Brain Processes For “Good” And “Bad” Feelings: How Far Back In Evolution?, Jaak Panksepp

Animal Sentience

The question of whether fish can experience pain or any other feelings can only be resolved by neurobiologically targeted experiments. This commentary summarizes why this is essential for resolving scientific debates about consciousness in other animals, and offers specific experiments that need to be done: (i) those that evaluate the rewarding and punishing effects of specific brain regions and systems (for instance, with deep-brain stimulation); (ii) those that evaluate the capacity of animals to regulate their affective states; and (iii) those that have direct implications for human affective feelings, with specific predictions — for instance, the development of new treatments …

Project Oasis: Optimizing Aquaponic Systems To Improve Sustainability, Siddharth Nigam, Paige Balcom

Honors Theses and Capstones

Started in Fall 2015, Project OASIS (Optimizing Aquaponic Systems to Improve Sustainability) is an interdisciplinary capstone project with the goal of designing a sustainable and affordable small-scale aquaponic system for use in developing nations to tackle the problems of malnutrition and food insecurity. Aquaponics is a symbiotic relationship between fish and vegetables growing together in a recirculating system. The project’s goals were to minimize energy consumption and construction costs while using universally available materials. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software OpenFOAM was used to create transient and steady-state models of fish tanks to visualize velocity profiles, streamlines, and particle movement. …

Nurses' Perceptions Of Diagnosis And Prognosis-Related Communication: An Integrative Review, Amy Rose Newman

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background: Disclosure of diagnostic and prognostic information has become the standard in the United States and increasingly around the world. Disclosure is generally identified as the responsibility of the physician. However, nurses are active participants in the process both intentionally and inadvertently. If not included in initial discussions regarding diagnosis and prognosis, the nurse may find it challenging to openly support the patient and family.

Objective: The aim of this study is to synthesize published literature regarding nurses’ perceptions and experiences with diagnosis and prognosis-related communication.

Methods: The Whittemore and Knafl method guided the integrative review process. …

Vilifying The Vigilante: A Narrowed Scope Of Citizen's Arrest, Ira P. Robbins

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

Ira P. Robbins* The doctrine of citizen’s arrest in the United States has been ignored for far too long. In every jurisdiction in the United States, a private person may lawfully detain another and often may even use physical force to do so. Placing such power in the hands of ordinary, untrained individuals creates the possibility that citizens will misuse or abuse the privilege, sometimes with serious consequences for both the arrestor and the arrestee. This risk is compounded by the disparate treatment of the citizen’s arrest doctrine in different jurisdictions and the ambiguities inherent in many of the doctrine’s …

The Effectiveness Of A Preventive Recall Strategy In Children Following Dental Rehabilitation Under General Anesthesia, Amanda Kerns Dr.

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A PREVENTIVE RECALL STRATEGY IN CHILDREN FOLLOWING DENTAL REHABILITATION UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA

By Amanda Kerns, DDS

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Virginia Commonwealth University, 2016

Thesis Advisor: Elizabeth Berry, DDS, MPH, MSD

Vice Chair, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry

Purpose: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of a preventive strategy following full-mouth dental rehabilitation (FMDR) in children with early childhood dental caries.

Methods: 130 patients completed FMDR and were included in the analysis. …

The Effect Of Pre-Deployment Physiology As A Predictor Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among A Sample Of United States Army National Guard And Reserve Soldiers, David J. Rothman

Theses and Dissertations

Potential risk factors for development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are still unclear. One potential risk factor for the development of PTSD is an individual’s cardiovascular reactivity and recovery in response to stressor tasks. The current study was conducted with 763 Army National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers. Participants completed a stressful induction along with self-report measures prior to deployment. Post-deployment, self-report measures were completed to assess PTSD symptomatology and experiences related to deployment and combat. Multiple regression was used to determine the ability of blood pressure response to stress to predict PTSD symptoms immediately and one-year after return from …

Interhouse: A Place For Growing Up And Growing Adults, Nilufar Makhamatova

Theses and Dissertations

Society has become increasingly segregated by age which lessens the opportunities for communication between generations. Before the Internet, children and adolescents typically learned through traditional means - their parents, school teachers, and life experiences. Adults believed they were capable of recognizing and addressing the needs of children and adolescents. (Strom & Strom, 2012) Now, the global media is widely accessed by people of all ages which gives it the ability to influence a large population in different ways. This has led to children and adolescents being more heavily influenced and educated by the media than other traditional sources. Adolescents, in …

Systematic Postsynthetic Modification Of Nanoporous Organic Frameworks And Their Performance Evaluation For Selective Co2 Capture, Timur Islamoglu

Theses and Dissertations

Porous organic polymers (POPs) with high physicochemical stability have attracted significant attention from the scientific community as promising platforms for small gas separation adsorbents. Although POPs have amorphous morphology in general, with the help of organic chemistry toolbox, ultrahigh surface area materials can be synthesized. In particular, nitrogen-rich POPs have been studied intensively due to their enhanced framework-CO₂ interactions. Postsynthetic modification (PSM) of POPs has been instrumental for incorporating different functional groups into the pores of POPs which would increase the CO₂ capture properties. We have shown that functionalizing the surface of POPs with nitro and amine groups …

Evaluating And Improving The Efficiency Of Software And Algorithms For Sequence Data Analysis, Hugh L. Eaves

Theses and Dissertations

With the ever-growing size of sequence data sets, data processing and analysis are an increasingly large portion of the time and money spent on nucleic acid sequencing projects. Correspondingly, the performance of the software and algorithms used to perform that analysis has a direct effect on the time and expense involved. Although the analytical methods are widely varied, certain types of software and algorithms are applicable to a number of areas. Targeting improvements to these common elements has the potential for wide reaching rewards. This dissertation research consisted of several projects to characterize and improve upon the efficiency of several …

Synthetic Landscapes, Benjamin Thomas Jordan

Theses and Dissertations

My work explores the complex social geography of modern society and the intricate relationship between mankind and the environment. Through this work I explore the past and present lineage of manifest destiny, from its beginnings in Europe to western expansion in America, to forms it has takes in contemporary America. These ceramic forms serve as the conceptual grounds to explore the romanticizing of the western landscape especially from an individual and group perspective. I simultaneously celebrate the history of the pastoral life while questioning the authenticity, and motivations of that lifestyle, and use this platform as a jumping off point …

Student Engagement In Undergraduate Social Work Education Among “At-Risk” Students, Ananda Newmark

Theses and Dissertations

College student engagement is an important factor that contributes to student success. This study is one of the first to explore student engagement in undergraduate social work education by examining engagement levels among at-risk social work students. In this study, two types of at-risk student groups were studied: First Generation College Students (FGCS) and transfer students. A cross sectional research design was used. Secondary analysis was performed on data gathered by the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) from five accredited, Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs in one southeast state. A sample of 135 BSW seniors were included in …

Filter Performance Under Simulated Real-World Conditions, Qiang Wang

Theses and Dissertations

Evaluating the performance of filter media for filtration applications is essential to assure design engineers and users that filter device will deliver promised performance for specific applications under the environmental stress. The study of particle loading characteristics of filter media in the laboratory setting is typically performed under the steady flow conditions, i.e., at the constant particle concentration and flow rate. In reality, filtration products are operated under the situations that the flow rate and mass concentration of particles are varied in time. The success of translating the laboratory data to estimate the performance of filter media in the fields …

Continuous Stationary Phase Gradients For Planar And Column Chromatography, Veeren Dewoolkar

Theses and Dissertations

Surfaces that exhibit a gradual change in their chemical and/or physical properties are termed as surface gradients. Based on the changes in properties they are classified either as physical or chemical gradients. Chemical gradients show variations in properties like polarity, charge, functionality concentration and have found potential applications in fields of biology, physics, biosensing, catalysis and separation science. In this dissertation, surface gradients have been prepared using controlled rate infusion (CRI).

CRI is a simple method in which a surface gradient is formed by carrying out the infusion of organoalkoxysilane in a time-dependent fashion using a set infusion rate. Depending …

Power Analysis In Applied Linear Regression For Cell Type-Specific Differential Expression Detection, Edmund Glass

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of many human disease-oriented studies is to detect molecular mechanisms different between healthy controls and patients. Yet, commonly used gene expression measurements from any tissues suffer from variability of cell composition. This variability hinders the detection of differentially expressed genes and is often ignored. However, this variability may actually be advantageous, as heterogeneous gene expression measurements coupled with cell counts may provide deeper insights into the gene expression differences on the cell type-specific level. Published computational methods use linear regression to estimate cell type-specific differential expression. Yet, they do not consider many artifacts hidden in high-dimensional gene expression …

Non-Medical Use Of Prescription Stimulants For Weight Loss: Predictors, Consequences, And Implications For Intervention In A National Young Adult Sample, Amy J. Jeffers

Theses and Dissertations

The non-medical use of prescription drugs is an important public health concern. Non-medical use of prescription stimulants (NMUPS), specifically medications used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is particularly concerning. One timely concern regarding NMUPS, especially among young adults, is their role in appetite suppression/weight loss. Indeed, some individuals are motivated to misuse such drugs for the purpose of losing weight. Engaging in NMUPS for weight loss has been examined only minimally in the research literature. However, extant data demonstrate that this behavior is associated with other unhealthy behaviors and poor psychosocial health. Limitations of prior research include the …

Methods For Predicting An Ordinal Response With High-Throughput Genomic Data, Kyle L. Ferber

Theses and Dissertations

Multigenic diagnostic and prognostic tools can be derived for ordinal clinical outcomes using data from high-throughput genomic experiments. A challenge in this setting is that the number of predictors is much greater than the sample size, so traditional ordinal response modeling techniques must be exchanged for more specialized approaches. Existing methods perform well on some datasets, but there is room for improvement in terms of variable selection and predictive accuracy. Therefore, we extended an impressive binary response modeling technique, Feature Augmentation via Nonparametrics and Selection, to the ordinal response setting. Through simulation studies and analyses of high-throughput genomic datasets, we …

Development Of A Low-Cost Arduino-Based Sonde For Coastal Applications, Grant Lockridge, Brian Dzwonkowski, Reid Nelson, Sean P. Powers

University Faculty and Staff Publications

This project addresses the need for an expansion in the monitoring of marine environments by providing a detailed description of a low cost, robust, user friendly sonde, built on Arduino Mega 2560 (Mega) and Arduino Uno (Uno) platforms. The sonde can be made without specialized tools or training and can be easily modified to meet individual application requirements. The platform allows for internal logging of multiple parameters of which conductivity, temperature, and GPS position are demonstrated. Two design configurations for different coastal hydrographic applications are highlighted to show the robust and versatile nature of this sensor platform. The initial sonde …

Spatial Redistribution Of Organic Phosphorus In Hay And Grass Pastures Of Eastern West Virginia Following Longterm Animal Manure Applications, Michael B. Harman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study was conceived to investigate the fate of organic P (Po) in typical hay and grass pasture of eastern West Virginia. It is not uncommon in this region of West Virginia for hay and grass pastures to receive annual applications of animal manure, often on a nitrogen basis. As P management has evolved, many farms in the region have begun to use management tools such as a P index to continue use of animal manure as N fertilizer. However, many hay and grass pastures in the region already have a high degree of P saturation. There are reasonable expectations …

#Lawyeringpeace: The Role Of Lawyers In Peacebuilding, Paul Williams, Christin Coster

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

Based on the Public International Law & Policy Group’s (“PILPG”) two decades of experience assisting countries and clients in conflict situations, it is clear there are a number of ways for lawyers and international law to promote peacebuilding. This article condenses information shared during the International Law Weekend panel, “International Law and States in Emergency: Responses and Challenges.” The focus of the presentation was how lawyers can and should make a difference in peacebuilding and post-conflict constitution drafting. The world needs more lawyers to “lawyer peace” by assisting countries and clients involved in ongoing conflicts or in peace negotiations. In …

Use Of Compression Garments For Recovery From Plyometric Exercise, Jennifer Louise Talaski

Health Nutrition and Exercise Science

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of compression tights and knee-high stockings on recovery from plyometric exercise. Thirty recreationally active men completed 10x10 plyometric box drop jumps to induce muscle damage. Participants were randomized into three groups: full compression tights, knee-high stockings, or passive recovery. Both compression groups wore the garments for 12 hours following exercise. Participants were assessed for muscle swelling, isokinetic strength of the ankle and knee, vertical jump height, and perceived muscle soreness before exercise, and 24, 48, and 72 hours post-exercise. All measures were compared to pretest values, and a repeated measures …

Is It Time To Reevaluate Our Dietary Fat Recommendations?, Nicole Elizabeth Vasichek

Health Nutrition and Exercise Science

Despite Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) focus on decreased fat intake, coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Consumer-confusion regarding fat-recommendations in response to these guidelines may be related to health educator (e.g. RDN) mixed-messaging. A random sample of RDNs (n=281), completed an online-survey targeting perceptions, knowledge, and dietary patterns regarding fat. Survey responses provided insights such as: 70% of RDNs strongly-agree olive oil should be regularly-utilized, 99% agree omega-3 fatty acids promote health, and 69% believe it is important to consider fat when choosing foods. Additionally, 40% of RDNs “rarely”/“never” recommend fish-oil supplements …

Effect Of Progressive Calisthenic Push-Up Training On Muscle Strength And Thickness, Christopher Joseph Kotarsky

Health Nutrition and Exercise Science

Calisthenics, a form of resistance training, continue to increase in popularity; however, few studies have examined their effectiveness for muscle strength improvement. The purpose of this study was to compare progressive calisthenic push-up training (PUSH) to free weight bench press training (BENCH) as techniques to develop muscle strength and thickness. Twenty-three healthy, moderately trained males (mean ± SD: age 23 ± 6.8 years) were randomly assigned to PUSH (n=14) and BENCH (n=9), and trained three days per week for four weeks. Muscle thickness, seated medicine ball put, one repetition max bench press (1RM), and push-up progression (PUP) were measured pre- …

Investigation Of Particulate Matter Size, Concentration And Mass Emissions From Small Handheld 2-Stroke Spark Ignition Engines, Yashwanth Chowdary Maddineni

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Quality of air, change in the climate and exposure of humans to pollutants have become major concerns globally over the past decade. Particulate matter has been linked to many adverse health effects. Internal combustion engines are major source of PM emissions. Knowing the adverse health effects of particulate matter, the regulatory agencies are in the process of introducing strict regulations to limit the quantity of PM emitted by off-road small handheld gasoline engines. Two-stroke small engines typically emit more smoke as they burn oil-gasoline mixture compared to four-stroke engines running on gasoline only. Current regulations in the United States for …

Startups And Unmet Legal Needs, Alice Armitage, Evan Frondorf, Christopher Williams, Robin Feldman

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Hardwood Floricane Blackberry Cuttings & Production Of Primocane Blackberry In North Dakota, Abigail Ruth Debner

Plant Sciences

Blackberry (Rubus L. subgenus Rubus, Watson) is not a commercially produced crop in North Dakota since the available floricane cultivars are not winter hardy. Two experiments were performed to evaluate alternative methods of production for commercial use. The first experiment evaluated rooting of floricane-blackberry hardwood cuttings, which could be used in an annual production system. Various cultivars, auxin treatments, and rooting methods were used to determine the best adventitious root production. Rooting success was cultivar dependent with regard to auxin concentration and low results were observed overall. The second experiment evaluated practices to improve yield in four primocane-fruiting blackberry cultivars. …

The Ideological Origins Of The Right To Counsel, John Felipe Acevedo

Articles

The defense counsel is a paramount actor in modem criminal trials, but this was not always the case. Indeed, the allowance of counsel to felony defendants can be traced to only a few hundred years ago, a relatively modem innovation in the area of legal history. This Essay examines the intellectual origins of the right to counsel, which it situates in the era of the English Revolution. Drawing on pamphlet literature, cases, and statutes from the seventeenth century in both England and North America, it argues that the right originated from a fear of unfairness brought on by a mistrust …

What Do We Regret And Why Review, Richard Delgado, Jean Stefancic

Essays, Reviews, and Shorter Works

No abstract provided.

Decriminalizing Polygamy, Casey E. Faucon

Articles

Polygamous families are our national outlaws. Despite the expansion of sexual rights and marriage equality in the U.S., polygamy remains a crime. Challenging that stigma is the Brown family, who star in the reality TV show “Sister Wives” and who practice polygamous marriage as a tenet of their religion. The Browns filed suit against multiple Utah state actors in federal district court, challenging Utah's polygamy statute as unconstitutional in violation of their Free Exercise of Religion, substantive Due Process, and Equal Protection rights. The district court agreed and decriminalized informal polygamy in Utah. On appeal, the Tenth Circuit reversed the …

Causation Actually, J. Shahar Dillbary

Articles

The article debunks the consensus that in concerted action concurrent causes and alternative liability situations the actual causation requirement is missing While courts and scholars insist that in these cases tort law holds liable parties who clearly did not cause the victim's harm this article offers a novel approach Using a simple model and applying it to leading decisions it shows that a party who did not and could not even potentially injure the victim could nevertheless be a butfor reason for the harm The article also challenges claims that causation theories like concerted action substantial factor and alternative liability …

No Home For Justice: How Eviction Perpetuates Health Inequity Among Low-Income And Minority Tenants, Allyson E. Gold

Articles

No abstract provided.