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‘A learner is like a snowflake, each unique’: Uncovering pre‐service language teachers' perceptions of differentiation relying on visualisations, metaphors and group discussions
No full textThis article examines pre-service language teachers' perceptions of learning and teaching and how differentiation manifests itself in them. The 67 participants visualised ‘an ideal language learning situation’ and complemented a number of teaching-related metaphors, for instance, ‘A teacher is like…’ and ‘A learner is like…’ in the first session of their pedagogical studies. Seven participants returned to reflect on these outputs in group discussions held at the end of their studies. The data were analysed qualitatively following thematic analysis. We identified some themes of differentiation already in the initial outputs, that is, visualisations and metaphors, such as teaching methods and learning environment. In particular, the metaphors contained references to the individuality and uniqueness of the pupils. In the group discussions, the participants further highlighted the importance of differentiation for instance through the themes of differentiation for high-achieving pupils and the contradiction between ideal and practice. Based on the group discussions, the participants' understanding of differentiation expanded at least to some extent during their studies. Overall, the results suggest that the ideal of differentiation is present at some level when students enter their studies and that they are able to embrace it even more during their studies. Despite this, some participants still reflected rather limited views of differentiation, for instance, the focus on ability levels and textbook-based learning. This implies that differentiation should be addressed more profoundly in pre-service teacher education.</p
Prediction of bullying at work: A data-driven analysis of the Finnish public sector cohort study
No full textAimTo determine the extent to which change in (i.e., start and end of) workplace bullying can be predicted by employee responses to standard workplace surveys.MethodsResponses to an 87-item survey from 48,537 Finnish public sector employees at T1 (2017–2018) and T2 (2019–2020) were analyzed with least-absolute-shrinkage-and-selection-operator (LASSO) regression. The predictors were modelled both at the individual- and the work unit level. Outcomes included both the start and the end of bullying. Predictive performance was evaluated with C-indices and density plots.ResultsThe model with best predictive ability predicted the start of bullying with individual-level predictors, had a C-index of 0.68 and included 25 variables, of which 6 remained in a more parsimonious model: discrimination at work unit, unreasonably high workload, threat that some work tasks will be terminated, working in a work unit where everyone did not feel they are understood and accepted, having a supervisor who was not highly trusted, and a shorter time in current position. Other models performed even worse, either from the point of view of predictive performance, or practical useability.DiscussionWhile many bivariate associations between socioeconomic characteristics, work characteristics, leadership, team climate, and job satisfaction were observed, reliable individualized detection of individuals at risk of becoming bullied at workplace was not successful. The predictive performance of the developed risk scores was suboptimal, and we do not recommend their use as an individual-level risk prediction tool. However, they might be useful tool to inform decision-making when planning the contents of interventions to prevent bullying at an organizational level.</ul
Lost in the curve: Investigating the disappearing knots in blazar 3C 454.3
No full textOne of the most well-known extragalactic sources in the sky, quasar 3C 454.3, shows a curved parsec-scale jet that has been exhaustively monitored with very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) over the recent years. In this work, we present a comprehensive analysis of four years of high-frequency VLBI observations at 43 GHz and 86 GHz, between 2013-2017, in total intensity and linear polarization. The images obtained from these observations enabled us to study the jet structure and the magnetic field topology of the source on spatial scales down to 4.6 parsec in projected distance. The kinematic analysis reveals the abrupt vanishing of at least four new superluminal jet features in a characteristic jet region (i.e., region C), which is located at an approximate distance of 0.6 milliarcsec from the VLBI core. Our results support a model in which the jet bends, directing the relativistic plasma flow almost perfectly toward our line of sight, co-spatially with the region where components appear to stop
Characterization of Expanded Gamma Delta T Cells from Atypical X-SCID Patient Reveals Preserved Function and IL2RG-Mediated Signaling
No full textAbnormally high γδ T cell numbers among individuals with atypical SCID have been reported but detailed immunopheno typing and functional characterization of these expanded γδ T cells are limited. We have previously reported atypical SCID phenotype caused by hypomorphic IL2RG (NM_000206.3) c.172C > T;p.(Pro58Ser) variant. Here, we have further investigated the index patient's abnormally large γδ T cell population in terms of function and phenotype by studying IL2RG cell surface expression, STAT tyrosine phosphorylation and blast formation in response to interleukin stimulation, immunophenotyping, TCRv gamma sequencing, and target cell killing. In contrast to his αβ T cells, the patient's γδ T cells showed normal IL2RG cell surface expression and normal or enhanced IL2RG-mediated signaling. V delta 2 + population was proportionally increased with a preponderance of memory phenotypes and high overall tendency towards perforin expression. The patient's γδ T cells showed enhanced cytotoxicity towards A549 cancer cells. His TCRvγ repertoire was versatile but sequencing of IL2RG revealed a novel c.534C > A; p.(Phe178Leu) somatic missense variant restricted to γδ T cells. Over time this variant became predominant in γδ T cells, though initially present only in part of them. IL2RG-Pro58Ser/Phe178Leu variant showed higher cell surface expression compared to IL2RG-Pro58Ser variant in stable HEK293 cell lines, suggesting that somatic p.(Phe178Leu) variant may at least partially rescue the pathogenic effect of germline p.(Pro58Ser) variant. In conclusion, our report indicates that expansion of γδ T cells associated with atypical SCID needs further studying and cannot exclusively be deemed as a homeostatic response to low numbers of conventional T cells.</p
Sense of coherence as influencing information sharing at the workplace
No full textPurposeThis study introduces sense of coherence (SOC) as a factor in information sharing at the workplace.Design/methodology/approachData were collected by a survey conducted on 311 respondents in a multinational organization, and analyzed using partial least square structural equation modelling.FindingsSOC influenced information sharing both directly and indirectly as mediated by trust and employee learning orientation. Trust, moreover, influenced receiving information more strongly than sending it, while employee learning orientation more strongly affected sending information.Originality/valueThe findings underline the importance of a holistic understanding of information sharing, including individual differences and employee well-being.</p
Three-Enzyme Cascade Catalyzes Conversion of Auramycinone to Resomycin in Chartreusin Biosynthesis
No full textChartreusin is a potent antiproliferative agent that contains a unique aromatic pentacyclic bislactone carbon scaffold. The biosynthesis of type II polyketide aglycone has been extensively investigated and shown to proceed through a tetracyclic anthracycline intermediate. The last remaining unknown steps are the conversion of auramycinone to resomycin C. Here we have discovered three enzymes that play crucial roles in two mechanistically distinct dehydration reactions. We show that ChaX is an NAD(P)H-dependent auramycinone quinone reductase that allows the cyclase-like ChaU to catalyze the formation of 9,10-dehydroauramycinone via a carbanion intermediate. In contrast, the cyclase-like ChaJ, homologous to ChaU, is responsible for subsequent 7,8-dehydration via a canonical carbocation intermediate, yielding resomycin C. The results were confirmed via assembly of the biosynthetic pathway for production of resomycin C in Streptomyces coelicolor M1152 Delta matAB. The work expands the catalytic repertoire of the SnoaL protein family, which has previously been associated with anthracycline fourth-ring cyclization and two-component 1-hydroxylation
Profile and Content of Residual Alkaloids in Ten Ecotypes of Lupinus mutabilis Sweet after Aqueous Debittering Process
No full textThe evaluation of the level of alkaloids in edible Lupinus species is crucial from a food safety point of view. Debittering of lupin seeds has a long history; however, the control of the level of alkaloids after processing the seeds is typically only evaluated by changes in the bitter taste. The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile and residual levels of quinolizidine alkaloids (QA) in (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) after aqueous debittering process. Samples from 10 ecotypes from different areas of Peru were analyzed before and after the process. Based on results obtained by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, from eight alkaloids identified before the debittering process, only small amounts of lupanine (avg. 0.0012 g/100 g DM) and sparteine (avg. 0.0014 g/100 g DM) remained in the seeds after the debittering process, and no other alkaloids were identified. The aqueous debittering process reduced the content of alkaloids to levels far below the maximal level allowed by international regulations (<= 0.2 g/kg DM)
Top Achievers in Mathematics in the End of Upper Secondary School
No full textImportant questions regarding mathematical giftedness are how and when it is possible to identify. To be identified as gifted, the student must have natural potential but also an appropriate mix of motivation, support, and challenges. This study is based on longitudinal data following students from 3rd grade in primary school to the end of upper secondary school between 2005 and 2015. We focus on top achievers (Keywords: giftedness; longitudinal research; mathematics; top achievers</p