Examining Elementary Students\u27 Use of Electronic Readers for Independent Reading

Abstract The impetus for this study was to understand a relatively new phenomenon, elementary students’ use of electronic readers for independent reading, and the impact it might have on reading behaviors. Interested in students’ perspectives, I examined third grade students’ experiences using electronic readers, including references to self-descriptions of reading motivation and engagement. This descriptive case study addresses the research question: In what ways does reading on electronic readers during independent reading affect third grade students’ reading experiences and behaviors? Daily observations of students’ reading behaviors during independent reading were recorded in detailed field notes. In addition, transcripts of conversations during weekly book discussions where my participants shared the books they were reading and their reading experiences were gathered. Transcripts of pre- and post- interviews, annotations made on the electronic reader, and reading logs recording the number of books read were also collected. In order to create narratives of young readers portraying the details of my participants’ experiences using electronic readers during independent reading, I completed descriptive analyses using the constant comparative method across my observations, interviews, and documents. Findings from this study capture the multidimensionality of participants’ lived experiences and provide insight for teachers integrating this digital tool into literacy to promote increased reading motivation and engagement. The five major findings include increased a) engagement in reading, b) motivation to read, c) positive attitudes toward reading, d) reading volume, and e) ease of reading using the electronic reader compared to regular books. This study illuminates the reading possibilities electronic readers offer elementary students by providing choice of and access to a multitude of reading materials based on students’ interests, the opportunity to read anywhere and anytime, and a context through which to interact socially with others about reading. Obtaining documentation directly from students sharing their experiences, this research provides teachers support to pursue the use of electronic readers by offering information on the perceived benefits of incorporating this digital tool into their literacy instruction. In my opinion, the electronic reader, according to this study, is one tool we need to ignite a passion for reading

A Portable Miniaturized Metabolic Gas Analysis System

Previously we proposed construction of a miniaturized metabolic monitor that could be taken aboard the space station to monitor the physiological response of the body in a microgravity environment. The prototype consisted of an on airway non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) CO2 sensor and a luminescence quenching O2 sensor to measure gas concentrations, and differential pressure ports to measure gas flows. Our motivations, prototype design considerations, and initial experiments were presented in a previous paper.1 This paper aims to further examine the efficacy of the prototype device through 1) characterization of the flow profile by using a discharge coefficient, and 2) validation of the oxygen sensor at the high volumetric flows

Validation of Novel Indirect Calorimetry System Based on Luminescence Quenching On-Airway Oxygen Sensor

Metabolic gas exchange monitors are frequently used in the intensive care unit to study the oxygen kinetics and appraise the nutritional requirements for acutely ill patients. In a method known as indirect calorimetry, energy expenditure information is obtained non-invasively by measuring the respiratory gases under resting conditions.1-3 A modified Weir equation relates the oxygen consumption (VO2) and the carbon dioxide production (VCO2) to the caloric burn rate.4 The resting energy expenditure (REE) represents approximately 70% of the total energy expenditure (TEE). Critical illness has been shown to alter metabolic rate and influence VO2. Inflammation, sepsis, seizures, and weaning from ventilation increase the VO2, while sedation, muscle paralysis, shock, and hypothermia decrease the VO2. Since underfeeding a patient may increase catabolism and overfeeding is associated with hyperglycemia, increased ventilation requirements, and lipogenesis, it is imperative for the patient’s recovery that the diet meets nutritional requirements

A Prototype Miniaturized Metabolic Gas Analysis Sensor

Microgravity adversely affects several physiological systems. As space exploration moves to extended flights, understanding which mechanisms microgravity influences may contribute to the health and safety of astronauts aboard. Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) testing is used to monitor changes to cardiorespiratory function. Currently the equipment used to such testing aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is large and requires a significant amount of power. We propose the use of a modified metabolic management system, currently approved for clinical use, for exercise stress testing

An investigation into mothers’ experiences of their children’s functional tic-like behaviour and tic attacks

© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Objective: This is the first study to systematically explore the lived experiences of sudden and new onset of severe functional tics from the perspective of the mother’s experiences and describes their attempts to access support services in the United Kingdom. Method: Twenty-One mothers of young people aged between 12 to 17 years with functional tic-like behaviour (FTLB) took part in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews revealed gaps and inconsistencies within the process of gaining access to professional services and a lack of support for the management of tics and functional tic-like movements, in addition to highlighting the impact it had on daily family life. Results: The themes generated included the occurrence and development of tics, the severity and intensity of symptoms, the psychological impact on the family and the need to make recommendations for a clear care pathway. Managing the impact of the FTLB and co-occurring conditions such as suicidal ideation and self-harm, as well as the physical and emotional trauma, commonly contributed to feelings of isolation and helplessness, which impacted negatively on the family’s ability to function and participate in society. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the urgent need to create a clear management pathway for those experiencing FTLB, including the need for more professionals with relevant knowledge, to improve the dialogue with families during the referral process, whilst prioritising the treatment of anxiety and other identified mental health concerns.Peer reviewe

Correspondence: 1998 ASC Annual Meeting Activities

Includes information on DWC fun run event. 1998

Adherence to Best Practices for Stated Preference Valuation within the U.S. Marine Ecosystem Services Literature

Non-market economic values derived from stated preference (SP) methods are often of interest for policy analysis and evaluation, program design, green accounting, and damage assessments and are increasingly in demand with adoption of ecosystem-based management approaches that emphasize accounting for ecosystem services and their values. A recent guidance prescribes a set of twenty-three best practices guidelines (BPGs) to follow when conducting a SP study to ensure the validity of the results and maximize its ability to provide reliable economic value information. In this article, we evaluate adherence to these guidelines within the U.S. SP marine ecosystem service valuation literature. Our results suggest adherence by the literature to the guidelines is heterogeneous with none of the studies examined adhering to all guidelines and some guidelines being adhered to better than others. Evidence points to adherence differences between older and more recent studies, between studies using different SP valuation methods, and between studies valuing recreation ecosystem services and ones valuing other ecosystem services. Furthermore, a citation analysis suggests studies addressing elements embodied in the BPGs tend to have more citations all else being equal. We discuss several challenges to valuing marine ecosystem services and areas for improvement and inquiry

The Influence of Passive Immunity on Serological Responses to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Vaccination

Vaccine induced serum antibody levels were significantly less in pigs with passive immunity to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae compared to pigs without passive immunity. Age at vaccination did not influence antibody responses to vaccination. The presence of passive antibodies at the time of vaccination may provide an explanation for vaccination failure under field conditions