Syftet med vår kvalitativa ansats var att undersöka de olika anpassningsstrategier som verksamma pedagoger använder sig av på grupp och individnivå för att främja alla barns delaktighet i samlingen på förskolan. Med vår studie hade vi för avsikt att besvara följande forskarfrågor; “Vilka strategier använder pedagoger för att anpassa samlingen för att främja deltagandet hos alla barn?” och “Vad anser pedagoger som väsentligt i anpassning av samling?”. Våra teoretiska utgångspunkter för vår studie var Bronfenbrenners ekologiska systemteori och delaktighetsmodellen, som vi använde som ramverk i analysen av resultatet. Som metod använde vi oss av fokusgruppsintervjuer och i analysen av data använde vi tematisk analys som metod. Vi gjorde ett kriteriebaserat urval och ett snöbollsurval, där våra deltagare var verksamma förskollärare, barnskötare och pedagoger inom förskolans verksamhet. Resultaten från studien visade på dels hur viktigt det relationella aspekterna är, för utan att ha en relation till barnen så blir det svårt att anpassa och hitta anpassningar som fungerar. En viktig slutsats är att anpassningar som görs på grupp och individnivå, görs utifrån barnens förutsättningar i den utsträckning som pedagoger har möjligheten att göra, och detta kan se olika ut beroende på var man befinner sig. / The purpose of our qualitative study was to investigate the different adaptation strategies that active educators use at group and individual level to promote the participation of all children at circle time at preschool. With our small-scale study, we intended to answer the following research questions; "What strategies do educators use to adapt circle time and support participation for all children?" and "Which adaptations are the most essential to according to the educators?". Our theoretical starting points for our study were Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory and the participation model, which we used as a framework in the analysis of the results. As a method we used focus group interviews and in the analysis of the data we used thematic analysis as a method. We made a criterion-based selection and a snowball selection, where our participants became active preschool teachers, childminders, and educators within the Swedish preschool context. The results from the study showed how important the relational aspects are, because without having a relationship with the children it becomes difficult to adapt and find adaptations that work. An important conclusion is that adaptations made at group and individual level are made based on the children's conditions to the extent that educators can do, and this can look different depending on where you are.

This study explored the impact of the importation of expatriate English teachers on the morale of the Malaysian English teachers and attempted to identify the perceptions of Malaysian English teachers, expatriate native English-speaking teachers (NESTs), and expatriate nonnative English-speaking teachers (nonNESTs) regarding the practices that are prevalent in Malaysia in areas such as hiring, remuneration, and benefits. An initial questionnaire was completed by the participants to ensure that they fit the target demographic profiled. Then, a semi-structured interview was conducted as a follow-up to the participants' open-ended responses in the second part of the questionnaire. Completed questionnaires were gathered from ten participants, and two semi-structured interviews were conducted with an expatriate NEST and a Malaysian nonNEST respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses to the seven-point Likert-scale statements. In addition, this study took a qualitative approach in analyzing the core themes of the responses in the semi-structured interview and the questionnaire. Examining individual survey items and interviews revealed that there is a large discrepancy in wages between NESTs and nonNESTs in Malaysia, and this contributes to the unhappiness and low morale of Malaysian English teachers. In addition, the presence of expatriate NESTs causes Malaysian nonNESTs to have low self-esteem as they compare themselves to their native counterparts. This study also revealed that participants felt that the importation of expatriate NESTs had no significant impact on improving the language proficiency of students. Owing to the perceived failure to deliver desired results, the majority of the participants agreed that hiring qualified and experienced English teachers (not on the basis of one's race or first language) is paramount in improving the language proficiency of Malaysian students. The analysis of the data collected resulted in recommendations for a more in-depth study of the impact of the importation of expatriate NESTs/nonNESTs to the morale of Malaysian nonNESTs and the improvement of the language proficiency of Malaysian students. Also, the contributing factors for the decline of the English proficiency of Malaysian students should be thoroughly evaluated so as to affect change.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The PeerSpirit Circle is a non-hierarchical, intentional, and relationship-centered practice of collaboration. There is a lack of scientific knowledge about the phenomenon of the PeerSpirit Circle in nursing or its potential impact on nursing practice, education, research, and the evolution of the profession and health care. The health care milieu is often entrenched in ways of being that do not support sustained change. For vitality to prosper and creativity to abound, paradigmatic shifts and new models of practice that emphasize collaboration are being called for. The purpose and aims of this phenomenological research study are to explore and give voice to the experiences of nurses who have participated in the PeerSpirit Circle model of practice with other nurses. The study includes interviews from five registered nurses from Canada and the United States conducted from 2009–2010 and interpreted from a Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutic perspective. The research findings reveal three themes: (1) experiencing the Circle container” where participants begin to understand the value of intentional preparation of the interpersonal space for safe human interaction and stronger collaboration—there are experiences of gathering, protecting, appreciating ritual, and sharing stories; (2) Experiencing space where protected space seems to be the essential element to inspire the presencing of participants with self and other, which in turn engenders genuine dialogue, a sense of sacred space, and freedom to be authentic; and (3) Experiencing our humanity, an unfolding theme, where participants experience reconnection with and understanding of their deeper humanity, stronger congruence with their core values, deeper experiences of caring and courage, personal and professional growth, and a profound appreciation for belonging to a lineage of nurses. The findings inspire a deeper understanding of barriers to congruence between values and action in nursing and nurses’ need to acknowledge, honor, support, and protect each other’s vulnerability. The implications for nursing practice, education, and research show that the PeerSpirit Circle model is a beneficial for use in all settings.

Doctor of Philosophy / Curriculum and Instruction Programs / Marjorie Hancock / With the inception of No Child Left Behind, educators are required to ensure proficiency for all students in reading and math, but provide no incentive for developing the talents of gifted students (Gentry, 2006b). Implementing differentiation into the classroom can assist educators in providing appropriate instruction for all students and maximizing the potential of gifted learners. Differentiation modifies curriculum and instruction to meet the diverse needs of students in the classroom (Tomlinson, 1999, 2001, 2003). The purpose of this study was to document how differentiation influenced the gifted readers’ ability to think more critically and the fifth grade teacher’s perceptions of differentiation as it was implemented into the reading curriculum for all readers in her classroom. This qualitative research study was conducted in a fifth grade classroom in a rural mid-western community from October 24, 2008 to February 4, 2009. Data collection included response journals of the gifted readers, audio recordings of literature circle discussions, observations/field notes, digital voice recording of interviews with the gifted readers and the classroom teacher, teacher reflective journal, and weekly meetings. Data analysis revealed three levels of critical thinking within ten categories as outlined in the Written Response Hierarchy of Journal Critical Thinking. Advanced Level Critical Thinking included the categories of Synthesis, Character Affinity, Character Scrutiny, and Evaluative Inquiry. Intermediate Level Critical Thinking was evidenced by the categories of Inference, Image Construction, Author’s Writing Technique, and Prediction. Basic Level Critical Thinking was represented by responses in the Ambiguity and Engagement categories. The Oral Response Hierarchy of Literature Circle Critical Thinking revealed four critical thinking levels of oral response. Analytical and Probe represented Advanced Level Critical Thinking, Conjecture demonstrated Intermediate Level Critical Thinking, and Engagement provided evidence of Basic Level Critical Thinking. Advanced Level Critical Thinking was evidenced in both written and oral responses across the three stages of the study. Data analysis further revealed the teacher’s perceptions of differentiated instruction. Benefits included increase in students’ motivation, active involvement and leadership, exceeding expectations, quality of literature circle discussions, confidence in implementing differentiation with continuous support of a mentor, flexibility, and empowerment to solve problems.

Much of recent progress in medical research and diagnostics has been enabled through the advances in molecular analysis technologies, which now permit the detection and analysis of single molecules with high sensitivity and specificity. Assay sensitivity is fundamentally limited by the efficiency of the detection method used for read-out. Inefficient detection systems are usually compensated for by molecular amplification at the cost of elevated assay complexity. This thesis presents microfluidic automation and digital quantification of targeted nucleic acid detection methods based on padlock and selector probes and rolling circle amplification (RCA). In paper I, the highly sensitive, yet complex circle-to-circle amplification assay was automated on a digital microfluidic chip. In paper II, a new RCA product (RCP) sensing principle was developed based on resistive pulse sensing that allows label free digital RCP quantification. In paper III, a microfluidic chip for spatial RCP enrichment was developed, which enables the detection of RCPs with an unprecedented efficiency and allows for deeper analysis of enriched RCPs through next generation sequencing chemistry. In paper IV, a smart phone was converted into a multiplex fluorescent imaging device that enables imaging and quantification of RCPs on slides as well as within cells and tissues. KRAS point mutations were detected (i) in situ, directly in tumor tissue, and (ii) by targeted sequencing of extracted tumor DNA, imaged with the smart phone RCP imager. This thesis describes the building blocks required for the development of highly sensitive low-cost RCA-based nucleic acid analysis devices for utilization in research and diagnostics.

The dissertation underlines an approach towards mission, where the epistemology, hermeneutical key and methodology centre around relationship. This, by tracing trends in the pastoral context, verified through research and an analysis of congregational surveys. The results were then analysed in terms of biblical revelation (the creation narratives, God's covenental relationship with Israel, Christ as the New Israel, Christ's missiological methodology and an understanding of the Holy Trinity). The resulis were then also brought into conversation with recent developments in science, recognising the interdependence of all things, and also exploring recent definitions of mission. The study then grapples with a new way of engaging in theology. This new model simultaneously promotes the symbiotic nature of theologies, while placing them within the framework of relational objectives; using dialogue as medium, Holland and Henriot's Social Analysis and quantifiable relationship goals to engender a theological process accessible to people from all contexts and backgrounds. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M. Th. (Missiology)

近年來，開發中國家由於技術落後，引發出許多相當嚴重之問題，諸如成本高昂、品質低劣，同時由於落後國家低生產力所導致低真實所得與低購買力，實無法產生足夠的投資誘因，造成了貧困的惡性循環現象(the vicious circle of poverty) ，因之有所謂技術差距(technical gap) 之，存在，而此問題不僅牽涉到科學與研究發展問題，同時亦須注意外來技術邁入之途徑。 本文主要目的，乃在於了解各國在引進技術與研究發展上所作之努力及其所獲成果情形，並試圖以實證資料來解說技術與經濟發展是否息息相關? 技術進步對台灣經濟發展究有多少貢獻? 同時探討在過去二十年來我國各種產業技術進步是屬中性，抑屬資本集約或勞動集約型態? 最後擬將我國技術進步情形與其他主要先進國家技術進步情形作一比較，冀能由此看出台灣今後在技術上所應努力之方向。 為了估測台灣技術進步之偏向與效果，本文共採用了四種分析方法。( 一 )R.Solow 非體現技術進步測定方法。( 二 )E.F. Denidion 非體現之殘差推算方法( 三 )R. Nelson 之體現技術進步方法。( 四 )利用CES 生產函數之技術進步測定方法。

小筆電可說是筆記型電腦所演化的新產品，這個新產品在近兩年經濟不景氣的時代背景之下，迅速熱賣，市場的接受度可說是非常的高。本研究以文獻分析法探討小筆電的興起、宏碁公司的經營策略、筆記型電腦產業的競爭策略、筆記型電腦產業的核心能力分析模式、以及科技行銷策略，以｢技術採用生命週期｣的分析理論，建構研究模式。 近兩年小筆電的熱銷讓宏碁Aspire One出奇致勝，即使宏碁並不是首推小筆電的廠商，卻迅速反應，在很短的時間內，搶佔市場。Aspire One的熱銷是宏碁不巧受到幸運之神眷顧？還是宏碁在策略上運用得宜？小筆電的興起對宏碁筆記型電腦經營的策略有何特別的意涵？ 本論文以個案研究法，除了相關文獻的蒐集與分析之外，輔以筆者在筆記型電腦大廠深耕約二十年的工作經驗，深度分析小筆電的興起、以及宏碁公司的經營策略。 / Netbook can be seen as the new product developed from Notebook computer. In the wake of economic recession in recent two years, market acceptance for Netbook has become extremely high. This research is based on literature analysis, aims to analyze the rise of Netbook era, Acer‟s corporate strategy, the competitive approach in Notebook computer industry, the analysis model upon core competition in Notebook computer industry, and technology marketing strategy. The study is taking “Technology Life Circle” as research model . Acer‟s Aspire One is the biggest winner in Netbook selling record. Even Acer is not the first one to promote Netbook, its prompt response to the market brings Acer to the biggest Netbook player. Is Acer just lucky for perfect timing heading to this triumph, or it indicates Acer‟s strategies properly deployed? Besides, does the rise of the Netbook era since change the direction of Acer‟s business strategy? The research is doing in the manner of case study. On top of related literature analysis, my professional working experience within Notebook computer industry nearly twenty years is crucial for insight analysis of the rise of Netbook era and Acer‟s business strategy. Hopefully, this research brings reference value to industry.

<p>UVOD: Vilisov poligon predstavlja najznačajniju rezervu kolateralnog protoka između ekstrakranijalnih arterija koje vaskularizuju mozak i ima sposobnost razvoja kolateranih puteva kod ekstrakranijalne karotidne bolesti. Ova anatomska struktura podložna je varijacijama koje uključuju i prekid kontinuiteta i nekompletnost kolateralizacije. CILJEVI: Cilj je bio da se utvrdi da li nekompletnost Vilisovog poligona utiče na če&scaron;će pojavljivanje neurolo&scaron;ke simptomatologije i ishemijske moždane lezije kod pacijenata sa ekstrakranijalnom karotidnom bolesti. Takođe cilj je bio i da se utvrdi da li cerebrovaskularna reaktivnost kod pacijenata sa asimptomatskom ekstrakranijalnom karotidnom bolesti zavisi od kompletosti Vilisovog poligona i na koji način hirur&scaron;ki tretman utiče na parametre cerebrovaskularne rezerve kod pacijenata sa kompletnim i nekompletnim Vilisovim poligonom. METOD: U retrospektivnoj studiji analiziran je nalaz MRA kod 211 pacijenata sa ekstrakranijalnom karotidnom bolesti i 102 pacijenta iz kontrolne grupe. U prospektivnoj studiji je kod 98 pacijenata sa asimptomatskom karotidnom bolesti pored MRA nalaza određivana cerebrovaskularna reaktivnost putem određivanja &bdquo;breath hold index&ldquo;-a (BHI) pre i nakon operativnog tretmana. REZULTATI: Nekompletan Vilisov poligon nađen je kod 25% asimptomatskih, 47,5% simptomatskih pacijenata sa karotidnom bolesti i kod 59% kontrolne grupe pacijenata, pri čemu su se razlike pokazale kao statistički značajne. Kod asimptomatskih pacijenata sa nekompletnim Vilisovim poligonom BHI preoperativno iznostio je 0,62 a postoperativno 1,01 na strani lezije. U slučaju nekompletnog Vilisovog poligona preoperativna vrednost BHI iznostila je 0,88 a postoperativna 1,09 na strani lezije. Razlike su se pokazale kao statistički značajne između grupa i pre i posle operativnog tretmana. Porast je bio statistički značajno izraženiji u grupi asimptomatskih pacijenata sa nekompletnim Vilisovim poligonom. Nisu zabeležene major operativne komplikacije (perioeprativni moždani udar,smrtni ishod) a na pojavu hiperperfuzionog sindroma najvi&scaron;e su uticali kompletnost Vilisovog poligona, vrednost BHI i preoperativni tretman hipertenzije. ZAKLJUČCI: Nekompletan Vilisov poligon predstavlja faktor rizika za pojavu neurolo&scaron;ke simptomatologije ili ishemijske moždane lezije kod pacijenata sa ekstrakranijalnom karotidnom bolesti. Kod asimptomatskih pacijenata nekompletan Vilisov pologon utiče na smanjenu cerebrovaskularnu reaktivnost i veći rizik od moždanog udara. Parametri cerebrovaskularne reaktivnosti signifikantno se pobolj&scaron;avaju nakon operativnog tretmana.</p> / <p>INTRODUCTION: Circle of Willis is the most important reserve of collateral flow between the extracranial arteries that supply the brain and has the ability to develop collateral pathways in extracranial carotid disease. This anatomical structure is subject to variations which include a disruption in the continuity and incompleteness of collateralisation. OBJECTIVES: was to determine whether the incompleteness of the Circle of Willis is more often associated with neurological symptoms and ishemic cerebral lesions in patients with extracranial carotid artery disease. Also, the objective was to determine whether cerebrovascular reactivity in patients with asymptomatic extracranial carotid artery disease depends on the completeness Circle of Willis and how surgical treatment affects the parameters of cerebrovascular reserve in patients with complete and incomplete Circle of Willis. METHODS: This study analyzed the findings of MRA in 211 patients with extracranial carotid artery disease and 102 patients in the control group. In prospective study in 98 patients with asymptomatic carotid artery disease in addition to the MRA findings cerebrovascular reactivity was determined by determining the &quot;breath hold index&quot; -a (BHI) before and after surgical treatment. RESULTS: Incomplete Circle of Willis was found in 25% of asymptomatic, 47.5% of symptomatic patients with carotid artery disease, and 59% of the control group patients, where the difference proved to be statistically significant. In asymptomatic patients with incomplete Circle of Willis BHI values were 0.62 preoperatively and 1.01 postoperatively on the side of the lesion. In the case of incomplete Circle of Willis preoperative BHI values were 0.88 preopertively and 1.09 postoperatively in asymptomatic patients. The differences are shown to be statistically significant between the groups before and after surgical treatment. The increase was significantly more pronounced in the group of asymptomatic patients with incomplete Circle of Willis. There were not recorded major operative complications (perioeprativni stroke, mortality) and the occurrence hyperperfusion syndrome was most affected by completeness of the Circle of Willis, a value BHI and preoperative treatment of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Incomplete Circle of Willis is a risk factor for the occurrence of neurological symptoms or ischemic brain lesions in patients with extracranial carotid artery disease. In asymptomatic patients incomplete Circle of Willis affects the reduced cerebrovascular reactivity and a higher risk of stroke. The parameters of cerebrovascular reactivity significantly improved after surgical treatment.</p>

The thesis aims at examining Descartes's so called cogito from a wider perspective, especially as regards to the role in the development of Meditationes de prima philosophia (1641) and in the context of other relevant texts. Being an attempt to give a broad account of Descartes's "first cognition" the study deals not only with the cogito itself, e.g. with its logical structure, but also with other key Cartesian doctrines, so that we can understand the cogito as an integral part of Descartes's philosophy. The thesis inquires for this reason into the question of meditator's identity, the methodological skepticism, the question whether logical principles are called into question in the First meditation, the problem of the Cartesian circle, the distinction between implicit and explicit knowledge, the doctrine of innate ideas and finally, the question how to explain, according to Descartes, the awareness of our thoughts. Sometimes the considerations become rather systematic and go beyond a mere exegesis of Descartes's philosophy, especially when they concern the problem with the presence of ego in cogito and the explanation of our self-consciousness. There are three competing approaches to the second issue mentioned that are introduced and assessed in the last chapter. I have chosen this way of...