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Chasing American Originality: Literary Continuity and Artistic Survival in Moby-Dick
No full textHerman Melville wrote Moby-Dick, or, The Whale during the nineteenth century American Renaissance when America sought a distinct, identifiable culture for the new west apart from European tradition in the East. In 1839, eleven years before the publication of Moby-Dick, John L. O’Sullivan published an article in the Democratic Review prophesizing America as “The Great Nation of Futurity.” O’Sullivan’s vision for America stretched beyond political destiny into the realm of culture. To further demonstrate America’s superiority as a nation, O’Sullivan argued the nation’s literature must reflect America’s democracy and nation while also rejecting any imitation of foreign cultural tradition. Melville’s fifth novel serves as an allegorical response to O’Sullivan’s political rhetoric. Often called the great American novel, Moby-Dick ironically represents the inherent danger in nationalizing art for the sake of profit or pride, and through Ishmael, Melville affirms artistic survival requires separation from extreme American individualism. Through Melville’s creative allegory, he demonstrates literary continuity to the past must be upheld for the culture to survive. However, O’Sullivan’s desire for American originality neglects the natural continuity in creativity. As an author reads, sparks of inspiration provoke thought, and with those thoughts, the author writes. In summation, Moby-Dick reveals artistic survival within a democracy requires an author willing to establish boundaries to national belonging. Furthermore, the author must resist the lure of success and fame by writing the truth, rather than chasing a mythic, political ideal
Accuracy of VO2 Testing Using Apple Watches
Full text linkMaximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is widely recognized as a critical measure of cardiovascular health and aerobic fitness. It represents the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can utilize during intense exercise and is a key indicator of cardiovascular efficiency (Bassett & Howley, 2000). High levels of VO2max are associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases and are indicative of better overall health and longevity (Levine, 2008). Consequently, regular monitoring of VO2max is essential for assessing cardiovascular health and guiding interventions to improve lifestyle and fitness. Traditionally, VO2max assessment has been confined to specialized laboratory settings, requiring sophisticated equipment and rigorous exercise protocols (Bhambhani et al., 2007). However, the proliferation of wearable technology has led to a paradigm shift in how these assessments can be conducted. Devices like the Apple Watch claim to estimate VO2max by analyzing workout data, including heart rate and motion (Peake et al., 2018). This technological advancement offers the potential for more widespread, accessible monitoring of cardiovascular fitness, potentially promoting regular physical activity and better health outcomes. Despite their convenience and popularity, questions remain about the accuracy of wearable devices in estimating VO2max. The algorithms used by these devices differ from traditional laboratory methods, raising concerns about their reliability (Snyder et al., 2016). The Apple Watch, for example, uses proprietary algorithms to provide VO2max estimates, but the accuracy of these estimates compared to standard laboratory measurements is not well-established (Peake et al., 2018). Our research aims to address this gap by evaluating the accuracy of VO2max estimations provided by the Apple Watch. We compare these estimates to those obtained from the established VO2MasterPro analyzer, assessing the Apple Watch's reliability in providing accurate cardiovascular fitness assessments. This study adds to the growing body of literature on wearable technology in health monitoring and fitness assessment, shedding light on the capabilities and limitations of these popular devices. 1. Bassett, D. R., & Howley, E. T. (2000). Limiting factors for maximum oxygen uptake and determinants of endurance performance. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 32(1), 70-84. 2. Levine, B. D. (2008). VO2max: what do we know, and what do we still need to know? Journal of Physiology, 586(1), 25-34. 3. Bhambhani, Y., Singh, M., & Keenan, G. (2007). Predicting maximal oxygen uptake from a modified 3-minute step test. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 78(2), 83-88. 4. Peake, J. M., Kerr, G., & Sullivan, J. P. (2018). A critical review of consumer wearables, mobile applications, and equipment for providing biofeedback, monitoring stress, and sleep in physically active populations. Frontiers in Physiology, 9, 743. 5. Snyder, P. J., Silbershatz, H., & Reichek, N. (2016). Comparison of the results of the VO2max test using different ergometers. Journal of Applied Physiology, 120(4), 491-499.
Methods Participants This study involved sixteen healthy volunteers (7 male, 9 female) aged between 20 and 35 years. All participants were recruited from the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and were free from any known cardiovascular, metabolic, or respiratory diseases, as confirmed by a medical questionnaire and screening (Smith et al., 2013). The study protocols were approved by the Institutional Review Board, and all participants provided written informed consent before participation. Study Design A crossover design was employed to compare the VO2max measurements obtained from the Apple Watch Series 5 and the VO2MasterPro analyzer. Each participant underwent two separate testing sessions, with a minimum interval of 48 hours between sessions to avoid fatigue and ensure recovery (Turner et al., 2017). Measurement Procedures Task 1: VO2MasterPro Analysis VO2max was first measured using the VO2MasterPro analyzer, a validated tool for assessing cardiopulmonary exercise capacity (Peltonen et al., 2013). Participants performed a graded exercise test on a Woodway treadmill following the Bruce protocol, which progressively increases in intensity and is a standard method for VO2max testing (Bruce et al., 1973). VO2max was defined as the highest oxygen uptake achieved during the test. Task 2: Apple Watch Measurement In the second session, VO2max was estimated using an Apple Watch Series 5. Participants were required to wear the watch on their non-dominant wrist and pair it with their iPhone. They then performed an outdoor walk for a minimum of 20 minutes, as recommended by the manufacturer for accurate VO2max estimation (Peake et al., 2018). The watch's built-in sensors and proprietary algorithm were used to estimate VO2max based on heart rate and movement data. Statistical Analysis Data were analyzed using paired t-tests to compare the mean VO2max values from the VO2MasterPro and the Apple Watch. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the relationship between the two sets of measurements. A significance level of p<0.05 was used for all tests. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (Version 26, IBM Corp). 1. Smith, A. C., Saunders, D. H., & Mead, G. (2013). Cardiorespiratory fitness after stroke: A systematic review. International Journal of Stroke, 8(6), 425-432. 2. Turner, A. P., Cathcart, A. J., Parker, M. E., Butterworth, C., Wilson, J., & Ward, S. A. (2017). Oxygen uptake and heart rate kinetics during heavy exercise: A comparison between arm cranking and leg cycling. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 117(2), 247-257. 3. Peltonen, J. E., Paterson, D. H., Shoemaker, J. K., Delorey, D. S., DuCharme, M. B., & Petrella, R. J. (2013). Cerebral and muscle tissue oxygenation during incremental arm crank ergometry in healthy young and older men. Experimental Physiology, 98(4), 946-959. 4. Bruce, R. A., Kusumi, F., & Hosmer, D. (1973). Maximal oxygen intake and nomographic assessment of functional aerobic impairment in cardiovascular disease. American Heart Journal, 85(4), 546-562. 5. Peake, J. M., Kerr, G., & Sullivan, J. P. (2018). A critical review of consumer wearables, mobile applications, and equipment for providing biofeedback, monitoring stress, and sleep in physically active populations. Frontiers in Physiology, 9, 743.This study assesses the accuracy of VO2max estimations provided by the Apple Watch Series 5, comparing them with measurements obtained from the VO2MasterPro analyzer. Conducted on sixteen healthy volunteers, the study employed a crossover design with participants undergoing tests on both devices under different conditions. The VO2MasterPro analyzer's results averaged 39.9 ml/kg/min, while the Apple Watch estimated an average of 37.7 ml/kg/min. A paired t-test showed no significant difference between the mean values of both methods, but a weak Pearson correlation coefficient (0.2) indicated considerable variance in individual measurements. Notably, the Apple Watch demonstrated a gender disparity in accuracy, with underestimations more prevalent in female participants. These findings highlight the potential and limitations of wearable technology for cardiovascular fitness monitoring, suggesting the need for cautious interpretation of data, especially in clinical or research settings. Future research should explore larger, diverse populations and investigate the algorithms behind wearable device measurements to enhance their reliability and accuracy across different demographic groups
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Full text linkThis scholarly delivery focused on students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) entering higher education. The whole delivery was comprised of two parts. First was a case study focused on a girl with ASD on the verge of the transition to higher education and the choices that the education system forced her to make in terms of support. Second was an empirical study that aimed to analyze support structures and the impact these supports had on the lived experiences of students with ASD in higher education. The study used a literature review, semi-structured interviews, and qualitative coding methods
to identify three areas of support: Academic, social, and familial. The research revealed an interconnectedness of support structures with multiple implications for future researchers, educators, and students
The Effectiveness of Inductive Teaching in Mathematics
No full textThe aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of inductive teaching in mathematics based on ninth-grade students' performance and the retention of learning regarding rules of exponents content. In this study, a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and retest was employed. This study was conducted with 92 ninth-grade students from an urban high school in Connecticut (experimental group, n = 46; control group, n = 46). While inductive teaching was carried out in the experimental group, traditional lecture-based instruction continued in the control group. Data was collected through a knowledge test, which consisted of 15 objective-type questions. The knowledge test was administered to the experimental and control groups as a pretest at the beginning of instruction, and as a posttest at the end of instruction to both groups. Seven weeks after instruction, the knowledge test was administered to both groups as a retention test of the rules of exponents topic information. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and ANCOVA with the pretest as the covariate. The results from this study indicated that inductive teaching significantly improved both students’ performance and retention of learning in mathematics when compared to the traditional lecture-based methods regarding rules of exponents
Optimizing English Language Learning: A Comprehensive Guide
No full textMultilingual education holds increasing significance in today's interconnected world. While offering unique opportunities for enriched learning and cultural understanding, it also poses pressing challenges demanding thoughtful solutions. Educators and policymakers grapple with ensuring equitable education for multilingual students. These learners encounter distinctive academic hurdles while navigating new languages, cultures, and academic expectations. A research initiative focused on 55 fifth-grade multilingual students in the Texas Panhandle aimed to identify their significant challenges. This study raised two key questions: 1) How can teachers discern if multilingual learners' struggles stem from language proficiency or learning disabilities? 2) What practices exist in identifying and supporting the educational needs of multilingual students? The majority of participants were refugee children speaking 38 languages on campus, often facing academic struggles due to language and literacy gaps. Data collection, conducted by two research assistants (RAs) across 13 weeks, involved classroom observations, online surveys, interviews, focus groups, and assessments. This hands-on experience allowed RAs to engage with students authentically, benefiting their understanding of real classroom practices. The research outcomes aim to enrich the education preparation program at Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences (RCOESS), enabling future teachers to employ effective teaching models and strategies. Additionally, the participating school benefited from quality assistance provided by RAs closely interacting with multilingual students. Ultimately, this research initiative seeks to support multilingual students facing learning difficulties, their families, and educators providing services to these students, fostering a more inclusive educational environment.
Before conducting the study, the researchers followed a structured process to obtain permission from the school, teachers, and parents of minor students. Initially, the researchers reached out to the campus administrators and then contacted interested teachers at the school. After securing the cooperation of a teacher, the researchers obtained approval from the parents and/or guardians of the fifth-grade students who were interested in the participation of the study. Once consent was obtained from all parties, the participants completed a brief survey either on paper or online via the Qualtrics survey platform. The survey included questions related to the challenges faced by multilingual students in the classroom and the strategies employed to overcome them. In addition to teacher survey responses, the students were also interviewed and their answers were recorded, transcribed, and entered into the Qualtrics online software system for analysis. Over a period of 13 weeks that encompassed a semester, data was collected resulting in the completion of 55 surveys. The study followed a rigorous and structured approach to data collection, ensuring that all participants provided informed consent and that their data was gathered in an ethical and accurate manner.Addressing critical issues in multilingual education requires tackling various challenges to ensure effective learning experiences for students who speak multiple languages. The article focuses on difficulties faced by multilingual students, providing practical strategies to support their academic growth. The study involved 55 multilingual students in Texas, predominantly refugee children speaking 38 languages on campus. The study highlights the importance of recognizing the children's unique needs and implementing effective strategies for improved educational outcomes and successful transitions to higher grades
The Lived Experiences of Faculty-Faculty Nursing Incivility
Full text linkIncivility among faculty members is disruptive and contributes to the nursing shortage. This phenomenological study was completed to examine the lived experiences of faculty-to-faculty nursing incivility. This in-depth exploration was pursued to acquire the evidence faculty members attribute to uncivil behavior and its impact on their well-being, job satisfaction, and ability to perform their duties. Additionally, this study aimed to identify commonalities in how faculty members experience workplace incivility through interactions with their colleagues.
The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 purposefully selected members who met the criteria. The data was transcribed and coded for emerging themes. The major themes developed included; a toxic work environment, lack of leadership, power imbalance, physical and psychological consequences, and decreased job satisfaction. Understanding the lived experiences among nursing faculty will impact the future development of nurses
EVALUATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE PREGNANCY SUCCESS OF FRESH EMBRYO TRANSFERS IN COMMERCIAL BEEF CATTLE
Full text linkThis study aimed to evaluate the impacts of certain factors and their relationship
with estrus expression, recipient suitability, and pregnancy success of fresh in vitro
fertilized embryo transfers in commercial beef cows. Embryos were produced using IVF
procedures by Trans Ova Genetics, Inc. (Sioux Center, IA). Sex-sorted heifer semen from
a registered Charolais bull (WR Foreman D602; AICA 883344) was used in the IVF
procedures to fertilize Angus-type oocytes collected in a packing plant. Prior to embryo
transfer, 157 commercial beef recipients ranging from three to ten years of age were
estrus synchronized using a progesterone-based protocol. Visual heat detection was
performed three times daily, six to eight days prior to embryo transfer to determine
whether or not heat expression had occurred. Embryos were transferred (n = 143) by a
licensed veterinarian at the Texas A&M University McGregor Research Station in
McGregor, TX, on June 22nd, 2023. Fourteen recipients were deemed unsuitable for an
embryo because they did not have a viable corpus luteum (CL) on either their left or right
ovary and, therefore, did not receive an embryo. Pregnancy success from embryo transfer
was determined by both rectal ultrasonography and evaluation of calves born. Factors
evaluated in this study included heat expression prior to ET (Heat or No Heat), recipient
age [Group 1 (2 and 3 years old), Group 2 (4 and 5 years old), Group 3 (6 and 7 years
iii
old), and Group 4 (9 and 10 years old)], embryo quality grade (Grade 1 vs. Grade 2), and
uterine horn transfer side (left uterine horn; LUH vs. right uterine horn; RUH).
All statistical analysis was done using R-studio version 4.3.1. Statistical tests run
included Pearson’s Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact test. Statistical significance was
determined at a 95% confidence level. Overall: i) there was an estrus expression rate of
60.5% (95/157), ii) the rate of recipient suitability for embryo transfer was 91.1%
(143/157), and iii) the pregnancy success rate to ET was 52.4% (75/143). There were no
significant differences in pregnancy rates observed between Heat and No Heat cows (p =
.14), uterine horn transfer sides (LUH vs. RUH; p = .54), or embryo quality grades
(Grade 1 vs. Grade 2; p = .24). Similarly, there were no significant differences detected
between recipient age and rates of recipient suitability (p = .14). However, a significant
interaction was detected at the 95% confidence level between recipient age and ET
pregnancy success. Group 4 exhibited significantly higher pregnancy rates than Group 1
(67.6% vs. 43.9%, respectively; p = .02). Additionally, Group 4 also exhibited higher
rates of heat expression prior to ET when compared to Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3
(82.4% vs. 60.0%, 41.9%, and 44.4%, respectively; p < .05). When comparing the effects
of heat expression on recipient suitability, Heat cows received an embryo at a
significantly higher rate than No Heat cows (96.9% vs. 81.3%, respectively; p < .01).
Overall, Group 4 cows exhibited the highest overall rates of heat expression, recipient
suitability, and pregnancy success. Further research is encouraged to further evaluate the
relationship between age and rates of external heat expression, pregnancy success, and embryo recipient suitabilit
Factors Contributing to Quality of Life in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults
No full textThis research aimed to assess quality of life in deaf and hard of hearing adults and examine the impact severity of hearing loss, community involvement, community preference, cultural competence, and language competence have on quality of life. Forty-nine deaf and hard of hearing participants completed a survey regarding their cultural identity and quality of life. The survey was composed of portions of the Deaf Acculturation Scale (DAS) and a modified version of the WHOQOL-BREF. Observation oriented modeling was used to identify patterns in the data to answer the research questions. The first research hypothesis was that persons who identified as bicultural would have increased quality of life over persons who identified as deaf and hearing. Results supported increased social and physical quality of life in the bicultural group (social PCC = 72.73, c-value = 0.90; physical PCC = 75.76; c-value = 0.04). The second research hypothesis was that persons with a moderate to severe hearing loss who were highly involved in the deaf culture would have a higher quality of life than persons with moderate to severe hearing loss who were highly involved in the hearing culture. Results supported increased psychological quality of life in the moderate to severe hearing loss and deaf group (PCC = 68.75; c-value = 0.12). The third research aim explored factors that impact quality of life. Results indicated there were no remarkable patterns. These results indicate that additional factors, which were not measured in this survey, may substantially impact the quality of life in persons who are deaf and hard of hearing
PRINCIPAL PRACTICES AND THE EFFECTS ON NEW TEACHER RETENTION
Full text linkThe purpose of this study is to explore the principal practices regarding new
teachers’ experiences and the effects those practices have on new teacher retention. A qualitative study using the case study exploratory approach was executed through interview questions with three focus groups with a total of ten new elementary teachers located in a rural school district located on the fringe of a large urban school district in Texas. The findings in this study indicated that principal practices that increase the retention of new teachers can be identified through the following themes: bonding, support, and intentionality. Findings suggest that to positively influence new teacher retention, principals incorporate practices such as team-building exercises, mentor programs, celebrations and recognitions, competitions, availability to interact with teachers, affirmations, and effective communication through technology and social media
Financial Socialization and Behavior of Young Adults: Objective and Subjective Financial Knowledge as Mediators
Full text linkCollege students in the U.S. have faced severe financial challenges, throughout the pandemic and remain a highly researched demographic for investigating financial behaviors and decision-making (Robb & Chy, 2023). From a societal context, college-aged adults have sought financial guidance from their families and peers to learn about financial matters to make informed financial decisions. Using financial socialization theory and the theory of household consumption behavior, we examined the antecedents of financial behavior and the mediating role of financial knowledge on financial socialization and financial behavior. Students also face different financial socialization in their upbringings about financial matters that explain their financial behaviors (Antoni et al., 2019). Family and social factors such as income, financial attitudes, and financial behaviors may influence college students' attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors about financial matters (Serido et al., 2015).
Using a cross-sectional survey in a public, state institution from the Texas Panhandle in the U.S., we analyzed data from 207 participants using a Qualtrics survey shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic.College students in the U.S. have faced severe financial challenges, throughout the pandemic and remain a highly researched demographic for investigating financial behaviors and decision-making (Robb & Chy, 2023). From a societal context, college-aged adults have sought financial guidance from their families and peers to learn about financial matters to make informed financial decisions. Using financial socialization theory and the theory of household consumption behavior, we examined the antecedents of financial behavior and the mediating role of financial knowledge on financial socialization and financial behavior. Students also face different financial socialization in their upbringings about financial matters that explain their financial behaviors (Antoni et al., 2019). Family and social factors such as income, financial attitudes, and financial behaviors may influence college students' attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors about financial matters (Serido et al., 2015). Using a cross-sectional survey in a public, state institution from the Texas Panhandle in the U.S., we analyzed data from 207 participants using a Qualtrics survey shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Results provide evidence that financial socialization and subjective financial knowledge are related to financial behavior. Findings supported the mediating effect of objective and subjective financial knowledge on the relationship between financial socialization and financial behavior. Additionally, household spending had a moderator effect on the relationship between objective knowledge and financial behavior. The current study also provides implications for education and financial stakeholders working with college students