Students' perspective of a mathematics extension programme designed with special interest in history : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Educational Studies (Mathematics) at Massey University

The current Mathematics in the New Zealand Curriculum (Ministry of Education, 1992) includes the development of mathematical talent as a major aim of mathematics education. In catering for the individual needs of all students, the document emphasizes that students with exceptional ability in mathematics must be extended and are not expected to repeat the work they have already mastered. Talented students should be exposed to broader, richer, and more challenging mathematical experiences, should be allowed to investigate whole new topics, and work at a higher conceptual level. Despite a growing awareness among secondary school teachers of the needs of mathematically gifted and talented students in the New Zealand secondary school classrooms, there are few exemplars of how mathematics programmes can be adapted for class groups of talented students. This study involves an investigation based on student perceptions of a mathematics programme that build on specific interest of a whole class group of students. The aim of this qualitative exploratory case study, undertaken in an urban secondary school for girls, was to seek students' views on a Year 10 mathematics extension programme. As part of their Year 10 general extension programme, they participated in mathematics extension and studied history as their chosen option. While all students in this class were academically talented and high achievers in their core subject areas, not all of them were equally talented, or equally interested in mathematics. The mathematics extension programme, designed by their mathematics teacher (the researcher), specifically integrated their interest in history. Data was generated from student self-evaluation questionnaires at the beginning of the course, and student questionnaires and focus-group interviews at the end of the course. Students' written and verbal responses were analyzed and then conclusions drawn. The findings suggested that by approaching mathematics from a historical point of view and thereby building on their common interest, the programme of study facilitated the development of mathematical talent and supported students in developing interest and a positive disposition towards mathematics

Seabird Colonies and Distributions around Devon Island and Vicinity

Nineteen glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus) colonies, two Thayer's gull (L. thayeri) colonies, and three fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) colonies were recorded during one intensive, and several short, aerial surveys around Devon Island in the summer of 1972. Observations were also made of distributions of seabirds at sea and at colonies on some adjacent islands (Dundas, Margaret, Baillie-Hamilton, and Cornwallis). Only 2 of the 29 colonies examined have been described previously. The great importance of Lancaster Sound to the present and future welfare of arctic seabirds is discussed

Birds of Bylot Island and Adjacent Baffin Island, Northwest Territories, Canada, 1979 To 1997

Observations of birds in the Bylot Island region from 1979 to 1997, with emphasis on the southwest part of the island each summer since 1989, revealed an avifauna composed of 63 species, of which 35 were breeding. Thirteen species are new records for the region, including one for the Northwest Territories (black-headed gull, Larus ridibundus) and two for the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (killdeer, Charadrius vociferus; mew gull, Larus canus). Two species, Canada goose (Brant canadensis) and red knot (Calidris canutus), were also confirmed as breeders for the first time in the region. A summary of these avifaunal observations, along with a review of previous observations made in the region, allows changes in population size and status of individual species to be identified. These records combined with those from earlier studies give a total of 74 species for the Bylot Island region, 45 confirmed as breeders. This makes the avian community in the area one of the most diverse known north of 70° N latitude in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.Nos observations d'oiseaux dans la région de l'île Bylot entre 1979 et 1997, et en particulier dans la région du sud-ouest depuis 1989, ont permis de recenser une avifaune de 63 espèces, dont 35 nicheuses. Treize n'avaient jamais été rapportées précédemment dans la région, incluant une nouvelle mention pour les Territoires du Nord-Ouest (mouette rieuse, Larus ridibundus) et deux pour l'archipel arctique canadien (pluvier kildir, Charadrius vociferus; goéland cendré, Larus canus). De plus, nous avons confirmé la nidification de deux nouvelles espèces pour la région, soit la bernache du Canada (Branta canadensis) et le bécasseau maubèche (Calidris canutus). Nous présentons le sommaire de ces observations, de même qu'une revue de la littérature touchant les oiseaux de la région et nous discutons des changements récents dans l'état des populations de certaines espèces. Avec un total de 74 espèces et plus de 45 nicheurs confirmés, la région comprend probablement l'avifaune la plus diversifiée de l'archipel arctique canadien au nord du 70° de lat. N

Evaluating insulin information provided on discharge summaries in a secondary care hospital in the United Kingdom

Abstract Background: Prescribing errors at the time of hospital discharge are common and could potentially lead to avoidable patient harm, especially when they involve insulin, a high-risk medicine widely used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. When information regarding insulin therapy is not sufficiently communicated to a patient’s primary care provider, continuity of care for patients with diabetes may be compromised. The objectives of this study were to investigate the nature and prevalence of insulin-related medication discrepancies contained in hospital discharge summaries for patients with diabetes. A further objective was to examine the timeliness and completeness of relevant information regarding insulin therapy provided on discharge summaries. Methods: The study was undertaken at a large foundation trust hospital in the North of England, UK. A retrospective analysis of discharge summaries of all patients who were being treated with insulin and were included in the 2016 National Inpatient Diabetes Audit was conducted. Insulin regimen information provided on discharge summaries was scrutinised in light of available medical records pertaining to the admission and current national recommendations. Results: Thirty-three (79%) out of the 42 patients included in the study had changes made to their insulin regimen during hospital admission. Eighteen (43%) patients were identified as having an error or discrepancy relating to insulin on their discharge summary. A total of 27 insulin errors or discrepancies were identified on discharge, most commonly involving non-communication of an insulin dose change (n = 8) and wrong insulin device (n = 7). Seventeen issues relating to completeness of insulin information were identified, including the omission of the prescribed time of insulin administration (n = 10) and unexplained insulin dose change (n = 4). Two patients who had insulin-related errors identified on their discharge summaries were readmitted to hospital within 30 days of discharge due to poor diabetic control. Conclusions: This small-scale study demonstrates that errors and discrepancies regarding insulin therapy on discharge persist despite current insulin safety initiatives. Poorly communicated information regarding insulin therapy may jeopardise optimal glycaemic control and continuity of patient care. Insulin-related information should be comprehensively documented at the point of discharge. This is to improve communication across the interface and to minimise risks to patient safet

Measurements, Chick Meals and Breeding Distribution of Dovekies (Alle alle) in Northwest Greenland

This paper reports the results of an investigation of Dovekies (Alle alle L.) breeding near Cape Atholl and Siorapaluk in the Thule District, Northwest Greenland during July and August 1978. Mean values for body measurements of breeding birds were: total length = 218.2 mm (n = 265), wing length = 122.9 mm (n - 266), tail length - 40.8 mm (n = 266) and body weight = 150.5 g (n = 209). Most measurements between the sexes were not significantly different, but mean body weight of males (153.8 g) was significantly greater than that of females (147.2 g). Body weight was highly correlated with wing length and total length in males, but not in females. Food delivered to nestlings consisted primarily of copepods (Calanus hyperboreas and C. glacialis) and amphipods (Parathemisto libellula and Apherusa glacialis). Size of chick meals delivered by male and female parents did not differ significantly and average meal weight was 3.48 g (sd = 1.24, n = 204) with mean weight of meals increasing through the chick-rearing period. General information is presented on measurements of subadults, timing of breeding, feeding areas, population size and colony attendance, and predation and disturbance. The distribution of Dovekie colonies in the Thule District is reviewed and compared with earlier information.Key words: Dovekie, morphometrics, chick diet, seabirds, NW GreenlandMots clés: Dovekie, morphométrie, régime des oisillons, oiseaux marins, nord-ouest du Groenlan

Servants of Globalisation: the case of highly skilled migrant women employed in the medical profession in the UK

This paper seeks to address the dearth in gender focused skilled migration theory. The study aims to obtain a deeper understanding of the highly skilled female migration experiences and motivations of highly skilled migrant women employed within the British healthcare sector and seeks to recommend good practice points for relevant organisations. This project presents data collected through a series of semi-structured interviews with female highly skilled medical professionals working in independent hospitals and hospices throughout the Midlands and South Yorkshire, UK. Four female migrant doctors and four overseas nurses participated within the research. Subjects originated from four locations: The United States of America, South Africa, The Philippines and India. The cohort consisted a various ethnic backgrounds: one black American, two black-African, one white African and three Asian. The findings showed that migrants exhibiting markers of difference faced high levels of negative experiences such as racial discrimination, downward mobility and verbal abuse. Overall highly skilled female migrants experienced a cumulative disadvantage. Skilled female migrant motivators included spousal obligations, financial betterment and opportunities for the family. The report concludes by highlighting the need to address racial discrimination and inequality within the British healthcare secto