Digital Commons Network^™

Impact Of Hdac Inhibitors On The Efficiency Of Cardiomyocyte Differentiation, Lauren Mary Sargent

Honors Theses and Capstones

Heart disease and injury is the leading cause of death worldwide, with much of its severity caused by the low regenerative capacity of cardiomyocytes (CMs). One of the strategies to counteract the poor regeneration of CMs is the production of CMs via differentiating stem cells. However, the low efficiency of obtaining CMs from stem cells is an issue because there are numerous inconsistencies in the process. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been researched as ways to increase efficiency of CM differentiation by increasing histone acetylation, and thereby allowing differentiation to occur more efficiently. In this study, the HDAC inhibitor, trichostatin …

Tbp1: An Essential Regulator Of Transcription In Toxoplasma Gondii, Robert Kelly

Master's Theses and Capstones

Transcription is well-conserved across eukaryotes, lending itself to countless studies in model organisms. Still, some early-diverging eukaryotes, such as Apicomplexans, continue to deviate from canonical gene expression. One such Apicomplexan is the single-celled parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma maintains many elements of conventional eukaryotic transcription but demonstrates a relatively short 8-hour replication time. This suggests that transcription is tightly regulated in these parasites, consistent with their ability to differentiate between life stages per the demand of the host environment. Transcription initiation has, however, remained elusive in Toxoplasma. The formation of a preinitiation complex (PIC) has not been characterized as the parasites …

Increasing Pediatric Vaccination Rates Through Parental Education At A Federally Qualified Community Health Center: An Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Project, Dayna Dicola

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Childhood immunization rates for children aged 2 years and under at a community health center were assessed and determined to be below optimal levels. Immunizations protect against preventable diseases (Hill, 2023). The project assessed the microsystem to understand low immunization rates and to guide strategies for improvement.

Methods: The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model was used. In the planning phase, key stakeholders were consulted to assess current rates and barriers contributing to immunization rates. The chosen intervention was placed simplified immunization schedules in pediatric exam rooms to educate parents and promote adherence.

Intervention: A visual guide detailing the recommended vaccination schedule …

Marketing Water Friendly Services, Julia Peterson

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

The Loss Of An Enemy: Brooklyn Nine-Nine And The Five Stages Of Grief, Anna Drabik

Comm-entary

This essay examines how sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine explores what it means to grieve the loss of someone who wasn’t necessarily a friend or a foe through the theoretical lens of The Five Stages of Grief. It begins with a brief explanation of what the Five Stages Theory is, followed by an outline of the tumultuous history between Captain Raymond Holt and Acting Commissioner Madeline Wuntch, describing their rivalry and placing it into the larger context of the show. Then, the piece follows Holt through each of the five stages after Wuntch’s unexpected death in season 7, episode 7, titled “Ding …

Sexism, Racism, And Classism In Netflix’S Docuseries Formula 1: Drive To Survive, Grace Cushing

Comm-entary

This essay critically analyzes Netflix’s sports docuseries Formula 1: Drive to Survive. Netflix’s docuseries dramatizes Formula One, which is arguably the highest level of international motorsport. Through strategic portrayals of events in and surrounding the sport, Netflix creates an entertaining but incomplete narrative of different Formula One seasons. This analysis examines the sexism, racism, and classism that are not only present in Formula One, but which also undermine the docuseries. Formula One is known to be a male-dominated, primarily white, and economically elite sport. This essay evaluates the various features of Formula 1: Drive to Survive that perpetuate these traits …

American Express: Small Business Saturday, Sean Surrick

Comm-entary

This essay discusses the public relations campaign Small Business Saturday. Originating in 2010 as a response to economic downturns and aimed at spotlighting local businesses, this annual event has transcended its corporate origins to become a celebrated national holiday. This essay delves into the evolution and significance of Small Business Saturday, tracing its trajectory from inception to its current status as a cultural fixture. It also examines how American Express has teamed up with many other businesses to promote the holiday and give resources to small businesses. The event has become so well known that the United States Senate has …

Artificial Intelligence And Human Creativity: A Delicate Balance, Grace Bell

Comm-entary

This essay discusses the ways that virtues, as well as their meanings and their applications, are changing as technology develops. It also describes the debate among creatives and artists regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in creative work, and the nuances that come with defining something as broad as 'creativity'. Artificial intelligence is new and frightening to many, and artists are unsure if this technology will make creative projects more accessible, or if it will take over human-designed creative projects entirely. Using Chat GPT as a tool and a creative partner, this essay investigates the ways that AI can …

The Cause And Effect Of Contemporary Science Communication, Dina Rathke

Comm-entary

No abstract provided.

Shame In A Digital Age, Gianna Anzalone

Comm-entary

This essay dives into the nature of mediated shame, analyzing its implications in various contexts and genres of media. Beginning with an analysis of shame as a disciplinary mechanism, the essay highlights how online platforms perpetuate societal norms through the perception and judgment of others. Drawing examples from reality television, it explores how shame is commodified for entertainment, often at the expense of vulnerable participants. Using shows like "The Biggest Loser" as a case study, the essay examines how media narratives exploit and amplify shame, leading to a spoiled identity. This essay also acknowledges the role of shame as a …

Shades Of Humanity: Capturing Diversity Through Photography, Pat Hussey

Comm-entary

This essay evaluates the rhetorical devices present in Rachel Cobb’s, "At the Black Lives Matter Protests in NYC: A Photo Essay," which shows images taken during several protests in the initial wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. It shows us the diversity of those involved in supporting the fight for the rights of others. I choose to explore this further through the lens of Cobb and use several scholars to acknowledge the role that the photographer has in shaping our perception and understanding. Finally, I try to connect to larger social discourses concerning race and the access to equitable …

2024 Cheshire County Ac Agenda & Minutes, Diane Dugray

Advisory Council

No abstract provided.

Improving The Postpartum Depression Discharge Education To Increase Quality And Safety Of Care: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Amanda Lucia

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most prevalent psychological condition to affect mothers following childbirth which can have detrimental consequences on the physical and mental health of the mother, child, and spouse (Wang et al., 2021). Globally, postpartum depression affects 17.2% of the world population, and in the United States 1 in 8 women who recently gave birth reported symptoms of PPD, and 1 in 10 women reported experiencing a major depressive episode within a year following delivery (CDC, 2023). Patients’ spouses and family members are in a unique position to identify early manifestations of PPD which can lead to …

The Benefits Of Prenatal Education Via Virtual And Mobile Applications Before, During, And After Pregnancy: A Quality Improvement Project, Lindsay Farland

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: The advancements of technology has led to a substantial increase in the use of pregnancy applications among expecting parents. Studies indicate that a majority of pregnant individuals utilize virtual education platforms for various purposes, including accessing information on nutrition, exercise, baby development, and pregnancy symptoms. Despite the potential benefits, participation in these platforms remains low, emphasizing a need for enhanced resources and engagement strategies. Research shows that engagement with antenatal education through mobile applications can lead to improved maternal and fetal outcomes, such as reduced rates of caesarean births and fewer complications related to hypertension or preeclampsia.

Methods: …

Incorporating Educational Interventions To Improve Nursing Adoption Of Electronic Medical Record Technology: A Quality Improvement Project, Andrew Oratovsky

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Use of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) has become the standard for medical information management and exchange amongst acute care hospitals in the United States. The Epic® electronic medical record has been identified as a popular EMR software for adoption by many healthcare organizations. Associated with the adoption of this technology is a large investment in training medical professionals on its specific processes.

Local Problem: In the outpatient, primary care setting of a hospital in New England, the adoption of Epic® has come with much fear and resistance regarding the ability of nursing staff to efficiently learn and …

Educational Interventions To Improve Icu Nurses’ Knowledge And Confidence Related To Pressure Injuries: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Benjamin R. Maltais

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: The prevalence of pressure injuries (PI) in critical care is highest amongst inpatient units, and are associated with significant complications, decreased quality of life, increased cost of hospitalization, and poor patient care (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2019; Cox et al., 2022; Gorecki et al., 2014; Mervis & Phillips, 2019). Similarly, many PI are considered to be avoidable (Pittman et al., 2019). Despite an increase in focus on PI awareness and prevention, there still remains a challenge for patients in critical care units. In addition, research has indicated that nurses’ lack of basic knowledge of PI (risk assessment, …

Unh/Noaa Joint Hydrographic Center 2024 Performance And Progress Report Executive Summary, Larry A. Mayer

Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping

Reporting Period: 01/01/2023–12/31/2023

2024 Belknap County 4-H Presents, Karen Deighan

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

4h Traveling Art Show Packet Strafford And Rockigham County, Unh Cooperative Extension

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

2023 Health & Well-Being Team Highlights, Amy Hollar, Kendra Lewis, Michael C. Young

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

North Haverhill Fair 4-H Exhibit Hall Information Packet - 2024, Extension

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

Artificial Intelligence In Stock Analysis And Portfolio Building, Sean M. Lynch

Honors Theses and Capstones

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) investment analysts, often referred to as “robo-advisors”, has the potential to change traditional portfolio management. These systems access vast amounts of data and make portfolio management decisions and stock market predictions. In this study, I compared AI-generated portfolios with portfolios that were created manually. Surprisingly, the human-generated portfolios outperformed the AI portfolios. However, the prompt used in the AI application affects these results. The subset of AI portfolios that were created with specific objectives specified in the prompts outperformed those that were created with more generic prompts. Overall, this research sheds light on the …

University Of New Hampshire Library Annual Report Fy 2023: Leading Change, University Of New Hampshire Library

Annual Reports and Statistics

No abstract provided.

Utilizing Plasmid Dna Hydrogels For Cell-Free Protein Production, Tinotenda Duche

Honors Theses and Capstones

Proteins play an important role in various biological processes and are crucial components in biomedical research and therapeutics. Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) has provided a valuable approach for rapid protein production outside living cells, involving both transcription and translation processes. However, traditional CFPS methods encounter challenges such as high cost, relatively low yields, and scalability. The end goal of our project is to incorporate our template into the hydrogel. In this work, we report advancements towards that by trying to optimize our solution of CFPS. Unfortunately, the standards for pDNA hydrogel synthesis are not met by the pDNA production and …

Alpaca Assisted Activities In The New England Alpaca Industry: A Possible Solution To Farm Profitability And Participant Mental Health, Ashley Michele Masse

Honors Theses and Capstones

The high operating costs of the New England alpaca industry were putting the majority of alpaca farmers in this region in a state of financial loss. On a separate note, American communities were experiencing a prevalence of anxiety and depression. What if a single solution could help improve the outcome of both these challenges that seem to have little to do with each other? Alpaca Animal Assisted Activities (alpaca AAAs) was a possible solution. This study explored New England alpaca farm profitability and alpaca AAAs in a way no other research study has done before. A Farmer Survey was mailed …

Do Duckweeds Adapt To Water And Microbes?, Ava M. Rose

Honors Theses and Capstones

Organisms in their home environment sometimes outperform transplanted individuals native to other areas, in a phenomenon termed local adaptation. While local adaptation is traditionally considered to be driven by the abiotic factors of an environment, scientists have recently increased consideration of biotic factors. Specifically, of interest to many is host-associated microbiomes, which can alter host trait expression. As the desire to commercialize microbiome treatments for agriculture and medicine grows, it is important to analyze the potential value of local microbiomes, which may be adapted to their hosts, or to which local hosts may have adapted. Using Lemna minor (duckweed) as …

How World’S Fairs Conceive Of The Future During Times Of Turmoil, Mikayla Lauren Tilden

Honors Theses and Capstones

During the 20th century, the theme of World's Fairs in the United States broke away from previous World Exposition traditions and centered around concepts of progress and the future. This thesis investigates the conception of the future and the evolution of the World's Fair themes during times of economic and political turmoil at the Chicago 1933–1934, New York 1939­­­–1940, and Seattle 1962 World’s Fairs. In each instance, the fair’s organizers felt the need to respond to world events, which caused them to shift their initial focus from a local attempt to increase prosperity, to a national commentary on global conditions.

Vermonters Divided On Holiday Greeting; More Likely To Have Real Christmas Tree 12/20/2023, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

A slightly larger proportion of Vermonters will have a real Christmas tree rather than an artificial tree this year, while a quarter won't have any tree. Those who prefer a real tree often cite tradition or a better look or smell, those who prefer an artificial tree mention less work or cost, and those who won't have a tree at all often say it is because they won't be home or because they do not celebrate Christmas. Vermonters are equally divided on their preferred holiday greeting, with Democrats favoring "Happy Holidays" and Republicans and Independents using "Merry Christmas" more often.

Christmas In Nh: More Fake Trees, Less Spending On Presents 12/20/2023, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Nearly half of Granite Staters will have an artificial Christmas tree this year, with many citing lower cost and less work as the reason why. Less than a third will have a real tree, citing tradition and the look and smell of a real tree. A majority of New Hampshire residents use "Merry Christmas" as their regular holiday greeting. Most plan on spending about the same or less on holiday gifts this year, particularly those with lower incomes, and Granite Staters plan to do a majority of their shopping online.

Mainers Prefer Merry Christmas To Happy Holidays; Plan On Spending Less On Holiday Presents 12/20/2023, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Four in ten Mainers say they will have an artificial tree while slightly fewer will have a real tree this Christmas. Those who prefer a real tree often mention the sight, smell, or tradition as reasons why, while those who prefer an artificial tree mention less work and lower costs. Six in ten Mainers say "Merry Christmas" more often than "Happy Holidays" and a plurality of Maine residents plan on spending less on holiday gifts than they did last year.