Evidence-Based Recommendations for Preschool-Aged Dual-Language Learners: An App Supporting English Vocabulary

Growing diversity in the United States has led to an increasing number of dual-language learners (DLLs)—children under the age of five learning English along with another language. The largest group of DLLs are Spanish speakers. When learning a new language, developing vocabulary is foundational to providing the necessary words to comprehend and produce English phrases. Before entering kindergarten, language support for children either comes from a preschool program or the family. However, preschool programs with a large number of DLLs are often under-resourced. Teachers may lack the necessary proficiency in their students’ primary language in order to provide individualized language support. At home, caregivers may not have proficient English language skills to independently foster their children’s vocabulary acquisition. Therefore, there is a need for a supplemental resource that caregivers can use to engage in learning with their DLL children. Given the prevalence of technology and the growing market of educational media, an app is the most logical, accessible format. This thesis examines current research on the English language learning practices of DLL 4- to 5-year-old children preparing to enter kindergarten. It then evaluates three existing language-learning apps, addressing gaps by proposing an original app using strategies discussed in current research. With updated information about the most important features to include in an educational app for Spanish-speaking DLLs to facilitate English vocabulary development, future caregivers can have an additional resource to support their child’s language learning.College of Natural Science

Polimiosite : investigação clínica em duas irmãs

We present an investigation of a case of polymyositis affecting two sisters of one same parenthood. Their cases have been documented for almost two decades, being investigated by means of a diagnostic protocol which combined clinical findings as well as laboratorial, histopathological and image tests. In both cases, clinical manifestations started in childhood, without signs of involvement of the central and peripheral nervous system. Both patients proved to respond to a therapeutics based on corticosteroids. The degree of relatedness between their parents corroborate the notion that genetic factors may contribute to the development of the disease. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ RESUMOApresentamos a investigação de dois casos de polimiosite, ocorridos entre irmãs de uma mesma filiação. Seus casos foram documentados ao longo de quase duas décadas, tendo sido diagnosticados utilizando- se de protocolo diagnóstico que combinou achados clínicos, exames laboratoriais, histopatológicos e por imagem. Em ambos os casos, as manifestações clínicas se iniciaram ainda na infância, sendo constatada ausência de acometimento do sistema nervoso central ou periférico. Ambas as pacientes responderam satisfatoriamente a terapia baseada em corticosteróide. O grau de parentesco entre os genitores das pacientes sugere que fatores genéticos podem predispor ao desenvolvimento da doença

Evidence-Based Recommendations for Preschool-Aged Dual-Language Learners: An App Supporting English Vocabulary

Growing diversity in the United States has led to an increasing number of dual-language learners (DLLs)—children under the age of five learning English along with another language. The largest group of DLLs are Spanish speakers. When learning a new language, developing vocabulary is foundational to providing the necessary words to comprehend and produce English phrases. Before entering kindergarten, language support for children either comes from a preschool program or the family. However, preschool programs with a large number of DLLs are often under-resourced. Teachers may lack the necessary proficiency in their students’ primary language in order to provide individualized language support. At home, caregivers may not have proficient English language skills to independently foster their children’s vocabulary acquisition. Therefore, there is a need for a supplemental resource that caregivers can use to engage in learning with their DLL children. Given the prevalence of technology and the growing market of educational media, an app is the most logical, accessible format. This thesis examines current research on the English language learning practices of DLL 4- to 5-year-old children preparing to enter kindergarten. It then evaluates three existing language-learning apps, addressing gaps by proposing an original app using strategies discussed in current research. With updated information about the most important features to include in an educational app for Spanish-speaking DLLs to facilitate English vocabulary development, future caregivers can have an additional resource to support their child’s language learning.Polymathic Scholar

A Low Area, Switched-Resistor Based Fractional-N Synthesizer Applied to a MEMS-Based Programmable Oscillator

Abstract-MEMS-based oscillators have recently become a topic of interest as integrated alternatives are sought for quartz-based frequency references. When seeking a programmable solution, a key component of such systems is a low power, low area fractional-N synthesizer, which also provides a convenient path for compensating changes in the MEMS resonant frequency with temperature and process. We present several techniques enabling efficient implementation of this synthesizer, including a switched-resistor loop filter topology that avoids a charge pump and boosts effective resistance to save area, a high gain phase detector that lowers the impact of loop filter noise, and a switched capacitor frequency detector that provides initial frequency acquisition. The entire synthesizer with LC VCO occupies less than 0.36 sq. mm in 0.18 m CMOS. Chip power consumption is 3.7 mA at 3.3 V supply (20 MHz output, no load). Index Terms-MEMS, fractional-N synthesizer, reference frequency, phase-locked loop (PLL), loop filter, high gain phase detector, switched resistor, switched capacitor, frequency acquisition, frequency detection, phase detection, oscillator, temperature stable