Do lemurs know when they could be wrong? An investigation of information seeking in three species of lemur (<i>Lemur catta, Eulemur rubriventer, </i>and<i> Varecia variegata</i>)

Sixteen lemurs, including representatives from three species (Lemur catta, Eulemur rubriventer, Varecia variegata), were presented with a food seeking task where information about the rewards location, in one of two plastic tubes, was either known or not known. We evaluated whether lemurs would first look into the tube prior to making a choice. This information-seeking task aimed to assess whether subjects would display memory awareness, seeking additional information when they became aware they lacked knowledge of the rewards location. We predicted lemurs would be more likely to look into the tube when they had insufficient knowledge about the rewards position. Lemurs successfully gained the reward on most trials. However, they looked on the majority of trials regardless of whether they had all the necessary information to make a correct choice. The minimal cost to looking may have resulted in checking behaviour both to confirm what they already knew and to gain knowledge they did not have. When the cost of looking increased (elevating end of tube requiring additional energy expenditure to look inside - Experiment 2), lemurs still looked into tubes on both seen and unseen trials; however, the frequency of looking increased when opaque tubes were used (where they could not see the rewards location after baiting). This could suggest they checked more when they were less sure of their knowledge state

Factors Affecting Attraction and Retention of Pre-Service Male Primary Teachers in a Non-Government Higher Education Institution

This paper is set in the context of concern about boys\u27 academic achievement and the decline in the numbers of males entering the primary teaching profession in Australia. It focuses on the views of male pre-service teachers as to factors that affect their attraction to and retention in the teaching profession. This qualitative study is designed to provide well-researched information regarding factors that affect the recruitment and persistence of male pre-service primary teachers. The study consisted of two distinct stages, distribution and evaluation of a simple questionnaire and a series of semi-structured interviews that were analysed by Grounded Theory. The major findings from this research identified three main categories (extrinsic, altruistic, and intrinsic motivators) that contributed to males choosing the Bachelor of Education (Primary) course. Participants indicated that altruistic motivators contributed more to their attraction to the profession, than either extrinsic or intrinsic determinants. Field and extended professional experiences were identified as having a positive affect on the retention of males within the Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree. Barriers to completion included gender related issues, the reaction of peers, family and classmates, department faculty, mentorship, course structure and organisation. The major recommendations arising from this study for recruitment of male primary teachers were as follows: appropriate careers advice needs to be provided to all school leavers, current teachers to be enthusiastic in their support of the profession and church and community groups need to support the involvement of males in programs with primary aged children. Increased opportunities for micro-teaching, employment of faculty members with recent field experience and establishing a mentoring program were all recommended for the successful retention of male pre-service primary teachers

Parallels between the Development of the Nurse Practitioner and the Advancement of the Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists have often been described as the registered nurses of the dental field. Similar parallels also exist between the development of the nurse practitioner from the nursing profession and the evolution of the dental hygiene practice and profession. This article explores three major similarities between the two professions of nurse practitioners and dental hygienists. Public health issues, educational constructs, and the social and political environments shaping each profession are discussed to inform dental hygienists of their potential career options for future expanded therapeutic care roles

Why Chapelhow enablers are important when providing patient care

Chapelhow et al (2005) developed a framework based upon six fundamental concepts. These concepts are the building blocks that all healthcare professionals need in order to deliver patient care. Chapelhow et al (2005) refers to the concepts as enablers. There are six enablers, assessment, communication, risk management and managing uncertainty, professional judgement and decision making and documentation and record keeping. In this article, I look at two enablers; assessment and communication. I chose these two to discuss, because as a nurse these are essential skills to have when delivering patient care. It was apparent that both enablers are linked and are used together when caring for a patient and that assessment and communication skills are vital to have as a healthcare professional.

Review of 'Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature' ed. Anita Heiss and Pete Minter.

Review of 'Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature' ed. Anita Heiss and Pete Minter

Review of Proofs by Christopher Conti

Review of Proofs by Christopher Cont