technology in Language Education conferences. The games are entertaining and are backed by research detailing how games can improve the learning experience through active critical learning, learner interaction, competition, challenge, and high learner motivation. The authors, inspired by such presentations, were interested in creating digital games to mitigate problems of demotivation in a beginner Japanese kanji (non-alphabetic script) class at Auckland University of Technology but found there was no body of research on digital games for learning non-alphabetic scripts. This paper contributes to filling this gap by describing the creation of three digital games for kanji learning. Difficulties were experienced during the development of the games and these are described with reference to the divide, discussed in gaming literature, between the type of digital games being showcased at conferences and the reality for teachers wishing to emulate the practice by developing their own digital games. Questionnaire responses and the game-related journal entries of three cohorts of learners were analysed, and teacher reflections on the action research project were used to answer the questions "Should we be leaving this field to the experts?" and "Other than high-end multi-level curriculum-centred digital games, are there different gaming scenarios worth exploring?"

This article explores the usefulness of a web-based education game for learning English idioms and examines attitudinal factors contributing to the learning of the idioms with the game. The two studies reported in this article involved two groups of English as a foreign language students in two different contexts. The students were surveyed on their opinions of language learning and games and tested on their idiom knowledge before and after using the web-based educational game over a similar period of gameplay time. The studies found that both groups had significant gains in idiom knowledge, with some variation. It was also found that idiom knowledge improvement was largely mediated by willingness to learn English. In addition, other factors such as satisfaction and self-perception of improvement were noted. It is suggested that, in game-based language learning, attitudinal and motivational factors such as satisfaction with games and willingness to learn with games need to be carefully considered as they can generate positive learning outcomes. Further studies on the use of online educational games for language learning are recommended to be conducted in and out of the classroom in line with the evaluation of the games.

This paper attempts to demonstrate the differences in writing between International English Language Testing System (IELTS) bands 6.0, 6.5 and 7.0. An analysis of exemplars provided from the IELTS test makers reveals that IELTS 6.0, 6.5 and 7.0 writers can make a minimum of 206 errors, 96 errors and 35 errors per 1000 words. The following section explores the differences in error patterns between IELTS 6.0, 6.5 and 7.0 writers and a proposition is made that the IELTS 7.0 writer shows some convergence of error types found among native English writers. In regard to workload issues, the paper discusses the impact of errors as a distraction which affects reading time and gives an indication of the amount of extra workload that may be required to assess IELTS 6.0, 6.5 and 7.0 writing. The paper concludes with remarks about entrance requirements for tertiary study and suggests that it may be simpler to raise entry standards than attempt to remediate the writing of students with low IELTS scores.

Introduction: The prevalence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) among Australia's First Nations populations are some of the highest in the world, accounting for 95% of the 2,244 ARF notifications between 2015 and 2019 in Australia. A key issue in treating ARF is long-term secondary prophylaxis, yet only one in five patients received treatment in 2019. This review identifies barriers to secondary prophylaxis of ARF in Australia's First Nations people. Methods: An integrative review was undertaken utilizing PubMed, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Wiley Online. Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were used, followed by thematic analysis. Results: The key themes uncovered included: issues with database and recall systems, patient/family characteristics, service delivery location and site, pain of injection, education (including language barriers), and patient-clinician relationship. Conclusions: A national RHD register, change in operation model, improved pain management, improved education, and need for consistent personnel is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This integrative review explores the current pro re nata (PRN) medication practice in acute adult mental health settings. PRN medication is commonly used in acute mental health settings but there is lack of evidence of effectiveness of this practice. PRN medications have a number of adverse effects and increase the risk of morbidity in patients with a mental illness. Articles were identified from MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science database. The STROBE critical appraisal tool was used to evaluate the quality of evidence, and inductive thematic analysis was used to extract main themes. Five themes regarding prescription practices, poor documentation, reasons to administer, medication misuse, and insufficient use of non‐pharmacological interventions emerged among the 12 eligible articles. The study identified PRN medication practice gaps in adult mental health settings included insufficient documentation practice, underuse of therapeutic non‐pharmacological interventions, and significant variability in PRN medication practice across the mental health professionals due to different levels of knowledge and experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This integrative review explores the impact of borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptomology and behaviours on occupational capacity, participation, and sustainability. The disorder has also been associated with lower education levels, higher levels of attrition in tertiary education populations, and low occupational participation and employment rates. Personality traits and symptomology have been found to substantially detract from employability. Articles were identified from CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), PsycINFO/Ovid, ProQuest, and PubMed databases. The Joanna Briggs' Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools were used to evaluate the quality of evidence, and inductive thematic analysis used to extract main themes. Four themes regarding 'barriers', 'enablers', 'treatment', and 'benefits' emerged amongst the 11 eligible articles. The negative symptomology was a barrier to occupational participation, and people with BPD engaged in self‐stigmatizing and non‐disclosure. However, the positive symptomology such as boldness and honesty were enablers. Treatment was found to be a key element, and occupational engagement was also found to have positive effectives. The evidence indicates that employment improved the symptoms, and a long‐term treatment plan is a key element. Some upskilling of mental health workers may be required, including a focus on possible positive symptomology as a way of dealing with the stigmatization. Some awareness raising of the disorder, including for employers, may be needed, with education programmes that deal with the stigmatization. Future funding should focus on specialized programmes targeting unemployment for this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large proportion of nursing home residents in developed countries come from ethnic minority groups. Unmet care needs and poor quality of care for this resident population have been widely reported. This systematic review aimed to explore social conditions affecting ethnic minority residents' ability to exercise their autonomy in communication and care while in nursing homes. In total, 19 studies were included in the review. Findings revealed that ethno‐specific nursing homes create the ideal social condition for residents to express their care needs and preferences in a language of choice. In nonethno‐specific nursing homes, staff cultural competence and nursing home commitment to culturally safe care are crucial social conditions that enable this group of residents to fulfil their autonomy in communicating and in participating in their care. In contrast, social conditions that undermine residents' ability to express their care needs and preferences include low levels of staff cultural awareness and cultural desire, negative attitudes towards residents and limited organisational support for staff to improve culturally responsive and culturally safe care. In conclusion, it is important to optimise the social conditions to support ethnic minority residents to communicate their care needs and preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initial moisture contents and impurities in the grain mass can interfere with the drying operation in a stationary dryer. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of drying air movement in the rice mass as a function of initial moisture contents (19, 18, 17, and 16% w.b.) and impurities (1.5, 2.5, 2.0, and 3.0%) on the physicochemical properties and morphological rice quality. The moisture and impurity contents provided alterations in the movement and distribution of the drying air in the upper layers of the stationary dryers. Consequently, the physicochemical properties and morphological quality of rice were altered. In addition, the reduction in the starch and fat contents was correlated to higher percentages of crude protein, mainly upper grain layers. Thus, the rice mass at moisture content of 17% (w.b.) and impurity at 2.5% allowed major uniformity and greater drying versatility in the stationary dryer for rice quality. Practical applications: The rice drying in the stationary dryer is an excellent option to reduce drying and storage infrastructure and achieve satisfactory grain quality, as long as there is an adequate control and management of the batches of grain received in terms of moisture uniformity and impurity contents. For proper rice management in the stationary dryer, it is recommended to pre‐cleaning the grain mass to 2% of impurities, while the initial grain moisture content for drying must be below 18% (w.b.). The standardization of batches in terms of initial moisture content and impurities allows for an adequate flow and distribution of air in the grain mass to obtain efficiency in drying at low temperatures and maintaining grain quality. From a commercial point of view, the grains can remain in the drying process and stored in silo‐dryers for the harvest period until the time they can be sold at better market prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have been conducted for developing new dryers and improving existing ones to obtain a higher yield and maintain the quality of agricultural products. Thus, the objective of this study was to model and validate a new concept of a silo–dryer–aerator with a drying chamber and four storage compartmented cells in a fixed and thick layer with the application of high and low air-drying temperatures. To fit the experimental data to a mathematical model, nonlinear regression analysis was performed. To assess the fluid from the heated and cooling air in the silo–dryer–aerator, computational fluid dynamics was used. The experimental prototype of the fixed-bed dryer enabled a uniform distribution of the heated air in the drying cells. There was a uniform distribution of the air in the drying cells of the silo–dryer–aerator. The drying system achieved high operational performance and quality for soybeans. The different mathematical models could predict and adjust to the drying conditions in a fixed and thick layer. It was concluded that the drying model developed and validated is suitable for the new concept of a silo–dryer–aerator with a drying chamber and segregated storage to be applied to soybean drying. Silo-dryer-aerator conceptualized for high quality Drying system applied for different social scales of post-harvest Segregation of the lots in different characteristics of grains and quality Associated application of high and low temperatures in the drying and aeration Alternative for drying and storage in large, medium and small production scales [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various post-harvest processes of rice are commonly employed, especially during the off-season, to ensure its consumption feasibility, which often affect the grain quality. Different forms of drying, storage and processing of rice are evaluated to identify their effects on grain quality. Microwave drying has emerged as an alternative to the widely-used intermittent-drying and fixed-bed-dryer methods of drying paddy rice. Control of drying-air temperatures (between 40 °C and 60 °C) according to the rice variety can improve quality, especially for exotic varieties. Keeping stored grain in hygroscopic balance, with water content between 11% to 15%, at temperatures between 16 °C and 20 °C and with intergranular relative humidity near 60%, allows 12 months of storage in a controlled environment without significant deterioration. Other innovations, notably the application of artificial refrigeration to grain stored in bulk in vertical cylindrical silos and the use of impermeable packaging for storage, ensure the conservation of grain mass. The different stages and equipments used to obtain polished, brown and parboiled rice result in significant changes in the nutritional value of rice because of the removal of the outermost layers of the grains. Polishing reduces the nutritional value and physical homogeneity of rice. Brown rice retains more bioactive compounds and nutrients because it does not lose the outer layer of the grains in the polishing processes. Parboiled rice, although less nutritious than brown rice, has better grain integrity and milling yield and less loss of nutrients than white rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Demand for hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler procedures is rapidly growing, and several adverse events are recognised with these procedures. Since the use of hyaluronidase as a dissolving agent in HA dermal filler complications, dermal filler-related outcomes have improved. Aims: This integrative literature review will aim to present the current evidence for the safety of hyaluronidase use in the aesthetic field. Methods: CINAHL and OVID databases and the author's university search platform were searched for primary studies that support the use of hyaluronidase for HA dermal filler adverse events or primary studies descriptive of adverse outcomes with the use of hyaluronidase. Findings: A total of 17 studies were located: four cohort studies and 13 case studies. Two themes were identified throughout the captured literature: 'hyaluronidase reactions and treatment' and 'intradermal skin testing'. Conclusion: Adverse reactions to hyaluronidase are rare, and most reactions can be safely mitigated with conservative management or antihistamine and corticosteroid treatment. The small risk of adverse reactions to hyaluronidase needs to be weighed against the risk of not treating HA dermal filler complications, both physically and psychologically. In most HA dermal filler complications, hyaluronidase treatment remains beneficial, despite the rare risk of sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Adapting production factors and relating them to the effects of rice milling can contribute to obtaining better quality grains in the industry. Thus, the study had an objective to evaluate the effects of cultivars and fertilization levels in the physical, physicochemical, and morphological quality of the polished and brown rice. Findings: The starch underwent minor changes in its structure with increased fertilization levels, conserving the physicochemical rice composition for cultivar IR 431 Cl in the polished rice. However, the combination of cultivar IR 424 Cl and brown rice demonstrated positive correlations in crude protein and starch. In addition, positive correlations between the physical variables were obtained in full milling. Furthermore, brown rice had the highest percentages of whole rice in the high fertilization levels, whereas the polished grain contained the highest percentage of broken and yellow grains in the low fertilization levels. Conclusions: The rice cultivar IR 431 Cl produced with high fertilization levels had high protein and starch quality in the polished grains, while the cultivar IR 424 Cl produced high quality in brown rice. We conclude that the association of cultivars and fertilization levels in rice production obtained high rice quality according to milling type. Significance and novelty: It is possible to define the best way of milling rice in the industry to enhance the final quality, depending on the production factors adopted in the crop, such as the type of cultivar and fertilization levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims: The World Health Organization encourages women in labour to ambulate and assume upright positions shown to be associated with favourable childbirth outcomes. However, the literature shows that most women in developed and developing countries, including Malawi, give birth in the supine position. There is a lack of research on factors that influence choice of birthing positions among women in Malawi. This study aimed to identify these factors. Methods: A face-to-face descriptive survey was conducted on 373 low-risk postnatal women in Malawi. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine association between sociodemographic characteristics and choice of labour and birthing position, as well as to identify predictive factors. Results: Walking during labour was significantly associated with age (P=0.018) and monthly family income (P=0.012). During birth, women who had received some degree of education were more likely to use the supine position than those who had not (93% vs 78%; P=0.011). However, women with a higher level of income were less likely to use the supine position than women with low income (82% vs 93%; P=0.005). Conclusions: Age, income and education influence Malawian women's choices for labour and birthing position. There is a need for Malawian women to be informed about and encouraged to use different labour and birthing positions, regardless of their socioeconomic and demographic status, to promote positions that improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Childbirth education sessions or classes during antenatal care should include information on different birthing positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2010, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia introduced a new registration standard: Endorsement for scheduled medicines for midwives. The endorsement enables midwives to provide women with Medicare-rebatable care, prescribe relevant medications, and order relevant Medicare-rebatable diagnostics. Translating endorsement education into clinical midwifery practice has been slow, indicating the presence of barriers affecting midwives' ability to use this standard, despite it increasing their scope for service provision. To discover the mechanisms affecting midwives' ability to work to full scope of practice after completing a programme of study leading to endorsement. An observational (non-experimental) design was used. Midwives who had completed an education programme leading to endorsement were invited to complete a survey. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative questions and content analysis was conducted on the qualitative data. Results indicated that barriers – such as the limitations of Medicare provisions for endorsed midwives and a general lack of support for the role – restrict endorsed midwives' ability to provide quality maternity services. Having some form of support for the role may act as an enabler, in addition to midwives having personal determination and confidence in their ability to use the endorsement. Recommendations to strengthen the endorsed midwife's role include facilitating endorsement use in the public sector, relaxing Medicare Benefit Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme restrictions, raising awareness of the role and scope, and improving midwives' pre-endorsement preparation. This study highlights the need for an all-of-system approach to support and develop the endorsed midwife's role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of seeds of RR and RR2 PRO soybean cultivars stored in ambient air with raffia packaging (ANER), ambient air with laminated packaging (ANEL), modified atmosphere with polyethylene packaging (AMEP), refrigerated atmosphere (1 to 3°C) with raffia packaging (ARER), refrigerated atmosphere (1 to 3°C) with laminated packaging (AREL), and modified (-14 PSI) and refrigerated (1 to 3°C) atmosphere with polyethylene packaging (AMREP), over 6 months of storage. Results showed that the seeds of cultivar RR2 were preserved with better physiological quality. Raffia and polyethylene packaging under natural storage conditions, in a refrigerated and modified atmosphere, did not preserve the seed quality over the storage period. The conditions of storage in ambient air with laminated packaging (ANEL) and in a refrigerated atmosphere with laminated packaging (AREL) reduced the environmental effects of temperature and relative humidity, leading to better results of physiological quality of the seeds. Storage time negatively influenced the physiological quality of seeds, except for AREL and ANEL, which maintained the quality close to that of the initial conditions, over the 6 months of storage. The best alternatives for soybean seeds storage over 6 months are the laminated packaging in a natural environment, matching the refrigerated conditions. The technological laminated packaging can be used as a new alternative for conserving soybean seeds in processing and storage units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report on the findings of a survey of sonographer skill‐teaching practices in Australia using the SonoSTePs tool. Method: A cross‐sectional survey of all qualified sonographers registered with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry. Results: The 528 responses showed the use of a two‐step skill‐teaching approach to teach scanning skills and the incorporation of additional instructional practices to support a learner's initial acquisition of scanning skills, which include: providing coaching and guidance as the skill is practised; performing physical guidance; providing immediate error correction; and providing end‐task feedback. Based on our findings, sonographer skill‐teaching practices fall short of best pedagogical approaches. Conclusion: There is a pressing need to identify the optimal pedagogical approaches to teach complex psychomotor scanning skills. Research is required to ensure that the scanning skills are taught efficiently and that the pedagogical approaches to teach scanning skills foster the learner's long‐term retention of the skill. There is also an accompanying need for sonographers involved in teaching scanning skills to have knowledge of the motor‐learning theories and principles related to teaching a complex psychomotor skill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report the qualitative findings of the inaugural survey of sonographer skill‐teaching practices in Australia using the SonoSTePs tool. Method: A national cross‐sectional survey of all qualified sonographers registered with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry. A mix of quantitative and qualitative data was collected. This paper reports on a content analysis of the qualitative data relating to factors that impact on teaching. Results: A total of 528 respondents provided a range of qualitative data in five extended text questions. Five key themes emerged from the analysis: limited protected teaching time; perceived skill complexity; learner skill level and credentials; avoiding overwhelming the learner; and patient well‐being and their willingness to be scanned. Novel teaching interactions between the educator and the student sonographer were identified. Information was provided to learners at four time‐points across the continuum of clinical practice performance. The type, quantity and purpose of the information provided by the educator to the learner differed at each of these four time‐points and included the following: (i) pre‐task clarification, guidance and practice norms; (ii) in‐task verbal information and scanning support; (iii) post‐task support and information; and (iv) end‐task or terminal feedback. Conclusion: This is the first published study which reports the push and pull factors affecting pedagogical approaches to teach and learn complex scanning skills. These results provide a corpus of new knowledge, and the first analysis and review, about the pedagogical findings related to teaching scanning skills for clinical practice. This study provides a basis for further research and practice improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To identify (a) the challenges for multicultural aged care teams; (b) the opportunities to facilitate teamwork; and (c) the strategies to assist team members in a multicultural work environment. Background: High‐income countries have an increasingly culturally diverse aged care workforce. Fostering teamwork in such an environment is challenging. Methods: This systematic review of qualitative studies followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) meta‐aggregation approach. Six databases were searched. Retrieved articles were screened by two reviewers. This review identified 111 findings that were aggregated into 15 categories and five themes. Findings: Aged care workers' awareness of cultural diversity varies, and their knowledge of each other's cultural background is limited. However, cultural skills are demonstrated, contributing to teamwork. Their experience in cross‐cultural encounters is broad, and enhanced team cohesion is desired. Conclusions: The cultural competence of the aged care workforce shapes team building, peer support opportunities and positive cross‐cultural experiences. Implications for Nursing Management: Recommendations are provided for the adaptation of aged care workers to culturally diverse teams, fostering teamwork to enhance care outcomes for clients. Interventions for improvements in cross‐cultural leadership and management, and staff experience of cross‐cultural encounters are much needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of RR and RR2 soybean cultivars submitted to different drying temperatures and storage conditions in real scale and experimental. In the real scale, the soybean lots evaluated were divided into: dry soybeans (RR and RR2), dry soybeans in the cooperative's drying unit (80, 100, and 120°C), and moist soybean grains, without distinction of the cultivars. The batches of dried grains were subjected to storage for a period of 2 months. In laboratory experiment, after drying (35, 45, and 45°C), the soybean samples were stored in cold rooms under controlled temperature conditions (10 and 20°C) and evaluated in storage periods of 0, 30 and 60 days. It was concluded that the anticipated harvest of soybean lots submitted to artificial drying obtained better quality results. The conditions applied in drying and storage infers the physicochemical quality of the grains according to the type of soybean cultivar. The drying of soybean lots at 35°C and stored at 10°C temperature conditions obtained better physicochemical quality. The soybean lots of RR cultivar maintained higher levels of protein and lipids after drying and storage processes. Practical applications Adopting more suitable drying and storage conditions for soybean cultivars processed in storage units facilitates the management of grain mass throughout the processes, reducing quanti‐qualitative grain losses and postharvest grain flow logistic problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is one of the most cultivated cereals in the world and the increase in crop yield is associated with cultivars and levels of soil fertilization, and may suffer changes in grain quality after processing. The objective of this work was to evaluate the physical quality of grains of rice benefited as polished and integral of cultivars IR 424 RI and IR 431 CL as a function of different levels of fertilization. After the harvest, the grains were subjected to the debarking and polishing processes. Quality analysis was performed according to the physical classification of rice. The cultivar IR 424 RI obtained higher values ??of yellow, burned and plastered grains, and in the cultivar IR 431 LC more broken, chopped and stained grains were observed. The average yield of polished rice of cultivar IR 431 CL was 44.54% and cultivar IR 424 RI was 56.80%. Meanwhile, the average yield of whole rice of cultivar IR 431 CL was 65.02% and cultivar IR 424 RI was 73.08%. The increase in the fertilization levels of the rice influenced positively on the yield of whole grains, but did not present satisfactory results regarding the physical quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the production of essential oils and aromatics to be possible throughout the year, it is necessary to continuously supply the plant raw material to the industry or store the plant material for a designated time. However, to allow the plant material to remain in storage with a high quality, it is essential to reduce its water content by drying. This has motivated the oil extraction industries to demand a better yield and quality from the drying process and raw materials, necessitating fast and efficient evaluation parameters. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop an electric conductivity test for evaluating the quality of aromatic and medicinal plants and to quantify the essential oil yield of the dry vegetable material. The drying experiments were conducted at different temperatures and air velocities by altering the control of the drying conditions. Various aromatic plants with different plant mass, volume of deionized water, and temperature of the vegetal material were examined by the electric conductivity test. The qualities of the fresh and dry plants were compared through these tests and yields of essential oil. Increase in the drying air temperature influenced the increase in the dehydration rate of the aromatic and medicinal plants. Higher drying temperatures decreased the physical quality as evaluated by the electric conductivity test and essential oil yield of the aromatic and medicinal plants. The parameters for validation of the electric conductivity test methodology in aromatic and medicinal plants were defined as an exposure time of 33 h, 5 g of fresh plant material in 75 mL of deionized water, 1 g of dry plant material in 50 mL of deionized water, and temperature of 25°C. The electric conductivity test was demonstrated as an appropriate method to be used in the quality control of aromatic plants in essential oil extraction industries. The use of the electric conductivity test will enable the oil extraction industry to monitor the yield and quality of the essential oils extracted from the aromatic plants after drying and storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the research-based design choices and general rationale underpinning the creation of a video game called Medicina. This game is designed to broadly foster better language skills among international nursing students with English as a second language (ESL) and more specifically to teach confusable medication names while also improving reaction time to verbal orders. Research shows that the learning of vocabulary is important to language learning. Without adequate vocabulary knowledge, it is difficult for an international student to interact in professional and university settings. This situation is compounded by the expectation that students will learn key vocabulary incidentally through academic pre-readings, despite the research demonstrating this to be an inefficient and inadequate method of learning. Moreover, medication names are low-frequency vocabulary. Thus, the international student who seeks to enter the health profession encounters the task of learning a large subset of language but without the amount of exposure theorised as being necessary to it. The article will outline how the language-learning video game is designed to encourage rapid discrimination of word form and give multiple exposures to both written and spoken medication names. It concludes with a summary of the preliminary testing of the game and a brief summary of the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Production factors and processing are associated to nutritional rice composition. • Cultivars and processing altere the physicochemical quality of the grains. • Fertilization levels enhance the nutritional quality of rice grains. • NIR, X-ray diffraction and SEM associated with qualitative rice diagnosis. • Cultivars and fertilizations management can assist in the rice milling industry. Cultivars and fertilization levels influence rice productivity and can be associated with grain quality. Thus, it is possible to make decisions regarding the choice of cultivars and application of fertilizer levels based on the type of milling, a necessary post-harvest process that may minimize the nutrient load in the grains and result in loss in quality. This study relates the physicochemical composition and morphological quality of brown and polished milled rice grains, cultivar types, and different levels of soil fertilization using near-infrared spectroscopy analysis, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Statistical tools were used to test the various treatments and identify the relationship between factors and variables. A high fertilization level is related to increasing crude protein composition and starch for cultivar IRGA 431 CL associated with polished rice. However, the combination of cultivar IRGA 424 RI and brown rice demonstrated a higher grain resistance, and different percentages of whole, chalky, and damaged rice. The correlation between ash × crude protein and starch × crude fiber was found to be positive for brown rice and negative for the polished rice. Further, an increase in starch content was inversely proportional to the ash content, whereas an increase in crude protein was inversely proportional to the low-fat content in milled rice. The crystalline characteristics of rice starch were preserved at high fertilization levels associated with polished grains that demonstrated high starch content. Polished grains, however, showed more pores and cavities, and consequently greater permeabilities in the surface. It is recommended that batches of grains produced from cultivar IRGA 431 CL with high levels of fertilization be subjected to polished rice milling to achieve high protein and starch quality. However, grains from cultivar IRGA 424 RI with high levels of fertilization are recommended for brown rice milling owing to the high percentage of physical defects observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the cumulative effects of intermittent drying in function of the number of cycles and exposure time of the grains to high temperatures in the dryer and its correlations with the physical, physicochemical and morphological quality of rice and brown rice. For drying rice, it is important to control the intermittence time and the air-drying temperature to minimize the effects of the process on grain quality. With an increase in the drying time, ruptures in brown rice endosperm and an increase in burned and chalky grains are observed. In addition, reductions in physicochemical composition and changes in the starch structure and crystallinity are also observed. The grouping of the treatments and the correlations of the qualitative variables indicate that a longer drying time has the most significant effect on rice quality. The physicochemical quality and the morphological structure of rice and brown rice are preserved when intermittent drying is carried out for 3 h, avoiding excessive heating (>39 °C) of the grain mass and thermal damage to the grain cell tissues and the physicochemical quality of rice. [Display omitted] • The intermittency minimized the drying effects on physiological quality. • The intermittent cycles in the dryer affected the starch quality of the rice. • The drying preserved the rice endosperm in up to three intermittent cycles. • The time exposure of rice in the drying altered the brown rice quality. • The protein and fat contents decreased with the increase of the rice drying time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male microchimerism, the presence of a small number of male cells, in women has been attributed to prior pregnancies. However, male microchimerism has also been reported in women with only daughters, in nulliparous women and prepubertal girls suggesting that other sources of male microchimerism must exist. The aim of the present study was to examine the presence of male microchimerism in a cohort of healthy nulliparous Danish girls aged 10-15 y using DNA extracted from cells from whole blood (buffy coats) and report the association with potential sources of male cells. A total of 154 girls were studied of which 21 (13.6%) tested positive for male microchimerism. There was a tendency that girls were more likely to test positive for male microchimerism if their mothers previously had received transfusion, had given birth to a son or had had a spontaneous abortion. Furthermore, the oldest girls were more likely to test positive for male microchimerism. However, less than half of microchimerism positivity was attributable to these factors. In conclusion, data suggest that male microchimerism in young girls may originate from an older brother either full born or from a discontinued pregnancy or from transfusion during pregnancy. We speculate that sexual intercourse may be important but other sources of male cells likely exist in young girls.