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Research shows that collaborative work promotes student learning and improves social skills, but teachers are still exploring how to best support problem-solving in a small group context, particularly in the science classroom. This study builds on prior research to characterise teacher interactions with small groups in secondary science and analyses how those interactions affect a collectively constructed space – the triple problem solving space (TPSS) – in which group members collectively understand a task (content/cognitive dimension), manage social interactions (social/relational dimension), and co-construct the emotional life of the group (affective dimension). Results of two biology teachers' interactions with students in small groups working on inquiry and engineering design activities show that most interactions were administrative and had little influence on the group's TPSS. Teacher interactions that engaged students in monitoring their problem-solving process, however, did have the capacity to increase cognitive work of the group, which subsequently impacted the students' group affect and social dimension. These findings suggest that interactions focused on cognitive processes have the potential to support all aspects of a group's TPSS. Though this research is only a first step in understanding the impact of teacher interactions on small group work, implications for teaching practices are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a program for prevention of diabetic retinopathy (DR) that was designed for Extension in collaboration with optometrists. The program was created to increase knowledge and awareness about risk factors for DR and included a game and take-home materials. Participants were asked to play a game similar to Wheel of Fortune. A total of 89% of questions were answered correctly. A telephone survey was used to track retention of knowledge and revealed that participants had used increased knowledge to make positive lifestyle changes. Of individuals who participated in the interactive game, measurable improvements in knowledge and awareness occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses international developments in library and information sciences for 2010 including the global economy, the role of the Google Books digital library from internet search engine company Google, and online censorship. The growth and spread of knowledge-based economies, the call for the repatriation of Iraqi archival records, and the continued spread of digitisation are also discussed.

Objectives The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of the Kids' Calcium Project, a milk promotion campaign targeting middle school children. Methods The Kids' Calcium Project is an in-school educational intervention program to increase calcium consumption among teenagers. The program develops promotional materials, provides education objectives, and stimulates environmental changes. Pre- and post-intervention surveys that tested calcium knowledge and beverage consumption behavior were given to assess the overall effectiveness of the program for eighth- and ninth-grade students. Sales of milk consumption were tracked before, during, and after the intervention period. Results The program resulted in an increase in students' knowledge of calcium. This new knowledge had a two-fold effect: as the amount of calcium intake increased, the sweetened beverage consumption rate decreased, especially among boys. As a result, an increase in milk sales occurred during school hours. Six weeks after environmental changes were discontinued, however, milk sales returned to previous levels. Application to Child Nutrition Professionals This study provides evidence that changing the student environment and adding specific nutrition content to curricula can impact positively students' knowledge of calcium and consumer behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on the acquittal of Daniela Magnani, an Italian librarian who was prosecuted for lending the book Scopami to a teenage student in Italy in 2000. The book is generally available in libraries and is not classified as pornography. In fact, it appears on a list of recommended books for teenagers. Nevertheless, the student's parents complained and Magnani was prosecuted. The school supported its librarian but a local magistrate found her guilty of circulating an obscene publication, a very serious offense in Italy. However, due to public support, Magnani was acquitted. The case has shown the importance of both national and international cooperation and is a victory for all librarians who seek to provide free access to information. The Italian Parliament may also consider passing legislation that protects the profession.

This article highlights the programs and issues explored at the British World Summit on the information Society (WSIS) Civil Society Consultation Day held at Lowry Hotel in Manchester, England on May 24, 2005. The WSIS event was held against the a broad backdrop of increasing concern that, despite an open invitation issued by national governments in February 2005 for civil society to contribute, overall there not been enough output. Nick Thorn, the British ambassador to the Office of the United Nations, was direct in stating the British government's position. The aims of the Chartered Institute for Library and Information Professional for the event were to hear library information services sector views and make sure they are included un the process as part of the work with IFLA.

This article reports on a conference in Helsinki, Finland, which looked at how librarians can respond to the World Summit on the Information Society as of January 2005. The key point that libraries and memory institutions around the world have much more in common emerged at the Libraries for Active Citizenship global perspective conference, organised in October 2004 by the Finnish Library Association. The fact that the LIS community is an international one which shares many issues, concerns and problems clearly came through in presentations on the development of the learning society in Namibia, Estonia and the Caucasus. From the international perspective, the position of the libraries in the information society is an important issue. The main aim of the day, which was certainly achieved, was to raise awareness of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) process and what librarians can do. The development of ICT usage in Estonia is one example of how the WSIS is being put into practice. The event also showed that LIS professionals could use the WSIS action plan as an advocacy tool. Two main areas emerged: political perspectives on the overarching trends; and advice based on good practice. The seminar succeeded in promoting networking between people from around the globe.

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with other government andprivate organizations, is producing a conterminous U.S. land-cover map using Landsat Thematic Mapper 30-meter data for the Federal regions designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Accuracy assessment is to be conducted for each Federal region to estimate overall and class-specific accuracies. In Region 2, consisting of New Yorkand New Jersey, the accuracy assessment was completed for 15 land-cover and land-use classes, using interpreted 1:40,000 scale aerial photographs as reference data. The methodology used for Region 2 features a two-stage, geographically stratified approach, with a general sample of all classes (1,033 sample sites), and a separate sample for rare classes (294 sample sites). A confidence index was recorded for each land-cover interpretation on the 1:40,000-scale aerial photography. The estimated overall accuracy for Region 2 was 63 percent (standard error 1.4 percent) using all sample sites, and 75.2 percent (standard error 1.5 percent) using only reference sites with a high-confidence index. User's and producer's accuracies for the general sample anduser's accuracy for the sample of rare classes, as well as variance for the estimated accuracy parameters, were also reported. Narrowly defined land-use classes and heterogeneous conditions of land cover are the major causes of misclassification errors. Recommendations for modifying the accuracy assessment methodology for use in the other nine Federal regions are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the relationship between benthic invertebrates and aquatic birds at a newly constructed wetland using an avian exclosure experiment combined with counts of aquatic bird use. We measured the standing stock biomass of benthic dipterans both inside and outside exclosures. Chironomidae was the most abundant dipteran family present. Maximum chironomid standing stock biomass per pond ranged from3.62 to 27.82 g/m2 and was comparable to that found in a number of natural systems. We monitored the abundance of ten aquatic birds species. Abundances of three aquatic bird species [American avocet (Recurvirostra americana), Wilson's phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor), and cinnamon teal (Anas cyanoptera)] were significantly correlated with chironomid and total dipteran densities. Our experiment, however, found no significant effect of predation on invertebrate densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a guidelines for the principles of conservation biology from the Society of Conservation Biology in the U.S. Goals of the conservation biology; Importance of biological diversity, ecological integrity and ecological heath; Concepts for understanding biological diversity, ecological integrity and ecological heath.

Background: Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication proven effective in the initial treatment and secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism. Anti-Xa direct oral anticoagulants are alternatives to warfarin; however there is limited data assessing satisfaction after switching from warfarin to an anti-Xa direct oral anticoagulant in patients for treatment of venous thromboembolism. Objectives: To assess medication satisfaction in patients requiring anticoagulation for venous thromboembolism after conversion from warfarin to an anti-Xa direct oral anticoagulant. Methods: A retrospective cohort study with prospective assessment of satisfaction and review of adverse events following anti-Xa direct oral anticoagulant replacement of warfarin for treatment of venous thromboembolism. Out of 165 patients who had switched from warfarin to rivaroxaban or apixaban from an outpatient haematology practice, 126 patients consented for a survey of patient's relative satisfaction of anti-Xa direct oral anticoagulant therapy compared with previous warfarin therapy using the Anti-Clot Burden and Benefits Treatment Scale and SWAN Score. Results: The mean Anti-Clot Burden and Benefits and SWAN Score was 93% (56/60) and 83% (24.8/30) respectively reflecting high satisfaction with anti-Xa direct oral anticoagulants. 120 patients stated preference for anti-Xa direct oral anticoagulants over warfarin. Leading perceptions driving this was the reduction in frequency of medical contact and fewer bleeding side effects. Thirteen patients (10.3%) experienced an adverse event after the anti-Xa direct oral anticoagulant switch (majority were non-major bleeding) but most remained on anti-Xa direct oral anticoagulant treatment after management options were implemented with continued high satisfaction scores. Conclusions: Patient satisfaction with anti-Xa direct oral anticoagulant therapy for the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism after switching from warfarin in routine clinical practice appeared high. Improved patient convenience including reduced frequency of medical contact and fewer unpredictable side effects were perceived as significant advantages of anti-Xa direct oral anticoagulants compared to warfarin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-phase study was conducted with educators to better understand the current state of the Arkansas beef industry. Educators are defined as individuals who directly work to educate both adults and youth. Ten educators participated in Phase 1 of the study. Nominal group research methods were utilized to identify current strengths, limitations, future opportunities, and future threats to the Arkansas beef industry. The items identified were then compiled for Phase 2 of the study. An online survey was emailed to 100 educators who were randomly selected from a larger list. Survey respondents were asked to rank the importance of items on a Likert-type scale where 1=not important and 5=highly important. Sixty-two surveys were completed of which 40% were adult educators, 34% were K-12 youth educators, 16% were youth educators, and 10% were post-secondary educators. When asked about the current strengths of educational support, participants indicated Educators stay current with knowledge (M = 4.58, SD = 0.64) as the top strength and State funding (M = 3.76, SD = 1.08) as the bottom strength. State, federal, and private investment funding for education, infrastructure, and technology (M = 4.44, SD = 0.73) was ranked with high importance when asked about current limitations whereas Education curriculum in classroom is outdated (M = 3.58, SD = 1.01) was ranked as somewhat important. The top future opportunity was Educating legislators about beef industry (M = 4.72, SD = 0.54) but Get beef cattle producers to increase check-off contribution by one cent (M = 3.26, SD = 1.10) was at the bottom. Lastly, educators ranked Entry costs to the industry (M = 4.51, SD = 0.71) as the most important future threat while Failure to lead or chase issues (M = 3.90, SD = 0.87) as the least important future threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study on plasma and electrolyte changes seen in exercising humans after ingestion if pickle juice. It mentions effects of pickle juice on plasma sodium concentration, plasma potassium concentration, plasma osmolality and plasma volume. It reports that ingestion of two boluses of pickle juice do not alter the different variables of blood plasma with time. It further states that hyperkalemia does not occur when pickle juice is ingested during exercise session.

Context: Adding sodium (Na+) to drinks improves rehydration and ad libitum fluid consumption. Clinicians (~25%) use pickle juice (PJ) to treat cramping. Scientists warn against PJ ingestion, fearing it will cause rapid plasma volume restoration and thereby decrease thirst and delay rehydration. Advice about drinking PJ has been developed but never tested. Objective: To determine if drinking small volumes of PJ, hypertonic saline (HS), or deionized water (DIW) affects ad libitum DIW ingestion, plasma variables, or perceptual indicators. Design: Crossover study. Setting: Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Fifteen, euhydrated (urine specific gravity ≤ 1.01) men (age = 22 ± 2 years, height = 178 ± 6 cm, mass = 82.9 ± 8.4 kg). Intervention(s): Participants completed 3 testing days (≥ 72 hours between days). After a 30-minute rest, a blood sample was collected. Participants completed 60 minutes of hard exercise (temperature = 36 ± 2°C, relative humidity = 16 6 1%). Postexercise, they rested for 30 minutes; had a blood sample collected; rated thirst, fullness, and nausea; and ingested 83 ± 8 mL of PJ, HS, or DIW. They rated drink palatability (100-mm visual analog scale) and were allowed to drink DIW ad libitum for 60 minutes. Blood samples and thirst, fullness, and nausea ratings (100-mm visual analog scales) were collected at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes posttreatment drink ingestion. Main Outcome Measure(s): Ad libitum DIW volume, percentage change in plasma volume, plasma osmolality (OSMp,) plasma sodium concentration ([Na+]p), and thirst, fullness, nausea, and palatability ratings. Results: Participants consumed more DIW ad libitum after HS (708.03 ± 371.03 mL) than after DIW (532.99 ± 337.14 mL, P < .05). Ad libitum DIW ingested after PJ (700.35 ± 366.15 mL) was similar to that after HS and DIW (P > .05). Plasma sodium concentration, OSMp, percentage change in plasma volume, thirst, fullness, and nausea did not differ among treatment drinks over time (P > .05). Deionized water (73 ± 14 mm) was more palatable than HS (17 ± 13 mm) or PJ (26 ± 16 mm, P< .05). Conclusions: The rationale behind advice about drinking PJ is questionable. Participants drank more, not less, after PJ ingestion, and plasma variables and perceptual indicators were similar after PJ and DIW ingestion. Pickle juice did not inhibit short-term rehydration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The European Columbus and Japanese Kibo laboratories are now fully operational on the International Space Station (ISS), bringing decades of international planning to fruition. NASA is now completing launch and activation of major research facilities that will be housed in the Destiny U.S. Laboratory, Columbus, and Kibo. These facilities include major physical sciences capabilities for combustion, fluid physics, and materials science, as well as additional multipurpose and supporting infrastructure. Expansion of the laboratory space and expansion to a 6-person crew (May 2009), is already leading to significant increases in research throughput even before the assembly is completed. International research on the ISS includes exchanges of results, sharing of facilities, collaboration on experiments, and joint publication and communication of accomplishments. Significant and ongoing increases in research activity on ISS have occurred over the past year. Although research results lag behind on-orbit operations by 2–5 years, the surge of early research activities following Space Shuttle return to flight in 2005 is now producing an accompanying surge in scientific publications. Evidence of scientific productivity from early utilization opportunities combined with the current pace of research activity in orbit are both important parts of the evidence base for evaluating the potential future achievements of a complete and active ISS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Embedded librarians are attempting assimilation into a new pedagogical collective outside the library, often with a mission to improve the quality of service to that collective. But like the Borg, embedded librarians may not be achieving the results they envision. This article documents the varied experiences of five reference librarians at Murray State University and the challenges faced in incorporating themselves within the fabric of their college. The examinations by each individual will include a brief history of their liaison position, challenges and obstacles encountered, and embedding methods utilized in an attempt to achieve successful assimilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Napping behavior is largely unexplored in adolescents. This study compared the dysfunctional cognitions and negative affect of adolescent nappers and non-nappers. Participants were 231 adolescents (mean age, 17.7 years) who completed sleep, cognition, and negative affect questionnaires. Adolescent nappers demonstrated significantly more dysfunctional cognitions ( P = 0.01), anxiety ( P < 0.01), and stress symptoms ( P < 0.01), when compared to non-nappers. In contrast, no significant difference was found for depression ( P = 0.18). Furthermore, adolescent nappers with more severe dysfunctional cognitions demonstrated greater negative affect (all P < 0.05). The present study is one of the first to demonstrate a link between adolescent napping, dysfunctional cognitions, and negative affect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]