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Research And Graduate Studies Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2024, Office Of Research And Graduate Studies, Illinois State University

Research and Graduate Studies Annual Report

No abstract provided.

Essentially Expendable: The Failure Of Preemptive Agency Space To Protect Farmworkers From Dangerous Pesticides, Laurie Jamile Beyranevand

Case Western Reserve Law Review

No abstract provided.

Lessons Learned From The Nh Pdg Community School Planning Grants, Nh Preschool Development Grant

Preschool Development Grant

No abstract provided.

Emerging Chromatin Regulators In Response To Heavy Metal Exposure, Wesley Saintilnord

Theses and Dissertations--Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Environmental exposure to heavy metals poses significant threats to human health as they are associated with various developmental and chronic pathologies such as reproductive defects and cancers. Despite their profound risks, a comprehensive understanding of their disease-causing mechanisms is lacking. Most studies point to reactive oxygen species-induced DNA damage; however, their mutagenic potential is relatively weak suggesting the involvement of alternative mechanisms. One important, yet underexplored mechanism, is their ability to rewire the epigenome via DNA methylation and histone variant incorporation, leading to aberrant gene regulatory networks.

This study investigates the epigenetic mechanisms targeted by two ubiquitous heavy metals with …

Decisional And Intrapersonal Conflicts Regarding Treatment Choice For Breast Cancer And The Lived Experiences Encountered During Treatment., Uchennamee Vital Durulawrence

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

Breast cancer is a widely recognized health concern, yet the concept of 'intrapersonalconflict' within the context of breast cancer treatment is relatively underexplored. While existing research predominantly addresses the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on everyday life, there is limited investigation into the decisional and intrapersonal conflicts that women face during the course of their treatment. This qualitative study employs transcendental phenomenological analysis to examine these conflicts and the broader experiences of women as they navigate treatment decisions, lifestyle adjustments, and relational dynamics throughout their breast cancer journey. The study participants comprised 12 women aged between 21 and 80, …

Giving Voice To The Victims Of The Insurgency In Eastern Uganda In The Late 1980s And Early 1990s: A Phenomenological Research Study, Lawrence Egulu

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

After five years of protracted guerilla warfare, Uganda’s current President Yoweri Museveni capturedpower in January 1986, displacing the preceding regime that had been dominated by Northern politicians and Eastern Ugandans (army and police). Feeling humiliated, deprived, and out of government, several rebel insurgencies erupted, among which was the Uganda People’s Army in the Teso region. The experiences of the affected population at the hands of the army, rebels, and the Karamojong cattle raiders from the North East have remained largely unexplored, unheard, and undocumented outside of the region, and neither have how the victims made meaning of their conditions. The …

Baas Health Practice, Public Health

Program Revisions/Additions

No abstract provided.

Exercise Science Occupational Therapy, Kinesiology, Sport, And Recreation

Program Revisions/Additions

No abstract provided.

Exercise Science Athletic Training, Kinesiology, Sport, And Recreation

Program Revisions/Additions

No abstract provided.

Exercise Science Major, Kinesiology, Sport, And Recreation

Program Revisions/Additions

No abstract provided.

Exercise Science Physical Therapy, Kinesiology, Sport, And Recreation

Program Revisions/Additions

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Experienced Compassion At Work On Nursing Home Certified Nursing Assistants' Well-Being And Turnover Intentions, Kristin M. Macdonald

Theses and Dissertations

Statement of problem and objectives: Could experienced compassion at work alleviate nursing home certified nursing assistant (CNA) burnout? This study investigates whether experienced compassion at work predicts higher well-being (meaningfulness of work, psychological vitality, and resilience) for CNAs, and if well-being predicts lower turnover intentions.

Procedure followed: This is a prospective, observational, survey-based study with three timepoint data collection. Convenience sampling of Kansas and Virginia NHs was conducted (n=13). All CNAs working at the NHs were study eligible. CNAs received gift cards with laddered incentives for ongoing participation. There was in-person administration of a CNA survey at each timepoint. …

A Multilevel, Mixed Methods Examination Of Food Insecurity, Housing Instability, And Cardiovascular Health, Sarah Collins

Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND

Housing instability and food access are both robust risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which claims more lives annually in the U.S. than cancer and chronic lung disease combined. We hypothesized that experiencing both housing instability and food insecurity would have an additive effect on CVD risk, resulting in elevated blood pressure (BP) and perceived stress among young adults (YA).

METHODS

This research examined the relationships between food insecurity, housing instability, stress, and cardiovascular disease risk through three aims. First, multivariate linear regression was used to assess associations among YA, focusing on eviction, food insecurity, and blood pressure. Second, …

Using Evidence-Based Scientific Research To Influence Dietary Behavioral Change: Taking A Look In The Mirror, Clifton P. Bueno De Mesquita, Ylenia Vimercati Molano, Lara Vimercati, P. Jacob Bueno De Mesquita

Arts & Sciences Faculty Publications

Science can provide accurate information to society to inform decision-making and behavior. One contemporary topic in which the science is very clear, yet behavioral change has lagged, is climate change mitigation. Climate change scientists use evidence-based research to advocate to the public to adopt emission-reducing behaviors in various sectors such as transportation and food. However, scientists themselves often do not change their own behaviors according to the scientific consensus. We present a case study of a group of natural sciences PhD students, who, when presented with evidence and an opportunity for a behavioral change with implications for climate change mitigation, …

Fat And Water Content Effects Of Three Food Substrates (Ground Veal, Ground Beef, And Beef Liver) On Lucilia Sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Development And Mortality, Nicole Dailey

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Although temperature has been identified as the most important catalyst affecting blow fly larval development, other variables encountered by these species, such as the fat and moisture content of the food source, may have an impact on accurate estimations of the PMImin in forensic investigations. Thus, body composition differences between human carrion, such as variations in body fat and water percentages between younger and older individuals, or heavier persons, could affect blow fly developmental rates, and in turn cause over or under estimations of the PMImin. In this study, the weight, length, and development times of Lucilia sericata third instar …

The Relationship Between Material Circumstances And Primary Care Utilization After Enrollment In Virginia’S Medicaid Expansion, Hannah Shadowen

Theses and Dissertations

Health and health equity encompass not only healthcare but individual level material circumstances like food and housing, neighborhood level conditions like local consequences of residential segregation, and state and federal policies like Medicaid expansion. However, we are just beginning to understand how state level health insurance policy changes operate in the relationship between material circumstances, healthcare use, and health outcomes. This work focuses on newly enrolled Virginia Medicaid expansion members by using both claims data and survey data collected at the point individuals enrolled in Medicaid expansion and a year after Medicaid coverage.

Paper 1 asks if newly enrolled Medicaid …

The Role Of Suc22-S239f Mutation In Sensitizing Fission Yeast To The Replication Stress Induced By Hydroxyurea, Kajal Davi

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Genetic mutations can significantly impact the cell’s susceptibility to environmental stress. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is an established eukaryotic model for studying the cellular responses to various environmental stresses. This work investigated a missense mutation (S239F) identified in Suc22, the small subunit of the ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). RNR is an essential enzyme for the biosynthesis of dNTPs required for DNA replication and repair. We found that the suc22-S239F mutation increases the susceptibility to the replication stress induced by hydroxyurea (HU), not the DNA-damaging agents such as UV, methyl methanesulfate, and CPT. HU is a drug commonly used in laboratories …

Investigating Calcium Levels During Excitation-Contraction Coupling In Model Huntington's Disease Skeletal Muscle, Pooneh Hajmirza Mohammadi Kamalabadi

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

One of the less studied aspects of Huntington’s disease (HD) is its impact on skeletal muscle function. Recent studies have suggested that HD patients exhibit altered muscle function and reduced muscle strength, which may be related to defects in Ca2+ handling during excitation-contraction coupling (ECC). However, the underlying mechanisms of these alterations remain poorly understood. This study aims to determine if the myoplasmic Ca2+ during ECC is reduced in late-stage R6/2 (mouse model of HD) muscle fibers compared to age-matched controls during twitch or tetanic stimulation. Such a decrease would help explain weakness or fatigue in the model HD muscle. …

Msw Portfolio, Courtney R. Nucito

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio encapsulates my transformative journey through the realm of social work, detailing experiences, reflections, and insights gained throughout my academic and professional endeavors. Rooted in a commitment to social justice and ethical practice, my narrative unfolds through various roles and settings, each contributing to my growth as a compassionate and effective social work practitioner.

Friends In Law Places- The Role For Medical-Legal Partnerships In Reshaping The Rural Bar And Bedside, Michael Sobol

South Dakota Law Review

No abstract provided.

Anaerobic Reductive Bioleaching Of Manganese Ores, Neha Sharma

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Manganese extraction by biological methods is a green and economical way to produce manganese from low as well as high grade manganese ores. This is especially important for US ores, which are primarily either small in extent, low-grade with a high iron content, or both. They are therefore not suitable for conventional mining, which is very capital-intensive and requires a large up-front investment and are therefore imported at high costs. The goal is therefore to develop a process that can be applied at small scales, with minimal startup costs, and low equipment and labor requirements. It is also critical to …

The Effects Of Resistance Training On Older Adults: Increasing Healthspan And Lowering Disability Rates, Michael M. Samuel

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study analyzed the research on older adults and resistance training exercise and assessed effects on health span and lowering disability rates. A targeted search of the literature was employed using the following key words: sarcopenia, resistance training, hypertrophy, quality of life, disability, activities of daily living, strength training, falls, and functional strength. These were used to find articles that were relevant to the research. Articles were excluded if they focused on young athletes as they did not meet my research age group. Articles that focused on nutrition were also excluded as they pulled the focus away from the impact …

Examining The Effects Of Artemisia Annua On Neuro2a Cells, Wesley Lim

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Artemisia annua L. is a well-known medicinal herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for many centuries and contains artemisinin, which exhibits antimalarial properties [1] and is a potential treatment for SARS-CoV-2 [2]. However, the neurological effect of A. annua and its compounds are poorly understood. We hypothesize that A. annua extracts and artemisinin will provide protection against oxidative stress in mouse neuronal Neuro2A cells. Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is an anti-oxidant enzyme that protects against oxidative damage [3]. Growth Arrest and DNA Damage-inducible 45 alpha (Gadd45a) is involved in DNA repair and is a common biomarker for DNA damage[4]. SOD1 …

Assessing Preventive Care Utilization For Cardiovascular Disease Among U.S. Latinos, Melanie Helena Paredes

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Accounting for nearly 19% of the United States population in 2020, Latinos and Hispanics represent the second largest racial/ethnic group in the United States, totaling roughly 62.1 million people. Given the growing population size and longer life expectancy estimates amongst the U.S. Latino/Hispanic community, healthcare practitioners and public health officials are increasingly emphasizing the healthcare needs and outcomes of this population. Alarmingly, current literature has highlighted significant disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and risk factors among U.S. Latinos/Hispanics. As CVD continues to be one of the leading causes of death amongst all racial/ethnic groups across the United States, risk …

The Effects Of Nanobubbles For Gene Delivery For Osteoporosis Treatment, Abel Córdova Flores

Honors Undergraduate Theses

In recent years, the field of nanomedicine has provided promising alternatives to traditional ways of gene and drug delivery, such as nanobubbles instead of viral vectors. Manufacturing these nanomaterials is cost-effective and tends to be safer than previous forms of treatment for clinical use. In the realm of osteoporosis, a disease based around a higher rate of bone resorption to bone formation, leads to weak and brittle bones, leaving sufferers at risk for fractures, which are sudden and unexpected. These fractures are estimated to cost USD 22 Billion annually in the US alone. Reports show a significant effect on the …

Assessment Of Quality Of Life Among Patients Undergoing Semaglutide Treatment For Weight Loss, Muhammad Sameed

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Purpose: The study aims to assess the Quality of Life (QoL) among patients undergoing semaglutide treatment for weight loss. The primary hypothesis is that patients’ QoL will improve after semaglutide treatment. This can be due to losing weight, having better physical and mental health, or due to the perceived betterment in life after treatment.

Introduction: Obesity is becoming more prevalent in America, and it has a huge effect on the person's medical conditions, life expectancy, and QoL. Though there has been a surge of treatments to deter the obesity rates in America from rising. One of the more popular and …

Mapping Accessibility To Emergency Care Using Public Transportation, Bach Tran

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Intro: Public transit offers various advantages for both communities and individuals in terms of mobility and has the potential to serve as a practical alternative to private motorized transportation. Timely and convenient public transit becomes a lifeline for people who cannot access other types of transportation, especially when it comes to emergency care. Method: We built a private network analysis within ArcGIS Pro using coordinate data from hospitals and stand-alone emergency rooms as designated by the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) and public transit data from Orlando, FL. Establishing the accessible time as 30 minutes, we computed and visualized …

The Effects Of Exercise On The Immune System Of Older Adults, Brianna Tran

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise on the immune system of older adults. Physical exercise has been known to affect one’s health positively. However, specific statistics relating to types of exercise intervention and older adults are dispersed. Autoimmune diseases are a lifelong disease that results in an overactive immune system, causing it to attack healthy cells. Which then leads to symptoms such as fatigue, pain, swelling, and digestive issues. This thesis includes systemic literature reviews that directly discuss the benefits of moderate-intensity exercise regarding the immune system of the elderly population. Results from this …

Palliative Care Integration Into Critical Care In People With Terminal Conditions, Arielle Westfall

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Palliative care is of value to the quality of life in people with terminal conditions when initiated early. The purpose of this literature review was to identify barriers to early initiation of palliative care consultation. The secondary purpose was to examine characteristics that prompt palliative care consultation. The TLC model of palliative care was used to explore palliative care in the critical care setting in people with terminal conditions. The concepts of the model support optimal palliative care as collaborative and comprehensive, with shared decisions made by the patient, practitioners, and loved ones. A literature review was conducted to identify …

Understanding Guardian Perceptions Of Whole-Foods Plant-Based Diets As Interventions In Pediatric Medicine, Vijay R. Luthra

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The obesity epidemic is widespread in American society, often affecting children who bear its consequences innocently. Due to a lack of nutrition knowledge, children rely on caregivers to meet their nutritional needs and instill healthy habits. This study examines parents' attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors, as well as perceived barriers to adopting a whole-foods plant-based diet (WFPD) for their children. Using a modified survey instrument by Morton et al., this study focused on parents and children regarding dietary choices. Participants were recruited from the waiting area of a pediatric clinic at the Medical College of Georgia between April and May 2023. …