Methodological issues in using sequential representations in the teaching of writing

This study looks at a specific application of Ainsworth’s conceptual framework for learning with multiple representations in the context of using multiple sequential graphic organizers that are student‐generated for a process‐writing task. Process writing refers to writing that consists of multiple drafts. It may be a process of re‐writing without feedback or re‐writing based on feedback where the teacher or peers will provide feedback on the original draft and then the students will revise their writing based on the feedback given. The objective was to explore how knowledge of students’ cognitive processes when using multiple organizers can inform the teaching of writing. The literature review analyzes the interaction of the design, function and task components of the framework; culminating in instructional approaches for using multiple organizers for classes with students of different writing abilities. Extended implications for designers of concept mapping tools based on these approaches are provided

The Next Wave of Abolishing Parking Mandates

The movement to eliminate parking mandates is having a big moment. This summer, both Oregon and California took statewide action to roll back minimum off-street parking requirements, relegalizing homes and businesses regardless of how many parking spots they have. We’ll take a look at why parking reform is so important, what to expect next in Oregon, and lessons from cities who have already gone all the way to delete this regulation from their zoning code.https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/trec_seminar/1235/thumbnail.jp

Climate change and agropastoralist settlement in the Shashe-Limpopo River Basin, southern Africa: AD 880 to 1700

The expansion and decline of complex socio-political farming systems in the Shashe-Limpopo River Basin, southern Africa, has been linked to large-scale climate shifts in which increased rainfall favoured intensified agropastoral production and expanded settlement, while the onset of arid conditions led to collapse and abandonment of the area. This study uses stable nitrogen isotope ratios (C5Nf4N) from modern and archaeological fauna to construct a proxy-rainfall sequence for the region from AD 880 onwards. The resulting sequence provides a revised climatic context for agropastoral settlement of the river basin and evidence of greater climatic variation than previously documented. Stable nitrogen isotope data from the bone collagen of archaeological fauna show that settlement by Zhizo agropastoralists between AD 880 and 1010 took place under semi-arid conditions, with average annual rainfall of <500 mm. Results for sites dating between AD 1010 to 1290 are consistent with previous interpretations that the Leopard's Kopje A and B cultural period 'capitals' of K2 and Mapungubwe, respectively, rose to prominence under a trend towards increased average annual rainfall that was 2500 mm. The data indicate also that the phase of increased moisture extended beyond the abandonment of Mapungubwe at AD 1290 and continued to be evident in fauna dating to the Moloko/Icon cultural period between AD 1310 and 1415. Data from the Moloko/Khami cultural period sites suggest that markedly drier conditions were not evident in the area until after AD 1450. Based on the isotope data, increased rainfall appears to have coincided with the expansion and intensification of settlement in the Shashe-Limpopo River Basin. Reconsideration, however, needs to be given to the correlation between the abandonment of Mapungubwe with the onset of arid conditions unfavourable for agropastoralism; other explanations, encompassing socio-economic and political choices, also must be sought

Impact of HIV Infection on Medicare Beneficiaries with Lung Cancer

The incidence of lung cancer among individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is elevated compared to that among the general population. This study examines the prevalence of HIV and its impact on outcomes among Medicare beneficiaries who are 65 years of age or older and were diagnosed with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between 1997 and 2008. Prevalence of HIV was estimated using the Poisson point estimate and its 95% confidence interval. Relative risks for potential risk factors were estimated using the log-binomial model. A total of 111,219 Medicare beneficiaries met the study criteria. The prevalence of HIV was 156.4 per 100,000 (95% CI: 140.8 to 173.8) and has increased with time. Stage at NSCLC diagnosis did not vary by HIV status. Mortality rates due to all causes were 44%, 76%, and 88% for patients with stage I/II, III, and IV NSCLC, respectively. Across stages of disease, there was no difference between those who were HIV-infected and those who were not with respect to overall mortality. HIV patients, however, were more likely to die of causes other than lung cancer than their immunocompetent counterparts

Differential Effects Of Cardiovascular And Resistance Exercise On Functional Mobility In Individuals With Advanced Cancer: A Randomized Trial

Objective: To compare the effects of resistance and cardiovascular exercise on functional mobility in individuals with advanced cancer. Design: Prospective, 2-group pretest-posttest pilot study with randomization to either resistance or cardiovascular exercise mode. Setting: Comprehensive community cancer center and a hospital-based fitness facility. Demographics: Volunteer sample of individuals with advanced cancer recruited through the cancer center, palliative care service, rehabilitation department, and a local hospice. Outcome Measures: Functional mobility was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB); self-reported pain and fatigue were assessed secondarily using visual analog scales. Data were analyzed using a split plot 2x2 analysis of variance (=.05). Interventions: Ten weeks of individualized resistance or cardiovascular exercise, prescribed and monitored by oncology-trained physical therapists and exercise personnel. Results: Fifty-two patients (78.8%) completed the study: 23 (67.7%) of 34 patients in the resistance arm and 29 (90.6%) of 32 patients in the cardiovascular arm. No participant withdrew because of study adverse events. Ten-week outcomes (n=52) included a significant increase in SPPB total score (P\u3c.001), increase in gait speed (P=.001), and reduction in fatigue (P=.05). Although cardiovascular exercise participants had a modestly greater improvement in SPPB total score than resistance training participants (F1,49=4.21, P=.045), the difference was not confirmed in a subsequent intention-to-treat analysis (N=66). Conclusions: Individuals with advanced cancer appear to benefit from exercise for improving functional mobility. Neither resistance nor cardiovascular exercise appeared to have a strong differential effect on outcome.https://dune.une.edu/pt_facpost/1003/thumbnail.jp

Risk of Cancer among Commercially Insured HIV-Infected Adults on Antiretroviral Therapy.

The objective of this study was to explore the cancer incidence rates among HIV-infected persons with commercial insurance who were on antiretroviral therapy and compare them with those rates in the general population. Paid health insurance claims for 63,221 individuals 18 years or older, with at least one claim with a diagnostic code for HIV and at least one filled prescription for an antiretroviral medication between January 1, 2006, and September 30, 2012, were obtained from the LifeLink® Health Plan Claims Database. The expected number of cancer cases in the general population for each gender-age group (&lt;30, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and &gt;60 years) was estimated using incidence rates from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were estimated using their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Compared to the general population, incidence rates for HIV-infected adults were elevated (SIR, 95% CI) for Kaposi sarcoma (46.08; 38.74-48.94), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (4.22; 3.63-4.45), Hodgkin lymphoma (9.83; 7.45-10.84), and anal cancer (30.54; 25.62-32.46) and lower for colorectal cancer (0.69; 0.52-0.76), lung cancer (0.70; 0.54, 0.77), and prostate cancer (0.54; 0.45-0.58). Commercially insured, treated HIV-infected adults had elevated rates for infection-related cancers, but not for common non-AIDS defining cancers

Birth Weight: Ethnic differences and health outcomes in childhood

Ph.DDOCTOR OF MEDICIN