Digital Commons Network^™

Environmentalism And The Politics Of Contemplative Inquiry, Paul Wapner

Journal of Contemplative Inquiry

Many are familiar with the ways contemplative practice enhances outer engagement. Meditation, yoga, journaling, and so forth provide techniques for settling the mind, heightening concentration, clarifying values, and otherwise preparing one for conscious teaching, political activism, and professional work. Less familiar is how outer engagements inform contemplative life. This article explores the ways political activism can provide a route toward spiritual awakening. Specifically, it examines how wrestling with environmental issues opens new chambers of the heart, deepens one compassion, and offers concrete opportunities to “go within.” Originally delivered as the inaugural Arthur Zajonc Lecture on Contemplative Education, the article uses …

A Pedagogy Of Well-Being: Introducing Mindfulness To First-Year Access Students, Karen Ragoonaden

Journal of Contemplative Inquiry

This article examines the impact of introducing mindfulness practices to an Access (developmental) course aimed at first-year students. As a pathway to well-being, the cultivation of mindfulness supports the harmonious balance of the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of the self. An ancillary aim of this qualitative study is to examine the similarities between mindfulness practices and traditional teachings of First Nation, Inuit and Métis First Peoples of Canada. Using precepts from the Medicine Wheel of Learning, the content of a developmental course entitled University 101 was adapted to incorporate Indigenous traditions of teaching and learning. Acknowledging this holistic …

“Learning How To See”: Faculty Members’ Use Of Unnamed Contemplative Practices, Ameena Batada, Keith Chichester, Melissa J. Himelein, Richard Chess

Journal of Contemplative Inquiry

As contemplative pedagogy on higher education campuses grows, so does interest in supporting additional faculty in using contemplative practices. At our small, liberal arts teaching university in the southeast USA, our faculty contemplative learning circle has steadily widened and worked to integrate mindfulness and other practices into our campus activities. We became interested in how contemplative practices are already happening in our classrooms without being named as such, and if finding out about them might elucidate opportunities to support faculty in deepening and expanding current efforts. This paper presents the findings from an interview study with 35 faculty members not …

Contemplative Environmental Studies: Pedagogy For Self And Planet, Paul Wapner

Journal of Contemplative Inquiry

Environmental problems are among the most profound challenges humanity has ever faced. How can we best educate students in this moment of environmental intensification? What skills, virtues, and sensibilities do they need to investigate, appreciate, and respond to environmental degradation? This article makes the case for adding contemplative practices to the pedagogical toolbox. It explains the connection between our internal lives and environmental degradation, and how contemplative practices can unlock faculties for advancing environmental inquiry and engagement. It describes how contemplative practices can, for instance, help students analyze the causes of environmental harm by enabling them to notice internal grasping, …

Legal Education As Contemplative Inquiry: An Integrative Approach To Legal Education, Law Practice, And The Substance Of The Law We Make, Rhonda V. Magee

Journal of Contemplative Inquiry

In this paper, the author describes the advent and increasing prevalence of contemplative pedagogy within legal education and discusses some of the ways that contemplative approaches to legal education and law practice are infusing the legal system with a new consciousness, one that may amount to a new birth of freedom by and through law, and through reimagining education—for lawyers, and for us all.

Contemplative Practices And Teaching Scitovsky’S The Joyless Economy, Daniel P. Barbezat

Journal of Contemplative Inquiry

In order to make choices that lead to our well-being, we need discernment and understanding to determine the conditions that bring about positive outcomes and the awareness to recognize them in order to act in ways that are congruent with our well-being. This is a paper exploring the context of teaching undergraduates to understand the expression of their own desires in markets. In this paper, I will describe an exercise that illustrates the concepts of Tibor Scitovsky’s work on well-being. Students experience the concepts outlined by Scitovsky and come to understand them more deeply through engaging with practices that allow …

Four Days Of Mindfulness Meditation Training For Graduate Students: A Pilot Study Examining Effects On Mindfulness, Self-Regulation, And Executive Function, Megan M. Short, Dwight Mazmanian, Lana J. Ozen, Michel Bedard

Journal of Contemplative Inquiry

Self-regulation facilitates coping with academic stress and demands. This pilot study examined the effects of four consecutive mindfulness meditation classes on self-regulation and executive function in graduate students. Self-report measures of mindfulness, self-regulation, and executive functions were completed before and after the mindfulness classes. Paired t-tests compared pre-post training scores and effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s d. A sample of 8 psychology graduate students (7 female) volunteered to participate in the mindfulness training. The group classes were modeled after meditation practices in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. Each class involved a specific theme: (1) Stepping Out of Automatic Pilot, (2) Awareness …

From Being Known In The Classroom To “Moments Of Meeting”: What Intersubjectivity Offers Contemplative Pedagogy, Dana A. Schneider, Elizabeth King Keenan

Journal of Contemplative Inquiry

Despite recent advances in psychological theory and research, often empirical knowledge of intersubjectivity is not incorporated into teaching. In this paper we suggest that using the intersubjective space of the classroom can provide students with experiences of being known and “moments of meeting” which can result in transformative learning. Using a conceptual framework, we explore why being known is a relevant concept in education and contemplative pedagogy, and highlight student perspectives and an example from our own teaching. We suggest that contemplative pedagogical activities are inherently intersubjective, thereby providing opportunities for being known and educational moments of meeting.

Secular Ethics, Embodied Cognitive Logics, And Education, Brendan R. Ozawa-De Silva

Journal of Contemplative Inquiry

The Dalai Lama’s model of secular ethics not only makes possible an understanding of contemplative practices within a wider ethical framework, but also helps to illuminate the important question of the relationship between contemplative practices and the religions within which they developed. This article explores that question and proposes an approach to the study of contemplative practices that examines the diachronic and synchronic relationships among embodied cognitive states and the “embodied cognitive logics” inherent in the theories and practices of contemplative traditions. Since secular ethics looks to common experience, common sense, and scientific findings, rather than metaphysics or religion, to …

Applications Of Generative Adversarial Networks In Single Image Datasets, Dylan E. Cramer

Scholarly Horizons: University of Minnesota, Morris Undergraduate Journal

One of the main difficulties faced in most generative machine learning models is how much data is required to train it, especially when collecting a large dataset is not feasible. Recently there have been breakthroughs in tackling this issue in SinGAN, with its researchers being able to train a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) on just a single image with a model that can perform many novel tasks, such as image harmonization. ConSinGAN is a model that builds upon this work by concurrently training several stages in a sequential multi-stage manner while retaining the ability to perform those novel tasks.

Increased Light Exposure Decreases Lichen Abundance On Linden Trees In The Prairie Grassland Biome Of West Central Minnesota, Cameron Berthiaume, Sanjana Kidambi, Madelyn Schoenberger

Scholarly Horizons: University of Minnesota, Morris Undergraduate Journal

Percent lichen cover on the four cardinal faces of linden trees on the University of Minnesota Morris campus was recorded in order to determine if lichen abundance is linked to the varying levels of sunlight each cardinal face receives.

Towards A Modelling Process For Simulating Socio-Ecosystems With A Focus On Climate Change Adaptation, Federico Cornacchia, Alberto Gabino Martinez-Hernandez, Marco Bidoia, Carlo Giupponi

Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei Working Papers

As the impacts of climate change are expected to be increasingly disruptive, a growing share of the economic literature moved to modelling approaches to address the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental issues. Among them, System Dynamics (SD) stands out as a well-established modelling approach to analyse complex social-ecological systems. In order to benefit from such modelling exercises it is necessary to follow a structured process, bearing in mind that models should have as their ultimate ambition that of supporting decision-making processes. Yet, the connection with decision-making is addressed only in the last phases of the modelling process, with emphasis …

Evaluating Sustainable Options For Valorization Of Rice By-Products In Sri Lanka: An Approach For A Circular Business Model, W. A. M. A. N Illankoon, Chiara Milanese, A. K. Karunarathna, Kumuditha D. Hikkaduwa Epa Liyanage, A. M. Y. W. Alahakoon, Puhulwella G. Rathnasiri, Maria Cristina Collivignarelli, Sabrina Sorlini

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Due to the significant quantities of waste generated by the Sri Lankan rice industry, circular bioeconomy methodologies were applied to examine value-adding entrepreneurial activities for rice industry by-products (RIB). The study was conceived after scouring the existing literature on agricultural waste management and interviewing experts in the field and the rice industry. In the first phase, the suitability of valorizing alternatives for RIB was considered via a multi-criteria decision-making method. Valorization options, such as biochar production, energy purposes, composting, and other activities, were evaluated using an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) based on four criteria, namely environmental, social, technical, and economic …

Medical School Watercooler Newsletter - March 9, 2023, Lindsey Lyle

Watercooler Newsletter

This is the March 9, 2023 edition of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine's newsletter - Watercooler.

Contents include:

• Faculty awarded intramural grants for research
• Class of 2023 to celebrate match day
• SRFC and Dermatology interest group to host skin cancer screening
• Faculty development opportunities set for March 14
• Biomedical library hosts art exhibit
• Research and education to collide in new college of medicine building

An Investigation Of Gold Open Access Publications Of Stem Faculty At A Public University In The United States (Poster), Daniel G. Kipnis, Denise Brush

Libraries Scholarship

In examining Gold Open Access Publishing at our university we discovered that after a library-sponsored Open Access Publishing Fund was created in 2017 that rates of science and engineering publication went up 176% In Engineering the percentage rate of increase from 2017 was 200%. Of the 46 Gold Open Access publications awarded since fund was created in 2017 33 were in science and engineering. Disciplinary differences in the rates of Gold Open Access publishing are also shared to help librarians focus on which disciplines are more inclined to publish in Gold Open Access journals. Libraries can support faculty with goals …

Age, Growth And Maturity Of The Yellow Stingray (Urobatis Jamaicensis), A Biannually Reproductive Tropical Batoid., Jessica Schieber, Daniel P. Fahy, John K. Carlson, David W. Kerstetter

Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles

Urobatis jamaicensis is a coastal batoid species affected by habitat loss and small-scale exploitation from fisheries and the aquarium trade, yet the life-history information available is limited. This is the first study to assess the vertebral centra from 195 stingrays to estimate age and growth patterns and compare them with the biannual reproductive pattern previously reported for this species. Age-at-size data were compared using five different growth models and found a two-parameter von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF), the Gompertz model, and a modified VBGF fit best for males, females and sexes combined, respectively. Maturity was achieved before one year. However, …

Spectral Features Of Non-Nutritive Suck Dynamics In Extremely Preterm Infants, Steven M. Barlow, Chunxiao Liao, Jaehoon Lee, Seungman Kim, Jill L. Maron, Dongli Song, Priya Jegatheesan, Balaji Govindaswami, Bernard J. Wilson, Kushal Bhakta, John P. Cleary

United States Public Health Resources

Background: Non-nutritive suck (NNS) is used to promote ororhythmic patterning and assess oral feeding readiness in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). While time domain measures of NNS are available in real time at cribside, our understanding of suck pattern generation in the frequency domain is limited. The aim of this study is to model the development of NNS in the frequency domain using Fourier and machine learning (ML) techniques in extremely preterm infants (EPIs).

Methods: A total of 117 EPIs were randomized to a pulsed or sham orocutaneous intervention during tube feedings 3 times/day …

Basal Diet Fed To Recipient Mice Was The Driving Factor For Colitis And Colon Tumorigenesis, Despite Fecal Microbiota Transfer From Mice With Severe Or Mild Disease, Daphne Michelle Rodriguez Jimenez, Korry J. Hintze, Giovanni Rompato, Eliza C. Stewart, Abbey H. Barton, Emily Mortensen-Curtis, Porter A. Green, Arnaud J. Van Wettere, Aaron J. Thomas, Abby D. Benninghoff

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

Consumption of the total Western diet (TWD) in mice has been shown to increase gut inflammation, promote colon tumorigenesis, and alter fecal microbiome composition when compared to mice fed a healthy diet, i.e., AIN93G (AIN). However, it is unclear whether the gut microbiome contributes directly to colitis-associated CRC in this model. The objective of this study was to determine whether dynamic fecal microbiota transfer (FMT) from donor mice fed either the AIN basal diet or the TWD would alter colitis symptoms or colitis-associated CRC in recipient mice, which were fed either the AIN diet or the TWD, using a 2 …

Evolving Literacy Practices In The Vocational-Technical High School Classroom: How Critical Literacy Frameworks Enhance Learning And Increase Student Reading Success In Cte, Alice A. Infranco

Theses and Dissertations

This paper provides a qualitative account of how Critical Literacy instruction fosters reading growth in vocational-technical school settings. This study examines how critical literacy enriches learning outcomes within Career and Technical Education (CTE). The findings are that Critical Literacy skills are necessary for all readers because they positively affect student engagement and participation in learning, especially if presented in a way that allows students to have an active role in their learning. Examples of how to integrate Critical Literacy instruction into CTE classrooms are presented and discussed. These instructional practices go beyond traditional reading comprehension skills. The conclusion is that …

Perspectives On Lifespan Religious And Spiritual Development From Scholars Across The Lifespan, Megan Gale, Justin J. Hendricks, David C. Dollahite, Loren D. Marks

Faculty Publications

The purpose of the article is to share our perspectives on the key influences of lifespan religious and spiritual development as scholars from across the lifespan (i.e., the four authors are from different generations, including Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Gen Z). Our perspectives are heavily influenced by our combined 60+ years of research experience in examining the connections between religion and family life. Our discussion is organized around Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological framework and the process-person-context-time model. Within this framework, the key factors we discuss that influence religious/spiritual development include (a) process (i.e., person-religion mismatch and family processes), (b) person …

Protect Earth’S Orbit: Avoid High Seas Mistakes, Imogen E. Napper, Alasdair J. Davies, Moriba Jah, Kimberley R. Miner, Richard C. Thompson, Melissa Quinn, Heather J. Koldewey

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

The global space industry is growing rapidly—the number of satellites in orbit is expected to increase from 9000 today (1) to over 60,000 by 2030 (2). In addition, it is estimated that more than 100 trillion untracked pieces of old satellites are already in orbit (3). Although the industries and countries using Earth’s orbit are starting to consider sustainability, risks exist in responsibly managing such a vast area with no owner (4). Like the high seas, Earth’s orbit is seen as a global commons, where exploitation of what may appear to be a free resource is growing and the true …

The Continued Relevance Of Domestic Partnerships In The Post-Obergefell United States, Grace J. Anderson

Minnesota Journal of Law & Inequality

No abstract provided.

“Vancouver’S Favourite Country Music Pub,” Single Room Occupancy Hotels, And The Context Of International Frameworks: Mapping Vancouver’S Urban Law And Cultural Policy, Sara Ross

Minnesota Journal of Law & Inequality

No abstract provided.

Better Than Bipoc, Meera E. Deo

Minnesota Journal of Law & Inequality

No abstract provided.

Don’T Make Them Martyrs: Empowering Children In The Foster Care & Juvenile Justice Systems Through Covid-19 Vaccine Consenting Rights, Victoria Kalumbi

Minnesota Journal of Law & Inequality

No abstract provided.

Nirogacestat, A Γ-Secretase Inhibitor For Desmoid Tumors, Mrinal Gounder, Brian A Van Tine, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Desmoid tumors are rare, locally aggressive, highly recurrent soft-tissue tumors without approved treatments.

METHODS: We conducted a phase 3, international, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of nirogacestat in adults with progressing desmoid tumors according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1. Patients were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive the oral γ-secretase inhibitor nirogacestat (150 mg) or placebo twice daily. The primary end point was progression-free survival.

RESULTS: From May 2019 through August 2020, a total of 70 patients were assigned to receive nirogacestat and 72 to receive placebo. Nirogacestat had a significant progression-free survival benefit …

Therapeutic Effects Of Cd133 + Exosomes On Liver Function After Stroke In Type 2 Diabetic Mice, Poornima Venkat, Hua Gao, Elizabeth L. Findeis, Zhili Chen, Alex Zacharek, Julie Landschoot-Ward, Brianna Powell, Mei Lu, Zhongwu Liu, Zhenggang Zhang, Michael Chopp

Neurology Articles

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is known to adversely affect stroke recovery. However, few studies investigate how stroke elicits liver dysfunction, particularly, how stroke in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exacerbates progression of NAFLD. In this study, we test whether exosomes harvested from human umbilical cord blood (HUCBC) derived CD133 + cells (CD133 + Exo) improves neuro-cognitive outcome as well as reduces liver dysfunction in T2DM female mice.

METHODS: Female, adult non-DM and T2DM mice subjected to stroke presence or absence were considered. T2DM-stroke mice were randomly assigned to receive PBS or Exosome treatment group. CD133 + …

Understanding Nanog’S Role In Cell Differentiation, Oluwatobiloba Aminu, Junguk Hur, Bony De Kumar

Graduate Research Achievement Day Posters

Background: Pluripotency and differentiation are crucial cellular states for normal development and disease control. They are regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Master transcription factors, such as Nanog, Sox2, and Oct4, play a critical role in pluripotency, but their function in differentiation is not entirely clear. This study aims to investigate Nanog's role in differentiation using mouse embryonic stem cells as a model.

Methods: An integrative analysis was carried out using gene expression and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing data to determine the impact of Nanog binding on downstream gene expression. Target genes were identified as those whose expression was altered by …

Spartan Daily, March 9, 2023, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2023

Volume 160, Issue 19

Architecture And New Urbanism’S Relationship To Biomimicry And Floral Design, Alycia Timmerman

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The craft of floral design is classified as an art and a science. Similarly, architecture is rooted in the two disciplines. After conducting research and exploring biomimicry through the design process, it became evident that the process of design for architecture and floral design are similar. This relationship can also be extended into the field of planning and the New Urbanism movement. This study explores the integration of floral design and biomimicry with architecture and New Urbanism at the scale of the building and city block.