Showing papers by "University of Alabama published in 2023"

What About Me? The Importance of Teacher Social and Emotional Learning and Well-Being in the Classroom

Abstract: Today’s teachers experience high levels of stress and fatigue that can negatively affect their well-being. Teacher burnout is not a new educational phenomenon, but it has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we discuss the prevalence of teacher stress and its impact on teacher well-being and student achievement. We call for more attention to the social and emotional learning of special education teachers of students with emotional and behavioral disorders. After addressing myths and misconceptions regarding current expectations for educators, we propose a new framework for establishing individual and systemic interventions to support teacher well-being.

Chaos and pole-skipping in a simply spinning plasma

Abstract: A bstract We study the relationship between many-body quantum chaos and energy dynamics in holographic quantum field theory states dual to the simply-spinning Myers-Perry-AdS 5 black hole. The enhanced symmetry of such black holes allows us to provide a thorough examination of the phenomenon of pole-skipping, that is significantly simpler than a previous analysis of quantum field theory states dual to the Kerr-AdS 4 solution. In particular we give a general proof of pole-skipping in the retarded energy density Green’s function of the dual quantum field theory whenever the spatial profile of energy fluctuations satisfies the shockwave equation governing the form of the OTOC. Furthermore, in the large black hole limit we are able to obtain a simple analytic expression for the OTOC for operator configurations on Hopf circles, and demonstrate that the associated Lyapunov exponent and butterfly velocity are robustly related to the locations of a family of pole-skipping points in the energy response. Finally, we note that in contrast to previous studies, our results are valid for any value of rotation and we are able to numerically demonstrate that the dispersion relations of sound modes in the energy response explicitly pass through our pole-skipping locations.

Nonparametric methods for modeling item responses: Mokken Scale Analysis

Abstract: This article provides an overview of nonparametric modeling frameworks that can be used to evaluate measurement instruments in educational research, such as achievement tests and attitude scales. The article begins with a description of nonparametric modeling frameworks in general. Then, a detailed discussion of Mokken Scale Analysis (MSA), which is a theory-driven nonparametric modeling framework for social science measurement procedures, is provided with brief illustrations. The article continues with a brief overview of other nonparametric modeling approaches (e.g., kernel smoothing). The article concludes with a summary and discussion of the value of nonparametric modeling frameworks for educational research.

A Theory for Prelicensure Nursing Student Satisfaction With Clinical Learning Experiences: An Integrative Review

Abstract: The satisfaction of prelicensure nursing students is a prominent and essential component of programmatic outcome data for accreditation agencies and ongoing program improvement. Nursing student satisfaction correlates with student retention, graduation rates, and future employment and can assist nurse educators in determining if supportive clinical experiences exist. However, nursing students report moderate-to-high levels of clinical stress within clinical environments, impacting both satisfaction and future role preparation. Additional research is necessary regarding prelicensure nursing student satisfaction within their clinical environments, yet a theoretical gap exists to guide such future research. The purpose of this integrative review was twofold. First, perform an integrative review to explore factors associated with prelicensure undergraduate nursing student satisfaction in clinical learning experiences. Second, provide a theory to guide future research regarding the topic.

The structure of a Type III-A CRISPR-Cas effector complex reveals conserved and idiosyncratic contacts to target RNA and crRNA among Type III-A systems

Abstract: Type III CRISPR-Cas systems employ multiprotein effector complexes bound to small CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) to detect foreign RNA transcripts and elicit a complex immune response that leads to the destruction of invading RNA and DNA. Type III systems are among the most widespread in nature, and emerging interest in harnessing these systems for biotechnology applications highlights the need for detailed structural analyses of representatives from diverse organisms. We performed cryo-EM reconstructions of the Type III-A Cas10-Csm effector complex from S. epidermidis bound to an intact, cognate target RNA and identified two oligomeric states, a 276 kDa complex and a 318 kDa complex. 3.1 Å density for the well-ordered 276 kDa complex allowed construction of atomic models for the Csm2, Csm3, Csm4 and Csm5 subunits within the complex along with the crRNA and target RNA. We also collected small-angle X-ray scattering data which was consistent with the 276 kDa Cas10-Csm architecture we identified. Detailed comparisons between the S. epidermidis Cas10-Csm structure and the well-resolved bacterial (S. thermophilus) and archaeal (T. onnurineus) Cas10-Csm structures reveal differences in how the complexes interact with target RNA and crRNA which are likely to have functional ramifications. These structural comparisons shed light on the unique features of Type III-A systems from diverse organisms and will assist in improving biotechnologies derived from Type III-A effector complexes.

Creating a Business Case for Success

Abstract: Health care is a highly competitive environment where managers must compete for finite resources. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services-directed reimbursement models such as value-based purchasing and pay-for-performance heavily focused on quality improvement and nursing excellence are having a major impact on financial reimbursement for health care services in the United States. As such, nurse leaders must function in a business-focused environment where decisions regarding resource allocation are driven by quantifiable data, the potential return on investment, and the organization's ability to provide quality patient care in an efficient manner. It is imperative for nurse leaders to recognize the financial impact of potential additional revenue streams, as well as avoidable costs. Nurse leaders must also be skilled at translating the return on investment for nursing-centric programs and initiatives, often hidden in anecdotal terms and cost avoidance rather than revenue generation, to ensure appropriate resource allocation and budgetary assumptions. This article uses a case study framed within the business case to review a structured approach to operationalizing nursing-centric programs and highlights key strategies for success.

Effect of Work-to-Rest Cycles on Cardiovascular Strain and Maximal Oxygen Uptake during Heat Stress

Abstract: Cardiovascular drift-a progressive increase in heart rate (HR) and decrease in stroke volume (SV) during prolonged exercise-is exacerbated by heat stress and thermal strain, and often accompanied by a decrease in work capacity (indexed as maximal oxygen uptake [V.O2max]). To attenuate physiological strain during work in the heat, use of work:rest ratios is recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that during moderate work in hot conditions, utilizing the recommended 45:15 min work:rest ratio would result in cardiovascular drift 'accumulating' over consecutive work:rest cycles and accompanying decrements in V.O2max. Eight people (5 women; (mean ± SD) age = 25 ± 5 y; body mass = 74.8 ± 11.6 kg; V.O2max = 42.9 ± 5.6 mL·kg-1·min-1) performed 120 min of simulated moderate work (201-300 kcal·h-1) in hot conditions (indoor wet-bulb globe temperature = 29.0 ± 0.6 °C). Participants completed two 45:15 min work:rest cycles. Cardiovascular drift was evaluated at 15 and 45 min of each work bout; V.O2max was measured after 120 min. On a separate day, V.O2max was measured after 15 min under identical conditions for comparison before and after cardiovascular drift occurred. HR increased 16.7% (18 ± 9 beats·min-1, p = 0.004) and SV decreased 16.9% (-12.3 ± 5.9 mL, p = 0.003) between 15 and 105 min, but V.O2max was unaffected after 120 min (p = 0.14). Core body temperature increased 0.5 ± 0.2 °C (p = 0.006) over 2 h. Recommended work:rest ratios preserved work capacity but did not prevent the accumulation of cardiovascular and thermal strain.

One‐Carbon Homologation and Homologation–Functionalization Reactions of Aldehydes

Abstract: This chapter highlights the most popular methods employed for the one-carbon homologation of aldehydes (i.e. net methylene insertion). In addition, methods for the conversion of aldehydes into one-carbon homologated nitroalkanes, nitriles, carboxylic acids, amides, esters, primary alcohols, sulfones, and sulfonamides are described. Recent advances are featured along with mechanistic overviews, possible advantages and limitations of various methods, and representative applications in natural product synthesis and drug discovery, where applicable.

Bright Spots in African Studies

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Four new Solenogastres (Mollusca, Aplacophora) from the South China Sea and paraphyly of Proneomeniidae Simroth, 1893

Abstract: Solenogastres and Caudofoveata (Aplacophora) remain some of the least known molluscs, despite ubiquity in the marine environment and importance in understanding molluscan evolution. The use of new morphological techniques and development of DNA barcode libraries have helped make specimen identification easier. However, for solenogasters, using histology for identification and adequate description of species remains necessary in most cases. This, together with the facts that knowledge about solenogaster species distributions is biased and that most species were described from one or very few individuals, explains why many open questions about the actual distribution, intra- and interspecific variability, etc., remain. We performed an integrative taxonomic study of eight specimens of solenogasters from the South China Sea (West Pacific Ocean) thatresulted in the identification of four new species of Proneomeniidae. Species identification and description following the established diagnostic characters were straightforward. However, phylogenetic analysis of molecular data obtained from these specimens and other members of Proneomeniidae indicate that the family is polyphyletic. We recovered representatives of two other families, Epimeniidae (Epimenia) and Strophomeniidae (Anamenia), nested within Proneomeniidae with strong support. Ancestral character state reconstruction indicates that characters commonly used in solenogaster taxonomy, such as the radula and foregut glands, may be more evolutionarily labile in this group than previously known. Therefore our work fills knowledge gaps regarding the diversity and distribution of members of this family but raises important questions about solenogaster taxonomy and systematics that should be further assessed with additional markers and broader taxon sampling. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BCADACD6-9AD0-442A-AD64-031BA8D88599

Development of sensitivity to beat gesture and contrastive accenting in support of word learning in early childhood in boys and girls

Abstract: This research investigated whether observing beat gesture and hearing contrastive accenting with novel words enhances their learning in early childhood and whether these effects differ by sex in light of sex differences in the pace of language development. Fifty-three 3- to 5-year-old boys and girls learned pairs of novel words with contrasting referents with beat gesture, contrastive accenting, both, or neither. Knowledge of these words was then tested via a referent identification task. Novel word learning did not differ by beat gesture or contrastive accenting, nor did use of these cues to support word learning differ by age. However, 3-year-old boys were better able to identify the referents of novel words learned with rather than without beat gesture, and boys’ ability to identify the referents of novel words learned without beat gesture improved from ages 3 to 5 years. By contrast, no such effects of beat gesture on novel word learning by age were observed for girls. These results suggest that, for 3-year-old boys, beat gesture may compensate for difficulty deducing contrast from speech alone, and that their reliance on beat gesture as a cue to contrast decreases as their ability to deduce contrast from speech improves during early childhood. Thus, beat gesture may serve as a visual cue to contrast that scaffolds young children’s learning of words with contrasting meanings by supplementing the use of cues to contrast conveyed via speech.

Consequences of solute partitioning on hardness in stabilized nanocrystalline alloys

Abstract: Phosphorus segregation at grain boundaries (GBs) in Ni–P nanocrystalline (NC) thin films has been demonstrated to impede grain growth at elevated temperatures. In this study, we investigate the impact of phosphorus segregation in Ni-1at.%P and Ni-4at.%P alloys on their hardness by using nano-indentation and post-mortem transmission electron microscopy to characterize deformation-induced microstructural changes. The NC film exhibited approximately 20% higher average hardness values when phosphorus was in solution, as a result of the as-deposited processing, compared to films that underwent subsequent thermal annealing to stabilize the grain size by partitioning the phosphorus to the GBs. Under various strain rate loading conditions, the deformation was determined to be GB-mediated control. The effects of phosphorus partitioning on intragranular and GB deformation mechanisms were evaluated using atomistic simulations. While larger grain sizes shift deformation accommodation to intragranular mechanisms, the reduction of the GB fraction with increasing grain size can increase the available solute concentrations in the boundaries leading to active GB-mediated deformation. This interplay between solid solution strengthening, solute partitioning, grain size, global and local solute concentration, and deformation is discussed in detail.

Synthesis and Properties of 2-Halo-1,3-diether-propanes: Diversifying the Range of Functionality in Glycerol-Derived Compounds

Abstract: Synthesis of value-added chemicals from glycerol derivatives has been of real interest due to the excess volumes of glycerol resulting from biofuel production. Previously, we have demonstrated the controlled synthesis of symmetric and asymmetric 1,3-diether-2-propanol compounds bearing glycerol skeletons, which, in addition to potential applications as CO2 capture solvents, are also versatile intermediates for a number of further chemical transformations. Here, we demonstrate the conversion of these compounds to corresponding 2-halo-1,3-diethers as a means of further diversifying the range and properties of glycerol-derived compounds. Thermophysical properties of these compounds (density, molar volume, and viscosity) were measured over a temperature range of 20–80 °C. The experimental work was augmented by theoretical calculations of density, viscosity, vapor pressure, and dipole moment for each of the synthsized compounds as well as additional species with similar structures that have not yet been synthesized. The data obtained in this work provide a useful guide for valorization of glycerol in the form of new solvents and building blocks for value-added chemicals.

Community smells—The sources of social debt: A systematic literature review

Abstract: Social debt describes the accumulation of unforeseen project costs (or potential costs) from sub-optimal software development processes. Community smells are sociotechnical anti-patterns and one source of social debt. Because community smells impact software teams, development processes, outcomes, and organizations, we to understand their impact on software engineering. To provide an overview of community smells in social debt, based on published literature, and describe future research. We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify properties, understand origins and evolution, and describe the emergence of community smells. This SLR explains the impact of community smells on teamwork and team performance. We include 25 studies. Social debt describes the impacts of poor socio-technical decisions on work environments, people, software products, and society. For each of the 30 community smells identified as sources of social debt, we provide a detailed description, management approaches, organizational strategies, and mitigation effectiveness. We identify five groups of management approaches: organizational strategies, frameworks, models, tools, and guidelines. We describe 11 common properties of community smells. We develop the Community Smell Stages Framework to concisely describe the origin and evolution of community smells. We then describe the causes and effects for each community smell. We identify and describe 8 types of causes and 11 types of effects related to the community smells. Finally, we provide 8 comprehensive Sankey diagrams that offer insights into threats the community smells pose to teamwork factors and team performance. Community smells explain the influence work conditions have on software developers. The literature is scarce and focuses on a small number of community smells. Thus, the community smells still need more research. This review helps by organizing the state of the art about community smells. Our contributions provide motivations for future research and provide educational material for software engineering professionals.

Nilpotent Lie algebras in which all proper subalgebras have class at most n, II

Abstract: Let K be a field and let L be a finitely generated nilpotent Lie K-algebra of class (exactly) c. Let n be the largest integer such that L has a proper subalgebra of class n, and let d=d(L) be the smallest integer such that L can be generated by d elements. In this work, we suppose that 0