Supporting Pre-service Elementary Teachers Early Algebraic Thinking with Technology Through Lesson Planning and TPACK

Algebraic thinking is an essential component of the K-12 mathematics curriculum. Early algebra focuses on the overall numeric structure (Kaput, 2008 ; Kieran,2018; Kieran et al., 2016) which focuses on the noticing of arithmetic patterns leading to generalizations supported by justification, reasoning and justifications (Blanton, 2008; Blanton et al., 2018; Kieran, 2018; Kieran et al., 2016; Kieran et al., 2017; Kieran, 2018). This study focuses on investigating the conceptualization pre-service teachers develop as they participate in an elementary mathematics methods course with an intentional focus on algebraic reasoning, lesson planning, and use of technology. An additional component of supporting student algebraic thinking through the use of technology and the use of the Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) (Mishra & Koehler, 2006) was used to document shifts in pre-service teachers’ developing knowledge. Through mixed methods analysis, this study provides insight into the course development and sequencing of mathematics content, pedagogy, and technology to support pre-service teachers’ learning of algebraic thinking and lesson planning. Practical implementations for algebraic thinking and teaching of elementary mathematics methods courses are discussed, as well as the theoretical implications for the TPACK framework

Heart Failure 30-Day Readmission Frequency, Rates, and HF Classification

30 Day Hospital Readmission Rates, Frequencies, and Heart Failure Classification for Patients with Heart Failure Background Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the leading cause of mortality, morbidity, and disability worldwide among patients. Both the incidence and the prevalence of heart failure are age dependent and are relatively common in individuals 40 years of age and older. CHF is one of the leading causes of inpatient hospitalization readmission in the United States, with readmission rates remaining above the 20% goal within 30 days. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services imposes a 3% reimbursement penalty for excessive readmissions including those who are readmitted within 30 days from prior hospitalization for heart failure. Hospitals risk losing millions of dollars due to poor performance. A reduction in CHF readmission rates not only improves healthcare system expenditures, but also patients’ mortality, morbidity, and quality of life. Purpose The purpose of this DNP project is to determine the 30-day hospital readmission rates, frequencies, and heart failure classification for patients with heart failure. Specific aims include comparing computed annual re-admission rates with national average, determine the number of multiple 30-day re-admissions, provide descriptive data for demographic variables, and correlate age and heart failure classification with the number of multiple re-admissions. Methods A retrospective chart review was used to collect hospital admission and study data. The setting occurred in an urban hospital in Memphis, TN. The study was reviewed by the UTHSC Internal Review Board and deemed exempt. The electronic medical records were queried from July 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019 for heart failure ICD-10 codes beginning with the prefix 150 and a report was generated. Data was cleaned such that each patient admitted had only one heart failure ICD-10 code. The total number of heart failure admissions was computed and compared to national average. Using age ranges 40-80, the number of patients re-admitted within 30 days was computed and descriptive and inferential statistics were computed using Microsoft Excel and R. Results A total of 3524 patients were admitted for heart failure within the six-month time frame. Of those, 297 were re-admitted within 30 days for heart failure exacerbation (8.39%). An annual estimate was computed (16.86%), well below the national average (21%). Of those re-admitted within 30 days, 50 were re-admitted on multiple occasions sequentially, ranging from 2-8 re-admissions. The median age was 60 and 60% male. Due to the skewed distribution (most re-admitted twice), nonparametric statistics were used for correlation. While graphic display of charts suggested a trend for most multiple re-admissions due to diastolic dysfunction and least number due to systolic heart failure, there was no statistically significant correlation between age and number or multiple re-admissions (Spearman rank, p = 0.6208) or number of multiple re-admissions and heart failure classification (Kruskal Wallis, p =0.2553)

Učinak ozračivanja elektronima visoke energije na optička svojstva olovnog stakla

Optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra of lead silicate glass irradiated by 5- to 10-MeV electrons are studied. High-energy electron irradiation is shown to result in the formation of colour centres generally similar to those being formed by X-ray and γ-radiation. The most probable factors responsible for the non-sensitivity of the photoluminescence of the investigated lead silicate glass to the electron irradiation are discussed.U vidljivom smo području proučavali apsorpciju i fotoluminescentne spektre olovnog stakla ozračenog elektronima energije 5 do 10 MeV. Pokazuje se da to ozračivanje stvara centre boje vrlo slične onima koji se postižu ozračivanjem Xi γ-zračenjem. Raspravljamo o najvjerojatnijim uzrocima neosjetljivosti fotoluminescencije na ozračivanje elektronima

Učinak ozračivanja elektronima visoke energije na optička svojstva olovnog stakla

Optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra of lead silicate glass irradiated by 5- to 10-MeV electrons are studied. High-energy electron irradiation is shown to result in the formation of colour centres generally similar to those being formed by X-ray and γ-radiation. The most probable factors responsible for the non-sensitivity of the photoluminescence of the investigated lead silicate glass to the electron irradiation are discussed.U vidljivom smo području proučavali apsorpciju i fotoluminescentne spektre olovnog stakla ozračenog elektronima energije 5 do 10 MeV. Pokazuje se da to ozračivanje stvara centre boje vrlo slične onima koji se postižu ozračivanjem Xi γ-zračenjem. Raspravljamo o najvjerojatnijim uzrocima neosjetljivosti fotoluminescencije na ozračivanje elektronima

Fabrication of an Active Electronic Device Using a Hetero-bimetallic Coordination Polymer

A nickel(II)/lead(II) coordination polymer [(NCS)Pb(H2O)LNi(NCS)]n {H2L=N,N′-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)propane-1,3-diamine} has been synthesized and characterized. The band gap (3.18 eV) calculated from Tauc’s plot suggests the semiconducting nature of the complex. The material has a photosensitivity of 5.76, indicating its applicability in the fabrication of photosensitive devices. The complex has been successfully applied in a technologically challenging thin-film photosensitive Schottky device

Evaluating the Student Training Equity Project: An Upstream Recruitment Approach to Diversifying Clinical Psychology Graduate Programs

The U.S. psychology workforce is considerably less diverse than the population that it serves. While several recruitment and admission practices are effective for diversifying psychology training programs, upstream recruitment of underrepresented candidates is particularly promising. Aiming to diversify the clinical psychology graduate program applicant pool, the Student Training Equity Project (STEP) was developed to promote and evaluate upstream recruitment of undergraduate students of color interested in psychology graduate studies. This study used a mixed-method design to evaluate immediate outcomes for three STEP programmatic strategies. Survey results suggest that STEP networking events were associated with undergraduate research and mentorship opportunities. Findings suggest that STEP funding supported students in producing research products (e.g., manuscripts) that might bolster graduate application materials. STEP website engagement data showed over 1,000 views per year, and highlighted ways to improve outreach. More controlled evaluation is needed to determine whether STEP contributed to diversification of the applicant pool