Review Of Current Thinking Research Articles

A Review of Current Thinking and Future Directions in Heritage Tourism Management

A Review of Current Thinking and Future Directions in Heritage Tourism Management

Discourse level phonology in the language curriculum: review of current thinking in teaching pronunciation in EFL courses

Este artigo oferece um esboço das idéias atuais na área de ensino de pronúncia e analisa as implicações das mudanças de ênfase que o autor considera fundamentais para um novo paradigma no ensino e aquisição de habilidades fonológicas. Os tópicos principais incluem a mudança de foco da fonologia segmental para os estudos suprasegmentais e discursivos na área de pronúncia e suas implicações para a prática pedagógica, bem como para a avaliação e o treinamento de professores e aprendizes. Incluem-se ainda outras questões, tais como o ambiente do aprendizado e o desenvolvimento dos cursos.

Binocular vision: Latest research on amblyopia treatment

Adele Elliott and Dr Kathleen Vancleef offer a review of current thinking in the management of amblyopia

Grandmother cells and localist representations: a review of current thinking

ABSTRACTThere is now a large literature in neuroscience highlighting how some neurons respond highly selectively to high-level information (e.g. cells that respond to specific faces) and a growing literature in psychology and computer science showing that artificial neural networks often learn highly selective representations. Nevertheless, the vast majority of neuroscientists reject “grandmother cell” theories out of hand, and many psychologists reject localist models based on neuroscience. In this review, I detail some of the conceptual confusions regarding grandmother cells that have contributed to this state of affairs, and review the literature of single-unit recording studies in artificial neural networks that may provide insights into why some neurons respond in a highly selective manner. I then briefly review the contributions from leading theorists in psychology and neuroscience. My hope this special issue contributes to a more productive debate on an important issue that has often been characterised by misunderstandings between disciplines.

Late Miocene–Quaternary rapid stepwise uplift of the NE Tibetan Plateau and its effects on climatic and environmental changes

The way in which the NE Tibetan Plateau uplifted and its impact on climatic change are crucial to understanding the evolution of the Tibetan Plateau and the development of the present geomorphology and climate of Central and East Asia. This paper is not a comprehensive review of current thinking but instead synthesises our past decades of work together with a number of new findings. The dating of Late Cenozoic basin sediments and the tectonic geomorphology of the NE Tibetan Plateau demonstrates that the rapid persistent rise of this plateau began ~8±1Ma followed by stepwise accelerated rise at ~3.6Ma, 2.6Ma, 1.8–1.7Ma, 1.2–0.6Ma and 0.15Ma. The Yellow River basin developed at ~1.7Ma and evolved to its present pattern through stepwise backward-expansion toward its source area in response to the stepwise uplift of the plateau. High-resolution multi-climatic proxy records from the basins and terrace sediments indicate a persistent stepwise accelerated enhancement of the East Asian winter monsoon and drying of the Asian interior coupled with the episodic tectonic uplift since ~8Ma and later also with the global cooling since ~3.2Ma, suggesting a major role for tectonic forcing of the cooling.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS): a clinical update and review of current thinking

Summary Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) describes a severe medication-induced adverse reaction, which has cutaneous, haematological and solid-organ features. It is one of the triad of life-threatening drug hypersensitivity dermatoses, along with acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN). In this article, we discuss several controversies that surround DRESS, including problems with nomenclature and the lack of consensus in diagnostic criteria.

Experimental validation of the R³I design evaluation methodology

How the validity of an emerging design method or methodology, such as relative reliability risk index (R3I), should be tested and demonstrated remains a vital question for the design research community. This paper provides a review of current thinking about the validation process and via a case study seeks to describe how an appropriate controlled experiment was developed to address the validation of a particular methodology. The experimental validation approach described here is shown to be linked to the impact model of research and is built upon the foundations of validation square. The results of this approach to validation suggest that a standard approach to validating emerging design methods is possible. This is illustrated here by demonstrating that an improvement in the quality of evaluating concept designs can be obtained when using the R³I evaluation methodology.

Learning for Change: Cross-disciplinary Postgraduate Programmes in Sustainability

Through connecting the local and global, higher education institutions play a vital role in addressing social, environmental and economic challenges and ultimately achieving a sustainable future. New Horizons: Responding to the Challenges of the 21st Century (Scottish Government, 2008), outlines the contributions which Scottish universities should make to the economy, culture and society, and to the political priorities of the Scottish Government. Learning for Change: Scotland’s Action Plan for the Second Half of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (Scottish Government, 2010) examines progress to date and sets out the actions that higher education institutions have committed to undertaking in the second half of the decade and beyond. These two important documents provide the context for work that has taken place at the University of Strathclyde in response to the challenges set out within them. The University of Strathclyde has been ranked first in the Engineering Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Observatory Report 2008 and plans to build on this success. The challenges presented by Sustainable Development are inherently holistic, demanding equal responses from all disciplines and this requires the development of a framework for University-wide, cross disciplinary teaching. This paper describes work that has taken place within the University to develop a new university-wide, multi-disciplinary, Strathclyde Masters programme in Sustainability (SMS) aimed at articulating a framework for integrating flagship postgraduate courses & classes, sustainability literacy, skills training workshops and subsequent continuing professional development courses. Conclusions are presented from the three main bodies of work involved: a review of current thinking in ESD; a multi-stakeholder consultation process involving students, academic and professional services staff within the university, and external stakeholders, and the creation of a Sustainability Map detailing current postgraduate provision of ESD at the University.

Symposium 1: The Space Occupied by Networked Learning in the Higher Education Curriculum: Revisiting the Networked Learning Manifesto

At Networked Learning 2002 following an ESRC seminar series a group of us presented a manifesto entitled: Working towards E-Quality in Networked e-Learning in Higher Education: A Manifesto Statement for Debate. (Sheffield 2002). The manifesto was and is a rhetorical document – such is the nature of manifestos. The intention of this symposium is to explore the theoretical and empirical substance of the claims therein and to consider their currency eight years on. Since 2002 there has been a great deal of development both in technological and pedagogical innovation and in the integration between the two. We feel it is timely to review the Manifesto to look at what might be missing and to consider what new issues have emerged and how the field of NL has developed. One of the intentions of the Manifesto was to claim a space for radical pedagogies within technology supported and on-line learning. The Manifesto’s focus on learning communities, the social and interactive aspects of learning and the significance of technology for the co-construction of knowledge was an initial attempt to do this. It succeeded in capturing some of the emergent ideas of the pedagogical potential considered of critical importance today. The Manifesto covered five key themes :–1. a working definition of networked e-learning;2. learning, teaching and assessment;3. changing the relationship between teachers and learners;4. supporting democratic processes, diversity and inclusion;5. the need for a networked e-learning policy. The symposium plan is to address each of these themes at the conference and then run an online seminar post conference to discuss further the issues and questions raised during the symposium session. At the symposium we will present a set of related papers comprising an introductory overview paper, which will discuss themes 1 and 5, and three thematic papers looking in depth at aspects of themes 2, 3 and 4. The four papers are;Paper 1: Revisiting the E-Quality in Networked Learning ManifestoLiz Beaty, Glynis Cousin and Vivien HodgsonThis paper will re-introduce the original manifesto presented at the Networked Learning conference in 2002. It will then focus on two themes; the working definition of networked learning, arguing that it is no longer necessary or helpful to include the ‘e’ in networked e-learning. The other theme this paper focuses on is the need for a networked learning policy based on explicit educational values and theory. Paper 2; Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Networked LearningVivien Hodgson and Michael ReynoldsThis paper examines the ideas behind the statements made in the Manifesto about learning, teaching and assessment in networked learning and the meaning and relevance of some of the key ideas to the current theory and practice of networked learning. The paper reviews current thinking in order to highlight issues which the manifesto raises and in addition, to examine these issues from the perspective of an empirical research study of networked learning practice. Paper 3; Re-Conceptualising the Boundaries of Networked Learning: The shifting relationship between learners and teachersLiz Beaty and James HowardThis paper engages with the changing relationship between teachers and learners. The paper argues that the ideas contained within the Manifesto can be advanced to more fully capture the shifting roles and relationships inherent within networked learning. To this end, this paper focuses on a core set of boundary definitions, central to the way networked learning is conceptualised and experienced. The paper revisits the concept of expertise within learning and argues for a new understanding of the role of expertise defined by transient boundaries. Expertise becoming a quality that moves between members of learning networks, dependent upon time, activity and focus. The consequences of this for professional development are explored. Paper 4; Student Led Network Learning Design.Glynis Cousin and Paul BrettThe theme examined by this paper is the one of supporting democratic processes, diversity and inclusion.In the paper the need to be apace with the ways in which the present generation of students are constituted as learners through technology is argued, together with the requirement to acknowledge the distinctiveness of this generation. The paper suggests that technical expertise and novel modes of learning are characteristic of this generation and cnsquently offer radical possibilities for network learning to soften the power of teachers and to position students as co-producers of knowledge. A framework for learning in the 21st CenturyThe intention is that each paper will identify key questions raised by each of the areas covered in the original Manifesto. The overall question that we would like to ask is; Have we reached a point where we require a framework for learning in the 21st Century rather than a revised version of the 2002 E-Quality in Networked e-learning in Higher Education Manifesto?

Towards a Framework for University-wide Postgraduate Programmes in Sustainability

It is intended that this paper add to the current literature and case studies detailing good practice lessons in embedding and promoting education for sustainable development within Higher Education Institutions (HEI's). At the mid-point of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD) it is crucial that educators, particularly HEI's, who are more autonomous in their policy making than pre-16 education, share their experiences and good practice methods of incorporating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) within the curriculum. To this end, the paper describes research that has taken place at the University of Strathclyde since January 2009, with the aim of developing a framework for university-wide, cross disciplinary research and postgraduate teaching in the area ESD. The vision for the Strathclyde Masters programme in Sustainability (SMS) is introduced as the objective for the three main stages of the research which have been undertaken: (i) a review of current thinking in ESD, (ii) a structured consultation programme and (iii) the creation of both a current and future 'sustainability map' showing postgraduate provision of ESD within the University. The narrative is preceded by a brief summary of the definitions of sustainable development (SD) before exploring the concept of ESD and its inherent disciplinary nature. The paper then examines the role that universities play in addressing the challenges of SD and describes the achievements that have established the University of Strathclyde to be a leader in the field of ESD. The review of current thinking in ESD uses literature and case studies detailing initiatives to embed ESD within Higher Education Institutions, to draw on recurring themes, graduate attributes and associated pedagogies. The paper then details the conclusions drawn from the initial multi-stakeholder consultation process involving external stakeholders, students, academic staff and the university's professional services. In addition, the model 'Sustainability Map' is presented offering an overview of postgraduate provision of ESD within the institution as a whole, alongside sample details of the courses offered and contributing departments.

Optimising nano-carbide precipitation in tool steels

It is well known that the wear resistance of tools can be improved using deep cold treatment to produce nucleation sites for the nano-sized carbides that form in the martensite during low temperature tempering following the extended treatment times. However, inconsistencies in the processing techniques used, particularly the soaking time at very low temperature and the steel's previous thermal history, have led to different conclusions as to the exact mechanisms involved. This paper reviews current thinking and attempts to explain the different results obtained in terms of the processing parameters and to elucidate the implications for the practical application of the technique to obtain optimum properties. An optimised process route using liquid nitrogen as the coolant is recommended and a possible technique to make further improvements in the process is suggested.

Airway Management in Babies With Micrognathia: The Case Against Early Distraction

Micrognathia, in isolation or as part of a craniofacial syndrome, can cause retroposition of the tongue base and narrowing of the oropharyngeal airway in children. Airway obstruction and associated feeding difficulties, if untreated, can result acutely in fatal respiratory distress and over a period of time can cause developmental delay, corpulmonale, and failure to thrive. Distraction is a technique that has been used for over a decade for correction of craniofacial deformities. More recently, this technique has gained acceptance for treatment of airway obstruction in newborns and babies who have a small or retruded mandible. However, mandibular distraction should not be looked upon as a panacea to relieve airway obstruction, as there are other proven nonsurgical and surgical means of treatment. These options, in aggregate, comprise our case against distraction. The question still remains as to which technique is appropriate in which circumstance? This is a review of current thinking and a suggested approach.

Research Ethics in Criminology

This paper provides a brief but critical review of current thinking and debate about research ethics in criminology; it falls into two parts. The first part of the paper describes the sorts of ethical issues that tend to be flagged up in ‘textbook’ accounts of ethics in criminological research; some recent efforts to devise codes of ethics for researchers in criminology; and developments in what might be termed the ‘ethical policing’ of social research. The second part briefly sketches some deeper issues to do with the ethics of research with ‘deviant subjects’. It suggests, in particular, that the ethical issues faced by criminological researchers cannot be ‘read off’ from a medical model of research. This, however, is not due simply to the greater use of qualitative methods of research in criminology. Rather, it is due to the distinctive political and ethical terrain occupied by criminology, which is significantly different to that occupied by medical research.

Information management and e‐learning

PurposeTo provide a review of the interface between e‐learning, digital libraries and learning content.Design/methodology/approachA review of current thinking and activity surrounding the delivery of content in e‐learning systems. Some analysis of information concerns and commentary on future scenarios.FindingsThe paper investigates the reality of information management in e‐learning practice. It looks at types of information extant in systems and analyses links between (virtual) learning environments, digital libraries and web content. It examines the potential for reuse of material in a university context and the supporting standards and technology.Research limitations/implicationsLooks particularly at UK and US context but also has an international dimension.Originality/valueIt brings together a disposable set of issues to provide a discursive but practical summary of the topic. It will be of value to an information manager faced with managing content in a learning organisation.

Diagnostic Issues in Penile and Vulvar Pathology

Diagnostic Issues in Penile and Vulvar Pathology

Benchmarking the management of projects: a review of current thinking

This paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of benchmarking project management and the difficulties of analysing the competencies and skills of project managers. Research has shown vast differences in the performance between leading companies and average companies in performing particular activities. By benchmarking leading companies, many firms have experienced significant success in upgrading their organisational capabilities. This paper begins the process for benchmarking project managers in an endeavour to improve management performance of similar projects. As benchmarking can significantly improve the performance of managing companies, it is argued that by benchmarking project management significant improvements can be experienced in the performance of projects.

Sex and the Clergy

This article reviews current thinking and literature about the concept of sexual behavior and those in the clergy profession. A bibliographic reference section is provided.

Ascites and encephalopathy in chronic liver disease.

Ascites and particularly encephalopathy in the setting of chronic liver disease are traditionally thought to be poor prognostic markers of end stage liver disease. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to these complications are based on experience with adult patients, however, differences in the spectrum of aetiologies causing end stage liver disease together with the relative resistance of the pediatric patient to encephalopathy impact on the management of such patients. The following is a review of current thinking in the aetiology and management of ascites and encephalopathy in the setting of chronic liver disease in children.

Numerical models of HDR geothermal reservoirs—a review of current thinking and progress

A brief review is presented of modelling and simulation of HDR geothermal reservoirs both for hydraulic fracturing/stimulation to create artificial/engineered geothermal reservoirs and for long-term heat extraction operations. Firstly, modelling of the governing factors is surveyed and coupling among mechanical, thermal, hydraulic and chemical effects is discussed. Next the structure and modelling of reservoirs are discussed. Finally, the features of a variety of simulation codes are summarized.

Preventing eating disorders—time to change programmes or paradigms? Current update and further recommendations

The present paper reviews current thinking and recent studies on the effect of school-based primary prevention programmes with respect to content, strategies and general principles. It is argued that a health promotion model should replace the disease prevention model. Suggestions as to future prevention work within this perspective are put forward. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.