Identity Shaping Communication

Identity formation is a chaotic time for adolescents. Every realm of life—biology, social, spiritual—is a changing target for every person as they navigate these waters. Society has many ways of handling adolescents. One way is to ignore and hurry these young people into adulthood. Another is to worship and adore adolescents, to meet their every need and desire. The Church also has historically offered discipleship to young people to either quickly transition them into adulthood or in essence worshipped them as the “church of the future.” The preached word of God is a place to form each person’s discipleship. Preaching can be a formative and holy moment where the Lord God is made known to his people. It can also go astray and be a place of vague spirituality or about personal performance and not lasting relationship with Jesus Christ. With life adjusting all around them, adolescents are desperate for truth. Preaching should be a place where the Word of God comes alive and reaches their hearts. It should point them to the deep absolute truth of a God who loved them and the deepest reality is they are his. The purpose of this project is to understand the uniqueness of identity formation and marry that with making Christ known to his Church. To aid First Presbyterian and other youth leaders this project seeks to create a preaching framework that could be used in various settings. The application will walk through a sermon series with materials for small group discussion to demonstrate the ability to tailor communication styles to aid in adolescent identity development. The goal is to create a grid for faithful communicators to reveal Christ and the hearers to see their deepest identity in Him

Teaching Literary Analysis with Digital Storytelling: An Instructional Approach

This qualitative, single case study examined teacher practice using digital storytelling as an instructional approach to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts, following the work of two middle grades teachers over a six-week period through initial planning and implementation of student-created digital stories within a unit centered on S.E. Hinton’s novel, The Outsiders (1967). The aim of the study was to work closely with the participants, allowing teaching and learning to unfold naturally, while providing opportunities for participants to describe their experiences and share their insights to reveal the essence of the phenomenon. Three-part interviews with teacher participants, field notes from nine classroom observations, a project wiki, teacher-created artifacts and student work samples captured insights at each phase of the project. Results support the viability of Wallace’s (2004) theoretical framework for understanding teaching with the Internet, particularly in the areas of instructional planning and monitoring of student work. Implications for teacher practice include the value of co-teaching as a supportive condition for effective technology integration and the efficacy of a learner-centered environment, implemented alongside instructional strategies similar to those used to teach the writing process, to teach digital storytelling to middle-grade learners

Student Engagement in Aviation Moocs: Identifying Subgroups and Their Differences

The purpose of this study was to expand the current understanding of learner engagement in aviation-related Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) through cluster analysis. MOOCs, regarded for their low- or no-cost educational content, often attract thousands of students who are free to engage with the provided content to the extent of their choosing. As online training for pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, and small unmanned aerial system operators continues to expand, understanding how learners engage in optional aviation-focused, online course material may help inform course design and instruction in the aviation industry. In this study, Moore’s theory of transactional distance, which posits psychological or communicative distance can impede learning and success, was used as a descriptive framework for analysis. Archived learning analytics datasets from two 2018 iterations of the same small unmanned aerial systems MOOC were cluster-analyzed (N = 1,032 and N = 4,037). The enrolled students included individuals worldwide; some were affiliated with the host institution, but most were not. The data sets were cluster analyzed separately to categorize participants into common subpopulations based on discussion post pages viewed and posts written, video pages viewed, and quiz grades. Subgroup differences were examined in days of activity and record of completion. Pre- and postcourse survey data provided additional variables for analysis of subgroup differences in demographics (age, geographic location, education level, employment in the aviation industry) and learning goals. Analysis of engagement variables revealed three significantly different subgroups for each MOOC. Engagement patterns were similar between MOOCs for the most and least engaged groups, but differences were noted in the middle groups; MOOC 1’s middle group had a broader interest in optional content (both in discussions and videos); whereas MOOC 2’s middle group had a narrower interest in optional discussions. Mandatory items (Mandatory Discussion or Quizzes) were the best predictors in classifying subgroups for both MOOCs. Significant associations were found between subgroups and education levels, days of activity, and total quiz scores. This study addressed two known problems: a lack of information on student engagement in aviation-related MOOCs, and more broadly, a growing imperative to examine learners who utilize MOOCs but do not complete them. This study served as an important first step for course developers and instructors who aim to meet the diverse needs of the aviation-education community

Influence of ORM1, PXR, CAR, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 gene polymorphisms in mediating susceptibility risk to chronic myeloid leukaemia and response to imatinib mesylate therapy

Genetic polymorphisms are well recognized sources of individual differences in disease risk and treatment response. Associations between human genetic variants and predisposition to diseases and adverse events for different kinds of drug interactions with hundreds of protein like receptors, transporters and metabolizing enzymes have been described. Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder for which the molecular targeted drug Imatinib mesylate (IM), is the gold standard drug. Despite its excellent efficacy, resistance to IM emerges in a significant number of CML patients. Development of resistance could be due to several factors. Pharmacokinetic variability as a result of genetic polymorphisms in IM metabolizing genes could be a potential factor. This study was undertaken in a total of 540 subjects [270 CML patients (139 IM resistant and 131 IM good responder) and 250 normal healthy controls] to investigate the genotype frequencies and the impact of ORM1 520G>A, PXR 1792A>G, CAR 540C>T, CYP3A4 878T>C and CYP3A5 6986A>G polymorphisms towards CML susceptibility risk and IM response. Genotyping was performed by using three methods, DNA sequencing, Polymerase Chain Reaction – Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) and Allele Specific – PCR (AS-PCR) technique. The genotypes were categorized into homozygous wild type, heterozygous and homozygous variant genotype. The association between allelic variants and CML susceptibility riskand response to IM treatment were assessed by means of odds ratio (OR) with 95% confident intervals calculated by logistic regression. Results showed absence of homozygous variant genotype of CYP3A4 878T>C and ORM1 520G>A in both CML patients and normal healthy controls. When the association of genotypes with CML susceptibility risk was assessed, polymorphisms 520G>A of ORM1 and 1792A>G of PXR showed no significant associations with CML susceptibility risk. Whereas, the homozygous variant (TT) genotypes of CAR 540C>T (OR 3.638; 95% CI: 1.779-7.623, pC (OR 3.387; 95% CI: 1.433-8.007, p=0.005) were significantly associated with CML susceptibility risk. In contrast, both heterozygous (AG) and homozygous variant (GG) genotype of CYP3A5 6986A>G showed protective effect for susceptibility to CML (OR 0.310; 95% CI: 0.180-0.535, p<0.001 and OR 0.140; 95% CI: 0.079-0.246, p<0.001, respectively). Next, when the associations of genotypes with IM response in CML patients were evaluated, the SNPs ORM1 520G>A and CYP3A4 878T>C were not significantly associated with IM response. But, both heterozygous and homozygous variant genotypes of PXR 1792A>G (OR 2.769; 95% CI: 1.290-5.943, p=0.007 and OR 2.632; 95% CI: 1.030- 6.723, p=0.041, respectively) and CAR 540C>T (OR 2.700; 95% CI: 1.116-6.536, p=0.028 and OR 2.923; 95% CI: 1.156-7.393, p=0.023, respectively) showed significant association with IM resistance in CML patients. However, CML patients with heterozygous (AG) and homozygous variant (GG) genotypes of CYP3A5 6986A>G (OR 0.171; 95% CI: 0.090-0.324, p<0.001 and OR 0.257; 95% CI: 0.126-0.525, p<0.001, respectively) showed significant association with IM good response to IM. Finally, when the risk was evaluated based on the combination of genotypes, a few combinations were associated with IM good response and a few others with IM resistance. Although a fewgenotypes associated with susceptibility risk and IM response in CML patients were observed, further studies are warranted on a larger scale to validate whether these polymorphisms could be used as predictive biomarker

The Friendship Journey: Developing Global Understanding in the Middle Grades

The goals of developing a global perspective are consistent with the faith-based values of Catholicism. The primary goal is to prepare students academically, morally, and socially to participate in a globalized world that constantly faces new problems. A key component of this is the understanding that other people, who may appear on the surface to be very different from themselves, have differences which have value and similarities which unite us. The purpose of this article is to present one Catholic school’s attempts to prepare its students to meet the challenges of citizenry in an international community and to describe the impact of those efforts. The questions we explored are: (a) Does a student-focused, cultural exchange program enhance American students’ global perspectives? Does a student-focused, cultural exchange opportunity enrich students’ cultural understandings? Findings from this study revealed that students gained an appreciation for diverse cultures through social interaction. While the pre- and post-test survey data revealed some changes in students’ beliefs and attitudes, interviews and observations provided substantial evidence of students’ evolving awareness and respect for other cultures. The tangible connections formed produced young people who have a greater appreciation for our global community. Résumé Les objectifs consistant à développer une perspective mondiale s’accordent avec les valeurs religieuses du catholicisme. Le principal objectif est de préparer les élèves au niveau scolaire, moral et social à prendre part à une mondialisation qui rencontre constamment de nouveaux problèmes. Pour y parvenir, il est essentiel qu’ils comprennent que d’autres personnes qui ne leur ressemblent pas du tout en apparence, présentent des différences que nous apprécions et des ressemblances qui nous unissent. Cet article a pour objet de montrer comment une école catholique a essayé de préparer ses élèves à surmonter les problèmes rencontrés en tant que citoyen d’une communauté internationale et de décrire quel impact ces actions ont eu. Les questions étudiées sont les suivantes : (a) Un programme d’échanges culturels centré sur l’élève renforce-t-il les perspectives mondiales des élèves américains ? Leur compréhension des cultures se trouve-t-elle enrichie par la possibilité d’effectuer un échange culturel centré sur l’élève ? Les conclusions tirées de cette étude ont montré que les élèves ont appris à apprécier des cultures diverses par l’interaction sociale. Alors que les données de l’étude avant et après les tests ont révélé certaines modifications des croyances et attitudes des élèves, les entretiens et observations ont clairement prouvé une évolution de la sensibilisation des élèves et de leur respect vis-à-vis d’autres cultures. Les liens tangibles qui se sont tissés ont amené les jeunes à mieux apprécier notre communauté mondiale. Resumen Los objetivos para desarrollar una perspectiva global son consistentes con los valores basados en la fe del catolicismo. El principal objetivo es preparar a los estudiantes académica, moral y socialmente para participar en un mundo globalizado que se enfrenta constantemente a nuevos problemas. Un componente clave de esto es el entendimiento de que otra gente, que puede aparentar en la superficie ser de una manera muy distinta a ellos, tiene diferencias que resultan valiosas y a su vez similitudes que nos unen. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar la intención de una escuela católica de preparar a sus estudiantes para que logren los desafíos de la ciudadanía en una comunidad internacional y describir el impacto de estos esfuerzos. Las preguntas exploradas son: (a) ¿Puede un programa de intercambio cultural centrado en el alumno ampliar las perspectivas globales de los estudiantes estadounidenses? (b) ¿Puede una oportunidad de intercambio cultural centrado en el alumno enriquecer la comprensión cultural de los estudiantes? Los resultados de este estudio revelaron que los estudiantes ganaron apreciación por las diversas culturas a través de la interacción social. Aunque la información previa y posterior a las encuestas revelaron cambios en las creencias y actitudes de los estudiantes, las entrevistas y las observaciones ofrecieron pruebas sustanciales de evolución en la sensibilización y respeto de los estudiantes hacia otras culturas. Las conexiones tangibles que se formaron produjeron jóvenes con un mayor aprecio por nuestra comunidad global

The Braincase of Eocaecilia micropodia (Lissamphibia, Gymnophiona) and the Origin of Caecilians

The scant fossil record of caecilians has obscured the origin and evolution of this lissamphibian group. Eocaecilia micropodia from the Lower Jurassic of North America remains the only stem-group caecilian with an almost complete skull preserved. However, this taxon has been controversial, engendering re-evaluation of traits considered to be plesiomorphic for extant caecilians. Both the validity of the placement of E. micropodia as a stem caecilian and estimates of the plesiomorphic condition of extant caecilians have been questioned. In order to address these issues, the braincase of E. micropodia was examined via micro-computed tomography. The braincase is considered to be a more reliable phylogenetic indicator than peripheral regions of the skull. These data reveal significant new information, including the possession of an ossified nasal septum, ossified anterior wall of the sphenethmoid, long anterolateral processes on the sphenethmoid, and paired olfactory nerve foramina, which are known only to occur in extant caecilians; the latter are possibly related to the evolution of the tentacle, a caecilian autapomorphy. A phylogenetic analysis that included 64 non-amniote taxa and 308 characters represents the first extensive test of the phylogenetic affinities of E. micropodia. The results place E. micropodia securely on the stem of extant caecilians, representing a clade within Temnospondyli that is the sister taxon to batrachians plus Gerobatrachus. Ancestral character state reconstruction confirms the braincase of E. micropodia to be largely representative of the plesiomorphic condition of extant caecilians. Additionally, the results refine the context within which the evolution of the caecilian form can be evaluated. The robust construction and pattern of the dermal skull of E. micropodia is interpreted as symplesiomorphic with advanced dissorophoid temnospondyls, rather than being autapomorphic in its robust construction. Together these data increase confidence in incorporating E. micropodia into discussions of caecilian evolution.Organismic and Evolutionary Biolog

The Mechanical Properties of Palladium 20 a/o Silicon Alloy Quenched from the Liquid State

The elastic and plastic properties of filaments of non-crystalline Pd 20 a/o Si alloy and the changes that occur on crystallization during and after heating at various temperatures have been examined. The transformation to the crystalline states was examined with X-ray and electron diffraction, electrical resistivity and electron microscopy. The mechanical tests were performed over a temperature range between -195 and 500℃ through a range of strain rates from 10^ to 10^ sec.^ The non-crystalline structure was stable below 275℃ but transformed on heating at 300℃ or above to a face centered cubic structure (a_o=4.00-4.05 A), then to an unknown structure and finally to the stable orthorhombic Pd_3Si. The relatively high strength and brittle behavior of the non-crystalline form changed to lower strength but with more ductility on transforming to the metast-able crystalline states. The temperature dependence of the mechanical properties of both the non-crystalline and crystalline states was measured

Prev Chronic Dis

IntroductionThe objective of this cross-sectional study was to examine the nutrition literacy status of adults in the Lower Mississippi Delta.MethodsSurvey instruments included the Newest Vital Sign and an adapted version of the Health Information National Trends Survey. A proportional quota sampling plan was used to represent educational achievement of residents in the Delta region. Participants included 177 adults, primarily African Americans (81%). Descriptive statistics, \ucf\u20212 analysis, analysis of variance, and multivariate analysis of covariance tests were used to examine survey data.ResultsResults indicated that 24% of participants had a high likelihood of limited nutrition literacy, 28% had a possibility of limited nutrition literacy, and 48% had adequate nutrition literacy. Controlling for income and education level, the multivariate analysis of covariance models revealed that nutrition literacy was significantly associated with media use for general purposes (F = 2.79, P = .005), media use for nutrition information (F = 2.30, P = .04), and level of trust from nutrition sources (F = 2.29, P = .005). Overall, the Internet was the least trusted and least used source for nutrition information. Only 12% of participants correctly identified the 2005 MyPyramid graphic, and the majority (78%) rated their dietary knowledge as poor or fair.ConclusionCompared with other national surveys, rates of limited health literacy among Delta adults were high. Nutrition literacy status has implications for how people seek nutrition information and how much they trust it. Understanding the causes and consequences of limited nutrition literacy may be a step toward reducing the burden of nutrition-related chronic diseases among disadvantaged rural communities

Carbonodraco lundi gen et sp. Nov., the oldest parareptile, from Linton, Ohio, and new insights into the early radiation of reptiles

Redescription of the holotype specimen of Cephalerpeton ventriarmatum Moodie, 1912, from the Middle Pennsylvanian (Moscovian) Francis Creek Shale of Mazon Creek, Illinois, confirms that it is a basal eureptile with close postcranial similarities to other protorothyridids, such as Anthracodromeus and Paleothyris. The skull is long and lightly built, with large orbits and a dorsoventrally short mandible similar to most basal eureptiles. Two specimens referred previously to Cephalerpeton cf. C. ventriarmatum from the approximately coeval Linton, Ohio, locality differ significantly from the holotype in cranial and mandibular proportions and tooth morphology. This material and an additional Linton specimen compare favourably to ‘short-faced’ parareptiles, such as Colobomycter and Acleistorhinus, and justify recognition of an acleistorhinid parareptile in the Linton assemblage. The new binomen is thus the oldest known parareptile