Digital Commons Network^™

Why Should Early-Career Scientists Publish In Society Journals, Stephen K. Dolan, Lori D. Banks, Wenqi Yu

Molecular Biosciences Faculty Publications

In this editorial, written by early-career scientists, we advocate for the invaluable role of society journals in our scientific community. By choosing to support these journals as authors, peer reviewers, and as editors, we can reinforce our academic growth and benefit from their re-investment back into the scientific ecosystem. Considering the numerous clear merits of this system for future generations of microbiologists and more broadly, society, we argue that early-career researchers should publish our high-quality research in society journals to shape the future of science and scientific publishing landscape.

The Inaugural Mbio Junior Editorial Board—Lessons Learned And The Path Forward Toward Improving The Peer Review Process, Cynthia Ayefoumi Adinortey, Stephen K. Dolan, Sarah Doore, Rebeccah Lijek, Diana Priscila Pires, Wenqi Yu, Elizabeth B. Draganova, Lennart Schada Von Borzyskowski

Molecular Biosciences Faculty Publications

The inaugural Junior Editorial Board (JEB) of mBio consisted of 64 early-career researchers active from 2022 to 2023. The goal of the JEB was to train early-career researchers in the art of peer review under the guidance of experienced editors. JEB members gained hands-on experience in peer review by participating in modules detailing the publishing process through the lenses of the journal, editor, and reviewer. Ultimately, JEB members applied this new knowledge by reviewing mBio manuscripts. Here, we summarize the background, the mission, and the achievements of the first mBio JEB. We also include possible trajectories for the future editions …

Whs Guidelines For The Treatment Of Pressure Ulcers: 2023 Update, Lisa J. Gould, Jenny Alderden, Rummana Aslam, Adrian Barbul, Kath M. Bogie, Mohamed El Masry, Letitia Y. Graves, E. Foy White-Chu, Amany Ahmed, Kerriann Boanca, Jessica Brash, Katie R. Brooks, Wendy Cockron, Susan M. Kennerly, Aaron K. Livingston, Jeni Page, Catherine Stephens, Velena West, Tracey L. Yap

Nursing Faculty Publications and Presentations

The major populations at risk for developing pressure ulcers are older adults who have multiple risk factors that increase their vulnerability, people who are critically ill and those with spinal cord injury/disease. The reported prevalence of pressure ulcers in the United States is 2.5 million. However, this estimate is derived from acute care facilities and does not include people who are living at home or in nursing facilities. Despite the implementation of hospital and facility-based preventive measures, the incidence of pressure ulcers has not decreased in decades. In addition to the burden of pain, infection and death, it is estimated …

Developing Partnerships For Academic Data Science Consulting And Collaboration Units, Marianne Huebner, Laura Bond, Felesia Stukes, Joel Herndon, David J. Edwards, Gina-Maria Pomann

Biomedical Research Institute Publications and Presentations

Data science consulting and collaboration units (DSUs) are core infrastructure for research at universities. Activities span data management, study design, data analysis, data visualization, predictive modelling, preparing reports, manuscript writing and advising on statistical methods and may include an experiential or teaching component. Partnerships are needed for a thriving DSU as an active part of the larger university network. Guidance for identifying, developing and managing successful partnerships for DSUs can be summarized in six rules: (1) align with institutional strategic plans, (2) cultivate partnerships that fit your mission, (3) ensure sustainability and prepare for growth, (4) define clear expectations in …

Household Chaos Relates To Cortisol Levels For Children In Head Start Preschool, Mary Ann Blumenthal

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Poverty and related stressors have been demonstrated to negatively impact child development. Few studies to date have investigated the relationship between one such poverty related stressor, household chaos, and its impact on cortisol levels-a biomarker for stress- throughout the day. The present study investigated the relationship between household chaos and cortisol in a diverse sample of 288 children attending Head Start preschool. Household chaos was measured by a standardized parent report measure of chaos in the home. Salivary cortisol samples were obtained during four time points across the preschool day on two days at the beginning of the preschool year. …

Cognitive Functioning In Well-Controlled Asthma, Erin Walsh

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Asthma is a common lung disease that impacts lung functioning through inflammatory based mechanisms. Past research suggests that decreased blood oxygenation due to asthma attacks may impair cognitive capabilities (Irani et al., 2017). Moreover, the observed differences in cognition between those with and without asthma may be associated with disease severity or asthma control respectively in asthma populations. The current study explored differences in cognitive functioning between college students with and without self-reported asthma. Sociodemographic data, self-reported asthma severity, and measures of asthma control were collected. The current study did not find significant differences in measures of cognitive efficiency between …

Cortisol And Executive Functioning For Young Children Attending Head Start Preschool, Zachary Weaver

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Poverty circumstances impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal or HPA axis. Early childhood dysfunction in the HPA axis, marked by irregularities in cortisol, poses risk for the development of key executive functioning (EF) abilities. No studies have investigated the relation between cortisol and performance-based measures of EF in settings such as Head Start preschool that aim to promote positive outcomes for children facing economic hardship. This pilot study examined EF and cortisol for 50 children ages 3 to 5 years, who attended a Head Start preschool. This study was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a sample size less than half …

Exploring Perceptions Of Self-Compassion In Individuals With Complex Trauma Symptomology: A Qualitative Approach, Brooke Roseman

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

The aim of the present study sought to explore the perceptions of self-compassion through the perspectives of individuals who experience complex trauma symptomology and low rates of self-compassion to inform and enhance trauma treatment. Despite a growing accumulation of studies implicating self-compassion as an integral construct for alleviating symptoms associated with complex trauma, most research designs were quantitative and did not investigate the internal processes occurring within the individual. Based on this gap, the current study expanded the scope of the current literature to include a qualitative thematic analytic approach to better understand the nuances of how this population relates …

Screening For Postpartum Depression In Mothers Whose Newborns Are Admitted To The Nicu: A Quality Improvement Project, Megan Mustachio

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Women whose newborns are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are at an increased risk to experience feelings associated with Post-partum Depression (PPD) than women whose newborns are not. The screening of this population is imperative for early identification and dissemination of community resources as a source of early intervention. The purpose of this project is to increase the number of screenings performed on the new mothers at the bedside of their NICU admitted newborn and deliver the screen to the NICU Social Work department for early intervention, and resources. This quality improvement project used a six-week retrospective …

Educators' Experiences Of Childhood Trauma Infiltrating The Classroom: A Mixed Methods Study, Paige Dea

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study investigated the attitudes, perceptions, and understanding of education professionals toward trauma-related behaviors of kindergarten through 12th-grade students in public school districts throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. The purpose of this study was to identify underlying themes surrounding trauma to determine the best training and support options for teachers. Research has investigated teachers’ common perceptions of trauma and their attitudes toward students’ internalizing and externalizing behaviors demonstrated across various educational settings. The study focused on determining teachers’ efforts to support students in developing social-emotional learning skills to manage the behaviors and feelings students develop as a result of …

Optional Depression Screening In College Health, Brittany Schugsta

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Many people living with depression are not receiving treatment. College students are a population particularly affected by depression, which has negative implications for future academic and personal success. U.S. organizations have recommended universal depression screening to identify those in need of treatment, to improve outcomes and minimize depression's effects. Primary care is a key access point for health services, including depression screening and management. Critics of depression screening cite concerns with the recommendation, specifically weak evidence of the overall benefits, potential for overdiagnosis, and overutilization of scarce primary care resources.

The project site is a large southeastern Pennsylvania public research …

The Role Of Reward Probability And Dispositional Mindfulness On Substance Use In Trauma-Exposed Individuals, Sam Wayne

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Background: In 2020, 93,331 people died from drug overdoses (CDC, 2021), a 32% increase from the year prior and the largest figure recorded in a single year. Understanding the risk and resilience factors are crucial to taking steps towards slowing this trend. Robust research identifies trauma exposure as a risk factor for substance use. Emerging research suggests that dispositional mindfulness and reward probability as risk-resilience factors for substance use. The current study examines two of these potential factors: dispositional mindfulness and reward probability. Method: In a cross-sectional design, residents of a drug rehabilitation program who endorsed opioid use (n …

Impediments To Peace: In Response To ‘The Evolution Of Peace’ By Luke Glowacki (December 16, 2022), Raymond B. Hames

Department of Anthropology: Faculty Publications

A response to ‘The evolution of peace’ by Luke Glowacki (December 16, 2022)

While effective institutional practices are critical for the evolution of peace certain factors deter their effectiveness. In-group and out-group dynamics may make peace difficult between culturally distinct groups. Critical ecological conditions often lead to intractable conflict over resources. And within group conflicts of interest most prominently between generations may inhibit effective peace making

The Laws Of Space Warfare: A Tale Of Non-Binding International Agreements, Eytan Tepper

Maryland Law Review

No abstract provided.

Listen To Your (Tipsy) Inner Voice: Ai Is Not Your Drinking Buddy, Tori R.A. Kricken

Maryland Law Review

No abstract provided.

Layers Of Instructional Outreach: Strategies For Grafting New Growth In The First Year Of Liaison Librarianship, Liana Bayne-Lin, Kathryn E. Shenk

LOEX Conference Proceedings 2024

No abstract provided.

Re-Imagining Information Literacy Curricular Integration: A Faculty Information Literacy Fellows Collaboration Program, Evelyn Ugwu-George

LOEX Conference Proceedings 2024

No abstract provided.

Planting Breaths, Weeding Doubts: Restorative Practices And Contemplative Pedagogy For Classroom Practice And Teaching Library Research Skills, Jean E. Boggs

LOEX Conference Proceedings 2024

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Body Size On Mate Choice By Ambystoma Laterale Breeding With Unisexual Salamanders, Cole Christian Duvall

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Within the genus Ambystoma exists a complex of unisexual (all female) polyploid salamanders, which can breed with males of five sexual species of salamander. Unisexuals face intense sexual selection from diploid males, who prefer to mate with females of their own species. At the Edwin S. George Reserve (ESGR), it has been observed that LLJ unisexuals with large body sizes migrate to breeding ponds earlier than small unisexuals. A possible explanation for this behavior is that large LLJ unisexuals are sexually selected against, when compared to small unisexuals. We hypothesized that A. laterale males would prefer smaller LLJ unisexuals, when …

Calliphoridae Of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Andrew Meeds

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

This project aimed to establish a baseline understanding of the blow fly fauna of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (OPCNM). Blow flies are the most commonly used insect in criminal investigations due to their tendency to be the earliest to locate and colonize remains. By understanding their distributions and patterns of seasonality, forensic entomologists can determine which species are most likely to colonize remains and identify which species may require further study. An 11-month comparison between fresh and aged chicken liver-baited traps improves understanding of primary and secondary colonizers in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and offers insights into effective …

Integrated Pest Management Of Maple (Acer) In Midwest Nursery Production, Darcey Hickey

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Introduction

In all agricultural settings, damage from arthropod pests is inevitable. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was introduced in the 1970’s as a response to increased public awareness of the hazardous effects of pesticides in the environment (Frazier, 2010). Ornamental nursery production is an important sector of US agriculture. In ornamental nurseries, pest damage is the leading cause of revenue loss (Braman et al., 2015). IPM has primarily been implemented for agricultural settings and as IPM is specific to each environment, it is important to explore the use of IPM practices in nursery production. As nurseries are found across the United …

Evolution Of The Largest Insect Orders: A Comprehensive Literature Review, Jason Thompson

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Introduction

Insects are regarded by many to be among the most successful organisms on earth, displaying remarkable diversity, resilience, and adaptations, allowing them the ability to inhabit and exploit a wide array of niche environments. If sheer numbers are utilized as a yardstick by which to measure success, it has been estimated that there may be as many as 10 quintillion insects alive and active at any given time (Sabrosky, 1952). In terms of species diversity, estimates have ranged from as many as 30 million based on research and collections in tropical forest canopies (Erwin, 1982) to more recent, conservative …

Field Guide To Common Forensically Important Insects Of Oregon, Dakota Hufford

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Purpose, Scope and Structure of the Guide

This guide aims to serve as a semi-comprehensive resource for anyone interested in forensic entomology within the state of Oregon in the United States. This resource is intended to fill a gap in existing available forensic entomology educational materials by providing identifying information on the primary groups of insects involved in decomposition processes and forensic investigations in Oregon. It is useful for a diverse group of people including students, educators, forensic professionals, and laypeople with an interest in entomology. Therefore, the intended audience ranges from interested amateurs and curious observers, to educators and …

Documenting Plant Biodiversity At The Emu-Owned Parsons Center For Arts And Sciences, Emily Edwards

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

We present the first vascular plant species checklist for the Eastern Michigan-University-owned property called the Parsons Center for Arts and Sciences. A voucher for each plant species has been deposited in the Eastern Michigan College herbarium and collection data is digitized in the Consortium of Midwest Herbaria. A minimum of three images per species are also available on iNaturalist . The Consortium and iNaturalist databases are publicly available and provide georeferenced locations for each plant. One hundred seventy-one plant species (in 137 genera and 61 families) were documented and identified, representing about 15% of plant species and 41% of families …

Undergraduate Symposium, 2024, College Of Arts & Sciences

Undergraduate Symposium Programs

No abstract provided.

Genetic Tracking Of A Rabid Coyote (Canis Latrans) Detected Beyond A Rabies Enzootic Area In West Virginia, Usa, Matthew W. Hopken, Crystal Gigante, Amy T. Gilbert, Richard B. Chipman, Jordana D. Kirby, Rene Edgar Condori, Samuel Mills, Chelsea Hartley, John Forbes, Lisa Dettinger, Dongxiang Xia, Yu Li, Bridgett Vonholdt

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Wildlife translocation and cross-species transmission can impede control and elimination of emerging zoonotic diseases. Tracking the geographic origin of both host and virus (i.e., translocation versus local infection) may help determine the most effective response when high-risk cases of emerging pathogens are identified in wildlife. In May 2022, a coyote (Canis latrans) infected with the raccoon (Procyon lotor) rabies virus variant (RRV) was collected in Lewis County, West Virginia, USA, an area free from RRV. We applied host population genomics and RRV phylogenetic analyses to determine the most likely geographic origin of the rabid coyote. Coyote …

Lhx3/4 Initiates A Cardiopharyngeal-Specific Transcriptional Program In Response To Widespread Fgf Signaling, C. J. Pickett, Hannah N. Gruner, Bradley Justin Davidson , '91

Biology Faculty Works

Individual signaling pathways, such as fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), can regulate a plethora of inductive events. According to current paradigms, signal-dependent transcription factors (TFs), such as FGF/MapK-activated Ets family factors, partner with lineage-determining factors to achieve regulatory specificity. However, many aspects of this model have not been rigorously investigated. One key question relates to whether lineage-determining factors dictate lineage-specific responses to inductive signals or facilitate these responses in collaboration with other inputs. We utilize the chordate model Ciona robusta to investigate mechanisms generating lineage-specific induction. Previous studies in C. robusta have shown that cardiopharyngeal progenitor cells are specified through the …

Playing Changes: Music As Mediator Between Japanese And Black Americans, E Taylor Atkins

Faculty Books & Book Chapters

Since the mid-twentieth century, music has played a central role in encounters and interactions between the people of Japan and those of African descent. It proved far more effective for pro- moting interracial dialogue and understanding than efforts in the early 1900s to foster an alliance against white supremacy and imperialism. This essay unpacks the ways that encounters with Black music transformed Japanese musicking and generated knowledge and empathy for people of African descent among Japanese. Personal interactions between Black and Japanese musicians constituted a process of “grassroots globalization” that circumvented the dominance of American mass media in representing African …

The Effects Of Secretion Regulators, Α-Synuclein And Cysteine String Protein-Α, In Thrombosis And Hemostasis, Alexis N. Smith

Theses and Dissertations--Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Platelets play many critical roles in the vasculature ensuring proper hemostasis and maintaining vascular integrity. They can mediate these different processes via the release of different cargo molecules from granules. Cargo release from the granules is mediated by a family of proteins called Soluble NSF Attachment Protein Receptors (SNAREs). This process is complex and is regulated by several protein-protein interactions that are not completely characterized. SNARE chaperones have been identified for the t-SNAREs such as Munc18b/STXBP2 for Syntaxin-11, but none have been identified for the VAMPs and SNAP proteins. Proteins of interest as potential chaperones for VAMPs and SNAP proteins …

Revolutionizing Our Understanding Of Specific Platelet-Pathogen Interactions, Hammodah Rawhi Hammodah Alfar

Theses and Dissertations--Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Aside from their classical role in maintaining hemostasis, platelets are considered first-line vascular guardians that influence both the innate and adaptive immune systems. This is mediated by either direct interactions with immune cells or through the release of pre-stored cytokines and chemokines upon interacting with pathogens such as viruses. While this establishes platelets as potential players in the response to pathogens, it remains unclear what platelets can do with pathogens and how important that is to immune responses, especially against viruses. Most systemic viremias, such as HIV-1, present with mild thrombocytopenia, which is mediated through several mechanisms such as a …