Prevalence, Predictors and Sources of Information Regarding Neuromyths in an Australian Cohort of Preservice Teachers

The term neuromyths refers to misconceptions about learning and the brain. Educator neuromyths may result in inappropriate instruction, labelling of learners, and wasted resources. To date, little research has considered the sources of these beliefs. We surveyed 1359 Australian preservice educators (M = 22.7, SD = 5.7 years) about their sources of information for 15 neuromyth and 17 general brain knowledge statements. Consistent with previous studies, neuromyth beliefs were prevalent. Predictors of neuromyth accuracy included general brain knowledge and completion of university classes addressing neuromyths, although effects were modest. Depending on the belief, participants relied on general knowledge, academic staff, school staff, and popular media. Recommendations for teacher education are presented.</jats:p

Predicting concordance with multilayer compression bandaging

Objective: To examine the relationship between concordance with multilayer compression bandaging and a number of client and wound characteristics, including wound severity, health status and client independence with respect to activities of daily living. Method: Using data gathered for a randomised controlled trial that compared two types of antimicrobial dressings on infected or critically colonised lower leg ulcers, we explored the level of concordance with compression therapy by patients with wounds that had an ankle brachial pressure index of between 0.8 and l.2. Results: A logistic regression analysis found that increased pain and wound size, older age and shallow wound depth were all significant predictors of non-concordance with multilayer compression bandaging. conclusion: Although the results suggest that pain, wound size, age and wound depth are all significant predictors of non-concordance with multilayer bandaging, the generalisability of these results is limited, given that data were gathered in the context of a RCT. Further studies are required to explore the relative contribution of predictors of concordance with compression therapy, in order to help inform strategies that promote it and, thereby, optimise healing. conflict of interest: None. </jats:p

10. Commission des Taches Solaires et des Figures Caractéristiques Solaires

Mr Royds writes: “The original scheme for daily character figures called for integers ranging from 0—5 to characterise the solar activity for bright and dark flocculi. Since then it has appeared to some observatories to be desirable, particularly as the spot cycle has approached its minimum, to quote character figures intermediate between whole integers. Many observatories have introduced 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, etc., in addition to whole integers, whilst others have also used 0.2, 0.7, 1.2, etc. It seems to me that sufficient experience has now been gained to decide how far this subdivision between whole integers is to be carried. Kodaikanal would be willing to revert to the original proposal of whole integers on the scale 0.5. If it is considered desirable to interpolate half integers, I suggest that whole integers on the scale 0-10 would be easier to print and to read.”</jats:p

10. Commission des Taches Solaires et des Nombres CaractéRistiques Solaires

Periodicity and new properties of the frequency curve. Bruno Hanisch uses the method of autocorrelation introduced by W. Pollack in geophysics for the discovery of periods in the frequency series of sunspots from 1794 to 1925. Dividing the whole interval into three sections he finds an eleven- and an eight-year period common to the three sections, whereas other periods found in the three sections differ widely from each other. The new method gives for the length of the main period II-8 years for the interval 1880 to 1925. This result agrees strikingly with the revolution period of Jupiter (Gerlands Beiträge zur Geophysik, 46, 1935).</jats:p

12. Commission de Physique Solaire

The president calls attention to the large and increasing membership of Commission 12 and the policy of concentrating in it all matters relating to the sun. The result makes it comparable in breadth of field and in membership to the former Union for Co-operation in Solar Research. The main point in favour of this policy is the increased interest in the meetings of the Commission and the larger number of individuals reached compared with the meetings of small committees. One recalls the general sessions of the Solar Union in which each one present felt himself a part of the Union and in real touch with the work of different sections and after the discussions went away with fuller knowledge of what it was all about. This was a valuable result not attained to the same degree from the general sessions of the present Union, but in a measure it does follow from the meetings of the Solar Physics Committee. On the other hand the question may be raised whether or not the merging of independent commissions into subdivisions of a large commission lessens their interest to an extent not balanced by the advantages. If the present policy holds, it seems to the president that a re-organisation of Commission 12 is advisable by which more responsibility is laid upon the directors of centres. The basis of membership in the Commission may well be considered and recommendations formulated for transmission to the Executive Committee.</jats:p