Digital Commons Network^™

Green Lighting The Altruistic Influencer, Savanna Rebecca Bagley

Theses and Dissertations

This paper comprehensively examines a new type of social media influencer characterized by altruistic tendencies. Utilizing the popular YouTube channel Vlogbrothers as the case study text for a constant comparative analysis, this research explores how the strategies altruistic influencers use to mobilize their community for good, the characteristics of the altruistic influencers, and how altruistic influencers create community. Through an in-depth analysis of 30 Vlogbrothers videos, the themes of education, community, and shared humanity emerged. Education, shared values, and calls to action are discussed as essential for mobilizing communities in charitable endeavors. Authenticity, quality, accessibility, and solutions-focused action were found …

Learning In Transition: Developing And Employing Pedagogical Supports To Enhance Student Learning In Engineering Education, Eleazar Marquez, Samuel Garcia

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Scholarly research indicates that classroom environment and conditions influence the degree of student learning, levels of engagement, and overall success in engineering education. In the wake of COVID-19, educational institutions transitioned to fully online delivery that disrupted traditional and effective channels of communication enacted in classroom contexts. For a substantial number of faculty members, this rapid transition to a fully remote instructional context marked the start a novel style of teaching and learning environment, a grand departure from the traditional, direct face-to-face setting. Such rapid and disruptive change required creative solutions to routinized instructional practices and compelling faculty to adjust …

Integrative Genetic Approach Facilitates Precision Strategies For Acute Myocardial Infarction, Muzamil Khawaja, Rehma Siddiqui, Salim S Virani, Christopher I Amos, Dhrubajyoti Bandyopadhyay, Hafeez Ul Hassan Virk, Mahboob Alam, Hani Jneid, Chayakrit Krittanawong

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Acute myocardial infarction remains a significant cause of mortality worldwide and its burden continues to grow. Its pathophysiology is known to be complex and multifactorial, with several acquired and inherited risk factors. As advances in technology and medical therapy continue, there is now increasing recognition of the role that genetics play in the development and management of myocardial infarction. The genetic determinants of acute coronary syndrome are still vastly understudied, but the advent of whole-genome scanning and genome-wide association studies has significantly expanded the current understanding of genetics and simultaneously fostered hope that genetic profiling and gene-guided treatments could substantially …

Evaluation Of The Orally Bioavailable 4-Phenylbutyrate-Tethered Trichostatin A Analogue Ar42 In Models Of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Casey J. Lumpkin, Ashlee W. Harris, Andrew J. Connell, Ryan W. Kirk, Joshua A. Whiting, Luciano Saieva, Livio Pellizzoni, Arthur H.M. Burghes, Matthew E.R. Butchbach

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers

Proximal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a leading genetic cause for infant death in the world and results from the selective loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord. SMA is a consequence of low levels of SMN protein and small molecules that can increase SMN expression are of considerable interest as potential therapeutics. Previous studies have shown that both 4-phenylbutyrate (4PBA) and trichostatin A (TSA) increase SMN expression in dermal fibroblasts derived from SMA patients. AR42 is a 4PBA-tethered TSA derivative that is a very potent histone deacetylase inhibitor. SMA patient fibroblasts were treated with either AR42, AR19 (a …

The Allegory Of United States Settlers V. Native Americans In Wes Craven's The Hills Haves Eyes (1977), Blue Van Alst

University Honors Theses

The year 1977 saw the release of Wes Craven’s second major production, The Hills Have Eyes. A film that sits within a filmic library of Craven that works to use the horror genre to reflect on and critique the American society that he lived in. The Hills Have Eyes employs the stereotypes that the films of John Ford helped to solidify in U.S. society. He does this in order to explore the tense historical relationships between Indigenous and United States settlers during the time of westward expansion. Using the white middle class Carter family to serve as settlers, and …

Energetic Costs Of Testosterone In Two Subsistence Populations, Benjamin C. Trumble, Herman Pontzer, Jonathan Stieglitz, Daniel K. Cummings, Brian Wood, Melissa Emery Thompson, David Raichlen, Bret Beheim, Gandhi Yetish, Hillard Kaplan, Michael Gurven

ESI Publications

Objective

Testosterone plays a role in mediating energetic trade-offs between growth, maintenance, and reproduction. Investments in a high testosterone phenotype trade-off against other functions, particularly survival-enhancing immune function and cellular repair; thus only individuals in good condition can maintain both a high testosterone phenotype and somatic maintenance. While these effects are observed in experimental manipulations, they are difficult to demonstrate in free-living animals, particularly in humans. We hypothesize that individuals with higher testosterone will have higher energetic expenditures than those with lower testosterone.

Methods

Total energetic expenditure (TEE) was quantified using doubly labeled water in n = 40 Tsimane forager-horticulturalists …

Acetate-Encapsulated Linolenic Acid Liposomes Reduce Sars-Cov-2 And Rsv Infection, Andrew R. Mcgill

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is an ongoing pandemic-endemic. In the United States, it remains the third leading cause of death in 2022. SARS-CoV-2, an RNA virus, has a genome prone to rapid mutation, generating variant species capable of resisting therapies and vaccination efforts. However, it has been estimated that more than 40% of SARS-CoV-2 infections may be asymptomatic, which calls into question any biological differences between the asymptomatic and afflicted groups. Additionally, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most significant cause of bronchiolitis and asthma in neonates, with an increasing burden on the …

Effect Of Ishophloroglucin A Isolated From Ishige Okamurae On In Vitro Osteoclastogenesis And Osteoblastogenesis, Su-Hyeon Cho, Hyun-Soo Kim, Hye-Yeon Jung, Jae-Il Park, You-Jee Jang, Juhee Ahn, Kil-Nam Kim

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The balance between bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts is essential for the bone remodeling process. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Ishophloroglucin A (IPA) isolated from Ishige okamurae on the function of osteoclasts and osteoblasts in vitro. First, we demonstrated the effect of IPA on osteoclastogenesis in receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. IPA inhibited the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and osteoclast differentiation in RANKL-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, it inhibited the RANKL-induced osteoclast-related factors, such as TRAP, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and calcitonin receptor (CTR), and transcription factors, such as nuclear factor …

Transcriptome- And Proteome-Wide Association Studies Nominate Determinants Of Kidney Function And Damage, Pascal Schlosser, Jingning Zhang, Hongbo Liu, Aditya L Surapaneni, Eugene P Rhee, Dan E Arking, Bing Yu, Eric Boerwinkle, Paul A Welling, Nilanjan Chatterjee, Katalin Susztak, Josef Coresh, Morgan E Grams

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiological causes of kidney disease are not fully understood. Here we show that the integration of genome-wide genetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic association studies can nominate causal determinants of kidney function and damage.

RESULTS: Through transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) in kidney cortex, kidney tubule, liver, and whole blood and proteome-wide association studies (PWAS) in plasma, we assess for effects of 12,893 genes and 1342 proteins on kidney filtration (glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimated by creatinine; GFR estimated by cystatin C; and blood urea nitrogen) and kidney damage (albuminuria). We find 1561 associations distributed among 260 genomic regions that are …

Detrimental Effects Of Pcsk9 Loss-Of-Function In The Pediatric Host Response To Sepsis Are Mediated Through Independent Influence On Angiopoietin-1., Mihir R. Atreya, Natalie Z. Cvijanovich, Julie C. Fitzgerald, Scott L. Weiss, Michael T. Bigham, Parag N. Jain, Adam J. Schwarz, Riad Lutfi, Jeffrey Nowak, Geoffrey L. Allen, Neal J. Thomas, Jocelyn R. Grunwell, Torrey Baines, Michael Quasney, Bereketeab Haileselassie, Matthew N. Alder, Patrick Lahni, Scarlett Ripberger, Adesuwa Ekunwe, Kyle R. Campbell, Keith R. Walley, Stephen W. Standage

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is associated with significant mortality. Yet, there are no efficacious therapies beyond antibiotics. PCSK9 loss-of-function (LOF) and inhibition, through enhanced low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) mediated endotoxin clearance, holds promise as a potential therapeutic approach among adults. In contrast, we have previously demonstrated higher mortality in the juvenile host. Given the potential pleiotropic effects of PCSK9 on the endothelium, beyond canonical effects on serum lipoproteins, both of which may influence sepsis outcomes, we sought to test the influence of PCSK9 LOF genotype on endothelial dysfunction.

METHODS: Secondary analyses of a prospective observational cohort of pediatric septic shock. Genetic variants …

Molecular And Morphological Confirmation Of Isometrus Maculatus (Degeer, 1778) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) From Northeast India And East Asia, Shubhankar Deshpande, Mihir Joshi, Kazusa Kawai, Arnab Deb, Jeng-Di Lee, Deshabhushan Bastawade, Gaurang Gowande, Shauri Sulakhe

Euscorpius

We present molecular data on Isometrus maculatus (DeGeer, 1778) for the first time from India, Japan, and Taiwan based on the COI gene and justify the cosmopolitan nature of this species. We also address the first population of I. maculatus found in Teliamura, Tripura, India and give its detailed description and comparison with the rest of the Isometrus species from India. Furthermore, we discuss the justification for considering Sri Lanka as the true home of I. maculatus.

Systemic Review Of Clot Retraction Modulators, Alaina Guilbeau, Rinku Majumder

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Through a process termed clot retraction, platelets cause thrombi to shrink and become more stable. After platelets are activated via inside-out signaling, glycoprotein αIIbβIII binds to fibrinogen and initiates a cascade of intracellular signaling that ends in actin remodeling, which causes the platelet to change its shape. Clot retraction is also important for wound healing. Although the detailed molecular biology of clot retraction is only partially understood, various substances and physiological conditions modulate clot retraction. In this review, we describe some of the current literature pertaining to clot retraction modulators. In addition, we discuss compounds from Cudrania trucuspidata, Arctium lappa, …

Design And Application Of The 3d Model Interfaces Of The Integrated Intelligent Mine Control Platform, Zhang Jing

Coal Geology & Exploration

The production safety control platform for mines is used to present information on the centralized scheduling, real-time monitoring, risk prevention and control, operation and maintenance detection, and decision analysis of various equipment and automated, intelligent production systems for tunneling, mining, machinery, transportation, and ventilation during coal mine production. Accordingly, the interface design of the integrated intelligent mine control platform is particularly important for user experience. However, the current integrated automation systems for mines adopt monochrome configuration engineering plans and display a single interface effect of display and operation. By introducing the industrial design concepts and employing the 3D model interface …

Sustainable Supply Chain Management In The Age Of Machine Intelligence: Addressing Challenges, Capitalizing On Opportunities, And Shaping The Future Landscape, Myvizhi Muthuswamy, Ahmed M. Ali

Sustainable Machine Intelligence Journal

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the convergence of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and machine intelligence, encompassing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), represents a dynamic and transformative nexus. This comprehensive survey paper navigates the intricate terrain of sustainable supply chain practices, delving into its principles, challenges, and the pressing need for organizations to embrace environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing, and social equity. Simultaneously, it explores the disruptive potential of machine intelligence, offering insights into its underlying principles, vast applications, and its pivotal role in optimizing supply chain operations. Through a systematic analysis, this paper uncovers the complex interplay …

Using Culturally Significant Birds To Guide The Timing Of Prescribed Fires In The Klamath Siskiyou Bioregion, Linda L. Long, Frank L. Lake, Jaime L. Stephens, John D. Alexander, C. John Ralph, Jared D. Wolfe

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

Historically, wildfire and tribal burning practices played important roles in shaping ecosystems throughout the Klamath Siskiyou Bioregion of northern California and southern Oregon. Over the past several decades, there has been increased interest in the application of fire for forest management through the implementation of prescribed fires within habitats that are used by a diversity of migrant and resident land birds. While many bird species may benefit from habitat enhancements associated with wildfires, cultural burning, and prescribed fire, individuals may face direct or indirect harm. In this study, we analyzed the timing of breeding and molting in 11 species of …

Molecular Simulation Of B-Cell Epitope Mapping From Nipah Virus Attachment Protein To Construct Peptide-Based Vaccine Candidate: A Reverse Vaccinology Approach, Viol Dhea Kharisma, Farida Aryani Dian, Pavel Burkov, Pavel Scherbakov, Marina Derkho, Ekaterina Sepiashvili, Teguh Hari Sucipto, Arli Aditya Parikesit, Ahmad Affan Ali Murtadlo, Vikash Jakhmola, Rahadian Zainul

Makara Journal of Science

There are no specific drugs or vaccines for Nipah virus (NiV), which is a new Paramyxovirus that infects swine and humans. This study was conducted to investigate B-cell epitope mapping of the NiV attachment glycoprotein and to construct peptide-based vaccine candidates using the reverse vaccinology approach. To generate the linear B-cell epitope, the NiV isolates were extractad from GenBank, NCBI, using the IEDB web server; peptide modeling was conducted using PEP-FOLD3; docking was conducted using PatchDock and FireDock; and in silico cloning was designed using SnapGene. Various peptides were successfully identified from the NiV attachment glycoprotein based on B-cell epitope …

Application Of Photoacoustic Imaging For Pneumonia Detection, Caesarany Maqfiroh, Rini Widyaningrum, Ahmad Mujtahid Anas, Mitrayana Mitrayana

Makara Journal of Science

We used photoacoustic imaging (PAI) to visualize and compare acoustic intensity levels in pneumonia-affected and healthy chicken lungs. After histological confirmation of pneumonia, the samples were scanned and subjected to a 532-nm diode laser in a photoacoustic imaging system. The acoustic intensity level of pneumonia-affected tissue was examined and compared with that of healthy lung samples. The optimum laser frequency and duty cycle for imaging the samples were 17 kHz and 30%, respectively. The acoustic intensity levels of pneumonia-affected tissue and healthy lungs were −82.5 ± 1.8 dB and −79.9 ± 1.3 dB, respectively. We found that a simple PAI …

Physicochemical Changes And Role Of Analytical Chemistry In Black Garlic (Allium Sativum L.) Processing, Surjani Wonorahardjo, Dian Puspita Sari, Arini Salsabila, Estiyawati Estiyawati, Dewi Yuliani, Anugrah Ricky Wijaya, Suharti Suharti, Irma Kartika Kusumaningrum, Chariztya Anggita Maharani, Thjiong Angelina Noviyanti

Makara Journal of Science

Black garlic is a traditional spice having potential of herbal medicine; however, continuous heating darkens its color and changes its taste due to chemical processes and new equilibrium in the system. In this study, fresh garlic was processed into black garlic at 60 °C for 24 days. Changes in physical and chemical parameters, such as browning and protein content, reducing sugar content, and antioxidative components were recorded. Protein content was measured by Kjeldahl method, brown color development was analyzed using a color reader, reducing sugar was examined using a dinitro salicylic DNS reagent, and antioxidative activities were studied with a …

Equilibrium And Kinetic Studies Of Crude Oil Sorption On Unmodified And Modified Napier Grass, Amalachukwu Ifeyinwa Obi, Vincent Ishmael Ajiwe, Chinwe Priscilla Okonkwo

Makara Journal of Science

Nowadays, natural organic adsorbents are widely used to clean up oil from spills owing to their effectiveness, affordability, and biodegradability. In this study, Napier grass, a widely available agricultural material, was used to remove crude oil from aqueous media. The Napier grass was modified via a mild acetylation process to improve its hydrophobicity. The modification increased the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of the grass from 180.07 to 271.13 m²/g. Fourier-transform infrared analysis revealed that the modification endowed the originally hydrophilic Napier grass with hydrophobicity. The oil sorption processes were based on monolayer physisorption and controlled by film diffusion. The …

Quantitative Risk Assessment Of Oocyst Versus Bradyzoite Foodborne Transmission Of Toxoplasma Gondii In Brazil, Sophie Zhu, Elizabeth Vanwormer, Beatriz Martínez-López, Lílian Maria Garcia Bahia-Oliveira, Renato Augusto Damatta, Pedro Souto Rodrigues, Karen Shapiro

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed zoonotic protozoan parasite. Infection with T. gondii can cause congenital toxoplasmosis in developing fetuses and acute outbreaks in the general population, and the disease burden is especially high in South America. Prior studies found that the environmental stage of T. gondii, oocysts, is an important source of infection in Brazil; however, no studies have quantified this risk relative to other parasite stages. We developed a Bayesian quantitative risk assessment (QRA) to estimate the relative attribution of the two primary parasite stages (bradyzoite and oocyst) that can be transmitted in foods to people in …

Medieval Automata And J.R.R. Tolkien’S The Fall Of Gondolin, Kristine Larsen

Journal of Tolkien Research

The strange metallic dragons created by Melkor with his smiths and sorcerers for the attack on Gondolin are placed into context as medieval automata.

Revisiting Zero-Trust Security For Internet Of Things, Mahmoud Ismail, Amal F.Abd El-Gawad

Sustainable Machine Intelligence Journal

The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has revolutionized various industries, yet concurrently introduced unprecedented security challenges. Zero-Trust security emerges as a promising paradigm to mitigate the escalating risks associated with IoT ecosystems. This mini review provides a comprehensive analysis of Zero-Trust principles and their application within IoT environments. Beginning with an elucidation of the Zero-Trust framework's foundational tenets, this paper explores its relevance in the context of IoT, emphasizing the necessity for continuous authentication, strict access controls, micro-segmentation, and encryption strategies. Furthermore, it delves into the evolving threat landscape faced by IoT systems and evaluates how Zero-Trust principles …

Church Music Leaders In The Usa: Prioritizing Technical Competence And Inclusion, Heather Maclachlan

Yale Journal of Music & Religion

Church music leaders in the United States pursue two priorities: technical accuracy and fluency in the music-making of their church ensembles, and, including as many volunteers as possible in those same ensembles. At times, the prioritization of technical competence and inclusion conflict, because volunteers whose playing or singing is less than competent seek to be included in church music groups. Facing this ethical dilemma, church music leaders operate ethically; that is, they employ strategies and develop policies based on their understanding of their responsibilities to other people (Warren 2014). During interviews, they verbally espouse an ethic of deontology, but in …

Beyond The Ice, Nikolaus T. Butz, Joshua Hunter, Emma Fisher

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

Leadership is a management tool to direct effective achievement of goals. Historical investigation can provide a valuable lens for the study of leadership styles. To that end, this study examines the disparate approaches of Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott as they raced to be the first explorer to reach the South Pole. The objective of this study is to analyze the leadership techniques used in these expeditions, and to determine how they shaped the outcome of each. The process of tacit knowledge and experience coalesce and foster both leadership and action that is not only communication-oriented and value-driven, but also …

Ethical Foundations Revisited, Joseph P. Hester

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

In this article I argue that “civility” lies at the foundation of ethics. Ethics is relationship permeated and finds meaning in civil behavior by acknowledging the dignity and importance of others. Civility lifts personal narcissism from the boundary of the self outward to other human beings.

Ethical Leadership: Descriptive Literature Review Of The Diverse Influence And Development Of Ethics Upon Public Sector And Military Leaders, Followers, And Organizations, Stephen M. King, Steve Firestone, Harold Henkel, Brian Moore

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

Literature reviews are a significant tool for examining the breadth and depth of a selected body of literature. Although there are many types of literature reviews, ranging from narrative to meta-analysis, this article uses a descriptive review. Descriptive reviews are extremely useful for examining a body of literature, highlighting key areas of interest, particularly as it addresses a specific research question, or is directed toward a particular purpose. This article utilizes a descriptive review of ethical public leadership, both in civilian and military organizations, particularly focusing on two critical areas of interest: theme identification and issue development. Four key themes …

Partial Support In Chronic Heart Failure, Bart Meyns, Walter Droogne, Steven Jacobs

The VAD Journal

Partial left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support offers several advantages in treating chronic heart failure. It also raises concerns about insufficient support, worsening symptoms, and impediment of myocardial recovery. The clinical trial results for the CircuLite device (Medtronic) have shown that close monitoring can ensure improved outcomes for partial support. Another study on the ovine model demonstrated that partial and full support have similar effects regarding reverse remodeling. Thus, patients receiving partial LVAD support need regular follow-up care. Clinical assessment of symptoms and organ function must be used alongside objective judgment of patients’ needs to ensure support levels are appropriately …

Chlorophyll A Predictions In A Piedmont Lake In Upstate South Carolina Using Machine-Learning Approaches, Ibrahim O. Busari, Debabrata Sahoo, Raghavendra Jana, Charles Privette

Journal of South Carolina Water Resources

Freshwater systems are often breeding grounds for harmful algal blooms (HABs), although they are more dominant in ponds and lakes due to the prevailing conditions in those bodies of water. Therefore, the monitoring, modeling, and management of HABs requires knowledge of the complex interrelationship between factors that influence HABs and their detrimental effect on the ecosystem. High concentrations of chlorophyll a are often used to measure algal blooms in bodies of water. Generally, water samples are collected from the field and the concentration of chlorophyll a is measured in a laboratory and compared to water quality standards in order to …

On Sparse Coding As An Alternate Transform In Video Coding, Michael G. Schimpf

Engineering Ph.D. Theses

In video compression, specifically in the prediction process, a residual signal is calculated by subtracting the predicted from the original signal, which represents the error of this process. This residual signal is usually transformed by a discrete cosine transform (DCT) from the pixel, into the frequency domain. It is then quantized, which filters more or less high frequencies (depending on a quality parameter). The quantized signal is then entropy encoded usually by a context-adaptive binary arithmetic coding engine (CABAC), and written into a bitstream. In the decoding phase the process is reversed. DCT and quantization in combination are efficient tools, …

Tweeting For Success: The Role Of Twitter In Enhancing Scimago Journal Rank For Specialty Surgical Journals., Heli Patel, Justin M. Camacho, Saket Pandit, Gabriella Morey, Davek Sharma, Michael Karon, Amir Behnam

HPD Articles

Background The cornerstone of surgical education and practice is the surgical journal, but the ability to disperse the vital information within their pages had previously been limited. The use of Twitter by surgical journals has increased in recent years and has allowed these journals to reach a wider audience than they previously could. In this article, we discuss the role Twitter engagement has on a journal's impact factor, visibility, and prestige.

Methods The authors compiled a list of journals using the SciMago Journal and Country rank platform. Included journals' Twitter profiles were then assessed using Twitonomy, an online platform that …