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Graphical representations play an important role in both science and mathematics education. Graphs can summarize very complex information or relationships very effectively. Although graphs are explicitly taught in mathematics classrooms as an end in themselves, many subject areas such as science or social studies utilize graphs to represent and interpret relationships. So being able to interpret or construct graphical representations is a crucial skill for every student whether or not they want to pursue science- or mathematics-related careers. However, many researchers detected that many students lack graphing skills. This digest explains research findings and contains a brief annotated bibliography of Internet sites on how to improve graphing skills. (AA)

This digest discusses using spreadsheets in mathematics education. The case is made that being able to manage spreadsheets is an important skill in the technologically enhanced new millennium. An annotated list of World Wide Web resources is included. (MM)

In the information age of instant access to libraries, databases, information centers, organizations, government agencies, and self-appointed experts worldwide, it is hard to decide where to turn for accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information about mathematics education. This digest provides an annotated listing of World Wide Web resources and contact information pertaining to mathematics education. Though not an exhaustive list of everything that is available, the information provided here represents a wide range of resources as starting points in the quest for information. The list is organized by the following categories: (1) Organizations; (2) Information Centers; (3) Publications; (4) Journals; and (5) Mathematics Education Resources on the Internet. (ASK)

In this age of digital technology, calculators, computers, and educational software, calculator-based laboratories have become important elements in the learning and teaching of mathematics. This digest provides an annotated listing of World Wide Web resources and contact information for organizations pertaining to technology use in mathematics education. Though not an exhaustive list of everything that is available, the information provided here represents a range of resources as starting points in the quest for information. The list is organized by the following categories: (1) General Technology Sites; (2) Calculators; (3) Calculator-Based Laboratories; and (4) Educational Software. (ASK)

The ongoing reform of mathematics instruction creates a need to refine students' assessment practices. This digest describes portfolios and provides information about the types, focus, and content of mathematics portfolios. The advantages and disadvantages of portfolio assessment are also discussed, and a list of World Wide Web resources related to portfolio assessment is provided. (Contains 13 references.) (ASK)

The article focuses on creating a framework for authentic mathematics problems. Topics include placing mathematics in a decision-making or planning context is one natural way to support the use of mathematics, the context and its mathematical challenge should actually be relevant to the students and the mathematical solution for a problem should offer a genuine advantage and again the problem context may have some relevance for students since it is contextualised in a classroom.

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the proportional reasoning skills of Turkish middle school students. It was also aimed at revealing the differences in students’ performances in terms of their gender, grade level, and problem types — missing value and numerical comparison. The study was conducted with two sixth and seventh grade classes from a public school in Ankara, Turkey. The data were collected through a proportional reasoning performance instrument consisting of eight ratio-proportional tasks — three missing value and five numerical comparison problems. The results revealed that there were differences in students’ performances according to the type of problem and their grade level. Students were more successful in solving missing value problems than comparison problems. Also, it was found that seventh grade students performed better than sixth graders.

It has been emphasized recently that there is a strong association between atrial fibrillation and inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), characterized by ongoing inflammatory activity, can increase the risk of atrial arrhythmia. P-wave dispersion has been encountered as a risk factor for atrial fibrillation and the effect of inflammation on P-wave dispersion has not been studied thoroughly. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of ongoing inflammatory activity in RA on P-wave dispersion. The study comprised 82 patients diagnosed with RA and 41 healthy volunteers as controls. Systolic functions of all participants were evaluated by echocardiography. Maximum P-wave duration and dispersion were calculated and found to be significantly increased in the RA group compared with the healthy controls. These parameters were also significantly correlated with C-reactive protein levels. The findings of this study suggest that RA may be associated with increases in P-wave dispersion and maximum P-wave duration, and that this association may result from ongoing inflammation.

Objectives Platelet (PLT) indices are predictive in many diseases and conditions. The relationships of these indices with proteinuria and progression of renal disease are not well known. This study aimed to assess PLT indices in patients with primary glomerular nephrotic range proteinuria (PGNRP), with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD), and to compare these indices with those of healthy individuals (His).Methods This cross-sectional study was performed from January 2015 to May 2015. HIs (n = 57) and patients with PGNRP (n = 41) were enrolled. PLT indices and blood biochemistry parameters were compared between HIs and patients with PGNRP, as well as between subgroups of patients with PGNRP who had CKD (n = 23) and those who did not have CKD (n = 18).Results There were no statistically significant differences in any PLT indices (i.e., platelet number, mean platelet volume, plateletcrit, and platelet distribution width) between HIs and patients with PGNRP, or between the subgroups of patients with PGNRP. However, patients with PGNRP who had CKD exhibited higher median C-reactive protein and mean albumin levels, compared with patients who did not have CKD.Conclusions Pathological processes in proteinuria and CKD are not associated with PLT indices.