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A Multi-Year Longitudinal Study Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Students’ Familiarity and Perceptions of Active Learning
Get PDFThe COVID-19 pandemic caused nearly ubiquitous emergency remote teaching in both secondary and post-secondary education. While there has been a plethora of work examining how instructors adjusted classes to incorporate active learning during emergency remote teaching, there has only been minimal work examining how such emergency remote teaching may have influenced students’ perceptions of active learning. Here, we conduct a longitudinal multi-cohort study at one institution across nine semesters before, during, and after emergency remote teaching due to the pandemic to explore how college students’ familiarity and perceptions of active learning have shifted over time because of the pandemic. Our results reveal decreases in familiarity with active learning during emergency remote teaching, with familiarity remaining lower than pre-COVID even after the end of emergency remote teaching. In addition, our results indicate shifts in students’ perceptions of active learning, leading to potentially higher student resistance to active learning following emergency remote teaching. We conclude by discussing implications for instructors to better support active learning and promote engagement in active learning classes following the end of emergency remote teaching
Toward a Coordinated Understanding of Hydro-Biogeochemical Root Functions in Tropical Forests for Application in Vegetation Models
Get PDFTropical forest root characteristics and resource acquisition strategies are underrepresented in vegetation and global models, hampering the prediction of forest–climate feedbacks for these carbon-rich ecosystems. Lowland tropical forests often have globally unique combinations of high taxonomic and functional biodiversity, rainfall seasonality, and strongly weathered infertile soils, giving rise to distinct patterns in root traits and functions compared with higher latitude ecosystems. We provide a roadmap for integrating recent advances in our understanding of tropical forest belowground function into vegetation models, focusing on water and nutrient acquisition. We offer comparisons of recent advances in empirical and model understanding of root characteristics that represent important functional processes in tropical forests. We focus on: (1) fine-root strategies for soil resource exploration, (2) coupling and trade-offs in fine-root water vs nutrient acquisition, and (3) aboveground–belowground linkages in plant resource acquisition and use. We suggest avenues for representing these extremely diverse plant communities in computationally manageable and ecologically meaningful groups in models for linked aboveground–belowground hydro-nutrient functions. Tropical forests are undergoing warming, shifting rainfall regimes, and exacerbation of soil nutrient scarcity caused by elevated atmospheric CO2. The accurate model representation of tropical forest functions is crucial for understanding the interactions of this biome with the climate
Biological Control of Three Major Cucumber and Pepper Pests: Whiteflies, Thrips, and Spider Mites, in High Plastic Tunnels Using Two Local Phytoseiid Mites
Get PDFTo enhance food security, food safety, and environmental health, a bio-based integrated pest management (BIPM) strategy was evaluated at two coastal locations in Lebanon as an alternative to toxic pesticide sprays in commercial high-arched plastic tunnels common in many countries. The evaluation occurred during two cucumber and pepper cropping seasons: spring and fall. At each site, two commercial tunnels were used; farmers’ conventional practices were applied in one tunnel, while the BIPM approach was followed in the second tunnel. In the farmers’ practices, a total of 14 sprays of insecticide/acaricide mixtures were applied during the spring growing season, and 6 sprays were applied during the fall. In the BIPM tunnels, hotspot releases of local strains of Amblyseius swirskii and Phytoseiulus persimilis were applied. By the end of the spring season, the number of whitefly nymphs (WFNs)/leaf and thrips/leaf in the pesticide treatment were 4.8 and 0.06, respectively, compared to 0.1 and 0.33, respectively, in the BIPM treatment. Similarly, at the end of the fall season, the WFNs reached 19.7/leaf in the pesticide control as compared to 1.2/leaf in the BIPM treatment, proving the efficacy of A. swirskii. Farmers using conventional acaricides during both cropping seasons failed to control Tetranychus urticae, the two-spotted spider mite (TSSM). However, hotspot releases of P. persimilis were successful in controlling TSSM. By the end of June, the number of TSSMs reached 7.8/leaf in the BIPM treatment compared to 53/leaf in the pesticide treatment. Likewise, in December, TSSM numbers reached 9/leaf in the BIPM treatment compared to 40/leaf in the pesticide treatment. Preliminary observations of pepper showed that both predatory mites (A. swirskii and P. persimilis) gave similar or better efficacy against the three pests. The two local predatory phytoseiid mites seem to be effective in controlling these three major pests and to be adapted to local environmental conditions. A rate of increase of 0.86 was observed for P. persimilis and 0.22 for A. swirskii, in June, when maximum temperatures were close to 40 °C. This also shows a compatibility between the two predators. In conclusion, our BIPM approach was efficient under a Mediterranean climate in arched plastic tunnels with relatively poor aeration
Sulfate Enhances the Adsorption and Retention of Cu(II) and Zn(II) to Dispersed and Aggregated Iron Oxyhydroxide Nanoparticles
Get PDFThe adsorption and retention of metal ions to nanoscale iron (hydr)oxides in aqueous systems is significantly influenced by prevailing environmental conditions. We examined the influence of sulfate, the second most common anion in seawater that is present in many other natural aquatic systems, on the adsorption and retention of Cu(II) and Zn(II) to synthetic iron oxyhydroxide nanoparticles (NPs) and their aggregates. Batch uptake experiments with monodisperse NPs and NPs aggregated by changes in pH, ionic strength, and temperature were conducted over sulfate concentrations ranging from 0 to 0.30 M. The introduction of 0.03 M sulfate significantly increased the initial adsorption and retention of Zn(II) and Cu(II) compared to sulfate-free conditions; with increasing sulfate \u3e0.03 M, Zn(II) retention continuously increased, while Cu(II) retention was considerably more variable but increased slightly. NP aggregation, when induced by pH and ionic strength, was positively correlated with metal ion retention, while aggregation temperature was negatively correlated with both adsorption and retention. Aqueous geochemical modeling indicated that Zn(II) readily complexes with sulfate to form ZnSO4 (aq), but that stable aqueous CuSO4 species are uncommon. EXAFS spectroscopic analysis suggests structural incorporation of Zn(II) and Zn(II)-sulfate ternary surface complexation, while Cu(II) primarily forms inner-sphere bidentate surface complexes. Collectively, the effects of sulfate in both reducing surface charge repulsion, initiating ternary surface complexation, and enabling structural incorporation aid to enhance both metal adsorption and retention to iron oxyhydroxide NPs and their aggregates
Bibliography for Keeping the Rhythm of Creativity: Celebrating the Performing Arts and Intellectual Property
Get PDFA bibliography created to support a display about the performing arts and intellectual property at the Leatherby Libraries during April 2024 at the Leatherby Libraries at Chapman University
Muslims Love Jesus! Essraa Nawar on Diversity, Interfaith Harmony, and Empowerment
No full textSummary: Eavesdroppers, prepare to be inspired! In this episode of Eavesdrop with Ella, host Ella Parlor welcomes Dr. Essraa Nawar, a scholar, advocate, and dynamic force in interfaith understanding and leadership. Her commitment to fostering inclusivity and personal empowerment resonates deeply with Ella\u27s dedication to challenging misconceptions about Islam. Together, they delve into the commonalities between Islam and Christianity, promoting tolerance, addressing biases in DEI work, and strategies for meaningful interfaith connection. Get ready to have your perspectives challenged and leave inspired to build bridges across communities.
Highlights: How Dr. Nawar\u27s work is advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in education and beyond. Islam and Christianity: Finding common ground and dispelling myths. The hijab as a symbol of empowerment for Muslim women. Why religious acceptance is vital in our globalized world. Using storytelling to bridge divides and create understanding.
Quotes: We love Jesus... He\u27s a very significant figure in Islam, just as in Christianity. - Essraa Nawar The hijab is a symbol of empowerment and liberation, contrary to common misconceptions. - Essraa Nawar Religious acceptance... allows us to appreciate our differences and celebrate this rich puzzle of diversity. - Essraa Nawar Education is power... it enables us to embrace religious acceptance. - Essraa Nawar
Keywords & Themes: Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity, the Islamic Faith, Religious Misconceptions, Empowerment, the Symbolism of the Hijab, Religious Acceptance, Commonalities Across Faiths, Storytelling, Cultural Understanding, and the Importance of a Global Community.
Tune into this powerful episode to explore the nuances of interfaith understanding and the role of diversity in shaping our world, as Ella and Essraa discuss the transformative power of acceptance and open-hearted conversations
Board 303: Implementing Oral Exams in Engineering Classes to Positively Impact Students\u27 Learning
No full textIn this paper, we present the outcomes of a three-year NSF IUSE project focused on the integration of oral examinations in engineering classes. Our exploration begins with an examination of the manifold advantages of oral exams, benefiting both students and instructors. We delve into oral exams as an assessment tool, elucidating their learning benefits and emotional advantages. While some of these aspects align with existing literature, we also unveil novel findings. Additionally, we address the benefits for instructors and Teaching Assistants (TAs), encompassing informative insights that can catalyze instructional improvements. Next, we share our strategies for mitigating the scalability challenges inherent in high-enrollment classes. We elucidate our approach of effectively involving TAs through a comprehensive TA training program comprising two crucial components: video-based asynchronous behavioral training and course-specific instructor-led technical training. In the third segment, we explore the holistic preparation of students for oral exams. Beyond mere notification of the oral examination format, we delve into the critical aspects of psychological and technical readiness. We unveil a diverse array of key considerations for ensuring students are adequately mentally prepared, especially how to reduce their stress towards oral exams. Furthermore, we present the derived assignments designed to augment students\u27 think-aloud skills, reasoning capabilities, and metacognitive prowess. Finally, we provide insights into the practical implementation of oral exams in engineering classes. This section outlines the essential design dimensions of oral exams, considerations for effective grading, and the judicious utilization of technology to enhance the assessment process, among other valuable tips and recommendations
Perceived Neighborhood Disorder and Type 2 Diabetes Disparities in Hispanic, Black, and White Americans
Get PDFIntroduction: Approximately 32 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, and that number continues to grow. Higher prevalence rates are observed among certain subgroups, including members of marginalized racial/ethnic groups as well as residents of disordered neighborhoods (i.e., those with more trash and vandalism). Institutionalized discriminatory practices have resulted in disproportionate representation of marginalized racial/ethnic groups in disordered neighborhoods compared to non-Hispanic Whites. These neighborhood disparities may partially contribute to health disparities, given that signs of neighborhood disorder often relate to a general withdrawal from the neighborhood, minimizing opportunities for both physical and social engagement. Yet, research suggests variability across racial/ethnic groups both in reporting rates of neighborhood disorder and in the extent to which neighborhood disorder is interpreted as posing a threat to health and well-being.
Methods: Using 2016–2018 Health and Retirement Study data (n = 10,419, mean age = 67 years), a representative sample of older US adults, this study examined the possibility of racial/ethnic differences in associations between perceived neighborhood disorder and type 2 diabetes risk. Participants reported their perceptions of neighborhood disorder and type 2 diabetes status. Weighted logistic regression models predicted type 2 diabetes risk by perceived neighborhood disorder, race/ethnicity, and their interaction.
Results: Non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics had higher type 2 diabetes risk; these two groups also reported more disorder in their neighborhoods compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Perceiving more neighborhood disorder was associated with increased type 2 diabetes risk, but the interaction between race/ethnicity and disorder was not significant.
Discussion: Findings from the current study suggest that the negative effects of perceiving neighborhood disorder, a neighborhood-level stressor, extend to increased type 2 diabetes risk