“What is the benefit of that?” Mathematics Teachers’ Motives in Discarding Digital Technology in their Teaching

In many countries, digital tools in mathematics education are promoted in policy. Despite this, contemporary research shows that mathematics teachers use digital tools in education less frequently as compared to teachers in other subject areas. There is a lack of research on teachers’ reasons for discarding digital tools that has a specific focus on mathematics education. In this study, we have interviewed teachers who define themselves as discarding digital tools in their teaching and described how alternative activities emerge when those teachers are engaged in mathematical learning. Cultural-historical activity theory and a thematic analysis revealed three conditions that are important for teachers’ activities: policy, teacher practices, and digital tools

Nickel-catalyzed asymmetric arylations of a-halocarbonyl compounds and studies of boratabenzene-containing transition metal complexes

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Chemistry, 2010.In title on title-page, [alpha] appears as a Greek symbol. Vita. Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references.Chapter 1 begins with a review of the current literature on cross-coupling methods to generate a-arylcarbonyl compounds, with a special emphasis on asymmetric arylations. The second section of chapter 1 describes the development of an asymmetric Negishi arylation of a-bromoketones using a nickel/pybox catalyst. The third section details the development of a Suzuki arylation of a-bromo- and a-chloroamides using aryl-(9-BBN) reagents. Both of these cross-coupling procedures are stereoconvergent, as they convert the racemic starting electrophile to an enantioenriched product. Chapter 2 describes new studies into the chemistry of boratabenzene-containing transition-metal complexes. In particular, a new method for preparing complexes bearing a diphenylphosphidoboratabenzene ligand is disclosed, starting from a transition metal-diphenylphosphide and a boracycle, which is an intermediate in the synthetic route previously used in the preparation of these complexes. In addition, the preparation and characterization of a new, tri-ortho-substituted variant of potassium diphenylphosphidoboratabenzene is described. This new species is used as a ligand in an iron complex, which is characterized. In addition, preliminary studies towards the synthesis of palladium complex bearing this new ligand are disclosed.by Pamela M. Lundin.Ph.D

Nätverk för ingenjörsutbildningar för samverkan vid införande av ny examens- och utbildningsstruktur

I föreliggande arbete beskrivs arbetet med att skapa ett nätverk med det övergripande syftet att stärka svensk ingenjörsutbildning. Under 2007 har nätverket finansierats av NSHU, som tillhandahållit medel för att stödja svenska högskolors arbete med Bolognaprocessen. Nätverket Ingenjörsutbildningarna har under året anordnat ett antal välbesökta workshopar. Ett antal grupperingar som inte tidigare haft regelbundna träffar har därmed skapats. Deltagarnas omdömen har varit positiva. Det är tydligt att det finns ett behov av ämnesbaserade nätverk, och där diskussionerna inte bara handlar om Bolognafrågor utan även om ämnesinnehåll, rekrytering, varumärken med mera. Projektet kan sägas ha startat ett nätverkande mellan ingenjörsutbildningar men det krävs mer arbete för att nå kontinuitet

Self-perceptions of romantic appeal in adolescents with a cleft lip and/or palate

© 2016 Elsevier Ltd During adolescence, romantic relationships are a key developmental milestone. Coupled with the increasing salience of appearance and social acceptance, adolescents with an appearance-altering condition may feel particularly vulnerable when it comes to romantic relationships. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of romantic experiences among adolescents with a cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P), and to investigate how these experiences could be related to depressive symptoms and global self-worth. The study included 661 Norwegian adolescents with CL/P, who were compared to a large national sample. The prevalence of romantic relationships was lower among adolescents with CL/P compared to the reference group, although the overall impact on depressive symptoms and global self-worth appeared to be low. This study is one of few to explore the impact of a congenital visible condition on experiences of romantic relationships and provides preliminary insight into a significant, yet complex topic

Preimplantation genetic testing legislation and accessibility in the Nordic countries

Abstract Introduction Assisted Reproduction Technologies are in rapid development and implementation of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has allowed patients with genetic disorders to initiate pregnancies while minimizing or eliminating the risk of transmitting these disorders to their offspring. Testing for numeric chromosomal anomalies has been proposed as a way to increase efficacy in assisted reproduction, however this remains disputed. Legislation is lagging behind the rapid developments in this field. Material and methods We conducted a structured online survey of legislation and accessibility to Preimplantation Genetic Testing in the Nordic countries to compare the regulation and uptake of this technique. The survey was designed and answered by the authors. Results Key elements in regulation of preimplantation testing for monogenic disorders and structural rearrangements are similar in the Nordic countries although accessibility varies since only Denmark, Finland and Sweden have national clinics offering treatment. In addition, Denmark and Finland have private clinics offering PGT. Regulation is most stringent in Norway where a national board evaluates all couples seeking treatment. Treatment volumes vary between the Nordic countries with Norway and Finland having lowest treatment numbers. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy in the embryo varies between the Nordic countries where Finland and Iceland are allowed to offer this form of treatment, Denmark and Sweden only in the form of a research protocol while this form of testing is not allowed at all in Norway. Therefore the number of treatment cycles involving testing for embryo aneuploidy are lower in the Nordic countries compared to other countries where this treatment option is more common. Conclusions Science needs to inform politics regarding the rapidly evolving field of reproductive medicine and we recommend harmonization of legislation and accessibility between the Nordic countries.Peer reviewe

A Smartphone App and Cloud-Based Consultation System for Burn Injury Emergency Care

Background Each year more than 10 million people worldwide are burned severely enough to require medical attention, with clinical outcomes noticeably worse in resource poor settings. Expert clinical advice on acute injuries can play a determinant role and there is a need for novel approaches that allow for timely access to advice. We developed an interactive mobile phone application that enables transfer of both patient data and pictures of a wound from the point-of-care to a remote burns expert who, in turn, provides advice back. Methods and Results The application is an integrated clinical decision support system that includes a mobile phone application and server software running in a cloud environment. The client application is installed on a smartphone and structured patient data and photographs can be captured in a protocol driven manner. The user can indicate the specific injured body surface(s) through a touchscreen interface and an integrated calculator estimates the total body surface area that the burn injury affects. Predefined standardised care advice including total fluid requirement is provided immediately by the software and the case data are relayed to a cloud server. A text message is automatically sent to a burn expert on call who then can access the cloud server with the smartphone app or a web browser, review the case and pictures, and respond with both structured and personalized advice to the health care professional at the point-of-care. Conclusions In this article, we present the design of the smartphone and the server application alongside the type of structured patient data collected together with the pictures taken at point-of-care. We report on how the application will be introduced at point-of-care and how its clinical impact will be evaluated prior to roll out. Challenges, strengths and limitations of the system are identified that may help materialising or hinder the expected outcome to provide a solution for remote consultation on burns that can be integrated into routine acute clinical care and thereby promote equity in injury emergency care, a growing public health burden.Peer reviewe

Effects of gaseous NH3 and SO2 on the concentration profiles of PCDD/F in flyash under post-combustion zone conditions

The influence of gaseous ammonia and sulphur dioxide on the formation of 2378-substituted PCDD/F on a reference flyash from a municipal waste incinerator has been investigated using a laboratory scale fixed-bed reactor. The reference flyash samples (BCR-490) was reacted under a simulated flue gas stream at temperatures of 225 and 375 °C for 96 h. The experiments were carried out in two series: first with simulated flue gas alone, and then with injection of NH3 or SO2 gas into the flue gas just before the reactor inlet. It was found that the injection of gaseous ammonia into the flue gas could decrease the concentration of both PCDD and PCDF by 34–75% from the solid phase and by 21–40% from the gas phase. Converting the results to I-TEQ values, it could reduce the total I-TEQ values of PCDD and PCDF in the sum of the flyash and exhaust flue gas by 42–75% and 24–57% respectively. The application of SO2 led to 99% and 93% reductions in the PCDD and PCDF average congener concentrations, respectively in the solid phase. In the gas phase, the total reductions were 89% and 76% for PCDD and PCDF, respectively. Moreover, addition of SO2 reduced the total I-TEQ value of PCDD and PCDF in the flyash and exhaust flue gas together by 60–86% and 72–82% respectively. Sulphur dioxide was more effective than ammonia in suppressing PCDD/F formation in flyash under the conditions investigated

Internet use, needs and expectations of web-based information and communication in childbearing women with type 1 diabetes

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In the childbearing period women use the internet both to seek information and as an important source of communication. For women with type 1 diabetes, pregnancy and early motherhood constitute a more complex situation than for women in general. This implies need for support from various professionals and a way of bridging any discontinuity in care would be to develop a website providing complementary social support and information. The objective of this study was to explore internet use, needs, and expectations regarding web-based information and communication in childbearing women with type 1 diabetes.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data were collected via a web-based survey with an explorative and descriptive design, in which 105 of 139 eligible mothers with type 1 diabetes and recent childbearing experience participated. The data were analyzed with descriptive and analytical statistics, and open answers with a directed content analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the 105 women, 22% never used the internet to search for information concerning pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood. 12% searched for information every day, 29% one or more times a week, and 38% one or more times a month. Of the women 44% declared themselves to be passive participants on social websites, and 45% to be active participants. 45% had specific expectations of web-based support directed towards childbearing, especially those with higher educational level (<it>P </it>= .01). Expectations of instrumental and informational support included an expert-controlled website with reliable, updated, and information focused on childbearing and diabetes, improved access to diabetes care professionals and alternative ways to communicate and to receive childbearing-related support. The women also asked for online technical devices to manage the frequent monitoring of blood glucose during pregnancy. Informal, emotional, and appraisal support from women in similar situations was suggested as a way to provide an arena for belonging instead of creating feelings of alienation.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our results add important knowledge about the web-based needs of women with type 1 diabetes in relation to childbearing. This user directed study indicates specific areas of development for the provision of effective web-based support that includes facilities for reliable information, interactive support and social networking in this population.</p