EXPRESS: Distinct abilities associated with matching same identity faces vs. discriminating different faces: Evidence from individual differences in prosopagnosics and controls

Previous face matching studies provide evidence that matching same identity faces (match trials) and discriminating different face identities (non-match trials) rely on distinct processes. For example, instructional studies geared towards improving face matching in applied settings have often found selective improvements in match or non-match trials only. Additionally, a small study found that developmental prosopagnosics (DPs) have specific deficits in making match but not non-match judgments. In the current study, we sought to replicate this finding in DPs and examine how individual differences across DPs and controls in match vs. non-match performance relate to featural vs. holistic processing abilities. 43 DPs and 27 controls matched face images shown from similar front views or with varied lighting or viewpoint. Participants also performed tasks measuring featural (eyes/mouth) and holistic processing (part-whole task). We found that DPs showed worse overall matching performance than controls and that their relative match vs. non-match deficit depended on image variation condition, indicating that DPs do not consistently show match- or non-match-specific deficits. When examining the association between holistic and featural processing abilities and match vs. non-match trials in the entire group of DPs and controls, we found a very clear dissociation: Match trials significantly correlated with eye processing ability (r=.48) but not holistic processing (r=.11), whereas non-match trials significantly correlated with holistic processing (r=.32) but not eye processing (r=.03). This suggests that matching same identity faces relies more on eye processing while discriminating different faces relies more on holistic processing.

Can I MOOC to Catch up? The Effects of Using an LMOOC as a Remedial Tool for EFL Students in Thailand

This study investigated the effects of supplementing a traditional EFL class with a grammar-focused LMOOC. It also investigated students’ attitudes to the LMOOC. Students taking a compulsory English course at a nursing college in Thailand were divided into two groups, a LMOOC group (n=33) and a non-LMOOC group (n=26). The LMOOC group engaged in a 4-week LMOOC as a supplement to their usual English classes. The non-LMOOC group continued with their usual English classes with no additional interventions. Final examination scores and gains since the midterm for the two groups were compared. Attitudes to the LMOOC were assessed using a questionnaire and interviews. Students in the LMOOC group experienced statistically significantly larger gains in grammar scores than the non-LMOOC group (M = 5.45, SD = 4.31, p < .001). Students reported very positive attitudes towards the LMOOC, in terms of enjoyment and perceived effectiveness. The estimated gains found in this small study were relatively modest, but our findings suggest that LMOOCs as a way to supplement in-class teaching may improve attainment and foster positive attitudes. Further controlled experiments to assess the wider applicability of our findings are needed.  

Persistence of Infectivity in Elderly Individuals Diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 Infection 10 Days after Onset of Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study

We performed viral culture of nasopharyngeal specimens in individuals aged 79 and older, infected with SARS-CoV-2, 10 days after symptom onset. A positive viral culture was seen in 10/22 participants (45%), including 4/12 (33%) individuals with improving symptoms. This small study suggests that infectivity may be prolonged among older individuals.

Albacetenses en Rusia, 1941- 42: una orla del primer contingente de la DEV (la «División Azul»)

An unpublished document, which presents the photos of 120 volunteers from the first contingent that Albacete sent to Russia in 1941, and they returned in 1942, is the basis of a small study that aims to explain their reasons for going and the absence of some very significantones.

The oath and the breaking of oath as curse in the ancient Celtic world: The case of the encounter between the Celts and Alexander the Great on the Danube in 335 BC

This small study aims at clarifying some aspects of the encounter between Alexander the Great and the Celts on the Danube in 335 BC and the possible oath sworn by the Celts in order to seal their treaty with Alexander. The main idea is that the breaking of the oath works on the wrongdoer as a curse and the elemental gods of the Universe will seek and succeed in bringing about the evildoer’s destruction.

LEARN TO LEARN: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE TEACHER

Принцип «Учись учиться» становится востребованным не только в ученической среде, но и в учительском сообществе. В небольшом исследовании установлено, что желание самопознания и профессионального самосовершенствования у педагогов (N = 24), работающих в средних и старших классах, выражено четко. В профессиональном мастерстве в первоочередном совершенствовании нуждаются мотивационная, организационная и инновационная составляющие. The principle «Learn to learn» is becoming in demand not only in the student environment, but also in the teaching community. A small study found that the desire for self-knowledge and professional self-improvement among teachers (N = 24) working in middle and senior grades is clearly expressed. In professional skills, motivational, organizational and innovative components need priority improvement.

Why Aren’t Children in Bhutan Reading?

This micro study aimed to explore, “Why aren’t children in Bhutan reading?” For the purpose of this study, I have chosen students of two primary schools and one central school. I did case study with 20 students of class IV to VI from each school. I focused my study on reading in both the languages taught in Bhutanese schools: Dzongkha, the national language, and English, as a second language. I collected my data using semi structured interview with students. I also talked informally with some of the students. This small study has led me to my current interest of finding out the main reasons why children are not reading in Bhutan.

‘We had a good laugh together’: using Teams for collaborative learning

This case study describes the journey of an undergraduate module in its transition from an in-person lectures-plus-seminar configuration to an interactive, online format using Teams. I show how I created a sense of community and the opportunity for online group interaction by establishing small study groups that carried out weekly online group tasks in their own Team ‘channel’. Weekly roles were assigned to group members to spread the workload and ensure equal participation. Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and students particularly appreciated the opportunity to interact with their peers, during a potentially lonely time, for summative marks. Limitations to the model are discussed and potential solutions are offered.