Preparing Graduate Students in Economics for Teaching: Survey Findings and Recommendations

Survey data from PhD-granting economics departments are used to assess the teaching preparation of graduate students in economics. The results show that relatively few departments require graduate student instructors to take a credit course in teaching before teaching their own course or leading a recitation section. Although more graduate student instructors are required to take a noncredit course in teaching before serving as an instructor or recitation leader, the value of such noncredit courses may be limited. The assessment of teaching preparation by department chairs shows mixed responses, with about three-fifths rating it as very good or good and about two-fifths considering it to be only adequate or poor. Recommendations are offered for improving the teaching preparation of graduate student instructors in economics.     

壳聚糖对水中重金属吸附性能的研究进展

为了有效处理水中重金属污染和提高虾头虾壳中壳聚糖的利用效率,本文对提取壳聚糖的化学降解法、微生物培养法、酶解法和微波技术法进行综述,分析壳聚糖的吸附原理、最优吸附条件和壳聚糖复合材料的优点,发现化学降解法为目前普遍使用的壳聚糖提取方法,溶液的pH值、反应温度、吸附剂用量及壳聚糖复合物的种类均会影响壳聚糖对水中重金属的吸...     

Use and understanding of labelling information when preparing infant formula: Evidence from interviews and eye tracking

There are various risks associated with incorrect preparation and storage of infant formula, including microbiological hazards. Preparing and storing reconstituted infant formula correctly can reduce potential risks. The product label on infant formula is often the main source of information for caregivers on the correct handling of infant formula. Caregivers’ ability to understand and follow preparation and storage instructions is, therefore, of high importance in the safe use of infant formula. This study aims to increase understanding of how Australian caregivers perceive, interpret and use mandatory and voluntary “on-pack” label information when preparing and storing infant formula. An eye-tracking task requiring caregivers (n = 30) to prepare an unfamiliar infant formula product while wearing Tobi Pro 2 Glasses revealed that almost all caregivers look at the preparation instructions (93%), though fewer look at the warning advice (43%) and storage instructions (27%). Findings from retrospective think-aloud and in-depth interviews conducted immediately after the eye-tracking task, revealed that while preparation instructions are generally understood, they are not always adhered to, with most caregivers making modifications for convenience. Lack of awareness and low perceived risk to the infant’s health were other reasons for non-adherence. These findings suggest that mandated food-safety elements on infant formula products need to be more noticeable, clearer and more specific with respect to potential infant health risks associated with non-adherence, to ensure safe preparation and storage by all caregivers. These findings will be used to inform a review of the labelling requirements for infant formula products.     

Scheduled to Gain: Short- and Longer-Run Educational Effects of Examination Scheduling*

In this paper, I present findings concerning the effect of examination scheduling on high-stakes exam scores and longer-run outcomes. I show that random variations in examination schedules, which increase the time students have to prepare, have positive effects on exam scores. The effect is highly concave, and stronger for females and in quantitative subjects. I trace the effects of preparation time into tertiary education outcomes, finding significant effects for female students on the extensive and intensive margins. I show how easily exam scores and, consequently, longer-run outcomes are affected by a random institutional factor unrelated to student ability.     

Exploring the preparation practices of teachers who organise secondary school ski trips in England and Wales

Secondary schools across England and Wales understand the importance of offering young people the opportunity to experience activity-based trips. One of these fundamental trips is the ski trip which enables young people to experience new challenges and adventure. However, within England and Wales, skiing is an atypical activity due to the lack of accessibility to the slopes. Consequently, it is vital to effectively prepare young people for skiing to promote enjoyment and reduce the likelihood of injury. The purpose of this study was to explore the current practices in the preparation of school ski trips within England and Wales. An electronic survey was administered to secondary schools across England and Wales with 270 completed responses of schools which organise ski trips. Analysis revealed that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) across the regions with information being shared with parents prior to the ski trip. Young people are informed on similar information prior to and during the ski trip across the regions (p < 0.05). However, there was a significant difference between respondents screening (33%) and not screening students (67%) (p > 0.01) and under half (47%) of schools provide their pupils with exercise programmes prior to the school trip. Overall, these findings appear that ski trip organisers are consistent across England and Wales with their education of the young person and the management of the ski trip. Although, the knowledge gained by organisers to prepare young people is gathered from a variety of different sources. Therefore, it is essential for evidence-based information to be shared and disseminated to ski trip organisers to provide best practice and to facilitate other schools in providing ski trips for their pupils.     

纳米银的合成研究进展

近几年，纳米银的应用越来越广泛，成为金属纳米材料研究的热点。本文对应用微乳液法、模板法、相转移法、化学还原法、光化学法、超声波法、电化学法及辐射法等方法合成纳米银的研究进展进行了评述，对其发展趋势进行了展望。     

Preparing for the worst: public perceptions of risk management innovations

Scholars often call for research on the public’s involvement in crisis and risk mitigation. Yet, before the public can be persuaded to become involved in new mitigation initiatives, risk managers must first understand how members of the public perceive such initiatives. Grounded in diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, this study presents insights from 70 adult residents of a US urban metro area through focus group research. Findings yield insights about public perceptions of risk management innovations including that ‘greater good’ incentives can motivate interest in innovations (more so than financial incentives), thereby extending DOI theory. In addition, participants suggested mechanisms for facilitating government transparency to encourage program participation, along with additional insights about involving the public in government-sponsored risk management innovations.     

纳米镍粉的制备技术与工业生产

根据制备过程中物质所在的体系,纳米镍粉的制备技术分为气相法、液相法和固相法.本文介绍了各种制备方法的原理、特点和国内纳米镍粉的生产现状,对工业生产中存在的问题和今后的发展进行了讨论.     

醋酸低级醇酯系列产品的合成及催化剂

本文概述了醋酸低级醇酯产品的用途和市场趋势及原料醋酸的生产现状，重点介绍了醋酸低级醇酯系列产品的不同合成方法及其特点，并对所用催化剂的特点及制备技术进行了综述。     

纳米碳酸钙的制备、表面改性及应用前景

本文讨论了物理法和化学法制备纳米碳酸钙的优缺点,介绍了接枝聚合法和乳液聚合法对纳米碳酸钙进行表面改性处理的现状,提出了其中存在的问题并对纳米碳酸钙的应用前景进行了展望.