Quasielastic K+ scattering in nuclei

The quasielastic scattering kaon-nucleus experiment performed at BNL is analyzed in a finite nucleus continuum random phase approximation framework, treating the reaction mechanism in Glauber theory up to two-step inelastic processes. A good description of the data is achieved, also providing a useful constraint on the strength of the effective particle-hole interaction in the scalar-isoscalar channel at intermediate momentum transfers.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, needs espcrc1 and epsfig; presented at the International Conference on Hypernuclear and Strange Particle Physics, BNL October 13-18, 199

The role of performance appraisal in further education : the case of a post-secondary college in Malta

This paper is based on part of the research findings of a study conducted on the role of performance appraisal (PA) in post-secondary education that used a mixed methodology approach. The literature on PA highlights the divergence in opinion among practitioners and academics as to what the role of PA is, the form that it should take, and its effectiveness as an HRM tool. Given these conflicting viewpoints, the initial research study sought to determine the perceptions of academic staff on PA in an educational setting. This involved researching their views on the benefits and negative aspects of PA, the role of PA, the appraisal criteria and source to be used, and how the PA process is best conducted. This paper only focuses on respondents’ views on the benefits and shortfalls of PA, its role in educational institutions, and the source of appraisal; and on certain aspects of the quantitative data that was collected in the original research. The research findings confirm that PA is expected to be used concurrently for both developmental and administrative decisions. Furthermore, PA is primarily regarded as a positive process that is expected to result in a number of benefits for both the organization and the individual academics. PA is expected to result in the identification of clear work goals, improved performance, increased motivation, better feedback, increased accountability, and fairer distribution of rewards. Despite its important role and the expected benefits arising from PA’s use in education, the respondents identify a number of issues that impinge on PA’s success when put into practice. These include; an inappropriate PA model being used, PA being applied in isolation, lack of commitment to the process, inappropriate/lack of training on the conduction of appraisal, an organizational culture and management/staff relationships that do not encourage openness, and an appraisal process that focuses too much on the allocation of monetary rewards. Respondents also singled out a number of issues that need to be tackled for PA’s successful implementation; such as the identification of joint objectives, improved communication and continuous feedback, an open management approach, and for management to believe in the positive role of appraisal.peer-reviewe

Interrogating the European Union’s Democracy Promotion Agenda: Discursive Configurations of ‘Democracy’ from the Middle East

Following the electoral victory of Hamas in the Palestinian elections of January 2006, the international community reacted by suspending aid to the democratically elected Hamas government. Across Middle Eastern societies, this move and the events that followed since, ushered in a complete loss of credibility in the discourse of external actors like the European Union (EU) and their declared quest for promoting democracy in the region. Are we witnessing the demise of the EU’s democracy promotion agenda given the perception from the Middle East (ME) in regard to its inconsistent discourse? This article aims to address how a critical engagement with the ways in which the EU constructs itself as a normative power, in its attempts at exporting its model of liberal democracy, might shed light on questions central to contemporary EU-ME relations. In particular, it focuses on how an inquiry into political grammars might illuminate discursive configurations of ‘democracy’ in the ME. By way of conclusion, the article holds that the EU’s discourse on democracy promotion in the ME can be reframed and this process of reframing need not negate its principles

Complementary and alternative medicine : facts and figures (part I)

Complementary and alternative medical practices are flourishing despite the current fast pace of scientific research and discovery. Traditional practices combine with newer philosophies to make up the vast spectrum that constitute this phenomenon. To describe homeopathy and acupuncture, proposed mechanisms of action, present scientific research to prove or disprove their efficacy and discuss safety issues. Studies, reviews and meta-analyses dealing with this subject were researched from various publications to present evidence for or against the efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine. Recent rigorous studies on acupuncture and homeopathy show no results beyond what is attributable to placebo effect. Complementary and alternative medical practices should be researched for efficacy and safety by the same standards used in conventional medicine.peer-reviewe

Junior College assessment practices : perspectives of the departments

The CPPA (Committee for the Policy and Practice of Assessment) was set up with the concern that the Junior College lacks all assessment policy. This paper presents a research study conducted by this committee with the aim of identifying current assessment practices, their strengths and weaknesses and what further alterations might be feasible to consider. A questionnaire was distributed to all Departments. This survey shows evidence that the preferred assessment practices are those that integrate both summative and formative modes. It also points out that there exists a desire for modifications in the external Matsec examinations mainly to include a measure of an institution-based assessment. Furthermore, this study recommends that a credit system and a Junior College Diploma be introduced within the College.peer-reviewe

The teaching of foreign languages for specific purposes – how and why

Most businesses today need linguists not just to permit communication across the globe but also to understand different cultural realities and needs. In the world of work, language skills are becoming increasingly important in organisations and businesses who want to be competitive on an international level. Mastery in foreign languages is considered not just an excellent tool to bridge gaps between people coming from different countries and to create strong sentimental and professional relationships, but above all an instrument that enables workers to considerably improve their career prospects. Knowing how to use a language in specific circumstances and purposes gives people a very strong bargaining power, especially in the labour world. Whereas up to twenty or thirty years ago, speaking a foreign language was a very important prerequisite for just a few, like managers or diplomats, today it has become of fundamental importance in all professional circles. In fact, in today’s European society, languages and interculture play a fundamental role in getting to know different people and in obtaining professional and economic development.This explains why today there exists a need to diversify the language training market with courses in foreign languages for specific purposes, be it for tourism, for call centres, for business and so on, focusing on acquiring the necessary terminological, interdisciplinary and intercultural skills needed for specific jobs.peer-reviewe

Outcomes of Genetic Testing in a Genitourinary Genetics Clinic

Several known hereditary cancer syndromes confer an increased risk for genitourinary (GU)related malignancies. Various guidelines indicate when to refer patients to genetic counseling for GU-related hereditary cancer syndromes but there is limited research on the clinical picture of these patients, including their cancerous and non-cancerous features, the genetic testing strategy for this population, and the probability of having a positive germline mutation if testing is performed. The purpose of this study is to determine the most common indications for ordering genetic testing in a GU Genetics Clinic and evaluate whether there is a relationship between the indication for genetic testing and genetic testing outcome. An institutional review board-approved retrospective chart review was performed for 220 patients seen in the GU Genetics Clinic at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Patients were stratified into groups based on their indication for genetic testing and an exact binomial test was used to compare the proportion of patients with a positive genetic test from various groups. The majority of patients (92%) were seen for genetic evaluation related to either renal cell carcinoma (RCC) or prostate cancer. Among patients seen for RCC-related evaluation (N=107), meeting published clinical criteria for a hereditary RCC syndrome significantly predicted positive genetic testing (

Adapting literature to the language classroom

Very often we hear teachers arguing and complaining that today, thanks to the era of technology we live in, our students are not only no longer interested in reading but many have even lost the love for learning languages. In fact, notwithstanding all the efforts done by schools, parents and teachers, most students fail to understand the real benefits of language learning and prefer dedicating their efforts to other subjects like sciences and IT. A very good way of motivating students to love both reading for its own sake as well as languages is by adapting literature to the language classroom. This can be very challenging for the language teacher as it requires the implementation of various important concepts and strategies but at the same time very rewarding for students since literature very often deals with feelings, emotions, personal issues and has the ability to potentially enlarge a reader’s sense about the many possible ways to live. Many people still consider literature as a separate subject that has nothing to do with language learning, an assumption which is based on a reductive interpretation of the concept of language teaching and learning. Regardless of the difficulties the practitioner can encounter, using literature exposes students to different themes which textbooks usually do not include and consequently motivates students. Even more so if we consider literature as just another word for written or spoken media. Indeed, literature is one of the best tools to master a language as it is used in a real life context.peer-reviewe