Multiple Pathways to Graduation: New Routes to High School Competition

Examines three approaches -- targeted population, district-wide, and linked learning -- to raising graduation rates, benefits, and challenges; what is required for implementation; and which approaches work well for different types of districts

Shannon Hill Living Memoirs Interview

Shannon shared about her time as a Dean at Milo Adventist Academy in Oregon and a teacher with VIDA Internacional. She shared her fond memories of both locations and the importance of bringing a mission spirit into work. She discussed her passion for bringing her love for people into her work today. Honduras is a country in Central America situated between Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. The primary ethnic group in Honduras is Mestizos, the most prominent religion is Roman Catholicism, and the primary language is Spanish. Honduras is known for being home to the Mayan Copán Ruins, the second largest coral reef, and their extensive natural resources. R, J. Roberto Moncada, Woodward, Ralph Lee and Clegern, Wayne M.. Honduras . Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Aug. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/place/Honduras. Accessed 25 August 2024

The Corrosion of Carbon Steel under Deep Geologic Nuclear Waste Disposal Conditions

The proposed disposal scenario for high-level nuclear waste (spent fuel) in Canada is emplacement within a sealed, deep geological repository (DGR) located in either granitic rock or sedimentary clay. Disposal is based on a multi-barrier approach, with the primary barrier being a sealed container which could be either dual-walled with a copper shell over an inner carbon steel vessel for granitic rock or a single thick-walled steel container for sedimentary clay. This study focuses on the corrosion behaviour of A516 Gr70 carbon steel as well as the corrosion products formed in a variety of groundwater compositions and concentrations expected within a sedimentary clay DGR environment. In particular, the effects of groundwater anions such as Cl-, HCO3-/CO32-, and SO42- on the corrosion behaviour and corrosion product compositions and morphologies were studied. Several electrochemical and surface characterization techniques were employed to investigate the corrosion behaviour of the steel as well as the identities and morphologies of the subsequent corrosion products. It was shown that in the presence of trace levels of O2, Cl- is able to induce passivation of the steel surface by the catalytic conversion of Fe2+ to Fe3+ with passivation induced in this manner then leading to the initiation of breakdown sites. The addition of HCO3-/CO32- to highly concentrated Cl- solutions led to a competition between the catalytic formation of FeIII oxides and the stabilization of soluble Fe2+ by complexation with HCO3-/CO32-. In addition, an increase in the total carbonate concentration increased the breakdown potential by preventing the stabilization of pits by buffering the development of acidity required for propagation. In contrast, SO42- was shown not to interfere with the Cl--catalyzed oxidation to FeIII oxides in the presence of trace O2 but to have a significant effect on the breakdown potential, possibly due to its ability to be more strongly adsorbed to the FeIII surface. Electrochemical experiments performed under totally anaerobic conditions showed that an increase in [Cl-] promoted corrosion leading to an increased roughening of the steel surface. This was attributed to an acceleration of the cathodic reaction on exposed Fe3C bands from the pearlite structure. The addition of groundwater ions led to a suppression of the anodic kinetics due to the accumulation of CaCO3 crystals. Addition of HCO3-/CO32- to buffer the pH to 8.85 led to a significant decrease in the corrosion rate. This was attributed to the growth of a Fe3O4 barrier layer with additional protection provided by an outer layer of Fe2(OH)2CO3. Complementary long-term corrosion studies showed that an initial period of humid air exposure led to the formation of a γ-Fe2O3 layer which was subsequently reduced to Fe3O4 by galvanic coupling to steel dissolution over approximately the first 100 days of exposure. Corrosion occurred preferentially at pearlite grains due to the lower cathodic overpotential on the Fe3C lamellae. Addition of groundwater ions suppressed steel corrosion due to the rapid deposition of CaSO4 and CaCO3 crystals. High levels of Mg2+ were shown to promote the formation of aragonite, a polymorph of CaCO3 known to cause a reduction in steel corrosion rates. Finally, the addition of HCO3-/CO32- led to the rapid formation of Fe2(OH)2CO3, attributed to the initial γ-Fe2O3 layer whose reduction led to high [Fe2+] and the promotion of Fe2(OH)2CO3 deposition. However, thermodynamic transformation of Fe2(OH)2CO3 to FeCO3 appeared to induce some localized corrosion/pitting processes. The influence of H2O2 on steel corrosion under deaerated and totally anaerobic conditions was studied to determine whether radiolytic oxidants produced by the radiation fields in the fuel waste form would influence corrosion of the inside of a failed waste container. The interaction of the H2O2 with the steel was confirmed by the presence of FeIII-containing corrosion products. The results showed that continuous steel corrosion can be expected in an anaerobic environment but that passivation occurred in the deaerated experiment. However, passivation was attributed to the higher levels of dissolved O2 present and not the addition of H2O2 used as a surrogate for radiolytic oxidants. As such, active steel corrosion should be maintained inside a failed container and the soluble corrosion products (Fe2+ and H2) will be available to suppress fuel corrosion and radionuclide release

Chondrocranial Anatomy and Skeletogenesis in \u3cem\u3eDendrobates auratus\u3c/em\u3e

The larval chondrocranium and visceral skeleton of Dendrobates auratus ls described and compared with those of other dendrobatids. Four characters, i.e. lack of fusion between orbital cartilages and otic capsules, wide processus muscularis palatoquadrati, lack of processus pseudopterygoideus, and lack of processus anterolateralis hyalis, represent derived conditions for Dendrobates within Dendrobatidae. Cranial and postcranial ossification sequences are reported for D. auratus and Epipedobates tricolor. Skeletogenesis is earlier in E. tricolor, but the overall pattern of ossification is similar in the two species

“If You Don’t Know Who They Are, You Don’t Know How to Support Them”: A Qualitative Study Exploring How Educators Perceive and Support Canadian Military-Connected Students

To date, American research has provided the foundation for what is known about the educational experiences of students living in military families. Given contextual differences that exist between the United States and Canada, it is unclear how representative the American findings are of the Canadian experience. Using semi-structured interviews, this phenomenological study collected data from six educators to better understand how the needs of military-connected students are addressed within Canadian secondary schools. Participants generally had a good understanding of the military lifestyle and its associated challenges for students. However, many participants were unaware of any formal mechanisms used to identify military-connected students, any professional development opportunities for educators, or any collaborations that exist between schools and the military to support such students. Given the current lack of Canadian research, this study will help contribute to the building of knowledge and capacity in the Canadian context.À ce jour, les recherches américaines ont posé les bases de ce que l’on sait des expériences éducatives des étudiants vivant dans des familles de militaires. Étant donné les différences contextuelles qui existent entre les États-Unis et le Canada, une ambiguïté plane concernant la mesure dans laquelle les conclusions américaines sont représentatives de l’expérience canadienne. À l’aide d’entrevues semi-structurées, cette étude phénoménologique a recueilli des données auprès de six éducateurs afin de mieux comprendre comment les besoins des élèves provenant de familles de militaires sont pris en compte dans les écoles secondaires canadiennes. Les participants avaient généralement une bonne compréhension du mode de vie militaire et des défis que rencontrent ces étudiants. Cependant, de nombreux participants n’étaient au courant d’aucun mécanisme formel utilisé pour identifier les étudiants provenant de familles de militaires, des possibilités de développement professionnel pour les éducateurs ou d’une quelconque collaboration existant entre les écoles et l’armée pour soutenir ces étudiants. Étant donné le manque actuel de recherches canadiennes sur le sujet, cette étude contribuera au développement des connaissances et des compétences dans le contexte canadien

Inquiring into the Real: A Realist Phenomenological Approach

The need for postpositivist or antipositivist methods in the social sciences, including library and information science, is well documented. A promising alternative synthesizes critical realism and phenomenology. This method embraces ontological reality in all things, including human and social action. The ontology underlying the realist phenomenological approach recognizes, following Bhaskar, intransitive and transitive objects of knowledge (mind‐independent reality and individual and social perceptions of that reality). The synthesis encompasses some particular elements, including perceptions of parts and wholes, the reconciliation of presence and absence, and the essential character of intentionality. Withholding judgment (exercising a particular kind of skepticism) enables inquirers to delve into the historicity and background of action. Potential uses of the method are manifold; some specifics are examined here

Alternative Therapy for Veterans Diagnosed With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

An increasing number of veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has led to an increased demand for treatment within the Veteran Affairs health care system. Presently, veterans diagnosed with PTSD receive psychotropic medications and intermittent therapy sessions. Nurses are challenged to educate veterans about other health care issues based on verbalized side effects from prescribed PTSD medications limiting veterans’ ability to focus. Identifying alternative treatment options may improve treatment choices, reduce side effects, and promote positive outcomes for veterans with PTSD. This systematic review provided evidence-based practice information by addressing whether alternative therapy such as biofeedback would improve the therapeutic response and reduce the need for psychotropic medications. The Iowa model was used to guide the study. A critical review of the literature included 15 studies deemed admissible based on the Melnyk pyramid. Thirteen of the studies indicated positive outcomes for PTSD using biofeedback options as forms of therapy. No studies addressed the effectiveness of biofeedback therapy for reducing the need for psychotropic medications. One study indicated that when complementary and alternative medicine therapies were used to augment pharmacotherapy options, treatment compliance improved. Control studies are recommended to evaluate the immediate and long-term effects of biofeedback therapy to improve individual and adjunctive therapies for veterans with PTSD

Leadership and sustainable change: The relationship between leadership practices of principals and reculturing schools as professional learning communities.

This study examined the relationships between leadership practices of principals and strength of schools as sustainable professional learning communities. Strength of schools as professional learning communities was measured using the Professional Learning Communities Assessment; leadership practices were measured using the Leadership Practices Inventory both Self and Observer protocols. Findings indicated that neither principal's self-perceptions of their leadership practices nor teachers' assessments of their principals' leadership practices were related to strength of schools as professional learning communities. Findings did indicate ten specific leadership behaviors of principals that appear to be more highly related to strength of schools as learning communities. Further analysis which focused on the two strongest learning community schools and the two weakest learning community schools indicated that three specific leadership behaviors within Kouzes and Posner's practices of modeling the way and enabling others to act appear to be the most strongly related to reculturing schools as sustainable professional learning communities. Principals who set a personal example of what they expect of others are most likely to lead schools that function as strong learning communities. Additionally, principals who build consensus around a common set of values are also most likely to lead strong learning communities. Finally, principals who develop cooperative relationship with co-workers are most likely to lead schools that function as strong learning communities

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: An Organizational Change Model to Increase Intercultural Competence

Professionals in Extension who develop intercultural competence are better prepared to meet the needs of multicultural populations. This article addresses University of California Extension\u27s formation of an intercultural competence professional development initiative. We describe our use of an integrated conceptual framework that includes Hammer\u27s Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and Kotter\u27s eight-step organizational change process to institutionalize the initiative. IDI pretest and posttest results indicate that California 4-H professionals are more culturally competent. The impact of the initiative also is reflected in the significant growth (151% increase) in Latino youth participation in 4-H. We provide recommendations for replicating our effort

BMP receptor IA is required in the mammalian embryo for endodermal morphogenesis and ectodermal patterning

AbstractBMPRIA is a receptor for bone morphogenetic proteins with high affinity for BMP2 and BMP4. Mouse embryos lacking Bmpr1a fail to gastrulate, complicating studies on the requirements for BMP signaling in germ layer development. Recent work shows that BMP4 produced in extraembryonic tissues initiates gastrulation. Here we use a conditional allele of Bmpr1a to remove BMPRIA only in the epiblast, which gives rise to all embryonic tissues. Resulting embryos are mosaics composed primarily of cells homozygous null for Bmpr1a, interspersed with heterozygous cells. Although mesoderm and endoderm do not form in Bmpr1a null embryos, these tissues are present in the mosaics and are populated with mutant cells. Thus, BMPRIA signaling in the epiblast does not restrict cells to or from any of the germ layers. Cells lacking Bmpr1a also contribute to surface ectoderm; however, from the hindbrain forward, little surface ectoderm forms and the forebrain is enlarged and convoluted. Prechordal plate, early definitive endoderm, and anterior visceral endoderm appear to be expanded, likely due to defective morphogenesis. These data suggest that the enlarged forebrain is caused in part by increased exposure of the ectoderm to signaling sources that promote anterior neural fate. Our results reveal critical roles for BMP signaling in endodermal morphogenesis and ectodermal patterning