IELTS and an English for academic study programme: points of similarity and areas of divergence

This paper describes an analysis of assessments on a preparatory, English for academic study (EAS) programme at a New Zealand university and of IELTS tests. The university accepts students with the required Band 6 overall in IELTS, and also those who graduate from the EAS programme with Grade B and above for its undergraduate programmes. Other institutions also accept this EAS certificate as evidence of English language proficiency. However, as far as we are aware there has been no formal comparative study of the points of similarities and areas of divergence between IELTS and such programmes. The identification of similarities and differences allows for a detailed profile of the knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired by students who successfully complete such pre-sessional programmes, as compared with students who have completed an IELTS preparation programme. It is anticipated that the information provided, will be of benefit to academic English and literacy practitioners

Nitrous Oxide Inhalation Among Adolescents: Prevalence, Correlates, and Co-Occurrence with Volatile Solvent Inhalation

Few studies have examined the prevalence of nitrous oxide (NO) inhalation or co-occurrence of NO and volatile solvent (VS) use in adolescents. Study aims were to (1) describe the independent and conjoint prevalence of NO and VS use in incarcerated youth, (2) compare adolescent users of both NO and VS inhalants (NO+VS) to users of NO-only, VS-only, and nonusers of NO and VS (NO/VNS nonusers) with regard to demographic, psychological, and behavioral characteristics, and (3) conduct logistic regression analyses identifying correlates of NO use. Residents (N = 723) of Missouri Division of Youth Services were assessed with standardized psychosocial measures. Participants averaged 15.5 (SD = 1.2) years of age, were ethnically diverse and predominantly male. Lifetime prevalence of NO use was 15.8%. NO+VS users evidenced greater impairments compared to NO+VS nonusers. VS-only users evidenced impairments that were similar in kind but at lower prevalences compared to those displayed by NO+VS users, whereas NO-only youth had profiles that were similar to those of NO/VS nonusers. Psychiatric disorders, polydrug use, and temperamental fearlessness were correlates of NO use. NO+VS users were at high risk for behavioral and emotional problems. Screening and interventions for NO and VS inhalant use should be implemented in juvenile justice facilities.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/78160/1/nihms217666.pd

IELTS and an English for academic study programme: points of similarity and areas of divergence

This paper describes an analysis of assessments on a preparatory, English for academic study (EAS) programme at a New Zealand university and of IELTS tests. The university accepts students with the required Band 6 overall in IELTS, and also those who graduate from the EAS programme with Grade B and above for its undergraduate programmes. Other institutions also accept this EAS certificate as evidence of English language proficiency. However, as far as we are aware there has been no formal comparative study of the points of similarities and areas of divergence between IELTS and such programmes. The identification of similarities and differences allows for a detailed profile of the knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired by students who successfully complete such pre-sessional programmes, as compared with students who have completed an IELTS preparation programme. It is anticipated that the information provided, will be of benefit to academic English and literacy practitioners

Methodological characteristics and feasibility of ecological momentary assessment studies in psychosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) involves completing multiple surveys over time in daily life, capturing in-the-moment experiences in real world contexts. EMA use in psychosis studies has surged over several decades. To critically examine EMA use in psychosis research and assist future researchers in designing new EMA studies, this systematic review aimed to summarise the methodological approaches used for positive symptoms in psychosis populations and evaluate feasibility with a focus on completion rates. Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EBSCOhost and Embase databases using search terms related to EMA and psychosis was conducted. Excluding duplicate samples, a meta-analysis was conducted of EMA survey completion rates and meta-regression to examine predictors of completion. Results: Sixty-eight studies were included in the review. Characteristics and reporting of EMA methodologies was variable across studies. The meta mean EMA survey completion computed from the 39 unique studies that reported a mean completion rate was 67.15% (95% CI = 62.3, 71.9), with an average of 86.25% of the sample meeting a one third EMA completion criterion. No significant predictors of completion were found in the meta regression. A variety of EMA items were used to measure psychotic experiences, of which few were validated. Conclusions: EMA methods have been widely applied in psychosis studies using a range of protocols. Completion rates are high, providing clear evidence of feasibility in psychosis populations. Recommendations for reporting in future studies are provided. <br/