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Critical Analysis of Coursework and Internship Experience in Relation to Biological Engineering at the University of Arkansas
Get PDFMy internship allowed me to gain important experience about a possible future career path with a biological engineering degree. Not only did this experience apply knowledge learned in the classroom from classes taken, I was also able to use my critical thinking skills gained from biological engineering coursework and teaching style to learn new skills and efficiently complete tasks given to me. This internship allowed me to try out a possible career path that interested me, and through my internship experience I was able to learn more about what kind of career path I was interested in after graduation. Additionally, this internship helped contextualize learned material in a real-world environment, and this knowledge gained will help me in future coursework and with taking the FE.
Through reflection and journaling during my internship, I was able to ensure that I was getting the most out of my experience. My reflections allowed me to solidify that not only did I learn while completing daily tasks, I was also enjoying the work that I was completing. One major item I was looking for in a company was the feeling that the work being done had an impact on the community, and this internship helped confirm that work with water and wastewater treatment would allow me to make this kind of impact as clean water is an important need for every community.
One of my biggest lessons learned was to ask questions when needed, and asking certain questions sooner rather than later would help prevent me from feeling lost. Through asking good questions, I learned more details about the task I was completing, and I gained more confidence in myself. This experience also showed me what kind of work environment I am looking for as anyone I asked questions always made me feel valid and made sure I understood the topic being explained which is very important to growing confidence in work completed.
One key takeaway from my internship was the importance of building trust with the clients for consulting engineers. Often, consulting engineering firms must bid on work against other firms, and this type of work can be competitive to win. By creating a good reputation through sound work, consulting firms are able to win more projects to design. One important aspect of this is the QAQC process as it allows the firms to have multiple checks to ensure the quality of the work being completed. When looking for a future career, the availability of a quality check process was very important to me as feedback on work and fixing mistakes is one of the best ways to learn and grow as an engineer
Widening the Net: How CogAT and ACT Aspire Compare in Gifted Identification
Get PDFPrevious research indicates that many academically accomplished students from disadvantaged backgrounds are not identified for gifted and talented (G/T) programs. This study examines a large sample of students (N = 10,508), many of whom took both the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and the ACT Aspire test. We examined test similarities and differences with an eye to widen the net for G/T identification in practice. This study demonstrates that the ACT Aspire and CogAT have a significant correlation in our sample of r = .59. However, the correlation varies across cohorts noticeably from r = .72 to r = .49. This variation in correlations and inconsistency in the predictive nature of diversity of both tests across cohorts suggest greater caution in the interchangeable use of ACT Aspire and CogAT as indicators. Instead, this suggests the use of more than one test as part of the package for identification
Improving outcomes for patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
No full textAbstract
BACKGROUND
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is a growing health concern. It is a silent disease with 75% of patients being asymptomatic until reaching significant disease and having an average three-year prognosis. If caught early in the disease process, this disease can be managed successfully in the primary care setting. Primary care providers lack guidance on how to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease patients. Researchers combined clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for MASLD assessment, treatment, and management into an easy-to-use algorithm for use in the primary care setting.
AIM
To standardize assessment practices for MASLD in the primary care setting using an algorithm to improve patient outcomes.
METHODS
Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) provided analysis of outcome measures over a four-month period. This project included analysis of pre- and post-training readiness surveys and knowledge tests using a paired T-test. Participants included fourteen healthcare professionals from a FQHC chosen from convenience and described using descriptive statistics. Bar charts and histograms are used to discuss the number of algorithm data sheets completed with FIB-4 score calculations and the number of Fibroscan referrals.
RESULTS
A statistically significant difference was observed between pre- and post-training knowledge test scores (t12.550 = 14, p \u3c 0.001) and readiness survey scores (t5.520 = 14, p \u3c 0.001). As a result, there was a significant increase (244%) in the number of patients assessed for risk factors for MASLD and the number of patients identified as at-risk for MASLD (n = 45) using the assessment algorithm. Although an improvement in assessment practices occurred, there was not a significant improvement in referral practices.
CONCLUSION
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is a complex disease. Providers must be provided with tools that support early MASLD detection to improve patient outcomes such as a MASLD algorithm. .
Key words: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; Algorithms; Liver assessment; Fatty liver disease; Guidelines for fatty liver
Core Tip: This DNP project aimed to improve patient outcomes using a MASLD assessment algorithm in the primary care setting. The goal was to align clinical practice guidelines with current clinical practice. Pre- and post-training readiness survey and knowledge test scores showed a statistically significant difference. After implementing the MASLD algorithm, assessment of patients with risk factors improved by 244% and forty-five patients were identified as being at-risk for MASLD based on their calculated FIB-4 score. However, there was no improvement in Fibroscan referral practices for patients identified as at-risk for MASLD
Evaluating Healthcare Providers’ Cultural Connectedness and its Effects on Care Management of Pediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder
Get PDFThe aim of this study was to examine the correlation between primary care providers’ perspectives and cultural connectedness on their role in pediatric autism care management. We used a descriptive, quantitative design with purposive sampling to administer two surveys to primary care providers who work in medically underserved areas. Individual cultural competency and a survey constructed using the Reason Action Approach theory were sent to 22 participating providers to note their individual cultural orientation and their beliefs, intentions, behaviors, and capabilities related to pediatric autism care management. Most providers fell within the Minimization cultural orientation insinuating that they struggle with cultural self-awareness but insist on harmonizing with diverse cultures. Providers felt their prior education assisted them in identifying autism symptoms, but they lacked confidence in evaluating or managing autism or comorbid conditions. Most acknowledged their responsibility as primary care providers to identify autism but preferred referring patients to specialists for further care. Findings suggest that primary care providers may feel unprepared to diagnose and manage pediatric autism, potentially leading to unnecessary specialist referrals which further delay the age of autism diagnosis and enrollment in therapeutic services. Increased training in autism symptomology, diagnostic assessments, and comorbid conditions could improve care access within primary settings
The Rise of Fitspiration: An Examination of Social Media Influence, Body Image Concerns, and Online Harassment
Get PDFThe fitspiration movement on social media has raised concerns about potential body image satisfaction issues and body standard internalization. The potential negative effects of body image dissatisfaction include disordered eating, excessive exercise, anxiety, depression, and a risk to online harassment victimization. This dissatisfaction from fitspiration is reinforced by pressures from family and friends. Relying on data from 347 respondents, the present study explores the potential relationship between fitspiration content consumption, body image dissatisfaction, social pressures, and experiences of online harassment. Bivariate correlations and regression analysis were employed to examine the connections between the variables. Results indicated that there was a significant, positive correlation between fitspiration and body image dissatisfaction. There was also a significant and positive correlation between body image dissatisfaction and online harassment. This is consistent with previous research, revealing larger, societal implications surrounding social media trends and their influence on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Future research is needed to determine what avenues could mitigate body image dissatisfaction and the pressures from social media
Apparatus For Integrated Microwave Photonics On A Sapphire Platform, Method Of Forming Same, And Applications Of Same
Get PDFAn integrated microwave photonics (IMWP) apparatus is provided using sapphire as a platform. The IMWP apparatus includes: a sapphire substrate having a step-terrace surface; and a III-V stack layer epitaxially grown on the sapphire substrate. The III-V stack layer includes: a first III-V layer disposed on the sapphire substrate; a low temperature (LT) III-V buffer layer disposed on the first III-V layer; multiple second III-V layers disposed and stacked on the LT III-V buffer layer; a third III-V layer disposed on the second III-V layers; a III-V quantum well layer disposed on the third III-V layers; and a fourth III-V layer disposed on the III-V quantum well layer. The second III-V layers are respectively annealed. A growth temperature of the LT III-V layer and a growth temperature of the III-V quantum well layer are lower than a growth temperature of each of the first, second, third and fourth III-V layers