Effective secondary choral teacher behaviors: A survey of Oklahoma secondary choral directors.

The data collected helped provide an overview of behaviors that secondary public school choral teachers believe could be used in a music teacher assessment tool.The following research questions were considered throughout the investigation: (a) What are important instructional behaviors that secondary public school choral music teachers in the state of Oklahoma believe should be included in a secondary choral music teacher assessment tool? (b) Is there a difference of opinion on important instructional behaviors between secondary public school choral music teachers based on years of experience? (c) Is there a difference of opinion on important instructional behaviors between teachers in rural and urban districts? (d) Is there a difference of opinion on important instructional behaviors between secondary public school choral music teachers teaching at the following levels: Mid High 9th--10 th grades, Senior High 11th--12th grades, Middle School 6th--8th grades, Junior High 7th--9th grades, and High School 9th--12th grades? (e) Is there a difference of opinion on important instructional behaviors between secondary public school music teachers from small schools and music teachers from large schools? (f) Is there a difference of opinion on important instructional behaviors between secondary public school choral music teachers of varying ages? and (g) Is there a difference of opinion on important instructional behaviors between male and female secondary public school choral music teachers?The purpose of the study was to identify effective secondary choral teacher behaviors that could be used in a choral teacher assessment instrument. Participants were 180 secondary public school choral teachers from the membership rolls of the Oklahoma Music Educators Association.The survey was drawn from the music education research base and was piloted for content validity. Descriptive statistics, cross tabulations and Pearson Chi Square statistics were used for data analysis. Cronbachs Alpha was employed to determine reliability of item clusters. Data analysis showed several behavioral commonalities among the survey participants as well as three areas of significant difference. Those areas were "use of technology in the classroom", "written lesson plans for every class", and adjudicated performances used for teacher assessment". Secondary public school choral teachers preferred behaviors that relate directly to inter-acting with students as opposed to behaviors that deal with paperwork

Investigation Of The Volcanics Rocks On Marblehead Neck Through Petrographic, Geochemical, And Field Analyses

Marblehead Neck is a rocky island within the Dedham-Milford zone in northeastern Massachusetts and is separated by the younger Late Silurian Salem Gabbro-Diorite on the adjacent mainland of Marblehead by a fault of unknown motion. Although shown on the 1983 bedrock map of MA, to be underlain by the Late Proterozoic Dedham Granodiorite and Lynn Volcanics, attempts to date and definitively correlate these rocks have been unsuccessful. This study focuses on confirming the identity of the volcanics and correlating to local lithologies(Middlesex Fells Complex, Lynn-Mattapan Volcanic Complex, Newbury Volcanics, and extrusives of the Cape Ann Granite) through field mapping, petrographic analysis, and a review of previous geochemical analyses. During field mapping, eight lithologies were identified; metasedimentary rocks, granodiorite, alkali “pink” granite, subvolcanic dacite, pyroclastic volcanics (lapilli tuffs, ignimbrites, flow-banded vitrophyres, and red vitrophyres), lahars, epiclastic carapace, and diabase and basalt intrusions. Contact relations of the lithologies are asfollows: inclusion of metasedimentary rocks within granodiorite; diffusive contact of alkali “pink” granite and granodiorite; granodiorite as an intrusive contact with the dacite (chill margin); inclusions of the lapilli tuff of the pyroclastic volcanic rocks contained within the granodiorite; and epiclastic overlaying the ignimbrites. All the lithologies are transected by NW-SE diabase and basalt dikes. Evidence for a tilting event is preserved in steeply dipping fiamme within the ignimbrites. The granodiorite is interpreted as the Dedham Granite based on modalcomposition, character, and inclusion of the metasedimentary rocks (now interpreted as Westboro Formation). Based on expected relationships between the Dedham the older Middlesex Fells and younger Lynn Volcanics more investigation is warranted for the subvolcanic dacite rocks. The pink alkali granite intrudes the granodiorite and a cold contact is visible further inland. Petrographic analysis reveals Westboro Quartzite clasts within the epiclastic rocks, supporting an Edicarian age. The contact between the Dedham and the volcanics excludes boththe Newbury Volcanics and the Cape Ann Plutonic Complex from consideration of the volcanics relation. Considering Thompson et al. (2007) determined Ediacaran age of 595.8 ± 1.2 Ma for the Lynn Volcanics, an unconformity of approximately 10 Ma excludes the Lynn from being related to the Dedham Granite. Therefore, the volcanics present on Marblehead Neck must belong to Middlesex Fells. This relationship is shown to be inconsistent with field relationships observed at Marblehead Neck and field relations in general north of Boston. Geochemical data of the flow-banded vitrophyres found at Marblehead Neck Lighthouse are similar to a flow-banded rhyolite from the Mattapan Volcanic Complex collected in Milton, MA. Marblehead Neck could be considered a fault block offset of the Melrose subblock (Goldsmith, 1999), or the Marblehead Harbor Fault could be a steeply dipping reverse fault that brought Ediacaran basement rocks to juxtapose against Silurian Salem Gabbro Diorite. The steeply dipping fiamme in the ignimbrites suggest a titling event of the entire section. The lithologies present on Marblehead Neck may offer further insight where exposures around Boston have not. Perhaps the Lynn Volcanics have multiple magmatic events that span a longer time frame then previously suggested. Further study and geochronology efforts of the subvolcanic and volcanic rocks and their relation to the Dedham Granite is essential to fully understand the geologic history of New England

Digital collections and digital collection practices

Reference is increasingly made to ‘digital collections’, yet this term encompasses accumulated digital objects of varying form, purpose and value. We review social science literature on mate-rial collections and draw from in-depth interviews with 20 peo-ple in the UK in order to offer a clearer understanding of what constitutes a digital collection and what does not. We develop a taxonomy that presents three distinct types of digital collection and demonstrate ways in which the affordances of digital envi-ronments may facilitate or impede meaningful practices of ac-quisition, curation and exhibition in each case. Through doing so, we present a framework for design in support of collecting prac-tices and the development of more meaningful and valued digital collections

Research Tools to Investigate Movements, Migrations, and Life History of Sturgeons (Acipenseridae), with an Emphasis on Marine-Oriented Populations

Worldwide, sturgeons (Acipenseridae) are among the most endangered fishes due to habitat degradation, overfishing, and inherent life history characteristics (long life span, late maturation, and infrequent spawning). As most sturgeons are anadromous, a considerable portion of their life history occurs in estuarine and marine environments where they may encounter unique threats (e.g., interception in non-target fisheries). Of the 16 marine-oriented species, 12 are designated as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, and these include species commercially harvested. We review important research tools and techniques (tagging, electronic tagging, genetics, microchemistry, observatory) and discuss the comparative utility of these techniques to investigate movements, migrations, and life-history characteristics of sturgeons. Examples are provided regarding what the applications have revealed regarding movement and migration and how this information can be used for conservation and management. Through studies that include Gulf (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi) and Green Sturgeon (A. medirostris), we illustrate what is known about well-studied species and then explore lesser-studied species. A more complete picture of migration is available for North American sturgeon species, while European and Asian species, which are among the most endangered sturgeons, are less understood. We put forth recommendations that encourage the support of stewardship initiatives to build awareness and provide key information for population assessment and monitoring

Embedding mentoring to support trial processes and implementation fidelity in a randomised controlled trial of vocational rehabilitation for stroke survivors

Background: Little guidance exists regarding how best to upskill and support those delivering complex healthcareinterventions to ensure robust trial outcomes and implementation fidelity. Mentoring was provided to occupationaltherapists (OTs) delivering a complex vocational rehabilitation (VR) intervention to stroke survivors. This study aimedto explore mentors’ roles in supporting OTs with intervention delivery and fidelity, and to describe factors affectingthe mentoring process and intervention delivery.Methods: Quantitative data (duration, mode and total time of mentoring support) was extracted from mentoringrecords and emails between mentors and OTs, alongside qualitative data on barriers and facilitators to interventiondelivery. Semi-structured interviews with mentors (n = 6) and OTs (n = 19) explored experiences and perceptions ofintervention training, delivery and the mentoring process. Mean total and monthly time spent mentoring werecalculated per trial site. Qualitative data were analysed thematically.Results: Forty-one OTs across 16 sites were mentored between March 2018 and April 2020. Most mentoring wasprovided by phone or Microsoft Teams (range: 88.6–100%), with the remainder via email and SMS (Short MessageService) text messages. Mentors suggested strategies to enhance trial recruitment, improved OTs’ understanding ofandadherence to trial processes, intervention delivery and fidelity, and facilitated independent problem-solving.Barriers to mentoring included OT non-attendance at mentoring sessions and mentors struggling to balancementoring with clinical roles. Facilitators included support from the trial team and mentors having protected timefor mentoring.Conclusions: Mentoring supported mentee OTs in various ways, but it remains unclear to what extent the OTSwould have been able to deliver the intervention without mentoring support, or how this might have impactedfidelity. Successful implementation of mentoring alongside new complex interventions may increase the likelihoodof intervention effectiveness being observed and sustained in real-life contexts. Further research is needed toinvestigate how mentors could be selected, upskilled, funded and mentoring provided to maximise impact. Theclinical- and cost-effectiveness of mentoring as an implementation strategy and its impact on fidelity also requirestesting in a future trial

Research Tools to Investigate Movements, Migrations, and Life History of Sturgeons (Acipenseridae), with an Emphasis on Marine-Oriented Populations

Worldwide, sturgeons (Acipenseridae) are among the most endangered fishes due to habitat degradation, overfishing, and inherent life history characteristics (long life span, late maturation, and infrequent spawning). As most sturgeons are anadromous, a considerable portion of their life history occurs in estuarine and marine environments where they may encounter unique threats (e.g., interception in non-target fisheries). Of the 16 marine-oriented species, 12 are designated as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, and these include species commercially harvested. We review important research tools and techniques (tagging, electronic tagging, genetics, microchemistry, observatory) and discuss the comparative utility of these techniques to investigate movements, migrations, and life-history characteristics of sturgeons. Examples are provided regarding what the applications have revealed regarding movement and migration and how this information can be used for conservation and management. Through studies that include Gulf (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi) and Green Sturgeon (A. medirostris), we illustrate what is known about well-studied species and then explore lesser-studied species. A more complete picture of migration is available for North American sturgeon species, while European and Asian species, which are among the most endangered sturgeons, are less understood. We put forth recommendations that encourage the support of stewardship initiatives to build awareness and provide key information for population assessment and monitoring

Tonsillectomy compared with conservative management in patients over 16 years with recurrent sore throat:the NATTINA RCT and economic evaluation

BACKGROUND: The place of tonsillectomy in the management of sore throat in adults remains uncertain.OBJECTIVES: To establish the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of tonsillectomy, compared with conservative management, for tonsillitis in adults, and to evaluate the impact of alternative sore throat patient pathways.DESIGN: This was a multicentre, randomised controlled trial comparing tonsillectomy with conservative management. The trial included a qualitative process evaluation and an economic evaluation.SETTING: The study took place at 27 NHS secondary care hospitals in Great Britain.PARTICIPANTS: A total of 453 eligible participants with recurrent sore throats were recruited to the main trial.INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomised on a 1 : 1 basis between tonsil dissection and conservative management (i.e. deferred surgery) using a variable block-stratified design, stratified by (1) centre and (2) severity.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was the total number of sore throat days over 24 months following randomisation. The secondary outcome measures were the number of sore throat episodes and five characteristics from Sore Throat Alert Return, describing severity of the sore throat, use of medications, time away from usual activities and the Short Form questionnaire-12 items. Additional secondary outcomes were the Tonsil Outcome Inventory-14 total and subscales and Short Form questionnaire-12 items 6 monthly. Evaluation of the impact of alternative sore throat patient pathways by observation and statistical modelling of outcomes against baseline severity, as assessed by Tonsil Outcome Inventory-14 score at recruitment. The incremental cost per sore throat day avoided, the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained based on responses to the Short Form questionnaire-12 items and the incremental net benefit based on costs and responses to a contingent valuation exercise. A qualitative process evaluation examined acceptability of trial processes and ramdomised arms.RESULTS: There was a median of 27 (interquartile range 12-52) sore throats over the 24-month follow-up. A smaller number of sore throats was reported in the tonsillectomy arm [median 23 (interquartile range 11-46)] than in the conservative management arm [median 30 (interquartile range 14-65)]. On an intention-to-treat basis, there were fewer sore throats in the tonsillectomy arm (incident rate ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.43 to 0.65). Sensitivity analyses confirmed this, as did the secondary outcomes. There were 52 episodes of post-operative haemorrhage reported in 231 participants undergoing tonsillectomy (22.5%). There were 47 re-admissions following tonsillectomy (20.3%), 35 relating to haemorrhage. On average, tonsillectomy was more costly and more effective in terms of both sore throat days avoided and quality-adjusted life-years gained. Tonsillectomy had a 100% probability of being considered cost-effective if the threshold for an additional quality-adjusted life year was £20,000. Tonsillectomy had a 69% probability of having a higher net benefit than conservative management. Trial processes were deemed to be acceptable. Patients who received surgery were unanimous in reporting to be happy to have received it.LIMITATIONS: The decliners who provided data tended to have higher Tonsillectomy Outcome Inventory-14 scores than those willing to be randomised implying that patients with a higher burden of tonsillitis symptoms may have declined entry into the trial.CONCLUSIONS: The tonsillectomy arm had fewer sore throat days over 24 months than the conservative management arm, and had a high probability of being considered cost-effective over the ranges considered. Further work should focus on when tonsillectomy should be offered. National Trial of Tonsillectomy IN Adults has assessed the effectiveness of tonsillectomy when offered for the current UK threshold of disease burden. Further research is required to define the minimum disease burden at which tonsillectomy becomes clinically effective and cost-effective.TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered as ISRCTN55284102.FUNDING: This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: 12/146/06) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 27, No. 31. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information. </p