3543 research outputs found
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Impact of Varying Saccharide Compounds as Nutrient Sources on Yeast Morphology and Cellulose Production in Kombucha Culture
No full textThe process of fermentation is an ancient science, but one that not been immune to contemporary innovation and development. Genetic analyses of yeast strains have been able to show and predict enzyme activity across a wide variety of temperatures, pH levels, and nutrient concentrations. However, most studies on the acidophilic yeast found in kombucha use either sucrose or the immediate byproducts of it’s metabolism: glucose and fructose as nutrient sources. This study looks at the impact of six different saccharide compounds on the morphology of yeast, and 15 different saccharide compounds as they impact the development of a cellulose pellicle in a kombucha culture. Agar plating was utilized to assess macroscopic patterns, and microscope slides were developed to look at yeast morphology. Results showed significant differences in yeast morphology and metabolic activity. Pellicles grown in various sugars also exhibited unique differences, some of which were able to be correlated with yeast activity. Some possible mechanisms for the observed differences are offered, though more research with a wider variety of analytical tools is required to identify precise relationships between the yeast and the nutrient compounds
Reliability of Chronically Recorded Visually Evoked Potentials in Awake Mouse Visual Cortex: Effect of Restraint Habituation
No full textVisual function in mice can be quantified using electrophysiological methods. This can be done using chronically implanted electrodes that record visually evoked potentials (VEPs) from a population of neurons in the primary visual cortex (V1) in order to estimate visual acuity. The inherently noisy environment of the brain presents a challenge, as the VEP signal is very small. Our goal is to optimize VEP recording procedures to produce the highest signal-to-noise ratio possible by investigating the role of restraint habituation. The approach we designed included three experimental groups: one in which the animals received regular stimulus exposure and no habituation, one in which the animals received 10 days of restraint habituation prior to 10 days of stimulus exposure, and one in which the animals received habituation only and no stimulus exposure. We found that restraint habituation is necessary in order to produce reliable VEPs. Furthermore, we discovered that over time there is an increase in VEP amplitude that is dependent upon visual experience. This experience-dependent effect is driven by repeated exposure to specific stimuli
Appreciating Every Generation: An exploration of Intergenerational Ministry and its effect on faith formation
No full textImagine you are a child once again. You are sitting in a pew at church, and you hear the pastor say to the congregation, “Let us pray,” but you don’t know what to do. You look around and make eye contact with a little old lady across the aisle; she smiles, motions for you to fold your hands, close your eyes, and bow your head. You do as she indicates and participate in the congregational prayer in the best way you can. In this manner, we all learn from those who come before us
The Relationship Between Reading Level and Standardized Achievement Results
No full textThis quantitative study examined the relationship between eighth grade ELA MAAP achievement and DRP score in lowest performing students. For this research study, lowest performing students are students who scored in the bottom 25% of their class on the eighth grade ELA MAAP during the 2016–2017 school year. This study included a total population sample of 87 students who were in ninth grade during the 2017–2018 school year at a public high school in Mississippi and who were identified as lowest performing on the 2016–2017 eighth grade ELA MAAP. A Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the secondary data. The first research question asked to what extent is eighth grade ELA MAAP achievement significantly correlated to DRP score in lowest performing students in a selected Mississippi public school. For RQ1, there was a weak positive correlation between eighth grade ELA MAAP scores and DRP scores in lowest performing students. The researcher rejected the null hypothesis for the first research question. The second research question asked to what extent, if any, do the four eighth grade ELA MAAP strands of Reading Informational, Reading Literature, Language, and Writing predict DRP score in lowest performing students in a selected Mississippi public school. For RQ2, the multiple regression model predicted DRP. Reading Literature added statistically significantly to the prediction. The researcher rejected the null hypothesis for the second research question
Creating a Culture of Courage: A Behavioral Health Study of Resilience and Response to Traumatic Events for Firefighters
No full textFirefighters experience a variety of challenging situations and traumatic events while performing necessary job duties as public servants, which can create behavioral health concerns and even suicide ideation. The purpose of this study is to recognize how individual resilience relates to lived experiences for firefighters who may need next-level behavioral healthcare, which in turn, will identify higher “at risk” firefighters with suicide ideation who need increased mental and emotional care outside of peer interventions. The fundamental question centers on what role does individual resilience, as well as formal and informal resources of behavioral health support, play in mitigating the impact of traumatic events? This study utilized qualitative research, specifically Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, to identify how firefighters make meaning of resilience as it relates to lived experiences associated as a firefighter. Through direct observation interviews, analysis of the recorded data, descriptive, linguistic, and conceptual coding associations, and data-driven results, firefighters will provide the essence of their experiences in relation to individual resilience, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and suicide ideation while filling gaps in already conducted research within the fire service. Six themes emerged that will foster cultural change for firefighter behavioral health initiatives such as a tiered support plan, educative initiatives, intentional leadership actions, communicative resources, normalizing the symptomatic response as much as the event, and the need for a caring community for firefighters. Limitations of research design entail time constraints for a longitudinal study
Effective Mathematics Instruction: Developing Best Practices for Student Learning
No full textThe purpose of this qualitative, intrinsic case study was to examine the perspectives of teachers and students as they pertained to how they understood and described effective mathematics instruction. The research population consisted of six ninth-grade students attending the educational centers in a regional charter system in California. The research population also included six high school mathematics teachers from the same regional charter system who had taught ninth-grade mathematics for at least two school years. The research instruments used in this study included semistructured interviews, observations, and an examination of artifacts. Interview questions were open ended and designed to capture the experiences, opinions, ideas, and feelings of the participants. The purpose of the observations was to provide a description of the setting and everything that occurred within. Interviews were transcribed manually, and the data collected through interviews, observations, and artifacts was broken down through the process of coding. Data gathered through the interview and observation process and the examination of artifacts showed that both teacher and student participants understood that effective mathematics instruction depended on the level of teacher-student engagement, developing and adhering to expectations, relating mathematics to real-life, and creating a safe teaching and learning environment. The voices of those closest to the issues presented in a mathematics classroom are of great importance in determining how to best realize effective mathematics instruction. It is hoped that further research in the area of mathematics reform includes the voice of teachers and students
Explicit Inclusion of Fun in Instruction as a Catalyst for Academic Success
No full textLow graduation rates, rising drop-out rates, and increasing apathy and disengagement in learning has prompted the need for new strategies and interventions in education. This case study provides an analysis of the perceptions of high school teachers related to the impact of the explicit, intentional inclusion of fun in direct instruction. The participants included approximately 20% of the faculty in a semirural high school of approximately 1,325 students. The case study involved individual interviews with half of the participants and the other half participating in a focus group conversation. Six participants in each group were observed. All comments and concepts were coded and analyzed in relation to the research question, “What are the perceptions of high school teachers regarding the use of activities that have been determined to be fun as explicit instructional strategies in terms of academic success and social-emotional behavior in school?” The themes of achievement, engagement, impediments, instruction, and motivation were identified during analysis. The data indicates that fun in instruction removes or limits barriers; improves academic achievement for students; and positively impacts students in the social-emotional realm. Implications for theory and practice involve a systemic reevaluation of standards and instructional strategies in order to effectively change the existing paradigm to a more efficient and impactful process of instructional practice
The Mentor & Mentee Perspective: Mentorship From Faculty and Staff for Black Male Students in Higher Education
No full textTrends in academic statistics show a decline in enrollment, academic achievement, and program completion for Black male students in higher education. Research indicates a decline in Black student enrollments and graduation rates. This single qualitative case study was an exploration of perceptions of mentorship for Black male students among faculty and staff in higher education. Using social capital theory as a theoretical framework, the researcher analyzed the perceptions of mentorship by way of semistructured interviews with five faculty and staff members and five Black male students at a Texas university. The literature review revealed the numerous factors–social, environmental, mental, and psychological–that contribute to Black male student persistence and engagement in higher education. The literature review also revealed the advantages and disadvantages of each type of mentorship available to higher education students. The findings of this study revealed three major themes that emerged from the questionnaire and interview responses: characteristics of mentorship, keys to successful mentorship, and positive outcomes of mentorship, each with its own set of codes that emerged from the statements of the participants. Participants expressed perceptions of mentorship that favored nonacademic efforts with academic benefits as a byproduct. Implications of these findings and recommendations for future research are discussed
Perceptions of Educators Regarding Specialized Instruction for Students With Learning Disabilities: A Case Study
No full textLearning is a challenge for any child, especially a child with a learning disability. With a focus on best practices and teaching techniques, this qualitative case study will examine the perceptions of individuals at a public charter school dedicated to students with learning disabilities. The study takes place at a public charter school located in Florida. I will gather data by conducting seven interviews of the participants within this study. Participants included four teachers, two support staff, and one administrator at the specific school. I found four themes during the coding process and analysis. These themes include collaborative partnerships, professional development, support, and challenges. The majority of those interviewed feel strongly about collaborative partnerships and professional development. These two themes warrant future collaborative partnerships and professional development opportunities for teachers and support staff at the school. Teachers requested support in teaching techniques and best practices. The constant change of federal and state laws requires support staff and teachers to stay on top of things when educating students in this diverse population. This challenge and having enough time to educate students will always be evident with this population
Professional Mentoring at a Christian Predominantly White Institution: Impacts on the Social Connections of African American Students
No full textPrivate Christian universities with predominantly Caucasian student bodies have historically faced difficulty when attempting to become more diverse. Often these colleges’ student populations have mimicked that of the founding parent church, although many desire to broaden the student ethnic background. The purpose of this qualitative single case study research was to examine the impacts of mentoring by professional, full-time, university employees on African American students’ social connections. Positive, social connections improve student retention and satisfaction. This study was conducted at a single Christian PWI university in the Midwest. Data included personal interviews and a combined focus group with four African American students, a focus group of five mentors, and key documents. The three main themes identified include that the mentee was able to build a significant relationship with his/her mentor, the process reduced student isolation, and students grew in their campus involvement. In each of these major themes, three additional subthemes add depth regarding the students’ growth in their social connections. The outcomes of this study support the need for future research to investigate the importance and validity of Christian PWI universities in the support of African American students, as well as those from other ethnic backgrounds. Programs intended to promote meaningful social connections with mentors, peers, teachers, and the campus as a whole as means to increase retention and diversity among those student populations are a valuable means of support