Digital Commons Network^™

Occupational Therapists In Disaster Management: A Survey Study, Rebecca I. Estes, Gina M. Delgado, Nicole J. Bing, Megan E. Byrne, Jessica S. Eady, Kayleigh E. Hollywood, Alyssa B. Kopp

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: There is a need for occupational therapy involvement in disaster management from preparation to response. To understand why OTs are not involved with disaster management, this study explored perceived disaster management roles for healthcare professionals; the level of familiarity and professional experience with stages of disaster; and the relationship between training and likelihood of engagement. Method: The Healthcare Practitioner Disaster Management Questionnaire, an anonymous quantitative survey, was deployed to licensed OTs and OT assistants (OTAs) practicing in 14 states in the US (a convenience sample). Descriptive analysis and Spearman Rho correlation were used to understand the data. Results: OTs …

Feather Mites Through Genomic And Ecological Lenses: Host Specificity And Symbiosis At Multiple Levels Of Organization, Alix Elizabeth Matthews

Student Theses and Dissertations

Symbionts, or organisms that form close and persistent associations with hosts, are ubiquitous across the tree of life, and symbioses are among the most common interspecific interactions in the natural world. Symbionts play a fundamental ecological and evolutionary role across multiple levels of biological organization – from individuals to ecosystems – and can have strong effects on global biodiversity. However, many aspects of these relationships are poorly understood including symbiont genetic diversity (inter- and intraspecific), host specificity, and the mechanisms underlying their functional nature or any context-dependent patterns. This dissertation uses a model symbiosis between permanent, obligate, ectosymbiotic vane-dwelling feather …

Enforcing Intentional Motherhood: The Harrowing Consequences Arising From The Inconsistency Of Statutes Regarding Surrogacy, And How The Enforcement Of Surrogacy Contracts Is The Answer, Meena Hatab

Global Business Law Review

This Note discusses how the practice of commercial surrogacy is treated across the United States. Most notably, how the courts treat surrogacy contracts from state to state. A summary of how Canada views the practice of surrogacy will provide a general view into how the view of the practice is different across borders. It will be discovered that, while there is a federal law governing surrogacy in Canada, there is no federal law in either country that enforce surrogacy contracts or treat surrogacy contracts as valid contract between two adult parties. This is due to the preconceived notions of what …

Medical Aid In Dying (Maid): A Comparative Analysis Of Domestic And International Approaches To This Controversial Subject, Shaini Gofman

Global Business Law Review

This Note analyzes the Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) structures in various countries involving their eligibility criteria, application, and potential consequences. Section II analyzes MAID in the United States. Part A discusses the background and evolution of MAID laws in the United States on both a federal and state level. Part B is a multi-part analysis of the suggested expanded definition of terminal illness. Argument 1 evaluates the concept of the value of and respect for life; this is a threshold matter which will be the basis for the central arguments in this Note. Argument 2 explores the relationship between …

Metagenomic Analysis Of Antarctic Microbial Communities, David Michael Robinson

Biology ETDs

The research presented in this dissertation focuses on microbial roles in biogeochemical cycling in Antarctic aquatic environments. The major objective of my research was to examine the impact of biotic and abiotic pressures on nutrient cycling in microbially dominated systems. I used three perennially ice covered lakes in the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDVs) along with subglacial lakes Whillans and Mercer as natural case studies. The MDVs are located in Victoria Land, East Antarctica and have been studied since 1993 as part of the McMurdo Long Term Ecological Research Project. Viruses in the MDVs were shown to be seasonally abundant and …

Variation In Sperm Competition Risk Reveals Genotype And Genotype-By-Environment Effects On Gene Expression Of Nuptial Gift Proteins In Decorated Crickets, Laura Rengifo

Theses and Dissertations

Although mating in sexually reproducing species is a necessity, male and female interests during and after mating may diverge, leading to a sexual conflict. In polyandrous systems, males benefit by monopolizing female reproduction, and have evolved manipulative traits to this end. This includes plastically increasing sperm allocation under a high risk of sperm competition, when females are likely to mate with additional males. However, less is known about plasticity in non-sperm components of the ejaculate. Nuptial gifts provisioned to females by males are a widespread sexual tactic in insects used by males to maximize sperm transfer. In decorated crickets, the …

Beyond Standard Urine Culture: Advanced Molecular Testing For Urinary Tract Infections, Rob E. Carpenter

Human Resource Development Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this review article, it is emphasized that adopting advanced molecular diagnostics is essential for modern UTI management, offering a more comprehensive, accurate, and rapid approach compared to traditional methods. Standard urine culture’s limitations include low sensitivity and failure to culture certain microorganisms, leading to undiagnosed cases and increased morbidity. Advanced molecular techniques, like multiplex-PCR and pooled antibiotic susceptibility testing have been shown to reduce empiric treatments and negative outcomes significantly. And advanced molecular methods like metagenomics (mNGS) offer comprehensive pathogen detection without prior knowledge of target organisms, improving diagnostic yield. These methods also detect antibiotic resistance genes, aiding in …

Lungbank: A Novel Biorepository Strategy Tailored For Comprehensive Multi-Omics Analysis And P-Medicine Applications In Lung Cancer, Di̇lek Demi̇rcan Çeker, Volkan Baysungur, Serdar Evman, İlker Kolbaş, Abdurrahi̇m Gördebi̇l, Si̇nem M. Nalbantoğlu, Yusuf Tambağ, Ömer Kaçar, Ahmet Mi̇di̇, Hati̇ce Aslanoğlu, Nülüfer Kara, Ni̇lgün Algan, Ayberk Boyacioğlu, Betül Karademi̇r Yilmaz, Ali̇ Şahi̇n, Hi̇vda Ülbeği̇ Polat, Abi̇di̇n Şehi̇toğullari, Ali̇ Osman Çibikdi̇ken, Mücahi̇t Büyükyilmaz, İbrahi̇m Berkan Aydi̇lek, Abdulkeri̇m Eneş, Sevde Küçüker, Fati̇h Karakaya, İhsan Boyaci, Mahmut Gümüş, Onur Şenol, Merve Öztuğ, Evren Saban, Ömer Soysal, Nur Büyükpinarbaşili, Akif Turna, Mehmet Zeki Günlüoğlu, Aslı Çakir, Şaban Teki̇n, Uygar Tazebay, Abdullah Karadağ

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: LUNGBANK was established as a pioneering biorepository dedicated to lung cancer. Designed for streamlined biospecimens handling, it employs high-volume technologies to secure high-quality samples. Fortified with robust data management, LUNGBANK efficiently integrates diverse datasets. This strategic infrastructure positions LUNGBANK as more than a biospecimens repository; it operates as a sophisticated platform for advanced lung cancer research, amplifying the potential for meaningful discoveries.Materials and methods: LUNGBANK is intricately designed to streamline the collection, transfer, storage, and processing of biospecimens, employing high-volume technologies to ensure the acquisition of high-quality biological specimens. The system is fortified with robust data management protocols, facilitating …

Education Of Grandchildren Within Skipped-Generation Households: Challenges And Experiences Influencing Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Myra Ann Randolph

Student Theses and Dissertations

Skipped-generation households are not traditional, as the typical guardians do not include the mother, father, or foster parents. They are the households of grandparents who have accepted the responsibility to provide care for their grandchildren. Recent literature demonstrates that grandfamilies, inclusive of grandparents and grandchildren, experience many stress-related challenges. The problem is that grandparents responsible for raising their grandchildren are required to adopt new parental roles. This can become very stressful, as many may not have the knowledge of, or access to, contemporary supports and resources to effectively adopt and raise their grandchildren. The purpose of this study was to …

Private, Public, And Head Start Prekindergarten Programs And Their Effect On Kindergarten Readiness Scores, Brianna Brasseaux Comeaux

Student Theses and Dissertations

It is extremely beneficial for students to attend an effective prekindergarten program prior to their kindergarten year of school. The problem that was addressed in this study is that even though the United States offers many types of prekindergarten programs such as private, public, and Head Start, it is still not known which program is most beneficial to a student entering kindergarten. The United States does not currently offer a universal prekindergarten in all states; therefore, each prekindergarten program may not be as effective as they should. The framework for this study is based off early theorists Jean Piaget and …

Disproportionality In Discipline And Academic Achievement Of African American Students In South Carolina School Districts, Joyce Haigler Conyers

Student Theses and Dissertations

In the state of South Carolina, African American students make up 34% of the student population but 59% of students receive out-of-school suspension. It was assumed by prior research statistics that the disproportionality of discipline produces lower academic achievement for African American students. An examination of the disproportionality of discipline through a structural theoretical lens as an effort to understand the inequity in the application of exclusionary discipline, specifically out-of-school suspension, for African American students and how it affects their academic performance was the focus of this study. The data for this non-experimental quantitative study was obtained from the South …

Exploring The Relationships Between Policy, Instructional Time, And Instructional Practices In Elementary Science Classrooms, Amanda Sciarpelletti

Student Theses and Dissertations

The longstanding call to prioritize science education has gained momentum, particularly with the noticeable changes aligned with reform-era practices. This quantitative study explored the relationship between policy, time allocation, and teacher practices in elementary science education, guided by constructive learning theory as the theoretical framework. The study utilized a quantitative survey to measure how much time elementary school teachers spend teaching science and understand how this impacts their teaching methods, specifically the reform-era vs. traditional teaching practices. Surveys were conducted electronically with K-5 teachers who are National Science Teacher Association members. Findings from the quantitative analysis via a series of …

Socioeconomic Status And Stereotype Threat: Does Stereotype Threat Associated With Low Socioeconomic Status Impact Academic Performance, Gwendolyn Rains

Student Theses and Dissertations

Stereotype threat effect (STE) is a psychosocial phenomenon that can cause performance decrements on standardized tests. The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore standardized test construct through the lens of intelligence theories as a potential mediator for STE for low socioeconomic status (LSES) students in rural Arkansas schools. The theory of STE will be used to explain why LSES are susceptible to STE. The researcher collected quantitative data through an experimental design; participants took either a performance-based or a traditionally formatted math and literacy test to determine if scores (dependent variable) were significantly impacted by test construct within …

Selecting Fertilizer Mixtures For Fertigation, Bhupinder Jatana, Tom Grayson Sanders Iii

Horticulture

Depending upon the physio-chemical properties of the fertilizer solution, many fertilizers, both solid and liquid, are suitable for fertigation (application of fertilizer dissolved in irrigation water). However, some fertilizer materials are incompatible with concentrated solutions, can react with minerals in irrigation water, or with pesticides in tank mixes, and form insoluble compounds and precipitates. Precipitation of fertilizers renders them unavailable for plant uptake and could further clog the micro-irrigation systems. This article talks about fertilizers, fertilizer formulations, fertilizer compatibility, and criteria for selecting fertilizer mixtures for fertigation. This information will be helpful for growers utilizing fertigation as a means to …

The Wild West Of The Coast: The Need To Regulate Louisiana’S Gulf Menhaden Fishery, Camille Webre

LSU Journal of Energy Law and Resources

No abstract provided.

Flushing Away Ambiguity: Establishing A Standard For The Flushability Of Pre-Moistened Nonwoven Wipes, Patrick Van Burkleo

LSU Journal of Energy Law and Resources

No abstract provided.

Functional Studies Of Dcaf14 In Replication Fork Stability And Genome Integrity, Neysha Tirado-Class

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The response to replication stress is critical for ensuring the stability of replication forks and preserving genome integrity. To aid this response, several factors are recruited to stalled replication forks to prevent irreversible collapse of the replication machinery. Replication fork proteomic analyses of stalled forks reveal enrichment of DCAF14, a component of the Cullin4-RING (CRL4) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, that mediates replication fork protection by blocking nuclease-mediated digestion of nascent DNA. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism by which DCAF14 functions in the context of replication stress. Notably, loss of function mutations in DCAF14 are associated with a …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Biology

No abstract provided.

O-Demethyl Galantamine Alters Protein Expression In Cerebellum Of 5xfad Mice, İrem Kiriş, Merve Karayel Başar, Büşra Gurel, Tomasz Mroczek, Ahmet Tarik Baykal

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), one of the most common health issues, is characterized by memory loss, severe behavioral disorders, and eventually death. Despite many studies, there are still no drugs that can treat AD or stop it from progressing. Previous in vitro tests showed that O-demethyl galantamine (ODG) might have a therapeutic potential owing to its 10 times higher acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity than galantamine (GAL). Materials and methods: We aimed to assess effect of ODG on a molecular level 12-month-old 5xFAD Alzheimer’s mouse model. To this end, following the administrations of ODG and GAL, used as a positive control, protein …

Petox-Dope Nanoliposomes Functionalized With Peptide 563 In Targeted Bikdda Delivery To Prostate Cancer, Ayca Ece Nezi̇r, Zeynep Büşra Bolat, Ongun Mehmet Saka, Itir Ebru Zemheri̇, Sevgi̇ Gülyüz, Umut Uğur Özköse, Özgür Yilmaz, Asuman Bozkir, Fi̇kretti̇n Şahi̇n, Di̇lek Telci̇

Turkish Journal of Biology

BackgroundNanocarrier-based systems have cultivated significant improvements in prostate cancer therapy. However, the efforts are still limited in clinical applicability, and more research is required for the development of effective strategies. Here, we describe a novel nanoliposomal system for targeted apoptotic gene delivery to prostate cancer.MethodsPoly (2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) nanoliposomes were conjugated with the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting peptide GRFLTGGTGRLLRIS (P563) and loaded with BikDDA, a mutant form of the proapoptotik Bik. We selected 22Rv1 cells with moderate upregulation of PSMA to test the in vitro uptake, cell death, and in vivo anti-cancer activity of our formulation, P563-PEtOx-DOPE-BikDDA.ResultsBikDDA was …

The Apoptotic Effect Of Garlic (Allium Sativum) Derived Sevs On Different Types Of Cancer Cell Lines In Vitro, Naz Ünsal, Polen Koçak Deni̇zci̇, Hazal Yilmaz, Fi̇kretti̇n Şahi̇n, Merve Yildirim Canpolat

Turkish Journal of Biology

Small extracellular vesicles (SEVs) are known to have an impact on the physiological circumstances of the target cells, are a critical component of cell-to-cell communication and have been implicated in a variety of diseases. Although it has been proposed that edible plant-derived nanoparticles have effect on communication with mammalian cells, the influence of these nanoparticles on cancer cell development has yet to be explored. In order to characterize small extracellular vesicles obtained from garlic, specific SEV surface markers and antibodies and size detections were performed by using scanning electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Human hepatoma, Hep3B, human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y, …

Proteomic Investigation Of Acute And Chronic Hypoxia /Reoxygenation Responsive Proteins And Pathways In H9c2 Cardiomyoblasts, Merve Öztuğ, Evren Kilinç, Zeynep A. Öztuğ Durer, Emel Baloğlu

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/Aim: Ischemic heart diseases continue to be a significant global cardiovascular problem in today's world. Myocardial reperfusion (R) is provided with an effective and rapid treatment; however, it can lead to fatal results as well as ischemia (I). This study aims to use proteomic analysis to assess proteins and pathways in H9C2 cardiomyoblast cells exposed to hypoxic conditions, followed by reoxygenation, representing I /R injury for both short and long terms, reflecting acute and chronic hypoxia, respectively. Utilizing advanced techniques, our goal is to identify and characterize key proteins undergoing alterations during these critical phases.Materials and methods: H9C2 cardiomyoblasts, commonly …

Automated Flood Prediction Along Railway Tracks Using Remotely Sensed Data And Traditional Flood Models, Abdul Rashid Zakaria, Thomas Oommen, Pasi Lautala

Michigan Tech Publications

Ground hazards are a significant problem in the global economy, costing millions of dollars in damage each year. Railroad tracks are vulnerable to ground hazards like flooding since they traverse multiple terrains with complex environmental factors and diverse human developments. Traditionally, flood-hazard assessments are generated using models like the Hydrological Engineering Center–River Analysis System (HEC-RAS). However, these maps are typically created for design flood events (10, 50, 100, 500 years) and are not available for any specific storm event, as they are not designed for individual flood predictions. Remotely sensed methods, on the other hand, offer precise flood extents only …

Strategies Used In United States E-Waste Recycling Businesses, Victor Odell Osborne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Increased consumer demand for the latest electrical and electronic technology and products has increased the amount of consumer and manufacturer-generated e-waste, leading to collection, handling, disposal, and environmental issues across the United States. Grounded in Bass’s curve theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies that southern United States company leaders used to recover funds from the disposal of e-waste. The participants included 13 leaders from 13 organizations in the solid waste recycling industry. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and peer-reviewed articles. Data analysis included occurrence frequency, with five themes emerging: (a) communication, (b) …

Strategies Used In United States E-Waste Recycling Businesses, Victor Odell Osborne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Increased consumer demand for the latest electrical and electronic technology and products has increased the amount of consumer and manufacturer-generated e-waste, leading to collection, handling, disposal, and environmental issues across the United States. Grounded in Bass’s curve theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies that southern United States company leaders used to recover funds from the disposal of e-waste. The participants included 13 leaders from 13 organizations in the solid waste recycling industry. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and peer-reviewed articles. Data analysis included occurrence frequency, with five themes emerging: (a) communication, (b) …

Gerston, Larry N., San Jose State University

Emeritus and Retired Faculty Biographies

Ph.D., Political Science, University of California, Davis, 1975

M.A., Political Science, University of California, Davis, 1970

A.B., Political Science and Sociology, University of California, Berkeley, 1969

Full Hill-Type Muscle Model Of The I1/I3 Retractor Muscle Complex In Aplysia Californica, Qianxue Chen, Jiayi Shen, Samantha Pao, Yu Huan, Gregory P. Sutton, Jeffery P. Gill, Hillel J. Chiel

Faculty Scholarship

The coordination of complex behavior requires knowledge of both neural dynamics and the mechanics of the periphery. The feeding system of Aplysia californica is an excellent model for investigating questions in soft body systems’ neuromechanics because of its experimental tractability. Prior work has attempted to elucidate the mechanical properties of the periphery by using a Hill-type muscle model to characterize the force generation capabilities of the key protractor muscle responsible for moving Aplysia’s grasper anteriorly, the I2 muscle. However, the I1/I3 muscle, which is the main driver of retractions of Aplysia’s grasper, has not been characterized. Because of the importance …

Obituary: Prof. Donovan P Kelly (1940-2024), With A Review Of His Life's Work In Microbial Sulfur Metabolism, Autotrophy And C1 Metabolism, Rich Boden

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.

Neuroendocrine Gene Subsets Are Uniquely Dysregulated In Prostate Adenocarcinoma, Nicole M. Naranjo, Anne Kennedy, Anna Testa, Cecilia E. Verrillo, Adrian D. Altieri, Rhonda Kean, D. Craig Hooper, Jindan Yu, Jonathan Zhao, Oliver Abinader, Maxwell W. Pickles, Adam Hawkins, William Kevin Kelly, Ramkrishna Mitra, Lucia R. Languino

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

Prostate cancer has heterogeneous growth patterns, and its prognosis is the poorest when it progresses to a neuroendocrine phenotype. Using bioinformatic analysis, we evaluated RNA expression of neuroendocrine genes in a panel of five different cancer types: prostate adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, kidney chromophobe, kidney renal clear cell carcinoma and kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma. Our results show that specific neuroendocrine genes are significantly dysregulated in these tumors, suggesting that they play an active role in cancer progression. Among others, synaptophysin (SYP), a conventional neuroendocrine marker, is upregulated in prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) and breast cancer (BRCA). Our analysis shows that SYP …

Exploring Spin Dynamics Using Time-Resolved Magneto-Optic Kerr Effect Spectroscopy, Arup Barua

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The interaction between light and matter plays a crucial role in numerous systems, including optoelectronicdevices such as Photodiode (PD), Laser diode (LD), LED, solar cells to even biological components like photosystem II, and potential upcoming quantum technologies. Light is absorbed or emitted usually at a scale smaller than a nanometer, with associated processes happening within attosecond to picosecond durations. It is known that in a vacuum, static magnetic fields do not affect light. On the other hand, the magnetic field or magnetization of a material affects the light that passes through or is reflected by the material. The magneto-optic effect …