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Related Data for: How bodily engagement support design in groups: An exploratory study of hand gesture patterns in higher and lower-performing groups in design tasks
No full textCollaborative learning plays an instrumental role in productive engineering design, during which students employ multiple communication channels simultaneously to co-construct and negotiate ideas. However, existing literature on the design process mostly focused on students’ verbal discussion, overlooking hand gestures during design discourses. This study aims to investigate hand gesture employment patterns during essential engineering design discourses as well as their differences in higher and lower-performing design groups. 15 dyads of fourth-year undergraduate students participated in this study, whose collaborative engineering design behaviors were video recorded. Quantitative ethnography methodology was adopted to identify hand gesture patterns in higher- and lower-performing groups in design tasks. This study found that higher-performing groups tended to apply depictive gestures, and echo gestures while lower-performing groups applied metaphorical gestures during discussion. Besides, lower-performing groups used gesture alternation to build upon others’ ideas while higher-performing groups employed gesture alternation to redirect and negotiate ideas. The empirical evidence expands the current understanding of hand gestures’ role in design thinking and collaborative learning. The findings provide a direct reference for embodied design and instructions for productive collaborative learning in authentic engineering classrooms
Related Data for: High salinity reduces plant growth and photosynthetic performance but enhances certain nutritional quality of C4 halophyte Portulaca oleracea L. grown hydroponically under LED lighting
No full textPortulaca oleracea L. (known as purslane) is one of the most nutritious leafy vegetables owing to its high content of antioxidants. In this study, all plants were grown indoors hydroponically with different NaCl salinities. Photosynthetic photo flux density (PPFD) at 200 μmol m−2 s−1 (12 h) was provided to all plants by LED with red:blue ratio of 2.2. Thirty days after transplanting, plants grown with100 mM NaCl had the highest productivity and the fastest leaf growth followed by those with 0, 200 and 300 mM NaCl. Grown with 300 mM NaCl, purslane had the lowest specific leaf area due to its highest leaf dry matter content and its lowest water content. All plants had similar values of leaf succulence except for those with 300 mM NaCl. Total chlorophyll and carotenoids contents were significantly higher in plants grown with 0 and 100 mM NaCl than with 200, and 300 mM NaCl. All plants had Fv/Fm ratios close to 0.8. However, electron transport rate and ΔF/Fm′ were significantly higher in plants grown with 0 and 100 mM NaCl than with 200 and 300 mM NaCl. CAM-induced purslane with 300 mM NaCl had higher non-photochemical quenching. Maximum net photosynthetic O2 evolution rate and Cyt b6f concentration were significantly lower with 300 mM NaCl compared to all other plants while all plants had similar PS II concentration. Proline concentration increased with increasing salinities. All plants had similar levels of total soluble sugars. Plants grown with 0 and 100 mM NaCl had significantly higher concentrations of NO3−, total reduced nitrogen, total leaf soluble protein, Rubisco protein, total ascorbic acid, and total phenolic compounds than with 200 and 300 mM NaCl. The highest concentrations of K, Ca, and Mg were found in purslane grown under 0 mM NaCl. Statistically, no significant differences in Fe concentrations were observed among all plants. However, salinity seems to increase Fe concentration. In conclusion, it is feasible to grow purslane under 100 mM NaCl as it is the most optimal condition to achieve higher productivity and better quality. However, the production of antioxidants may depend on not only salinity but also other growth conditions
Related Data for Thesis/Dissertation: Factors influencing teachers' self-efficacy beliefs in delivering a tier 2 CBT-based programme in secondary schools and upper primary levels
No full textGiven that there is an increase in the number of children with social-emotional and behavioural difficulties and schools are best positioned to support them, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-based programmes within a Tiered System of Support framework may be implemented. A Tier 2 programme may be considered as it is an efficient use of resources to target a larger group of students than Tier 3 while being more targeted than Tier 1. Implementation drivers of staff selection and training would need to be considered for effective implementation. As such, this study explored factors that were related to teacher self-efficacy beliefs for delivering a Tier 2 CBT-based programme. Vignettes which required participants to consider how confident they would feel when required to deliver and facilitate sessions were used. Survey data on 103 teachers’ (mean age = 38.0 years, SD = 9.63) self-efficacy beliefs for teaching in general (using the Teacher Self-Efficacy Scale [TSES]), teachers’ sources of self-efficacy beliefs (Mastery Experience, Vicarious Experience, Social Persuasion, Physiological/Affective State), as well as demographic variables were collected.
Based on the quantitative results, one of the four theorised sources of self-efficacy, Mastery Experience, and self-efficacy beliefs for teaching in general were significant predictors of self-efficacy beliefs for delivering a Tier 2 CBT-based programme. While quantitative results did not suggest that Vicarious Experience was a significant predictor, it was frequently highlighted when participants were asked for qualitative comments that opportunities to observe peers, professionals and other teachers with more experience, as well as role-play, would help them feel more confident to deliver such sessions.
Additionally, this study did not find any significant correlation between self-efficacy beliefs for delivering a Tier 2 CBT-based programme and demographic variables, including years of experience and prior training in social-emotional support. The lack of a quantitative relationship between prior training and self-efficacy beliefs for delivering a CBT-based programme might be due to the prior training not being specific to providing a CBT-based programme. On the other hand, training was often cited in response to the qualitative items as a type of support that participants felt would help them feel more confident to deliver such a programme. Hence, training which is specific to the domain in which self-efficacy beliefs needs to be raised should be provided.
These results can be used to inform the selection of educators for such a programme and in designing the training for these teachers. Future studies may then explore the outcomes of such trainings and CBT-based programmes both in terms of teacher self-efficacy beliefs as well as student outcomes.</p
Related Data for: Pre-schoolers’ use of technology and digital media in Singapore: Entertainment indulgence and/or learning engagement?
No full textThe proliferation of information and communication technology (ICT) has changed the way we live and this also has implications on how it is used for learning and entertainment. However, technology and digital media are more often seen as gateways to entertainment and the attraction is a very strong one. This is true for adults and children including pre-schoolers. This online survey research investigated parents’ attitudes and concerns towards their pre-schoolers’ use of technology and digital media in Singapore. More specifically, this survey research explored parents’ attitudes towards the ‘what’ and ‘why’ questions of pre-schoolers’ use of technology and digital media at home; what technological devices were more commonly used, what digital media activities were pre-schoolers mostly engaged in (i.e., learning or entertainment) and why technology and digital media were used. Parents were also surveyed if they were concerned about some perceived effects of their pre-schooler’s digital media use. Although parents rated and ranked improving their pre-schoolers’ skills and knowledge as the highest in terms of importance of digital media use, the findings of the survey reflected that the amount of time their pre-schoolers use technology and digital media for entertainment is significantly more than that for learning
Related Data for: The effects of nitrate ingestion on high-intensity endurance time-trial performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBackground/Objective Dietary nitrate ingestion extends endurance capacity, but data supporting endurance time-trial performance are unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the evidence for dietary nitrate supplementation to improve high-intensity endurance time-trial performance over 5–30 min on the premise that nitrate may alleviate peripheral fatigue over shorter durations. Methods A systematic literature search and data extraction was carried out following PRISMA guidelines and the PICOS framework within five databases: PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Scopus and SPORTDiscus. Search terms used were: (nitrate OR nitrite OR beetroot) AND (high intensity OR all out) AND (time trial or total work done) AND performance. Results Twenty-four studies were included. Fifteen studies applied an acute supplementation strategy (4.1 mmol–15.2 mmol serving on one day), eight chronic supplementation (4.0 mmol–13.0 mmol per day over 3–15 days), and one applied both acute and chronic supplementation (8.0 mmol on one day and over 15 days). Standardised mean difference for time-trial ranging from 5 to 30 min showed an overall trivial effect in favour of nitrate (Hedges'g = 0.15, 95% CI -0.00 to 0.31, Z = 1.95, p = 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed a small, borderline effect in favour of chronic nitrate intervention (Hedges'g = 0.30, 95% CI -0.00 to 0.59, Z = 1.94, p = 0.05), and a non-significant effect for acute nitrate intervention (Hedges'g = 0.10, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.28, Z = 1.11, p = 0.27). Conclusion Chronic nitrate supplementation improves time-trial performance ranging from 5 to 30 min
Related Data for: Low back pain and biomechanical characteristics of back muscles in firefighters
No full textFirefighters often experience low back pain (LBP), but their back muscle characteristics are not well studied. This study aimed to 1) compare the biomechanical characteristics of back muscles and self-reported back disabilities in frontline firefighters with and without LBP history, and 2) examine the relationships between back disability and biomechanical measurements. We recruited 42 male firefighters and assessed their perceived pain and disabilities, maximum isometric back extension strength, passive stiffness, and fatigability of the longissimus. 54.8% of the participants experienced LBP within the past year. Those indicating higher pain intensity also had greater disability as indicated by the Oswestry Disability Index. There were no significant differences in strength, stiffness or fatigability of the back muscles between firefighters with and without LBP history. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significant relationship between the back disability and any biomechanical or demographic measures, likely due to the high functional abilities of the participants
Related Data for: Scoping review of mindfulness research: A topic modelling approach
No full textObjectives: As the volume of mindfulness research continues amassing exponentially, there have been attempts to review works in various aspects of mindfulness research systematically. The present study provides a scoping review via a topic modelling approach to supplement the overall research synthesis effort. Specifically, the objective is to scope the mindfulness research by identifying topics relevant to mindfulness research using the probabilistic topic modelling approach.
Methods: A literature search based on “mindfulness” returned 5947 bibliographical records from the Web of Science Core Collection platform (for records up to 20 October 2017). The combined field of titles and abstracts was subjected to probabilistic topic modelling based on latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA).
Results: The optimal number of topics suggested was 106. Further interpretation by the research team resulted in a total of 231 Suggested Terms. The terms were further categorised into Condition/Issue, Construct/Philosophy, Modality, Population/Setting and Research Methodology.
Conclusions: The topic modelling process obtained a panoptic view of mindfulness research, providing mindfulness researchers with some indicators regarding the range of topics researched. The outcome of this topic modelling effort has been made available at https://hdl.handle.net/10497/20862.</p
Related data for: Original investigation: Manipulating energy availability in male endurance runners: A randomised controlled trial
No full textThis study investigated the effect of four days low energy availability (LEA) on physiological markers and mood states in male endurance runners. Twelve participants (mean (standard deviation)); age: 25.8 (3.8) years; fat free mass (FFM): 52.8 (5.5) kg) completed three 4-day conditions: Adequate Energy Availability, AEA: 45 kcal/kgFFM/day; LEA1: 30 kcal/kgFFM/day; and LEA2: 15 kcal/kgFFM/day), in a randomized order. Participants ran on a treadmill at 65% of V̇O2max until they expended 15 kcal/kg FFM/day of energy. Energy intake was adjusted to achieve the desired EA. Pre- and post- measurements of bone turnover, metabolism, testosterone and estradiol (plasma), resting metabolic rate (indirect calorimetry), and mood states (Brunel Mood Scale) were assessed. The results reported a significant decrease in testosterone (condition × time interaction, p=0.03) occurred on LEA2 (Pre: 23.8 (7.0) nmol/L vs Post: 20.3 (7.7) nmol/L) compared with AEA (Pre: 22.9 (5.5) nmol/L vs Post: 23.3 (6.1) nmol/L) or LEA1 (Pre: 23.6 (8.6) nmol/L vs Post: 20.9 (8.8) nmol/L). Fatigue level significantly increased (condition × time interaction, p=0.02) in LEA2 (Pre: 3.5 (1.7) vs Post: 6.5 (2.9)) but did not change in AEA (Pre: 2.8 (1.5) vs Post: 2.5 (2.7)) or LEA1 (Pre: 2.8(2.4) vs Post: 2.9 (2.0)). Other measures were unaffected by the interventions. In conclusion, this study suggests testosterone and fatigue may serve as early indicators of LEA in male runners. However, other physiological markers and mood states appeared largely unaffected, aligning with existing literature indicating minimal disruption of physiological functions during acute LEA in male athletes
Related Data for: Working memory and numeracy training for children with math learning difficulties: Evidence from a large-scale implementation in the classroom
No full textWe explored the challenges, limitations, and potential effectiveness of a large-scale computerized working memory and numeracy intervention in the classroom with children at risk of mathematical learning disabilities (n = 428, Mage = 83.85 months, 41% female). Children were assigned to four different treatment protocols (working memory [WM], working memory plus numeracy [NWM], numeracy [NUM], and active control [AC]) that were implemented as part of normally scheduled class activities for 1 year. Wide variability in training exposure highlighted the challenges of implementing an ecologically valid large-scale classroom intervention. The NUM and NWM intervention contributed to improvements in various early numeracy skills as well as math achievement after accounting for training exposure. Some of these effects emerged once the intervention concluded. However, the intervention failed to improve WM, which was likely due to insufficient training dosage in the practical setting. Findings suggest that combining both working memory and numerical skills training is worth further investigation. The study also provides evidence of challenges related to the implementation of training programs in real-life learning environments
Related Data for Thesis/Dissertation: Rotating magnetic field driven plasma engine for space propulsion
No full textThe development of thrusters for spacecraft has seen a tremendous growth and the number of spacecraft including small satellites and CubeSats has been increasing exponentially over the past several decades. Electric thrusters flourish where traditional chemical thrusters fail to meet requirements. The advent of electric thrusters has helped humans travel further from Earth and has the potential to be developed for interstellar flights due to their advantages such as high velocity increments, long operational lifetimes, high impulse-to-weight ratios and high impulse-to-power ratios. In this work, a Rotating Magnetic Field (RMF) driven plasma engine is developed based on a technique in a compact torus configuration – rotamak, initially proposed for controlled thermonuclear fusion. Its potential in electric propulsion is applied to design a small electrodeless space thruster. Crucial mechanisms were researched and elucidated in the rotamak, i.e. the RMF, the driven current and the Field Reversed Configuration (FRC). The driven azimuthal current was reached 2 kA with a total RMF power of 400 W and the argon plasma density was 6.0 ×1018 m3. However, the production, confinement and acceleration of plasma in a small thruster with a length of 15 cm is challenging. Substantial multifarious physical characterisations were conducted and a well-developed measurement system was designed and built. The electrical and optical properties, characterisation of the plasma plume, and performance of the thruster prototype were studied by various techniques and plasma diagnostics. With the application of the rotamak technique, a relatively high-density (over 1019 m−3) and low-temperature (about 1 eV) krypton plasma was built in the thruster and worked under a low total power of 200~400 W, with a long pulse of up to dozens of seconds. Plasma coupling efficiency up to 70% was achieved resulting in most of the ions having energy higher than 2500 eV