Impact of self-directed learning readiness and learning attitude on problem-solving ability among Chinese undergraduate nursing students

Objective: To explore the effects of self-directed learning readiness and learning attitude on problem-solving ability among Chinese undergraduate nursing students. Methods: A convenience sampling of 460 undergraduate nursing students was surveyed in Tianjin, China. Students who participated in the study completed a questionnaire that included social demographic questionnaire, Self-directed Learning Readiness Scale, Attitude to Learning Scale, and Social Problem-Solving Inventory. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to test the correlations among problem-solving ability, self-directed learning readiness, and learning attitude. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to explore the mediating role of learning attitude. Results: The results showed that learning attitude (r=0.338, P<0.01) and self-directed learning readiness (r=0.493, P<0.01) were positively correlated with problem-solving ability. Learning attitude played a partial intermediary role between self-directed learning readiness and problem-solving ability (F=74.227, P<0.01). Conclusions: It is concluded that nursing educators should pay attention on students’ individual differences and take proper actions to inspire students’ self-directed learning readiness and learning attitude.

Role of academic self-efficacy in the relationship between self-directed learning readiness and problem-solving ability among nursing students

Objective: Problem-solving should be a fundamental component of nursing education because It is a core ability for professional nurses. For more effective learning, nursing students must understand the relationship between self-directed learning readiness and problem-solving ability. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among self-directed learning readiness, problemsolving ability, and academic self-efficacy among undergraduate nursing students.Methods: From November to December 2016, research was conducted among 500 nursing undergraduate students in Tianjin, China,using a self-directed learning readiness scale, an academic self-efficacy scale, a questionnaire related to problem-solving, and selfdesigned demographics. The response rate was 85.8%.Results: For Chinese nursing students, self-directed learning readiness and academic self-efficacy reached a medium-to-high level,while problem-solving abilities were at a low level. There were significant positive correlations among the students' self-directed learning readiness, academic self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability. Furthermore, academic self-efficacy demonstrated a mediating effect on the relationship between the students' self-directed learning readiness and problem-solving ability.Conclusions: To enhance students' problem-solving ability, nursing educators should pay more attention to the positive impact of self-directed learning readiness and self-efficacy in nursing students' education.

Oral English Autonomous Learning Ability of English Majors Under the Background of the Internet and Its Improvement

The Internet is an important means of communication for contemporary college students,especially those majoring in English,to acquire knowledge about information and improve their oral proficiency.However,research on the relevant oral English autonomous learning ability of English majors shows that the overall learning situation is not satisfying.Based on the development of the concept of autonomous learning,this article explores the current situation and existing problems in oral English autonomous learning of English majors under the context of the Internet,and proposes corresponding autonomous learning strategies for improving their oral English skill.

Data-driven discovery of formation ability descriptors for high-entropy rare-earth monosilicates

Herein we establish formation ability descriptors of high-entropy rare-earth monosilicates(HEREMs)via the data-driven discovery based on the high-throughput solid-state reaction and machine learning(ML)methods.Specifically,adequate high-quality data are generated with 132 samples synthesized by the self-developed high-throughput solid-state reaction apparatuses,and 30 potential descriptors are considered in ML simultaneously.Two classifications are proposed to study the phase formation of HEREMs via the ML approach combined with the genetic algorithm:(Ⅰ)to distinguish pure HEREMs(X)from other phases and(Ⅱ)to categorize the detail phases of HEREMs(X2,X1,or X2+X1).Four formation ability descriptors(r_(Me),EF,d_(Eg),and d_(Z*))with a high validation accuracy(96.2%)are proposed as the optimal combination for Classification I,where a smaller r_(Me)is determined to have the most significant influence on the formation of HEREMs.For ClassificationⅡ,a 100%validation accuracy is achieved by using only two formation ability descriptors(rion and d_(Z*)),where the rion is analyzed to be the dominant feature and a lower rion is beneficial to the formation of X2-HEREMs.Based on our established formation ability descriptors,6,045 unreported multicomponent silicates are explored,and 3,478 new HEREMs with 2,700 X2-and 423 X1-HEREMs are predicted.

Cultivation Path of Nursing Undergraduates’Scientific Research and Innovation Ability

Objective: The cultivation of the innovation ability and scientific research is one of the nursing learning objectives for undergraduate students. To explore the method and effect of training system of scientific research innovation ability of nursing undergraduates based on “3332”. Methods: Three course learning modules are constructed: stage-based course learning module, systematic project practice training module and comprehensive practice training module. A practical training platform for scientific research innovation projects is built, and undergraduate scientific research innovation ability training is carried out from both in-class and out-of-class lines. Results: Since 2017, the students have obtained 7 national innovation and entrepreneurship training programs, 52 university-level undergraduate scientific research projects, published more than 10 academic papers, and obtained 2 patent authorization. Conclusions: The training system of scientific research innovation ability of nursing undergraduates based on “3332” is conducive to the development of scientific research innovation ability of nursing students, and to cultivate nursing talents who can adapt to the development of the new era and have better post competence.

On fostering the autonomous learning ability in college English teaching

Autonomous learning is one of the objectives of multi-media college English teaching. On basis of the test of students＇ autonomous learning ability and the analysis of the results, this paper attempts to explore the feasibility of fostering the autonomous learning ability in college English teaching.

Research into college students＇ English autonomous learning capability and the necessity of cultivating metacognitive strategies

Through the research into college students＇ English autonomous learning ability of the non-English major students. That the cause why university students＇ English autonomous learning ability is weak is proved to be that they do not value the use of learning strategies. The use of learning strategies can promote the formation and enhancement of autonomous learning ability of the learners. Metacognitive strategy is a high-level management skill which can enable the learners to plan, regulate, monitor and evaluate actively their own learning process. Massive researches have proved whether metacognitive strategy is used successfully or not can directly affect the student learning result. So, it is necessary for teachers to cultivate and train the students to use metacogitive strategy in the university English teaching.

Research on Compatible Mode of Self-directed Learning and Cooperative Learning in Blended Teaching of Basic English Course

In the information age,blended teaching,no matter online or offline,has become the mainstream of college teaching reform.In this teaching model,self-directed learning and cooperative learning are the two main learning approaches.On the online teaching platform,students mainly learn knowledge-based content by self-directed learning,while practising their language skills by cooperative learning in flipped classroom activities.On one hand,it advocates student-centered strategy so as to improve students autonomous learning ability;on the other hand,teachers serve as a guide to organize the classroom activities;meanwhile,they give timely feedback to students in order to promote students’learning ability.In blended teaching model,this mutually compatible and reinforcing model of self-directed learning and cooperative learning is undoubtedly helpful to improve the teaching efficiency.

Psychological Capital and Self-directed Learning Abilities of Graduate School Candidates

In China,about 4.74 million Chinese have signed up for the 2023 national exam for postgraduate enrollment.More and more students will pursue a graduate school education.It’s important to note that the self-directed learning abilities of the students is crucial in the postgraduate entrance exam.Therefore,the study seeks to identify the level of the self-directed learning abilities and psychological capital of the postgraduate school candidates to identify whether there is a significant correlation between the candidates’self-directed learning abilities and psychological capital.

Psychological Capital and Self-directed Learning Abilities of Graduate School Candidates

In China,about 4.74 million Chinese have signed up for the 2023 national exam for postgraduate enrollment.More and more students will pursue a graduate school education.It’s important to note that the self-directed learning abilities of the students is crucial in the postgraduate entrance exam.Therefore,the study seeks to identify the level of the self-directed learning abilities and psychological capital of the postgraduate school candidates to identify whether there is a significant correlation between the candidates’self-directed learning abilities and psychological capital.

Effectiveness of the flipped classroom on the development of self-directed learning in nursing education:a meta-analysis

Objectives: To examine the best practice evidence of the effectiveness of the flipped classroom（FC） as a burgeoning teaching model on the development of self-directed learning in nursing education.Data sources: The relevant randomized controlled trial（RCT） and non-RCT comparative studies were searched from multiple electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature（CINAHL）, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials（CENTRAL）, Wanfang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure（CNKI）, and Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database（VIP） from inception to June 2017.Review methods: The data were independently assessed and extracted for eligibility by two reviewers. The quality of included studies was assessed by another two reviewers using a standardized form and evaluated by using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. The self-directed learning scores（continuous outcomes） were analyzed by using the 95% confidence intervals（Cls） with the standard deviation average（SMD） or weighted mean difference（WMD）. The heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s I;statistic.Results: A total of 12 studies, which encompassed 1440 nursing students（intervention group = 685, control group = 755）, were eligible for inclusion in this review. Of 12 included studies, the quality level of one included study was A and of the others was B. The pooled effect size showed that compared with traditional teaching models, the FC could improve nursing students’ selfdirected learning skill, as measured by the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale（SDLRS）, Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale for Nursing Education（SDLRSNE）, Self-Regulated Learning Scale（SRL）, Autonomous Learning Competencies scale（ALC）, and Competencies of Autonomous Learning of Nursing Students（CALNS）. Overall scores and subgroup analyses with the SRL were all in favor of the FC.Conclusions: The result of this meta-analysis indicated that FCs could improve the effect of self-directed learning in nursing education.Future studies with more RCTs using the same measurement tools are needed to draw more authoritative conclusions.

Impacts of Passive Smoking on Learning and Memory Ability of Mouse Offsprings and Intervention by Antioxidants

Objective To determine the impact of passive smoking and the protective effect of antioxidants such as vitamin E and quercetin on learning and memory ability of mouse offsprings. Methods A passive smoking model of pregnant mice was established. Learning and memory ability was evaluated by the water maze test and long term potentiation （LTP）. Nitric oxide （NO）, content, nitric oxide synthase （NOS）, acetylcholinesteras （Ache） activity in brain, vitamin E concentration, and reactive oxygen species （ROS） in serum were determined. The latency period （the time during which the mice swim from the starting position to the ending position） and errors （the number of mice entering the blind end） in control and antioxidant intervention groups were compared with those in the smoke exposure group after 6 days. Results The latency period as well as errors in the air, control diet, tobacco smoke （TS）, and vitamin E diet groups were decreased significantly as compared with the TS and control diet groups （P〈O.05）. LTP was restrained in the TS and control diet groups. LTP in all the antioxidant diet groups was significantly increased compared with the TS and control diet groups. In addition, NOS and acetylcholinesteras （Ache） activitiy was significantly higher in the TS and control diet groups than in the air and control diet group. NO content was not significantly different among the different groups, and significantly lower in the TS and vitamin E diet groups than in the TS group, control diet group, quercetin diet group, and mixture diet group （P〈0.05）. Vitamin E concentration and ROS activity in serum were correlated with the outcome of water maze and LTP. Conclusion Passive smoking reduces LTP formation by disturbing the hippocampus function of mice, by decreasing NOS （especially vitamin E） partially improve the learning and memory smoke during pregnancy. and Ache activity and increasing NO content. Antioxidants ability of offsprings whose mothers are exposed to tobacco

Kongsheng Zhenzhong pill's effect on the learning and memory ability and its neuroprotective effects in vascular dementia rats

Clinical reports have demonstrated that the Kongsheng Zhenzhong pill （KSZZP）, a classical prescription deriving from Valuable Prescription for Emergencies, has good therapeutic effects on vascular dementia. However, the mechanisms that mediate its effects remain unclear. In this study, the expression of N-methyI-D-aspartate receptor 1 mRNA, the content of nitric oxide, and the concentration of calcium in neurons was determined with in situ hybridization, spectrophotometry and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, the expressions of N-methyI-D-aspartate receptor 1, nerve growth factor protein, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor protein were detected with immunohistochemistry. We found that KSZZP could significantly decrease the expression of N-methyI-D-aspartate receptor 1 mRNA and protein, the content of nitric oxide, and the concentration of calcium in neurons. KSZZP also increased the expression of nerve growth factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor protein in the hippocampus CA1 region and in the cerebral cortex. Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests verified that KSZZP ameliorated the cognitive impairments of vascular dementia rats. Moreover, the KSZZP-induced improvements in the cognitive functions of vascular dementia rats were correlated with both inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced excitable neurotoxicity and elevation of neurotrophic factor expression.

Relationship between self-directed learning readiness, learning attitude, and self-efficacy of nursing undergraduates

Objective: The purposes of this study were to analyze the influencing factors of self-directed learning readiness(SDLR) of nursing undergraduates and explore the impacts of learning attitude and self-efficacy on nursing undergraduates.Methods: A total of 500 nursing undergraduates were investigated in Tianjin, with the Chinese version of SDLR scale, learning attitude questionnaire of nursing college students, academic self-efficacy scale, and the general information questionnaire.Result: The score of SDLR was 149.99±15.73. Multiple stepwise regressions indicated that academic self-efficacy, learning attitude, attitudes to major of nursing, and level of learning difficulties were major influential factors and explained 48.1% of the variance in SDLR of nursing interns.Conclusions: The score of SDLR of nursing undergraduates is not promising. It is imperative to correct students' learning attitude, improve self-efficacy, and adopt appropriate teaching model to improve SDLR.

Self-directed learning readiness and nursing competency among undergraduate nursing students in Fujian province of China

Aims:We examined the relationship between self-directed learning readiness(SDLR)and nursing competency among undergraduate nursing students.Background:There is little evidence-based data related to the relationship between selfdirected learning(SDL)and nursing competency.Methods:A descriptive correlational design was used.We conducted convenience sampling of 519 undergraduate nursing students from three universities during their final period of clinical practice.We investigated SDL according to the SDLR scale for nursing education(Chinese translation version),and used the Competency Inventory for Registered Nurses to evaluate nursing competency.Results:The mean SDLR score of the students was 148.55(standard deviation[SD]18.46),indicating intermediate and higher SDLR.The mean score for nursing competency was 142.31(SD30.39),indicating intermediate nursing competence.SDLR had a significant positive and strong relationship with nursing competency.Conclusion:SDLR is a predictor of nursing competency.

An Analysis of College Students＇ Autonomous English Learning Ability under the Network Environment

Referring to the questionnaire survey and literature materials, this paper describes the current situation of college students＇ insufficient autonomous English learning ability and thefactors that influence this ability; it also suggests feasible suggestions under the network environment. Students （N= 178） from different grades, majors, universities and areas responded to a questionnaire survey, and the collected data were analyzed. The results indicate that complex external environment and insufficient internal subject cognition influence college students＇ autonomous English learning ability. Finally, this paper suggests that a good network environment is necessary for autonomous learners to enhance insufficient autonomous English learning ability and interaction, continuous thinking and cultural introduction are also indispensable to develop this ability.

Changes of learning and memory ability associated with neuronal nitric oxide synthase in brain tissues of rats with acute alcoholism

BACKGROUD： Ethanol can influence neural development and the ability of leaming and memory, but its mechanism of the neural toxicity is not clear till now. Endogenous nitric oxide （NO） as a gaseous messenger is proved to play an important role in the formation of synaptic plasticity, transference of neuronal information and the neural development, but excessive nitro oxide can result in neurotoxicity. OBJECTIVE ： To observe the effects of acute alcoholism on the learning and memory ability and the content of neuronal nitric oxide synthase （nNOS） in brain tissue of rats. DESIGN ： A randomized controlled animal experiment. SETTING ： Department of Physiology, Xinxiang Medical College MATERIALS： Eighteen male clean-degree SD rats of 18-22 weeks were raised adaptively for 2 days, and then randomly divided into control group （n = 8） and experimental group （n = 10）. The nNOS immunohistochemical reagent was provided by Beijing Zhongshan Golden Bridge Biotechnology Co.,Ltd. Y-maze was produced by Suixi Zhenghua Apparatus Plant. METHODS ： The experiment was carded out in the laboratory of the Department of Physiology, Xinxiang Medical College from June to October in 2005. ① Rats in the experimental group were intraperitoneally injected with ethanol （2.5 g/kg） which was dissolved in normal saline （20%）. The loss of righting reflex and ataxia within 5 minutes indicated the successful model. Whereas rats in the control group were given saline of the same volume. ② Examinations of learning and memory ability： The Y-maze tests for learning and memory ability were performed at 6 hours after the models establishment. The rats were put into the Y-maze separately. The test was performed in a quiet and dark room. There was a lamp at the end of each of three pathways in Y-maze and the base of maze had electric net. All the lamps of the three pathways were turned on for 3 minutes and then turned off. One lamp was turned on randomly, and the other two delayed automatically. In 5 seconds after alternation, pulsating electric current presented in the base of unsafe area to stimulate rat＇s feet to run to the safe area. The lighting lasted for 15 seconds as one test. Running from unsafe area to safe area at one time in 10 seconds was justified as successful. Such test was repeated for 10 times for each rat and the successful frequency was recorded. The qualified standard of maze test was that the rat ardved in the safe area g times during 10 experiments. The number of trainings for the qualified standard was used to represent the result of spatial learning. ③ Determination of the content of nNOS in brain tissue： After the Y-maze test, the rats were anaesthetized, and blood was let from the incision on right auricle, transcardially perfused via the left ventricle with about 200 mL saline, then fixed by perfusion of 40 g/L paraformaldehyde. Hippocampal CA1 region, corpus striatum and cerebellum were taken to prepare serial freezing coronal sections. The nNOS contents in the brain regions were determined with the immunohistochemical methods to reflect the changes of nitdc oxide in brain tissue. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ： The changes of learning and memory ability and the changes of the nNOS contents in the brain tissue of rats with acute alcoholism were observed. RESULTS ： One rat in the experimental group was excluded due to its slow reaction to electdc stimulation in the Y-maze test, and the other 17 rats were involved in the analysis of results. ① The training times to reach qualifying standards of Y-maze in the expedmental group was more than that in the control group [（34.33 ±13.04）, （27.50±8.79） times, P〈 0.05]. ② Forms and numbers of nNOS positive neurons in brain tissue： It could be observed under light microscope that in the hippocampal CA1 region, there were fewer nNOS positive neurons, which were lightly stained, and the processes were not clear enough; But the numbers of the positive neurons which were deeply stained as huffy were obviously increased in the experimental group, the cell body and cyloplasm of process were evenly stained, but the nucleus was not stained. The nNOS positive neurons in corpus stdatum had similar forms and size in the experimental group and control group. The form of the nNOS positive neurons in cerebellum were similar between the two groups. The numbers of nNOS positive neurons in hippocampal CA1 region and corpus striatum in the expedmental group [（18.22±7.47）, （11.38±5.00） cells/high power field] were obviously higher than those in the control group [（10.15±4.24）, （6.15±3.69） cells/high power field. The number of nNOS positive neurons in cerebellum had no significant difference between the two groups [（49.56±18.84）, （44.43±15.42） cells/high power field, P〉 0.05]. CONCLUSION ： Acute alcoholism may impair learning and memory ability, and nitric oxide may be involved in mediating the neurotoxic role of ethanol.

Effects of ginsenoside of stem and leaf combined with choline on learning and memory ability of rat models with Alzheimer diseases

BACKGROUND： Central adrenergic nerve and 5-serotonergic nerve can influence central cholinergic nerve on learning and memory and make easy for study; however, ginsenoside of stem and leaf （GSL） can improve functions of central adrenergic nerve; moreover, 5-serotonergic nerve and the combination with choline can produce synergistic effect and enhance learning and memory ability so as to improve learning and memory disorder of patients with Alzheimer disease （AD）. OBJECTIVE ： To observe the effects of GSL combining with choline on learning and memory of AD model rats DESIGN ： Randomized grouping design and controlled animal study SETIING ： Department of Pharmacology, Taishan Medical College MATERIALS ： The experiment was carried out in the Pharmacological Department of Medical College of Jilin University from October 1996 to January 1997. Forty healthy male Wistar rats of clean grade were randomly divided into 5 groups, including sham-injury group, model group, GSL group, choline group and combination group, with 8 rats in each group. Main medications： GSL with the volume more than 92.8% was provided by Department of Chemistry, Norman Bethune Medical College of Jilin University. Panaxatriol, the main component, was detected with thin layer scanning technique and regarded as the index of GSL quality [（55±1）%, CV= 2%, n = 5]. Choline was provided by the Third Shanghai Laboratory Factory. METHODS ： 150 nmol quinolinic acid was used to damage bilateral Meynert basal nuclei of adult rats so as to establish AD models. Rats in GSL, choline and combination groups were intragastric administrated with 400 mg/kg GSL, 200 mg/kg choline （20 mL/kg）, and both respectively last for 17 days starting from two days before operation. Rats in sham-injury group and model group were perfused with the same volume of distilled water once in each morning for the same days. （1） Passive avoidance step-down test： Five minutes later, rats jumped up safe platform when they were shocked with 36 V alternating current. If rats jumped down from the platform and the feet touched railings, the response was wrong. Numbers of wrong response were recorded within 3 minutes, and then the test was redone after 24 hours. （2） Morris water-maze spatial localization task： Swimming from jumping-off to platform directly was regarded as right response. Additionally, 4 successively right responses were regarded as the standard. Each rat was trained 10 times a day with 120 s per time for 3 successive days. The interval was 30 s. Three days later, numbers of right response were recorded. The training times were increased to 30 for unlearned rats. （3） Measurement of activity of choline acetylase in cerebral cortex： Rats were sacrificed at 17 days after operation to obtain cerebral cortex to measure activity of choline acetylase with radiochemistry technique. （4） Synergistic effect： It was expressed as Q value： Q value = factual incorporative effect/anticipant incorporative effect; Q ≥ 1 was regarded as synergistic effect. Anticipant incorporative effect = （EA＋EB-EA·EB）, EA and EB were single timing effect, respectively in GSL group and choline group. E（step-down test and Morris water maze test） = （x in model group - factual value in medicine groups）/x in model group; E （activity of choline acetylase） = （factual value in medicine groups -xin model group）/xin model group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ： （1） Passive avoidance step-down test and Morris water-maze spatial localization task in the study of learning and memory; （2） activity of choline acetylase. RESULTS ： All 40 rats were involved in the final analysis. （1） Passive avoidance response： At learning phase on first day and retesting phase on the next day, numbers of wrong responses within 3 minutes were more in model group than sham operation group, and there was significant difference [（5.88±1.46）, （2.25±0.87） times; （2.63±1.06）, （0.50±0.53） times; P 〈 0.01]; numbers of wrong responses within 3 minutes were less in combination group than model group, and there was significant difference [learning phase： （1.12±0.83）, （5.88±1.46） times; retesting phase： （0.38±0.74）, （2.63±1.06）times, P 〈 0.01]; moreover, effect was stronger than that in GSL group and choline group. The Q value was 1.07 and 1.59, respectively and it showed synergistic effect. Spatial localization task： Training times were more in model group than sham operation group, and there was significant difference [（2.9±2.5）, （12.6±3.5） times; P 〈 0.01]. Training times were less in combination group than model group, and there was significant difference [（11.8±2.4）, （27.9±2.5） times, P 〈 0.01]; moreover, effect was stronger than that in GSL group and choline group. The Q value was 1.07 and it showed synergistic effect. （3） Activity of choline acetylase： Activity was lower in model group than sham operation group, and there was significant difference [（30.56±8.33）, （61.11 ±8.33） nkat/g; P 〈 0.01]. Activity was higher in combination group than model group and there was significant difference [（50.00±8.33）, （30.56±8.33） nkat/g, P 〈 0.01];moreover, effect was stronger than that in GSL group and choline group. The Q value was 1.5 and it showed synergistic effect. CONCLUSZON： GSL in combination with choline can synergically improve the disorder of learning and memory of AD model rats. Its mechanism may be involved in enhancing the function of central cholinergic system.

Influence of diet quantity on learning and memory ability and immunological function in mice

BACKGROUND： Diet can regulate gene expression via manifesting genetic style so as to make a correlation with senility and tumor onset of tissue organs. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effect of diet quantity on learning and memory ability and immunological function changes in mice and verify the correlation between functional changes and diet quantity. DESIGN： Completely randomized grouping design. SETTINGS： Three Gorges University Medical College; School of Medicine, Hubei Institute for Nationalities. MATERIALS： Eighty Kunming mice of 3 weeks old, grade Ⅱ, weighing 17 - 18 g and either gender, were selected from Animal Experimental Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. The experimental animals were disposed according to ethical criteria. At one week after feeding, they were randomly divided into 4 groups, including over-diet group, quantitative-diet group, quantitative-limit diet group and over-limit diet group with 20 mice in each group. METHODS： The experiment was carried out in the Medical Experimental Center of Hubei Institute for Nationalities and the Department of Laboratory, Central Hospital of Hubei Enshi Autonomous Prefecture from April to June 2006. （1） Diet quantity of animals was 〉 6 g/d in the over-diet group, 4 g/d in the quantitative-diet group, 3.34 g/d in the quantitative-limit diet group and 1.8 g/d in the over-limit diet group, respectively. Mice in the four groups drank freely. （2） At 35 days after feeding, every 10 mice were randomly selected from each group and enclosed in the wide mouthed bottle （250 mL, containing sodalime） to observe and record survival time under normal pressure and hypoxic condition. Other mice were given step down test, shuttle box test and autonomic activity test. Step down test： The first step-down latency and error times within 5 minutes were used to evaluate learning ability and the memory ability was retested at 24 hours later. Shuttle box test： The shuttle-box latency and error times within 5 minutes were used to evaluate learning ability and the memory ability was retested at 24 hours later. Times of autonomic activity within 5 minutes were used to evaluate ability of autonomic activity. In addition, blood was collected from eyeball to measure plasma immune globulin and complement by using immunoturbidimetry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： （1） Effect of different diet quantity on learning and memory ability; （2） effect of different diet quantity on times of autonomic activity and survival time under hypoxia and normal pressure; （3） effect of different diet quantity on content of immune globulin and complement. RESULTS： All 80 mice were involved in the final analysis. （1） Effect of different diet quantity on learning and memory ability： There was no significant difference in learning ability during step down test （P 〉 0.05）. While, memory ability in the over-diet group and the quantitative-diet group was better than that in the over-limit diet group （t =2.235 - 2.423, P 〈 0.05）. During shuttle box test, learning and memory ability in the over-diet group was superior to that in the over-limit diet group （t =2.237 - 2.431, P 〈 0.05）. While, memory ability in the quantitative-diet group and quantitative-limit diet group was superior to that in the over-limit group （t =2.704 - 2.813, P 〈 0.05）. （2） Effect of different diet quantity on times of autonomic activity and survival time under hypoxia and normal pressure： There were significant differences in the times of autonomic activity among quantitative-diet group, quantitative-limit diet group and over-limit diet group （t = 2.725 - 2.98, P 〈 0.05）. Survival time in the quantitative-diet group and the quantitative-limit diet group was longer than that in the over-diet group （t =2.365, 2.719, P 〈 0.05）, but shorter than that in the over-limit diet group （t =2.427, 2.538, P 〈 0.05）. While, survival time in the over-limit diet group was longer than that in the over-diet group （t =2.765, P 〈 0.01）. （3） Effect of different diet quantity on content of immune globulin and complement： There was no significant difference in content of IgG and IgA （P 〉 0.05）. Content of IgM in the over-limit diet group was higher than that in the over-diet group, quantitative-diet group and quantitative-limit diet group （t =2.304- 2.421, P 〈 0.05）. Contents of complement C3 and C4 in the quantitative-diet group and quantitative-limit diet group were higher than those in the over-diet group （t = 2.319 - 2.738, P 〈 0.05）, but lower than those in the over-limit diet group （t =2.317 - 2.716, P 〈 0.05）. While, contents of C3 and C4 in the over-limit diet group were higher than those in the over-diet group （t =3.247, 4.53, P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Both quantitative diet and quantitative-limit diet can improve learning and memory ability, autonomic activity and immnological stress; however, over-limit diet may decrease these abilities.

Correlation between Learning Characteristics and Ability of Art and Design Students in Vocational Colleges

This paper introduced the current situation and development background of art and design vocational education in China, especially the relationship between learning characteristics and ability of art and design students in vocational colleges. The approaches of overcoming the inclination to utilitarianism and aesthetic deficiency in art and design education of Chinese higher vocational colleges should be explored from the perspective of learning motivation, strategy and ability, so as to propose countermeasures to improve learning ability of art and design students in vocational colleges.