Institute of Photography Photo Symposium 2014

The annual IoP Photography Symposium 2014 focussed around professional photographic contexts. A range of emerging and internationally significant speakers were invited to present talks as well as conduct portfolio review with final year undergraduate students

Coursework selection: A frame of reference approach using structural equation modelling

Background. Choice behaviour has far-reaching consequences on students’ educational careers. Previous models on course selection -- like the model of achievement-related choices (Wigfield & Eccles, 2000) and self-efficacy-theory (Bandura, 1997) -- stress the importance of ability-perceptions (self-concept of ability) as a major determinant of choice. Aim. The article suggests a model of course selection, which assumes, that comparisons within an internal frame of reference (which were proposed by Marsh, 1986, for the association between achievement and self-concepts) also can be applied on the association between self-concepts and course selection. Therefore it is hypothesised that course selection is not only positively influenced by the self-concept with respect to the corresponding subject but also negatively by the self-concept with respect to alternative subjects. Moreover it should be tested, if the effects of previous achievement on course selection are completely mediated by the self-concepts. Sample. The assumptions were empirically tested using a sample of 296 students from secondary school classes who could specialize for example in Chemistry or Biology in the next term. Method. Self-concepts and course selection were assessed via questionnaire. The postulated models were tested using a structural equation modelling approach for ordinal variables. Results. The core assumption, that course selection is determined by dimensional comparisons was supported by significant negative paths from self-concepts on the selection of non-corresponding subjects. Moreover, the effects of previous achievement on selection were completely mediated by self-concepts. Conclusion. Previous models of choice behaviour should be extended, by considering not only the selected alternatives but also the unselected ones. The finding that the influence of achievement on choice is completely mediated by self-concepts demonstrates, that subjective interpretations of previous achievement influence subsequent behaviour

Completely mixed state is a critical point for three-qubit entanglement

Pure three-qubit states have five algebraically independent and one algebraically dependent polynomial invariants under local unitary transformations and an arbitrary entanglement measure is a function of these six invariants. It is shown that if the reduced density operator of a some qubit is a multiple of the unit operator, than the geometric entanglement measure of the pure three-qubit state is absolutely independent of the polynomial invariants and is a constant for such tripartite states. Hence a one-particle completely mixed state is a critical point for the geometric measure of entanglement.Comment: two references are added, reshaped, few points are clarifie

Justifications and proportionality: An analysis of the ECJ´s assessment of national rules for the prevention of tax avoidance

The article deals with the limitations imposed by the free movement provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) on Member States´ability to prevent tax avoidance and protect national tax bases

The Importance of Career Counseling and Post Secondary Readiness for High School Students

This study examines the impact of a five-week post-secondary planning group on 11th grade students perceived readiness for post-secondary plans. Research suggests that post-secondary planning is important for students to understand and discuss as it prepares them for life after they finish high school. The United States continues to undergo rapid and far-reaching changes economically and socially, which results in a changing workplace. These changes are requiring higher levels of achievement and preparation for the emerging workforce. As a result, the students of today will require an education that provides them with academic, career, technical, guidance, and dispositions to be career ready once students graduate from high school (Gysbers, 2013). Research suggests that school counselors are in the position to assist students in the post-secondary planning process. Each group in this study included discussing post-secondary plans. The groups focused on students better understanding themselves, regarding their interests, personal characteristics, and qualities. The group curriculum also focused on educating, researching, and discussing the various options available to students after high school. Results show an increase in perceived readiness for post-secondary plans. Students also reported positive feedback about the group. This study provided further evidence that attention and focus on post-secondary planning can have positive impact on students.SUNY BrockportDepartment of Counselor EducationMaster of Science in Education (MSEd)Counselor Education Capston

A review of the nutritional guidance for athletes to prevent eating disorders

Since the 1980s eating disorders (ED) have gained increasing prevalence, with athletes proving to be at a higher risk compared to non‐athletes. Eating disorders can significantly impact the health and performance of an athlete, however, certain guidelines are in place for prevention, treatment and management. NICE and UK Sport were two guidelines that were identified as being referenced within the UK. This paper aimed to evaluate their utility and establish whether modifications are required to prevent ED within athletic populations. A checklist was created based on peer‐reviewed recommendations and used in conjunction with conceptualised case studies based on information sourced from proposed key informant interviews. Whilst both guidelines are extensive in the identification of symptoms associated with ED, they lack recognised recommended screening methods. Furthermore, although both contain some form of validated treatment, NICE recommends cognitive behavioural therapy despite acknowledging the lack of evidence supporting its beneficial application. In contrast to recommendations regarding physical therapy, NICE also states to avoid certain treatments, such as yoga, despite beneficial evidence of its treatment/rehabilitation for ED. When applied to case studies, both guidelines demonstrated the need for refinement and improvement in recommendations relating to weight loss and screening methods. To form an accurate critique of the guidelines, an assessment of their applicability and suitability in the prevention, treatment and management of ED in a practical sporting environment involving consenting participants is required

The Importance of Career Counseling and Post Secondary Readiness for High School Students

This study examines the impact of a five-week post-secondary planning group on 11th grade students perceived readiness for post-secondary plans. Research suggests that post-secondary planning is important for students to understand and discuss as it prepares them for life after they finish high school. The United States continues to undergo rapid and far-reaching changes economically and socially, which results in a changing workplace. These changes are requiring higher levels of achievement and preparation for the emerging workforce. As a result, the students of today will require an education that provides them with academic, career, technical, guidance, and dispositions to be career ready once students graduate from high school (Gysbers, 2013). Research suggests that school counselors are in the position to assist students in the post-secondary planning process. Each group in this study included discussing post-secondary plans. The groups focused on students better understanding themselves, regarding their interests, personal characteristics, and qualities. The group curriculum also focused on educating, researching, and discussing the various options available to students after high school. Results show an increase in perceived readiness for post-secondary plans. Students also reported positive feedback about the group. This study provided further evidence that attention and focus on post-secondary planning can have positive impact on students

Evaluation of Age, Growth and Diet of Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in Cheat Lake, West Virginia

This thesis describes population characteristics of Channel Catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus) in Cheat Lake, West Virginia in two chapters. The first chapter is comprised of a literature review on the ecology, diet and growth of Channel Catfish, as well as the influence of water level fluctuations on biota. The second chapter examines the age, growth and fall diet of Channel Catfish in Cheat Lake, West Virginia. Acidification has historically impaired Cheat Lake\u27s fish community, but recent mitigation efforts within the Cheat River watershed have improved water quality and species richness. Presently, Channel Catfish are abundant and attain desirable sizes for anglers. I evaluated the age, growth and fall diet of the population. A sample of 155 Channel Catfish was collected from Cheat Lake from 5 August to 4 December 2014, a subsample of which was aged (n = 148) using lapillus otoliths. Four growth models (von Bertalanffy, logistic, Gompertz and power) were fit to length at age data and compared using an information theoretic approach. Fall diets were collected from 55 fish sampled from 13 October to 4 December 2014. Total lengths of individuals in the sample ranged from 154--721 mm and ages ranged from 2--19 years. The von Bertalanffy growth model was AICc -selected as the best approximating model, and the power and Gompertz models also had considerable support. Diets were numerically dominated by Diptera larvae, specifically Chironomidae and Chaoboridae, while 39% of stomachs contained terrestrial prey items. This study provides baseline data for management of Cheat Lake\u27s Channel Catfish population. Further, this study fills a knowledge gap in the scientific literature on Channel Catfish, as few studies have examined the population ecology of Channel Catfish in the Central Appalachian region

Staff Education: Antihypertensive Medication Adherence in the Primary Care Clinic

I completed a staff education project in a primary care clinic focused on increasing staff knowledge of antihypertensive medication adherence. More than 1 in 3 adults in West Virginia (or 41% of the adult population in the state) has hypertension, which is equal to about 602,000 adults. The project question was developed to investigate the extent to which education on hypertensive medications will enhance staff knowledge and their ability to educate patients in the primary care clinic. The staff education project was implemented via PowerPoint, pre-/post education testing, and measurements using an online percentage gain calculator. Findings revealed an overall increase in staff knowledge after the education, which will in turn enhance their ability to educate patients on antihypertensive medication adherence. Medication adherence has a strong correlation with patient outcomes. Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiac disease, cerebrovascular accident, and kidney disease. Project implications for nursing practice include increasing staff awareness of the three phases of medication adherence, continuous patient education, and routine inquiry regarding antihypertensive medication adherence. This staff education project’s impact on staff knowledge will promote blood pressure medication adherence within the community and also provide further educational opportunities to all patients