Generative Research and the Creative Analytic Paradigm

Whereas quantitative research values quantitative data and qualitative research values qualitative data, the identity of the new concept of generative research is in its valuing of generated ideas. The paper will present the case for generative research in terms of approaches to evaluating the quality of research and include examples of potential candidates for inclusion within this category of research. The Creative Analytic Paradigm (CAP) can be understood as a prototypical paradigm within generative research. The paper will also present an outline of this approach and give particular attention key concepts in the CAP. An llustrative example of the application of the paradigm will be drawn from the context of the early-years physical learning environment (Reception/Nursery aged children). Both the concept of generative research as well as the potential afforded by the creative analytic paradigm would be of general interest to practitioner researchers at all stages of education. The specific illustrative application of the CAP to the early-years physical learning environment would be of particular interest to early-years practitioners

Substantive Themes, Methodology and the Use of Video in the Early Years Learning Environment: a Postmodernist Interpretation

This paper seeks to develop a postmodern interpretation of educational research in light of the multimedia possibilities that are becoming increasingly available. Most research is still presented as duo media ie. using only text, charts and sometimes photographs. Computer software now makes the use of multimedia a more realistic option. The postmodern in research aims to retain the lived complexity of the real world and the use of video is an ideal medium supporting this ambition. The use of video provides the opportunity to develop a research orientation that resembles an exploratory journey through a virtual world of multiple classrooms. Images from Impressionist as well as Cubist art forms lend themselves particularly well as ways of mapping the routes taken during this virtual journey. Here there will be no precise research questions, only experiences en route. Clarke (2005) highlights key differences between modernist grounded theory and postmodernist grounded theorising. This view of research in process, as well as Clarke's use of cognitive maps is consistent with the virtual journey leading to multiple relational and positional maps. The current paper represents a work in progress and provides no more than a glimmer of light in the depths of the forest

A Reflective Encounter With the Fine Sand Area in a Nursery School Setting

This article draws on a model of reflection that involves creating meanings through repeated encounters with evocative objects. Responses to one such evocative object, a 20-second video clip of children playing in the fine sand area, illustrates the “turning toward” and then “turning away” from the object to engage with broader themes. Parten’s play types are used when analyzing children’s play in the fine sand area (the evocative object). The focus then turns away to themes of English as a second language, messy play, energies of childhood, and Foucault’s docile bodies. The intention was to integrate loosely formulated research aims relating to quality of the physical environment within the evolving life of the nursery setting to encourage a developing research orientation and reflective dis-position. This way of approaching practitioner research is well adapted to a longer-term engagement with enduring areas of interest, such as developing the potential of the physical environment

The neighbourhood physical environment and active travel in older adults : a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Perceived and objectively-assessed aspects of the neighbourhood physical environment have been postulated to be key contributors to regular engagement in active travel (AT) in older adults. We systematically reviewed the literature on neighbourhood physical environmental correlates of AT in older adults and applied a novel meta-analytic approach to statistically quantify the strength of evidence for environment-AT associations. METHODS: Forty two quantitative studies that estimated associations of aspects of the neighbourhood built environment with AT in older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) and met selection criteria were reviewed and meta-analysed. Findings were analysed according to five AT outcomes (total walking for transport, within-neighbourhood walking for transport, combined walking and cycling for transport, cycling for transport, and all AT outcomes combined) and seven categories of the neighbourhood physical environment (residential density/urbanisation, walkability, street connectivity, access to/availability of services/destinations, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, aesthetics and cleanliness/order, and safety and traffic). RESULTS: Most studies examined correlates of total walking for transport. A sufficient amount of evidence of positive associations with total walking for transport was found for residential density/urbanisation, walkability, street connectivity, overall access to destinations/services, land use mix, pedestrian-friendly features and access to several types of destinations. Littering/vandalism/decay was negatively related to total walking for transport. Limited evidence was available on correlates of cycling and combined walking and cycling for transport, while sufficient evidence emerged for a positive association of within-neighbourhood walking with pedestrian-friendly features and availability of benches/sitting facilities. Correlates of all AT combined mirrored those of walking for transport. Positive associations were also observed with food outlets, business/institutional/industrial destinations, availability of street lights, easy access to building entrance and human and motorised traffic volume. Several but inconsistent individual- and environmental-level moderators of associations were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Results support strong links between the neighbourhood physical environment and older adults’ AT. Future research should focus on the identification of types and mixes of destinations that support AT in older adults and how these interact with individual characteristics and other environmental factors. Future research should also aim to clarify dose-response relationships through multi-country investigations and data-pooling from diverse geographical regions. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12966-017-0471-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Categorising Asynchronous Discussion Threads: Improving the Quality of Student Learning.

Short abstract Blended learning approaches incorporate the value of both face-to-face teaching sessions and distance learning. The generative potential of asynchronous discussion thread categorisation is being utilised to engage students in a reflective process aimed at improving the quality of their learning experience. Outline Details of the poster: The poster will present the follow up study to the original research that was conducted in 2011 and reported in the Worcester Journal of Learning and Teaching entitled ‘Blended learning: Evaluation of the WebCT Blackboard virtual learning environment in relation to asynchronous discussion and student assignments.’ The poster will include a background to this small scale research. A main feature of the poster will be the visual display of a range of models of asynchronous discussion threads and associated interpretations. Problems addressed: Visual representation of more complex discussion threads has been approached through colour coding within both linear and aggregated views. Research issues: The main research issue confronted in the initial 2011 study was the need to combine both quantitative and qualitative data within a predominantly generative format. Similarly, the current research aims to be a foundation for students developing their own strategies as part of a blended learning module. The data therefore needs to be presented in a way that is both accessible and evocative. Research methods: The data included posted messages to the online asynchronous discussion within a blended learning module; the results of a questionnaire relating to the students’ use of the star rating feature within Blackboard and; student assignments in which students evaluated their contribution to the asynchronous discussion and use of the VLE. The approach to categorising discussion threads was a qualitative adaptation of the social network analysis reported by Jimoyannis & Angelaina (2012 in the Journal of Computer Assisted Learning. Preliminary findings: • A range of models describing the asynchronous discussion threads have been identified and given the following labels: passive facilitator, dominant facilitator, multiple facilitators discussion, balanced discussion, cliqued discussion, formulaic discussion, self-referencing discussion, multiple sub-threads discussion. • One of the findings related to the questionnaire: Although students used a wider range of criteria for allocating star ratings, these criteria typically related to various dimensions of added value. • In relation to the student assignments: One of the findings is that many of the students have used Bloom’s digital taxonomy rubric to influence their approach to posting messages. This was to be expected as the previous 2011 research study was discussed within the module. Assignments have also shown students using alternative theoretical perspectives to support their analysis. Conference theme links: Blended learning approaches relate directly to the strand ‘The future is connected’ because of being a form of technology enhanced learning

Redefining the role of thiazolidinediones in the management of type 2 diabetes

There is a need to evaluate oral glucose-lowering agents not only for their value in achieving glycemic control but also for their impact on cardiac risk factor modification. This article reviews the evidence base for the two thiazolinediones currently available, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. These drugs exert their effects through actions affecting metabolic control, lipid profiles, and the vascular wall. They have been shown to be as efficacious in establishing glycemic control, in both monotherapy and combination therapy regimens, as more traditional oral agents, and may be able to sustain that control in the long term. Both thiazolidinediones have demonstrated favorable effects on markers of cardiovascular disease. Evidence from the large PROactive outcomes study suggests that pioglitazone may exert protective effects in patients with type 2 diabetes and macrovascular disease. Thiazolidinediones are generally well tolerated but they can cause weight gain, induce fluid retention, and may contribute to bone loss in postmenopausal women. The place of thiazolidinediones in the management of type 2 diabetes is well established. The potential for additional benefits in reducing macrovascular risk encourages further long-term study of these agents

Lixisenatide: evidence for its potential use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Lixisenatide is a once-daily glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist mimicking several favorable actions of endogenous GLP-1 that result in improved glycemic control with little or no hypoglycemia and weight loss. Phase II trials have shown that lixisenatide 20 μg once daily restores first-phase insulin release in patients with type 2 diabetes and improves the second-phase insulin response. Administered once or twice daily for 4 weeks, it significantly reduced postprandial and fasting blood glucose levels, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). The efficacy and safety of lixisenatide once daily is being assessed in the GETGOAL Phase III clinical trial program. Results have shown beneficial effects on HbA1c compared with placebo in combination with commonly used antidiabetes agents, with no increased risk of hypoglycemia and with beneficial weight reduction. Adverse effects were similar to those observed for available GLP-1 receptor agonists, the most frequent being gastrointestinal. Both GLP-1 receptor agonists and long-acting insulin analogs have demonstrated protective effects on beta cells in preclinical studies. This, along with the pronounced effect of lixisenatide on postprandial plasma glucose, provides a rationale for combining it with long-acting basal insulin analogs, in the hope that the additive effects on glycemic control combined with a potential benefit on islet cells may lead to a new treatment approach to control blood glucose better and prevent long-term complications in patients with type 2 diabetes

Insulin Glargine in the Treatment of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Insulin glargine is an analogue of human insulin that is modified to provide a consistent level of plasma insulin over a long duration. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies show that a single injection of insulin glargine leads to a smooth 24-hour time–action profile with no undesirable pronounced peaks of activity. In clinical trials, this profile has been associated with at least equivalent, if not better, glycemic control than other traditional basal insulins and a significantly lower rate of overall and nocturnal hypoglycemia. The convenience of a once-daily injection, a lack of need for resuspension (insulin glargine is a clear solution when injected), and lower rates of hypoglycemia should translate into improvements in patient treatment satisfaction. This review appraises the evidence for the view that insulin glargine represents an advance in basal insulin therapy for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients

Halogenation of A-frame µ-carbido complexes: synthesis of µ₂-halocarbynes

The reaction of [Rh2(μ-C)Cl2(PPh3)4] with bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm) affords the A-frame μ-carbido complex [Rh2(μ-C)Cl2(μ-dppm)2], halide metathesis of which provides [Rh2(μ-C)Br2(μ-dppm)2]. The reactions of the former with PhICl2 or the latter with [pyH][Br3] provide rare examples of μ2-halocarbyne ligands in the complexes [Rh2(μ-CX)(μ-X)X4(μ-dppm)2] (X = Cl, Br). Graphical abstract: Halogenation of A-frame μ-carbido complexes: synthesis of μ2-halocarbynes Linear bimetallic μ-carbido complexes may be described by one of three distinct bonding modes (Chart 1) depending on the effective atomic number requirements of the metal termini. The simplest and oldest1 involve identical metal termini and are best described as dimetallacumulenic in nature (Class A, Chart 1) with two formal M[double bond, length as m-dash]C double bonds.We gratefully acknowledge the Australian Research Council (DP170102695 and DP190100723) for funding