Alternative certification science teachers' understanding and implementation of inquiry-based instruction in their beginning years of teaching

The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file.Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on August 1, 2007)Vita.Thesis (Ph. D.) University of Missouri-Columbia 2006.The purpose of this phenomenographic study was to: (a) understand how beginning science teachers recruited from various science disciplines and prepared in an Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP) implemented inquiry during their initial years of teaching; (b) describe constraints and needs that these beginning science teachers perceived in implementing inquiry-based science instruction; and (c) understand the relation between what they learned in their ATCP and their practice of teaching science through inquiry. The participants of this study consisted of four ATCP teachers who are in their beginning years of teaching. Semi-structured interviews, classroom observation, field notes, and artifacts used as source of data collection. The beginning science teachers in this study held incomplete views of inquiry. These views of inquiry did not reflect inquiry as described in NRC (2000) - essential features of inquiry, - nor did they reflect views of faculty members involved in teaching science methods courses. Although the participants described themselves as reform-oriented, there were inconsistencies between their views and practices. Their practice of inquiry did not reflect inquiry either as outlined by essential features of inquiry (NRC, 2000) or inquiry as modeled in activities used in their ATCP. The research participants' perceived constraints and needs in their implementation of inquiry-based activities. Their perceived constraints included logistical and student constraints and school culture. The perceived needs included classroom management, pedagogical skills, practical knowledge, discipline, successful grade-specific models of inquiry, and access to a strong support system. Prior professional work experience, models and activities used in the ATCP, and benefits of inquiry to student learning were the declared factors that facilitated the research participants' practice of inquiry-based teaching.Includes bibliographical reference

Current conduction in Schottky barrier diodes with poly(propylene glycol)-b-polystyrene block copolymer interfacial layer

Polymeric materials have gained great importance in electron devices. There has been considerable number of studies on block copolymers due to enhanced features that appear after co-polymerization. In this study, poly (propylene glycol)-b-polystyrene block copolymer has been synthesized and Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) have been fabricated with this block copolymer. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements have been conducted at room temperature in order to investigate electrical characteristics and current conductions governing in these SBDs. Series resistance and shunt resistance of the SBDs have been calculated using Ohm’s law. Ideality factor, reverse saturation current and zero-bias barrier height of the SBDs have been extracted from the forward-bias I-V data. Fabricated SBDs exhibited high rectifying ratio of the order 104. Also, current conduction mechanisms and the density of interface states in the SBDs have been investigated. Calculated values of density of interface states in the SBDs are on the order of 1013 which is acceptable for this kind of SBDs having polymeric interfacial layer

A New Anatomical Plate for Extra-Articular Distal Humeral Fractures: Biomechanical Study

Introduction: We compared the mechanical properties of two fixation techniques for the treatment of extra-articular distal third humeral fractures. Materials and Methods: Two groups were created from twenty-four humeri. Group 1 was instrumented using a new, precontoured, 8-hole (3.5-mm-diameter) locking compression plate (LCP) placed anterolaterally. Group 2 was instrumented using an 8-hole (3.5-mm-diameter) precontoured posterolateral LCP plate placed on the distal humerus. Four-point bending tests and torsion tests were performed until the specimens broke. Results: The four-point bending stiffness test showed that the stiffness of anterolaterally fixed humeri was significantly higher than that of posterolaterally fixed humeri (p0.05). Conclusions: The anterolateral plate exhibited higher bending stiffness and torsional yield strength than the posterolateral plate. Anterolateral plate fixation can thus be used to manage extra-articular distal humeral fractures. Multiaxial locking screws ensure rigid fixation, allow early elbow motion without olecranon fossa impingement, and prevent iatrogenic injury of the triceps muscle. Level of Evidence I, Therapeutic Studies Investigating the Results of Treatment

The protective effect of astaxanthin on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity

Background. Promising studies have been conducted with many substances to reduce the ototoxic effects of cisplatin, but there is no treatment that completely eliminates the ototoxic effect. Objectives. To determine the effectiveness of astaxanthin (ASX) as a protective agent against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Materials and methods. Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. Group 1 received no drug injections except for anesthetics; group 2 received intraperitoneal (IP) olive oil only for 8 days; group 3 received only IP ASX 75 mg/kg dissolved in olive oil for 8 days; group 4 received a single dose of only IP 16 mg/kg cisplatin on the 5th day; group 5 received 25 mg/kg ASX IP daily for 8 days and a single 16 mg/kg dose of cisplatin on the 5th day; group 6 received 75 mg/kg ASX IP daily for 8 days and a single 16 mg/kg dose of cisplatin on the 5th day. The animals were tested for distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) before and 3 days after cisplatin treatment. The animals in all groups were sacrificed under anesthesia on the 10th day. Before sacrifice, inferior vena cava blood samples were drawn into commercial tubes for biochemical analysis and their cochlea were prepared for histological analysis. Results. The ASX+cisplatin groups demonstrated significantly higher DPOAE thresholds when compared to the cisplatin-only group (p < 0.05). The ASX 25 mg/kg/day+cisplatin group showed a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity compared to the cisplatin-only group, whereas the ASX 75 mg/kg/day+cisplatin group had significantly lower total oxidative stress and oxidative stress index. Histologic results showed that the cortical organ was better preserved in the ASX+cisplatin groups compared to the cisplatin-only group, and the degeneration in the spiral ganglion and inner and outer hair cells was less visible in the ASX groups. Conclusions. Astaxanthin can protect hearing from cisplatin-induced ototoxicity, prevent cellular degeneration and significantly reduce oxidative stress

Effect of taxifolin on acrylamide-induced oxidative and proinflammatory lung injury in rats: Biochemical and histopathological studies

Purpose: To examine the probable beneficial effects of taxifolin against acrylamide damage in lung tissue.Methods: 18 male albino Wistar rats were divided into healthy (HG), acrylamide (AG) and taxifolin + acrylamide (TAG) groups. Once a day for 30 days, acrylamide was orally administered to the AG group (50 mg/kg), while ACL (50 mg/kg) and TAX (20 mg/kg) were orally administered to TAG group. Protein concentration, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total glutathione (tGSH) levels as well as oxidant and antioxidant molecules concentrations of the rat lung tissues were measured. In addition, degree of mononuclear (MN) cell infiltration and bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) hyperplasia was evaluated by the degree of hyperplasia (absent, mild, moderate, severe). The histopathological andbiochemical data the groups were compared.Results: When compared in terms of MDA levels, it was found that the AG group had high MDA levels, and the TAG group had low MDA levels. (p &lt; 0.001). TAG group was found to have a higher tGSH level than the AG group (p &lt; 0.001). Compared to the AG group, lower TOS and higher TAS levels were obtained in the TAG group (p &lt; 0.001). In addition, when TOS levels of TAG and HG groups were compared, the TOS levels between the two groups were statistically insignificant (p = 0.213). It has been observed that TAX administration prevents the increase in NF-ƘB level. When the NF-ƘB levels of the AG and TAG groups were compared with each other, there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). In the AG group, severe MN cell hyperplasia and BALT hyperplasia were observed histopathologically. It was determined that these findings were alleviated in the TAG group. A histopathologically significant difference was found between AG and TAG groups (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Taxifolin has beneficial effects against lung injury caused by acrylamide, a healthdamaging environmental factor. Regular use of taxifolin can be recommended, especially in people who are known to have intense contact with acrylamide. There is a need for research studies on this subject

Relationship of serum pentraxin-3 with peripheral arterial disease

Aim: Since atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD), the inflammatory marker pentraxin (PTX) may increase in PAD. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional clinical study was performed at the tertiary university hospital emergency department and cardiovascular surgery departments in Turkey. The purpose was to determine the value of PTX3 in the diagnosis of PAD. This study was performed on 43 symptomatic patients aged >18 years and diagnosed with PAD. Results: Median PTX3 value was 1.027 (25–75th percentile: 0.395–2.902) in the control group and 0.585 (25–75th percentiles: 0.406–5.467) in the PAD group (p=0.913). A comparison of PTX3 with ankle brachial index (ABI) values revealed a weak and non-significant correlation (rho: 0.016, p=0.886). Analysis of PTX3 values with other parameters (age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and SpO2) revealed no significant correlation with any of the other parameters. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that PTX3 levels cannot be used as a marker in patients with the chronic process of PAD

The role of hepcidin and its related genes (BMP6, GDF-15, and HJV) in rats exposed to ischemia and reperfusion

Background/aim: To determine the roles of hepcidin and its related genes in a renal ischemia/reperfusion model. Materials and methods: A total of 20 Wistar albino rats were equally divided into 2 groups: Group I was the control group and Group II was the ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) group (60 min of ischemia + 48 h of reperfusion). I/R was performed on the left kidneys of these rats and then the I/R-treated kidneys were removed. The levels of serum biochemical markers were evaluated after renal I/R. The expression levels of hepcidin-linked genes [growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6), and hemojuvelin (HJV)] were also measured by RT-PCR technique. In addition, the tissues were evaluated histopathologically. Results: No significant association was found between renal dysfunction and I/R when compared to biochemical parameters (P &gt; 0.05). However, differences in platelet values were statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). Expression levels of GDF-15, BMP6, and HJV genes increased, but this increase was not statistically significant. In addition, histopathological evaluation was performed using hematoxylin and eosin stain. This showed a significant relationship between the control group and I/R group for ischemic and nonischemic kidney scoring. Conclusion: Hepcidin and BMP6, HJV, and GDF-15 should be taken into account when investigating the process of I/R.Background/aim: To determine the roles of hepcidin and its related genes in a renal ischemia/reperfusion model. Materials and methods: A total of 20 Wistar albino rats were equally divided into 2 groups: Group I was the control group and Group II was the ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) group (60 min of ischemia + 48 h of reperfusion). I/R was performed on the left kidneys of these rats and then the I/R-treated kidneys were removed. The levels of serum biochemical markers were evaluated after renal I/R. The expression levels of hepcidin-linked genes [growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6), and hemojuvelin (HJV)] were also measured by RT-PCR technique. In addition, the tissues were evaluated histopathologically. Results: No significant association was found between renal dysfunction and I/R when compared to biochemical parameters (P &gt; 0.05). However, differences in platelet values were statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). Expression levels of GDF-15, BMP6, and HJV genes increased, but this increase was not statistically significant. In addition, histopathological evaluation was performed using hematoxylin and eosin stain. This showed a significant relationship between the control group and I/R group for ischemic and nonischemic kidney scoring. Conclusion: Hepcidin and BMP6, HJV, and GDF-15 should be taken into account when investigating the process of I/R

Temperature Effects Explain Continental Scale Distribution of Cyanobacterial Toxins

Insight into how environmental change determines the production and distribution of cyanobacterial toxins is necessary for risk assessment. Management guidelines currently focus on hepatotoxins (microcystins). Increasing attention is given to other classes, such as neurotoxins (e.g., anatoxin-a) and cytotoxins (e.g., cylindrospermopsin) due to their potency. Most studies examine the relationship between individual toxin variants and environmental factors, such as nutrients, temperature and light. In summer 2015, we collected samples across Europe to investigate the effect of nutrient and temperature gradients on the variability of toxin production at a continental scale. Direct and indirect effects of temperature were the main drivers of the spatial distribution in the toxins produced by the cyanobacterial community, the toxin concentrations and toxin quota. Generalized linear models showed that a Toxin Diversity Index (TDI) increased with latitude, while it decreased with water stability. Increases in TDI were explained through a significant increase in toxin variants such as MC-YR, anatoxin and cylindrospermopsin, accompanied by a decreasing presence of MC-LR. While global warming continues, the direct and indirect effects of increased lake temperatures will drive changes in the distribution of cyanobacterial toxins in Europe, potentially promoting selection of a few highly toxic species or strains.Peer reviewe

Müfessir Fahreddin er-Râzî’nin Meteorolojik Olaylarla İlgili Âyetlere Yaklaşımı

Kur’an, insanlık için bir rehber ve hidayet kaynağı olarak indirilmiş, açık ve anlaşılır bir ilâhî kitap-tır. İndirildiğinden bugüne onun en doğru şekilde anlaşılması, tefsir ilminin ana konusunu oluş-turur. Bu alanda pek çok çalışma yapılmıştır. Bunlardan birisi de Fahreddin er-Râzî’nin Mefâtîhu’l-gayb adlı eseridir. Bu eserinde döneminin pozitif bilgi, gözlem ve deney verilerine bolca yer veren Râzî, özellikle astronomi konusunda pek çok eleştiri almıştır. Önceleri felsefe, sonra da astronomi bilimi içinde yer alan meteorolojik olaylar hakkındaki yorumlarını ortaya koymayı amaçladığımız bu çalışmamızda Râzî’nin yorumları yanında bugünkü verileri de ele almaya, kısa da olsa bir karşılaştırma yapmaya, uyuşan ve çelişen noktaları belirlemeye çalıştık. Bunları yaparken de ayrıntıya girmemeye dikkat ettik. Meteorolojik hadiseler her gün karşılaştığımız, yaşadığımız, olumlu ya da olumsuz etkilerini hissettiğimiz olaylardır. Dünyamızı çevreleyen atmosferde meydana gelen bu olaylar matematik, fizik, kimya gibi pozitif bilimlerin yardımıyla anlaşılır ve daha çok faydalanılır hale gelir. Meteoro-loji günümüzde artık bağımsız bir bilim dalı olarak kabul edilmekte ve verilerinin elde edilmesin-de yüksek teknoloji ürünü âletler ve yöntemler kullanılmaktadır. Bu sayede gerçeğe daha yakın bilgiler ve veriler elde edilebilmektedir.Râzî, Kur’an’da yer alan meteorolojik ifadeleri yorumlarken âyetlerde yer alan kelimelerin lügat anlamlarına yer vermiş, zahirî ve batınî anlamları konusunda yer yer farklı tercihlerde bulunmuş-tur. Bu bağlamdaki bütün âyetlerde tevhit, nübüvvet ve âhiret temalarına vurgu yapan Râzî, hiçbir zaman Kur’an’ı bilime onaylatma yönünde bir görüş beyan etmemiş, sebep sonuç ilişkisi şeklinde özetleyebileceğimiz determinist bir anlayışı da tercih etmemiştir. Örneğin yağmurun oluşması konusunda döneminin veya daha önceki âlimlerin ortaya koydukları ve sebep sonuç ilişkisini ifade eden bütün bilgileri kelâm ilmi açısından mümkün varlıklar olarak değerlendirmiş ve bütün bunların bir yaratana muhtaç olduklarını, onun da Allah olduğunu ifade etmiştir. Yağ-murun gökten mi yoksa buluttan mı indiğini uzun uzun tartışan Râzî, farklı âyetlerin yorumunda kimi zaman yağmurun gökten indiğini savunurken kimi zaman da onun buluttan indiğini ifade etmiştir. Bazı âyetlerin yorumunda yağmurun her damlasının bir melek aracılığıyla indiğine dair görüşe ihtiyatlı yaklaşan Râzî, yağmurun belli bir miktarda yağması olayında da ilgili âyette geçen ölçü kelimesinden yola çıkarak bunun ne az ne de çok olduğunu, sadece yöre halkının ihtiyacı kadar olduğu şeklindeki yaklaşımı kabul etmiştir. Yağmurun önceden bilinmesi konusunda da bunun birtakım belirtileri olduğunu, bu durumun bunlardan anlaşılabileceğini ancak bunun bir kesinlik ifade etmeyeceği kanaatinde olduğunu belirtmektedir. İçinde dolu bulunan dağların indirilmesi konusunda da iki ihtimalli düşünen ve her ikisinin de olabileceğinden bahseden Râzî, sonuç olarak âyetin zahirî manada ele alınmasını tercih etmiştir. Meteorolojik olaylardan birisi olarak bulut konusuna da değinen Râzî, onun oluşumunu, konu-munu ve hareketlerini tevhit ilkesi bağlamında değerlendirmiş ve bulutların Allah’ın emriyle hareket eden varlıklar olduğunu, nerede ne kadar ve ne zaman duracaklarını Allah’ın takdir etti-ğini söylemiştir. Bulutların çeşitleri konusunda da yine ilgili âyet bağlamında iki çeşit buluttan söz ederek konuyu kader planında ve hikmet noktasında ele almıştır. Bulut ve rüzgâr arasındaki ilişkiye de değinen Râzî, bulutların hareketlerinde rüzgârların oluşumu konusuyla ilgili olarak yaratıcının evrende koyduğu ölçü prensibine vurgu yapmış ve konuyu yine tevhit ilkesi çerçeve-sinde ele almıştır. Yüklü bulutlar şeklindeki nitelemeyi ‘kasırgalı bulutlar’ ya da rüzgârların sıkış-tırarak yağmur yağdırmakla yüz yüze getirdiği bulutlar şeklinde açıklamıştır. Rüzgârların oluşumu ve hareketleri konusunu da değerlendiren Râzî gerek felsefecilerin gerekse müneccimlerin konu hakkındaki görüşlerine itiraz ederek bu oluşumu ve hareketi sağlayanın mutlak manada Allah olduğunu vurgulamıştır. Rüzgârların çeşitleri ile ilgili olarak mevcut bilgi-leri değerlendiren Râzî, rüzgârların faydalarına da değinmiş ve özellikle aşılayıcı olmalarını önce-lemiş ve konu hakkındaki bilgi ve yorumları aktarmakla yetinmiştir. Râzî, meteorolojik olaylardan biri, belki de en ilginci olan şimşeği bir mucize olarak değerlendir-miş ancak onda olduğu söylenen enerjiye itiraz ederek bunun uzak bir ihtimal olduğunu ancak Allah’ın yaratmasıyla böyle bir şeyin meydana gelebileceğini ifade etmiştir. Şimşeğin korku ve ümit oluşuna da değinen Râzî, konuyu sosyal ve bölgesel şartlar çerçevesinde değerlendirmiştir. Gök gürlemesi hakkında yapılan, ‘meleklerin sesi’ şeklindeki rivayetleri uzak bir ihtimal olarak görmeyen Râzî, konu hakkındaki farklı yorumlara yer vermiş, hatta sûfîlerin yorumlarını dahi değerlendirmeye almıştır. Burada, Râzî’nin her yaratılmış varlığın kendine has bir şekilde yaratıcı-yı tespih ettiği düşüncesinden hareketle bir sonuca ulaşmaya çalıştığından söz edilebilir. Yıldırım konusunu enteresan olarak ifade eden Râzî, onun yapısı ve gerçekleşme şekilleri hakkındaki bilgi-leri aktarmış ve neticede olayı tevhit delilleri noktasında ele almıştır. İlmî tefsir alanında ilklerden sayılabilecek Râzî’nin eseri ile ilgili olarak yaptığımız bu çalışmada özellikle modern dönemde yapılan çalışmalarda sıkça gördüğümüz ve bazı uzmanlarca çokça eleştirilen Kur’an’ın bilime onaylatılması durumunu görmediğimizi, onun konulara tevhit, nü-büvvet ve âhiret ekseninde yer verdiğini söyleyebiliriz. Râzî’nin bu konular hakkındaki yorumları incelendiğinde bazı bilgilerin güncellikten çok uzak olduğu hatta günümüzde ulaşılan bilimsel verilerle çeliştiği görülecektir. Bize göre bu durum müellifin zamanındaki verilerin yetersizliğin-den kaynaklanmaktadır ve bir hata olarak değerlendirilmemesi gerekir. Aksine, konunun pozitif bilimlerdeki gelişmelerin doğallığı çerçevesinde ele alınmasının daha doğru olacağı söylenebilir. Sonuç olarak, ilmî tefsir alanına giren âyetlerin yeniden yorumlanması ve Kur’an’ın hidayet rehbe-ri oluşuna bu açıdan yeni açılımlar getirilmesi, bir ihtiyaç olarak varlığını sürdürmektedir

Dimensional and Mechanical Characterization of Newly Developed Denim Fabrics Based on Experimentally Determined Property-Structural Pattern Relations for Upholstery Applications

The aim of this study was to develop new pattern denim fabrics and characterize the dimensional, the abrasion and pilling properties of these fabrics. Furthermore, tensile and tear strengths of these fabrics were determined. The potential end-uses of pattern denim fabrics were evaluated by comparing the test results with traditional denim fabrics. The produced fabrics were classified as 'Design group I' and 'Design group II'. In design group I, the fabrics had small structural patterns whereas the structural patterns of the fabrics of design group II were large. The dimensional properties and weights of developed pattern denim fabrics in both of the design groups were different in terms of weft densities, structural pattern sizes which influenced the numbers, directions and distributions of warp-weft interlacement. The abrasion behaviours of the traditional denim fabrics and the fabrics with large-small structural patterns were similar. However, it was determined that the fabrics with large and small patterns were abraded on the earlier abrasion cycles compared to the traditional denim fabrics. The pilling resistances of the fabrics not only depended on the hairiness levels of the yams used during weaving, but also on the pattern sizes of the fabrics. The small structural pattern fabrics showed more resistance to pilling than those of the large structural pattern fabrics. There was a decrease on the warp and weft tensile strengths of the large structural pattern fabrics in comparison with the traditional denim fabrics. The average tear strengths of the large structural pattern denim fabrics on the warp course were higher than those of the traditional denim fabrics while the tear strengths of the large pattern and traditional denim fabrics on the weft course were similar to each other. The end-uses of the newly developed structural pattern denim fabrics were recommended as home textile