Methodology and/or Technology: Making Difference in Improving Students\u27 Problem Solving Skills

Wirelessly networked, in-class computing opens a wide array of possibilities for active instructional methodologies (Hrepic, Rebello, & Zollman, 2009). Earlier studies showed a substantial potential that the pen input computers combined with interactive software like DyKnow (www.dyknow.com) may have in facilitating students’ problem solving ability. The session has two goals. The first one is to demonstrate the instructor-student classroom interaction dynamics enabled or facilitated by DyKnow software and pen-input computers. The second one is to present selected research findings associated with student learning while using this technology. The most recent of our studies was to isolate the effect of the methodology itself from that of the involved technology for improving student problem solving skills. References: Hrepic, Z., Rebello, N. S., & Zollman, D. A. (2009). Remedying Shortcomings of Lecture-Based Physics Instruction Through Pen-Based, Wireless Computing And DyKnow Software. In N. H. Salas & D. D. Peyton (Eds.), Reading: Assessment, Comprehension and Teaching (pp. 97-129): Nova Science Publishers; [reprinted in Journal of Education Research, 3(1/2), 161-190 (2009)]

Pride and Prejudice: A Netnographic Study of Boycott Motivations

The main purpose of this study is to provide an understanding of boycotter motivations in a current and ongoing boycott. From the data gathered the authors establish their own boycott motivation themes relating specifically to the Kellogg's case. A Netnography is the main method used for the collection of qualitative data. With the aid of previous literature the authors establish prevalent themes relating to the drivers of anti– consumption and boycott participation. These themes of the Evil Corporation, American Pride, and Pot Culture are compared with the pre‐established themes of Self– Image, Brand Avoidance, and Consumer Resistance and Retaliation. Among the first researchers to use a Netnographic approach (and qualitative data) to study an ongoing boycott, the conclusions show that one single egregious act motivates individuals to boycott for many different reasons

Biallelic loss-of-function variants in PLD1 cause congenital right-sided cardiac valve defects and neonatal cardiomyopathy

Congenital heart disease is the most common type of birth defect, accounting for one-third of all congenital anomalies. Using whole-exome sequencing of 2718 patients with congenital heart disease and a search in GeneMatcher, we identified 30 patients from 21 unrelated families of different ancestries with biallelic phospholipase D1 (PLD1) variants who presented predominantly with congenital cardiac valve defects. We also associated recessive PLD1 variants with isolated neonatal cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, we established that p.I668F is a founder variant among Ashkenazi Jews (allele frequency of ~2%) and describe the phenotypic spectrum of PLD1-associated congenital heart defects. PLD1 missense variants were overrepresented in regions of the protein critical for catalytic activity, and, correspondingly, we observed a strong reduction in enzymatic activity for most of the mutant proteins in an enzymatic assay. Finally, we demonstrate that PLD1 inhibition decreased endothelial-mesenchymal transition, an established pivotal early step in valvulogenesis. In conclusion, our study provides a more detailed understanding of disease mechanisms and phenotypic expression associated with PLD1 loss of function

Psychological adjustment among partners of women at high risk of developing breast/ovarian cancer

Purpose: The aim of the current research was to characterize psychological adjustment among partners of women at high risk of developing breast/ovarian cancer and to explore the relationship between women's and partners' adjustment. Methods: A study of 95 unaffected at-risk women and 95 partners was carried out using mailed, self-administered questionnaires with validated measures of psychological outcome. Results: Elevated levels of distress were noted in up to 10% of partners. High monitoring coping style and greater perceived breast cancer risk for their wife were associated with higher distress levels for partners. However, communicating openly with their wife and the occurrence of a recent cancer-related event in the woman's family were related to lower distress for partners. Partners' cancer-specific distress was positively related to their wives' distress. Conclusion: Among partners with elevated levels of distress, the ability to provide effective support to the at-risk women and participate appropriately in their decision making may be compromised. These partners are likely to benefit from targeted clinical interventions designed to reduce their distress levels. The findings emphasize the importance of considering partners of at-risk women in service provision and highlight the need for partners to obtain information and support specifically tailored to their needs.10 page(s