Undergraduate Scholarship in the College of Arts and Sciences 2003 Book of Abstracts

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students in the College of Arts and Sciences, I want to thank you for your interest in this collection of abstracts of undergraduate research for 2003. This collection is the first we have published, and we expect it to be number one in a long and increasingly impressive series. The importance of this collection is what it represents. These abstracts are the results of untold hours of hard work by students and faculty. Through that work, students have learned much about the research process, developed important critical and analytical thinking skills, improved writing abilities, and deepened relationships with faculty mentors. Many students have presented their research in classes, through seminars, and at professional meetings. In this work, faculty have been challenged to push students to do the best they can, to let them flounder as they struggle to solve the problems at hand, to hold them to deadlines, and to know how to encourage and when to scold. I know from personal experience that working together on meaningful research is a powerful way to build lasting relationships between students and faculty members.

An Investigation into Careless Errors Made by 7th Grade Mathematics Students

In this action research study, I investigated the careless errors made by my seventh-grade mathematics students on their homework and tests. Beyond analyzing the types of careless errors and the frequency at which they were made, I also analyzed my students’ attitudes toward reviewing their work before they turn it in and self-reflection about the quality of work that they were producing. I found that many students did not know how to review their test before turning it in; no one had ever taught them how to do so. However, when students were given tools to help them with this task, they were able to make strides towards reducing the number of careless errors that they made and began to turn in high quality work that demonstrated their understanding of the content that had been taught. As a result of this research, I plan to teach my students how to go back over their homework and tests before turning them in. I also intend to continue to use the tools that I have produced to encourage students to self-reflect on the work that they have done. Assessment is such an important piece of educating my students and the careless errors made on these assessments needed to be addressed.

Increasing Teacher Involvement with Other Teachers Through Reflective Interaction

In this action research study of a district’s mathematics teachers, the researcher investigated how teachers interact with other teachers in their building and throughout the district. The researcher wanted to know how deeply teachers thought about teaching mathematics, and if they use other teachers in the district as a resource to help with unknown math problems. The researcher discovered that some teachers are willing to interact with others, but would like to have time supplied to them during the school year’s staff development meetings. The teachers involved were able to observe each other teaching and take valuable strategies back to their own classrooms. As a result of this research, the researcher would like to see this study continued next year during staff development time. The support of the district and staff development are key to the success of this study.

Nebraska Cattlemen/Nebraska Cattle Women Conference

I’m so pleased to be here with you today, and I look forward to visiting and working with members of this group now and in the future. Since arriving in Nebraska nearly a year ago now on a snowy, blustery day, I’ve been delighted to take every opportunity that comes my way to get to know Nebraska and Nebraskans better. I want to know what you think are Nebraska’s greatest needs, now and in the future. I want to know how you think the University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources can help meet those needs. I seek ways all of us, working together, can find the most efficient and effective solutions for Nebraska’s concerns.

Nebraska Turfgrass Conference

I’m delighted to be here with you, and look forward to visiting with as many of you as possible both today and in the future. I’ve just completed one year in my job as University of Nebraska Vice President of agriculture and natural resources and Harlan Vice Chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and it has been a learning year for me. As I start this second year, I look forward to learning even more about Nebraska and its citizens, and one of the ways to best do this is to hear what you are thinking. I want to know what you consider Nebraska’s greatest needs, now and in the future. I want to know how you think the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources can help meet those needs. I seek ways all of us working together, can find efficient and effective solutions to Nebraska’s concerns, and I want to know your interests in our work – what you think we do well, what you think we could do better, what you think the needs of the future will be.

Annual Report of Nebraska's Reading First

Thi report summarizes the results of the first year of the Reading First Initiative in Nebraska. Results show that teachers and schools have made a real effort to change. Student performance in the earlier grades has shown great promise for the following years, however, growth in fluency and comprehension in grades 2 and 3 were not as impressive and require additional attention. Overall, students make at least a year’s progress in most schools and most demographic groups. Schools can make much better use of the data they were collecting and need further direction in this area The assessment results were triangulated by observations in the classrooms, interviews, and teacher responses to professional development- teachers know how to teach PA and the alphabetic principle but were still struggling with: finding time and effective strategies for fluency training teaching comprehension strategies teaching self monitoring. Growing gaps for SPED, Ethnic minorities, and ELL students suggest an emphasis on the secondary and tertiary levels of intervention in the schools.

Altas habilidades ou superdotação: um estudo em uma Diretoria de Ensino da rede estadual paulista

Special Education includes gifted students. There is a lack of resources and information for identification and care of such students. They were research objectives map students with giftedness characteristic in Elementary and Middle School in Bauru/SP, as well as verify what teachers know about the issue and if they know how to work with such students in their classrooms. This qualitative, quantitative and descriptive research was structured in three stages. Step A: an observation guide of gifted children, Guia de observação de crianças dotadas e talentosas. Step B: True or False questions on the subject. Step C, field diary. Two hundred and thirty one classes from 24 schools were evaluated and 477 students were identified with giftedness characteristic in at least one of six possible areas. Three hundred and one students were in Elementary School and 176 were in Middle School. In Step B, 280 teachers from 26 schools were part of this study and it is confirmed that they have theoretical knowledge on the subject because the number of hits on the main concepts (based on the literature) was superior to the number of misses. A 4th grade classroom, with a gifted girl, was observed in step C. It was found that the teacher pedagogical practice and the resources used are not different from the ones used with other students. Thus, it appears that the student has not received the curricular adaptations to assist her developing skills

Biblioteca escolar: espaço de formação inicial do leitor na educação infantil

The books are part of the school routine in the course of our lives, currently, we are the gateway to the processes of social literacy that begins with the presentation of these objects for babies and children in early childhood education (EI). This research has the main question: to know how are the libraries or reading rooms in Early Childhood Education Centres (CEI) of Botucatu. Thus, the overall goal is to understand, characterize and analyze the CEIs libraries Botucatu. What implies: investigate and analyze the existing legislation on school libraries, their approach to the reality of the CEIs and the official documents of early childhood education; To investigate the relationship between the child and the playful objects (books, toys etc.) and finally discover and describe the reality of School Libraries in CEIs studied. The research is qualitative orientation, more precisely a Case Study. The space, proper equipment and support provide a rich learning that will serve as the basis for school achievements. However, the offering of School Libraries and Reading Rooms in many cases it is not a reality. The survey took into account which of the schools have assets, how is the organization of space, the playful activities with learners users and which functions, training and professional responsibilities designated as responsible for School Library/Reading Room. It is noteworthy to say the official documents as a basis and motive of this research as well as the fulfillment of established targets and carried out by the municipal, state and national governments on the implementation of School Libraries in schools, with the help of programs like National Fund Development of Education (ENDF), National School Library program (PNBE) and the National Book and Reading Plan (PNLL)

Tokamak TCABR: Acquisition system, data analysis, and remote participation using MDSplus

Each plasma physics laboratory has a proprietary scheme to control and data acquisition system. Usually, it is different from one laboratory to another. It means that each laboratory has its own way to control the experiment and retrieving data from the database. Fusion research relies to a great extent on international collaboration and this private system makes it difficult to follow the work remotely. The TCABR data analysis and acquisition system has been upgraded to support a joint research programme using remote participation technologies. The choice of MDSplus (Model Driven System plus) is proved by the fact that it is widely utilized, and the scientists from different institutions may use the same system in different experiments in different tokamaks without the need to know how each system treats its acquisition system and data analysis. Another important point is the fact that the MDSplus has a library system that allows communication between different types of language (JAVA, Fortran, C, C++, Python) and programs such as MATLAB, IDL, OCTAVE. In the case of tokamak TCABR interfaces (object of this paper) between the system already in use and MDSplus were developed, instead of using the MDSplus at all stages, from the control, and data acquisition to the data analysis. This was done in the way to preserve a complex system already in operation and otherwise it would take a long time to migrate. This implementation also allows add new components using the MDSplus fully at all stages. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rationale and knowledge for the universal implementation of sanitation in areas of social vulnerability

The adoption of principles of equality and universality stipulated in legislation for the sanitation sector requires discussions on innovation. The existing model was able to meet sanitary demands, but was unable to attend all areas causing disparities in vulnerable areas. The universal implementation of sanitation requires identification of the know-how that promotes it and analysis of the model adopted today to establish a new method. Analysis of how different viewpoints on the restructuring process is necessary for the definition of public policy, especially in health, and understanding its complexities and importance in confirming social practices and organizational designs. These are discussed to contribute to universal implementation of sanitation in urban areas by means of a review of the literature and practices in the industry. By way of conclusion, it is considered that accepting a particular concept or idea in sanitation means choosing some effective interventions in the network and on the lives of individual users, and implies a redefinition of the space in which it exercises control and management of sewerage networks, such that connected users are perceived as groups with different interests.

Cryptic Species of the Anastrepha fraterculus Complex (Diptera: Tephritidae): A Multivariate Approach for the Recognition of South American Morphotypes

Although a large amount of data have been published in past years on the taxonomic status of the Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) species complex, there is still a need to know how many species this complex comprises, the distribution of each one, and their distinguishing features. In this study, we assessed the morphometric variability of 32 populations from the A. fraterculus complex, located in major biogeographical areas from the Neotropics. Multivariate techniques for analysis were applied to the measurements of 21 variables referring to the mesonotum, aculeus, and wing. For the first time, our results identified the presence of seven distinct morphotypes within this species complex. According to the biogeographical areas, populations occurring in the Mesoamerican dominion (Mexico, Guatemala, and Panama) were clustered within a single natural entity labeled as the "Mexican" morphotype; whereas in the northwestern South American dominion, samples fell into three distinct groups: the "Venezuelan" morphotype with a single population from the Caribbean lowlands of Venezuela, the "Andean" morphotype from the highlands of Venezuela and Colombia, and the third group or "Peruvian" morphotype comprised the samples from the Pacific coastal lowlands of Ecuador and Peru. Three additional groups were identified from the Chacoan and Paranaense sub-regions: the morphotype "Brazilian-1" was recognized as including the Argentinean samples with most pertaining to Brazil, and widely distributed in these biogeographical areas; the morphotype "Brazilian-2" was recognized as including two samples from the state of Sao Paulo (Ilha-Bela and Sao Sebastiao); whereas the morphotype "Brazilian-3" included a single population from Botucatu (state of Sao Paulo). Based on data published by previous authors showing genetic and karyotypic differentiation, as well as reproductive isolation, we have concluded that such morphotypes indeed represent natural groups and distinct taxonomic entities.

Local order and electronic structure of Pb1-xLaxZr0.40Ti0.60O3 materials and its relation with ferroelectric properties

The knowledge of electronic and local structures is a fundamental step towards understanding the properties of ferroelectric ceramics. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) of Pb1-xLaxZr0.40Ti0.60O3 ferroelectric samples was measured in order to know how the local order and electronic structure are related to their ferroelectric property, which was tailored by the substitution of lead by lanthanum atoms. The analysis of XANES spectra collected at Ti K- and L-edges XANES showed that the substitution of Pb by La leads to a decrement of local distortion around Ti atoms on the TiO6 octahedron. The analysis of O K-edge XANES spectra showed that the hybridization between O 2p and Pb 6sp states is related to the displacement of Ti atoms in the TiO6 octahedra. Based on these results, it is possible to determine that the degree of ferroelectricity in these samples and the manifestation of relaxor behavior are directly related to the weakening of O 2p and Pb 6sp hybridization. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4720472]

A presença de agentes intermediadores na formação de redes interorganizacionais: uma análise sob a perspectiva temporal

Nos estudos sobre redes interorganizacionais, existem esforços focados em entender a formação de redes, assunto esse que gera interesse dos formuladores de políticas públicas já que se busca no associativismo promovido pelo Estado e pelas iniciativas privadas, substância para impulsionar o desenvolvimento local. Diante disso, o objetivo do estudo foi verificar, por meio da formalização do Arranjo Produtivo Local (APL) de calçados de Birigüi (SP), se a presença desses agentes é essencial para a formação da rede interorganizacional. Como sustentações teóricas foram abordadas: a evolução temporal das redes; a Teoria Institucional aplicada às redes interorganizacionais; o capital social presente nos laços de relacionamento; a presença de agentes intermediários como coordenadores na governança das redes. A estratégia de pesquisa adotada baseou-se em entrevistas com 32% dos gestores das empresas que participavam formalmente do APL e com uma gestora do agente intermediador, além de observação e análises de pesquisas prévias sobre a industrialização de Birigüi. Como resultados verificou-se haver um legado regional que sustenta uma base de know-how para a industrialização de calçados. No entanto, percebeu-se que os interesses dos participantes do APL eram predominantemente comerciais, sem haver um nível de capital social e de institucionalização desenvolvidos a ponto de se criarem, de forma legítima, associações provenientes de vontades das próprias organizações. Sem esse ambiente institucional fortemente construído na região, não se verificou um racional claro para o associativismo, havendo a percepção de que os ganhos oriundos da participação na rede são futuros. Concluiu-se que a coordenação realizada por um agente intermediador tem poder de articulação limitado na formação de redes interorganizacionais se não existir uma institucionalização prévia que envolva, principalmente, valores e normas de capital social. Sem esses pré-requisitos, o agente intermediador pode acabar por ter funções de governança para ações assessórias da rede.

Repositório digital em biblioteca acadêmica: desafio na garantia de acesso para informações em saúde pública

Introdução: A Faculdade de Saúde Pública, assim como a Universidade de São Paulo, tem, na sua produção intelectual, literatura científica de relevância para a área da saúde, que sempre está a frente no desenvolvimento de tecnologia e na organização da informação. É importante que essa produção esteja acessível à sua comunidade, técnicos e profissionais da saúde, além da população em geral. A Biblioteca da FSP/USP, por ser uma das curadoras desse conhecimento, constitui-se, além de memória bibliográfica institucional de importância para a história da saúde pública brasileira, em uma fonte de informação valiosa, cujo acesso deve ser garantido. Objetivo: Apresentar o desenvolvimento de um repositório digital em uma biblioteca acadêmica. Métodos: A oportunidade da criação do repositório surgiu como parte de um projeto de infraestrutura de pesquisa da Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo. Na sua concepção foi previsto o uso da plataforma DSpace e o padrão de metadados Dublin Core, com adaptações. para sua implantação foram adquiridos: dois servidores e respectivos no-breaks, um “storage” com capacidade de 8 terabytes e dois escâneres com design especial para acomodação de lombadas. Uma equipe de informática responsabilizou-se pela instalação e configuração dos softwares, e a de marketing desenvolveu o design gráfico. Resultado e discussão: O repositório dispõe de cerca de 600 registros, com os devidos níveis de possibilidade de acesso – aberto, restrito ou embargado –, em fase de inauguração (prevista para 2012). A equipe do projeto é formada por profissionais com experiência e conhecimento em diversas áreas: metadados, preservação digital, usabilidade, design gráfico, marketing, direitos autorais, arquivamento de dados, backups, sistemas de autenticação e firewalls, entre outros. Parte da digitalização dos documentos foi executada por empresa especializada, que também treinou a equipe da Biblioteca, tendo sido digitalizadas, até o momento, 205.000 páginas. A Biblioteca instalou uma Oficina de Digitalização para dar continuidade ao repositório, que é atrelado à área de Desenvolvimento de Coleções. Além da produção intelectual da Faculdade, esse repositório conterá documentos da história do Estado de São Paulo e a do Brasil, no que se refere à informação científica em saúde publica. Entre sua concepção e implantação foram dois anos de trabalho da equipe da Biblioteca. Conclusões e comentários: O Repositório Digital da Biblioteca da FSP/USP foi desafiante desde sua concepção até o financiamento, capacitação e manutenção de equipes, entre eles a customização do DSpace. Da mesma forma, foi uma oportunidade para a equipe ampliar seu “know-how”. Os impactos positivos de um projeto desse porte incidem sobre o acesso ao conhecimento muito mais facilitado, de forma gratuita e universal, agregando maior valor aos registros das bases bibliográficas à medida que disponibiliza links para os textos completos, áudios, vídeos e imagens, para a divulgação da ciência.

Dry spell mitigation to upgrade semi-arid rainfed agriculture : Water harvesting and soil nutrient management for smallholder maize cultivation in Machakos, Kenya

Improvements in on-farm water and soil fertility management through water harvesting may prove key to up-grade smallholder farming systems in dry sub-humid and semi-arid sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). The currently experienced yield levels are usually less than 1 t ha-1, i.e., 3-5 times lower than potential levels obtained by commercial farmers and researchers for similar agro-hydrological conditions. The low yield levels are ascribed to the poor crop water availability due to variable rainfall, losses in on-farm water balance and inherently low soil nutrient levels. To meet an increased food demand with less use of water and land in the region, requires farming systems that provide more yields per water unit and/or land area in the future. This thesis presents the results of a project on water harvesting system aiming to upgrade currently practised water management for maize (Zea mays, L.) in semi-arid SSA. The objectives were to a) quantify dry spell occurrence and potential impact in currently practised small-holder grain production systems, b) test agro-hydrological viability and compare maize yields in an on-farm experiment using combinations supplemental irrigation (SI) and fertilizers for maize, and c) estimate long-term changes in water balance and grain yields of a system with SI compared to farmers currently practised in-situ water harvesting. Water balance changes and crop growth were simulated in a 20-year perspective with models MAIZE1&2. Dry spell analyses showed that potentially yield-limiting dry spells occur at least 75% of seasons for 2 locations in semi-arid East Africa during a 20-year period. Dry spell occurrence was more frequent for crop cultivated on soil with low water-holding capacity than on high water-holding capacity. The analysis indicated large on-farm water losses as deep percolation and run-off during seasons despite seasonal crop water deficits. An on-farm experiment was set up during 1998-2001 in Machakos district, semi-arid Kenya. Surface run-off was collected and stored in a 300m3 earth dam. Gravity-fed supplemental irrigation was carried out to a maize field downstream of the dam. Combinations of no irrigation (NI), SI and 3 levels of N fertilizers (0, 30, 80 kg N ha-1) were applied. Over 5 seasons with rainfall ranging from 200 to 550 mm, the crop with SI and low nitrogen fertilizer gave 40% higher yields (**) than the farmers’ conventional in-situ water harvesting system. Adding only SI or only low nitrogen did not result in significantly different yields. Accounting for actual ability of a storage system and SI to mitigate dry spells, it was estimated that a farmer would make economic returns (after deduction of household consumption) between year 2-7 after investment in dam construction depending on dam sealant and labour cost used. Simulating maize growth and site water balance in a system of maize with SI increased annual grain yield with 35 % as a result of timely applications of SI. Field water balance changes in actual evapotranspiration (ETa) and deep percolation were insignificant with SI, although the absolute amount of ETa increased with 30 mm y-1 for crop with SI compared to NI. The dam water balance showed 30% productive outtake as SI of harvested water. Large losses due to seepage and spill-flow occurred from the dam. Water productivity (WP, of ETa) for maize with SI was on average 1 796 m3 per ton grain, and for maize without SI 2 254 m3 per ton grain, i.e, a decerase of WP with 25%. The water harvesting system for supplemental irrigation of maize was shown to be both biophysically and economically viable. However, adoption by farmers will depend on other factors, including investment capacity, know-how and legislative possibilities. Viability of increased water harvesting implementation in a catchment scale needs to be assessed so that other down-stream uses of water remains uncompromised.