A mixed methods study of factors related to the receipt and retention of TOPS scholarships in Louisiana

The purpose of this study was to examine disparities in the receipt and retention of the TOPS scholarship in Louisiana. Specifically, the study examined why some schools are more successful than others in preparing students for TOPS eligibility, what impact availability of quality core curriculum courses has on TOPS eligibility, the ways the State can improve eligibility for lower income students, and the reasons why many lose their awards. The research utilized a sequential mixed methods QUAN/QUAL approach with multiple levels of analysis (school, cohort, and student). Matched pairs of outlier schools (one with a high rate of TOPS receipt and one with a low rate) were compared using quantitative and qualitative measurements and analyses to answer the research questions. Major findings included: the equitability of access to the TOPS scholarship is questionable; some schools serving lower income students do a better job of TOPS preparation than others; most of Louisiana’s high schools offer the required TOPS core curriculum courses, but some mostly rural and small schools lack the materials and instructors necessary to offer these courses; and the State needs to promote the TOPS Tech Award as a positive alternative for high school graduates. Recommendations from the study include: the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) should ensure that schools clearly communicate the TOPS core course requirements to all students and parents on an annual basis starting at the middle school level. BESE needs to guarantee that all high schools can offer the required core courses. BESE and the agency overseeing financial aid should assist school districts in sponsoring regular ACT exam preparatory workshops. The TOPS Tech Award requires more focus. The Board of Regents should encourage universities and colleges to provide both merit-based and need-based scholarships to deserving students

The Changing Healthcare Roles of Behavioral Health Professionals and Benefits of Contemporary Education and Training

With the rapid changes in healthcare over the years, inevitably, the roles of behavioral health professionals have changed in response. Notably, the burgeoning field of telehealth, the new structure of integrated care, and the cautions placed on using psychiatric medication all impact the responsibilities and expectations of behavioral health professionals. With the new directions in healthcare, prospective behavioral health professionals may find themselves unprepared in their career if education does not change in response to these new trends. In order to prepare these students for their future, educational institutions should reflect on their curriculum and make necessary adjustments. By doing so, students will be more well equipped to fluently transition into the behavioral healthcare field

The Changing Healthcare Roles of Behavioral Health Professionals and Benefits of Contemporary Education and Training

With the rapid changes in healthcare over the years, inevitably, the roles of behavioral health professionals have changed in response. Notably, the burgeoning field of telehealth, the new structure of integrated care, and the cautions placed on using psychiatric medication all impact the responsibilities and expectations of behavioral health professionals. With the new directions in healthcare, prospective behavioral health professionals may find themselves unprepared in their career if education does not change in response to these new trends. In order to prepare these students for their future, educational institutions should reflect on their curriculum and make necessary adjustments. By doing so, students will be more well equipped to fluently transition into the behavioral healthcare field

The compositional and metabolic responses of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) to a gradient of dietary fish oil and associated n-3 long-chain PUFA content

The authors express their gratitude to the technical team at the BioMar Feed Trial Unit, Hirtshals, in particular, Svend Jørgen Steenfeldt for expert care of the experimental subjects, for training and supervision provided by laboratory staff at Nutrition Analytical Services and Molecular Biology at the Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, UK. S. J. S. H’s. PhD was co-funded by BioMar and the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology Scotland. BioMar provided the experimental feeds, trial facilities and fish, and covered travel expenses. V. K. and J. T. designed and executed the nutritional trial and all authors contributed to planning the analyses. V. K., J. T. and S. J. S. H. carried out the sampling. O. M., D. R. T and S. A. M. M. supervised the lead author. M. B. B. provided training in molecular biology to S. J. S. H. who carried out all analytical procedures. S. J. S. H. analysed all of the data and prepared the manuscript. Subsequently the manuscript was shared between all authors who made amendments, contributions and recommendations. The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interestPeer reviewedPublisher PD