Digital Commons Network^™

Determining Riverine Sediment Storage Mechanisms Of Biologically Reactive Phosphorus In Situ Using Dgt, Emily E. Burns, Sean Comber, William Blake, Rupert Goddard, Laurence Couldrick

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Community Resilience And Land Degradation In Forest And Shrubland Socio-Ecological Systems: Evidence From Gorgoglione, Basilicata, Italy, Claire Kelly, Agostino Ferrara, Geoff A. Wilson, Francesco Ripullone, Angelo Nolè, Nichola Harmer, Luca Salvati

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Assessing the resilience of communities is assuming greater importance at a time of global economic upheaval, climatic and socio-demographic changes. The past 10–15 years have seen a significant increase in the number of studies addressing resilience issues at community level from a variety of perspectives,and although the resilience of communities in dealing with disturbance feature strongly in these studies, less work appears to have been undertaken at the interface between community resilience and land degradation. In addition, little attention has been paid to land degradation, desertification risk and community resilience at the forest–community interface, despite the fact that forest ecosystems …

Third-Generation Cephalosporin Resistance Conferred By A Chromosomally Encoded Blacmy-23 Gene In The Escherichia Coli St131 Reference Strain Ec958., Minh Duy Phan, Kate M. Peters, Sohinee Sarkar, Brian M. Forde, Alvin W. Lo, Mitchell Stanton-Cook, Leah W. Roberts, Mathew Upton, Scott A. Beatson, Mark A. Schembri

School of Biomedical Sciences

OBJECTIVES: Escherichia coli ST131 is a globally disseminated MDR clone originally identified due to its association with the blaCTX-M-15 gene encoding an ESBL. It is thus assumed that blaCTX-M-15 is the major determinant for resistance to β-lactam antibiotics in this clone. The complete sequence of EC958, a reference strain for E. coli ST131, revealed that it contains a chromosomally located blaCMY-23 gene with an upstream ISEcp1 element as well as several additional plasmid-encoded β-lactamase genes. Here, we examined the genetic context of the blaCMY-23 element in EC958 and other E. coli ST131 strains and investigated the contribution of blaCMY-23 to …

Genetic Identification Of Cytomegaloviruses In A Rural Population Of Côte D’Ivoire, Augustin Etile Anoh, Chantal Akoua-Koffi, Emmanuel Couacy-Hymann, Maude Pauly, Grit Schubert, Arsène Mossoun, Sabrina Weiss, Saj Leendertz, Michael A. Jarvis, Fh Leendertz, Bernhard Ehlers

School of Biomedical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (Osce) With Immediate Feedback In Early (Preclinical) Stages Of The Dental Curriculum, S Zaric, La Belfield

Peninsula Dental School

No abstract provided.

Titanium Phosphate Glass Microcarriers Induce Enhanced Osteogenic Cell Proliferation And Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Protein Expression, Nilay J. Lakhkar, Day R M, Hae Won Kim, Katarzyna Ludka, Nicola J. Mordan, Vehid Salih, Jonathan C. Knowles

Peninsula Dental School

In this study, we have developed 50- to 100-µm-sized titanium phosphate glass microcarriers (denoted as Ti5) that show enhanced proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells and MG63 osteosarcoma cells, as well as enhanced human mesenchymal stem cell expression of bone differentiation markers, in comparison with commercially available glass microspheres at all time points. We also demonstrate that these microcarriers provide superior human mesenchymal stem cell proliferation with conventional Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle medium than with a specially developed commercial stem cell medium. The microcarrier proliferative capacity is revealed by a 24-fold increase in MG63 cell numbers in spinner flask bioreactor studies …

An Integrated Continuous Class-${\Rm F} ^{-1}$ Mode Power Amplifier Design Approach For Microwave Enhanced Portable Diagnostic Applications, Azeem Imtiaz, Jonathan Lees, Heungjae Choi, Lovleen Tina Joshi

Peninsula Dental School

No abstract provided.

Identifying Factors Which Enhance Capacity To Engage In Clinical Education Among Podiatry Practitioners: An Action Research Project, S Abey, S Lea, L Callaghan, D Cotton, S Shaw

School of Health Professions

No abstract provided.

Music-Induced Emotions Can Be Predicted From A Combination Of Brain Activity And Acoustic Features, Ian Daly, Duncan Williams, James Hallowell, Faustina Hwang, Alexis Kirke, Asad Malik, James Weaver, Eduardo Miranda, Slawomir J. Nasuto

School of Art, Design and Architecture

No abstract provided.

Visions For The North Sea: The Societal Dilemma Behind Specifying Good Environmental Status, Alison J. Gilbert, Abigail Mcquatters-Gollop, Olivia Langmead, Laurence Mee, Jan Vermaat

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.

Real-Time Hallucination Simulation And Sonification Through User-Led Development Of An Ipad Augmented Reality Performance, Alexis Kirke, Joel Eaton, Eduardo Miranda

School of Art, Design and Architecture

The simulation of visual hallucinations has multiple applications. The authors present a new approach to hallucination simulation, initially developed for a performance, that proved to have uses for individuals suffering from certain types of hallucinations. The system, originally developed with a focus on the visual symptoms of palinopsia experienced by the lead author, allows real-time visual expression using augmented reality via an iPad. It also allows the hallucinations to be converted into sound through visuals sonification. Although no formal experimentation was conducted, the authors report on a number of unsolicited informal responses to the simulator from palinopsia sufferers and the …

Evaluating The Impact Of Cross Professional Peer Tutoring Among Nursing And Physiotherapy Students, F Mcleod, Caroline Jamison, K Young, Karen Treasure

School of Nursing and Midwifery

This project aims to evaluate the impact of two peer tutored practical workshops designed to enhance clinical skills and inter-professional understanding among nursing and physiotherapy students. The tutors are student volunteers from the Stage Two physiotherapy and nursing programmes (K-Spa, Truro campus). The workshops are timetabled activities previously delivered by lecturing staff. The content was developed and led by students, but guided and supervised by academic staff.Objectives:1. To inform future teaching practice by enhancing the evidence base associated with inter-professional peer-tutoring 2. To develop recommendations that will inform future developments associated with this initiative

Nurses' Perceptions Of Using An Evidence-Based Care Bundle For Initial Emergency Nursing Management Of Patients With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Qualitative Study, Jintana Damkliang, Julie Considine, Bridie Kent, Maryann Street

School of Nursing and Midwifery

No abstract provided.

Exploring Nurses’ Reactions To A Novel Technology To Support Acute Health Care Delivery, Bridie Kent, Bernice Redley, Nilmini Wickramasinghe, Lemai Nguyen, Nyree J. Taylor, Hoda Moghimi, Mari Botti

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Aims and objectivesTo explore nurses’ reactions to new novel technology for acute health care.BackgroundPast failures of technology developers to deliver products that meet nurses’ needs have led to resistance and reluctance in the technology adoption process. Thus, involving nurses in a collaborative process from early conceptualisation serves to inform design reflective upon current clinical practice, facilitating the cementing of ‘vision’ and expectations of the technology.DesignAn exploratory descriptive design to capture nurses’ immediate impressions.MethodsFour focus groups (52 nurses from medical and surgical wards at two hospitals in Australia; one private and one public).ResultsNursing reactions towards the new technology illustrated a variance …

Treatment Of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: What Works, What Does Not, And What Is Needed., Anthony Feinstein, Jenny Freeman, Albert C. Lo

School of Health Professions

Disease-modifying drugs have mostly failed as treatments for progressive multiple sclerosis. Management of the disease therefore solely aims to minimise symptoms and, if possible, improve function. The degree to which this approach is based on empirical data derived from studies of progressive disease or whether treatment decisions are based on what is known about relapsing-remitting disease remains unclear. Symptoms rated as important by patients with multiple sclerosis include balance and mobility impairments, weakness, reduced cardiovascular fitness, ataxia, fatigue, bladder dysfunction, spasticity, pain, cognitive deficits, depression, and pseudobulbar affect; a comprehensive literature search shows a notable paucity of studies devoted solely …

Ocean Acidification Through The Lens Of Ecological Theory, Brian Gaylord, Kristy J. Kroeker, Jennifer M. Sunday, Kathryn M. Anderson, James P. Barry, Norah E. Brown, Sean D. Connell, Sam Dupont, Katharina E. Fabricius, Jason M. Hall-Spencer, Terrie Klinger, Marco Milazzo, Philip L. Munday, Bayden D. Russell, Eric Sanford, Sebastian J. Schreiber, Vengatesen Thiyagarajan, Megan L.H. Vaughan, Steven Widdicombe, Christopher D.G. Harley

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.

Challenges Of Achieving Good Environmental Status In The Northeast Atlantic, Karen A. Alexander, Peter Kershaw, Philip Cooper, Alison J. Gilbert, Jason M. Hall-Spencer, Johanna J. Heymans, Andreas Kannen, Hans J. Los, Tim O'Higgins, Cathal O'Mahony, Paul Tett, Tineke A. Troost, Beusekom J Van

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.

The Global Importance Of Regional Studies In Marine Science: Trans-Boundary Pollutants Matter, Gunnar G. Lauenstein, Kenneth M.Y. Leung, Jason M. Hall-Spencer

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.

Nutritional Interventions In Sarcopenia: A Critical Review, Mary Hickson

School of Health Professions

The aim of the present paper is to critically review the details of the published nutrition intervention trials, with and without exercise, targeting sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass, strength and/or performance with age. Since amino acids and energy are required for muscle synthesis it is possible that nutritional intake influences sarcopenia. Nutritional studies are challenging to carry out because of the complexity of modulating dietary intake. It is very difficult to change one nutrient without influencing many others, which means that many of the published studies are problematic to interpret. The studies included evaluate whole protein, essential …

Changes In Malaria Prevention And Incidence Due To Political Restructuring Of Mozambique And South Africa, Nirmala K. Shivakumar

UROP Posters

The UN’s current Millennium Development Goal puts pressure on many countries to decrease malaria incidence by 2015, including Mozambique and South Africa. While Mozambique and South Africa have continually worked to decrease malaria incidence for the last five decades, neither country can claim elimination of disease by UN standards. This study analyzes the changes in political structure and the simultaneous changes in the malaria prevention programs of Mozambique and South Africa after the end of their respective civil wars in 1992 and 1994. This study analyzed public health, historical, and social science journal articles. This study examined political power distribution, …

Heterosexism Faced By Adolescents In The Rural United States: A Case For Implementing Student-Made Lgbt Programs, Beau W. Coggsdale

UROP Posters

GSAs, Gay-Straight Alliances, influence the heterosexist environment within a school system, especially rural schools. The data was collected from various journals documenting suicide rates and levels of self-esteem in rural environments. A lot of the data was collected was cross-referenced because of the lack of research into LGBT youth in rural environments. Much of the research that was conducted was focused on ameliorating internalized homophobia of urban LGBT youth instead of rural LGBT youth, so research into LGBT urban youth was applied to those in a rural environment. Heterosexism exists in school systems because of the lack of support for …

The Metabolism Of Alcohol: Risk And Protective Factors, Sydney E. Levan, Amy Adkins, Danielle Dick, Karen G. Chartier

UROP Posters

Purpose: Abstract for poster submission to VCU Poster Symposium for

Undergraduate Research and Creativity

Title: The Metabolism of Alcohol: Risk and Protective Factors

Background: In 2002, it was reported by the National Institutes of Health that

60.3% of college aged students (18-22) drank alcohol in the past month of being

asked, as compared to 51.9% of those not in college. They also found that 20% of

college students met the criteria for at least one alcohol use disorder (AUDs)1.

Many genes have been linked to an increased risk for AUDs and how individuals

with various ethnic backgrounds respond to alcohol. …

The Effects Of Part-Time Work On Sleep Quality In College Students, Katherine A. Beachy, Candace Moore, Magda M. Smith

UROP Posters

Part time work can negatively affect sleeping patterns, resulting in poorer academic performance and a diminished sense of overall well-being. 521 undergraduate students working at least 20 hours per week were surveyed and self-reported post-work experiences and sleep quality. Results of a multiple regression analysis indicated that a block of four post-work experiences (psychological detachment, relaxation, mastery, and control over leisure time) were predictive of self-reported sleep quality. Completion of more mastery experiences and greater control over choosing post-work activities were both statistically significant predictors of higher sleep quality (Sonnentag, Binnewies, & Mojza, 2008).

Disproportion Of Women In General Surgery And Obstetrics-Gynecology Professions, Nidhi H. Patel

UROP Posters

An increasingly number of women have been enrolling in U.S. medical schools recently and the field of obstetrics-gynecology has become predominantly female, but the profession of general surgery still remains largely unequal between the two genders. There is an observable pattern of gender inequality in both of these specialties, which is a result of several different factors which affect all women regardless of their profession. I studied how the stark difference in the percentages of female surgeons versus the percentages of female obstetricians-gynecologists compared to men has been created due to the prescribed gender roles of women in society. I …

Use Of Oxytocin As A Preventative Treatment For Ptsd, Laurel V. Kovalchick

UROP Posters

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder triggered by experiencing a traumatic event. PTSD causes recurrent flashbacks of traumatic memories that lead to over-consolidation. Memory over-consolidation prevents extinction of emotional and physiological responses to the memory. Because individuals can respond differently to stress and frightening experiences, no measures are currently practiced to prevent PTSD. By studying the changes in the brain during PTSD and after stress, it can be hypothesized that treatments that regulated HPA axis activity may prevent PTSD symptoms if applied soon after stress. Risk of developing PTSD is associated with abnormal cortisol and norepinephrine levels …

Developing A Neuroplasticity-Based Treatment Program For Psychopathy: Treatment Foci And Options, Mariah Villanueva

UROP Posters

Psychopathy is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is commonly misunderstood as the condition of criminals, and many people believe the best cure is simple confinement for those who ignore society’s laws. Psychopathy, though, is a genuine condition with a genetic basis that manifests itself through neurotransmitter system disruption and hormone imbalances. Psychopathy has a serious neurological impact on an individual, with impairments largely focused in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, as well as overall negatively affecting the limbic system of the brain. Together, the total impact causes issues with that individual’s ability to empathize, to experience emotions normally, to develop a …

Creation Of An Annotated Library On Fda Approved Nanomedicines, Marley R. Hodson, Tanin Izadi, Nastassja Lewinski Ph.D, Bridget T. Mcinnes Ph.D

UROP Posters

Nanomedicine is a type of nanotechnology used in the medical field to limit the dosage amount and target drug delivery to specific cells. Nanomedicines that are approved and used tend to be extremely successful; however despite over a decade of research, only a limited number of nanomedicines have advanced for clinical use. A possible reason for the numerous nanomedicine failures is lack of easily accessible information and research on previous nanomedicines. In this project, we have compiled nanomedicine labeling information from the Drugs@FDA website. We have extracted phrases/sentences from labels relating to keywords on nanomaterial properties and drug profile characteristics. …

Post Traumatic Stress And Externalizing Behaviors In At Risk Urban Adolescents: A Prospective Study, Angela Chung, Lauren Guerra, Jerry L. Mize Ii, Lena Jaggi, Wendy Kliewer

UROP Posters

Adolescents in in urban areas are at a higher risk for experiencing direct victimization as well as witnessing violence directed towards others, which increases the amount of post-traumatic stress (PTS) they face (Joseph, S., Mynard, H., & Mayall, M. 2000). Experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been associated with a number of negative externalizing behaviors, such as increased delinquency, drug use and aggressive behavior in adolescents (Dierkhising, C. B., Ko, S. J., Woods-Jaeger, B., Briggs, E. C., Lee, R., & Pynoos, R. S. 2013). This association is especially relevant, as adolescence is a stage where youth are beginning to …

Differentiating Sleep Problems Most Related To Depression And Anxiety In College Students, Emily C. Rowland, Lizna Khimani, Tess Drazdowski, Wendy Kliewer

UROP Posters

Sleep problems, anxiety and depression are common amongst college students. Researchers examined the specific sleep problems correlated with anxiety and depression. These sleep problems included sleep duration, sleep disturbances, sleep latency, daytime dysfunction, habitual sleep efficiency, overall sleep quality, and use of sleep medication. Researchers predicted that daytime dysfunction was the most important sleep problem related to greater anxiety symptoms, followed by overall quality of sleep, and sleep duration. Meanwhile, it was also predicted that daytime dysfunction would be the most important sleep problem and sleep latency the second most important sleep problem related to greater depressive symptoms. The study …

Exploring The Relationships Between Mindfulness And Biobehavioral Factors Associated With Cvd In Women, Susan Ghodrat, Jo Lynne W. Robins

UROP Posters

Purpose: This study examined the relationship between mindfulness and specific biobehavioral factors associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk in women. Design: A secondary data analysis was conducted on baseline data collected in a larger study examining the effects of tai chi on cardiovascular disease risk in women. Subjects: 96 women aged 35-50 years with increased waist circumference and a family history of cardiovascular disease. Measures: Biological measures included: fasting glucose, insulin and lipids, as well as C-reactive protein and cytokines. Behavioral measures included: mindfulness, fatigue, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, social support, self-compassion and spiritual thoughts and behaviors. Results: Mindfulness was …