Standardised library instruction assessment: an institution-specific approach

Introduction We explore the use of a psychometric model for locally-relevant, information literacy assessment, using an online tool for standardised assessment of student learning during discipline-based library instruction sessions. Method A quantitative approach to data collection and analysis was used, employing standardised multiple-choice survey questions followed by individual, cognitive interviews with undergraduate students. The assessment tool was administered to five general education psychology classes during library instruction sessions. AnalysisDescriptive statistics were generated by the assessment tool. Results. The assessment tool proved a feasible means of measuring student learning. While student scores improved on every survey question, there was uneven improvement from pre-test to post-test for different questions. Conclusion Student scores showed more improvement for some learning outcomes over others, thus, spending time on fewer concepts during instruction sessions would enable more reliable evaluation of student learning. We recommend using digital learning objects that address basic research skills to enhance library instruction programmes. Future studies will explore different applications of the assessment tool, provide more detailed statistical analysis of the data and shed additional light on the significance of overall scores

Structure of d(TGCGCA)(2) and a comparison with other DNA Hexamers

The X-ray crystal structure of d(TGCGCA)(2) has been determined at 120 K to a resolution of 1.3 Angstrom. Hexamer duplexes, in the Z-DNA conformation, pack in an arrangement similar to the 'pure spermine form' [Egli et al. (1991). Biochemistry, 30, 11388-11402] but with significantly different cell dimensions. The phosphate backbone exists in two equally populated discrete conformations at one nucleotide step, around phosphate 11. The structure contains two ordered cobalt hexammine molecules which have roles in stabilization of both the Z-DNA conformation of the duplex and in crystal packing. A comparison of d(TGCGCA)(2) with other Z-DNA hexamer structures available in the Nucleic Acid Database illustrates the elusive nature of crystal packing. A review of the interactions with the metal cations Na+, Mg2+ and Co3+ reveals a relatively small proportion of phosphate binding and that close contacts between metal ions are common. A prediction of the water structure is compared with the observed pattern in the reported structure

Manipulation of Light with Magneto-optic Stripe Domain Films

Magnetic diffraction grating materials, being developed to provide a simple means of deflecting light in a two dimensional, solid state fashion are discussed. The most promising material, for several applications, appears to be bismuth substituted iron garnet films in epitaxial form. Calculations indicate that deflection efficiency greater than 60% is possible in the near infrared region of the spectrum. Within the field of view of the deflector, measurements predict that 105 resolvable spots can be expected. Applications include: (1) general purpose deflection of free laser light, (2) image processing of extended sources such as transparencies, (3) programmable lensing, and (4) fiber optic matrix switching

Ruptures and repairs of group therapy alliance. an untold story in psychotherapy research

Although previous studies investigated the characteristics of therapeutic alliance in group treatments, there is still a dearth of research on group alliance ruptures and repairs. The model by Safran and Muran was originally developed to address therapeutic alliance in individual therapies, and the usefulness of this approach to group intervention needs to be demonstrated. Alliance ruptures are possible at member to therapist, member to member, member to group levels. Moreover, repairs of ruptures in group are quite complex, i.e., because other group members have to process the rupture even if not directly involved. The aim of the current study is to review the empirical research on group alliance, and to examine whether the rupture repair model can be a suitable framework for clinical understanding and research of the complexity of therapeutic alliance in group treatments. We provide clinical vignettes and commentary to illustrate theoretical and research aspects of therapeutic alliance rupture and repair in groups. Our colleague Jeremy Safran made a substantial contribution to research on therapeutic alliance, and the current paper illustrates the enduring legacy of this work and its potential application to the group therapy context

Ames collaborative study of cosmic-ray neutrons. 2: Low- and mid-latitude flights

Progress of the study of cosmic ray neutrons is described. Data obtained aboard flights from Hawaii at altitudes of 41,000 and 45,000 feet, and in the range of geomagnetic latitude 17 N less than or equal to lambda less than or equal to 21 N are reported. Preliminary estimates of neutron spectra are made

Donn L. Smith oral history interview by Nancy Hewitt, July 24, 1985

Dr. Donn Smith, professor of Medicine at USF, recalls his time at the University

Self-similar Bianchi models: II. Class B models

In a companion article (referred hearafter as paper I) a detailed study of the simply transitive Spatially Homogeneous (SH) models of class A concerning the existence of a simply transitive similarity group has been given. The present work (paper II) continues and completes the above study by considering the remaining set of class B models. Following the procedure of paper I we find all SH models of class B subjected only to the minimal geometric assumption to admit a proper Homothetic Vector Field (HVF). The physical implications of the obtained geometric results are studied by specialising our considerations to the case of vacuum and $\gamma -$law perfect fluid models. As a result we regain all the known exact solutions regarding vacuum and non-tilted perfect fluid models. In the case of tilted fluids we find the \emph{general }self-similar solution for the exceptional type VI$_{-1/9}$ model and we identify it as equilibrium point in the corresponding dynamical state space. It is found that this \emph{new} exact solution belongs to the subclass of models $n_\alpha ^\alpha =0$, is defined for $\gamma \in (\frac 43,\frac 32)$ and although has a five dimensional stable manifold there exist always two unstable modes in the restricted state space. Furthermore the analysis of the remaining types, guarantees that tilted perfect fluid models of types III, IV, V and VII$_h$ cannot admit a proper HVF strongly suggesting that these models either may not be asymptotically self-similar (type V) or may be extreme tilted at late times. Finally for each Bianchi type, we give the extreme tilted equilibrium points of their state space.Comment: Latex, 15 pages, no figures; to appear in Classical Quantum Gravity (uses iopart style/class files); (v2) minor corrections to match published versio

An Examination of Palliative or End-of-Life Care Education in Introductory Nursing Programs across Canada

An investigation was done to assess for and describe the end-of-life education provided in Canadian nursing programs to prepare students for practice. All 35 university nursing schools/faculties were surveyed in 2004; 29 (82.9%) responded. At that time, all but one routinely provided this education, with that school developing a course (implemented the next year). As compared to past surveys, this survey revealed more class time, practicum hours, and topics covered, with this content and experiences deliberately planned and placed in curriculums. A check in 2010 revealed that all of these schools were providing death education similar to that described in 2004. These findings indicate that nurse educators recognize the need for all nurses to be prepared to care for dying persons and their families. Regardless, more needs to be done to ensure novice nurses feel capable of providing end-of-life care. Death education developments will be needed as deaths increase with population aging