Digital Commons Network^™

A Review Of Character Education Programs And Their Impact On Student Performance, Cara Marie Ludemann

Graduate Research Papers

The teaching of character education in the U.S. public school system is being proposed by many educational leaders as a way of reducing deadly violence perpetrated by children and addressing the broad spectrum of social ills found throughout the country (Lickona, 2004). This review addresses research regarding the purposes of character education, roles of the teacher, program implementation, evaluation of programs, and financial considerations. This review reports elements found in successful character education programs. The review supports the value of implementing character education into a school's curriculum but also identifies obstacles that need to be overcome.

Strategies To Improve The Comprehension Of Struggling Readers And The Elementary Level, Melissa Mueller

Graduate Research Papers

Comprehension occurs when a reader constructs meaning from the text. Each reader must use a strategy to best suit their interaction with the text. By internalizing reading strategies, students will become successful readers. Education is part of a research based instructional practice movement. This paper describes five instructional methods used to teach comprehension strategies to elementary students and the research that supports them. The paper closes with conclusions and recommendations for teaching comprehension strategies.

Preschool Spanish Speakers Who Are Learning English : Factors Related To Later Reading Success, Debra S. Negley

Graduate Research Papers

The rapid rate of increasing numbers of Hispanics in the United States, along with the reading achievement gap between Whites and Hispanics, highlights the need to examine the factors that affect young Hispanics' literacy success. This literature review examined the specific factors that might predict Spanish-speaking Hispanic preschoolers' later reading accomplishments. Studies were categorized by child, family, and school factors that are related to prediction of future literacy attainment.

Analysis of the assorted papers and articles demonstrated that a combination of the following factors would most affect Hispanic preschoolers' future reading abilities in English: high quality early childhood education programs …

Accountability And Collaborative Inquiry In A School-Based Early Childhood Program, Sherri Peterson

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to examine the development of a professional learning community and the way in which an early childhood team can follow the developmentally appropriate practice guidelines and early learning standards to improve student outcomes.

Seroprevalence Of Hepatitis A Infection In The Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus, Zafer Kurugöl, Güldane Koturoğlu, Sadik Akşi̇t, Ti̇jen Özacar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Materials and Methods: A total of 660 unvaccinated persons 1 to 30 years old were selected for the study with cluster sampling. Information on sociodemographic characteristics was gathered for each participant and, in 641 of them, anti-HAV antibodies were assayed using an enzyme immune assay. Results: Anti-HAV prevalence in the Turkish population under the age of 30 in Northern Cyprus was 23.9%. For the age groups 1-5, 6-10 and 11-15 years, seroprevalence rates were relatively low (11.4, 9.4 …

Orbital Emphysema Due To Nose Blowing, Mustafa Sever, Tunç Büyükyilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Orbital emphysema is a rare ocular emergency in the absence of trauma, sinusitis and/or surgical intervention. We report a case of orbital emphysema in a 29-year-old male caused by forceful blowing of the nose. The patient presented with sudden and painful onset of right periorbital swelling and nose-bleed following forceful blowing of the nose. There was no history of sinusitis, facial trauma or previous surgery. Examination of the patient disclosed crepitant eyelid swelling, ptosis, and mild unilateral exophthalmos and inferomedial strabismus in the neutral position. Otorhinolaryngologic and ophthalmic examinations were accompanied by computerized tomography, which demonstrated areas of emphysema in …

The Relationship Between Plasma Homocysteine And Early Coronary Collateral Vessel Development After Acute Myocardial Infarction, Telat Keleş, Tahi̇r Durmaz, Ni̇hal Akar Bayram, Murat Akçay, Ekrem Yeter, Hüseyi̇n Ayhan, Engi̇n Bozkurt

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Homocysteine is known to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation, which is a key event in angiogenesis. Factors responsible for the presence or absence of coronary collateral circulation are poorly understood. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effect of plasma homocysteine level on the early formation of angiographically visible collaterals after acute myocardial infarction. Materials and Methods: The study included 60 patients that had ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). All the patients underwent coronary angiography 1-4 days after admission (mean: 2.3 ± 1.2 days). Patients were graded according to Rentrop classification. Patients with grade 0 or 1 collateral vessels were …

Evaluation Of Ribavirin Genotoxicity With Sister Chromatid Exchange And Micronuclei Assays In Humans, Abdulgani̇ Tatar, Zülal Özkurt, Ahmet Hacimüftüoğlu, Ahmet Yeşi̇lyurt, Serhat Vançeli̇k

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: The main objective of this study was to assess the genotoxicity of ribavirin in 15 patients who were suffering from Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever and treated with the therapy dose of the antiviral agent. Materials and Methods: Genotoxicity was evaluated using the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (MN) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assays in lymphocyte cultures that were prepared from blood samples collected from the 15 patients. The blood samples were taken on day 9 of a 10-day therapeutic regimen of ribavirin and 1 month after the cessation of therapy. Results: In all patients, the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges and the …

Subcutaneous Mucormycosis In An Immunocompetent Nigerian Child, Edirin Omorigho Yusuf, Alphonsus Ndidi Onyiriuka

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

A 13-year-old girl presented with a three-month history of generalized blisters on her body following a traumatic injury to her leg with a piece of wood while farming. The lesions were hemorrhagic, itchy and tender on pressure. The patient was non-diabetic, non-leukemic, non-neutropenic, and not previously on immunosuppressive drugs, nor was there any evidence of immunosuppression. Culture and microscopic examination of scrapings from the skin lesions revealed growth of a Mucor spp. She was initially placed on potassium iodide and responded well for about a month, then relapsed. The patient was successfully treated with itraconazole monotherapy.

Lack Of Association Between Tlr4 Polymorphism And Severe Gram-Negative Bacterial Infection In Neonates, Tuba Turul Özgür, Leman Yel, Şule Yi̇ği̇t, Lütfi̇ye Mesci̇, Özden Sanal, İlhan Tezcan, Gülsevi̇n Teki̇nalp, Fügen Ersoy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Gram-negative microorganisms are responsible for a significant percentage of systemic bacterial infections in neonates, which tend to progress to sepsis. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), one of the receptors in the innate immune system, binds to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) present on gram-negative bacteria. Following ligation, a cascade of cellular signals leads to activation of NF\kappaB, resulting in the generation of such proinflammatory cytokines as TNF\alpha, IL-1, IL-2, and IL-6. These are the mediators of inflammation, which is the cellular response to activation of the innate immune system. As such, TLR4 appears to be a very likely candidate involved in the …

A New Classification For Ileosigmoid Knotting, S. Selçuk Atamanalp, Gürkan Öztürk, Bülent Aydinli, M. İlhan Yildirgan, Mahmut Başoğlu, Durkaya Ören, Abdul Meci̇t Kantarci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: This study aimed to establish a new classification that will contribute to the treatment and prognosis of ileosigmoid knotting (ISK), which is a combination of ileum volvulus and sigmoid volvulus (SV). Materials and methods: Based on the SV classification in which criteria associated with mortality, such as age over 60 years and the presence of accompanying disease and/or shock, were used, and a new classification was made for ISK. For this classification, the records of 71 patients with ISK, who were treated surgically, were reviewed retrospectively, and unlike in SV classification, rather than the presence of sigmoid gangrene alone, …

Coxiella Burnetii Seroprevalence In The Rural Part Of Bolu, Turkey*, Oğuz Karabay, Esra Koçoğlu, Gökhan Baysoy, Selami̇ Konyalioğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: This study was performed to determine the seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in the rural part of Bolu, a city located in the western part of the Black Sea region of Turkey. Materials and Methods: The study population was chosen by cluster sampling to represent the rural population of the city. Serum samples were collected from the 9 rural districts of Bolu. Blood samples were taken to the laboratory while stored at 4 °C in ice-cooled boxes. The sera were then stored at -20 °C until testing. The presence of IgG antibodies against C. burnetii phase-II antigens in the sera …

Femoral Neck Fracture Following An Epileptic Seizure, Ahmet Demi̇rcan, Murat Özsaraç, Fi̇kret Bi̇ldi̇k, Ayfer Keleş, Gülbi̇n Aygencel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Although the occurrence of dislocations in shoulders is a well-known complication of convulsive activity, femoral fractures are seen very rare. In this study, a case of a femur neck fracture after epileptic seizure was reported. A 49-year-old man presented to the emergency department following a first grand mal seizure. There was no history of trauma and co-morbid disease. Initial physical examination was normal. When the patient was taken to the computerized tomography room, he experienced 2 generalized tonic-clonic seizures. After the post-ictal period, the patient complained of pain on the left hip and left shoulder. Anteroposterior pelvic and shoulder x-rays …

A Novel Approach For Brachial Plexus Block, Alpaslan Apan, Hülya Başar, Şazi̇ye Şahi̇n, Ünase Büyükkoçak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: The line from the midpoint of the sternocleidomastoid muscle to the midpoint of the clavicle was considered the surface projection of the brachial plexus in the supraclavicular region in a previous report using radiological and anatomic techniques. The needle insertion site was the point between the clavicular one-third and cervical two-thirds of this line. The aim of the present study was to determine the clinical efficacy of these suggested landmarks. Materials and methods: Brachial plexus block was performed in 60 healthy adult patients undergoing elective surgery on an upper extremity using the above-mentioned new surface landmarks. Results: The characteristics …

Relapsing Giant Liposarcoma Originating In The Chest Wall, Bülent Di̇nç, Ayhan Di̇nçkan, Ayhan Mesci̇, Taner Çolak, Cumhur Arici, Ali̇han Gürkan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Liposarcomas are usually seen in the retroperitoneal region and in extremities, but can be seen in the head, neck, inguinal region, and chest wall less frequently. In this report, a relapsing giant liposarcoma weighing 9 kg and with a diameter of 50 cm originating in the chest wall is discussed.

Dynamics Of 2,4-D In Generation Of Cytomorphological Variants In An Important Anticancerous And Antihepatotoxic Herb – Cichorium Intybus L., Zeba Khan, Mohammad Yunus Khalil Ansari, Honey Gupta, Sana Chaudhary

Turkish Journal of Botany

The genotoxic effect of 2,4-D was investigated in chicory (2n = 18). At 100 ppm concentration 4 variants differing in morphological traits were isolated and subjected to chromosomal analysis. Morphological variations in shape, height, and yield parameters were observed. Different cytological anomalies such as univalents, multivalents, bridges, laggards, chromosome stickiness, and polyads occurred in all 4 isolates. However, the frequency of these chromosomal irregularities decreased at anaphase, exhibiting recovery at later stages. Thus the above concentration of growth hormone 2,4-D can be effectively incorporated for raising viable mutants in this medicinally useful herb.

Evaluating The Influence Of Educational Videos And Printed Materials On Office Of Family Support Clients' Intentions To Select, Purchase, Prepare, And Consume Healthier Foods, Natasha Dee Pittman

LSU Master's Theses

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) is essential in providing eligible households with the right tools to adopt healthy eating and active lifestyle practices which are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid. Education in the OFS, where SNAP eligibility is assessed, is one means to preventing adversities which those in poverty often face. Out of concern for the lack of nutrition education being conducted in the OFS, along with the many distractions limiting clients’ ability to absorb and retain educational messages, the Food Stamp Office Resource Kit (FSORK) was developed. The FSORK includes a 20 minute video …

Exploring The Motivational Climate In The Rehabilitation Setting, Rachel Elizabeth Brinkman

Graduate Research Papers

The motivational climate is the environment that is created by teachers, coaches, and in this case, athletic trainers. In both education and sport, two different types of motivational climate (mastery and performance) have emerged. Previous research revealed that perceptions of a mastery climate were positively related to higher enjoyment, task-goal orientation, and the belief that effort leads to success. In contrast, higher perceptions of a performance climate have been related to lower enjoyment, an ego-goal orientation, and concerns with failing. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences in personal characteristics, as well as goal orientation differences were …

Program Design Consideration For A 8-Week Ymca Youth Fitness Program, Cody Bisher

Graduate Research Papers

It is known that obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that the amount of physical activity (PA) from adolescence to adulthood does impact adult obesity (Laitinen et. al., 2004). Laitinen found that low levels of physical activity in adolescence increased the prevalence of obesity in adulthood. Therefore it is critical that youths are active in early childhood through adulthood. Barbeau et al (2004) reviewed interventions designed to prevent obesity in youths. Their review found that physical training, with no dietary aide, has positive effects on total body mass fat and visceral fat, …

Bullying Prevention In Secondary Schools, John William Augustine

Graduate Research Papers

Many secondary students are negatively impacted from being bullied at school. Being bullied can impact a student's focus and cause psychological problems, along with many other negative consequences. Every school is impacted by bullying to some point and most schools have taken some type of intervention in order to prevent or address bullying. Teachers, administrators, counselors, parents, and students all have some impact on the school environment. Students impacted at school are the bullies, those bullied, and those that are bystanders. Some prevention strategies have tried to reduce bullying by focusing on a certain group. Bullying is a complex problem …

National Board Of Professional Teaching Standards (Nbts) Portfolio Option, Steven Aaron Hester

Graduate Research Papers

My non-thesis option for the Master's in Science Education program was to complete a portion of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Portfolio in the category of Science/ Adolescence and Young Adulthood. The NBPTS Portfolio has a set of standards that must be followed and as a teacher you must be proficient in all of them. The first standard is to prepare the way for productive student learning. To be proficient in this area one must show that they understand students, science, and science teaching. The second standard asks the teacher to establish a favorable context for student …

Curriculum Development: New Geology Course For Grades 10-12, Kyle N. Hoffman

Graduate Research Papers

At Linn-Mar High School, the science requirements for graduation are three years of science: Biology, a physical science and a science elective.

“Atmosphere And Climate”: A Curricular Guide For High School Environmental Science A Creative Component, Kari M. Schmidt

Graduate Research Papers

The unit examines different facets of atmosphere and climate as part of the Environmental Science curriculum. In cooperative learning groups, the students work on group and independent hands-on activities with math connections. A culminating assessment project conducted in cooperative learning groups utilizes student technology skills. Information for this unit was taken from various books and classes that I have studied throughout this Master's program. My intent when creating this unit was to help students understand the importance of asking the correct questions and thinking for themselves to solve problems.

The Impact Of Oral Language Activities In Preschool On Reading Competence In Kindergarten And Beyond, Melissa Sifert

Graduate Research Papers

The following literature review examined the impact of oral language activities in preschool concerning literacy competence in kindergarten and beyond. Four questions were addressed: (1) What is the role of oral language on reading achievement? (2) What instructional activities are important in promoting oral language skills crucial for later reading development? (3) What challenges do educators face when incorporating oral language activities in the preschool classroom? and (4) What are guidelines for integrating oral language activities in preschool? Recommendations for the advancement of oral language instruction in the education system were presented.

Problem-Based Learning In The Middle School Science Classroom, Lesley Taylorson

Graduate Research Papers

In 1995, US 12th graders performed below the international average for 21 countries on a test of general knowledge in mathematics and science. (National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 1998). In 2000, 93% of students in grades '5-9 were taught physical science by a teacher lacking a major or certification in the physical sciences (National Center for Education Statistics, 2002). U.S. 15-year-olds ranked 24th out of 40 countries that participated in a 2003 administration of the Program for International Student assessment (PISA) examination, which assessed students' ability to apply mathematical concepts to real world problems (National Center for Education Statistics, …

History Of Development And Characterization Of The U.S. Blackberry Market, Thais F. Carvalho, John R. Clark, Michael R. Thomsen

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

The fresh blackberry market within the United States has expanded significantly in the past 10 years based on the development of new cultivars with improved firmness and longer shelf life, permitting their shipment over long distances. Currently, blackberries maintain a nearly continuous presence on the shelves of grocery stores across the U.S., which was uncommon a decade ago. Increased consumption of blackberries is due to increased consumer desire for improved nutrition and diet along with expanded availability. Worldwide, producers have increased production with a 45% increase in area planted from 1995 to 2005. Further expansion has occurred since then. This …

Instructing For Fluency In The First Grade, Kim Vierkant

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review inquired as to how fluency relates to comprehension, what sub-skills are necessary to ensure the development of a fluent reader, and what the top two fluency intervention programs available were according to the What Works Clearinghouse. The author of this literature review used peer-reviewed literature, personal communications, and observations from her first grade classroom to come to the conclusion that beginning readers' fluency led to comprehension. But, when readers have a command over accuracy and fluency then comprehension and fluency were reciprocal skills. The author of this literature review goes on to depict the sub-skills needed to …

Effects Of Applied Behavior Analysis On Teaching Social Skills To Young Children With Autism, Michelle Yeggy

Graduate Research Papers

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 166 children are born with autism (Falco, 2008). With this continual increase of children being diagnosed there is a lot of pressure put on schools to provide the quality programming for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD have delays with their language and communication skills, social skills and theory of mind, and also these children have challenges with sensory processing. Rogers (2000) wrote that social dysfunction is the single most defining characteristic of autism, and it is also one of the most important to overcome. …

Shooting Under Pressure: How Pressure Affects The Shooting Percentage Of Men’S College Basketball Players, Brooks Joseph Mckowen

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this purposed study is to examine the effects of pressure on the shooting percentages of men's college basketball players in the Missouri Valley Conference. The correlation between the teams shooting percentage ( field goal percentage, three point percentage, and free throw percentage) and the following will be investigated: the score and time of game, game site (whether a team is home, away, or neutral), attendance, point in the season (first or second half of conference play), and conference standings (how far off the lead or close to the play in game in the conference tournament a team …

Donor Intent: An Examination Of The Pertinent Literature Between Donors And Charities And The Legalities Of Complying With The Donor’S Restrictions On Gifts, Sherry Kluender

Graduate Research Papers

Foundations and non profit organizations have a moral, ethical and legal responsibility to honor the donor's original intent with their gift. Unfortunately, there are several instances in the past few years that have shown charities in the public eye where they have intentionally broke the agreements with their donors, thus causing donor mistrust and creating legal battles that affect all organizations. This paper outlines what donor intent entails, the legal boundaries which organizations need to abide and their legal rights to break donor intent. Lastly, this literature review will cover ethical behavior and how to combat this growing trend. Ultimately, …