Digital Commons Network^™

Enhancing Organic Agricultural Inputs Sector From A Policy Lens: Insights From Rice And Vegetable Producing Regions, Maria Francesca O. Tan, Dulce D. Elazegui, Agnes R. Chupungco, Miriam R. Nguyen, Maria Christina A. Alvarez

CPAf Policy Brief

This Policy Brief is based on the research project entitled “Production and Market Systems of Organic Agricultural Inputs in Major Organic Rice and Vegetable Producing Provinces in the Philippines.” The project was conducted by the College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UP Los Baños) with funding from the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Agricultural Research.

History In The Making (Volume 14), Csusb - Alpha Delta Nu Chapter Of The Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society

History in the Making

No abstract provided.

Vaccines, Emma King

Hare & Bell Writing Contest

Have you ever had a vaccine? I have. Some haven’t. I remember when I was a kid,

maybe around six, sitting on the paper-covered exam table in my doctor’s office. The room was sterile and cold, and a nurse was approaching me with the needle. Like most children, I was absolutely petrified. The fear of the unknown, of the pain, of a foreign metal penetrating my body...completely out of control and unaware of what it was supposed to protect me from...only aware of the fear. I cried. I tried to get away. They had to hold my arm down to …

On James Sterba’S Refutation Of Theistic Arguments To Justify Suffering, Bruce R. Reichenbach

Faculty Authored Articles

In his recent book Is a Good God Logically Possible? and article by the same name, James Sterba argued that the existence of significant and horrendous evils, both moral and natural, is incompatible with the existence of God. He advances the discussion by invoking three moral requirements and by creating an analogy with how the just state would address such evils, while protecting significant freedoms and rights to which all are entitled. I respond that his argument has important ambiguities and that consistent application of his moral principles will require that God remove all moral and natural evils. This would …

The World Is More Than A Stage: Foreign Policy, Development And Spatial Performativity In Ethiopia, John H.S. Aberg, Derick Becker

Faculty Authored Articles

This paper seeks to reconcile performative theorizing, which captures the place of systems of thought on foreign policy practice, and broader sociological approaches that link networks and institutions across space, especially as they relate to the global economy. Once developed, the theory, which is termed here ‘spatial performativity’, is applied to recent efforts to promote industrialization through the development of special economic zones in Ethiopia. In doing so, attention is drawn to a burgeoning area of African and Chinese foreign policy and economic cooperation.

The Future Of Hospitality Management: Preparing Students For A Changing Industry, Deborah Popely Dba, Michael Krause Cha, Chia, Msed, Wook Kang Cec, Mcfe, Cfbe, Ace, Paul Romer Mba

Kendall College Research

The hospitality industry has faced and continues to face major challenges in hiring and retaining the workforce needed for recovery from the pandemic and future growth. The goal of this research was to better understand these changing needs so that hospitality educators can supply the industry with well-rounded graduates attuned to the transformed hospitality operating environment. Focus group research was conducted with 22 senior hospitality managers in summer 2021; participants also completed an inventory of 28 skills and attributes commonly associated with the delivery of hospitality services. Overall analysis indicated that the skills and attributes rated “more important” or “much …

Association Of Metabolic Syndrome And Pcos In African American Women Of Reproductive Age, Leah Murdock

Women’s Leadership

The paper explains the correlation of metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovarian syndrome in African American Women of Reproductive Age and its long-term outcomes on overall health and wellness. The paper and research address the importance of a healthy metabolic baseline and explains, and program developed to address the whole person. There are programs developed for women with a plan to conceive and participants with no plans to conceive.

Telehealth Use During The Prenatal Period: Strengths And Limitations, Adrian M. Goblisch, Tessa L. Hand

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background/Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the risks and benefits of telehealth use during the prenatal period. With the increasing use of technology to provide healthcare, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical to examine the implications this care modality has on individuals and the community. Theoretical Framework: Katharine Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory was applied to the topic of telehealth use in the prenatal period. This theory explains that there is an immediate experience of strengthening when relief, ease, and transcendence are met and that an individual is more likely to exhibit health-seeking behaviors when comfort in …

The Impact Of Mindfulness Practice On Adolescents With Special Needs And Mental Health Diagnosis, Rebecca Jean Mcquiston

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students with mental health diagnosis, trauma or special education labels such as emotional behavioral disorder or learning disabilities often show signs of distress, and/or dysregulation in the classroom. They are referred to providers and evaluated based on the behaviors or symptoms that are presented. Many times, these behaviors impact their ability to learn, regulate emotions and function when compared to their typically developing peers. These students have developed maladaptive behaviors to cope with strong feelings. Within the last ten years, clinics, schools and districts have increased their attention and efforts to develop social emotional learning programs to teach students essential …

Use Of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections For Treatment In Patients Diagnosed With Achilles Tendinopathy, Nicole M. Pearson

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Achilles tendinopathies are common among individuals who are active, usually participating in a sport with a high volume of repetitive motion. Historically, these injuries have been treated with conservative home exercises. If the patient exhausts their conservative treatment options, the next step is typically surgery to repair the tendon (Maffulli, 2015). Recently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have become more commonly used to treat musculoskeletal injuries and are considered minimally invasive procedures. This allows the patient to return home immediately post injection and return to activity within a few days. However, the research shows mixed results in terms of its …

Diagnosing Dermatological Conditions In The Non-Caucasian Population, Mackenzie M. Mellum, Candace Joyce Nysted, Kassidy E. Westrom

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is currently a lack of resources available on dermatological conditions in the non-Caucasian population; therefore, additional educational materials are needed to supplement the education of healthcare professionals (Ebede & Papier, 2006). The researchers created an educational module with common dermatological conditions, the presentation of various dermatological conditions, and descriptive pictures of how each condition presents in the non-Caucasian population to use as a supplement to the current dermatology modules that are used throughout various health and social science programs at Bethel University in Arden Hills, MN. The topics of the module include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, …

The Effects Of Socialization On The Progression Of Dementia, Caitlyn Hagstrom, Ashley G. Heppner, Katelyn N. Kunde

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of disorders marked by a decline from baseline in memory, executive function, and other cognitive functions such as reasoning, handling complex tasks, and spatial orientation, all of which interferes with activities of daily living and independence (Larson, 2019). Current pharmaceutical management of dementia and related symptoms is limited (Press & Alexander, 2019b). As dementia progresses, the cognitive skills required to maintain social interactions and familial relationships decline, therefore affecting the perceived loneliness and isolation of the person living with dementia. This research was conducted to understand the role of socialization in the …

Girls With Autism: Comparative Differences In Gender, Diagnosis, And Social Camouflaging A Master’S Thesis, Sarah Lynn Nevin

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Autism diagnostic differences exist based on gender with a current diagnostic ratio of males to females at 4:1. Beyond diagnosis, complex differences persist between genders. Research indicates that females with autism display social, communication, and coping skills differently than their male peers. Research demonstrates that females with autism are using a strategic approach to social situations called camouflaging. Camouflaging is more widely used by autistic females to fit in socially, hide autistic symptoms, or to be more like their neurotypical peers. Research suggests camouflaging may have long-term mental health implications. When educators are informed of these gender differences and implications, …

Implementing The Autonomy-Supportive Teaching Model With Elementary Students, Rebecca I. Hons

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Task avoidance and keeping students motivated in the classroom are common struggles that elementary school teachers face in their career. This literature review explores task aversiveness in elementary students and how they are motivated to complete tasks. The research shows that when the Self-Determination Theory is considered a student’s psychological needs of competence, autonomy, and relatedness can be fulfilled to help students improve their intrinsic motivation and reduce task avoidance. Applying this theory to teaching is done through the application of autonomy-supportive teaching and allows the teacher to take a student-focused attitude and an understanding interpersonal tone.

The Impact Of Visual Literacy In Secondary Science Education, Elise M. Miller

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Visual literacy, or the ability to make sense of and produce images, is an essential but long underrated skill in science. Career scientists and engineers decode and encode information in pictorial form using visual literacy skills regularly. This research will explore first the purpose of science education in the United States and how its reforms have been influenced by career scientists. It will explore if visual literacy skills are aligned with these purposes. This research will then investigate the benefits of incorporating visual literacy in science education to this end. Finally, this research will outline research-based instructional strategies for integrating …

Tenured Teacher Motivation For Self-Directed Professional Development In Literacy, Jennifer Lynn Brady

Theses and Dissertations

After receiving tenure, experienced teachers may choose to not participate in professional development opportunities. In fact, tenured teachers may only complete the minimum professional development hours required by their school districts. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the factors that motivated tenured elementary school teachers (grades 3-6) to participate in self-directed professional development (SD-PD) in literacy. This study consisted of six tenured teachers (grades 3-6) who were recruited from three different schools in a suburban elementary school district in Nassau County, New York. Data were collected through one-on-one online interviews, a collection of participants’ written …

Educators’ Perceptions Of Benefits And Barriers Of The Inclusion Of Coding In K-8 Curriculum: A Qualitative Study, Jennifer Lynn Dralle-Moreano,

Theses and Dissertations

The 21st century has seen a rapid growth in technological use in schools. Many schools now use computers and other digital devices in order to meet the academic needs of their students. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the benefits and barriers that K-8 educators experienced when integrating or teaching coding curriculum in their classrooms. This qualitative phenomenological study, informed by the Zais model of curriculum design (1976), Johnson (1977), and Beauchamp’s curriculum theory (1968), involved data collection through semi-structured interviews with six K-8 teachers, one instructional leader, one middle school principal, one assistant superintendent, and one …

Home Is Where The Hatred Is, Richey Reeves

Theses and Dissertations

Taking inspiration from my own life and family history, this project is a fictionalized record of the type of struggles in the way of prosperity, kinship, and redemption. These themes are shown through the lives of three generations of Afro-Caribbean women as they attempt reconnection years later abroad. Rose, Grace, and Anansi Powell are the subjects in question, pressured to confront their past through the presence of one another in order to move forward with their respective futures. The grief and pain that surfaces in response to Rose’s unannounced arrival makes way for more than just a simple reunion.

Evolution, Classification, And Biochemical Foundations Of Toll-Like Receptors (Tlrs) And Their Role In Chytridiomycosis Resistance, Joseph De Leon

Theses and Dissertations

Chytridiomycosis, a disease caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is a major concern for Amphibian populations. Over the past thirty years, global declines related to Bd infection have been observed, particularly in neotropical amphibians. Although Bd is endemic to many amphibian species, a significant proportion of amphibian populations have shown evidence of resistance to the pathogen. The precise reasoning as to why there is resistance variation across amphibian taxa remains to be elucidated, but many hypotheses have been suggested. In particular, immunogenetic variations in the innate immune system among amphibians are potential indicators to this dilemma. Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs), …

672 Years Of Plague: Reconquest, The Last Dream Of King Alfonso Xi Of Castile: Hermeneutics Of A Play, Jose Sarzi Amade

Theses and Dissertations

The proposed work here is a literary creation: a play accompanied by a critical study on it. The work (second part) introduces us to characters that thanks to the contest of the dream dimension - the invention of the last dream of the King of Castile, Alfonso XI - make a trip in the future. They flee from the medieval plague of 1348, sail to the unknown and meet, after crossing the Atlantic Ocean, in 2020, in dystopia. Things are deteriorating and navigators end up being expelled from this place. The framework of the play was built around stories of …

Impact Of A Mindfulness-Based Intervention On Students In Grades 3–5, Cornelius P. Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the impact of the Mindful Schools curriculum on students’ academic performance, stress management, and academic and social self-perception. Comparisons of fall-spring academic growth measures and other data gathered over 2 years—before and after implementation of the curriculum—revealed academic, stress management, and self-perception impacts of the intervention. Student test scores from the reading (n = 322) and mathematics (n = 321) sections of the Northwest Evaluation Association were evaluated and found that the Mindfulness-Based Intervention led to significant growth from pre-intervention and post-intervention years. A repeated measures ANOVA found a …

Short-Term Second-Hand Smoke Exposure Predisposes The Lung To Inflammation, Elastic Fiber Injury, And Pulmonary Emphysema, George Gu

Theses and Dissertations

To determine whether cigarette smoke exposure predisposes lungs to secondary injury, our laboratory developed a hamster model using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce pulmonary inflammation following exposure to second-hand smoke. With this model, inflammatory effects of LPS on smoke-exposed hamsters was measured by various morphological and biochemical parameters. Additional experiments studied the effects of exogenous ET-1 and BQ123, which modulate the adherence of inflammatory cells to lung capillary endothelium. Total bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) leukocytes, percent BALF neutrophils, and elastin-specific desmosine and isodesmosine (DID) crosslinks (free and peptide-bound) in BALF and whole lungs were measured 24 hours (hrs) after LPS treatment. …

A Timecourse Based Dermatotoxicity Evaluation Of Mechlorethamine On Damage And Repair Related Protein Expression In The Mouse Ear Vesicant Model, Ganming Mao

Theses and Dissertations

Mechlorethamine (HN2) is a type of nitrogen mustard alkylating agent that has been widely applied as an anticancer drug. HN2 is an analog of the corrosive reagent sulfur mustard, which is highly reactive with skin and organisms exposed to HN2 develop significant skin irritation, edema, erythema, and disruption of the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ). These pathological affects lead to tissue damage, activate wound repair mechanisms and, if unresolved, result in necrosis. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the time-dependent effects of HN2 on the expression of three different proteins using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and previously prepared and preserved formalin-fixed …

Food For Thought: An Exploration Of The Interplay Between Eating Disorder Recovery And Recovery Instagram Accounts, Allison Dashow

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Social media use is more widespread than ever, with over 800 million monthly active users on Instagram alone (Anderson & Jiang, 2018). The literature suggests an association between social media usage and mental health issues, specifically that it increases body image concerns, body comparisons, and disordered eating (Saunders & Eaton, 2018; Tiggemann & Slater, 2013). While multiple studies have investigated the type of content present and individuals’ experiences within pro-eating disorder (ED) communities, few studies to date have examined Instagram’s (IG) ED recovery communities. The aim of the current study was to explore the interplay between individuals’ ED recovery and …

In Vitro And In Silico Approaches To Evaluate The Pharmacokinetics And Pharmacodynamics Of Combination Antibiotic Therapy Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria, Sharmistha Das

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

This thesis focuses on combating antibacterial resistance by developing novel in vitro and in silico techniques. In vitro techniques such as in vitro pharmacodynamic (IVPD) modeling are powerful tools for investigating pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic response of antibiotics against bacteria. The standard IVPD model in the literature works for simulating monotherapy and combination therapy of drugs having similar half live. But it does not work for combination therapy of drugs having different half live. The method present in the literature for combination therapy of drugs with different half live was described by Blaser. By utilizing Blaser’s method, it was observed that …

Multivariate Pharmametric Approach As A Solution To The Challenges Associated With In-Situ Uv Fiber-Optic Dissolution Testing, Rushaben Maulik Sardhara

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

The advancement and automation in analytical techniques is a current thrust of the pharmaceutical industry. It has been over 30 years since unconventional semi or fully automatic methods have begun to be developed to achieve the measurement in-situ in the dissolution test apparatus. The current study focuses on the fiber optic dissolution system (FODS), its challenges, and solutions to the challenges. The inaccuracy in dissolution profile predictions due to some limitations associated with the FODS makes it difficult to adopt this advanced automated technology for various purposes. The traditional dissolution methods are still widely used even though they are time-consuming …

Ex Vivo Dermis Microdialysis: A Tool For Bioequivalence Testing Of Topical Dermatological Drug Product (Demonstration Of Proof Of Concept And Testing), Mohammad Asif Ali

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

Clinical response to most topical dermatological drug products (TDDP) depends on the availability of the drug in the dermis. Dermal Microdialysis (dMD) is a sampling technique that permits measuring the concentration of a drug over time, in vivo, directly into the target tissue, the dermis. The pharmacokinetic parameters obtained from such studies may help to optimize the development of TDDP and potentially can be applied to the assessment of TDDP bioequivalence. However, these studies require several hours or even days of continuous sampling that makes it often stressful and unpractical for human subjects as well as animals. The goal of …

A Multifaceted Approach To Understanding Schizoid Personality Across Behavioral, Intrapsychic, And Interpersonal Domains, Soo Hyun Cho Lee

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

The aim of the present study was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the interaction amongst the behavioral, intrapsychic, and interpersonal domains of schizoid personality. A sample of 227 Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG) players, ages 18 to 30, completed online self-report measures concerning maladaptive personality traits and several aspects of interpersonal functioning. The sample also provided narratives for Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) cards that were coded by the Mutuality of Autonomy Scale for the TAT (MOA-TAT) to measure schizoid self-other representations. Results showed that schizoid personality could be understood as a dimensional construct, specifically as a constellation of …

Investigation Of Dermal Bioavailability And Bioequivalence Of Topical Dermatological Drug Products Via Microdialysis In Rabbits, Sharareh Iran Senemar

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

There is no standard technique to measure skin pharmacokinetics (PK) and therefore to evaluate bioequivalence (BE) for topical dermatological drug products (TDDPs). Generic companies are required to conduct costly clinical endpoint studies to evaluate BE. For this reason, regulatory agencies are looking for more efficient methods to measure the drug bioavailability of TDDPs. It is about 40 years since microdialysis was developed as a tool to study tissue biochemistry in animals, specifically, neurotransmitter release in the rodent brain, and 30 years since it was applied to study skin PK. However, improvements in the dermal microdialysis (dMD) technique are required to …

Experimental Use Of Drosophila To Model Proliferation Of Sars-Cov-2 Infected Cells, Valerie Wicks

Undergraduate Honors College Theses 2016-

Drosophila have been vectors for scientific research since the beginning of the 20th century. Their successful use within experiments that investigated mendelian genetics inspired their continuous application to biological research. This includes topics that detailed what is now known as innate immunity. The innate immune system of Drosophila is a first line of defense against pathogens. Innate immunity has been extensively researched and has reserved responses between Drosophila and mammals. Specifically, Drosophila have been experimentally targeted to draw conclusions on human infecting viruses such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-Cov-1). Such experiments modeled viral …