Single Spell Research Articles

What Quality Talk in a Reading Circle Does for Interthinking

ABSTRACT In the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classroom, speaking is a relatively marginalised learning activity, often employed merely to facilitate transition between activities which prioritise communication skills deemed more important. A significant consequence of this privation is limited practice in situated discourse. This paper presents a theorised account of an instance of situated discourse: Quality Talk in a reading circle within an EAP classroom. With reference to a single dialogic spell unfolding around a specific issue, I examine participants’ verbal transactions and the ways in which these enhance high-level comprehension of text. Overall, this account seeks to highlight the efficacy and affordances of situated discourse as a social mode of cognition in EAP instruction.

John Sheppard (c.1514–1558/59) at Oxford and the Chapel Royal: exculpation and clarification

Abstract The received biography available for the English composer John Sheppard (c.1514 – late 1558 or early 1559) is amenable to clarification at a number of points. He was employed as Master of the Choristers at Magdalen College, Oxford, for just a single spell, September 1543 to early 1548. The available evidence suggests that he proceeded thence directly to admission to the Chapel Royal. He had no further contact with Magdalen College; an instance of kidnap and confinement perpetrated in 1555 that is commonly attributed to him was instead committed by one Richard Sheparde/Sheper/Sheprey, a fellow of the college. Despite being only an imperfect draft, his ‘will’ of 1 December 1558 reveals much about his family circumstances at Westminster. He died between 1 December 1558 and 31 January 1559; the actual date must be reconcilable with expectation of his attendance at Queen Elizabeth’s coronation on 15 January 1559, as recorded on a list compiled not earlier than 15 December 1558.

Danger and Other Unknown Risks by Ryan North

Reviewed by: Danger and Other Unknown Risks by Ryan North April Spisak North, Ryan Danger and Other Unknown Risks; written by Ryan North and Erica Henderson; illus. by Erica Henderson. Penguin Workshop, 2023 [208p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780593224823 $24.99 Paper ed. ISBN 9780593224847 $16.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593386408 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 5-7 In this thoughtful and emotionally rich graphic novel, it wasn’t technology that ended civilization as we know it at the close of 1999, it was magic. No one knows quite what they are doing even years later, and it’s a shaky balance that keeps the world relatively stable. Marguerite and her closest companion, her clever talking dog Daisy, have been trained their whole lives for what they believe to be a noble mission to save the world, and they set off on a quest full of (mostly) optimistic certainty of their success. Little of what they believe to be true actually is, however, from the idea that this is their first attempt at this quest to the trustworthiness of the person who raised Marguerite and led her to believe that she was destined for this role. Marguerite, stumbling along determinedly with the single magical spell that she was taught, and Daisy, staunchly loyal to Marguerite, are deeply compelling characters, unfailingly well-intentioned in a world mostly gone dark (literally, [End Page 231] as magic zapped the large-scale power grids, and metaphorically, as desperation and distrust now guide most human choices). The visual format captures a great deal, even in wordless panels, about how these two face that world: Marguerite shows every emotion on her face whether or not she means to, and Daisy is equally expressive even from underneath a Chow amount of fluff. A wide range of colors are used effectively to convey the passage of time, the visual impact of magic across this splintered world, and the ways in which characters’ relationships to each other change over time. This unexpected and creative version of the apocalypse is a worthy addition to a crowded field. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Study of musculoskeletal problems among long-term computer users in Ahmedabad City

Background: COVID-19 made many changes in life of persons and even after post COVID era these changes are integral to our life. Some of the changes were online classes, work from home, and online gaming. Computer work leads to static position of neck, shoulders, and upper limbs for extended hours. This leads to higher risk of developing visual, musculoskeletal and psychological problems. Aims and Objectives: The present study was carried out to determine prevalence of musculoskeletal health disorders, assess work distribution, and their probable interaction with musculoskeletal health problems in computer users of Ahmedabad city. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of 1-year time among 800 participants to study the musculoskeletal problems among computer users. Results: Out of 800 participants, 76.75% of participants had any computer related musculoskeletal problem. If participants work more than 4 h in a single spell prevalence of musculoskeletal problems was 82.95%. Regular exercise has significant role in preventing computer-related musculoskeletal problems. Conclusion: Computer-related musculoskeletal problems have relation with number of hours spent in single spell, total daily working hours, and years of computer-related work.

The impact of cold spells on schizophrenia admissions and the synergistic effect with the air quality index

ObjectivesUnder current global climate conditions, there are insufficient studies on the health influences of cold spells, especially on mental health. This study aimed to examine the effect of cold spells on schizophrenia admissions and to analyze the potential interaction effect with the air quality index (AQI). MethodsDaily data on schizophrenia admissions and climatic variables in Hefei were collected from 2013 to 2019. Based on 20 definitions, the impacts of cold spells were quantified separately to find the most appropriate definition for the region, and meta-regression was used to explore the different effect sizes of the different days in a cold spell event. In addition, the potential interaction effect was tested by introducing a categorical variable, CSH, reflecting the cold spell and AQI level. ResultsThe cold spell defined by temperature below the 6th centile while lasting for at least three days produced the optimum model fit performance. In general, the risk of schizophrenia admissions increased on cold spell days. The largest single-day effect occurred on the 12th day with RR = 1.081 (95% CI: 1.044, 1.118). In a single cold spell event, the effect of the 3rd and subsequent days of a cold spell (RR = 1.082, 95% CI: 1.036, 1.130) was higher than that on the 2nd day (RR = 1.054, 95% CI: 1.024, 1.085). Similarly, the effect of the 2nd day was also higher than that of the 1st day (RR = 1.027, 95% CI: 1.012, 1.042). We found a synergistic effect between cold spells and high AQI in the male group, and the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) was 0.018 (95% CI: 0.005–0.030). ConclusionsThis study suggested that the impacts of cold spells should be considered based on the definition of the most appropriate for the region when formulating targeted measures of schizophrenia. The discovery of the synergistic effect was referred to help the selection of the timing of precautions for susceptible people.

The distribution of unobserved heterogeneity in competing risks models

We show that in a large class of proportional hazard competing risks models, the distribution of the bivariate frailty among survivors converges to a limiting distribution. This generalizes the result of Abbring and van den Berg (Biometrika 94(1):87–99, 2007), who show that in a single spell duration model, the frailty distribution converges to the gamma distribution. The resulting limiting distribution has an interpretation in terms of partition of a gamma distribution, and allows for both positive and negative correlation between the survival variables. This result provides a natural and flexible specification for the frailty in competing risks models.

Stability analysis of rock-fill tailing dam: an Indian case study

This paper presents the comprehensive stability analysis of the rock-fill tailing dam constructed at Rampura Agucha zinc mine in Rajasthan, India. The results of the feasibility study carried out prior to the expansion of the dam height from existing 27 to 51 m have been presented. The final cross-section of the tailing dam was arrived based on the extensive stability analysis considering both the upstream and downstream methods of embankment rising. The factor of safety values was calculated from Bishop’s simplified method, Janbu’s method and Spencer’s method by considering the circular failure surfaces. Further, the dynamic stability analyses were also carried out using the pseudostatic approach. The results from the limit equilibrium approaches were validated with the shear strength reduction technique using finite difference-based Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua in 2D analysis. The factor of safety values calculated from the different approaches was found to be in good agreement with each other. In addition, the safety and stability of the tailing dam was found unaffected by the ongoing mining activities as the observed peak particle velocity at the site was less than 15 mm/s. Analysis of the last 25 year’s rainfall data suggested that the designed freeboard of 2 m above settled tailings can accommodate a single rainfall spell of approximately 2000 mm without endangering its structural stability.

Tetralogy of Fallot with double aortic arch: a rare association

A 2-year-old male child presented to us with a history of a single cyanotic spell at 3 months of age and episodes of squatting for the past 6 months. There were compression symptoms in the form of dysphagia, recurrent regurgitation, and cough. A routine chest roentgenogram showed a right ventricular apex and pulmonary oligemia. On echocardiography, a large subaortic ventricular septal defect was found with aortic override. There was severe infundibular and valvular pulmonic stenosis. The branch pulmonary arteries seemed confluent and adequately sized. Cardiac computed tomography angiogram revealed a codominant double aortic arch with tetralogy of Fallot (Figs. 2 and 3). Invasive angiography was done which revealed a double aortic arch, overriding aorta, confluent and adequate sized branch pulmonary arteries (Fig. 1) and normal coronary pattern. The patient underwent total correction with ligation of the left aortic arch.

Extrinsic and intrinsic factors associated with non-contact injury in adult pace bowlers: a systematic review protocol.

Review question/objective Review question: which extrinsic and intrinsic factors are associated with non-contact injury in adult cricket pace bowlers? Review objective: the objective of this review is to determine the extrinsic and intrinsic factors associated with non-contact injury in adult pace bowlers. Inclusion criteria Types of participants This review will consider studies that include male cricket pace bowlers over the age of 18 years from all levels of play. Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest This review will consider studies evaluating the association between extrinsic and intrinsic factors, and lower quarter injury in pace bowlers. Intrinsic factors may include, but will not be limited to, muscle strength, flexibility, balance and biomechanics, while extrinsic factors may include bowling, but will not be limited to, workload, player position and time of play. Types of outcomes This review will consider studies that include any of the following outcome measures: non-contact injury. A non-contact injury is defined as an injury which is significant enough to cause an inability to fully or partially participate in training or matches and which was caused by an overuse mechanism rather than collision-type injuries.

The complete elimination of the episodes of benign positional paroxysmal vertigo in a patient with the involvement of the posterior semicircular canal following the eccentric rotation test

The objective of the present study was the clinical and neurophysiological analysis of the observations of a 42 year-old female patient suffering from benign paroxysmalpositional dizziness (BPPD) associated with the lesion of the posterior semicircular canal. The dynamic evaluation of the utricular function was performed during eccentric rotation of the patient in the vestibulometric chair at a speed of 300 degrees. The chair together with the patients was atomatically displaced during the rotation 3.5--4.0 cm to the right or left off the vertical axis, and the error in subjective perception of the deviation from the vertical was estimated. The saccular function was evaluated by recording cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials. The symptoms of BPPD were found to completely disappear after the eccentric rotation. Not a single spell of benign paroxysmalpositional dizziness was documented within 6 months after the eccentric rotation. The mechanisms underlying the elimination of these symptoms as a result of eccentric rotation are discussed.

A Prospective Study on Self-Assessed Mental Well-Being and Work Capacity as Determinants of All-Cause Sickness Absence

The aim of the present study was to estimate whether self-assessed mental well-being and work capacity determines future sickness absence (SA). A questionnaire was sent to employed individuals (n = 6,140), aged 19-64 years, who were registered as sick-listed with a new sick-leave spell in 2008. The response rate was 54 %. In this study we included individuals with a single sick-leave spell in 2008 (n = 2,502). The WHO (Ten) Well-Being Index and four dimensions of self-assessed work capacity (knowledge, mental, collaborative, physical) were used as determinants. Future sickness absence was identified through national register in 2009. Outcome was defined as no sickness benefit compensated days (no SBCD) and at least one sickness benefit compensated day (SBCD). Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for the likelihood of SBCD. In 2009, 28 % of the women and 22 % of the men had SBCD; the median was 59 and 66 benefit days, respectively. Individuals with low mental well-being had higher odds for SBCD with OR 1.29 (95 % CI 1.01-1.65) in the fully adjusted model. Participants reporting low work capacity in relation to knowledge (OR 1.55, 95 % CI 1.13-2.13), collaborative (OR 1.36, 95 % CI 1.03-1.79) and physical (OR 1.50, 95 % CI 1.22-1.86) demands at work had higher odds for SBCD after adjustments for all covariates; no relation was demonstrated with mental work capacity (OR 0.99, 95 % CI 0.76-1.27). Mental well-being and work capacity emerged as determinants of future SA. Screening in health care could facilitate early identification of persons in need of interventions to prevent future SA.

Impact of Biofield Treatment on Growth and Anatomical Characteristics of Pogostemon cablin (Benth.)

Pogostemon cablin is a known aromatic plant which is cultivated for its essential oil widely applicated in perfumery and cosmetic industries. In the present study, the effect of biofield treatment was studied on the growth of P. cablin. For this study an in vitro culture system was set up in two groups, viz., control and treatment, each of which was derived from three different explant sources, namely leaf, node and petiole. Further these in vitro plantlets were hardened and transferred to external environment. The stomatal cells and epidermal hair growth were also studied at various morphogenetic stages. The study revealed that a single spell of biofield energy treatment produced significant increase in growth in treated group throughout all the morphogenetic phases from in vitro to in vivo level. A remarkable increase in stomatal cells and epidermal hair was also seen in treated group.

Do Employers Value Entrepreneurial Human Capital? An Empirical Study of Post-Self-Employment Wages

This paper examines the impact of self-employment experience on post-self-employment wages and uses the number of self-employment spells to distinguish the relative importance of pull or push factors for entry into self-employment. Workers with a single spell in self-employment have unemployment histories, self-employment durations, education and likelihood of professional occupations that conform better to the archetypical entrepreneur, while individuals with multiple spells in self-employment appear more likely to have been pushed into self-employment due to poor wage market opportunities. Repeaters receive higher returns to self-employment experience than to wage experience and nonrepeaters receive much lower returns to their self-employment experience.

The variability of daily precipitation totals in Poland (1951–2000)

The analysis concerned the variability of daily precipitation totals observed during the second half of the 20th century at five stations in Poland. The elements examined were number of days with precipitation exceeding given thresholds, lengths of wet and dry spells and precipitation amounts in a single spell. There is an upward trend for the number of spells and days with precipitation, and a downward trend for mean precipitation during a given spell. Changes in peak precipitation are not uniform, there being negative trends at some stations and positive ones at others. However the lack of a trend for precipitation totals combines with the climatic warming now to be observed to imply risk of a water deficit.

NONPARAMETRIC IDENTIFICATION OF THE MIXED HAZARDS MODEL WITH TIME-VARYING COVARIATES

Most nonparametric identification results for the mixed proportional hazards model for single spell duration data depend crucially on the proportional hazards assumption. Here, it is shown that variation in covariates over time, combined with variation across observations, is sufficient to ensure identification without the proportional hazards assumption. The required variation over time is minimal, and the mixed hazards model is identified without the proportional hazards assumption in the presence of standard time-varying covariates.Thanks to Kare Baevre, Zhiyang Jia, Tore Schweder, Rolf Aaberge, and John K. Dagsvik for useful comments.

Dynamics of social assistance: the Norwegian experience in comparative perspective

In the article we ask how long Norwegian recipients of social assistance stay on aid over an eight‐year period? We focus on the populations selected, the design of the study and how spells are recorded and measured. The data set includes nearly the entire 1995 cohort of social assistance claimants (n = 155,000), and contains individual information over eight years (1992–1999), which is the maximum length of a single continuous spell. The study combines a retrospective and a prospective multiple cohort design. The data analysis shows that there is no simple answer to our question; the answer depends on the sample selected, the design, number of spells counted and the chosen measure of central tendency. We find that median duration times vary from two months to 40 months. The conclusion is that a point‐in‐time sample has clearly the longest duration. It makes a big difference whether one measures one or more spells. Because cycling is a common phenomenon, the sum of all spell durations is much higher than that of the first continuous spell. A retrospective design severely underestimates spell durations since many spells are right‐hand censored. As there is no single, adequate answer to our initial question, it is recommended that analysts of social assistance dynamics carefully specify their sample, design and spells counted.

Wage formation and recurrent unemployment

Cross-section data on noncontractual construction workers in Egypt reveal strong attachment to the sector despite demand instability. Also present are statistically significant wage differentials between construction trades. We hypothesize that employers are compensating their noncontractual workforce for recurrent unemployment so that they can guarantee a steady supply of qualified workers. We rely on a structural model and investigate the consequences of rationing, turnover, and unanticipated risk associated with randomness in employment and unemployment durations. Estimates reveal that employers provide substantial compensation for turnover risk. Single spell data prove to be insufficient for teasing out the separate influence of unanticipated risk.

Two-part multiple spell models for health care demand

The demand for certain types of health care services depends on decisions of both the individual and the health care provider. This paper studies the conditions under which it is possible to separately identify the parameters driving the two decision processes using only count data on the total demand. It is found that the frequently used hurdle models may not be adequate to describe this type of demand, especially when the assumption of a single illness spell per observation period is violated. A test for the single spell hypothesis is developed and alternative modelling strategies are suggested, including one that allows for correlated unobserved heterogeneity. The results of the paper are illustrated with an application.

Recurrence in Workers' Compensation Claims: Estimates from a Multiple Spell Hazard Model

This paper estimates both single and multiple spell hazard models using a sample of workers' compensation claims (with soft tissue musculoskeletal injuries) from Ontario, Canada. Most of the results in this paper are consistent with the estimates in the existing literature. However, the duration elasticities for workers' compensation benefits and pre-injury earnings from the multiple spell hazard models are much larger than the estimates from the single spell models. This suggests that the estimates in existing literature that use single spell hazard models may underestimate the effect of benefits and pre-injury earnings on the duration of soft tissue musculoskeletal claims.

Dynamic aspects of consumer decisions in housing markets

In this study we estimate a model of the joint tenure, length of stay, and consumption level choices of families in the housing market. This is the first attempt we know of to do this type of estimation. The data pertain to a single residence spell per household from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Wealthier and better educated families were found to be more mobile. In terms of housing consumption, after accounting for tenure choice and controlling for planned length of stay, renters and owners were found to have similar demand function relationships in terms of the impacts of socioeconomic variables. This confirms the notion that renters and owners are not differentiated by housing choice but simply in life-cycle circumstances as to when it is optimal to own or rent.