Is the STEM gender gap closing?

The Networking for Science Advancement (NSA) team's institutions consist of nine universities located in one large southwestern state. This study evaluated students enrolled from Spring 2017 to Fall 2019 in first- and second-semester general chemistry. Over 90% of the students (n = 6,694) have been exposed to a secondary school isomorphic curriculum. The population studied, Chem I (n = 4,619) and Chem II (n = 2,075), met entry-level criteria and are therefore expected to succeed (i.e., earn grades of A, B or C). This study's focus is to disaggregate data based on binary gender (M/F) in hopes of revealing patterns that might remain hidden when studying an undivided population. In Chem I, the female population was 59.6% and increased to 64.5% for Chem II. The 15-min., diagnostic Math-Up Skills Test’s (MUST) scores identified about half of all students who were unsuccessful (grades of D and F). Results from the study support that males enter Chem I and II with better automaticity skills (what can be done without using a calculator) than females. However, females outperformed males on course averages in Chem I but not Chem II. Our data provide supporting evidence that the gender gap may be closing.

Associations between Suicide Behaviors and Religiosity in Young Adults

The purpose of this study was to examine associations between suicide ideation, parental relation- ships, and religiosity among young adults. An online survey was administered to students (n=775) from colleges and universities in a southwestern state measuring suicide ideation, protective assets of parental relationships, and religiosity beliefs. Odds ratios analysis revealed a significant inverse association between religiosity and suicide ideation. Overall, higher rates religiosity appears to be associated with lower bouts of suicide ideation in the last 12 months. Addition of religious/spirituality-oriented tools may be important to incorporate in mental health interventions for those young adults that report having greater religiosity.

Geographic information system for the accumulation and processing of data on road accidents

The number of incidents unaccounted for in-state statistics is determined at 92.5%, and the problems arising as a result of such incidents are listed. The structure and interface of an application developed by the employees of the Southwestern State University, which is a geographic information system for accumulating and processing data on road accidents, is presented. A list of information that must be entered into the application is presented, as well as the ability to sort by the required parameters.

An Examination of Probation Officer Tasks by Officer-Caseload Type

Prior research regarding probation officer roles and tasks has included statutory analyses, time studies, and computation of daily tasks in relation to risk level of offenders. However, there is limited research investigating specific proportions of probation officer tasks by officer caseload type. The current study builds on existing literature by providing an initial investigation into the daily tasks of adult probation officers of a medium-sized, tri-county probation department in a Southwestern state. For all officers, only 26% of tasks involved face-to-face contact with probationers. While regular caseload officers had the largest caseloads, specialized officers were more likely to supervise high-risk individuals. Court officers had the lowest proportion of face-to-face contact with probationers among the three groups. There were some significant differences in tasks observed between specialized and court officers and no statistically significant differences between regular officers and specialized officers. Recommendations for changes in probation practice are provided.

Pseudonannolene canastra sp. nov. (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida) – a new troglobitic millipede from the southwestern state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Pseudonannolene is a neotropical genus of millipedes distributed in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia. Generally, species of Pseudonannolene are considered troglophilic, i.e., they can establish a source population in both subterranean and superficial habitats. Among the 60 species known, 49 are found in Brazil; out of these, 25 occur in caves but only three are considered troglobitic (source population exclusively subterranean). This study aims to describe the fourth troglobitic species of Pseudonannolene from Brazil, and the first one from the region of Serra da Canastra, in the southeastern part of Brazil.

Perceptions and Practice of Early Diagnosis of Sickle Cell Disease by Parents and Physicians in a Southwestern State of Nigeria

Background. Early sickle cell disease (SCD) diagnosis has shown promise in combating SCD in many countries. The aim of this study was to assess the practice and perception of early SCD diagnosis among a group of parents and physicians in Nigeria. Patients and Methods. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted to assess the opinions and practice of early diagnosis of SCD among 135 physicians caring for SCD patients and 164 mothers of children with SCD in a southwestern state of Nigeria. Results. Most physicians 132 (97.8%) were aware of prenatal SCD diagnosis, but only 51 (37.8%) would recommend it. Most physicians 129 (95.6%) routinely recommend premarital SCD genetic counseling and testing, and 89 (65.1%) were aware of the national government newborn screening program but lesser proportion 75 (55.6%) were willing to recommend it. Amongst the mothers, 154 (94%) and 158 (96%) had encountered genetic counseling for SCD and were willing to offer newborn screening to their children, respectively. On the contrary, fewer mothers 42 (25%) were aware of prenatal SCD diagnosis, 28 (17%) were willing to partake in it, and 44 (26%) were undecided. There were discrepancies in the willingness by physicians to practice early SCD diagnosis and its uptake by mothers (p<0.0001). The commonest reason given by both the physicians and mothers for not practicing SCD prenatal diagnosis was the high cost of the procedure. Conclusion. The perceptions and practice of early SCD diagnosis was suboptimal in the study locality. Scaling up awareness and universal coverage are required.

Learner Perceptions of Open Pedagogy in a Psychology Course

A research and course re-design project was undertaken to document, evaluate, and report the effects of implementing an OER-enabled pedagogy project in a psychology course within Georgia Southwestern State University. The project involved redesigning alternative and ‘renewable assignments' in a course using open textbooks to replace some paper writing assignments that are ‘disposable.' Data was gathered from 42 students enrolled in the course, including surveys, student reviews, and instructor feedback. Results indicated that students prefer the renewable assignments, which helped them better understand the content and prepare for the exams. They also like to be involved in the decision process, such as the choice of assignment, including the questions they created in the exams. Feedback from instructors indicated that effort and time was about the same or slightly more effective in terms of course preparation, implementation, and student performance. However, students' engagement was increased, and improvements can certainly be made for next semester.