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Open Textbooks: Access, Affordability, and Academic Success
Get PDFSlide presentation (PDF) about open textbooks and the cost of higher education
The Effect of Jazz Improvisation Instruction on Measures of Executive Function in Middle School Band Students
Get PDFResearch investigating links between academic achievement and active music instruction has not previously differentiated between different types of instruction. In the current study, 155 seventh- and eighth-grade middle school band students were divided into two groups. Both groups received 2 months of instruction in jazz phrasing, scales, and vocabulary, but only the experimental group was taught to improvise. All instruction was part of the warm-up routine in regular band classes. All students were tested before and after instruction on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (cognitive flexibility) and the classic Stroop task (inhibitory control). At posttest, eighth-grade students in the experimental group scored significantly better on cognitive flexibility with a smaller percentage of perseverative errors, whereas the treatment had no effect on seventh-grade students on this outcome. Seventh graders, but not eighth graders, in the experimental group increased their posttest scores for inhibitory control, though this result was only marginally significant. In relation to previous research, the current results strongly suggest that far-transfer effects of active music participation depend on the nature of the instruction. Results of prior and future studies should therefore be interpreted in light of the type of music-making engaged by participants
Resources Available to Aging New Englanders in 2019
Get PDFThis project studies the resources currently available to aging New Englanders in 2019. The four studied resources—case management, transportation, meals, and homemaking services—are critical for older adults aiming to remain in their homes as they age, a practice known as “aging in place.” Evaluation of these resources is conducted via a review of existing literature, state agency websites, and interviews of personnel involved with the provision of such services. Qualitative data collected from interviews is compared with existing qualitative data released by the Administration for Community Living (2016). This research also evaluates Rhode Island’s strengths and weaknesses in providing these key resources on a municipality-by-municipality basis. One consistent weakness found across both Rhode Island and the entire region is transportation—a lacking, yet crucial resource for older adults aging in place. Communities across the state are encouraged to expand existing transportation offerings and advertise them accordingly. Other prominent successes and gaps are discussed, with recommendations made for each. A study of logic models used by state agencies for the provision of services for older adults was intended; however, no agency reported the use of such a model. Therefore, the researcher devises an original logic model for use in Rhode Island’s preparation in providing for the state’s growing elderly population
The Impact of Corticosteroids on Mortality in Adult Patients with Septic Shock
Get PDFSeptic shock is a complication that affects thousands of patients leading to high mortality rates and increased healthcare costs. One treatment in the attempt to decrease poor outcomes is corticosteroids. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the impact of corticosteroids on mortality in adult patients with septic shock. Databases searched were CINAHL, PubMed, OVID, and Cochrane Library. A literature review was performed and pertinent data from each article was recorded in data collection tables. A total of six articles were critically analyzed. The Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist and flow diagram were used to guide this systematic review. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist assisted in assessing the quality of the articles selected. Cross study analysis was performed via the data collection tables developed by this author. This analysis revealed five of the six trials did not detect a decrease in mortality using corticosteroids in adult patients with septic shock; the sixth study did document a reduction in mortality rate. Four studies were underpowered which may affect the generalizability of their outcomes. Two studies were adequately powered with one demonstrating positive outcomes. Possible benefits were seen in the secondary outcomes such as faster resolution of shock and decreased vasopressor use. Advanced practice nurses are having an increased prominent role in patient care within healthcare. This role provides an opportunity for high quality evidence-based results to be applied to improve patient care. Results of this systematic review provide information to guide decision making by the advanced practice nurse as well as suggestions for further study
Nurses\u27 Perceptions of Open Visiting Policy in the Adult Intensive Care Unit: An Integrative Review
Get PDFThe Intensive care unit (ICU) can undoubtedly be overwhelming and stressful at times. Open visitation has many demonstrated benefits for the patient and the family but can also have disadvantages. Nurses, who are a central element in the care of the critical patient, can be greatly affected by visitation. This integrative review explored nurses\u27 perceptions of open visitation as well as visitation policies of ICUs across the nation. Beneficial effects of open visitation include enhanced teaching, improved communication, reduced anxiety, and physiologic benefits. Barriers of open visitation include hindrance in the delivery of care, physiological concerns, creating additional workload, and privacy. A literature search was completed utilizing CINHAL, PubMed, and Medline databases. The PRISMA flowchart was used to depict the articles that were included or excluded, with 11 articles ultimately used. The framework utilized for the integrative review was the AACN’s Synergy Model for Patient Care, which guides quality nursing practice with a focus on the critical care arena. Utilizing Polit and Beck’s Tenth Edition Guide to an Overall Critique of Quantitative Research Report and Guide to an Overall Critique of Qualitative Research Report, the articles were critiqued. A cross study data table was used to examine similarities and differences across the articles. Overall, the integrative review supported open visitation as being beneficial for patients and families as well as being aligned with family/patient preferences. Nurses had mixed feelings regarding optimal visitation times and schedules; while they appreciated the benefits of family presence, they did have some apprehension about unrestricted visitation. Recommendations for practice include movement towards a patient and family centered care environment and overall support for open visitation
Inroads to Open Access Publishing
Get PDFPresentation (slide, PDF) explaining open access publishing for college faculty
Dismantling Communism in the Early Cold War: Themes in Children\u27s Media
Get PDFThis paper analyzes the messages found in American children’s visual media during the early years of the Cold War. Many producers in the film and television industry took to the screen to express concerns about possible Communist infiltration. These fears had grown over several decades of political and international instability, beginning in the early twentieth century and the first Red Scare. Thus, the explosion of the Cold War prompted producers to create media intended to socialize children around American ideals which would challenge the growing threat of Communism. The events which led to production of this media will be interpreted and connected to the messages presented in the media itself. The ideals promoted to children in visual media such as film and television will be analyzed to demonstrate American values and how they were intended as a means to socialize children to prevent the spread of Communism
Ambassador Between Two Nations: Shakespeare in American Ideology
Get PDFThe purpose of this thesis was to examine William Shakespeare’s role in American ideology. Utilizing the theoretical approaches of Louis Althusser, Michel Foucault, adaptation and appropriation theories, and Critical Race Theory, I argue that Shakespeare is an integral part of American history and culture by how his works factor into American ideologies, particularly within ideologies focusing on race and colonialism. Specific plays and Shakespeare’s texts are analyzed, and I also follow the literary history of Americans in response to these plays. My first chapter looks at the Revolutionary and early republic eras, with particular focus on John Adams, his son John Quincy Adams, and their analyses of Shakespeare’s works. The second chapter highlighted the Civil War era, and the Confederate sympathizer Mary Preston’s analyses of some of Shakespeare’s plays. The third chapter looked at how Shakespeare’s plays, particularly Julius Caesar, may have factored into President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. My final chapter analyzed the early twentieth century, and how Shakespeare was used to push both racist and progressive ideologies. The conclusion looks at how Shakespeare and the Humanities are relevant in America in the twenty-first century. The conclusion of the thesis is that authoritative power, whether that be in government, or in the perception of the Author, must always be challenged if society is to progress
Serotiny in the South African shrub Protea repens is associated with gradients of precipitation, temperature, and fire intensity
No full textGlobally, variability in canopy seed retention within closed cones (serotiny) among fire-adapted plant species is often associated with gradients in fire regime. Few studies have investigated the association of intraspecific variation in serotiny with geographical variation in fire and other environmental factors, especially climatic ones, and none has done so in the Cape Floristi c Region (CFR) of South Africa. Yet the relationship between environmental gradients and intraspecific variation in reproductive traits may help us understand if thos e gradients partly shaped the evolution of the rich diversity or proteas in the CFR, and predict the resilience of fire-adapted Protea species to climate and fire regime changes in the CFR. We examined the association of the variability in serotiny in Protea repens (L.) L, the Common Sugarbush, with gradients in fire regime and climatic factors, and with plant age, cone age, and age of oldest closed cone across its 700 km-long longitudinal range in the CFR. Cone age was a significant covariate of the probability that a given cone was closed (our measure of serotiny), but plant age and age of oldest closed cone were not. Variability in the degree of serotiny was significant among populations. Serotiny was highest where fire intensity was historically high, where both mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature were low, and where rainfall was least seasonal, but fire frequency was not a predictor of serotiny
Experiences of HIV stigma and spirituality of older black men living with HIV
Get PDFPrevious research on HIV stigma and the use of spirituality by people living with HIV/AIDS is scarce. Moreover, the research with older Black men who have sex with men is scant. This study aimed to investigate experiences of HIV stigma and the use of spirituality among older HIV positive Black men who sleep with men. In-depth interviews were conducted with a sample of ten men. Data were analyzed utilizing to the modified van Kaam data analysis method. Three major themes were identified that explores the participants lived experiences with HIV stigma and use of spirituality: experiences of stigma reinforcing the use of spirituality; defining spirituality as a functional concept; and self-empowerment through the use of spirituality. The findings could guide social workers and other helping professionals in developing informed assessments and interventions regarding HIV stigma and the use of spirituality. Future qualitative and quantitative research is needed to achieve generalizable knowledge about the relationship between stigma on the use of spirituality