Best Selling Books by Taylor A

The Mathematics Countdown Coach helps students use a 4-step problem-solving process, Gather, Organize, Answer, and Look Back, and clearly explains key problem-solving strategies. This Coach is aligned To The NCTM Standards, teaches critical skills, and fully prepares students for standardized math tests.Each student text contains three Practice Tests - Guided Practice, Practice with Hints, and Independent Practice. In Guided Practice, each question provides an appropriate strategy, As well as detailed hints on how to solve the problem. The Practice with Hints section includes a suggested strategy and a less detailed hint. The Independent Practice section gives students an opportunity to solve problems without help. Practice on all assessment forms is included-multiple-choice, gridded response, short response and extended response.The instruction in Mathematics Countdown Coach reflects NCTM content and process standards, The same standards used by states to align their state-specific curriculum. This series fully complements our state-specific Coach materials. After students learn essential skills from the Coach text, they can use the Countdown for additional practice.

Will it be Lady Nefertiti or Lady Kiya? Will it be the cult of Hathor or the cult of Sekhmet? Will it be the cult of Amun or the cult or Re? Will Aye take over? Will Amenophis III maintain order? Will Amenophis IV be just another king? It''s 1345 BC- Egypt. Will there be... the Aten?

Are you ready to transform your health and beauty from within? Dive into a culinary journey designed to nourish your body and elevate your glow with THE COLLAGEN CUISINE FOR WOMEN. This cookbook is your ultimate guide to harnessing the power of collagen-rich foods for radiant skin, stronger joints, and overall wellness. AMONG ITS IMPORTANCE ARE: - Boost collagen production naturally for youthful skin and hair. - Support joint health and flexibility for an active lifestyle. - Enhance gut health and digestion for overall well-being. - Improve nail and bone strength for long-lasting vitality. - Reduce inflammation and promote healing for a healthier you. Packed with mouthwatering recipes, each dish is crafted to tantalize your taste buds while delivering a potent dose of collagen goodness. From savory soups and salads to indulgent desserts and beverages, every bite is a step towards a more vibrant you. Embrace the collagen revolution today! Elevate your cooking and elevate your life with THE COLLAGEN CUISINE FOR WOMEN. Discover the delicious path to radiant skin, stronger health, and a more vibrant you. Your journey to beauty and wellness starts here. Grab your copy now and open the secrets of collagen cuisine!

We study the key drivers of security design in the residential mortgage-backed security (RMBS) market during the run-up to the subprime mortgage crisis. We show that deals with a higher level of equity tranche have a significantly lower delinquency rate conditional on observable loan characteristics. The effect is concentrated within pools with a higher likelihood of asymmetric information between deal sponsors and potential buyers of the securities. Further, securities that are sold from high-equity-tranche deals command higher prices conditional on their credit ratings. Overall, our results show that the goal of security design in this market was not only to exploit regulatory arbitrage, but also to mitigate information frictions that were pervasive in this market.

Little research has been conducted on alterations or disturbances to beaver ponds, which is important to understanding beavers'' interactions with the environment. Three sites with beaver-pond sequences in Glacier National Park in northwest Montana were chosen for study, including sites near Saint Mary Lake, Lake Sherburne, and Lower Two Medicine Lake. The Saint Mary Lake site was subjected to an extensive forest fire in the watershed in 2006. The latter two sites are adjacent to human-constructed reservoirs. Aerial photos were used to create maps in a Geography Information System for all three site locations over a twenty year span from 1991-2011. Statistical analysis compared average pond areas of beaver-pond sequences between sites, as well as a comparison of average area of pond sequences between years and site locations. Analysis proved that the Lower Two Medicine is statistically different in average area of pond sequences when compared to the other sites, but no statistical difference in beaver-pond area existed between the Saint Mary and Lake Sherburne sites. There was also no statistical difference between area of ponds when compared to different years. Varying lake levels because of irrigation draw-down at Lake Sherburne and Lower Two Medicine created a dynamic base level, whereas the local base level for the Saint Mary ponds remains relatively constant year round. The fluctuating base levels of Lower Two Medicine and Lake Sherburne ensure dynamic environments for the creek systems, and the ponds along it. The Saint Mary Ponds appear to be undergoing rapid siltation following the 2006 forest fire within the drainage basin.

The idea of sustainable eating to lower diet-related environmental impacts has become an emerging topic of interest. However, little is known about how American college students interact with the concept of sustainable eating. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between sustainable eating involvement (SEI) and sustainable eating behaviors (SEB) as well as examine how sustainable eating barriers influence the ability to perform these SEB in college students at a Midwest university. A four-part questionnaire was distributed to students of a Midwest university sample, which included Zakowska-Biemans et al.''s Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale, Van Loo et al.''s Sustainable Eating Involvement scale, and a barriers scale based on previous literature. Using the sum scores for each scale, Pearson''s r correlation examined relationships between desired variables. In addition, a multiple linear regression was conducted to determine which specific SEBs predicted SEI. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.583, p ≤ 0.001) was found between SEB and SEI, and a moderate negative correlation (r = -0.516, p ≤ 0.001) was found between SEB and sustainable eating barriers. The linear regression found four SEB that predicted SEI: meat reduction, quality labels, animal welfare, and a healthy & balanced diet. The relationships in this study suggest that higher SEB is associated with high SEI and low sustainable eating barriers. Therefore, interventions aimed at lessening the burden of barriers and engaging students with concepts of sustainable eating are crucial as changing dietary patterns becomes a more prevalent way of participating in the environmental movement.

"This study explores the CIDA design school''s curriculum, specifically in relation to tactile and digital courses, and the preferences of the professional interior designer. One of the major goals of this study is to provide additional insight into the contemporary interior design practice, as well as the preferences and opinions of professionals on tactile and digital skill sets. This study will highlight the opinions and preferences of the interior design professionals, as well as provide insight into educator''s perspectives on curriculum''s strengths and weaknesses. Future studies on this subject could help educators develop curriculums that benefit the current student, best prepare graduates for the work force, and cater to the entry level design position requirements. This research addresses the CIDA requirements, the percentage of course type and focus in three analyzed curriculums, as well as the responses of design professionals and educators to the topic of curriculums, digital and tactile skill and professional preferences. This study utilizes a mixed methods approach using both quantitative and qualitative means in a two-phase exploratory methodology. The first phase of this study thoroughly examined the curriculums of CIDA accredited interior design programs, focusing on the percentage and type of courses taught, concentrating on digital versus tactile course focus. The sample for this phase included the CIDA accredited design programs from three schools; Chatham University, Mount Ida College, and New York School of Interior Design. The second phase consists of two online surveys that evaluate digital and tactile requirements within the field and in current design school education. The survey sample included both interior design professionals and educators. Both surveys addressed how tactile and digital courses influence professional practice as well as investigate views on curriculum and graduate skill set. Furthermore, this exploratory study developed a basis for future research. The problem statement and surrounding questions were explored. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the contemporary designers? Is what is being taught in design school being used in today''s entry-level interior design practice? Future research topics include: the connection of tactile courses and creative learning, digital hierarchy within curriculums, the design student learning style and curriculum''s connection to design thinking skills. A major finding of this exploratory study is that the combination of CIDA required and professional requested courses overwhelm a typical 120 credit, four-year interior design program." -- Abstract.

A multitude of research has already been conducted on the concept of cohesion in sport with the majority of research looking at the relationship between cohesion and performance. It has been found that the correlation between cohesion and performance is moderately strong and positive; however, little research has been conducted on potential antecedents and moderators that influence the development of cohesion. Three potential environmental inputs that have been scarcely found in the sport literature include previous success, tenure and group size. Usually analyzed at the same time as other variables of interest, research on success and cohesion in sport has found that for winning teams, cohesion remained consistent throughout the sport season while those on losing teams saw a decrease in cohesion over this same time period. Concentrated in the business domain, increased tenure has been shown to provide greater overall team stability and greater social cohesion. Research on group size has found that increases in the number of individuals on a sport team decreases cohesion while small to medium sized exercise classes provide enough social opportunities but larger classes see these opportunities decrease. When used as a moderator, the type of team has been found to not moderate the cohesion-performance relationship. With limited knowledge on antecedents of cohesion along with the potential moderation effect of team type and the changes in cohesion over time, the purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between previous season success, team tenure and group size and cohesion, see if team type moderates these relationships and explore how cohesion changes over time. It is hypothesized that the relationship between group size and cohesion will be negative while the relationships between previous success and cohesion along with tenure and cohesion will be positive. Additionally, the relationships between the three environmental variables of interest and cohesion will be stronger for those on coactive teams compared to interactive teams. A total of 118 current NCAA student-athletes partook in this study of which 57 were from coactive teams and 61 were from interactive teams. Participants completed an online Qualtrics composed of three sections: demographics, environmental inputs and the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) to assess cohesion. At the end of this questionnaire, participants were asked if they were willing to partake in an additional questionnaire, containing only the GEQ, to contribute to the exploration of cohesion over time. Of the 118 total participants, 86 agreed to partake in the second questionnaire four weeks later with 37 responses recorded. Multiple regression analyses, the PROCESS macro and a paired samples t-test were conducted to see if there are any relationships between the environmental inputs and cohesion, if team type moderates these relationships and to explore changes in cohesion over four weeks respectively. Analyses found that previous success was a positive predictor for both Group Integration subscales of cohesion. Additionally, team type was found to moderate the relationship between tenure and both ATG cohesion subscales with tenure being found to be a significant predictor for the task cohesion subscales (ATG-T and GI-T) and team type being an additional predictor of ATG-T. While no significant relationships were found between tenure and ATG-S for both coactive and interactive teams along with the relationship between tenure and ATG-T for interactive teams, there was a significant negative relationship found between tenure and ATG-T for coactive teams. It was also found that cohesion did not significantly differ between the initial questionnaire and the second questionnaire administered four weeks later. Keywords: cohesion; NCAA; previous success; tenure; group size; moderation; team type; longitudinal; coactive; interactive

Chapter I. We employed a rapid and low-cost trait introgression methodology to transfer broad-spectrum genetic resistance to bacterial spot (Xanthamonas spp.) across tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) market classes. High-density genotyping of finished lines confirmed resistance introgression and background genome recovery but uncovered cryptic introgressions lurking in the background genome. Near-isogenic fresh market breeding lines were evaluated for horticultural performance and multi-race bacterial spot resistance, demonstrating both race non-specific and race-specific resistance. Digital fruit image analysis revealed subtle changes in tomato fruit quality characteristics and yield trials found differences in maturity that were associated with bacterial spot resistance haplotypes. Chapter II. We investigated the genetic determinants of early blight (Alternaria linariae) resistance in modern tomato breeding lines. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with early blight resistance were detected in cross-market breeding populations and offered substantial protection against stem lesions (collar rot) and moderate protection against defoliation. Subsequent field trials validated the three most promising QTL, EB-1.2, EB-5, and EB-9. Resistance effects for EB-5 and EB-9 were consistent across breeding populations and environments, while EB-1.2''s effect was population-specific. We developed near-isogenic fresh market tomato lines and found their resistance to be largely mediated by EB-5 and EB-9, together capturing 49.0% and 68.7% of the defoliation and stem lesion variance, respectively. Chapter III. Whole-genome resequencing of modern tomato breeding lines paired with efficient local ancestry inference revealed cryptic early blight resistance introgressions that were traced to specific donors. Early blight stem lesion and foliar resistance from EB-9 was traced to the vintage tomato Devon Surprise, which is probably derived from Ailsa Craig. Foliar resistance from EB-5 was traced to Hawaii 7998. Definition of the shared ancestral haplotypes enabled fine mapping of the resistance loci and the identification of candidate variants possibly underlying resistance. Co-analysis with resequencing data for 769 accessions predicted EB-9 resistance in several vintage and cherry tomatoes. Foliar EB-5 resistance was rare among sequenced tomatoes and was not detected with high confidence in any accession. Similarly, we found little evidence of introgression from Solanum habrochaites PI 126445 in modern tomatoes, despite being a commonly cited source of resistance.

The written word is a fundamental part of society as it has been integrated into virtually every occupation and many recreational activities. Visual discomfort, or asthenopia, results from regular near work styled tasks such as reading. This in particular is problematic for individuals that need to read on a daily basis. The current study aims to compare reading on different technologies, including virtual reality, computers, tablets, and paper, and how they impact asthenopia symptoms and reading retention and rates. Participants were given a survey that measures asthenopia symptoms before and after the task as well as optometric measurements to measure the level of strain on the visual system. Following this, participants read for 30 minutes using one of the previously mentioned technologies. Retention was also measured through a brief reading quiz. Data show that there are significant differences between mediums on asthenopia symptoms where virtual reality has the highest amount of reported symptoms. Results also indicate that reading speed is not significantly different across mediums. No significant differences in retention were found. These results suggest that reading with virtual reality have the largest amount of visual discomfort associated with reading. There were also no significant differences in optometric measurements indicating all mediums had the same level of strain on the visual system. Although these results are non-significant, they indicate a larger understanding of how the visual system analyzes different displays of text in the same way. While the results from the optometric evaluations conflict with the self-report surveys, this indicates that the discomfort felt by readers may not be only due to visual system strain and needs further exploration.

Broken Open is a collection of short stories, four of which deal with culpability and the unexpected transformations that occur when blame, either unintended or deliberately invoked, is exposed and finally understood. The remaining two stories concern relationships that turn out to be gifts, as well as painful learning experiences. In "Other Living Creatures," one family contends with post traumatic stress disorder as another implodes following the death of a young soldier in Vietnam. "Hunters" deals with the unconscious motivations that leave a father resentful and unable to forge a relationship with his son. In "Bardenbrook," an accidental death is the impetus for blame and, finally, forgiveness. Rage acts as a catalyst in "The Summoning," the story of a lesbian couple''s struggle to accept the reality of breast cancer shortly before one of the partners undertakes a transformative journey as her death approaches. The two remaining stories in Broken Open deal with the protagonists finding their voices. In "Sunday Wars," a girl begins to think for herself, and in "Beyond the Parking Lot," a woman comes to terms with the restraints, self-imposed and otherwise, that have held her captive for most of her life. Each character in Broken Open struggles, perseveres, grows and, ultimately, flourishes. Despite sorrow, pain, and unexpected loss, being broken open leads them, as it does us all, if we let it, to the richest places within.

With the recent legalization of marijuana in Colorado and Washington State, and the decriminalization in several other states, it is time to reflect on the existing research pertaining to marijuana. Forty-nine percent (49%) of Americans, 12 years and older, admitted to using marijuana and over eight million reported to have used marijuana at least once in February 2015 (Pew Research Center 2015). I explore in this thesis how a sample of recreational marijuana users perceive changing attitudes and how they internalize existing norms. The purpose of this thesis will be to explore the internalization of norms, and its lingering effects while also revealing implications as a result of stigmatization that the marijuana user must process.

Credit rating agencies emphasize the importance of specific financial ratio thresholds in their rating process. Firms below these thresholds are more likely to receive higher ratings than similar firms that are not. I show that firms near key Debt/EBITDA thresholds are significantly more likely to reduce R &D and SG &A expenditures (boosting EBITDA) prior to bond issuance compared to observationally similar firms not near a threshold. Subsequently, they are more likely to experience declines in patent productivity, profitability, and Tobin''s Q. These distortions highlight an important cost of arm''s-length financing and an adverse consequence of transparency in credit rating criteria.

This project is an exploration of artistic identity and the role of integrated arts in the formation and professional development of an art therapist. This is an in-depth review of integrated arts for personal growth and professional development viewed through the framework of the artist-as-therapist approach to clinical practice. The role of performance in personal and professional development is also discussed, and the opportunities it affords the student or therapist in strengthening self-awareness and becoming a more diverse clinical practitioner. This project proposes that the integration of creative arts into personal artistic and professional processing leads to an increased sense of self-awareness and the foundation for an overall more effective clinical practice.

Data were analyzed and discussed in detail. Implications for practice and recommendations for future research in teacher preparation is provided.

Lymphocyte cytosolic protein 1 (lcp1 or L-plastin) is a small actin-bundling protein that is typically only expressed in motile leukocytes, such as neutrophils and macrophages. However, it is also overexpressed in cancer cells, which may be related to tumor metastasis. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, our lab has created zebrafish that are genetic knockouts for lcp1 in order to better understand the relationship between L-plastin and cell motility. Previous studies on L-plastin knockout mice have shown that the mutants have a decreased immune response, and therefore I predicted that our zebrafish mutants might have impaired development or distribution of immune cells. Other experiments have demonstrated that decreasing lcp1 in tumor cells in mice decreases the growth, invasiveness, and metastasis of cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Inducing tumors in the zebrafish mutant might show decreased tumor penetrance, which would further confirm the relationship between lcp1 expression and cancer. Finally, I investigated the entire transcriptome of the lcp1 mutant zebrafish embryos and compared that to the wildtype transcriptome using RNA-seq. This provides information about any genes that may be differentially expressed in the mutant in order to compensate for the lack of lcp1 mRNA. Overall, this study aims to further characterize lcp1 mutant zebrafish in terms of their distribution of immune cells, susceptibility to tumors, as well as differences in their transcriptome in comparison to wildtype zebrafish. This data can expand on the current knowledge of the role of lcp1 in hematopoiesis and cancer, as well as adding new understanding to the dynamic between lcp1 and other genes in the transcriptome in relation to transcriptional adaptation.

Conclusions: Compressive myofascial release significantly increases hamstring flexibility acutely after a single treatment, in participants with range of motion deficits. These results may suggest that adding multiple treatments or adding other interventions may increase results even more. Clinicians should consider adding compressive myofascial release in rehabilitation protocols for athletes with dorsiflexion deficits.