Multicultural Curriculum in Rural Early Childhood Programs

This study investigated the use of multicultural curricula in early childhood programs (licensed and licensed-exempt) in rural communities in Wyoming. In previous studies, little attention has focused on the nature of multicultural education in rural schools. This study specifically explored the ways in which existing instructional strategies and curricula were utilized to address the diverse learning needs of young children, and the ways in which culture and race are embraced and celebrated in early childhood programs in rural communities. Data showed a positive correlation (r= .45 p = \u3c .01) between national accreditation of early childhood programs and the availability and use of multicultural curricula

Promoting intercultural competence in a globalized era: Pre-service teachers’ perceptions of practices that promote intercultural competency

The teaching force in the United States of America (U.S.) is still predominantly white and monolingual. Yet, the U.S. population is rapidly becoming culturally and ethnically diverse. As a result, white teachers have expressed doubt in their efficacy in teaching students whose cultures are different than theirs (Helfrich & Bean, 2011). The purpose of this study, therefore, was to explore practices that pre-service teachers find meaningful in promoting intercultural competence. Participating pre-service teachers (n=92) were exposed to instructional practices that explored global and intercultural education content in a variety of ways. Data that were collected through surveys, interviews and reflections showed that the participants found the use of children’s literature with a global focus, international service learning, threaded discussions, and reflections helpful in teaching to intercultural competency.

Development of porous glass-fiber reinforced composite for bone implants. Evaluation of antimicrobial effect and implant fixation

Cranial bone reconstructions are necessary for correcting large skull bone defects due to trauma, tumors, infections and craniotomies. Traditional synthetic implant materials include solid or mesh titanium, various plastics and ceramics. Recently, biostable glass-fiber reinforced composites (FRC), which are based on bifunctional methacrylate resin, were introduced as novel implant solution. FRCs were originally developed and clinically used in dental applications. As a result of further in vitro and in vivo testing, these composites were also approved for clinical use in cranial surgery. To date, reconstructions of large bone defects were performed in 35 patients. This thesis is dedicated to the development of a novel FRC-based implant for cranial reconstructions. The proposed multi-component implant consists of three main parts: (i) porous FRC structure; (ii) bioactive glass granules embedded between FRC layers and (iii) a silver-polysaccharide nanocomposite coating. The porosity of the FRC structure should allow bone ingrowth. Bioactive glass as an osteopromotive material is expected to stimulate the formation of new bone. The polysaccharide coating is expected to prevent bacterial colonization of the implant. The FRC implants developed in this study are based on the porous network of randomly-oriented E-glass fibers bound together by non-resorbable photopolymerizable methacrylate resin. These structures had a total porosity of 10–70 volume %, of which > 70% were open pores. The pore sizes > 100 μm were in the biologically-relevant range (50-400 μm), which is essential for vascularization and bone ingrowth. Bone ingrowth into these structures was simulated by imbedding of porous FRC specimens in gypsum. Results of push-out tests indicated the increase in the shear strength and fracture toughness of the interface with the increase in the total porosity of FRC specimens. The osteopromotive effect of bioactive glass is based on its dissolution in the physiological environment. Here, calcium and phosphate ions, released from the glass, precipitated on the glass surface and its proximity (the FRC) and formed bone-like apatite. The biomineralization of the FRC structure, due to the bioactive glass reactions, was studied in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) in static and dynamic conditions. An antimicrobial, non-cytotoxic polysaccharide coating, containing silver nanoparticles, was obtained through strong electrostatic interactions with the surface of FRC. In in vitro conditions the lactose-modified chitosan (chitlac) coating showed no signs of degradation within seven days of exposure to lysozyme or one day to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The antimicrobial efficacy of the coating was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The contact-active coating had an excellent short time antimicrobial effect. The coating neither affected the initial adhesion of microorganisms to the implant surface nor the biofilm formation after 24 h and 72 h of incubation. Silver ions released to the aqueous environment led to a reduction of bacterial growth in the culture medium.Siirretty Doriast

Effectiveness of Education on Diabetes Control

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a diabetes education intervention strategy on the clinical and biochemical status of patients in the Diabetes Complications Prevention Study (DCPS) at Candler County Hospital in Metter, Georgia. The participants in this study were all active members in the DCPS program. This intervention group was paired to control group members of a similar age and race. A sample size of 18 participants and an equal number of controls was chosen for this evaluative study. The sampling method utilized for participants in the study was non-probability quota sampling. Medical records were used to obtain clinical data that included type of diabetes, sex, race, age, weight, high blood pressure, use of medication (insulin, high blood pressure and glucose pills), diabetes mellitus diet, and whether the patient was hospitalized. The variables glucose, HbAlc, blood pressure, weight recorded in the medical records were included in a Pearson correlation, t-test, one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and multiple regression analysis. The t-tests and one way ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences in means between the DCPS and control group. Bivariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between the variables average glucose (0.52, p Recommendations originating from the study include sustaining the essential, collaborative and integrated team approach to diabetes management. In other words, diabetes educators and other health professionals should continue to emphasize the health benefits of diabetic diet, regular exercise and other aspects of the diabetes care regimen. Additionally, it is important that diabetics assume an active role in their care. Education interventions increase patient involvement which in turn improves compliance. Directing resources to educational programs seems a wise allotment of funds compared to the more costly expense of treating diabetic complications

Accidental Overdoses: Insights to Aid in Prevention

Having lost a friend six years ago to an accidental cocaine overdose, I am very passionate about spreading awareness of accidental drug overdoses that have affected thousands of families countrywide. According to past research, deaths resulting from opiates specifically have been on the rise, and a significant number of deaths in the United States for those below fifty years are caused by drug overdoses. Data exists indicating which states have more overdoses. The data set I will be using includes variables on race, sex, age, drug with which person overdosed, location of the overdose, ultimate cause of death and year of the overdose. My research focuses on the following questions. What age groups are more likely to die of accidental drug overdose? What kinds of opiates are more likely to cause accidental drug-related death? Is type of drug (opiate and non-opiate) more likely to cause the accidental overdose? Is race related to the likelihood of dying of accidental overdose? Are males more likely to die of an overdose than females? Do males die at a younger age of accidental overdose than females? Does the location where the individual overdosed predict the type of overdose? Does the cause of death predict the age of the individual who died of a drug overdose? Where are the victims are more likely to die of accidental drug overdose? Are opioid overdoses more prevalent in recent years? Through increased understanding of relationships and predictors of drug overdoses, I seek to identify ways to reduce these tragedies

KAJIAN MUTU IRISAN REBUNG BETUNG(DENDROCALAMUS ASPER) DALAM KEMASAN SELAMA PENYIMPANAN SUHU RENDAH

Rebung merupakan tunas bambu muda yang digolongkan kedalam sayuran. Rebung yang sering diolah sebagai campuran masakan biasanya telah diiris tipis, masyarakat aceh menggunakan rebung atau bak trieng (bahasa Aceh) sebagai bahan campuran sayuran. Rebung betung memiliki rasa yang paling enak jika dibandingkan dengan rebung yang lainnya. Kerusakan pada rebung terjadi pada waktu panen, penyimpanan dan transportasi. Untuk mengurangi kerusakan tersebut, maka perlu menggunakan kemasan dan kondisi penyimpanan yang baik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh tebal irisan dan jenis kemasan terhadap mutu rebung selama penyimpanan.Penelitian ini menggunakan rebung betung (Dendrocalamus asper) diiris dengan ketebalan 0,5, 1 dan 1,5 cm, dikemas dalam kemasan polipropilen, polietilen dan tanpa kemasan yang disimpan dengan suhu rendah 50C selama 10 hari. Analisis yang dilakukan terhadap mutu rebung yang meliputi susut bobot, kadar abu dan kekerasan serta uji organoleptik (hedonik) yang meliputi aroma, tekstur dan warna. Hasil penilitian menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan terhadap rebung dalam kemasan polietilen dengan irisan 0,5cm dapat bertahan selama 10 hari dengan nilai susut bobot 9,1%, kadar abu 11,1%, kekerasan 0,38%. Hasil uji organoleptik (hedonik) panelis memberi skor 2,4 (netral) untuk semua parameter (aroma, tektur dan warna) pada hari ke-10. Hasil uji lanjut Duncan menunjukkan bahwa susut bobot rebung dipengaruhi oleh kemasan, kadar abu dipengaruhi oleh ketebalan sedangkan kekerasan dipengaruhi oleh kemasan dan ketebalan. Hasil regresi antara nilai kekerasan hasil pengukuran (objektif) dengan skor tekstur (subjektif) menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan dengan kemasan polietilen memiliki hubungan yang erat, hal ini ditunjukkan dengan nilai R2 yang lebih besar yaitu 0,879

Practical implementation of the durability index-based performance approach

Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references.The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of Durability Index (DI) based performance specifications as a practical approach in the control of quality, with regard to durability, in reinforced concrete structures. The DI-based specifications entail provisions for limiting values on the relevant DI test parameters (oxygen permeability index (OPI), water sorptivity index (WSI) or chloride conductivity index (CCI)) and cover depth, depending on exposure conditions for a given service life. These specifications have been implemented by the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) in major infrastructure projects e.g. the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP), which provided the main case studies considered in attaining the research objective

Midterm survey : African climate leadership program

The project aims to develop the leadership capacity of African researchers, policy advisers and practitioners for advancement in current climate knowledge, long-term adaptation, decision-making and climate action, and to improve science-policy-practice interface. The purpose of this survey is to assess the status of climate change (CC) leadership capacity development at the halfway mark of program implementation. Specific capacity gaps have been highlighted. The program is on track to meet objectives and outputs, but with targeted interventions on specific Leadership Capacity Building (LCB) aspects. Competencies where the programme Fellows faired poorly are also summarized

Christian Mission in a Multi-faith Context: An Exploration of Christian and Bahai Theory and Praxis in Mission

In 1910, various missionary organizations met in Edinburgh to reflect on the best ways of dealing with denominationalism in the context of evangelism and social action. Out of the conference, the ecumenical movement was renewed and given tremendous momentum. The protestant missionaries were concerned about the context of mission and evangelization. For the last 100 years, the outcome and the aftermath of the conference has continued to influence Christian mission and evangelism. Although African recipients of the missionaries were not represented at Edinburgh, Africa benefited from the missionary zeal and reorganization that was boosted by the conference. However, in the conference only protestant reformed missionary organizations were represented. The desire to include all Christians was evident in the action points that the conference agreed on. Africa in the 21st century, have a different context, things have changed since 1910. Africa has been identified as the spiritual reservoir. Apparently, critical observation questions the quality of Christianity in Africa. Multiple dynamics have shaped the kind of Christianity that we have. Even as we celebrate a hundred years after the Edinburgh 1910 Conference, the presence of other faiths in numbers and activities in Africa has increased with time. In this discussion the Bahai Faith and its global perspective in the theory and praxis of mission is of great concern. The Bahai Faith has continued to draw following from among Christian communities. In my estimation, it is the lack of a proper perception and practice of Christian mission that has shaped the landscape of Christianity in Africa. On the other hand, Christian mission in theory and praxis does not seek to engage with other faiths and when there is engagement, it is not well thought through. To this end, we find gaps that aid the evangelization of Christians by other faiths and in this case the Bahai Faith. We therefore find that, in the 21st century we cannot afford to ignore the praxis of Christian mission in a multi-faith context.From a comparative perspective, I will endeavour to demonstrate how the Bahais are making headways in their evangelization, their perspectives to mission and the goal of mission and demonstrate how and why the Bahai Faith among other faiths is a faith to dialogue with if the goal and objective of Christian mission is going to be realized. The big question will be if all faiths have a clear concept of their mission, is it possible for these faiths to join hands for the sake of humanity.  What would be the implications of such a move? On the other hand, how should Christians contend their faith in a situation where other religions are ruinously transferring their culture and religion to even Christians? Keywords: Key words: Edinburgh 1910, mission, Bahai Faith, covenant, praxis, nationhood, imperialis