Principles of Catholic Social Teaching, Critical Pedagogy, and the Theory of Intersectionality: An Integrated Framework to Examine the Roles of Social Status in the Formation of Catholic Teachers

This article discusses the relevance of an analytic framework that integrates principles of Catholic social teaching, critical pedagogy, and the theory of intersectionality to explain attitudes toward marginalized youth held by Catholic students preparing to become teachers. The framework emerges from five years of action research data collected in Foundations of American Education classes in a teacher education program of a Mid-Atlantic Catholic Liberal Arts University. The authors propose new directions for research on Catholic schools and suggest that the gaps between espoused values and practices in Catholic schools as identified by researchers over the last decade might be more readily redressed in teacher education programs in Catholic universities and colleges where the cycle of elitism may be recognized, taught, and transformed in the very formation of future teachers. Résumé Principes de la doctrine sociale catholique, pédagogie critique et théorie de l’intersectionalité : cadre intégré permettant l’examen des rôles du statut social dans la formation des enseignants catholiques Cet article traite de la pertinence d’un cadre analytique intégrant les principes de la doctrine sociale catholique, la pédagogie critique et la théorie de l’intersectionalité pour expliquer les attitudes vis-à-vis des jeunes marginalisés adoptées par les étudiants catholiques qui se préparent à devenir enseignant. Ce cadre est le fruit de cinq années de données de recherche action recueillies auprès des Fondations des cours d’éducation américaine dans le programme de formation des professeurs de l’université Mid-Atlantic Catholic Liberal Arts. Les auteurs proposent de nouvelles pistes de recherche sur les écoles catholiques et suggèrent que le fossé existant entres les valeurs et pratiques embrassées par les écoles catholiques, telles qu’elles ont été identifiées par les chercheurs au cours de la dernière décennie, peut être plus facilement comblé dans les programmes de formation des professeurs des universités et établissement supérieurs catholiques, où le cycle de l’élitisme est susceptible d’être reconnu, enseigné et transformé dans la formation même reçue par les futurs enseignants. Resumen Principios de la doctrina social católica, la pedagogía crítica y la teoría de interseccionalidad: un marco integrado para examinar los roles del estatus social en la formación de los profesores católicos Este artículo discute la relevancia de un marco analítico que integra los principios de las enseñanzas católicas, la crítica pedagógica y la teoría de interseccionalidad para explicar actitudes hacia los jóvenes marginados mostradas por estudiantes católicos que se preparan para ser profesores. El marco emerge tras cinco años de recopilación de información bajo investigación-acción en clases de Foundations of American Education, en un programa de educación de profesores de una universidad de artes liberales católica del Atlántico Medio. El autor propone nuevas direcciones para la investigación en escuelas católicas y sugiere que las distancias entre los valores abrazados y las prácticas de las escuelas católicas, tal y como investigadores han identificado en la última década, podrían redirigirse más fácilmente en programas de formación del profesorado en universidades y escuelas universitarias católicas en las que el ciclo del elitismo puede reconocerse, enseñarse y transformarse en la misma formación de futuros profesores

Escalado de actuadores piezoléctricos: comparación con los tradicionales y otras nuevas tecnologías

[EN] Miniaturization is not a logical trend in actuator systems. Unlike actuators, sensors intrinsically perform more efficiently upon miniaturization. This is a logical consequence of the exchange of energy in the transduction process when applying sensors: measurement ideally should not influence the system being measured, thus the minimum exchange of energy is necessary and this intrinsically leads to miniaturization. In actuators, a transduction process is likewise established but the aim is to impose a mechanical state on a system. It is of particular interest not having this state influenced by perturbations, thus there are strong requirements on power delivered by the actuator. In view of current trends towards miniaturization, it is worth inquiring how the performance of piezoelectric actuators is affected by reducing their size. We are not concerned here with the domain of micro-actuators, i.e. actuators with sizes in the micrometer range. The analysis in this paper focuses on studying how four useful parameters for describing the performance of actuators are influenced by miniaturization: resonance frequency, force density, response time (bandwidth), stroke and energy density per cycle. In so doing, the analysis is restricted to non resonant piezoelectric actuators, i.e. stack, multimorph and inchworm actuators, but reference to other piezoelectric, emerging and traditional actuators is included for comparison.[ES] La miniaturización de los dispositivos actuadores no es una tendenca lógica de su naturaleza de operación. Al contrario que los actuadores, los sensores si presentan esta tendencia a la miniaturización fundamentada en la naturaleza de su operación: dado que en el proceso de medida el intercambio energético debe ser mínimo para no afectar el proceso de medida, cuanto menor sea el sensor menor será también su efecto sobre la medición. En el caso de los actuadores el objetivo es el opuesto, se pretende imponer el estado mecánico de un sistema y que este estado no sea perturbado por agentes externos de forma que los requisitos sobre la potencia del actuador son estrictos. En vista de la tendencia actual a la miniaturización de las aplicaciones, conviene preguntarse como se ven afectadas las características de operación de los actuadores cuando son miniaturizados. El análisis presentado en este trabajo se centra en determinar como evolucionan las características principales de los actuadores (frecuencia de resonancia, densidad de fuerza, tiempo de respuesta, máximo desplazamiento y densidad de energía por ciclo) al ser miniaturizados. El análisis se restringe a actuadores piezoelectricos no resonantes, en concreto multicapa, multimorfos y cíclicos, pero se ponen en contexto con otros actuadores piezoeléctricos, con otras tecnologías emergentes y con tecnologías tradicionales.Peer reviewe

Structural health monitoring of inland navigation infrastructure

The inland navigation system in the U.S. is a civil infrastructure network that relies on the performance of a vast array of infrastructure assets scattered across the nation to function successfully. The system is critical to the U.S. economy, allowing the transportation of billions of dollars in goods annually. The primary infrastructure assets of the inland navigation system are locks and dams, which are structures that allow vessels to traverse inland waterways. Of all the components of locks and dams, the gates are the weak links and are the primary cause of closures and downtime on the inland navigation system. The closure of a lock and dam can have significant impacts to the economy, because traffic will be unable to move on the river and goods will remain stalled on the waterways. Inspection of lock and dam gates is expensive, generally requiring the complete closure of the site, and occurs relatively infrequently. Thus, lock gates are generally maintained in a reactive, manner, meaning they are operated until something breaks, at which time a portion of the inland navigation system is shut down for emergency repairs. The research presented herein addresses the difficulty in inspection of lock gates by developing a structural health monitoring (SHM) system that can be used by the stakeholders of inland navigation infrastructure to obtain the necessary information to assess the integrity and condition of their structures continuously. While SHM is being increasingly implemented on civil infrastructure, such as framed buildings and bridges, research into the application of SHM on navigation infrastructure is lacking. To accomplish the goal of developing an SHM system for navigation infrastructure, this research focuses on development of methods for the detection and assessment of several critical problems common to lock and dam gates, with emphasis given to the most common gates used in the U.S.; miter gates and Tainter gates. The layout of this dissertation is as follows: first, a general overview of inland navigation is given that explores the importance of locks and dams to the global economy. Then, design and behavior of miter and Tainter gates are discussed in detail. As an initial step to the development of a structural health monitoring system, numerical models are created of lock gates to obtain detailed information on the behavior of the structures both with and without the presence of damage. A discussion of best practices for numerical models of lock gates is provided with the models of two specific lock gates used as examples. Next, the methods developed for this dissertation to detect and assess the identified critical issues of lock gates are discussed. The first method discussed is the use of Principal Component Analysis combined with a novel strain gage data processing technique to detect boundary condition degradation of miter gates. The developed method addresses environmental variation frequently present in strain gage data and is validated by utilizing data from an in-service miter gate combined with results of a numerical model. Next, a discussion is given on the development of a non-contact, vision-based method to monitor the tension in a component of miter gates known as diagonals. The method utilizes optical-flow to track the displacement of a vibrating diagonal, from which the frequency is obtained and the tension found using Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. Partial submersion of the diagonals and the non-prismatic nature of the components are challenges that are addressed, and the method is validated with experimental and field data. Finally, the methods utilized to detect uneven hoisting of a Tainter gate are discussed. This method relies on a multi-faceted approach to show definitively that uneven hoisting is occurring on an operating Tainter gate. This approach is performed first by comparing strain gage data to numerical model results. Then data collected from inclinometers on the gate are inspected for the presence of uneven hoisting. Finally, indirect measurements of the tension in hoisting cables using vibration measurements taken during gate operation is used to show that an operating Tainter gate is hoisting unevenly. All three approaches are shown to be sensitive to the presence of uneven hoisting. The research presented herein addresses critical issues with inland navigation infrastructure. The method developed in this dissertation will be leveraged to provide the owners and operators of lock gate with the necessary information to extend the useful life of this critical infrastructure. More importantly, a structural health monitoring system of inland navigation infrastructure will aid in ensuring the continued operability of the inland navigation system, allowing river-borne traffic to continue to get goods to market

Leaves and fruits preparations of Pistacia lentiscus L.: A review on the ethnopharmacological uses and implications in inflammation and infection

There is an increasing interest in revisiting plants for drug discovery, proving scientifically their role as remedies. The aim of this review was to give an overview of the ethnopharmacological uses of Pistacia lentiscus L. (PlL) leaves and fruits, expanding the search for the scientific discovery of their chemistry, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antimicrobial activities. PlL is a wild-growing shrub rich in terpenoids and polyphenols, the oil and extracts of which have been widely used against inflammation and infections, and as wound healing agents. The more recurrent components in PlL essential oil (EO) are represented by α-pinene, terpinene, caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene, with high variability in concentration depending on the Mediterranean country. The anti-inflammatory activity of the oil mainly occurs due to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the arachidonic acid cascade. Interestingly, the capacity against COX-2 and LOX indicates PlL EO as a dual inhibitory compound. The high content of polyphenols enriching the extracts provide explanations for the known biological properties of the plant. The protective effect against reactive oxygen species is of wide interest. In particular, their anthocyanins content greatly clarifies their antioxidative capacity. Further, the antimicrobial activity of PlL oil and extracts includes the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, periodontal bacteria and Candida spp. In conclusion, the relevant scientific properties indicate PlL as a nutraceutical and also as a therapeutic agent against a wide range of diseases based on inflammation and infections

The study of nearest- and next-nearest-neighbour magnetic interactions in seven tetragonal compounds V(IV) containing linear chains and square lattices

A new crystal chemical method was used to calculate the sign and strength not only of the nearest-neighbor (NN)interactions, but also of the next-nearest-neighbor (NNN) ones in tetragonal compounds Zn2(VO)(PO4)2 (I),(VO)(H2PO4)2 (II), (VO)SiP2O8 (III), (VO)SO4 (IV), (VO)MoO4 (V), Li2(VO)SiO4 (VI) and Li2(VO)GeO4 (VII) with similar sublattices of V4+ ions on the basis of the room-temperature structural data. The reason for difference between respective magnetic interactions characteristics of these compounds was established. It is shown that the characteristic feature of these compounds is a strong dependence of the strength of magnetic interactions and the magnetic moments ordering type on slight displacements of XO4 (X = P, Mo, Si or Ge) groups even without change of the crystal symmetry. In addition to extensively studied square lattice, other specific geometrical configurations of V4+ were discovered. These configurations can result in frustration of magnetic interactions, namely linear chains along the c-axis with competing nearest- and next-to-nearest-neighbor interactions; rectangular (in I) and triangular (in II-VII) lattices with non-equivalent nearest-to-neighbor interactions, which can be also considered as n-leg ladders; one extra square lattice in the ab-plane with longer range interactions. It was concluded that virtually all magnetic interactions in these compounds were frustrated.Comment: 16 pages, 5 figure, 1 table; numerous grammatical change

Transition from initiation to promoter proximal pausing requires the CTD of RNA polymerase II

The C-terminal domain (CTD) of mammalian RNA polymerase II consists of 52 repeats of the consensus hepta-peptide YSPTSPS, and links transcription to the processing of pre-mRNA. Although Pol II with a CTD shortened to five repeats (Pol II Δ5) is transcriptionally inactive on chromatin templates, it is not clear whether CTD is required for promoter recognition in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that in the context of chromatin, Pol II Δ5 can bind to the c-myc promoter with the same efficiency as wild type Pol II. However, Pol II Δ5 does not form a stable initiation complex, and does not transcribe promoter proximal sequences. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments with cells expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged Δ5 or wildtype Pol II revealed a single, highly mobile Pol II Δ5 fraction whereas wildtype Pol II yielded less mobile fractions. These data suggest that CTD is not required for promoter recognition, but rather for subsequent formation of a stable initiation complex and isomerization to an elongation competent complex

Interaction of periodontitis and orthodontic tooth movement-an in vitro and in vivo study.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this in vitro and in vivo study was to investigate the interaction of periodontitis and orthodontic tooth movement on interleukin (IL)-6 and C-X-C motif chemokine 2 (CXCL2). MATERIALS AND METHODS The effect of periodontitis and/or orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) on alveolar bone and gingival IL-6 and CXCL2 expressions was studied in rats by histology and RT-PCR, respectively. The animals were assigned to four groups (control, periodontitis, OTM, and combination of periodontitis and OTM). The IL-6 and CXCL2 levels were also studied in human gingival biopsies from periodontally healthy and periodontitis subjects by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, the synthesis of IL-6 and CXCL2 in response to the periodontopathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum and/or mechanical strain was studied in periodontal fibroblasts by RT-PCR and ELISA. RESULTS Periodontitis caused an increase in gingival levels of IL-6 and CXCL2 in the animal model. Moreover, orthodontic tooth movement further enhanced the bacteria-induced periodontal destruction and gingival IL-6 gene expression. Elevated IL-6 and CXCL2 gingival levels were also found in human periodontitis. Furthermore, mechanical strain increased the stimulatory effect of F. nucleatum on IL-6 protein in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that orthodontic tooth movement can enhance bacteria-induced periodontal inflammation and thus destruction and that IL-6 may play a pivotal role in this process. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Orthodontic tooth movement should only be performed after periodontal therapy. In case of periodontitis relapse, orthodontic therapy should be suspended until the periodontal inflammation has been successfully treated and thus the periodontal disease is controlled again

Finite flavour groups of fermions

We present an overview of the theory of finite groups, with regard to their application as flavour symmetries in particle physics. In a general part, we discuss useful theorems concerning group structure, conjugacy classes, representations and character tables. In a specialized part, we attempt to give a fairly comprehensive review of finite subgroups of SO(3) and SU(3), in which we apply and illustrate the general theory. Moreover, we also provide a concise description of the symmetric and alternating groups and comment on the relationship between finite subgroups of U(3) and finite subgroups of SU(3). Though in this review we give a detailed description of a wide range of finite groups, the main focus is on the methods which allow the exploration of their different aspects.Comment: 89 pages, 6 figures, some references added, rearrangement of part of the material, section on SU(3) subgroups substantially extended, some minor revisions. Version for publication in J. Phys. A. Table 12 corrected to match eq.(256), table 14 and eq.(314) corrected to match the 2-dimensional irreps defined on p.6

One-Year Clinical, Microbiological and Immunological Results of Local Doxycycline or Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy for Recurrent/Persisting Periodontal Pockets: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

We evaluated, in this study, the clinical, microbiological and immunological effects of local drug delivery (LDD) or photodynamic therapy (PDT), adjunctive to subgingival instrumentation (SI) in persistent or recurrent periodontal pockets in patients enrolled in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) after one year. A total of 105 patients enrolled in SPT with persistent/recurrent pockets were randomly treated with SI +PDT or SI + LDD or SI (control). The number of treated sites with bleeding on probing (n BOP+), probing pocket depths (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), full-mouth plaque and bleeding scores (gingival bleeding index, %bleeding on probing-BOP) was evaluated at baseline and after 12 months. Additionally, eight periodontopathogens and the immunomarkers IL-1β (interleukin)and MMP-8 (matrix metalloprotease) were quantitatively determined using real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. All three treatments resulted in statistically significant clinical improvements (p < 0.05) without statistically significant intergroup differences (p > 0.05), which were maintained up to 12 months. The presence of BOP negatively affected the PPD and CAL. Moreover, statistically significantly fewer bleeding sites at 12 months were observed in the test groups (p = 0.049). Several periodontopathogens were reduced after 12 months. In conclusion, the present data indicate that in periodontal patients enrolled in SPT, treatment of persistent/recurrent pockets with SI alone or combined with either PDT or LDD may lead to comparable clinical, microbiological and immunological improvements, which are maintained up to 12 months. Secondly, the presence of BOP directly impacts the PPD and CAL