Digital Commons Network^™

Interleukin-17-Mediated Protective Cytokine Signaling Against Degeneration Of The Retinal Pigment Epithelium, Yan Chen, Sarah E Bounds, Xiang Ma, James Regun Karmoker, Yin Liu, Jian-Xing Ma, Jiyang Cai

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Injuries to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and outer retina often result in the accumulation of retinal microglia within the subretinal space. These subretinal microglia play crucial roles in inflammation and resolution, but the mechanisms governing their functions are still largely unknown. Our previous research highlighted the protective functions of choroidal γδ T cells in response to RPE injury. In the current study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing approach to characterize the profiles of immune cells in mouse choroid. We found that γδ T cells were the primary producer of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the choroid. IL-17 signaled through its receptor …

The Impact Of Effective Teaching In Closing The Achievement Gap For Minority Students Entering Post-Secondary Education: A Case Study, Diamon Cymon Ike Hughes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this instrumental case study was to explore the practices and strategies utilized by high-performing teachers to impact the learning outcomes for economically disadvantaged and minority students. The theory driving this study was Hattie’s theory of visible learning, which asserts that teaching and learning are the most significant factors impacting student achievement. The study took place at Phoenix Academy Alternative High School. Phoenix is an alternative high school for at-risk students and is a majority economically disadvantaged and minority campus. Participants in the study were teachers who teach core subjects with mandatory passing requirements for student graduation and …

The Necessity Of Spiritual Preparation In Short-Term Missions As It Correlates To Ministry Effectiveness, Brent Edward Allen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a lack of resources available providing spiritual preparation training specifically for teams preparing for a STM with M4 Institute. The purpose of this action research project is two-fold. First, to develop a spiritual preparation resource for STM work in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. Second, to determine if providing spiritual preparation training for a team preparing for said STM work will improve the ministry effectiveness of the trip. An eight-week, five-phase intervention guide was created to implement with the focus group. This consisted of two in-person, on-site team trainings, three pre-trip Zoom team meetings, mid-trip communications with participants …

Using Mindfulness In Nursing Burnout. An Integrative Review., April Day Branham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this integrative review is to evaluate if mindfulness is effective in decreasing nursing burnout. Nursing burnout has negatively affected the nursing profession for many years, and since the COVID-19 pandemic, it appears to be worse. Mindfulness is a practice that has been used for decades, however, it is gaining more attention in the nursing realm. Mindfulness consists of being present in a moment without judgment. It can consist of individual exercises that are completed using an instructor in person, in an application on a smartphone or computer, or yoga-based mindful activities. A preliminary literature review was completed …

“I Remember Feeling Pretty Darn Lucky”: Crafting Family Resilience In Response To A Medical Emergency, Sophie Downing

Communication: Faculty Scholarship

Through a combination of autoethnographic reflections and oral history interviews with my parents, I explore the ways in which we enacted resilience throughout my father’s unexpected hospitalization, rehabilitation, and his subsequent years of recovery, both individually and communally. Using communication theory of resilience (CTR) as a framework, I identify the ways in which we engaged in the five processes outlined by Buzzanell (2010): crafting normalcy, emphasizing action while backgrounding negative feelings, affirming identity anchors, relying on communication networks, and employing alternative logics. I then propose three additional processes of enacting resilience that emerged from my family’s insights: enacting performative resilience, …

The Effect Of Adding Students To School-Parent Communication To Improve Parental Attendance At School Events, Amanda Sue Kirby Hart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, quasi-experimental static group comparison study aimed to determine parents' perspectives on their school involvement and the effects of student influence on parent attendance at school events when communication methods included students and parents. Communication about ways parents can become involved with their student's school is vital in improving the connection between parental involvement and student achievement. Sample participants included the parents of 381 elementary school students (Kindergarten-Fifth Grades) of one public charter school. The parent involvement events consisted of two asynchronous parent involvement videos, one for reading and one for math, delivered through the Family Involvement Questionnaire emailed …

The Nurse's Lived Experience Of Transferring Nutrition Knowledge To Patients: A Descriptive Phenomenology, Kendrah Lynne Cunningham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This descriptive phenomenological qualitative study aimed to gain insight into the nurse’s lived experience of transferring nutrition knowledge to patients. Nurses play an important role in assisting the patient to become more proficient in health and nutrition literacy to make proper choices related to their nutrition. It is necessary to evaluate the lived experience of the nurse in transferring nutrition knowledge to patients. There is a gap in the literature on nurses’ experience in providing nutrition knowledge to their patients. This descriptive phenomenological qualitative study examines the lived experience of nurses in transferring nutrition education to their patients. This was …

A Phenomenological Approach Of Foster Parent Factors That Predict Placement Disruption Of Children In Foster Care, Latoya Ebony Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover foster parent factors contributing to foster care disruptions. Disruptions of foster care children are detrimental to the safety and well-being of the children. There are implications of foster care disruptions producing short- and long-term negative outcomes for children and families. Research indicates the emotional trauma effects of placement instability negatively impact the child’s relationships, ability to form attachments, educational outcomes, and mental and developmental stability. Foster parent factors have been identified that predict the likelihood of the parents disrupting the child’s placement and strategies for increasing placement stability in various studies. …

With Or Without The Table, We Gather: Reinforcing Innate Resiliencies In The African American Family, Jessica L. Stevens-Eddy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study aims to determine whether food-sharing (gathering to eat) can be considered a suitable medium to facilitate increased cohesion within African American families. This study focuses on informal food-sharing as an extension of formal meal-sharing. Previous research links consistent formal meal-sharing to positive and secure identity development, better familial attachment, and improved family cohesion. These practices leave a lasting, detrimental impact on the African American family model. Additional barriers to some African American family meal-sharing practices include working extended and atypical work hours, food insecurity, and poor familial communication. There is a lack of research concerning the impact …

A Phenomenological Study In Understanding African American Spiritual Leaders And The Black Church On Elder Abuse, Cassandra R. Downey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study described how the Black Church and African American Spiritual Leaders in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, understood the issue of elder abuse and the Black Church's role in navigating education and resources to those who are victims or at risk. African-American Spiritual Leaders' role and leadership are integral in combating elder abuse among their older members of the church and society. African Americans have always placed a significant portion of their support in the church and frequently turn to them before considering other options. Acknowledging the church's and spiritual leaders' involvement in comprehending the awareness of elder maltreatment is essential …

Bedside Diaries And Caregiver Journals: Plain Authors’ Accounts Of Medical Experiences, Jennifer Anderson

Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies

Plain populations (Amish and some Mennonites) write nonfiction accounts of their medical experiences as a means of networking and sharing knowledge about medical conditions and care. These stories serve as a means of creating space to normalize the condition. These accounts are written in the form of medical dramas, “bedside diaries” (such as autobiographies and caregivers’ journals), and reference books. In this article, I propose that healthcare providers read bedside diaries and medical experience stories to learn how plain people process their medical experiences, utilize community support systems, and create meaning based on their faith and beliefs. A select bibliography …

Promoting Culturally Accessible, Community-Centered, Midwifery Care In The Rural Anabaptist Population Of Southwestern Ontario, Canada, Cynthia Soulliere

Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies

The experience of providing midwifery care in a rural Southwestern Ontario community is discussed, highlighting specific approaches to providing culturally accessible and community-centered care among the Old Order Anabaptists. Midwives in Ontario are primary care providers for perinatal care and the clinic described in this paper works primarily with families from Anabaptist communities. Success in providing culturally accessible care has come from community engagement and responsiveness to ways to improve access to healthcare in this region. Highlighted in this article are the scope of midwifery care in Ontario, home and hospital births, collaboration with other community agencies, and community-based genetic …

Oil Therapy Massage As Complementary Care Of Burns And Wounds, Tristate Burn Care Team, Rosanna Hess

Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies

Oil therapy massage is a part of the care of burns and wounds done by plain, lay caregivers in Amish and Mennonite communities across the United States and Canada. Oil therapy massage is used to manage scarring and to improve joint functionality and skin and tissue integrity. The purpose of this article is to describe oil therapy massage as a complementary part of after-burn care in the context of sociocultural values of plain populations in which caregivers are a part of the B&W movement. This article includes a brief description of the caring and sharing culture of plain peoples; a …

Partnering With The Old Order Mennonites In The Finger Lakes Region Of New York State To Identify The Mechanisms Of Protective Immunity Against Atopic Disease Development, Alexandra N. Kaplan, Camille A. Martina, Elizabeth R. Catlin, John Looney, Kirsi M. Järvinen

Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies

Old Order Mennonites (OOM) follow a traditional agrarian lifestyle; key aspects include home births, large families, limited antibiotic usage, consumption of whole foods and unpasteurized milk, and early exposure to soil, stables, and farm animals. There is evidence that a farming lifestyle protects against asthma and allergies, yet the biological mechanisms behind this protective effect remain unknown. The “Zooming into Old Order Mennonites” (ZOOM) cohort study was established to further explore protective factors and mechanisms. This study compares immune development among OOM children from the Finger Lakes Region of New York to those residing 65 miles northwest in Rochester, NY. …

Vitamin D Status Of Anabaptist Children In Southwestern Ontario, Canada, Janis A. Randall Simpson, Natalee Miller, Taylor Hartwig, Jane Leach, Melissa Purdy, Emily Roth, Victoria Mok Siue, Cynthia Soulliere, Jacqui Tam, Ann Watt

Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies

The objective was to determine vitamin D status of Old Order Anabaptist children in rural Southwestern, Ontario, Canada, given concerns of community healthcare professionals. Fifty-two children (2.5 months - 6.5 years) (56% female) were recruited. Finger prick blood spot (BSp) samples were analyzed for 25-hydroxy (OH) vitamins D2 & D3 (BSp25(OH)D). Three-day food records were evaluated using Dietary Reference Intakes and Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) (Bush, et al. 2007). Compared to national Canadian data: mean BSp25(OH)D concentrations (78±31 nmol/L) were similar; a slightly smaller proportion (0% vs 2%) were at risk of deficiency (<30 nmol/L) or had inadequate status (4% vs 7%) (<40 nmol/L); and 10% vs 1% had BSp25(OH)D higher than 125 nmol/L. BSp25(OH)D was significantly associated (r2=0.358; p=0.001) with total vitamin D intake. From food alone, vitamin D intake was 68±39 IU/day, lower than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 600 IU/day, and intakes were all below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) of 400 IU. Even including supplemental vitamin D, 87% were below the EAR (total intake=213±194 IU/day). No children had vitamin D intakes greater than the Upper Limit. Servings of milk and alternates were 1.6±0.8/day (CFG=2/day). Unfortified farm milk was consumed by 88% of children and 89% received a vitamin D supplement. Results were comparable to recent Canadian data suggesting that most children have adequate vitamin D status. Nevertheless, these findings support the need to encourage appropriate vitamin D intake (from food and supplements) to achieve the RDA for Old Order Anabaptist children in these communities. [Abstract by authors.]

Health Beliefs, Health Practices, And Health-Seeking Behaviors Among Swartzentruber Amish In Clark County, Wisconsin, Courtney J. Schoessow

Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies

Although the literature contains valuable information about Amish culture, few qualitative studies have been conducted on the health beliefs, health practices, and health-seeking behaviors of the Swartzentruber Amish, the most conservative group of Old Order Amish. The purpose of this study was to describe these dynamics for the Swartzentruber Amish of Clark County, Wisconsin. Utilizing the grounded theory approach, 25 participants were interviewed and seven themes were identified: shared decision-making is common in families; causes of illness are believed to be etiological or the will of God; home remedies are the first choice; preventive medicine is an unfamiliar concept; health …

Health And Healthcare Among The Plain Anabaptist People, Rosanna Hess, Braxton Mitchell

Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies

This issue of the Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies (JAPAS) marks the eleventh year of publication of this journal, the flagship journal of the Amish & Plain Anabaptist Studies Association (APASA). In the past we have devoted entire issues to specific topics, including Beachy Amish-Mennonite churches [2017 5(1)], past and future directions of Amish studies [2017 5(2)], Ohio Amish schisms [2019 7(2)], gender-focused research [2020 8(2)], agriculture and the environment [2021 9(2)], and the plain people at midcentury [2023 11(1)]. In addition, the 2018 6(2) issue included a special section on health among the Amish. This …

An Investigation Into Dietary Fibre Intake, Bowel Function And Mood Among A Sample Of Irish Adults, Sophie Mulligan, Ellen Lynch, Suzanne Doyle

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Background

Previous studies have examined the relationship between dietary fibre intake and mood and bowel function separately, however, no cross-sectional study has yet explored the relationship between all three variables. This study examines the association between dietary fibre intake, bowel function and mood in a cohort of Irish adults at a university campus.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted. An online questionnaire was distributed to staff and students of TU Dublin through email and publicised using posters. Three validated surveys were used in the design of the questionnaire, to assess dietary fibre intake, mood and bowel function. All staff and …

Regulation Of Mirnas In Obesity And Diabetes, Eva Maher, Ava O'Meara, Cathy Brougham

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity and obesity-related secondary disorders has increased dramatically in recent years. Dysregulated microRNA (miRNA) expression has been linked to the development of obesity and its associated disorders. Adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) are promising cell models of obesity, obesity-related inflammation and diabetes. Furthermore, miRNA expression profiles have emerged as promising targets for the novel treatment of diseases such as obesity. In order to enhance miRNA-based therapies, the miRNA expression profile of obesity and its related disorders must be monitored to further understand the underlying mechanisms of obesity and to identify novel targets.

Aim: The aim of …

Freedom, Vulnerability, And Capitalism, Jeremy M. Johnson

Culture, Society, and Praxis

This project will explore how economic vulnerability plays a role in the functioning and maintenance of today’s economic and political systems while investigating how substantive freedom is threatened by economic precarity, why widespread vulnerability is minimally addressed by the state, and potential reforms to the current economic and political arrangement that could be made to ameliorate material harm. Much focus has been dedicated to the study of the coercive power of capitalism, but by analyzing how vulnerability is caused, perpetuated, and taken advantage of, a comprehensive understanding of the lived experiences of the working class, as well as their ability …

Digital Fitness Support - Proplus, Weinan You

Theses

This thesis presents the design of a fitness app aimed at enhancing the workout experience by providing advanced video tracking and data visualization tools. Utilizing user-centric methods like personas, journey maps, competitive analysis, and user testing, the app features innovative video tracking for real-time feedback and a personal fitness log for tracking progress and physical changes. Findings indicate that such comprehensive tracking significantly boosts motivation, aids in continuous progress, and minimizes the risk of injuries and inefficiencies in workouts, demonstrating the app's potential to revolutionize fitness routines for enthusiasts.

Machine Learning And Metabolic Model Guided Crispri Reveals A Central Role For Phosphoglycerate Mutase In Chlamydia Trachomatis Persistence, Niaz Bahar Chowdhury, Nick Pokorzynski, Elizabeth A. Rucks, Scot P. Ouellette, Rey A. Carabeo, Rajib Saha

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Faculty Publications

Upon nutrient starvation, Chlamydia trachomatis serovar L2 (CTL) shifts from its normal growth to a non-replicating form, termed persistence. It is unclear if persistence is an adaptive response or lack of it. To understand that transcriptomics data were collected for nutrientsufficient and nutrient-starved CTL. Applying machine learning approaches on transcriptomics data revealed a global transcriptomic rewiring of CTL under stress conditions without having any global stress regulator. This indicated that CTL’s stress response is due to lack of an adaptive response mechanism. To investigate the impact of this on CTL metabolism, we reconstructed a genome-scale metabolic model of CTL (iCTL278) …

Determining The Quality Of Sugar Beet Pulp, Lenox, And Ryegrass Silages Used In Feeding Dairy Cattle, In Comparison To Corn Silage, Fatma Özkan, Suphi̇ Deni̇z

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study was carried out to determine the quality of sugar beet pulp (Beta vulgaris L.), lenox (Brassica rapa L.), and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorium cv. caramba) silages used in feeding dairy cattle, in comparison to corn silage. Whole corn was harvested at the dough stage, lenox was harvested at the end of flowering, and ryegrass was harvested at the beginning of spike. No additives were added to the corn silage, but 5% molasses was added to the sugar beet pulp, ryegrass, and lenox silages that have low levels of easily degradable sugar. Additionally, 5% sainfoin was added to the sugar …

Investigation Of Three Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (1252 G>A, 2534 G>A, And 2569 T>C) Of The Mbl1 Gene In Anatolian Buffaloes, Esma Gamze Aksel, Bi̇lal Akyüz

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

It has been reported that since the MBL gene is involved in the first step of infection and inflammation processes, it may be associated with susceptibility to bacterial and viral diseases in living organisms. In this study, it was aimed to determine the genotypic variation of Anatolian buffaloes in terms of three (1252G>A, 2534 G>A, and 2569 T>C) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the MBL-1 gene. For this purpose, 103 Anatolian buffaloes were genotyped for relevant SNPs by PCR-RFLP process. The allele and genotype frequencies of the examined samples were determined, and the population was examined for …

Effect Of Thermo-Insulated Kid Hutch On Location Preference, Growth Performance, And Blood Haemato-Biochemical Indices Of Winter-Born Goat Kids (Capra Hircus), Ajoy Das, Dilip Kumar Mandal, Asish Debbarma, Muthupalani Karunakaran, Anupam Chatterjee, Debajyoti Sarkar

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study assessed the effect of thermo-insulated kid hutch (TIKH) on location preference, body surface temperature, growth performance, and blood haemato-biochemical indices of winter-born Black Bengal goat kids. Does were maintained in the same shed, born kids (n = 12) were divided into two groups along with mothers to begin experiments from day 1 of birth. The treatment group (TIKH) of kids was given a TIKH to which kids had free access, but not the adults. However, in the control group (CONT) kids were reared without TIKH. The floor surface temperature of TIKH was significantly (p < 0.05) higher at night as compared to goat shed in December (4.28%), January (3.98%), and February (7.72%). The interior roof surface of TIKH had 25.12%, 33.55%, 31.85%, 10.99%, and 4.37% higher (p < 0.01) temperatures at night compared to the roof surface temperature of the goat shed in December, January, February, March, and April, respectively. The presence of kids inside the TIKH at the age of 1–15 days was the greatest in morning (80.5%) and evening (72.2%). Between the ages of 16–-60 days, the preference of kids for the TIKH varied from 69.2% to 54.2% in the morning and from 70.0% to 66.7% in the evening. However, at the age of 61–75 days, kids’ preference for TIKH gradually declined in the morning (11.6%) and evening (19.9%) due to the increased inside temperature. Kids weaning weight was 23.25% higher (p < 0.05) in the TIKH group as compared to that of CONT. The average daily gain (0–30 days) was higher (41.34%; p < 0.05) in kids in the TIKH compared to the CONT shed. The haemato-biochemical profiles of kids were similar in both groups except for blood serum glucose, which was greater (p < 0.05) in kids of the TIKH than that of CONT shed. In conclusion, the provision of TIKH improved the growth and overall performance of winter-born Black Bengal goat kids during pre and postweaning periods.

Functional Training Promotes Benefits In The Physical Condition Of Horses, Paula Gomes Rodrigues, Camila Fernanda Fidêncio, Katia De Oliveira, Camilla Mendonça Silva, Clistenes Gomes Oliveira, José Miradelson Oliveira Carvalho, Anselmo Domingos Ferreira Santos, Gregorio Murilo De Oliveira Junior, José Camisão De Souza

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Horses that perform constant physical activity related to sport or work are subject to musculoskeletal disorders. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a functional training program to promote physical conditions (epaxial musculature biometry and linear kinematics) and behavior traits in patrol horses. Sixteen crossbred horses were randomly distributed in two experimental treatments: not submitted (control group) and submitted (test group) to a functional exercise program. The training program exercises were performed three times per week for 90 days and consisted of dynamic mobilization techniques, reflexive mobilization, dynamic imbalance, and passive stretching. The studied variables were Longissimus dorsi …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

No abstract provided.

The Western Channel Observatory: A Century Of Physical, Chemical And Biological Data Compiled From Pelagic And Benthic Habitats In The Western English Channel, Andrea J. Mcevoy, Angus Atkinson, Ruth L. Airs, Rachel Brittain, Ian Brown, Elaine S. Fileman, Helen S. Findlay, Caroline L. Mcneill, Clare Ostle, Tim J. Smyth, Paul J. Somerfield, Karen Tait, Glen A. Tarran, Simon Thomas, Claire E. Widdicombe, E. Malcolm S. Woodward, Amanda Beesley, David V.P. Conway, James Fishwick, Hannah Haines, Carolyn Harris, Roger Harris, Pierre Hélaouët, David Johns, Penelope K. Lindeque, Thomas Mesher, Abigail Mcquatters-Gollop, Joana Nunes, Frances Perry, Ana M. Queiros, Andrew Rees, Saskia Rühl, David Sims, Ricardo Torres, Stephen Widdicombe

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

The Western Channel Observatory (WCO) comprises a series of pelagic, benthic and atmospheric sampling sites within 40 km of Plymouth, UK, that have been sampled by the Plymouth institutes on a regular basis since 1903. This longevity of recording and the high frequency of observations provide a unique combination of data; for example temperature data were first collected in 1903, and the reference station L4, where nearly 400 planktonic taxa have been enumerated, has been sampled on a weekly basis since 1988. While the component datasets have been archived, here we provide the first summary database bringing together a wide …

Challenges And Opportunities In Insulin Resistance-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction, Nancy Abdel-Kareem, Shimaa Elshazly, May Galal, Enas Ahmed Abd El-Haleim

Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy Cairo University

In the last few years, there has been a lot of interest in the effect of nutrition on cognitive function, as it affects insulin signals inside the body, whose role is not limited to controlling blood glucose levels but also extends to the learning process and cognitive function. Nutrition-induced insulin resistance is one of the present diseases, which impairs brain insulin signaling and leads to various forms of dementia. This review discusses the different roles of insulin inside the body, the negative effect of insulin resistance on brain function, and the use of some drugs that may improve cognitive dysfunction.

Food And Commensality In Non-State Armed Groups: The Case Of The Lord's Resistance Army In Northern Uganda, 1987-2008, Eunice Otuko Apio Dr

Peace and Conflict Studies

The subfield of food and eating practices has registered a significant volume of theoretical and empirical studies. However, there is very limited research targeting non-state armed groups. This article contributes to understanding the nuanced role of food and eating practices (or commensality) in conflict, and its significance in the construction and sustenance of sense of community in non-state armed groups that use particularly elaborate means of indoctrination to build a following. Drawing on the case of northern Uganda’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) that thrived on mass abduction of children, youth and women between 1987 and 2008, this article argues that …