Interview and Focus Groups Analysis of Decreased Composite Benchmark Scores on Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills DIBELS from Kindergarten to First Grade Students

School districts in the state of Utah are required to use Dynamic Indicators of Basic Literacy Skills (DIBELS) as an assessment of reading ability for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The Logan City School District (LCSD) kindergarten end of year (EOY) Composite DIBELS data have been strong over the past 5 years with over 90% of students scoring at benchmark. In comparison, in each of those 5 years, first grade beginning of year (BOY) data drops considerably. LCSD is concerned with this trend because it is larger than the state trend of 13-14%, the trend is increasing, and this decrease is the biggest among all grade levels. The purpose of this study was to gather information from experts, a representative from DIBELS, and a representative from the DIBELS reporting company Amplify, in an interview; then the interview was shared along with the LCSD DIBELS data with three focus groups of administrators, kindergarten teachers, and first grade teachers, to analyze the data. The strongest hypothesis of the focus groups for the reason for the large decrease from EOY kindergarten to BOY first grade Composite data on DIBELS for LCSD students was awareness of how proficient the student performance was at benchmark. The focus groups discussed possible hypothesis and made recommendations for the district on steps to take to further study the issue. This study has brought to the attention of administrators and educators the need to analyze LCSD DIBELS data more intently and to begin to effect change moving forward

BOOK REVIEW: The Mighty Roe Has Fallen (Probably): A Call to Action as an Antidote to Despair

Reviewing CONTROLLING WOMEN: WHAT WE MUST DO NOW TO SAVE REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM. By Kathryn Kolbert & Julie Kay. New York, NY: Hachette Books, 2021. 304 pp., $29.0

Differential Interactions of Lipopolysaccharides with Lipid Bilayers: Applications for Pathogen Detection

This dissertation describes the development of new tailored methods for the discriminative detection of amphiphilic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigens, so as to improve screening methodologies for food-safety applications, and detection of amphiphiles in general. LPS is associated with the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, and is a primary virulence biomarker of several pathogens. Direct detection of amphiphilic LPS in the aqueous matrices of the host/sample requires an appreciation of the complex biochemistry of the molecule, and forms the basis for this research. The unique structure of this molecule can be used for identification of both the serogroup and strain of pathogen. However, current detection methods lack sensitivity, and are also not serogroup specific. To achieve discriminative detection, we have first created a unique repertoire of associated reagents by isolating amphiphilic LPS from seven strains of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, and developing highly specific monoclonal antibodies against the O antigen regions of the same. We demonstrate the use of a targeted detection technique, called membrane insertion, which facilitates the physiological presentation of LPS by inserting the hydrophobic lipid A portion of the molecule into a lipid bilayer, leaving the O antigen exposed. This method is advantageous because it minimizes exposure of the highly conserved lipid A epitopes, and maximizes exposure of the serogroup specific O antigens. In addition, we present the first comprehensive biophysical analysis of the interaction of LPS with supported lipid bilayer architectures, and identify several novel and interesting effects of the same. Further characterization of these effects reveals the role or impact of membrane proteins and complexity on the interactions between host and pathogen biomarkers and significantly questions the design and execution of cell studies and in vitro platforms for amphiphilic targets like LPS. Cell studies clearly reveal that presentation of LPS either in buffer or in serum dramatically alters associated cytokine profiles. Our conclusions indicate that the biochemistry of amphiphilic molecules, like LPS, and their presentation, should always be considered when interfacing with physiological systems

‘The Glory is Here!’ Faith Brands and Rituals of Self-Affirmation for Social Responsibility in Kenya

Female Pentecostal-Charismatic (PC) church leaders have a quest to legitimize their leadership at all levels. This quest for acceptability and legitimacy to the congregation they lead can be daunting especially in the context of a male dominated religious field such as we have in Kenya. Some female PC leaders in Kenya manage the desires and beliefs of their audiences through religious programmes and slogans that enhance social participation and solidarity. This article examines the programme and slogan ‘The Glory is here’ broadcasted by one Kenyan female PC church leader, Margaret Wanjiru of Jesus is Alive Ministries (JIAM). Through the faith brand ‘The Glory is here’, Wanjiru, in the marketing of religion, distinguishes herself from others in the market place and promotes her product and services in order to develop a consumer base. Her programme as a female PC Televangelist functions as an empowering ritual of self-affirmation of women. Both her faith brand and repeated rituals of self-affirmation serve to enhance her solidarity with women of all ages, and serve as social and psychological support to the community

Screening for Sleep Apnea in the Heart Failure Population

Background: Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) occurs in over half of the estimated 5.1 million people in the U.S. diagnosed with heart failure (HF). Evidence shows that treatment of SDB in this population decreases not only morbidity and mortality rates, but the overall cost burden of the disease as well. The routine use of a sleep apnea screening protocol in the HF population can help identify patients in need of treatment. Methods: A project was conducted at an urban community heart failure clinic to evaluate provider preference of three evidence-based screening tools to be included in the implementation of a comprehensive SDB screening protocol. This project’s long-term goal was to design and implement a SDB protocol for heart failure patients treated at an urban heart failure clinic using the Health Belief Model. Results: Providers chose the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) as the screening questionnaire to be used in the final screening protocol. Conclusion: Ease of use, sensitivity within patient population, and patient-friendly format were cited as the deciding factors for provider choice of the ESS as the preferred screening tool

Progress Of Antioch Rural High School Rusk County, Henderson, Texas Since 1915

Purpose of the Study:- The purpose of the study is to show the progress that the Antioch Rural School has made In the last twenty years. The method of procedure for collecting data has been through personal Investigation, personal interview, and research. Definition of Progress:- Progress may be made along many lines. Any change or adaptation to an existing environment that makes it easier for a person, group institution, or other organized forms of life to live, may be said to represent progress whether the Invention is a new plan or a new implement. We accept it as an evidence of progress if it does the work more efficiently than any previous device. It was J, D. Berry who said that progress is the animating and controlling idea of western civilization\u27. Progress is an act of faith . There is every reason to believe that progress will not take place unless men are able by their skill and devotion to find solutions for their present problems, and for newer ones that shall arise. At one time men lived like beasts in the fields. The next stage sees huts of skin, the use of fire, and the laws of marriage coming into existence. Fire was learned from lightning and the friction of wood, Metals were discovered through the burning woods which caused the ores to run, Men first learned to sing from birds, but there has been a gradual progress up to the present . Social progress Is supposed to consist of the making of a greater quantity and variety of the articles required for satisfying man\u27s wants; in the increasing security of person end property; in widening freedom of action, whereas rightly understood, social progress consists in those changes of structure in the social organisms which have entailed these consequences

Improving Swimming Economy of Novice, Adult, Female Swimmers by Training on a Väsa Swim Trainer

The purpose of this study was to determine if the swimming economy of novice, adult, female swimmers can be increased by training on a Väsa Swim Trainer. Economy of swimming was defined as either: 1) decreased submaximal oxygen consumption (VO2); 2) decreased oxygen consumption per given distance (VO2/d); 3) decrease ratio of arm stroke cycles per given distance to swimming velocity (ASI); and 4) decrease submaximal heart rate (HR). Eight females between the age of 35 to 60 years, mean age 50.4, who were considered to be novice swimmers (average 45.7 meter lap time greater than 60 seconds) and had been swimming at least twice a week for three weeks prior to the study, participated in this study. All subjects trained on the Väsa Swim Trainer three days a week in an attempt to increase upper body strength. In addition the subjects continued swimming weekly, for six weeks. Prior to the training period, subjects were pre-tested by swimming ten laps (457.2 meters) and performing a maximal effort on the swim trainer. Pre-test submaximal VO2, VO2/d, ASI, submaximal HR while swimming, and the väsa trainer one repetition maximum (1-RM) were calculated. After six weeks of training submaximal VO2, VO2/d, ASI, submaximal HR, and 1-RM tests were repeated to determine a training effect. Dependent t-tests were used to determine the significance (p \u3c.01) of the change in means for pre-test and post-test submaximal VO2, VO2/d, ASI, submaximal HR, and 1-RM. After six weeks of training there was a significant increase in 1-RM and a significant decrease in submaximal VO2, VO2/d, and ASI. A non-significant decrease in submaximal heart rate was observed. It was concluded that training on the Väsa Swim Trainer will improve the swimming economy of the novice, adult, female swimmer