Digital Commons Network^™

Merging And Creating Culturally Relevant Pedagogy In Public Schools, Sunni Ali, Ryan Murphy

Educational Inquiry and Curriculum Studies Faculty Publications

During the last fifty years, numerous individuals have sought new strategies for students, such as African Americans, whom the public schools have historically underserved. Not only are some parents of these students seeking change, but also researchers, politicians, and local groups. Nevertheless, it is clear that these efforts have posed several dilemmas, which (a) limit the voice and personal choice of learners, (b) standardize the value of learning, and (c) connote a hegemonic discourse. Therefore, this Best Practices essay is based on the theory that a culturally value-driven framework (CVD) of learning will allow African Americans and other students of …

Ua66 Ogden College Of Science & Engineering Newsletter, Cheryl Stevens, Dean

Ogden College of Science & Engineering Publications

No abstract provided.

Non-Termination Analysis And Cost-Based Optimization For Logic Programs, Senlin Liang

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

Rule systems have seen an upsurge of interest in the past decade, as many in the academia and industry started to discover more applications for rules such as the Semantic Web, policy management, and program analysis. In response, high-level logic languages such as Flora-2 and SILK have been invented as tools for developing complex knowledge bases by knowledge engineers who are not programmers. The knowledge bases that are created by this type of users are typically complex and they stress the engine capabilities. Therefore, there are new challenges in order for logic engines to be able to process these knowledge …

Development Of A Single Photon Detector For Fluorescent Spectrometry, Dmytro Gudkov

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

I present a novel multichannel single photon detector based on PMT sensor (32-channel Hamamatsu H7260-20) with unique linearity range for applications in life sciences. My extensive study of pulse characteristics of the PMT sensor showed that maximum linearity range obtained with 32-channel PMT could not exceed 108 counts/sec due to distortions of photon pulses at high input optical power. Due to a novel, highly advanced analog/digital circuitry operating in GHz range, the developed 32-channel detector has a unique performance: it supports detection of up to 108 photons/sec per channel, data acquisition rate at up to 106 frames/sec, data transfer via …

Machine Learning, Evolutionary Algorithms, And The Inference Of Mathematical Truths, Asher Hensley

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

In this thesis we set out to find whether the true data generating formula behind a set of data points can be automatically inferred from the data points alone. We start with the topic of machine learning and quickly realize that black box models can only approximate the real world which creates the motivation to move on to evolutionary algorithms as a vehicle to implement symbolic regression. Through a series of experiments we discover that the mean-squared error cost function is easily fooled by decoy solutions and is unable to make use of all the information presented in the training …

Synthesis And Study Of Stimuli-Responsive Fluorescent Polymeric Thin Films For Early Corrosion Detection By Directly Monitoring Iron Dissolution From Steel Substrates, Kevin William Harman

Master's Theses

The successful measurement and prediction of material lifetimes is of high importance for proper maintenance on metal infrastructures for prevention of asset loss through corrosive processes. Current testing protocols include mismatched accelerated weathering techniques in combination with visual corrosion detection that consume substantial amounts of time and resources and often lead to inaccurate extrapolation to natural conditions. For corrosion science and engineering to evolve further, accurate and early detection methods of efficiently evaluating materials are necessary. Fluorescence spectroscopy is one established non-destructive analytical technique that is highly sensitive and selective to a variety of metal ion species and chemical environments …

Structure Matters: Examining Illness Behavior Using Parsons's Sick Role, Angela D. Byrd

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Although Talcott Parsons’s sick role theory, as described in 1951 in The Social System, has been severely criticized for its inapplicability to chronic illnesses, a portion of the theory is still a relevant and necessary factor in terms of understanding and treating chronic illness today. Using data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey, this study looks at the individual effects of sex, age, race, cohabitation, education and region of residence on the likelihood of chronically ill patients considering themselves limited in their amount or kind of work as an indicator of sick role adaptation. Results show statistically significant relationships …

Suicide-Related Imagining And Acquired Capability: Investigating The Role Of Imagery In Self-Harm Behaviors, Tara C. Holaday

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the role of suicide-related mental imagery in suicidal behavior. It was hypothesized that engagement (frequency, emotional impact, vividness, realism) with suicidal imagery would be related to suicidality, with greater engagement with imagery associated with more suicidal behaviors. Acquired capability for suicide was expected to be a mediator of this relationship. These hypotheses were tested by surveying 237 undergraduate university students (59% female; mean age = 20). Students completed a packet of self-report measures: The Modified Suicidal Cognitions Interview, The Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale, and the Self-Harm Behavior Questionnaire. Results suggested that …

Much Work Still To Be Done To Prevent Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections, Kevin T. Kavanagh, Lindsay Calderon, Daniel Saman

Biological Sciences Faculty and Staff Research

Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) are all too common and often fatal events. To estimate the number of preventable CLABSIs, the authors analyzed SIR (Standardized Infection Ratio) and the number of CLABSI data from Hospital Com-pare. Several studies have suggested that an SIR of 0.35 may be achievable. If all institutions were able to perform at this level, then almost 50% of CLABSI would be prevented.

Corporate Sustainability As The Cornerstone Of The Capstone Course In Strategy, Steven Meisel

Organization Management Journal

No abstract provided.

Iptakalim Attenuates Self-Administration And Acquired Goal-Tracking Behavior Controlled By Nicotine, S. Charntikov, N. Swalve, Steven T. Pittenger, K. Fink, S. Schepers, G. C. Hadlock, A. E. Fleckenstein, G. Hu, Ming Li, Rick A. Bevins

Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications

Iptakalim is an ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener, as well as an a4b2-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist. Pretreatment with iptakalim diminishes nicotine-induced dopamine (DA) and glutamate release in the nucleus accumbens. This neuropharmacological profile suggests that iptakalim may be useful for treatment of nicotine dependence. Thus, we examined the effects of iptakalim in two preclinical models. First, the impact of iptakalim on the interoceptive stimulus effect of nicotine was evaluated by training rats in a discriminated goal-tracking task that included intermixed nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, SC) and saline sessions. Sucrose was intermittently presented in a responseindependent manner only on nicotine sessions. …

Ephatha, Winter 2013 - 2014

Ephatha

A newsletter published for Deaf Catholics in Newark, NJ

Ephatha Finding Aid

Conscious Reconstruction: The Effects Of Second Language Acquisition On Self-Perception Of Gender Identity, Geneva Ged

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Gender interacts with other facets of English Language Learners’ social identity like race and ethnicity to guide their learning experiences, desires, and outcomes; however, much of traditional Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) research has focused on how motivation and language learning beliefs differ between male and female English as a Second Language/English as a Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) students with the intent to identify difference, if it exists. English Language Learners who are studying abroad or who have immigrated to the United States have already established a gender identity influenced and created by their experiences in their first language …

Developing, Refining, And Validating A Survey To Measure Stereotypes And Biases That Women Face In Industry, Erin D. Webb

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Almost any woman who has worked in a male dominated industry has faced a gender stereotype or bias of some type. Some of these women have even developed coping mechanisms to counteract these biases and make day-to-day interactions at work tolerable. Gathering information to reveal these stereotypes and biases can pose a distinctive challenge. Many women do not want to reveal the challenges that they have faced in their careers, and the vastness of types of challenges makes asking the correct questions very difficult. Through testing, this study has developed a valid data collection instrument that can be used to …

Feeling Sad? Maybe You Are Just Uncertain! A Predictive Test For Depression, Dana Elizabeth Larson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The current study examined the relationship between depression and uncertainty within the stress-diathesis model. Depression is a mental health disorder that is wide spread within our society. However, few causes of this disease have been able to be identified. Studies in uncertainty have shown that it is a major stressor in day-to-day life. Previous research has shown that individuals with high levels of uncertainty show higher levels of depression. The stress-diathesis model, a model originally developed to explain differences in development of schizophrenia, provides a theoretically meaningful way to combine these two concepts. The model states that a person who …

A Hadoop Approach To Advanced Sampling Algorithms In Molecular Dynamics Simulation On Cloud Computing, Jin Niu, Shuju Bai, Ebrahim Khosravi, Seung Jong Park

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Cloud computing has emerged as a prevalent computing paradigm with the advantages of virtualization, scalability, fault tolerance, and a usage-based pricing model. It has been widely used in various computational research fields. Replica exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) and replica exchange statistical temperature molecular dynamics (RESTMD) are two sampling algorithms in molecular dynamics. Due to the inherent parallel feature of REMD and RESTMD, it is practical to convert them into cloud computing applications. However, the performance of REMD and RESTMD on clouds has not been extensively investigated. In our work, we implemented REMD and RESTMD in cloud computing environment through Hadoop, …

Peruvian Political Theatre And Its Connections To Human Rights Movements, Luis Ramos-Garcia

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

This essay describes and theorizes the work of contemporary Peruvian theatre as defined by the political atmosphere that reigned from 1970s to the early 21st century. From the beginning, this type of political theatre served different masters and was produced for different consumers. For example, Shining Path Guerrilla used theatre (1978-1983) in order to recruit soldiers for its war against the government; on the other hand Peruvian groups used theatre to protest against human rights abuses by the government and communist guerrillas alike; and even the government itself used performance to convince the public that it was defeating leftist guerrillas. …

Pilates, Mindfulness And Somatic Education, Karen Caldwell, Marianne Adams, Rebecca Quinn, Mandy Harrison, Jeffrey M. Greeson

College of Science & Mathematics Departmental Research

The Pilates Method is a form of somatic education with the potential to cultivate mindfulness – a mental quality associated with overall well-being. However, controlled studies are needed to determine whether changes in mindfulness are specific to the Pilates Method or also result from other forms of exercise. This quasi-experimental study compared Pilates Method mat classes and recreational exercise classes on measures of mindfulness and well-being at the beginning, middle and end of a 15 week semester. Total mindfulness scores increased overall for the Pilates Method group but not for the exercise control group, and these increases were directly related …

La Francophonie Dans Un Contexte Éducatif : Le Nouveau Monde À Découvrir, Kyle D. Christopher

The Kennesaw Tower Undergraduate Foreign Language Research Journal

The Francophone culture of French overseas departments is largely overlooked in the American university system. By examining these regions further, we will discover that they have much to offer, not only from a linguistic perspective, but also from interdisciplinary perspectives ranging from biology to politics. Moreover, the geographical proximity of several of these regions to the United States, and especially to the city of Atlanta, provides a unique opportunity for university-level students to examine the French culture of these departments and enlarge our understanding of Francophone culture. Several prominent Francophone scholars that are of Antillean origin provide a unique perspective …

Differential Habitat Use By Common Watersnakes (Nerodia Sipedon), Lorin A. Neuman-Lee, Andrew M. Durso, Nicholas M. Kiriazis, Melanie J. Olds, Stephen J. Mullin

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Understanding intraspecific variation in habitat use is important for the management of any species. In many studies of reptiles, habitat use by juveniles is poorly understood when compared to their adult conspecifics because of capture biases and logistical constraints. We compared habitat use between sexes and age classes of Common Watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon) at a reservoir in central Illinois. Juvenile N. sipedon occurred more frequently in habitat with high canopy cover, whereas adult N. sipedon, especially reproductive females, were found exclusively in habitat with no canopy cover. Adult males used both locations equally. We emphasize the need to investigate ontogenetic …

Identification Of Disufide Bond Formation Between Mitoneet And Glutamate Dehydrogenase 1, Morgan E. Roberts, Jacquelyn P. Crail, Megan M. Laffoon, William G. Fernandez, Michael A. Menze, Mary E. Konkle

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

MitoNEET is a protein that was identified as a drug target for diabetes, but its cellular function as well as its role in diabetes remains elusive. Protein pull-down experiments identified glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GDH1) as a potential binding partner. GDH1 is a key metabolic enzyme with emerging roles in insulin regulation. MitoNEET forms a covalent complex with GDH1 through disulfide bond formation and acts as an activator. Proteomic analysis identified the specific cysteine residues that participate in the disulfide bond. This is the first report that effectively links mitoNEET to activation of the insulin regulator GDH1.

Faculty Notes- John Carroll University, John Carroll University

Faculty Notes - John Carroll University

Dec. 2013, Vol. 6, Issue 4

From Generation To Generation: The Genetics Of Jewish Populations, Noah A. Rosenberg, Steven P. Weitzman

Human Biology Open Access Pre-Prints

Introduction:

This year marks the 35th anniversary of two noteworthy papers—one in this journal and the other in the American Journal of Human Genetics—posing the same famous question: are the different Jewish populations from around Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa more genetically similar to each other, or are they more similar to the local non-­‐Jewish populations in the regions where they were historically located? Both studies gathered blood-­‐group and protein variation data from a variety of Jewish and non-­‐Jewish populations, compiling significant “classical marker” data sets commensurate with the standard for human population-­‐ genetic studies at the time. …

Photo-Identification Methods Reveal Seasonal And Long-Term Site-Fidelity Of Risso’S Dolphins (Grampus Griseus) In Shallow Waters (Cardigan Bay, Wales), Marijke N. De Boer, Josephine Clark, Mardik F. Leopold, Mark P. Simmonds, Peter J.H. Reijnders

Ecology Collection

A photo-identification study on Risso’s dolphins was carried out off Bardsey Island in Wales (July to September, 1997-2007). Their local abundance was estimated using two different analytical techniques: 1) mark-recapture of well-marked dolphins using a “closed-population” model; and 2) a census technique based on the total number of iden-tified individual dolphins sighted over the study period. The mark-recapture estimates of 121 (left sides; 64 - 178, 95% CI; CV 0.24) and 145 dolphins (right sides; 78 - 213, 95% CI; CV 0.24) closely matched the census technique estimates (population size of 90 - 151). It was found that the dolphins …

The Welfare Of Animals In The Chicken Industry

Agribusiness Reports

More than 8.5 billion chickens are slaughtered for meat production in the United States every year. Raised in industrial production systems, these animals experience crowded indoor confinement, unnatural lighting regimes, poor air quality, stressful handling and transportation, and inadequate stunning and slaughter procedures. Because they are selectively bred for rapid growth, broiler chickens are prone to a variety of severe skeletal and metabolic disorders that can cause suffering, pain, and even death. Broiler breeders, the parent birds of chickens raised for meat, are subjected to severe feed restriction, and males may undergo painful toe and beak amputations, performed without pain …

Longevity And Mortality Of Owned Dogs In England, D. G. O'Neill, D. B. Church, P. D. Mcgreevy, P. C. Thomson, D. C. Brodbelt

Epidemiology Collection

Improved understanding of longevity represents a significant welfare opportunity for the domestic dog, given its unparalleled morphological diversity. Epidemiological research using electronic patient records (EPRs) collected from primary veterinary practices overcomes many inherent limitations of referral clinic, owner questionnaire and pet insurance data. Clinical health data from 102,609 owned dogs attending first opinion veterinary practices (n = 86) in central and southeast England were analysed, focusing on 5095 confirmed deaths.

Of deceased dogs with information available, 3961 (77.9%) were purebred, 2386 (47.0%) were female, 2528 (49.8%) were neutered and 1105 (21.7%) were insured. The overall median longevity was 12.0 years …

Census And Mapping Of Chorro Creek Bog Thistle In Reservoir Canyon, San Luis Obispo, Ca, Tyler Michael Lutz

Biological Sciences

Chorro Creek bog thistle (Cirsium fontinale var. obispoense) is a federally endangered variety of Fountain thistle endemic to western San Luis Obispo County. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service knows of nineteen populations, many with multiple colonies. A population was discovered in the Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve in 2001, but has not been monitored or described since the time of its discovery. In fall of 2013, a census of the population was performed, the four colonies were mapped, and a floristic survey was conducted. A field experiment was initiated to determine if reducing the riparian canopy coverage can …

Compromise Of Endogenous Neuropeptide W Production Abrogates The Dipsogenic And Pressor Effects Of Angiotensin Ii In Adult Male Rats, A. T. Pate, G. L.C. Yosten, W. K. Samson

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Neuropeptide W (NPW), an endogenous ligand for the G-protein coupled receptor GPR7, is produced in neurones in the rat hypothalamus and brain stem known to be important in the control of food intake and the neuroendocrine response to stress. In previous studies, central administration of NPW during the light phase increased food and water intake and elevated prolactin and corticosterone levels in conscious, unrestrained male rats. In the present study, central administration of small-interfering RNA (siRNA) reduced NPW levels in the hypothalamus and resulted in a failure of angiotensin II to stimulate water drinking or increase mean arterial pressure. In …

Immobilization Of Lead In Contaminated Firing Range Soil Using Biochar, Deok Hyun Moon, Jae-Woo Park, Yoon-Young Chang, Yong Sik Ok, Sang Soo Lee, Mahtab Ahmad, Agamemnon Koutsospyros, Jeong Hun Park, Kitae Baek

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Soybean stover-derived biochar was used to immobilize lead (Pb) in military firing range soil at a mass application rate of 0 to 20 wt.% and a curing period of 7 days. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. The mechanism responsible for Pb immobilization in military firing range soil was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy analyses. The treatment results showed that TCLP Pb leachability decreased with increasing biochar content. A reduction of over 90 % in Pb leachability was achieved upon …

Phosphatidic Acid Interacts With A Myb Transcription Factor And Regulates Its Nuclear Localization And Function In Arabidopsis, Xuemin Wang, Hongyan Yao, Geliang Wang, Liang Guo

Biology Department Faculty Works

Phosphatidic acid (PA) has emerged as a class of cellular mediators involved in various cellular and physiological processes, but little is known about its mechanism of action. Here we show that PA interacts with WEREWOLF (WER), a R2R3 MYB transcription factor involved in root hair formation. The PA-interacting region is confined to the end of the R2 subdomain. The ablation of the PA binding motif has no effect on WER binding to DNA, but abolishes its nuclear localization and its function in regulating epidermal cell fate. Inhibition of PA production by phospholipase Dζ also suppresses WER’s nuclear localization, root hair …