PINES (Bemidji State University)
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Growth Mindset In The Mathematics Classroom: Studying the Effects of a Growth Mindset Intervention on High School Students in a Geometry Classroom
No full textHaving a growth mindset is crucial to being successful in a mathematics classroom. However, many students believe themselves to be either “mathematics people” or “not mathematics people”. When students believe they are not a mathematics person, they are far less likely to engage in material where they face struggles, and thus they miss out on valuable learning. A review of the literature has show that students have been able to shift their mindset from fixed to growth through a series of interventions. I used a unit in Geometry to see how a growth mindset intervention would affect the mindset of my students and if the students who had a mindset change also saw a growth in their scores from a pre to post unit test
Size Structure of Black Crappie and Bluegill in Northern, Eastern, Western, And Southern Minnesota
No full textFish size structure is an important factor in a fishery population. Panfish such as black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus and bluegill Lepomis macrochirus play a major role in the health of fisheries. Five lakes from southern, northern, eastern, and western Minnesota were selected for analysis. Data were collected using standard sampling methods, including gill nets, electrofishing, and fyke nets. Length-frequency distributions were created to assess size structure in each region. Relative abundance was measured using catch per unit effort. Data analysis included a one-way ANOVA to compare Proportional Size Distribution (PSD) values and the distribution of fish sizes among regions. Chi-square tests revealed a significant regional difference in size distribution for both species (P \u3c 0.001). Bluegill in the South region shows higher proportions of smaller fish, while black crappies in the West region showed higher proportions of larger individuals. The findings suggest regional variation in panfish population structure, which may influence fisheries management strategies in each individual region
Do Unions and Collective Bargaining Impact Economic Inequality in OECD Nations?
No full textThe decline of unionization has coincided with a dramatic increase in income and wealth inequality within countries across the world. Many theories in the existing literature have been proposed to explain both trends, including technology/automation, globalization and shifts in public policy. I analyze the impact of collective bargaining rates and union density on economic inequality. To test the connection between collective bargaining, labor unions and inequality, I use a series of statistical tests, including basic correlation tests, as well as a series of linear regression tests with Gini, union density, collective bargaining among other variables. The results show a moderately strong correlation between both union density and Gini and between collective bargaining coverage and Gini in OECD nations. In bivariate analysis collective bargaining is shown to have a stronger impact on inequality, however when alternative variables are added to the test, union density consistently has a stronger impact on Gini. These results suggest that if we seek to reduce inequality and likely the polarization that stems from it, that not only is it important to have strong collective bargaining agreements, but it is more important is to have an organized labor movement
Long Term Trends In Mortality Rates Of A Smallmouth Bass Population
No full textSmallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu are known as a popular sport fish for anglers. When a known smallmouth bass fishery appears to have a dwindling population, it raises questions about the population health. A common indicator of the health of the population is the mortality rate. By comparing mortality, conclusions can be made on whether smallmouth bass are dying at a different rate in the system over time. Therefore, the objective of this study was to see if there had been a significant change in smallmouth bass mortality over a span of thirty years in Round Lake (DOW:010204), Aitkin County, Minnesota. Smallmouth were sampled using Minnesota Department of Natural Resources standard gillnets, trap nets, and electrofishing gear following their procedures for a standard lake survey. Once data was collected, annual mortality was calculated. Catch curves were analyzed using regression analysis and graphed with 95% confidence intervals. There was not a significant trend in mortality rates through time (P = 0.37), and there was overlap of confidence intervals among years. Mortality ranged from 0.05 to 0.61 with a mean of 0.29 (SD = 0.20) over the years sampled. It appears the mortality rates reported in this study are similar to those previously published for smallmouth bass in similar systems
Fillet Weight Comparison For Bluegill, Black Crappie, And Yellow Perch
No full textPanfish, including bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus, and yellow perch Perca flavescens are three sought-after species. Anglers often perceive a change in regulations as an attempt at limiting the amount of harvest. However, the goal of many regulation proposals is to increase the size structure of panfish, allowing anglers to achieve their ideal harvest with less fish. The primary objective of this study was to assess the relationship between panfish fillet weight and total length to estimate how many fillets would be needed to reach a harvest weight of 0.5 lbs. The secondary objective was to compare this relationship between ten West Central Minnesota lakes to previously published data from seven Wisconsin lakes. Minnesota fillet weights and yields were calculated from 360 bluegill, 167 crappie, and 108 yellow perch. Mean fillet yield was 36.5%, 42.3%, and 44.5% for bluegill, black crappie, and yellow perch, respectively. On average the fillet yield from Minnesota lakes was 10.72% greater than fillet yields from the previous research done in Wisconsin. In conclusion, fillet weight can be useful metrics for managers to generate harvest limits that allow anglers to reach the 0.5 lbs fillet goal
Relationship Between Northern Pike And Walleye CPUE In Minnesota Lakes
No full textNorthern pike Esox lucius and walleye Sander vitreus are both top predators in freshwater systems. Due to their predatorial nature, high populations of one species can prohibit populations of the other species from thriving, specifically northern pike foraging on walleye. This information is tracked by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources through catch per unit effort (CPUE). CPUE data was gathered for all lakes in Beltrami County, Minnesota, and a regression analysis was done to test for a relationship between pike and walleye. It was found that the relationship between northern pike and walleye CPUE was significant (P = 0.02). As northern pike CPUE increased, walleye CPUE decreased. A relationship between both northern pike (P = 0.02) and walleye (P \u3c 0.01) CPUE and lake size was also found. As lake size increased, walleye CPUE increased and northern pike CPUE decreased. Northern pike were found to be more abundant in smaller lakes, and walleye were more abundant in larger lakes
A Guide To Otoliths Of Minnesota Fishes
No full textInvestigations into the diet patterns of piscivores can provide crucial information on predator-prey relationships, population dynamics, and responses to changing ecosystems. However, digestive processes often remove or alter physical characteristics that are traditionally used to identify consumed fish. This problem has been addressed to some degree with advances in molecular technologies, although these methods can be costly and require specific training and equipment to do so. In contrast, bony structures such as otoliths, vertebrae, cleithra, and others frequently have morphologies that are unique among families, genera, and species. Because these structures are resistant to digestion, they can be used to identify prey fishes effectively and efficiently in varying states of digestion, if the investigator has access to reference specimens or photos from identified taxa. Although some reference materials for identifying bony structures are available, many are specific to a small number of species. This is especially true for otoliths, which are often more difficult to differentiate among species. To address this issue, we have compiled a photographic atlas of sagittal and astericus otoliths for fishes of Minnesota that have been identified in previous diet studies and during summer sampling within the state. In addition to photographs, this guide will provide insights on distinct morphological characteristics and key differences among similar species, making this a useful resource for investigations of piscivore diets in Minnesota and the surrounding area
The Effects of Habitat Characteristics and Location on Brook Trout Size Distribution
No full textAdfluvial Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis are known to typically grow larger than riverine Brook Trout. The Kabekona River in Hubbard County, Minnesota exhibits suitable habitat for both fluvial and adfluvial Brook Trout populations. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationships between depth, stream width, canopy cover, water temperature, sediment size, and distance from Kabekona Lake on Brook Trout size distribution in the Kabekona River. Brook Trout (n=35) were angled from the Kabekona River from August 24 to September 26, 2023. Each fish was measured and released, with habitat metrics being recorded at time of release. ArcGIS was used to determine distance from Kabekona Lake for each Brook Trout, and linear regression analysis was used to determine if any of the habitat metrics showed correlation to Brook Trout size. Distance from Kabekona Lake had a significant effect on Brook Trout size (P = 0.03), with larger trout being captured closer to the lake. The trout size also increased as depth increased (P = 0.02). The information from this study could be useful to those seeking to improve stream habitat to enhance the size of Brook Trout
The Effects Of Length, Weight, Age, And Gender On Mercury Concentrations In Burbot In North-Central Minnesota Lakes
No full textBurbot Lota lota in north-central Minnesota lakes have the potential to reach large sizes and consume large volumes of prey. This caveat may make burbot susceptible to higher rates of biocontamination, bioaccumulation and biomagnification. The objective of this study was to determine how changes in age, length, gender, weight, and lake affect total mercury concentrations in burbot. In this experiment 28 burbot were angled from three lakes: Cass (n = 17), Winnibigoshish (n = 4), and Bad Medicine (n = 7). Then tissue samples were taken from each fish and were lyophilized and homogenized. Homogenized tissue samples were analyzed by a Milestone TriCell Dual Beam Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA-80evo) while following EPA protocol 7473. Average total mercury concentration was 0.1248 mg/kg (SD = 0.0717) in Cass Lake; 0.1022 mg/kg (SD = 0.0352) in Lake Winnibigoshish; and 0.0435 mg/kg (SD = 0.0176) in Bad Medicine Lake. Linear regression analysis using AIC scores were used to determine the effects of each variable on total mercury. The best supported model attributed changes in total mercury with changes in length, age, weight, and lake. It was found that as fish weight and length increase total mercury concentration increased. Furthermore, consumption advisory guidelines place burbot in 1-2 servings a week for safe consumption
The Effect of Triaenophorus crassus on the condition of Coregonus artedi
No full textCisco Coregonus artedi is, historically, the largest commercial fishery in the Great Lakes. The species is also important to commercial and recreational fisheries in inland lakes. Tapeworm Triaenophorus crassus larvae embed themselves into the flesh of Ciscoes, rendering the fish unmarketable to humans. Triaenophorus crassus is common in inland waters such as Leech Lake and Cass Lake, MN. One Canadian researcher has suggested that the parasite negatively affects the growth and weight of Ciscoes. Poor condition can reduce fecundity, leading to lower recruitment rates. This would mean a detrimental impact on not only individual fish, but the health of the entire population. The goal of this study was to determine whether a relationship exists between the severity of T. crassus infection and the condition of adult Ciscoes. Fish were sampled on Lake Bemidji, a medium sized mesotrophic lake, which represents inland Cisco habitat well. Both a standard weight equation and percent dry fillet weight were used to estimate fish condition. The severity of T. crassus infections were quantified by the number of cysts in relation to the wet weight (g) of muscular tissue on each specimen. Regression analyses suggested that both condition metrics were negatively correlated with the severity of T. crassus infection