Public Theology, Civil Religion, and American Catholicism

David J. O\u27Brien takes up some of the problems of Chatolicism and American public life. A panel of Dr. David DeLaura, Avalon Foundation Professor and Chair of the Department of English, University of Pennsylvania, Rev. Dr. J. Bryan Hehir, Scertary, Dept. of Social Develpment nad World Peace of the Untied States Catholic Conference, and Dr. Rodger Van Allen, Professor of Religious Studies, Villanova University gave remarks after the lecture

The Missing Piece: The Renewal of Catholic Americanism

David J. O\u27Brien gives a reflection on American Catholicism. He cites three main points in his talk: the Catholic culture wars are over; the emergence of a new Catholic identity and integrity; and, the notion towards a renewed sense of Catholicism in America.https://ecommons.udayton.edu/uscc_marianist_award/1016/thumbnail.jp

Assessing the Gains from Concept Mapping in Introductory Statistics

In an effort to improve active learning in introductory statistics, we introduce the use of concept mapping techniques as part of the course. While previous papers have touted the use of this and other interactive teaching methods in statistics education, we add to this literature by providing additional assessment of its efficacy. This comes through an experimental design that involves a single instructor teaching two sections of the same statistics course over the same semester. Both cover the same material in the same way with the exception that concept mapping is used in one section, but not the other. Assessment of learning outcomes is done through the use of pre-tests and post-tests of understanding of statistical concepts. We also track changes in student’s study habits over the semester through additional surveys. We find only weak evidence that concept mapping is effective in aiding student learning of statistics

Student Attitudes and Approaches to Online Homework

Over the past two decades there has been increasing movement toward the use of computers and the internet in conjunction with many courses across the educational spectrum. In addition to having consequences for course delivery, both inside and outside of the classroom, this movement has had an impact on the coursework that is required of students. In this study we consider the use of online homework as an alternative to the traditional medium of pencil and paper. Surveys were conducted to gather data on students\u27 attitudes and practices related to online homework, and these data have been linked to course outcomes. In this paper we present the survey results and examine relationships between student characteristics, study behaviors, and the perceived benefits of online homework systems. In general we find a positive reaction to the use of online homework, with little variance across the particular platforms being used

Microcrack accumulation at different intervals during fatigue testing of compact bone.

Fatigue damage in bone occurs in the form of microcracks. This microdamage contributes to the formation of stress fractures and acts as a stimulus for bone remodelling. A technique has been developed, which allows microcrack growth to be monitored during the course of a fatigue test by the application of a series of fluorescent chelating agents. Specimens were taken from bovine tibiae and fatigue tested in cyclic compression at a stress range of 80MPa. The specimens were stained before testing with alizarin and up to three other chelating agents were applied during testing to label microcracks formed at different times. Microcracks initiated in interstitial bone in the early part of a specimen\u27s life. Further accumulation of microcracks is then suppressed until the period late in the specimen\u27s life. Microcracks were found to be longer in the longitudinal than in the transverse direction. Only a small proportion of cracks are actively propagating; these are longer than non-propagating cracks. These results support the concept of a microstructural barrier effect existing in bone, whereby cracks initiate easily but slow down or stop at barriers such as cement lines