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We present a 3-D finite element (FE) model of the chinchilla's inner ear consisting of the entire cochlea structure and the vestibular system. The reaction of the basilar membrane to the head rotation and the reaction of ampulla to the stapes movement were investigated. These results demonstrate the existence of hearing-vestibular system interaction. They provide an explanation to the clinical finding on the coexistence between hearing loss and equilibration dysfunction. It is a preliminary, yet critical step toward the development of a comprehensive FE model of an entire ear for mechano-acoustic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Near point of convergence (NPC) assesses the vergence ability of the visuo-oculomotor system; however, little is known regarding: the extent and duration exercise impacts NPC and the between- and within-day reliability of NPC metrics. Methods: An accommodative ruler with a miniature Snellen chart was placed upon the philtrum (upper lip). Participants (n=9) focused upon a 'V' sized 20/20, while the chart was moved at ~1–2 cm/s toward and away from the eyes (twice in each direction). Testing commenced at 8:00am with NPC measures being collected at baseline before three randomized conditions with serial follow-ups occurring at six post-condition timepoints (0–8 hours following). The conditions consisted of 25-minutes high-intensity intervals (10, one-minute intervals at ~85-90% heart-rate reserve), 45-minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (at ~50-60% heart-rate reserve), and a control condition (30-minutes quiet rest). Results: NPC was not impacted across any of the three conditions (all p >.59). Additionally, NPC measures between baseline conditions and across the control condition displayed very high levels of within-day and between-day reliability (coefficient of variation <3.8%). Conclusions: Future NPC measures using an accommodative ruler can be taken immediately following exercise and may be pertinent as a complementary tool in the future sideline screening of concussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Belgium has seen more foreign fighters leave for the ISIS ‘caliphate’ than any other western European country in per capita figures. But among Belgian foreign fighters, as well as among Belgian terrorists who did not travel abroad, a stunning majority have been Belgian-Moroccan. What factors can explain this phenomenon? Both groups live in relatively similar socio-economic settings, experience stigmatization and discrimination, and both are, relative to broader Belgian society, poorly integrated. However, in investigating this question, an interesting caveat emerges vis-à-vis the ‘integration deficit’ theory: Belgian-Turks, who are found to be comparatively less integrated than the Belgian-Moroccans, are underrepresented in extremist milieus. This paper argues that the insularity of the Belgian-Turkish population, a phenomenon not found to the same extent among Belgian-Moroccans despite also being poorly integrated (with some outliers), has protected the population from negative environmental elements, both criminal and extremist. That there are seen to be local factors that contribute to a ‘vulnerability’ to the pull of crime and extremism, means that such conditions are likely to remain even if a group like ISIS fades into irrelevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although butterflies are a common topic of study in many early childhood classrooms, integrating art production broadens the scope of the study and allows children to deepen their knowledge and understanding through creative self-expression. This article presents a set of integrated activities that focus on helping children fully grasp the process of metamorphosis by making observations, asking questions, and using visual arts to communicate ideas. In all the activities, children actively engage in discussing the life cycle of the butterfly and using concept-specific vocabulary to explore relationships among the butterflies' different stages, as well as relationships between butterflies and their environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the emphasis on high-stakes testing, art has often become a neglected subject. Research indicates that the teaching and integration of art increases academic performance and promotes engagement in other disciplines. Science provides stimulating potential for learning content, practicing observational skills, and expanding students' creativity. Through Gyotaku—an ancient Japanese practice of fish printing—students can learn about biology, fish anatomy and habitats, and elements of art. This article provides teachers with ideas for the integration of art with science in a meaningful and fun way. The authors have facilitated this activity in classrooms from kindergarten to college. The levels of supervision, assistance, and depth of content vary with the age of the learner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inspiration for this article was not conceived over lunch, but more specifically over the box in which the lunches were packaged. Five colleagues brainstormed ideas for teaching a unit on trees for the third grade that would fit in our boxes. The disciplines involved were art, children's literature, science, social studies, and technology. Each person decorated the lunch box for their appropriate discipline and placed instructional items inside. Technology was infused throughout the unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer technology can be integrated into science inquiry activities to increase student motivation and enhance and expand scientific thinking. Fifth-grade students used the visual thinking: tools in the Kidspiration® software program to generate and represent a web of hypotheses around the question, "What affects the distance a marble rolls?" The software encouraged flexible and creative thinking as students generated hypotheses, performed preliminary tests of their ideas, easily edited and revised their web, and created pictorial representations to anchor their thinking. The Kidspiration® software can be used in many different science inquiries and can help teachers meet the unique needs of visual learners as well as ESL students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]