The Impact of Receiver Sex on Feedback Message Choice by Supervisors and the Influence on Employees\u27 Attitudes and Behaviors

The present study investigated the influence of receiver sex on supervisor’s feedback message choice, and the influence of the interaction between receiver sex and feedback message type on employees’ subsequent behaviors and attitudes. Participants (N = 45) included a representative sample from a reputable organization in the southeastern United States. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a survey methodology. This mixed-methods approach revealed that while participants in this study rated the overall atmosphere of the performance evaluation as positive and informal, the interaction between receiver sex and feedback message type did have a statistically significant influence on their perceived utility of the feedback message, retention of the feedback message, and motivation to implement the feedback. In addition, women in this sample reported receiving significantly different types of feedback than did men. Therefore, supervisors should ensure that both men and women receive more task performance related feedback messages in order to increase employees’ perceived utility of the feedback message, retention of the feedback message, and motivation to implement the feedback

Appalachian Spring

A large mural that was created by 19 studio art and education students in 2009. Renowned Latina artist Judith Baca worked alongside the students.https://scholarworks.moreheadstate.edu/university_art_collection/1090/thumbnail.jp

Determining crystal structures through crowdsourcing and coursework

We show here that computer game players can build high-quality crystal structures. Introduction of a new feature into the computer game Foldit allows players to build and real-space refine structures into electron density maps. To assess the usefulness of this feature, we held a crystallographic model-building competition between trained crystallographers, undergraduate students, Foldit players and automatic model-building algorithms. After removal of disordered residues, a team of Foldit players achieved the most accurate structure. Analysing the target protein of the competition, YPL067C, uncovered a new family of histidine triad proteins apparently involved in the prevention of amyloid toxicity. From this study, we conclude that crystallographers can utilize crowdsourcing to interpret electron density information and to produce structure solutions of the highest quality

To See Ourselves: A Mixed Methods Study of the Relationship Between Place, Mindset, and Grit in Appalachian First Year College Students

Recent educational research has focused on non-cognitive success factors such as mindset and grit. The belief that intelligence is malleable and the ability to persevere in the face of challenges are considered two factors that are more reliable success predictors than academic grades or test scores. Non-cognitive factors are also believed to be stronger predictors than socio-economic status. There has been no previous research that explores the potential connection between place identity and mindset and grit. This mixed-methods study sought to find patterns in mindset and grit in first year college students in Appalachia and how students’ place identity influenced their non-cognitive factors. Quantitative survey data showed first year students in Appalachia score in the low end of the growth mindset scale and the average range of the grit continuum. Qualitative data showed students perceived themselves as grittier than their quantitative scores suggest. Exploration of students’ identity perception revealed students in Appalachia felt conflicting motivational forces that affected their non-cognitive factors. Positive aspects of their identity, such as familial support, pushed them forward, while negative factors such as stereotypes and poverty pushed back. The conflicting forces hinder students from further developing the mindset and grit they perceive for themselves and indicate cultural factors have a strong influence on non-cognitive traits

CrimeSong in the Classroom: A Collaborative Project

Richard Underwood\u27s book, CrimeSong: True Crime Stories from Southern Murder Ballads (Shadelandhouse Modern Press 2016) presents the historical facts behind some of the region\u27s most well-known murder ballads. During the Fall 2017 semester, two University of Pikeville professors used Underwood\u27s book as the text for an experiential, interdisciplinary Humanities Special Topics course titled Appalachian Murder Ballads. Co-taught by English and Theatre professors, the course allowed students to learn about Appalachian history while writing, producing, and directing an original stage production adapted from stories in Underwood\u27s text. In this presentation we will discuss the collaborative process between the author and the professors and the results of this student-centered project. We will discuss the learning objectives that shaped the course and explore other ways books like Underwood\u27s can be used to teach Appalachian culture, history, and literature across the curriculum

Original creative work by author

Reading from author\u27s own creative work and an offering of a writing exercise to share with attendees

Establishing a Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Program in Botswana

Purpose: Annually, 300,000 children are diagnosed with cancer, and the majority of these children live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Currently, there is incomplete information on pediatric cancer incidence, diagnosis distribution, and treatment outcomes in Africa. Since 2007, a pediatric hematology-oncology program has been operating in Botswana through a partnership between the Botswana government, Baylor College of Medicine, and Texas Children’s Hospital. Methods: To better understand patient characteristics and outcomes at Botswana’s only pediatric cancer program, a hospital-based data base—the Botswana Pediatric Oncology Database—was established in 2014. Children younger than 18 years of age at the time of diagnosis who presented between 2008 and 2015 were included. Data for this study were extracted in February 2016. Results: Of the 240 potential enrollees, 185 (77%) children met eligibility for this study. The median age was 6.4 years, and 50.8% were male. Leukemia was the most common malignancy representing 18.9% of the cohort and 88.1% of the total cohort had a histopathologic diagnosis. HIV seropositivity was confirmed in 13.5%. The 2-year overall survival of all pediatric cancer diagnoses was 52.4%. Abandonment of treatment occurred in 3.8% of patients. Conclusion: In the first 9 years of the program, capacity has been developed through a longstanding partnership between Botswana and Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital that has led to children receiving care for cancer and blood disorders. Although continued improvements are necessary, outcomes to date indicate that children with cancer in Botswana can be successfully diagnosed and treated