Theory of charcteristics of second order partial differential equations

In the following material we shall be concerned with the secon-order partial differential equation

Integrating Mindfulness and Character Strengths for Improved Well-Being, Stress, and Relationships: : A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice

The integration of mindfulness and character strengths is an emerging area of research and practice. The evidence-based, 8-week program, Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) represents a unique approach in that the starting point and focus is on what is best in human beings – their character strengths. These qualities are then leveraged to improve one’s meditation practice or area of mindful living (referred to as “strong mindfulness”) and in turn, mindfulness is used as a lens for deepening awareness and use of strengths (referred to as “mindful strengths use”). While early controlled studies find MBSP to elicit well-being and reduce stress, and find it to be superior to popular mindfulness programs for different outcomes, we are not aware of any published qualitative analyses examining the MBSP participant’s experience. This study offers insights from a large international sample and extends the empirical data on MBSP, including the novel finding of benefit for building positive relationships, as well as confirming other findings such as the most common obstacles people confront in mindfulness practices. Additional areas discussed using qualitative and quantitative findings include the most beneficial mindfulness/character strengths practices, the use of inward and outward-oriented practices, cognizance of the integration of mindfulness and character strengths, and self-reported positive outcomes, including substantial benefits to stress and problem management and boosts to meaning, purpose, engagement, accomplishment, and sense of self

Clicking Our Way To Class Discussion

The goal of this research project is to investigate whether the use of a personal response system (“clickers”) in the classroom increases student participation and discussion and its impact on the quality of the discussion in undergraduate accounting courses.  While many studies conducted regarding the use of clickers rely on student surveys to determine the effectiveness of using clickers, this study will add to the literature by providing evidence of actual student behavior as it relates to participation when clicker technology is used in the classroom.  Our study includes collecting data on student classroom behavior by observing and measuring the level of participation in both clicker and non-clicker classes.  We discuss the observed impact of clickers on class participation and contrast it with prior work on the perceived impact, the use of clicker technology versus a clicker question, and the impact of the clickers on the faculty participating in this project

Preparing Future Professionals for Holistic Family and Consumer Sciences Programming

It is critical that the value of Extension family and consumer sciences as a broadly focused profession be recognized both in and out of Extension. Establishing universally recognized competencies and assuring that agents possess those capabilities are vital steps to securing and maintaining the integrity of the profession and its value to those it serves. University of Tennessee Extension has developed a process for assessing basic competencies of newly hired agents and responding to their competency gaps with targeted training

An Assessment Compact: changing the way an institution thinks about assessment and feedback

Offered as a case-study, this chapter considers the introduction by Oxford Brookes University of an Assessment Compact (defined as a non-legally enforceable agreement) between the university and its students. The aim of the Compact is to reconceptualise thinking about assessment and feedback in the institution to bring about significant change in both assessment practices, and attitudes to assessment and feedback among staff and students, rather than just consolidate current practice. The chapter will consider the difficulties and challenges that have been faced in the implementation of the Compact, and the degree to which it has so far been successful, and why

First-Pass Meconium Samples from Healthy Term Vaginally-Delivered Neonates : An Analysis of the Microbiota

Acknowledgments The authors would like to thank the parents who consented to provide samples with limited notice at an emotional and stressful time. This work was supported entirely from personal donations to the neonatal endowments fund at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital and we thank families for their continued generosity, year-on-year. The Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health receives funding from the Scottish Government (SG-RESAS). Funding: This work was funded from NHS Grampian Neonatal Endowments. The Rowett Institute receives funding from the Rural and Environmental Science and Analytical Services programme of the Scottish Government. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.Peer reviewedPublisher PD