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A Rising Tide That Lifts All Boats: Long-Term Effects Of The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend On Poverty, Matthew Berman

ISER Articles

Although not designed as a social program to redistribute income, the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) has been reducing poverty by providing equal annual payments to nearly all state residents for over 40 years. We examine direct effects of the PFD on Alaska poverty rates since 1990, using US Census and American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Sample records to adjust for under-reporting of children's PFD income in official statistics. We estimate that the PFD reduced the number of Alaskans with incomes below the US poverty threshold by 20%–40%. We measure only a small effect on income distribution: a 0.02 …

Derivation Of A 1-D Seismic Velocity Model For The Lake Van Region, Mehveş Feyza Akkoyunlu, Bülent Kaypak, Bülent Oruç, Doğan Kalafat

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

We present a detailed one-dimensional (1-D) velocity model of the Lake Van Basin and its surrounding region, alongside precise hypocenter locations, utilizing seismic data from the aftershocks of the 23 October 2011 Lake Van earthquake (Mw = 7.1). The 1-D minimum velocity model is computed by the VELEST program by analyzing body wave traveltimes and station corrections. Encompassing a geographical area of 180 × 90 km² centered around Lake Van, the study incorporated seismic data from 10 newly deployed stations, complementing the existing network of the Kandilli Earthquake Research Institute. A comprehensive manual analysis was conducted on a dataset comprising …

A Novel Consumer-Centric Metric For Evaluating Hearing Device Audio Performance, Vinaya Manchaiah, Steve Taddei, Abram Bailey, De Wet Swanepoel, Hansapani Rodrigo

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background and Aim: The emergence of direct-to-consumer hearing devices has introduced confusion in making appropriate choices, highlighting the need for users to be well-informed for optimal device selection. Currently, no established metric offers insights into the sound performance of these devices. This study aimed to introduce and assess a novel consumer-centric metric (i.e., SoundScore) for hearing device audio performance.

Method: The SoundScore metric was created based on five dimensions of hearing device audio performance (i.e., speech benefit in quiet and moderate, speech benefit in loud, own voice perception, feedback control, streamed music sound quality). Tests were conducted under lab conditions …

The Impact Of The Optn Policy Change On Patients With A Durable Left Ventricular Assist Device And Chronic Kidney Disease: Analysis Of The Unos Database, Eric D. Warner, Christopher Pritting, Sawan Dutta, Matt Bierowski, Waqas Ullah, Yevgeniy Brailovsky, Michelle Kittleson, René J. Alvarez, J. Eduardo Rame, Alexander Hajduczok, Vineeta Kumar, Danial Ahmad, Vakhtang Tchantchaleishvili, Indranee N. Rajapreyar

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) implemented modifications in 2018 to the adult heart transplant allocation system to better stratify the most medically urgent transplant candidates. We evaluated the impact of these changes on patients supported by a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the OPTN policy change on patients supported by durable left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS: We performed an analysis of patients from the United Network of Organ Sharing Database supported by durable LVAD listed for a heart transplant …

Medical Students’ Clinical Knowledge Of Integrated Management Of Childhood Illness: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study, Zamzam Al Abri, Maisa Al Kiyumi, Sanjay Jaju, Muna Al Saadoon

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate and compare the clinical knowledge implications of the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) preservice education between pre-clerkship and junior clerkship medical students. Methods: This observational comparative cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2022 at Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman. A self-administered questionnaire was utilised and included questions on sociodemographic data, duration of IMCI preservice training, knowledge of the participants concerning the IMCI objectives and information on a range of childhood conditions. Results: A total of 97 medical students were included in the study. The majority of students (42.3%) …

Structural Barrier In The Process Of Regeneration Of The Pkb Islamic Political Party In Direct Presidential Elections 2004-2019, M Nastain, Irwan Abdullah, Zuly Qodir, Hasse Jubba

Jurnal Wacana Politik

The purpose of this research is to identify the structural barriers faced by the PKB political party in promoting its members as presidential and vice-presidential candidates from 2004 to 2019. Additionally, the research aims to explore the political strategies employed by the PKB that resulted in the absence of its members in the highest democratic contests. Structural policies play a crucial role in determining political steps, taking into consideration both internal and external conditions. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method, combining data from interviews and documents, supported by field observations. Interview data serves as preliminary findings guiding the discovery …

Support For Mandatory Covid-19 Vaccines For 5- To 11-Year-Old Children: Cross-Sectional Study Of Omani Mothers, Salah Al Awaidy, Faryal Khamis, Thamra Al Ghafri, Abdallah Badahdah

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the variables that influenced a sample of Omani mothers’ support for mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for children. The vaccination against COVID-19 averted millions of fatalities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, a considerable number of parents and caregivers opposed mandating COVID-19 vaccines for children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at several healthcare facilities in Oman using a structured questionnaire between February and March 2022. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyse the data. Results: A total of 700 Omani mothers (response rate = 73.4%) who had children aged 5–11 years old were …

Therapeutic Strategies Against Metabolic Imbalance In A Male Mouse Model With 5-Ht2cr Loss-Of-Function, Hailan Liu, Zhaoxun Liu, Hueyxian Kelly Wong, Nathan Xu, Qingzhuo Liu, Yongxiang Li, Yao Liu, Hueyzhong Wong, Megan E Burt, Sanika V Jossy, Junying Han, Yang He

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT2CR)-melanocortin pathway plays well-established roles in the regulation of feeding behavior and body weight homeostasis. Dysfunctions in this system, such as loss-of-function mutations in the Htr2c gene, can lead to hyperphagia and obesity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic strategies for ameliorating hyperphagia, hyperglycemia, and obesity associated with a loss-of-function mutation in the Htr2c gene (Htr2cF327L/Y). We demonstrated that reexpressing functional 5-HT2CR solely in hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons is sufficient to reduce food intake and body weight in Htr2cF327L/Y mice subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD). In addition, 5-HT2CR expression restores the …

Generation Of Oviductal Glycoprotein 1 Cre Mouse Model For The Study Of Secretory Epithelial Cells Of The Oviduct, Emily A Mcglade, Jiude Mao, Kalli K Stephens, Andrew M Kelleher, Lisette A Maddison, Miranda L Bernhardt, Francesco J Demayo, John P Lydon, Wipawee Winuthayanon

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The epithelial cell lining of the oviduct plays an important role in oocyte pickup, sperm migration, preimplantation embryo development, and embryo transport. The oviduct epithelial cell layer comprises ciliated and nonciliated secretory cells. The ciliary function has been shown to support gamete and embryo movement in the oviduct, yet secretory cell function has not been well characterized. Therefore, our goal was to generate a secretory cell-specific Cre recombinase mouse model to study the role of the oviductal secretory cells. A knock-in mouse model, Ovgp1Cre:eGFP, was created by expressing Cre from the endogenous Ovgp1 (oviductal glycoprotein 1) locus, with enhanced green …

Mexican-American Literature Is American Literature, Davia Ellen Guzman

Senior Theses

The main focus of this article is to show that teaching Mexican-American literature is an important part of teaching American literature, one that is often neglected. As of right now, Chicano Literature and American Literature are seen as two separate categories even though they are one in the same. Authors such as Rudolfo Anaya and Tomás Rivera allow readers insight into Mexican-American culture; the foundations they have set should be used in American Literature courses to help students view the wide variety that is American Literature, other than what the canon deems acceptable. Bless Me, Ultima, and …and the Earth …

Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines: Anesthesia For Total Knee And Hip Arthroplasty, Amanda Kleinfelder

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Total knee and hip arthroplasty are the two most common orthopedic surgeries in the United States. Traditional perioperative practice is multidisciplinary, with each professional, including anesthesia, making decisions based on their current knowledge or past experience. Postoperative complications pose a threat to any patient undergoing a surgical procedure. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols were developed to streamline best practice guidelines during the perioperative period. ERAS pathways aim to decrease postoperative complications, accelerate recovery after surgery, decrease narcotic use and promote early mobilization and discharge from the hospital. The aim of this project is the development of evidence-based practice …

Carbon Sequestration In Peatlands: Using Environmental Proxies To Understand The Impact Of A Changing Climate On Global Carbon Storage, Sarah Schuller, Don Sullivan

DU Undergraduate Research Journal Archive

Peatlands are a type of terrestrial wetland ecosystem in which consistently waterlogged conditions prevent the decomposition of organic matter. These conditions allow for sequestered carbon in plant matter to remain stored in the soil to such a great degree that peatlands store more carbon than all other vegetation types in the world combined. By inhibiting decomposition, the composition of water-rich peat soil remains representative of the environmental conditions during the period in which the peat was formed. The collected peat samples can then be utilized as environmental proxies to determine historical temperature, moisture, and carbon content and extrapolated to predict …

Utilizing Existing Postfeminist Framework To Explore A Sexualized Media Test Case: “Man Needs A Woman” By Maty Noyes, Nicole Doris

DU Undergraduate Research Journal Archive

Postfeminism is simply referred to as the most recent wave of feminism, but feminist scholars have failed to reach a standardized definition that recognizes the nuances of sexuality, media, and culture present within the field. This paper utilizes the postfeminist framework of two prominent feminist scholars: Rosalind Gill and Feona Attwood. Specifically, this paper draws from Gill’s interpretation of postfeminism and Attwood’s interpretation of the sexualization of culture and the overlap between the two theories. Rather than attempt to offer a concrete definition in such a rapidly evolving field, this paper offers a music video from a lesser-known pop artist, …

The Rocky Road To Statehood: Colorado Statehood And The Contested Election Of 1876, Matt Bergh, Susan Schulten

DU Undergraduate Research Journal Archive

This thesis will explore Colorado’s path to statehood. It begins with a summary of the election of 1876 to set up the research question: why did Colorado, a Republican-territory, become a state in a critical election year when the Democrats controlled the House of Representatives? Next, it covers the historiography to gain insight into how scholars view Colorado statehood and its relationship to the election of 1876 given that both happened in the same year and that coincidences in politics are rare. A follow up will occur with an explanation of the differences between a state and a territory to …

Caprin1 And Fmr1 Genetically Interact To Regulate The Development Of The Larval Drosophila Neuromuscular Junction, Seraphina Loukas, Scott Barbee

DU Undergraduate Research Journal Archive

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most prevalent inherited neurodevelopmental disorder and the most common single-gene cause of autism (Richter and Zhao 2021). FXS occurs due to the loss of the Fmr1 gene, and its respective protein, the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein (FMRP). FMRP is an RNA-binding protein (RBP) with notable functions in synaptic development.  Given that cellular processes often entail the collaborative actions of multiple proteins acting as binding partners to regulate mRNA metabolism, identifying FMRP's associates is essential for comprehending FXS mechanisms. Caprin1 was identified as a high-confidence interactor via its co-immunoprecipitation with FMRP in an IP/LC experiment …

A Systems Theoretic View Of Speculative Realism, Martin Zwick

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

Recent developments in Continental philosophy have included the emergence of a school of “speculative realism,” which rejects the human-centered orientation that has long dominated Continental thought. Proponents of speculative realism differ on several issues, but many agree on the need for an object-oriented ontology. Some speculative realists identify realism with materialism, while others accord equal reality to objects that are non-material, even fictional. Several thinkers retain a focus on difference, a well-established theme in Continental thought. This paper looks at speculative realism from the perspective of systems theory. Many of the tenets of speculative realism have long been features of …

Examination Of Practices Employed In Correctional Facilities Concerning Transgender Women, Nivu Srinivasan

Student Theses

This thesis investigates how traditional gender norms may influence correctional facility regulations, particularly those affecting transgender women. Traditional correctional facilities operate relying on these norms that marginalize those who do not conform, compounding issues like limited access to gender-affirming healthcare and greater risks of assault and isolation. The study investigates how these norms influence incarceration policy, which frequently overlooks the unique requirements of transgender inmates. Transgender women confront significant challenges in correctional settings, including limited healthcare access, increased vulnerability to physical and psychological damage, and placement in facilities that do not reflect their gender identity.

Volume 14, Issue 2 - Full Issue, Notre Dame Journal Of Int'l & Comparative Law Volume 14

Notre Dame Journal of International & Comparative Law

No abstract provided.

Training Social Work Master's Students For Integrated Health Care Settings: The Importance Of Specialized Education, Passion Ilea, Ericka L. Kimball

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Integrated health care poses a unique opportunity for social workers to deliver person-centered, empowering, and collaborative care addressing all aspects of patient health. This study analyzed four years of data from a project designed to train social work master’s students to be effective members on integrated teams. Students that participated in the project achieved statistically significant levels of improvement from pre- to posttests with large effect sizes on the Behavioral Health Consultant Core Competency Tool skills (n = 93, Cohen’s d = -1.752, t(92) = -16.894, p < .001) and the Team Skills Scale (n = 94, Cohen’s d = -1.558, t(93) = -15.101, p < .001). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests confirmed improvements. No existing evaluations of integrated training for social work students capture behavioral health competencies data. Offering specialized training in integrated behavioral health work to students has immense potential benefit for outgoing social workers seeking to support patients.

Virtual Confessions: Examining The Clergy Privilege’S Extension To Artificially Intelligent Religious Robots, Samuel N. Dick

The University of Cincinnati Intellectual Property and Computer Law Journal

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally changing the world. AI’s rapid development is driving its integration into every industry, including those traditionally untouched by technology—such as religion. Today, faith groups in America and globally, are integrating AI-driven robots in roles traditionally held by human priests, clergy, or pastors. AI robots have begun giving sermons, conducting funerals/weddings, providing spiritual counseling, and conducting the sacrament of confession. Some faith groups have gone further claiming the worship of AI as an independent religion, and have received § 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as a church. Whether thoughts of sacrileges, inevitability, or a science-fiction novel emerge, AI’s …

Gifted Amateurs And Other Essays On Tolkien, The Inklings, And Fantasy Literature (2023), By David Bratman, Douglas Charles Kane

Journal of Tolkien Research

Book review, by Douglas C. Kane, of Gifted Amateurs and Other Essays on Tolkien, the Inklings, and Fantasy Literature (2023), by David Bratman

The Gender Spectrum Of In-Hospital Survival Post Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention For St Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Exploring Age-Driven Trends, Iva Patel, Pooja Vyas, Karthik Natarajan, Kewal Kanabar, Vishal Sharma, Sharad Jain, Dinesh Joshi, Swati Dahiya, Siva Nagendra Borra

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: The study was aimed to evaluate gender difference and age & gender specific interaction of in-hospital outcomes of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of 1748 patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. The study was dichotomised according to gender to evaluate the difference in the outcome. The study was further stratified based on an age cut-off of 75 years to examine the age-specific gender relationship in survival outcomes. Independent variables for in-hospital mortality were analysed through logistic regression. Results: There were 314 (17.96%) females with …

Cool Brands And Their Grateful Fans: A Multi-Method Exploration Of Brand Coolness And Consumer Gratitude, Melanie Moore Koskie

Doctoral Dissertations

Over the course of three essays, this dissertation explores brand coolness, gratitude, and the relationship between the two. In the first essay, cool brands and their marketing outcomes are viewed through the lens of standing out and fitting in—two paradoxical motivations held together in the concept of cool. Utilizing structural equation modeling, I examine the relevant relationships between consumer’s motivations to stand out and fit in, the corresponding brand coolness attributes of subcultural and popular, the consumer emotional response of gratitude, and a consumer’s willingness to pay more for cool brands. Importantly, this essay finds that the consumer emotion of …

Demands At Work: The Moderating Influence Of Motivation On The Relationship Between Challenge Demands And Employee Work Engagement, Lauren R. Dinnat

Doctoral Dissertations

Work engagement is a popular topic due to the positive outcomes linked to it. For example, engaged workers are shown to be more productive workers and better organizational citizens. The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Theory has been the most widely accepted explanatory model for work engagement due to its flexibility to be applied to all work environments. While the JD-R does not argue that motivation is fixed, it does not account for moment-to-moment changes in motivation. A state theory of motivation that examines how motivation may impact the relationships between demands and work engagement has yet to be examined. This study …

Reports Of Autosomal Recessive Disease And Consanguineous Mating Within The Human Population, Johnathon L. Schluter

Master's Theses

It is anecdotally evident when investigating published reports of autosomal recessive disease that a substantial number of cases are the result of related (consanguineous) mating. This research seeks to quantify the percent of manuscripts describing autosomal recessive diseases published between 2000 and 2020 in which consanguineous mating is indicated. We analyzed 602 peer-reviewed manuscripts to identify the percentage of cases presented in which consanguineous mating was indicated, the underlying genes (novel gene or new mutation) and geographical region. These papers were accessed through a specific set of parameters on the free access PubMed Central (PMC) database. A total of 552 …

On The T-Degree Of Anderson Thakur Polynomials In The Case Of Fields Of Order P Where P Is A Prime, Joshua Bush

Master's Theses

The Anderson Thakur polynomials are of great interest in the investigation of zeta values. Here, we address the question of their degree in finite fields of the form Fp. We define a graph that is closely connected to Anderson Thakur polynomials and which represents a polynomial we denote as Anxn−1. Collections of terms of this polynomial are equating with the vertices of the graph and are vanishing or nonvanishing. The vanishing structure of the graph is analyzed and we conclude with a simple degree formula.

Effect Of Sex On The Accumulation Of Hepatic Mercury In Mallards Wintering In Louisiana, Latorya E. Mason

Master's Theses

The increase in mercury production through anthropogenic activities has led to a global crisis of mercury pollution that poses a significant threat to the health of both humans and wildlife. Aquatic ecosystems are especially at risk due to the creation of methylmercury, a toxic form of mercury, by sulfate-reducing bacteria in anoxic sediments and soils. Methylmercury enters the food chain where it bioaccumulates in individual organisms and then biomagnified with increasing trophic level. Aquatic birds are useful bioindicators of many pollutants, including mercury, due to their abundance and position in the food chain. Previous studies have primarily focused on mercury …

The Impact Of Irrational Beliefs On Dysfunctional Decision-Making In B2b Salespeople, Barron W. Brown

Doctoral Dissertations

The complexity of the contemporary business-to-business (B2B) sales landscape requires salespeople to respond faster, be more knowledgeable, and add more value to buyer interactions than ever before. As such, B2B salespeople must carefully consider the impact of their decisions since they have the potential to directly impact organizational revenue and bottom-line outcomes. The present research utilizes rational-emotive behavior theory to examine judgment and decision-making in B2B salespeople. Research questions are presented and tested with a sample of 306 B2B salespeople using structural equation modeling. The results of the analysis reveal that irrational beliefs lead to dysfunctional emotions, and in turn, …

Chronic High-Salt Diet Activates Tumor-Initiating Stem Cells Leading To Breast Cancer Proliferation, Lisa Tucker, Umer Ali, Deborah A. Lannigan, Jeffrey C. Rathmell, Venkataswarup Tiriveedhi

Biology Faculty Research

Several chronic inflammatory diseases have been linked to high-salt (HS) diets. Chronic inflammation is an established causative hallmark of cancer. However, a direct role of HS diets in tumorigenesis is yet to be defined. Previous orthotopic murine breast tumor studies have shown that short-term HS diets caused inhibition of tumor growth through the activation of cytotoxic adaptive immune responses. However, there have been experimental challenges in developing a viable chronic HS-diet-based murine tumor model. To address this, we have developed a novel chronic HS diet tumor model through the sequential passaging of tumor cells in mice under HS dietary conditions. …

“Shoes Enthused”: The Application Of An Evidence-Based Practice Podiatry Consultation And Footwear Education In Older Adults Living With Diabetes, Alissa Kathleena Gray, Razel Bacuetes Milo

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background: Poorly fitted footwear contributes to falls in older adults living with diabetes, a population that experiences a baseline increased risk for falls in the presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Despite this, baseline data reveals that 72% of older adults wear poorly fitted shoes with suboptimal shoe features¹.

Purpose of Project: Adhering to current evidence-based practice guidelines, the two goals of this project were to educate older adults with diabetes on the characteristics of properly fitted footwear and to increase access to properly fitted shoes via a podiatry consultation. Subsequently, the increased number of optimal footwear will decrease …