Examining The Effectiveness Of An Esl Teacher Observation Tool

This research investigates the effectiveness of a teacher created ESL teacher observation tool. This paper argues that although commonly used tools such as the Charlotte Danielson Framework (2013) exist, they do not fully meet the needs of ESL teachers. A mixed methods study was conducted in order to compare the Charlotte Danielson (2013) rubric to the ESL Teacher Observation Tool in terms of language related feedback. Principals from a Midwestern school district conducted evaluations based on a video clip using both tools, and subsequently, principals were interviewed. The ESL Teacher Observation Tool appeared to yield more language-instruction related feedback in quality and quantity. These results also indicate that further refinement is needed to align the ESL Teacher Observation Tool to Charlotte Danielso

Functionalizing nanoparticles with CafA protein to target BAR peptide for oral delivery applications.

Background: Porphyromonas gingivalis adherence to Streptococcus gordonii may be important for P. gingivalis colonization in the oral cavity. Nanoparticles encapsulating synthetic peptide BAR (BAR-NPs) inhibit P. gingivalis adherence more potently than free BAR. However, BAR-NPs would exhibit low retention in an open flow environment. Hypothesis: Targeting BAR-NPs to the streptococcal surface using CafA protein will enhance their efficacy. Methods: CafA-modified NPs encapsulating BAR were synthesized using double emulsion approach. Surface binding and retention, and release kinetics of BAR from CafA-modified NPs was assessed. Functional inhibition assays were performed using dual a species biofilm. Results: CafA-modified NPs demonstrated specificity of adhesion, remained bound to S. gordonii surfaces and released inhibitory concentrations of BAR for over 8hr. CafA-modified NPs inhibited P. gingivalis adherence to S. gordonii potently for over 8hr. Conclusions: CafA-modified NPs represent a delivery vehicle that targets BAR to preferred niches of P. gingivalis in the oral cavity

American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis): Changes in Behavior During Mycoplasma gallisepticum Infection

Animal sickness behavior is an important component of disease ecology and is essential to understanding wildlife diseases and how and where animals allocate resources for survival. This study examines sickness behaviors, the extent of conjunctivitis, and the presence of an antibody response in relation to a Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) respiratory infection in American goldfinches. We conducted an experimental infection of American goldfinches and recorded behavior videos, and collected blood samples, throat swabs, eye swelling, and mass data at multiple time points throughout the experiment. An ELISA-serum assay was run after the conclusion of the study to identify the presence of MG-specific antibodies in each bird’s serum. Our results showed an increase in eye swelling and stationary behaviors of infected goldfinches and a decrease in mass and active behaviors during the late stage of the experiment. The ELISA assay showed only 71% (5/7) of American goldfinches seroconverted by the end of the experiment. These findings suggested that American goldfinches are affected by individual variation in generating an immune response to MG, compared to house finches, and can further our understanding of how behavioral responses relate to disease progression

Electrochemical Assessment of Alumina-TiC Composite: A Potential Biomaterial

Ceramic and ceramic composites are gaining popularity over their metallic counterparts for orthopedic applications. Metallic biomaterials, like titanium alloys and CoCrMo alloy, exhibit good performance under concentrated loads but there have been plenty cases of implant failure due to release of metallic debris causing osteolysis. The wear debris release is caused by mechanically assisted electrochemical degradation of contacting surfaces at the joint. Ceramic based biomaterials have shown to exhibit superior wear performance, but they are prone to brittle fracture. Hence modern ceramic materials are reinforced with oxides, nitride and carbides too improve fracture resistance. However, nitrides and carbides reinforcement impart electrochemical activity to ceramic composite and facilitate electron transfer processes and participate in electrochemical interaction with aqueous environment. The electrochemical behavior of ceramic composites with electrochemically active reinforcement needs to be evaluated to account for any undesirable electrochemical activity for invivo applications. This research presents, a detailed investigation of electrochemical behavior of alumina-titanium Carbide (TiC) composite and valuable insights into the potential use of alumina-TiC as a biomaterial. A systematic analysis of electrochemical behavior under mechanical perturbation like abrasive wear was performed and related degradation mechanism was uncovered with combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. For a better understanding of the reaction mechanism involved in the degradation process of alumina-TiC composite, studies in the forms of experimental, theoretical and computational investigation have been performed. Using the concepts of thermodynamics and electrochemical reaction kinetics like Butler-Volmer theory along with Nernst-Planck transport phenomenon, a great deal of insights into the reaction mechanism for oxidation of TiC was developed. Moreover, a potential use of alumina-TiC composite as a biomaterial was assessed in biologically relevant environment. The electrochemical behavior and cytocompatible nature of the composite was investigated and compared with common metallic biomaterials like commercially pure titanium (Cp-Ti) and graphite covered CoCrMo alloy (GC-CoCrMo). After thorough analysis and supporting observations from surface and chemical analysis methods, it was concluded that alumina-TiC is electrochemically stable material than metallic biomaterials and it also favorably supports HB-MSC cell growth and proliferation

Is Besifloxacin Ophthalmic Suspension 0.6% Safe and Effective for the Treatment of Bacterial Conjunctivitis?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6% is safe and effective for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis

Feminist Concerns in Marsha Norman's Play: A Critical Study

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Biomechanical aspects of the anterior segment in human myopia

The thesis investigates the relationship between the biomechanical properties of the anterior human sclera and cornea in vivo using Schiotz tonometry (ST), rebound tonometry (RBT, iCare) and the Ocular Response Analyser (ORA, Reichert). Significant differences in properties were found to occur between scleral quadrants. Structural correlates for the differences were examined using Partial Coherent Interferometry (IOLMaster, Zeiss), Optical Coherent tomography (Visante OCT), rotating Scheimpflug photography (Pentacam, Oculus) and 3-D Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Subject groups were employed that allowed investigation of variation pertaining to ethnicity and refractive error. One hundred thirty-five young adult subjects were drawn from three ethnic groups: British-White (BW), British-South-Asian (BSA) and Hong-Kong-Chinese (HKC) comprising non-myopes and myopes. Principal observations: ST demonstrated significant regional variation in scleral resistance a) with lowest levels at quadrant superior-temporal and highest at inferior-nasal; b) with distance from the limbus, anterior locations showing greater resistance. Variations in resistance using RBT were similar to those found with ST; however the predominantly myopic HKC group had a greater overall mean resistance when compared to the BW-BSA group. OCT-derived scleral thickness measurements indicated the sclera to be thinner superiorly than inferiorly. Thickness varied with distance from the corneolimbal junction, with a decline from 1 to 2 mm followed by a successive increase from 3 to 7 mm. ORA data varied with ethnicity and refractive status; whilst axial length (AL) was associated with corneal biometrics for BW-BSA individuals it was associated with IOP in the HKC individuals. Complex interrelationships were found between ORA Additional-Waveform-Parameters and biometric data provided by the Pentacam. OCT indicated ciliary muscle thickness to be greater in myopia and more directly linked to posterior ocular volume (from MRI) than AL. Temporal surface areas (SAs, from MRI) were significantly smaller than nasal SAs in myopic eyes; globe bulbosity (from MRI) was constant across quadrants