Digital Commons Network^™

Carbon Neutral Lifestyles And Ndcs: Advice And Policy Perspectives, Laura Cavalli, Chiara Boeri

Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei Working Papers

Climate change is one of the most important challenges for the present generation, which is living in decades characterized by a drastic increase in greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the most developed countries: not only the production realities – for which policies already largely provide for mitigation measures – contribute to emissions; but also, individual citizens to whom only a small part of the envisaged measures are addressed. Among the policies in which the demand side is little addressed are the Nationally Determined Contributions, which embody the efforts of each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts …

Α-Hemolysin As A Candidate For A Vaccine For Staphylococcus Aureus In Bovine Mastitis, Madeline B. Clark, Juliette K. Tinker

2023 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacteria responsible for many types of infections. It is abundant in nature, even present on our own skin, usually harmless. However, it is the leading cause of infection in humans. S. aureus also harms animals, and in dairy cows, causes Bovine mastitis. This disease results in a decreased quality and quantity of milk, inflammation of the mammary glands, and can even be transmitted to humans.(1) Because of this, there are massive economic ramifications estimated at $629 million annually.(2) This study focuses on a virulent factor known as a-hemolysin (Hla) and cloning this into S. …

Searching For Evidence In Public Health Emergencies: A White Paper Of Best Practices, Stacy Brody, Sara Loree, Margaret Sampson, Shaila Mensinkai, Jennifer Coffman, Mark Heinrich Mueller, Nicole Askin, Cheryl Hamill, Emma Wilson, Mary Beth Mcateer, Heather Staines

Himmelfarb Library Faculty Publications

Objectives: Information professionals have supported medical providers, administrators and decision-makers, and guideline creators in the COVID-19 response. Searching COVID-19 literature presented new challenges, including the volume and heterogeneity of literature and the proliferation of new information sources, and exposed existing issues in metadata and publishing. An expert panel developed best practices, including recommendations, elaborations, and examples, for searching during public health emergencies.

Methods: Project directors and advisors developed core elements from experience and literature. Experts, identified by affiliation with evidence synthesis groups, COVID-19 search experience, and nomination, responded to an online survey to reach consensus on core elements. Expert participants …

Examining The Different Soil Horizons Of White Oak Mountain, Tn And Their Effect On The Soil Microbial Community, Ji Won Moon, Timothy D. Trott

Research in Biology

Soil microorganisms participate in the diverse interaction within virtually all ecosystems, consequently affecting the associated human and animal population. Identifying how edaphic variables alter the functional and taxonomic diversity of the soil microbial community requires an examination of total microbial soil diversity and abundance. This research study examined the effect of soil depth and horizon on the soil microbial community composition of White Oak Mountain. The soil microbial community was characterized by 16S/18S/ITS rDNA amplicon sequencing of the DNA extract of six samples from the three major soil types identified: HcE, MoE, and uMvC. OTU clustering analysis and both alpha …

Can You Escape Agency By Falling Asleep? Killing Two Constitutivists’ Problems With One Stone, Henrique Cassol Leal

Theses

In this paper, I present a new problem to constitutivism (the idea that agency grounds our practical norms) and argue that the solution to this problem also solves Enoch’s shmagency question. The problem I bring forth involves the fact that agency seems to be metaphysically escapable, such as when we fall asleep, or get hit by a truck. If this is correct, then we allow for perplexing cases in which a wrongdoing is done, but no agent is responsible, nor is any norm broken—for, what grounds responsibility and norms, our agency, has disappeared. I thus argue for a notion of …

Robert Repa V. Frank Napierkowski

2023 Decisions

USDC for the Western District of Pennsylvania

Canine Play Pant: Bioacoustics Project Of Echos Lab, Veronika Keeton, Shelly Volsche

2023 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Vocalizations in animals are an expression of an internal state. In canines specifically, they produce what is called a play pant. A play pant is defined as a "forced, breathy exhalation", and happens as a by-product of exertion. This is observed when dogs are playing, and can function similar to human laughter. It signals that pleasure is being received and for the play to be continued. For our research, we video and audio record a human-dog pair while playing. We then analyze the audio recording in RavenLite through a spectrogram and waveform, using specific parameters. This research branched from previous …

Comparison Of Home-Blenderized Formula And Commercial Enteral Formulas For Gastrostomy Tube-Fed Children: A Retrospective, Prospective Cohort Study., Sebastian Shrager, Ayoola Adigun, Sonia Motolongo, Cristhiane S. Santos, Patricia Rowe-King, Debora Duro

HPD Articles

Background Blenderized gastrostomy tube feedings (BGTFs) consist of pureed table foods and liquids that are administered as enteral tube feedings. Compared to commercial enteral formulas (CEFs), BGTF has been shown to have fewer side effects. Despite these results, apprehensions have been raised about microbial contamination, nutritional deficiencies or surplus, risk of gastrostomy tube (GT) blockages, and lack of consistency in clinical outcomes. The goal of this retrospective, prospective, 18-month-long study is to report the clinical and nutritional outcomes of GT-dependent pediatric patients who attended a multidisciplinary feeding clinic. Methodology After Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and consent were obtained, 25 …

Utah State University Commencement, 2023 – Kaysville Campus, Utah State University

Commencement Programs

2023 Commencement Ceremony for the Kaysville campus of Utah State University.

Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes Apr 21, 2023, A-State Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Minutes

Meeting minutes for the Faculty Senate held on April 21, 2023.

Literature Replication: Insect Gut Cell Isolation Protocols, Sophie Pickelner

Honors Theses

A large problem in science is the lack of literature replication, especially for subjects in which there is little published research. Literature replication is an integral part of the scientific method and is important for validating methods and results of published studies. A study from Nature found that out of 1,500 scientists interviewed, over 70% have been unable to reproduce literature studies and over half of them have been unable to reproduce even their own studies (Baker, 2016). This problem is even more pronounced in the field of biology, with 80% of scientists reporting that they are unable to replicate …

The Role Of Mtorc2 In Mesomesenchymal Transitioning In Human Pleural Mesothelial Cells, Perpetual S. Kyei

Biotechnology Theses

Pleural fibrosis can occur after empyema or complicated parapneumonic effusion as a result of tissue remodeling and excessive expression and deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. Pleural mesothelial cells transition into mesenchymal cells and acquire a profibrotic phenotype. This pathologic transition occurs through a process termed MesoMT and directly contributes to pleural fibrosis. MesoMT is regulated by diverse signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT, which lie upstream of mTOR. However, the role of mTOR signaling in MesoMT is unknown. Using several mTOR inhibitors, we showed that inhibition of mTORC1/2 with INK128 and AZD8055 blocked and reversed TGF-β induced MesoMT. Targeted knockdown studies showed …

Critical Concerns In Indian Country: Arizona V. Navajo Nation, Monte Mills

Presentations

No abstract provided.

Visual Art In The Age Of Ai, Roshnica Gurung

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

Artists and researchers have been deeply interested in using AI programs that generate art for quite some time now. As a result, there have been many advancements in making AI more accessible and easier to use for the public. This is because AI is not just for business anymore. Nowadays an individual without a college degree with even the slightest interest in art can go on a website like Stable Diffusion and create an artistic image using a text prompt in a quick couple minutes. The only limit is your imagination- and your internet’s stability. This accessibility was a huge …

Believe It Or Not: Discovering The Role Of Marketplace Ministry In Reconciling Race And Religion In The African American Church, Shawn Burgs

DMin Project Theses

This April 2023 Doctor of Ministry Project thesis at Lipscomb University explores the experiences of African Americans as faith holders in the crux of race, religion, and marketplace and how the interconnectedness of these facets can lend to reconciliation. The purpose of exploring how African American believers experience race and religious reconciliation is a noble goal that seeks to address the challenges faced by many African American believers in navigating their faith and cultural engagement. By examining their experiences, insights, and perspectives, we can learn more about the unique challenges they face and the strategies they employ to overcome them. …

California Law Changes The Fashion Industry Furever: First Statewide Fur Ban Takes Effect This Year, Mikee Olegario

SLU Law Journal Online

On January 1^st of this year, California made history in becoming the first to enact a statewide fur ban, prohibiting the sale of new clothing and accessories made of fur. This article explores the potential implications of the ban for the state, California's influence in the fashion industry, and the future of the fur industry for the rest of the nation. In this article, Mikee Olegario will use these factors to analyze how one state's bill could have a major impact on ethical fashion forever.

The Comment, April 21, 2023, Bridgewater State University

The Comment

No abstract provided.

Umcur 2023 Program Pdf

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This program includes the schedule for oral presentations and posters.

Volume Cxlii, Number 19, April 21, 2023, Lawrence University

The Lawrentian

No abstract provided.

Developmental Exposure To Corn Grown On Lake Erie Dredged Material: A Preliminary Analysis, Kaylyn A. S. Flanigan, Madelyn I. Czuba, Victoria R. Riesgo, Megan A. Rúa, Louise M. Stevenson, Jari Willing

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

While corn is considered to be a healthy food option, common agricultural practices, such as the application of soil amendments, might be introducing contaminants of concern (COC) into corn plants. The use of dredged material, which contain contaminants such as heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as a soil amendment is increasing. Contaminants from these amendments can accumulate in corn kernels harvested from plants grown on these sediments and potentially biomagnify in organisms that consume them. The extent to which secondary exposure to such contaminants in corn affect the mammalian central nervous system has been virtually …

Heavy Metal Content In Eggs From Wild And Managed-Care Humboldt Penguins, Mya Daniels-Abdulahad

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

The Humboldt penguin, Spheniscus humboldti, has been recognized as a Vulnerable species (IUCN) for nearly two decades, with annual population declines of more than 10% largely attributed to pervasive anthropogenic activity occurring throughout the species’ range of Peru and Chile. Due to recent mining expansions near the species’ largest Peruvian rookery, located at the Punta San Juan (PSJ) reserve, the exposure of breeding individuals to elevated concentrations of trace elements (e.g., heavy metals) in the marine environment is a preeminent concern. While heavy metal toxicity is dependent on metal species, dose, route of exposure, and the physiologic parameters of …

A Study Of The Collection And Sharing Of Student Data With Virginia Universities, Titus Voell

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

Data collection is a vital component in any organization in regards to keeping track of user activity, gaining statistics and improving the user experience, and user identification. While the underlying basis of data collection is understandable, the use of this data has to be closely regulated and documented. In many cases, the VCDPA (Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act) outlines the guidelines for data use, data controller responsibilities, and limitations however nonprofit organizations are exempt from compliance. Colleges and universities, although still held to some degree of limitation, range in permissiveness with what data they choose to collect and retain but …

Identification Of Actionable Targets For Breast Cancer Intervention Using A Diversity Outbred Mouse Model, Jennifer B. Jacob, Kuang-Chung Wei, Gerold Bepler, Joyce D. Reyes, Andi Cani, Lisa Polin, Kathryn White, Seongho Kim, Nerissa Viola, Julie Mcgrath, Anthony Guastella, Congcong Yin, Qing-Sheng Mi, Benjamin L. Kidder, Kay-Uwe Wagner, Stuart Ratner, Victoria Phillips, Joanne Xiu, Prahlad Parajuli, Wei-Zen Wei

Dermatology Articles

HER2-targeted therapy has improved breast cancer survival, but treatment resistance and disease prevention remain major challenges. Genes that enable HER2/Neu oncogenesis are the next intervention targets. A bioinformatics discovery platform of HER2/Neu-expressing Diversity Outbred (DO) F1 Mice was established to identify cancer-enabling genes. Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) associated with onset ages and growth rates of spontaneous mammary tumors were sought. Twenty-six genes in 3 QTL contain sequence variations unique to the genetic backgrounds that are linked to aggressive tumors and 21 genes are associated with human breast cancer survival. Concurrent identification of TSC22D3, a transcription factor, and its target gene …

Promoting Engagement Through Socioscientific Inquiry At The Middle School Level, Kaitlyn Kalehuawehe

Undergraduate Theses

Learning science is not just about facts. It is an area that has the potential to expand beyond the classroom. There is a concern for students having negative associations with science, and not seeing the relevance it plays within their lives. The curriculum should reflect science's value within society and its influence on complex issues. Learning science in the context of socioscientific issues (SSI) can promote an understanding that connects science to society and everyday life. The main objective of this thesis is the see how the use of SSI in the middle school classroom can promote student engagement and …

The Bellarmine Bee Bed: Organizing A Native Plant Garden Using Feedback From The Local Community, Kate Moran

Undergraduate Theses

Animal pollinators are the cornerstone of healthy ecosystems. Their survival is essential for the persistence of entire food chains: from the flowers they cross-pollinate directly, to the animals who depend on those plants for nutrition. The establishment of pollinator gardens—particularly ones that consist of native plants—is an effective way to enhance their biodiversity, abundance, and well-being.

The main goal of this thesis is to construct a pollinator garden that maximizes the benefits for animal pollinators using feedback from local gardeners. A survey was used to gather information about the popularity and preferences of 40 flowering plants, and after analyzing the …

A Potential Role Of Gsk-3beta In The Development Of Pain Post-Spinal Cord Injury, Emily Ernst

Undergraduate Theses

Chronic neuropathic pain is a very common consequence following spinal cord injury (SCI) and poses significant clinical challenge. Current treatments are largely ineffective and as a result, patients are often left with debilitating pain at and below the level of the spinal cord injury. After spinal injury, a cascade of events occurs within the nervous system. One important aspect of this cascade for investigation is the anatomical changes that occur post-SCI. There is evidence of maladaptive sprouting/growth in sensory nerve fibers that is thought to play a role in the development and amplification of pain signals. Sprouting of primary afferents …

Characterizing Movement Patterns Of Nomadic Pastoralists And Their Exposure To Rift Valley Fever In Kenya, G. Mosomtai, J. L. Kasiiti, R. M. Murithi, P. Sandström, T. Landmann, O. W. Lwande, O. A. Hassan, C. Ahlm, R. Sang, M. Evander, Z. Szantoi, G. Ottavianelli

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The role of animal movement in spreading infectious diseases is highly recognized by various legislations and institutions such as the World Organisation for Animal Health and the International Animal Health Code. The increased interactions at the nexus of human-animal-ecosystem interface have seen an unprecedented introduction and reintroduction of new zoonotic diseases with high socio-economic impacts such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease that affects both humans and animals and is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes or through contact with the body fluids of infected animals. This study seeks to characterize movement patterns of pastoralist and …

2023 April 21 - Board Of Trustees Agenda And Minutes, Board Of Trustees, East Tennessee State University

Board of Trustees Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

Comparing 1st And 4th Grade Curriculum Of The United States And Uruguay, Katelyn Monnin

Honors Projects

Comparing 1st and 4th Grade Curriculum of the United States and Uruguay.

From Big Farm To Big Pharma: A Differential Equations Model Of Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella In Industrial Poultry Populations, Rilyn Mckallip

Honors Theses

Antibiotics are used in poultry production as prophylaxis, curative treatment, and growth promotion. The first use is as prophylaxis, or prevention of common bacterial diseases. The crowded conditions in concentrated animal feeding operations necessitate management of infectious disease to ensure overall animal health and the profitability of such operations. In these farms, between 20,000 and 125,000 birds are raised in shed-like enclosures [3], with an average of less than one square foot of space per chicken [34]. Antibiotics are currently used in chicken farms to manage and prevent common bacterial diseases such as respiratory and digestive tract infections, as well …