A Multiscale Model of Biofilm as a Senescence-Structured Fluid

We derive a physiologically structured multiscale model for biofilm development. The model has components on two spatial scales, which induce different time scales into the problem. The macroscopic behavior of the system is modeled using growth-induced flow in a domain with a moving boundary. Cell-level processes are incorporated into the model using a so-called physiologically structured variable to represent cell senescence, which in turn affects cell division and mortality. We present computational results for our models which shed light on modeling the combined role senescence and the biofilm state play in the defense strategy of bacteria

Effects of federal policies concerning Native Americans

https://scholar.utc.edu/primary-source-instructional-materials/1004/thumbnail.jp

African spirituality as female empowerment in the works of Yvonne Vera and Toni Morrison

This thesis will use close reading and postcolonial and feminist criticism to argue that Africans and African-Americans, and consequently the works of Zimbabwean author Yvonne Vera and African-American author Toni Morrison, are connected by memory and rememory, including spirituality, generational trauma, oral tradition, and ritual reenactment and that this connection comes through the Middle Passage. The works of both authors reveal a transatlantic tradition of Black women employing African spirituality to challenge or overcome what bell hooks calls the oppressive systems of imperialist White supremacist capitalist patriarchies; however, despite the spiritual link between the peoples, Africans and African-American culture can never be one; individual experiences of slavery, colonialism, cultural assimilation, etc. have created divides. The connection between Morrison and Vera is closer linked not only by their shared historical and spiritual background, but also the connection between author and aspiring author. In her biography, Vera’s mother says, “Toni Morrison was also one of her favourite authors and she would read her book, The Bluest Eye, regularly. This is the book that she would read every year on her birthday” which indicates that Morrison influenced Vera (Gwetai 1113). Using Dionne Brand’s poetic nonfiction text, A Map to the Door of No Return, as theory through which to analyze the fiction texts, it also serves to close the geographic gap between Vera and Morrison, demonstrating how the Middle Passage is the place of the imagination to which both authors belong. The primary fiction texts used include Yvonne Vera’s Nehanda, Butterfly Burning, and The Stone Virgins, and Toni Morrison’s Beloved and A Mercy. Each of these texts reveals the untold stories of the girls and women who have endured slavery, imperialism, or their legacies whom are “call[ed]...beloved, which was not beloved” (Beloved epigraph)

The Principal’s Role as Mentor in New Teacher Attrition Rates: The Importance of Teaching Teachers

Research Focus. Research tells us that it takes years of deliberate practice and ongoing coaching to become an “expert” in any field and that it can take from 3 to 7 years for a new teacher to grow into an effective educator. Yet, in America today, more than 50% of teachers quit in their first 5 years of service. In low performing economically disadvantaged schools, teachers leaving the profession in their first 3 years increases to 60%. The impact of highly effective teachers on students’ success can be seen through the increase in percentile on Math scores, moving the needle from 44th to 96th percentile. Although there are complexities surrounding the issue of teacher effectiveness measurement, we can agree on the fact that effective teachers make an extraordinary and lasting impact on their students’ lives. Research Methods. This research utilized a constructivist grounded theory approach to conceptualize why former teachers in a low performing economically disadvantaged urban school district in San Antonio, Texas left their classroom. Additionally, this research examined how a campus principal serving as mentor might impact retention rates. The hope is that, by bridging the gap between turnover and retention, districts can better protect their most prized assets and influencers, their teachers. Research Results/Findings. The findings broke down into two themes, the challenges of administrators and the perceived needs of teachers. While the participants discussed the role of principals as mentors, the discussion points also revolved around the challenges administrators face. While it is not too much to except administrators to serve as mentors for new teachers, all of the participants mentioned the obstacles or challenges that might prevent principals from serving as mentors. Around the challenges that administrators face, four sub-themes were identified: workload, high turnover, lack of cohesiveness/relationship and trust building, and mentorship approaches. Participants also highlighted the perceived needs of teachers and identified factors that contributed to teachers’ needs in terms of mentoring. The analysis of these factors yielded three sub-themes: support, professional development, and performance assessment. Conclusions from Research. This research highlights the importance of mentoring new teachers. The principal as mentor serves as both a guide to accessing and understanding the curriculum as well as helping teachers adapt to the campus climate and culture. A crucial component of the mentoring process is trust and communication. The new teacher must feel safe approaching their mentor, otherwise the novice teacher may be reluctant to seek assistance. Is this role, the principal must serve as coach, cheerleader, role model, and trusted confidant, as well as appraiser and manager

Using local primary sources to explore the movement of people from rural to urban areas

https://scholar.utc.edu/primary-source-instructional-materials/1001/thumbnail.jp

This House Holds Seven

A poe