The dynamism of strategic learning: Complexity theory in strategic L2 development

Learners of foreign languages (L2s) apply strategies to support learning processes and L2 development. They select strategies according to their individual needs and preferences and adjust their strategic actions to suit situational circumstances and contextual conditions. A holistic investigation of strategic L2 learning processes requires the integration of numerous interconnected, flexibly-interacting influences, which are at constant interplay with each other and whose development is difficult to predict. Validated as effective in other fields of applied linguistics, complex dynamic systems theory (CDST) can also provide an appropriate frame for researching strategic L2 learning. Based on state-of-the-art methodological guidance for complexity research, this article presents the re-analysis of empirical data from a previous study through a complexity lens. It further examines the suitability of CDST in strategy research, explores its practical value, and demonstrates that a complexity perspective can generate new, profound information about strategic learning

A study of group psychotherapy with female chronic psychotic patients at the Boston State Hospital.

Thesis (M.S.)--Boston Universit

To what extent financial development is important in promoting economic growth in OECD countries

This paper revisits the relationship between economic growth and the main determinants of financial development in The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries during the period 1990-2016. Using a random effects model, we provide empirical evidence of different aspects of financial development in order to show which of these characteristics of financial development help to explain economic growth in OEDC countries in terms of finances through a panel data model for the period examined. We pay special attention to the main determinants of the financial system and verify their influence on economic growth even when we control for other key country-level factors relating to economic growth. Results show that an increase in domestic credit provided by financial-sector, in market capitalization and in the turnover ratio of domestic shares entails a significant positive effect on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. Among other socioeconomic determinants related to economic growth, expenditure in education, the inflation and unemployment rates appear highly significant in the economic growth of the analysed countries.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Financial development and economic growth: a study for OECD countries in the context of crisis

The aim of this paper is to study the relationship between economic growth and the main determinants of financial development in developed countries during the period 1990-2016. Using a random effects model, we provide empirical evidence of different aspects of financial development in order to show which of these characteristics of financial development help to explain economic growth in developed countries, particularly in OEDC countries in terms of finances through a panel data model and a dynamic model for the period examined. Paying special attention to the main determinants of the financial system and verify their influence on economic growth even when we control for other key country-level factors relating to economic growth. We conclude that an increase in domestic credit provided by financial-sector, in market capitalization and in the turnover ratio of domestic shares entails a significant positive effect on the GDP per capita. Among other socioeconomic determinants related to economic growth, expenditure in education, the inflation and unemployment rates seem highly significant in the economic growth of the analysed countries.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Human Capital, Population Growth and Industrial Development in Mexico and Turkey: A Comparative Analysis with Other OECD Countries, 1964-2004

Mexico and Turkey have experienced an important growth during the last decades of the 20th century but they have, in spite of that, a low level of real income per inhabitant in comparison with OECD averages. This paper analyses the main economic features of these countries, in comparison with other OECD countries, and suggest some economic policies of interest to foster economic development and employment during the next decades, with special focus on human capital and industrial development.

Economic growth and education: a new international policy.

First of all this paper presents a world wide view of economic growth and education in 1994, with data of population, gross domestic product per head, and public expenditure on education per head for 199 countries grouped in 40 geographical areas. In the second place the paper present an international production function that includes both physical capital and human capital, measured by the stock of population with secondary education of second level complete, as factors of production. The model was fitted with data of 37 countries, of different levels of development, and shows a good fit and the significativeness of the coefficient of both variables. Education has a positive influence in economic development As many countries are very far below the world average of production and education expenditure by inhabitant, measured in purchasing power parities around 5620 dollars for production and 257 for education expenditure by inhabitant, the only way to improve their situation is to foster international co-operation, as many of those countries are unable to cope with their challenges because they are so poor. Education has a positive influence on economic growth also reducing excesses in fertility average rates, creating a social environment that improve productive investment, making workers more productive and voters more prepared to choose a good government and promote reasonable socio-economic policies. The international co-operation should improve also, where needed, better quality in education contents of human values, promoting respect to peace, human rights and equality for women, as well as the learning of one or more widely spoken world languages to avoid isolation and promoting the access to a greater wealth of information.

Employment, Wages and Immigration in the European Union: Econometric Models and Comparison with the USA, 1960-2003

Some of the main challenges for European Union at the beginning of the 21st century are to increase the rates of employment and the real wages, particularly in those regions and economic sectors with the lowest levels, as well as to develop realistic policies of net immigration, which should have into account the limitations of EU for employment creation and growth of real Gdp, in order to avoid diminutions of average wages and social services expenditure per inhabitant. We estimate some econometric models which explain the lower rates of employment and wages of Europe in comparison with the USA, analyse those differences during the period 1960-2003 and suggest some changes in EU policies in order to increase both average wages and the rates of employment. EU immigration policies should be realistic and limited to the capacities of jobs creation, and the international cooperation of EU with developing countries should be more focused to foster investments and to increase employment and income per inhabitant in the countries of origin of immigrants.

Depression and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

For over two decades clinical studies have been conducted which suggest the existence of a relationship between depression and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Recently, Ohayon underscored the evidence for a link between these two disorders in the general population, showing that 800 out of 100,000 individuals had both, a breathing-related sleep disorder and a major depressive disorder, with up to 20% of the subjects presenting with one of these disorders also having the other. In some populations, depending on age, gender and other demographic and health characteristics, the prevalence of both disorders may be even higher: OSA may affect more than 50% of individuals over the age of 65, and significant depressive symptoms may be present in as many as 26% of a community-dwelling population of older adults. In clinical practice, the presence of depressive symptomatology is often considered in patients with OSA, and may be accounted for and followed-up when considering treatment approaches and response to treatment. On the other hand, sleep problems and specifically OSA are rarely assessed on a regular basis in patients with a depressive disorder. However, OSA might not only be associated with a depressive syndrome, but its presence may also be responsible for failure to respond to appropriate pharmacological treatment. Furthermore, an undiagnosed OSA might be exacerbated by adjunct treatments to antidepressant medications, such as benzodiazepines. Increased awareness of the relationship between depression and OSA might significantly improve diagnostic accuracy as well as treatment outcome for both disorders. In this review, we will summarize important findings in the current literature regarding the association between depression and OSA, and the possible mechanisms by which both disorders interact. Implications for clinical practice will be discussed