The disordered- and ordered-state structures of κ-carrageenan : an X-ray scattering, molecular dynamics, and density-functional theory study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Physics at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

κ-carrageenan is a biopolymer extracted from marine algae. It exists in aqueous solution, at high temperatures and/or low salt concentrations as a ‘disordered-state’, and at low temperatures and in the presence of certain salts as an ‘ordered-state’. The transition between disordered- and ordered-states involves molecular structural changes, which are essential to its interesting viscoelastic properties that are routinely exploited in a plethora of applications. Despite this, the molecular conformations of the disordered- and ordered-states, as well as the details of the transitional pathway connecting them, remain a source of contention. While decades of research have amassed a vast trove of information on the disorder-order transition, an atomistic understanding of the structure in solution has remained elusive. This study takes advantages of recent advances in computational capabilities in order to simulate κ-carrageenan solutions on length scales of ∼10 nm over μs time scales, and thus develop atomistic models of the disordered- and ordered-states. Both models are used to calculate wide-angle X-ray scattering profiles, and these are subsequently validated by comparison to data obtained at a synchrotron facility. The models will be further explored using density functional theory to calculate their expected optical rotation behaviour, which finds that the formation of double-helices from single chains is able to explain the increase in optical rotation measured experimentally when transitioning from the disordered to ordered-state. Structural analysis of both experimentally-verified models find the disordered-state to have a significant amount of residual helical secondary-structure, whereas the ordered-state is mostly double-helical. Crucially, simulations show that the ordered-state arises spontaneously from the so-called disordered-state at a rate dependant on salt concentration, without prior uni-molecular changes. The findings of this research are the most detailed model of the disorder-order transition to-date, and demonstrate that the existing paradigm of a ‘coil-to-helix’ transition is in need of revision

Evaluation of Universal Depression Screening in a Pediatric Diabetes Outpatient Clinic with the Integration of a Depression Screening Tool into an Electronic Health Record

Background: Depression is a significant problem for adolescents with chronic health conditions. Prevalence rates are two to three times higher in adolescents with diabetes compared to adolescents without diabetes (Badescu et al., 2016). Routine depression screening is not transpiring at rates and frequency recommended by the American Diabetes Association for this population. Implementing use of the Patient Health Questionnaire for all adolescents over the age of twelve years with Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus during routine health visits may improve early identification and diagnosis of depression and improve long-term health outcomes. Purpose: The goal of this project was to evaluate the implementation of an educational PowerPoint for a universal depression screening process of adolescents with diabetes being followed at the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center. Methods: Data was collected from the Electronic Health Records. The analysis was completed using IBM SPSS software to run a chi-square analysis test and t-test. These tests were used to assess change in proportion of charts with PHQ-9 screening before and after the education was completed as well as any changes in demographics during the pre and post period. Results: Results of chi-square analysis showed a significant increase in PHQ-9 screening after the educational PowerPoint (p p \u3e.05) Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the number of screenings increased significantly between the pre and post period. The rate of screening increased by 38%. Further research is recommended to support additional resources in the clinic for universal screening. Keywords: depression, diabetes, PHQ-

Rate Dependence and Short Term Creep Behavior of PMR-15 Neat Resin at 23 and 288°C

This research focuses on experimental investigation of rate-dependent behavior and short-term creep of PMR-15 neat resin at 23 and 288°C. Effect of loading rate on monotonic stress-strain behavior was explored in monotonic tests at constant stress rates of 0.75, 0.075, and 0.0075 MPa/s at 23 and 288°C. In addition, effect of prior stress rate on creep behavior was explored in creep tests preceded by uninterrupted loading to a target stress. At each temperature three creep tests were conducted for a given stress level, where loading rate was changed from test to test. Creep stress levels were 30 and 25 MPa at 23 and 288°C, respectively. Also, the effect of stress and strain at the beginning of the creep period was studied in stepwise creep tests, where specimens were subjected to a constant stress rate loading with 1800 s creep periods at 5 MPa stress intervals. Specimens were loaded to a maximum stress then unloaded to zero stress, with creep periods during loading and unloading. Finally, the effect of loading rate was studied in recovery tests where specimens were monotonically loaded to 30 MPa and unloaded to zero MPa, then recovered for 12 hours

COVID-19 Impact on Principal Self-Efficacy

Recent educational research has focused on the Covid-19 impact on students, both educationally and emotionally. Researchers have even begun studying the impact of the pandemic on teachers with virtual instruction; however, very little research exists on the Covid-19 impact on principals. The purpose of this research is to study the impact of Covid-19 on P-12 principals. Specifically, the focus of the mixed-method study is studying the pandemic’s impact on principal self-efficacy. The study aims to answer the following research questions: 1. What impact has the Covid-19 Pandemic had on principal self-efficacy 2. Are there any unintended consequences from the pandemic that have impacted the principalship? Results show that principals experienced a considerable drop in confidence levels when transitioning from a brick-and-mortal environment to the virtual environment. However, the prolonged nature of the pandemic provided the time and forced principals to improve their leadership practices

Phenology and Bionomics of \u3cem\u3eCulicoides\u3c/em\u3e (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Glynn County, Georgia

Seasonal abundance and population densities of Culicoides species from sites in Glynn County, Georgia were surveyed using 15 New Jersey light traps during a 9-month period from April-December 1990. Environmental effects on the abundances were also analyzed. The three primary species present were: Culicoides furens (Poey), C. hollensis Mellander & Brues, and C. melleus (Coguillett). C. furens were collected year round, but predominantly during the summer. C. hollensis had a bimodal abundance (spring and fall) . C. melleus also had a bimodal abundance (late summer and fall). Larval habitats of the primary species were identified from the salt marshes adjacent to two different sites, Sea Island and St. Simons Island. Soil samples were taken from the sites at least monthly from February 1990 through April 1991. Three zones primarily differentiated by elevation, were identified at both of the sites. Most (89%) of the total larvae of all three species combined were found within Zone II caracterized by intermediate (0.3-1.5 m) S. alterniflora Loiseleur and 11% of the total larvae were collected from Zone III characterized by Juncus roemerianus Scheele, Iva frutescens Linnaeus, and Spartina patens (Aiton) Muhl. At Sea Island, 78% of the larvae were collected from Zone II, whereas 22% were collected from Zone III. On St. Simons Island, 97% were collected from Zone II, whereas only 3% were collected from Zone III. No larvae were collected from Zone I at either site characterized by tall Spartina alterniflora (\u3e1.5 m in height). Soil samples were collected from a salt marsh on the north end of St. Simons Island. Thermal preferences for 3rd and 4th instar larvae of two field collected coastal species, C. furens and C. hollensis were determined. Larvae were placed in an estuarine-water filled (salinity 2.8 g/dl, pH 5.5) stainless steel trough with one end resting on an ice pack (22.60C) and the other resting on a hot plate (42.8 C). Temperature preferendium for C. furens was 30.0- 39.90C (57%, PC. hollensis preferred 20.0- 29.9 C (72%, P \u3c0.05). Two organophosphates (dibrom and temephos) and two pyrethroids (permethrin and resmethrin) were tested in the laboratory for efficacy of control for biting midge larvae. Field collected larvae from a salt marsh on north St. Simons Island were exposed to four larvicides in either water alone or water with soil substrate. Temephos showed optimal control against biting midge larvae, while having low toxicity on the non-target organisms (other arthropods) tested

An activity theory analysis of social epistemologies within tertiary-level eLearning environments

In recent years, eLearning or the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in tertiary-level educational environments has experienced phenomenal growth. There is an extensive body of research that has established the pedagogic value of eLearning. The literature has identified key factors that can afford or constrain participation in learning activities supported by ICT. However, amidst much discussion of the benefits of eLearning, concern has been voiced about the apparent failure of eLearning to transform teaching and learning environments. In response to these concerns, this study intends to examine one aspect of eLearning – the use of learning activities underpinned by social epistemologies and mediated by asynchronous web-based technologies in three blended papers (a combination of face-to-face and ICT-supported modes of delivery) in higher education in New Zealand. More specifically, due to the significant numbers of English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners enrolled in New Zealand tertiary institutions, the study seeks to gain a rich and in-depth understanding of the nature of teacher and EAL learner participation in three mainstream (not English language learning) papers within the disciplines of nursing, management, and applied linguistics. By positioning the study within an activity theory perspective and thereby highlighting mediated activity, this inquiry intends to use an expansive conception of participation that takes account of social, cultural, and historical factors in the local and broader context. To investigate the nature of participation within three eLearning contexts, the research design has been shaped by a qualitative orientation. The study has used a case study approach, an exploratory research question, and inductive procedures, and has drawn from ethnographic and phenomenological research methods to allow the nature of participation to emerge through the experiences of teachers and students. Data have been systematically gathered over a five month period by way of semi-structured interviews, accounts, and observations of face-to-face and online activity. Using activity theory as an interpretative tool and drawing from techniques of grounded theory, the collected data have been analysed, coded, and categorised, and the findings emerging from this process have been grounded in the data. The findings show the complexity of eLearning environments and emphasise the crucial role that social and historical factors play in shaping participation. The study has shed light on the ways in which students and teachers make sense of the learning activity by exploring the intersection of previous beliefs and understandings with emergent practice, indicating that sometimes the classroom community constructs meaning in differing and conflicting ways. In addition, this inquiry has brought a critical perspective to bear on the use of interactive learning activities, suggesting that the enactment of social epistemologies is both complex and problematic. This has been particularly evident in relation to the credibility of students to act as resources for each other and the pervasiveness of expedient and instrumentalist approaches to participation. Finally, this inquiry adds to the growing body of work that has used activity theory in educational research, finding activity theory well positioned to meet the need for more expansive conceptions of participation in eLearning

A Psychometric Look at Principal Professional Development

This study evaluates aspects related to P12 principals’ professional development needs in South Carolina regarding the three domains of school leadership: management, instructional leadership, and program administration. A survey to rate principals’ current leadership knowledge, rank order their professional development needs, and provide a confidence rating regarding their abilities was given to over 1,100 principals and 85 superintendents. Through examining relationships with a psychometric model, results derived latent leadership ability scores and self-reported confidence ratings of principals as well as the superintendents’ leadership scores and confidence ratings of their principals. This study found a significant discrepancy between principals’ and superintendents’ confidence ratings and their corresponding leadership ability scores, respectively. A further analysis of the rank-ordered professional development needs highlighted instructional leadership to be the most needed topic for professional development. Finally, atypical response patterns regarding principal’s current leadership knowledge are also identified through person-fit analysis to provide additional information regarding P-12 principals’ professional development needs

“Before its Smell Became Me:” Motel Residency and the Politics of Belonging

Millions of Americans currently face profound housing insecurity. As a result of America’s inadequate housing system, many of these individuals are confined to locations of invisibility, like couches, cars, tents, shelters, or the streets. This thesis analyzes the use of motels as an increasingly prevalent form of housing for low-income and marginalized communities. For the purpose of this study, motel residents are individuals who have resided in a motel for over thirty days, therefore meeting qualifications of homelessness. I thus ask two questions: does motel residency reinforce socioeconomic insecurity? How do motel residents navigate their housing circumstances? Through thirty-one qualitative interviews with motel residents and service providers, my data revealed two conclusions. Firstly, motel residency reinforces housing instability and social inequality by proliferating insecurity at physical, interpersonal, and institutional levels. Secondly, motel residents cultivate powerful internal community networks and deploy innovative housing strategies in order to survive their residential circumstances. Motels thus represent unique dualities of the housing crisis. To better assist this population, governments should expand public housing resources and transportation infrastructure to include motel residents. To reduce motel residents’ barriers to social services, governments should modify definitions of homelessness or tenancy

Counseling Loss as a New Variable in the Education Production Function

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate counselling loss as a new variable in the education production function as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated social and emotional impact on students. Study participants unanimously reported a sizable counselling loss and a 30 percent average decrease in time spent in direct counselling service provision during the COVID-19 pandemic; at the same time, students’ counselling needs increased. Participants identified three salient categories of impact from counselling loss associated with the pandemic, including emotional manifestations, social manifestations, and students’ growth and development-related opportunity loss.L’objectif de cette étude qualitative était d’examiner la perte de counseling en tant que nouvelle variable dans la provision de l’éducation suivant la pandémie de COVID-19 ainsi que l’impact social et émotionnel associé sur les étudiants. Les participants à l’étude ont unanimement fait état d’une perte importante de services de counseling et d’une diminution moyenne de 30% du temps consacré à la fourniture directe de services de counseling pendant la pandémie de COVID-19; en même temps, les besoins des étudiants en matière de counseling ont augmenté. Les participantsnont identifié trois catégories principales d’impact de la perte de counseling associée à la pandémie, à savoir des manifestations émotionnelles, des manifestations sociales et une perte d’occasions de croissance et de développement

A Comparison of Principal and School Counselor Self-Efficacy During the Pandemic: Lessons to Be Learned

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine principal and school counselors’ experiences transitioning to virtual counseling during the COVID-19 pandemic, the factors influencing their sense of confidence, and successes and challenges associated with the transition to virtual educational environments. Study participants characterized the transition to virtual leadership and counseling as challenging and reported decreased self-efficacy levels. Participants identified three common salient categories of challenges associated with the transition to virtual work, including difficulty maintaining accountability, decreased work/life balance, and learning new technology. Principals reported experiencing more support and successes resulting from the transition to virtual leadership than school counselors, providing several important implications for practice in increasing support for school counselors