Teacher Perceptions of the Use of Cognitively Guided Instruction in Mathematics Classrooms

Elementary teachers in California were tasked to use cognitively guided instruction (CGI) strategies in mathematics classrooms, but it was uncertain if they had the self-efficacy, confidence, resources, and support to do so consistently. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to investigate K-5 teachers’ perceptions about their self-efficacy and confidence in using CGI strategies in the mathematics classroom and what resources or support they felt needed to implement CGI strategies successfully. Bandura’s social cognitive theory, which emphasizes four sources of self-efficacy, was used for the framework analysis. Research questions supported teachers’ self-efficacy and confidence through research questions- What challenges are teachers facing in using CGI in K-5 classrooms? What support or resource was needed to improve their self-efficacy in using CGI strategies more consistently in mathematics classrooms? Data was collected through online interviews with 13 elementary mathematics teachers. The result indicated that participants were confident using CGI strategies in the classroom. Participants indicated that the strategies are effective in helping understand mathematical problems. This study contributed to social change by providing instructors and educational leaders with a deeper understanding of teachers\u27 pedagogy in the classroom in implementing the CIG strategies

Alloy based anode materials for potassium-ion batteries

Potassium-ion batteries are a new type of electrochemical energy storage systems. An important aspect of their development currently is the identification of suitable electrode materials. The research described in this thesis has led to the discovery and understanding of a number of anode materials capable of electrochemical alloying with potassium

Teacher Perceptions of the Use of Cognitively Guided Instruction in Mathematics Classrooms

Elementary teachers in California were tasked to use cognitively guided instruction (CGI) strategies in mathematics classrooms, but it was uncertain if they had the self-efficacy, confidence, resources, and support to do so consistently. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to investigate K-5 teachers’ perceptions about their self-efficacy and confidence in using CGI strategies in the mathematics classroom and what resources or support they felt needed to implement CGI strategies successfully. Bandura’s social cognitive theory, which emphasizes four sources of self-efficacy, was used for the framework analysis. Research questions supported teachers’ self-efficacy and confidence through research questions- What challenges are teachers facing in using CGI in K-5 classrooms? What support or resource was needed to improve their self-efficacy in using CGI strategies more consistently in mathematics classrooms? Data was collected through online interviews with 13 elementary mathematics teachers. The result indicated that participants were confident using CGI strategies in the classroom. Participants indicated that the strategies are effective in helping understand mathematical problems. This study contributed to social change by providing instructors and educational leaders with a deeper understanding of teachers\u27 pedagogy in the classroom in implementing the CIG strategies

cryptoRAN: A review on cryptojacking and ransomware attacks w.r.t. banking industry -- threats, challenges, & problems

In the banking industry, ransomware is a well-known threat, but since the beginning of 2022, cryptojacking, an emerging threat is posing a considerable challenge to the banking industry. Ransomware has variants, and the attackers keep changing the nature of these variants. This review paper studies the complex background of these two threats and scrutinizes the actual challenges, and problems that the banking industry and financial institutions face. These threats, though distinct in nature, share commonalities, such as financial motivations and sophisticated techniques. We focus on examining the newly emerged variants of ransomware while we provide a comprehensive idea of cryptojacking and its nature. This paper involves a detailed breakdown of the specific threats posed by cryptojacking and ransomware. It explores the techniques cybercriminals use, the variabilities they look for, and the potential consequences for financial institutions and their customers. This paper also finds out how cybercriminals change their techniques following the security upgrades, and why financial firms including banks need to be proactive about cyber threats. Additionally, this paper reviews the background study of some existing papers, finds the research gaps that need to be addressed, and provides suggestions including a conclusion and future scope on those disputes. Lastly, we introduce a Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) approach for up-to-date cyber threat hunting processes for minimizing both cryptojacking and ransomware attacks in the banking industry.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figure

Tin-based composite anodes for potassium-ion batteries

The electrochemical behaviour of a Sn-based anode in a potassium cell is reported for the first time. The material is active at low potentials vs. K/K(+), and encouraging capacities of around 150 mA h g(-1) are recorded. Experimental evidence shows that Sn is capable of alloying/de-alloying with potassium in a reversible manner

Population size, behavior and threats to Indian Skimmers (<i>Rhynchops albicollis</i>) at their largest known wintering site

Bangladesh hosts most of what is left of Indian Skimmer (Rhynchops albicollis) populations, a globally endangered species. Each October-March from 2015-2020, 21 surveys of nonbreeding birds were made in Nijhum Dweep National Park, Bangladesh. High tide or evening roosts were counted from vantage points whenever a buildup or breakdown of skimmer concentrations was noticed, and site use noted by marking all observations of presence and activity on maps. The largest single count was 3,108 skimmers on 18 February 2020, constituting 30-50% of the known global population. Indian Skimmers mostly occurred in Damar Char West and at the tip of the Majher Char. Throughout the day with incoming tide, skimmers moved between preferred roosting areas to forage in the shallows. We describe a unique group-foraging strategy in which skimmers chase fish from deep water to shallow water along the shoreline. Circling high over the tidal channel, the flock of skimmers dives down in unison to just above the water surface, then spreading like a net towards the shore. Raptors caused disturbances to roosting skimmers, and we observed one instance of predation of a skimmer by a White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster). Human fishing activities disturbed nearshore foraging and shoreline roosting skimmers. We suggest protecting Damar Char West by regulating human activities to minimize disturbance from December to March

Reflections on the multi-sectoral response to COVID-19 in Bangladesh's Rohingya refugee camps

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact people globally, refugees comprise a vulnerable population, particularly those living in densely populated areas. In Bangladesh, Cox’s Bazar is currently home to almost a million Rohingya refugees. Because of the lack of healthcare, sanitation and water, as well as overcrowding, refugees were at high risk of becoming ill during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Moreover, superstitions and lack of trust in the healthcare system threaten to put the community at further risk. To prevent tragic consequences, national and international attention and action are required to strengthen the health system for Rohingya refugees. The community will require surveillance and testing, infection prevention and control measures, adequate food supplies, and access to improved healthcare services. This paper calls for a multi-sectoral approach to developing an action plan and implementation strategy to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on this vulnerable population