Discourse Analysis in Second Language Signing Assessment: Sign Language Proficiency Interviews

The Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) was modeled on the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) in the 1980s in North America and has been adapted for various national signed languages. To date, there has been no published analysis of interview discourse in the SLPI. This chapter examines accommodative question strategies used by deaf interviewers in New Zealand SLPI interviews. Findings reveal that interviewers use interlocutor support strategies that parallel accommodative question types described for OPI interviews and features of spontaneous interaction between fluent and novice signers. Sixty-six percent of questions had accommodative features, which were more frequent with lower proficiency candidates. Evidence of interviewer “helping” strategies is useful for training interviewers and refining the construct of the SLPI.

Porosity and Play: Sustaining Public Life in New Zealand's Suburban Shopping Centres

<p>Throughout history, public plazas and town squares have provided the public realm for people to meet and "people watch". However the privatisation of public space has resulted in the demise of these traditional exterior public domains. These have been replaced by strictly controlled interior shopping malls, which place limitations on public behaviour. The concepts of 'play' and 'porosity' are possible remedies to the limitations. The purpose of this research is therefore to discover how the concepts of ‘play’ and ‘porosity’ can guide the redevelopment of New Zealand’s suburban shopping malls so as to enhance the quality of public space without detracting from the malls' commercial performance. In essence, 'play' is the spontaneous interaction which enriches public life and space, and is an encapsulation of the ideas of Jan Gehl, Elizabeth Farrelly and Quentin Stevens. 'Porosity', a concept coined by Nan Ellin, involves mixing views, programmes, ecology and paths within the same space. This revealed itself to be a method by which a space might be manipulated to support play. The 'boundary' is considered by both Stevens and Gehl to be an ideal space for play to occur, as it provides people with something to work against. Consequently, the boundary is investigated as the space where play and porosity interact. The investigation of play, porosity and the boundary includes an examination of international mall precedents and New Zealand case studies. The findings from these studies and a review of relevant literature are eventually tested in a design case study. This involves a redevelopment of Pakuranga Mall in Auckland, and includes a detailed investigation of a single boundary at an architectural scale. The design successfully proves that that a specific type of play can interact with porosity at a boundary in order to locally enhance the quality of public space. However the design also raises further questions about the concepts of porosity and play. Porosity was achieved in both the master plan and the design of the single boundary and was therefore developed at both the macro and micro scales. However the concept of play was successfully introduced only at the micro level of architectural development at the boundary. Therefore, the conclusion to this thesis discusses whether the interaction of play and porosity is limited to the boundary, or if the two concepts can be developed further to interact at a macro scale beyond the confines of a single boundary.</p>

Porosity and Play: Sustaining Public Life in New Zealand's Suburban Shopping Centres

<p>Throughout history, public plazas and town squares have provided the public realm for people to meet and "people watch". However the privatisation of public space has resulted in the demise of these traditional exterior public domains. These have been replaced by strictly controlled interior shopping malls, which place limitations on public behaviour. The concepts of 'play' and 'porosity' are possible remedies to the limitations. The purpose of this research is therefore to discover how the concepts of ‘play’ and ‘porosity’ can guide the redevelopment of New Zealand’s suburban shopping malls so as to enhance the quality of public space without detracting from the malls' commercial performance. In essence, 'play' is the spontaneous interaction which enriches public life and space, and is an encapsulation of the ideas of Jan Gehl, Elizabeth Farrelly and Quentin Stevens. 'Porosity', a concept coined by Nan Ellin, involves mixing views, programmes, ecology and paths within the same space. This revealed itself to be a method by which a space might be manipulated to support play. The 'boundary' is considered by both Stevens and Gehl to be an ideal space for play to occur, as it provides people with something to work against. Consequently, the boundary is investigated as the space where play and porosity interact. The investigation of play, porosity and the boundary includes an examination of international mall precedents and New Zealand case studies. The findings from these studies and a review of relevant literature are eventually tested in a design case study. This involves a redevelopment of Pakuranga Mall in Auckland, and includes a detailed investigation of a single boundary at an architectural scale. The design successfully proves that that a specific type of play can interact with porosity at a boundary in order to locally enhance the quality of public space. However the design also raises further questions about the concepts of porosity and play. Porosity was achieved in both the master plan and the design of the single boundary and was therefore developed at both the macro and micro scales. However the concept of play was successfully introduced only at the micro level of architectural development at the boundary. Therefore, the conclusion to this thesis discusses whether the interaction of play and porosity is limited to the boundary, or if the two concepts can be developed further to interact at a macro scale beyond the confines of a single boundary.</p>

Hypothesis and Theory: Evaluating the Co-Evolution of the Melanocortin-2 Receptor and the Accessory Protein MRAP1

The melanocortin receptors (MCRs) and the MRAP accessory proteins belong to distinct gene families that are unique to the chordates. During the radiation of the chordates, the melancortin-2 receptor paralog (MC2R) and the MRAP1 paralog (melanocortin-2 receptor accessory protein 1) have co-evolved to form a heterodimer interaction that can influence the ligand selectivity and trafficking properties of MC2R. This apparently spontaneous interaction may have begun with the ancestral gnathostomes and has persisted in both the cartilaginous fishes and the bony vertebrates. The ramifications of this interaction had profound effects on the hypothalamus/anterior pituitary/adrenal-interrenal axis of bony vertebrates resulting in MC2R orthologs that are exclusively selective for the anterior pituitary hormone, ACTH, and that are dependent on MRAP1 for trafficking to the plasma membrane. The functional motifs within the MRAP1 sequence and their potential contact sites with MC2R are discussed. The ramifications of the MC2R/MRAP1 interaction for cartilaginous fishes are also discussed, but currently the effects of this interaction on the hypothalamus/pituitary/interrenal axis is less clear. The cartilaginous fish MC2R orthologs have apparently retained the ability to be activated by either ACTH or MSH-sized ligands, and the effect of MRAP1 on trafficking varies by species. In this regard, the possible origin of the dichotomy between cartilaginous fish and bony vertebrate MC2R orthologs with respect to ligand selectivity and trafficking properties is discussed in light of the evolution of functional amino acid motifs within MRAP1.

Silicon-Doped Nanotube (Si-CNT) as Drug Delivery Nanocarrier for Osteoporosis Drug: Quantum Chemical Study

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential and capability of Si-CNT to detect and adsorb BMSF-BENZ ((4-bromo-7-methoxy-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-5-{[3-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]methyl}-2-[4-(propane-2-))yl) phenyl]-1H-1,3-benzothiazole) molecular. For this purpose, we considered different configurations for adsorbing BMSF-BENZ drug on the surface of the Si-CNT nanocluster. All considered configurations are optimized using DFT theory at the 6-31G** basis set and B3LYP level of theory, and then from optimized structures, for each nanoparticle, we selected four stable models for the adsorption of BMSF-BENZ from (Br, N8, N9, N58, O35, O41 and S) active sites on the surface the selected nanoparticle. and Quantum theory of atoms in Molecular Analysis (QTAIM), and Molecular Orbital Analysis (MO) was also established. The calculated results indicate that the distance between nanocluster and drug from the N8 site is lower than from all other locations sites for all investigated nanoparticles, and adsorption of BMSF-BENZ from the N8 site is more favorable especially for the Si-CNT nanotube. The adsorption energy, hardness, softness, and fermi energy results reveal that the interaction of BMSF-BENZ with Si-CNT, is an encouraging adsorbent for this drug as Eads of BMSF-BENZ/Si-CNT complexes are (-5.15, -24.21, -8.22, -17.03, -13.16, -2.22, -12.70) kcal/mol in the gas phase. As well, the appropriate and spontaneous interaction between the BMSF-BENZ drug and Si-CNT nanoparticle was confirmed by investigating the quantum chemical molecular descriptors and solvation Gibbs free energies of all atoms. Si-CNT can be used as an amperometric sensor to detect the BMSF-BENZ drug molecule. Thus, we propose that the Si-CNT can be a promising candidate as a drug delivery vehicle for BMSF-BENZ drug molecules.

Effects of Dog-Assisted Education on Physical and Communicative Skills in Children with Severe and Multiple Disabilities: A Pilot Study

Animal-assisted interventions have shown promising benefits in different populations such as children with cerebral palsy or autism spectrum disorder. Human–animal interaction leads to different physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits in the child. The aim of the current pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a dog-assisted education program on the postural, oculomotor, linguistic and autonomy dimensions in children affected by severe and multiple disabilities. Fourteen children aged 3–12 years and affected by intellectual and physical disabilities participated in a dog-assisted program consisted of 12 sessions. The intervention involved different types of activities, exercises, and games with the dogs. A strict protocol to ensure animal wellbeing and avoid any type of stress or fatigue was followed. Children who participated in the study improved their postural control, eye-motor coordination, expression of sensations and feelings, spontaneous interaction, autonomy, and confidence. However, these results must be taken with caution due to the lack of a control group and the heterogeneity of the participants.

Exhaustive valorization of cashew nut shell waste as a potential bioresource material

In this paper, we report extraction of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) from cashew nut shell waste (CNSW) and further use of residues for generation of activated carbon for removal of heavy metals and methylene blue (MB). Solvent extraction yielded 24.6 ± 0.4%, 38.2 ± 0.4% and 40.1 ± 0.9% for petroleum ether, hexane and ethanol respectively. Phytochemical screening showed presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, amino acids, terpenoids, proteins, steroids, glycosides and carboxylic acids. The CNSL had a pH of 3.2, viscosity (104.6 ± 1.8 mPa s), moisture (6.5%), ash (1.6 ± 0.1%), refractive index (1.52 ± 0.001), specific density (0.9561 ± 0.0002 g/cm3), acid value (118.7 ± 9.2 mg KOH/g), free fatty acid value (60.1 ± 4.7%), saponification number (138.1 ± 3.2 mg KOH/g) and iodine value (188.1 ± 2.3 mgI 2/100 g). The average percentage removal of Cu (II), Pb (II), Cd (II) and Zn (II) was 99.4 ± 0.5, 95.4 ± 1.5, 99.5 ± 0.1, 98.4 ± 0.1%, and removal efficiency of MB at 50, 150, 250 and 350 mg/L was 99.63, 97.66, 96.48 and 94.81%, respectively. Equilibrium data were best described by the Freundlich isotherm model. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity was 12.1 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics conformed to pseudo-second-order model. ∆G° was negative and a ∆H° of + 22.76 kJ/mol indicated that adsorption was endothermic. The ΔS° (+ 0.086 kJ/mol/K) showed that there was spontaneous interaction of the solution and adsorbate. These results show that CNSW is a potential bioresource for CNSL production for use in the paints, varnishes, surface coatings, agrochemicals and ethnomedicine industries. Residual shells can be exploited as fuels or converted to activated carbon for use as low-cost filters in water purification.

Simple but Complex—A Laying Hen Study as Proof of Concept of a Novel Method for Cognitive Enrichment and Research

Enrichment can reduce stress and stereotypic behavior and therefore enhance captive animal welfare. In cognitive enrichment, cognitive tasks engage and challenge the animals' natural behavioral repertoire and provide mental stimulation. Enrichment with similarities to “puzzle boxes” in cognitive research is widespread in zoos but rarely applied in commercial farming, as it requires costly time and effort. Here, we introduce a flexible method for cognitive enrichment and research. The test battery apparatus (TBA) is a configurable cubic box with frames for interchangeable test panels, each holding a problem-solving task that must be solved for a food reward. As a proof of concept, we report observations and first results from two groups of laying hens (Gallus gallus forma domestica; 52 birds in total) to show the TBA's feasibility in commercial farming and to investigate the animals' spontaneous interaction with four test panels. While we could not reliably identify individuals, we found the majority of the hens highly motivated to engage with the device. At least five individuals in each group were successful and there was a significant gradient of success rates across the four panels. As the implementation and maintenance required little time and effort, the TBA is promising as a cognitive enrichment device in farm settings. Its potentially limitless configurations allow diverse opportunities for cognitive and behavioral engagement in the long term. While further studies will be crucial to validate welfare effects and problem-solving tasks, the TBA is simple in its application but complex in its possibilities.

Spontaneous classroom engagement facilitating development of L2 pragmatic competence

The question of how to teach toward social, cultural and linguistic L2 pragmatic competence has raised serious challenges (Kasper, 1997). This is more the case for spoken rather than written discourse. As can be expected, the underlying pragmatic implications of spontaneous face-to-face communication naturally constrains the interactional scope and its potential pedagogical application. To address this issue, this naturalistic study explores two key potential contributors to the development of oral pragmatic competence: meta-pragmatic classroom conversational discourse and the course framework supporting that kind of relatively spontaneous interaction. An English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course provided fluency practice protocols, instruction in pragmatic categories, analysis of conversational data and “live” in-class intervention, focusing on meaning and alternate expressions and forms. Those interventions were designed to enhance learners’ ability to self-assess, monitor and expand their interactional repertoires. Part of a larger research project examining principles of pragmatics applied in EAP instruction, this study focuses on data from spontaneous classroom interactions situated within the integrated instructional framework of the course. Results present a range of strategies employed by the instructor consistent with current theoretical models of factors or pedagogical interventions that facilitate development of pragmatic competence.

On the power of spontaneous collisions: preserving culture and effectiveness in the pandemic

In the pivot to virtual interaction imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, some benefits have been realised, for example, time savings from avoiding commuting, the efficiency of back-to-back virtual meetings, needing to dress only from the waist up for work and so on. Yet, we also experience significant loss when our interactions are largely confined to being virtual. Specifically, spontaneous interactions between colleagues, what might be called ‘collisions,’ and their benefits are lost. Such collisions occur, for example, when we bump into a colleague while walking to or from a meeting and so on. These collisions are the nexus for maintaining connectivity between colleagues and can be a forum for creative exchanges that may lead to innovation and enhanced organisational effectiveness. Citing the experience of ‘bootlegging’ of time as a feature of organisations that thrive on innovation, this commentary discusses the value of spontaneous collisions in the healthcare environment. Given the persistence of virtual interaction throughout the pandemic and likely, to at least some extent thereafter, countermeasures to preserve spontaneous interaction in a virtual world and to maintain connectivity among colleagues are proposed. Awareness of the threats posed by a fully virtual experience and of these countermeasures are useful leadership attributes.