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This research exposed gaps in the current literature for online learning and transformative pedagogical strategies in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs. These voids were explored, and new blended strategies were provided to encourage online educators to develop effective pedagogical designs in STEM programs. Online education is no longer thought of as a passing trend, but as a viable alternative to traditional educational teaching methods. STEM educators need to develop online learning platforms that are flexible and effective, that enrich the student's experience while not diminishing the intellectual growth of the learner. This will help build learner cohesion and a more stable and effective learning environment, one that has the opportunity to develop into a community of learning. Research indicates that the STEM areas of study require a different pedagogical design than those in other curricula such as liberal arts and social science programs, specifically in the area of developing Higher Order Cognitive Skills (HOCS) in learners. This paper focuses on the pedagogical designs that will enable universities to successfully establish STEM online learning programs at their institutions.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability of vitamin K1 oral liquids in Sterile Water for Injection when stored in amber glass bottles and amber plastic syringes under refrigerated conditions. Four 100-mL batches of vitamin K1 in Sterile Water for Injection were prepared in amber glass bottles to protect from light. One of the batches was divided into 1-mL aliquots, using amber plastic oral syringes, and capped. The prepared bottles and syringes were stored in a laboratory refrigerator. On each day of sampling, 1-mL aliquots were removed from each bottle and mixed with an equal volume of ethanol. Likewise, the contents of sample syringes were mixed with ethanol to achieve an assay concentration of 0.5 mg/mL. Recovery of vitamin K1 in the compounded samples was quantified against a United States Pharmacopeia reference standard. Quantification was achieved using a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolent light detection method. Product stability is defined as 90% to 110% of the initial concentration. The percent recovery in the Sterile Water for Injection preparations in glass bottles remained above 90% for the 105-day duration of the study, but some samples stored in amber plastic syringes fell below 90% on day 21. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference (2-way ANOVA, P0.0001) emerged between syringes at day 0 and day 30, and this trend continued through the day 60, 90, and 105 samples. The only statistically significant difference found within the bottle-stored samples occurred on day 105 (versus zero, P = 0.0465), but the recovery on day 105 still exceeded 90%. Vitamin K1 in Sterile Water for Injection, stored in a refrigerated amber glass bottle, is stable for 105 days. This preparation can also be stored in amber plastic syringes, but this decreases the beyond-use date to 14 days.

Purpose Beyond-use dating (BUD) of lidocaine alone and in two “magic mouthwash” preparations stored in amber oral syringes at room temperature was determined. Methods Two formulations of mouthwash containing oral topical lidocaine 2% (viscous), diphenhydramine 2.5 mg/mL, and aluminum hydroxide–magnesium hydroxide–simethicone were prepared in 1:1:1 and 1:2.5:2.5 ratios, divided into 3-mL samples, and stored in unit-dose oral amber syringes. Unit-dose single-product lidocaine samples were also prepared to serve as controls and stored in oral amber syringes. The lidocaine concentrations in these samples were measured periodically for 90 days. A stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed and validated for system suitability, accuracy, repeatability, intermediate precision, specificity, linearity, and robustness. Results Based on the calculated percentages versus the initial concentration and the results from an analysis of variance comparing the two formulations, a BUD of 21 days is deemed appropriate for both magic mouthwash formulations. Based on the stability data, published safety concerns, and lack of efficacy in combination, packaging and dispensing lidocaine separately from other ingredients are recommended when administering magic mouthwash mixtures. Utilizing a 90-day BUD, lidocaine can be packaged separately from other magic mouthwash ingredients in individual dosage units and applied to the oral cavity using the swish-and-spit method. The delivery of the diphenhydramine and aluminum hydroxide–magnesium hydroxide–simethicone could be separated, allowing for a swish-and-swallow method of administration. Conclusion A BUD of 21 days is recommended for lidocaine prepared with diphenhydramine and aluminum hydroxide–magnesium hydroxide–simethicone in ratios of 1:1:1 and 1:2.5:2.5 and stored at room temperature in amber oral plastic syringes.

Textbooks are an essential component of student education, often forming the basis for all information presented in a given class. Introductory texts cannot possibly cover all relevant material, but what is included speaks volumes. Given the prevalence of stalking and cyberstalking in society, this is an important issue for inclusion in introductory criminology and criminal justice classes. An analysis of 20 criminology and 12 criminal justice textbooks is done to determine what students are learning about this prevalent social problem. Specifically, we aim to evaluate whether stalking and cyberstalking are covered, determine the theories associated with the issues, and assess the textbook location in which the issue is covered. Results indicate slight coverage of stalking and cyberstalking in introductory texts.