Developing the use of diagrammatic representations in primary mathematics through professional development

Background: The research on diagrammatic representations highlights their importance for the teaching and learning of mathematics. However, the empirical evidence to support their use in the classroom is mixed and somewhat lacking. Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop the use of diagrammatic representations of mathematical concepts in primary classrooms, through introducing primary teachers to the research literature in this area, and researching the subsequent impact on children and teachers. A professional development programme was designed, involving three one-day training sessions for mathematics co-ordinators. They were asked to implement the ideas from the training back in their schools. Sample: Mathematics co-ordinators from eight primary schools attended the professional development programme. The study focussed on Year 3 pupils (aged seven–eight) and Year 5 pupils (aged nine–10). Design and methods: In this paper, we report the qualitative findings from the larger project looking at the overall impact of the professional development programme. The paper focuses on semi-structured interviews carried out with the mathematics co-ordinators attending the professional development sessions, and the Year 3 and Year 5 class teachers who subsequently worked with the co-ordinators on their use of diagrammatic representations in their teaching of mathematics. Lesson observations involving the class teachers were also carried out in order to explore further the possible impact of the project on classroom practice. Results: The qualitative results identified the impact of the project on mathematics co-ordinators and class teachers’ knowledge and practice. However, the nature of this impact was complex, with a variety of facilitating and hindering factors identified for the transfer of the professional development ideas on the use of diagrammatic representations. In addition, different levels of sophistication of class teachers’ use of diagrammatic representations were identified. Conclusions: Implications for the development of professional development programmes to facilitate the transfer of research into practice were identified. Recommendations for the use of diagrammatic representations are also put forward

Long-term safety and efficacy of trifarotene 50 μg/g cream, a first-in-class RAR-γ selective topical retinoid, in patients with moderate facial and truncal acne.

BackgroundTreatment for both facial and truncal acne has not sufficiently been studied.ObjectivesTo evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of trifarotene in both facial and truncal acne.MethodsIn a multicentre, open-label, 52-week study, patients with moderate facial and truncal acne received trifarotene 50 μg/g cream (trifarotene). Assessments included local tolerability, safety, investigator and physician's global assessments (IGA, PGA) and quality of life (QOL). A validated QOL questionnaire was completed by the patient at Baseline, Week 12, 26 and 52/ET.ResultsOf 453 patients enrolled, 342 (75.5%) completed the study. Trifarotene-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 12.6% of patients, and none was serious. Most related TEAEs were cutaneous and occurred during the first 3 months. Signs and symptoms of local tolerability were mostly mild or moderate and severe signs, and symptoms were reported for 2.2% to 7.1% of patients for the face and 2.5% to 5.4% for the trunk. Local irritation increased during the first week of treatment on the face and up to Weeks 2 to 4 on the trunk with both decreasing thereafter. At Week 12, IGA and PGA success rates were 26.6% and 38.6%, respectively. Success rates increased to 65.1% and 66.9%, respectively at Week 52. Overall success (both IGA and PGA success in the same patient) was 57.9% at Week 52. At Week 52 visit, 92/171 (53.8%) patients who had completed their assessments had scores from 0 to 1 (i.e. no effect of acne on their QOL) vs. 47/208 (22.6%) patients at Baseline visit.ConclusionIn this 52-week study, trifarotene was safe, well tolerated and effective in moderate facial and truncal acne

‘Solo datasets’: unexpected behavioural patterns uncovered by acoustic monitoring of single individuals

A holistic understanding of the life-history strategies of marine populations is often hindered by complex population dynamics, exacerbated by an intricate movement ecology across their life history (Nathan et al. 2008; Parsons et al. 2008; Jeltsch et al. 2013). Movement patterns and spatial ecology can vary spatially and temporally for different reasons, mainly related to the organism’s life history and environmental variability (Abecasis et al. 2009, 2013; Afonso et al. 2009). Changes in spatial use and movement can occur daily when visiting feeding grounds or avoiding predators, or seasonally, when sexually mature individuals migrate to spawning/breeding grounds (Kozakiewicz 1995; Sundström et al. 2001). However, observed shifts in spatial use and movement patterns, as a result of behavioural plasticity, may also vary greatly from one individual to another of the same species and/or population (Afonso et al. 2009). Further, ontogeny can also play an important role and explain a possible change in individual spatial variation. Noticeable differences in the behaviour and movements of mature and immature individuals have been documented in various marine organisms (Lowe et al. 1996; Lecchini and Galzin 2005). Permanent habitat shifts have been associated with ontogenesis in pigeye sharks (Carcharhinus amboinensis), moving from inshore to offshore areas after reaching maturity (Knip et al. 2011).This research was partially funded by the EU LIFE-BIOMARES Project (LIFE06 NAT/P/000192).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Leading school networks, hybrid leadership in action?

A range of different constructs are used to describe and define the way that leadership operates in education settings. This range can be presented as binary categories of leadership, in which either one, or the other form of leadership is preferred, but not both. An example of this is the contrast made between solo and distributed leadership. A more sophisticated alternative has been proposed, which is to consider leadership as a hybrid activity, one which entails a range of approaches inspired by varying ideals. Taking this ‘hybrid’ notion of leadership this article explores the nature of leadership in networks of schools. Illustrated with data from three case studies of school networks this article highlights some of the issues and tensions in the enactment of the hybrid forms of leadership encountered in these networks. This article concludes with some reflections on the adoption of hybrid notions of leadership in researching and enacting educational leadership and specifically on the place of school networks in that consideration

Exploring leadership in multi-sectoral partnerships

This article explores some critical aspects of leadership in the context of multi-sectoral partnerships. It focuses on leadership in practice and asks the question, `How do managers experience and perceive leadership in such partnerships?' The study contributes to the debate on whether leadership in a multi-sectoral partnership context differs from that within a single organization. It is based on the accounts of practising managers working in complex partnerships. The article highlights a number of leadership challenges faced by those working in multi-sectoral partnerships. Partnership practitioners were clear that leadership in partnerships was more complex than in single organizations. However, it was more difficult for them to agree a consensus on the essential nature of leadership in partnership. We suggest that a first-, second- and third-person approach might be a way of better interpreting leadership in the context of partnerships

Effect of ketoconazole-mediated CYP3A4 inhibition on clinical pharmacokinetics of panobinostat (LBH589), an orally active histone deacetylase inhibitor

Purpose: Panobinostat is partly metabolized by CYP3A4 in vitro. This study evaluated the effect of a potent CYP3A inhibitor, ketoconazole, on the pharmacokinetics and safety of panobinostat. Methods: Patients received a single panobinostat oral dose on day 1, followed by 4 days wash-out period. On days 5-9, ketoconazole was administered. On day 8, a single panobinostat dose was co-administered with ketoconazole. Panobinostat was administered as single agent three times a week on day 15 and onward. Results: In the presence of ketoconazole, there was 1.6- and 1.8-fold increase in Cmaxand AUC of panobinostat, respectively. No substantial change in Tmaxor half-life was observed. No difference in panobinostat-pharmacokinetics between patients carrying CYP3A5*1/*3 and CYP3A5*3/*3 alleles was observed. Most frequently reported adverse events were gastrointestinal related. Patients had asymptomatic hypophosphatemia (64%), and urine analysis suggested renal phosphate wasting. Conclusions: Co-administration of panobinostat with CYP3A inhibitors is feasible as the observed increase in panobinostat PK parameters was not considered clinically relevant. Considering the variability in exposure following enzyme inhibition and the fact that chronic dosing of panobinostat was not studied with CYP3A inhibitors, close monitoring of panobinostat-related adverse events is necessary

Transfer of training in an academic leadership development program for program coordinators

The higher education sector has increasingly begun to pay more attention to academic leadership. This qualitative study explores how such an investment in a 20-week leadership development program influenced the behaviour of 10 academic staff in the role of program coordinator 6 to 12 months following participation in the program. Otherwise known as program directors or department chairs, academic staff in this role are responsible for coordinating and leading degree courses or programs. Leadership learning and changes in the behaviour of program coordinators was evident, particularly in regard to building influence, communicating more effectively and managing upwards. Improved confidence in their ability to perform the role was a lasting outcome and the use of peer learning and coaching was an important part of the success of the intervention. However, workload factors, succession planning and orientation were seen to be factors that impact on leadership development in this role. The findings suggest that participation in well designed academic leadership programs can result in a lasting transfer of training for program coordinators

Unlocking Women's Leadership Potential: A Curricular Example for Developing Female Leaders in Academia

Women in academia face unique challenges when it comes to advancing to professorship. Using latest research about gender and academic leadership, we present a training curriculum that is sensitive to the unique demands of women in and aspiring to leadership positions in academia. The context-specific and evidence-based approach and a focus on self-directed leadership development are unique characteristics of the training. It aims to enhance women's motivation to lead, increase their knowledge about academic leadership, and empower them to seek the support they need to proactively work toward appointment to a professorship. We also delineate an evaluation framework, which addresses these targeted outcomes. The findings from a pilot program in Germany confirmed that the curriculum is effective in developing women as academic leaders. The discussion highlights the significance of a context-specific and evidence-based approach to women's leadership development in academia

Histone deacetylases as new therapy targets for platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer

Introduction: In developed countries, ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. Due to the nonspecific symptomatology associated with the disease many patients with ovarian cancer are diagnosed late, which leads to significantly poorer prognosis. Apart from surgery and radiotherapy, a substantial number of ovarian cancer patients will undergo chemotherapy and platinum based agents are the mainstream first-line therapy for this disease. Despite the initial efficacy of these therapies, many women relapse; therefore, strategies for second-line therapies are required. Regulation of DNA transcription is crucial for tumour progression, metastasis and chemoresistance which offers potential for novel drug targets. Methods: We have reviewed the existing literature on the role of histone deacetylases, nuclear enzymes regulating gene transcription. Results and conclusion: Analysis of available data suggests that a signifant proportion of drug resistance stems from abberant gene expression, therefore HDAC inhibitors are amongst the most promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Together with genetic testing, they may have a potential to serve as base for patient-adapted therapies