Predicting inclusive teaching using the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change and the Theory of Planned Behavior

The diversity related materials in many university and college courses do not reflect the extent of diversity in society (Banks, 2002). Attempts to diversify curriculum have been made (Montgomery, 2001; Richards, Brown, & Forde, 2007), but further work is needed to prepare students to thrive in a culturally diverse society (Banks, 2002; Marshall, 2002). Research regarding faculty views toward diversity on campus and in the curriculum is limited (Brunner, 2006; Piland, Hess, & Piland, 2000; Wasonga & Piveral, 2004). Although a majority of faculty believe that a diversified institution and curriculum is positive, little research has examined the types of faculty likely to include diversity in their curriculum (American Association of University Professors (AAUP) & American Council on Education (ACE), 2000; Maruyama & Moreno, 2000; Mayhew & Grunwald, 2006). The current study used two behavioral models, the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to understand and predict inclusive teaching. Specifically, faculty attitudes, perceived norms, and efficacy related to inclusive teaching as well as their levels of intent to teach inclusively were examined. Results suggest that inclusive teaching behaviors vary as a function of stage of change within the TTM, with the greatest differences occurring between those in the earlier and later stages of change. Furthermore, the TPB results suggest that faculty attitudes and efficacy are the strongest predictors of inclusive teaching. Implications of these findings to inform workshops to aid faculty in becoming more inclusive are discussed

If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try Closing Another Assessment Loop: Implementing Online Co-Curricular Assessment

Higher education institutions are commonly tasked with demonstrating student learning in and out of the classroom. Although academic and student affairs share a common goal of supporting student success, they frequently do not speak the same assessment language. This lack of alignment can lead to miscommunication and missed opportunities to collaboratively promote learning and achievement. Further, it can be a struggle to implement assessment protocols if institutional stakeholders do not value and believe in the importance of their role in the assessment process. In this paper, we discuss how professionals at an online academic success center used the Theory of Planned Behavior to inform and improve an assessment protocol as part of the institution’s overall assessment plan. The steps and strategies used over multiple assessment loops are discussed to demonstrate the path taken to build a collaborative learning environment for students in and out of the online classroom

Future research directions on the "elusive" white shark

White sharks, Carcharodon carcharias, are often described as elusive, with little information available due to the logistical difficulties of studying large marine predators that make long-distance migrations across ocean basins. Increased understanding of aggregation patterns, combined with recent advances in technology have, however, facilitated a new breadth of studies revealing fresh insights into the biology and ecology of white sharks. Although we may no longer be able to refer to the white shark as a little-known, elusive species, there remain numerous key questions that warrant investigation and research focus. Although white sharks have separate populations, they seemingly share similar biological and ecological traits across their global distribution. Yet, white shark’s behavior and migratory patterns can widely differ, which makes formalizing similarities across its distribution challenging. Prioritization of research questions is important to maximize limited resources because white sharks are naturally low in abundance and play important regulatory roles in the ecosystem. Here, we consulted 43 white shark experts to identify these issues. The questions listed and developed here provide a global road map for future research on white sharks to advance progress toward key goals that are informed by the needs of the research community and resource managers

Diving into the vertical dimension of elasmobranch movement ecology

Knowledge of the three-dimensional movement patterns of elasmobranchs is vital to understand their ecological roles and exposure to anthropogenic pressures. To date, comparative studies among species at global scales have mostly focused on horizontal movements. Our study addresses the knowledge gap of vertical movements by compiling the first global synthesis of vertical habitat use by elasmobranchs from data obtained by deployment of 989 biotelemetry tags on 38 elasmobranch species. Elasmobranchs displayed high intra- and interspecific variability in vertical movement patterns. Substantial vertical overlap was observed for many epipelagic elasmobranchs, indicating an increased likelihood to display spatial overlap, biologically interact, and share similar risk to anthropogenic threats that vary on a vertical gradient. We highlight the critical next steps toward incorporating vertical movement into global management and monitoring strategies for elasmobranchs, emphasizing the need to address geographic and taxonomic biases in deployments and to concurrently consider both horizontal and vertical movements

Global Spatial Risk Assessment of Sharks Under the Footprint of Fisheries

Effective ocean management and conservation of highly migratory species depends on resolving overlap between animal movements and distributions and fishing effort. Yet, this information is lacking at a global scale. Here we show, using a big-data approach combining satellite-tracked movements of pelagic sharks and global fishing fleets, that 24% of the mean monthly space used by sharks falls under the footprint of pelagic longline fisheries. Space use hotspots of commercially valuable sharks and of internationally protected species had the highest overlap with longlines (up to 76% and 64%, respectively) and were also associated with significant increases in fishing effort. We conclude that pelagic sharks have limited spatial refuge from current levels of high-seas fishing effort. Results demonstrate an urgent need for conservation and management measures at high-seas shark hotspots and highlight the potential of simultaneous satellite surveillance of megafauna and fishers as a tool for near-real time, dynamic management

Diving into the vertical dimension of elasmobranch movement ecology

Knowledge of the three-dimensional movement patterns of elasmobranchs is vital to understand their ecological roles and exposure to anthropogenic pressures. To date, comparative studies among species at global scales have mostly focused on horizontal movements. Our study addresses the knowledge gap of vertical movements by compiling the first global synthesis of vertical habitat use by elasmobranchs from data obtained by deployment of 989 biotelemetry tags on 38 elasmobranch species. Elasmobranchs displayed high intra- and interspecific variability in vertical movement patterns. Substantial vertical overlap was observed for many epipelagic elasmobranchs, indicating an increased likelihood to display spatial overlap, biologically interact, and share similar risk to anthropogenic threats that vary on a vertical gradient. We highlight the critical next steps toward incorporating vertical movement into global management and monitoring strategies for elasmobranchs, emphasizing the need to address geographic and taxonomic biases in deployments and to concurrently consider both horizontal and vertical movements

Diving into the vertical dimension of elasmobranch movement ecology

Knowledge of the three-dimensional movement patterns of elasmobranchs is vital to understand their ecological roles and exposure to anthropogenic pressures. To date, comparative studies among species at global scales have mostly focused on horizontal movements. Our study addresses the knowledge gap of vertical movements by compiling the first global synthesis of vertical habitat use by elasmobranchs from data obtained by deployment of 989 biotelemetry tags on 38 elasmobranch species. Elasmobranchs displayed high intra- and interspecific variability in vertical movement patterns. Substantial vertical overlap was observed for many epipelagic elasmobranchs, indicating an increased likelihood to display spatial overlap, biologically interact, and share similar risk to anthropogenic threats that vary on a vertical gradient. We highlight the critical next steps toward incorporating vertical movement into global management and monitoring strategies for elasmobranchs, emphasizing the need to address geographic and taxonomic biases in deployments and to concurrently consider both horizontal and vertical movements

Diagnostic limitations of clinical case definitions of pertussis in infants and children with severe lower respiratory tract infection.

IntroductionDiagnosis of pertussis is challenging especially in infants. Most low and middle-income countries (LMIC) lack resources for laboratory confirmation, relying largely on clinical diagnosis alone for both case management and surveillance. This necessitates robust clinical case definitions.ObjectivesThis study assesses the accuracy of clinical case definitions with and without lymphocytosis in diagnosing pertussis in children with severe lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in a LMIC setting.MethodsChildren hospitalized with severe LRTI in a South African hospital were prospectively enrolled and evaluated for pertussis using PCR on respiratory samples. Clinical signs and differential white cell counts were recorded. Sensitivity and specificity of pertussis clinical diagnosis using WHO and Global Pertussis Initiative (GPI) criteria; and with addition of lymphocytosis were assessed with PCR as the reference standard.Results458 children ConclusionClinical criteria lack accuracy for diagnosis and surveillance of pertussis. Non-outbreak settings should consider shorter durations in clinical criteria. New recommendations still fall short of what is required for a viable clinical screening test which means the need to improve access to laboratory diagnostic support remains crucial

Risk factors for Bordetella pertussis disease in hospitalized children.

IntroductionDespite a resurgence of disease, risk factors for pertussis in children in low and middle-income countries are poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate risk factors for pertussis disease in African children hospitalized with severe LRTI.MethodsA prospective study of children hospitalized with severe LRTI in Cape Town, South Africa was conducted over a one-year period. Nasopharyngeal and induced sputum samples from child and nasopharyngeal sample from caregiver were tested for Bordetella pertussis using PCR (IS481+/hIS1001). History and clinical details were documented.Results460 children with a median age of 8 (IQR 4-18) months were enrolled. B. pertussis infection was confirmed in 32 (7.0%). The adjusted risk of confirmed pertussis was significantly increased if infants were younger than two months [aRR 2.37 (95% CI 1.03-5.42]), HIV exposed but uninfected (aRR 3.53 [95% CI 1.04-12.01]) or HIV infected (aRR 4.35 [95% CI 1.24-15.29]). Mild (aRR 2.27 [95% CI 1.01-5.09]) or moderate (aRR 2.70 [95% CI 1.13-6.45]) under-nutrition in the children were also associated with higher risk. The highest adjusted risk occurred in children whose caregivers had B. pertussis detected from nasopharyngeal swabs (aRR 13.82 [95% CI 7.76-24.62]). Completion of the primary vaccine schedule (three or more doses) was protective (aRR 0.28 [95% CI 0.10-0.75]).ConclusionsHIV exposure or infection, undernutrition as well as detection of maternal nasal B. pertussis were associated with increased risk of pertussis in African children, especially in young infants. Completed primary vaccination was protective. There is an urgent need to improve primary pertussis vaccine coverage in low and middle-income countries. Pertussis vaccination of pregnant women, especially those with HIV infection should be prioritized