Digital Commons Network^™

Genotype-Specific Lesion Growth Rates In Stargardt Disease, Rachael C. Heath Jeffery, Jennifer A. Thompson, Johnny Lo, Tina M. Lamey, Terri L. Mclaren, Ian L. Mcallister, Ian J. Constable, John N. De Roach, Fred K. Chen

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Reported growth rates (GR) of atrophic lesions in Stargardt disease (STGD1) vary widely. In the present study, we report the longitudinal natural history of patients with confirmed bial-lelic ABCA4 mutations from five genotype groups: c.6079C > T, c.[2588G > C;5603A > T], c.3113C > T, c.5882G > A and c.5603A > T. Fundus autofluorescence (AF) 30◦ × 30◦ images were manually seg-mented for boundaries of definitely decreased autofluorescence (DDAF). The primary outcome was the effective radius GR across five genotype groups. The age of DDAF formation in each eye was calculated using the x-intercept of the DDAF effective radius against age. Discordance between age at DDAF …

“Coronavirus Changed The Rules On Everything”: Parent Perspectives On How The Covid‐19 Pandemic Influenced Family Routines, Relationships And Technology Use In Families With Infants, Rebecca Hood, Juliana Zabatiero, Desiree Silva, Stephen R. Zubrick, Leon Straker

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

This study explores how the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic influenced family routines, relationships and technology use (smartphones and tablet computers) among families with infants. Infancy is known to be an important period for attachment security and future child development, and a time of being susceptible to changes within and outside of the family unit. A qualitative design using convenience sampling was employed. A total of 30 mothers in Perth, Western Australia participated in semi‐structured interviews by audio or video call. All mothers were parents of infants aged 9 to 15 months old. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed, and …

Influence Of Physical And Technical Aspects On Change Of Direction Performance Of Rugby Players: An Exploratory Study, Tomás T. Freitas, Pedro E. Alcaraz, Julio Calleja-González, Ademir F. S. Arruda, Aristide Guerriero, Valter P. Mercer, Lucas A. Pereira, Felipe P. Carpes, Michael R. Mcguigan, Irineu Loturco

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

We examined the relationships between change of direction (COD) speed and deficit, and a series of speed-and power-related measurements in national team rugby union players and analyzed the influence of movement patterns on COD ability. Eleven male athletes completed the following physical assessments on different days: day 1—anthropometric measurements, and lower-body kinematic parameters (assessed with eight inertial sensors) and completion time in COD tests (proagility, 45◦ cutting maneuver (CUT), and “L” (L-Drill)); day 2—bilateral and unilateral squat and countermovement jumps, 40 m linear sprint, and bar-power output in the jump squat and half-squat exercises. Pearson’s product–moment correlations were performed to …

Comparison Of The Effects Of Different Thawing Methods On Post-Thaw Sperm Characteristics Of Buffalo Bull Semen, Eser Akal, Murat Selçuk, Burcu Esi̇n, Melih Akar, Cumali Kaya

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Application proper procedures for thawing of cryopreserved sperm are required for successful artificial insemination. The study was aimed to compare the effects of watery and dry thawing systems on motility, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, morphologic and kinematic characteristics of buffalo bull spermatozoa. Anatolian Buffalo bull spermatozoa, cryopreserved in volumes of 0.25 mL straws, were thawed by using 1) watery thawing system; a total of 10 straws were thawed in a water bath at 37 °C for 30 sec and 2) dry thawing system; a total of 10 straws were thawed in a dry thawing device at 37 °C for …

Potential Risk Factors For Brachyspira Hyodysenteriae, Lawsonia Intracellularis And Salmonella Spp. Infection And Their Prevalence In Commercial Swine Farms In Thailand, Morakot Nuntapaitoon, Sawang Katedangsakulwut, Rachod Tantilertcharoen, Napawan Bunpapong, Nanthiya Iampraphat, Suphadtra Therarachatamongkol, Jeremy Gatine

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the prevalence for Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, Lawsonia intracellularis and Salmonella spp. in pig feces and to identify their risk factors in 20 commercial swine farms in Thailand. The cross-sectional study was carried out from 20 farrow-to-finishing commercial swine farms in part of Thailand including the north (n=5), northeast (n=4), east (n=5), west (n=4) and south (n=1). A total of 589 fecal samples were randomly collected from 12 (n=200), 16 (n=196) and 20 (n=193) aged a week-old in each farm. All samples were analyzed for the detection of B. hyodysenteriae, L. intracellularis and …

Activation-Induced Cell Death Of Nk Cells In Canine Atopic Dermatitis Revealed By Droplet-Sequencing Data Of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells, Natthaporn Kuendee, Denis Puthier, Catherine Nguyen, Kaj Chokeshaiusaha

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a mutual allergic skin disease between humans and dogs manifesting varieties of similarities in their immune responses to the disease. Recently, activation-induced cell death (AICD) of NK cells was acknowledged as a novel disrupted immunoregulation in human AD. To gain insight into its plausible commotion in canine AD, NK cell expression profiles extracted from PBMC Drop-Sequencing (Drop-Seq) data of normal and AD dogs were analyzed along with human NK cell profiles of healthy and AD patients previously reported. According to the results, a total of 2,689 differentially expressed genes (DEG) between healthy and AD conditions (P≤0.0001) …

Network Management, Optimization And Security With Machine Learning Applications In Wireless Networks, Mariam Nabil

Theses and Dissertations

Wireless communication networks are emerging fast with a lot of challenges and ambitions. Requirements that are expected to be delivered by modern wireless networks are complex, multi-dimensional, and sometimes contradicting. In this thesis, we investigate several types of emerging wireless networks and tackle some challenges of these various networks. We focus on three main challenges. Those are Resource Optimization, Network Management, and Cyber Security. We present multiple views of these three aspects and propose solutions to probable scenarios. The first challenge (Resource Optimization) is studied in Wireless Powered Communication Networks (WPCNs). WPCNs are considered a very promising approach towards sustainable, …

Scope Of Duty, Counterfactual Analysis And Birth Defects: The Challenging Case Of Khan V Meadows, Kee Yang Low, Jordan Ting Xuan Chia

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

The tort of negligence has evolved into a sophisticated and calibrated framework. Even then, aspects of this elaborate structure are constantly being tweaked and, sometimes, challenged. Most recently, in the UKSC decision of Khan v Meadows, the spotlight is thrown on scope of duty analysis against the challenging backdrop of medical negligence and unwanted birth defects. The judgment of the majority suggests there is more that needs to be considered at the stage of damages, and that the sequential framework of negligence may benefit from some rearrangement.

Transformative Governance Of Biodiversity: Insights For Sustainable Development, J. Visseren-Hamakers Ingrid, Jona Razzaque, Pamela Mcelwee, Esther Turnhout, Eszter Kelemen, Graciela M. Rusch, Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares, Ivis Chan, Michelle Mei Ling Lim, Et Al.

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

While there is much debate on transformative change among academics and policymakers, the discussion on how to govern such change is still in its infancy. This article argues that transformative governance is needed to enable the transformative change necessary for achieving global sustainability goals. Based on a literature review, the article unpacks this concept of transformative governance. It is: integrative, to ensure local solutions also have sustainable impacts elsewhere (across scales, places, issues and sectors); inclusive, to empower those whose interests are currently not being met and represent values embodying transformative change for sustainability; adaptive, enabling learning, experimentation, and reflexivity, …

Extraterritoriality Of Chinese Law: Myths, Realities And The Future, Zhengxin Huo, Man Yip

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

While China strongly opposes the US practice of ‘long-arm jurisdiction’, it has decided to build its own legal system of extraterritoriality. This paradox reflects the crossroads at which China finds itself currently. Being a country weaker than the sole global superpower, it needs to stand firmly against the American ‘legal bullyism’ by invoking the shield of territorial sovereignty. Yet, as an emerging world power, it is in China’s interest to establish a legal system of extraterritoriality to safeguard its own national interests that extend globally. This article has two aims. First, it provides a comprehensive overview of the current model …

Effects Of Il-10 On Local Cell Populations And Functional Recovery Following Vml Injury, Zain Blackwell

Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) injuries are prevalent in both military personnel suffering from battlefield related incidents, and civilians following severe motor accidents. Despite its prevalence, VML has no pro-regenerative clinical treatments in place to recover some of the functional capabilities of the damaged muscle. Free flap grafting, debridement of damaged tissue, and physical therapy are the only clinical standards available that offer little functional recovery benefits, even after years of consistent treatment. In this study, anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 in conjunction with autologous minced muscle was assessed as a possible treatment for VML injuries and its influences on cellular behavior within …

Our Divided House, Gerard V. Bradley

Journal Articles

CRISIS OF THE TWO CONSTITUTIONS: THE RISE, DECLINE, AND RECOVERY OF AMERICAN GREATNESS
by Charles R. Kesler
ENCOUNTER, 488 PAGES, $34.99

Lincoln is a recurring focus of Charles Kesler's learned and timely new book, Crisis of the Two Constitutions. Kesler turns to him because Lincoln possessed a profound understanding of the American Constitution and because Lincoln spoke more eloquently than anyone else ever has about the central theme of the book: the fact that the United States was founded on universal principles of justice “applicable to all men and all times."

Crashworthiness Of Metallic Tubes Under Off-Axial Loading, Victor Manuel Bautista Katsalukha

Theses and Dissertations

Energy absorbing structures (EAS) are structures used to make the frame of a vehicle absorb energy during an impact scenario and keep the deceleration forces within survivable limits for the occupant(s). These structures are found in all sorts of vehicles, such as cars, helicopters, airplanes, etc., and come in many types of shapes (circular, square, triangular tubes and flat or curved plates) and materials (metals and composites). In this thesis, 304 Stainless Steel tubes with circular and square cross-sections are investigated when subject to off-axis loading at angles at 0, 5, 15 and 25°. The square tubes had two different …

Helicopter Flight Energy Modeling And Scaling For Urban Air Mobility Applications, Nolan Gene Hopkins

Theses and Dissertations

The costs associated with conducting full-scale helicopter flight tests in terms of both time and money beg to question the validity of using small-scale model helicopters in order to predict full-scale performance. To do this, the energy change for a small time interval is determined throughout a full-scale helicopter’s flight of a given profile, and the overall energy use compared to model results. The profile is then scaled based on a variety of factors, and the accuracy of energy scaling compared for each. Scaling dimensions based off helicopter weight and energy reserve modeling show promising results, but comparison of relative …

Experimental Study Of Progressive Crushing Behaviour In Pultruded E-Glass Tubes Using Crown Triggers And A New Perforated Trigger, Chirag Mohan Dodani

Theses and Dissertations

An experimental study is conducted on the progressive crushing behavior and the energy absorption during crushing of pultruded fiberglass tubes, initiated by two types of crush triggers, a previously tested crown trigger, and a new perforated trigger. These crush triggers are introduced at the loading end of a pultruded E-Glass/vinyl-ester, circular tube coupon. Coupons with various trigger diameters and number of holes are crushed under quasi-static compression, to evaluate the trigger effectiveness, crushing response, and energy absorption during sustained crushing. It is observed that all trigger types induced progressive crushing in the splaying mode, characterized by the formation of a …

Intermittency Scaling Laws In Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence: Theory, Simulations And Observations, Juan Carlos Palacios Caicedo

Theses and Dissertations

The main objective of this dissertation is to investigate intermittency of Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) plasmas by means of high-resolution numerical simulations and large sets of solar wind data. Understanding intermittency scaling laws is a significant step forward towards understanding the fundamental properties of plasma turbulence and how spatial structures influence dissipation, heating, transport and acceleration of charged particles, which is important in a wide range of laboratory, space and astrophysical plasmas. The current stateof- the art in the theoretical understanding of intermittency in MHD turbulence is based on phenomenological (non-exact) models, numerical simulations and solar wind observations of structure functions of …

Role Of Hsp70 And The Tlr4-Md2 Complex In The Vasculature: From Function To Dysfunction In Diabetes, Amanda Almeida De Oliveira

Theses and Dissertations

Diabetes impairs vascular functionality, which contributes to the pathophysiology of its associated complications. Recently, it was suggested that innate immune receptors assist in the development of diabetic vasculopathies, which sustains the pro-inflammatory state of the disease. Among these receptors, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a strategic player as its activation prime the release of inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are well-known pathological mechanisms linked to diabetic complications. The TLR4-Myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) complex has gained much attention over the last decade, primarily because it interacts with self-produced molecules. In vascular tissues, the Heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) …

Flow Choice Architecture: Cognitive Augmentation Of Knowledge Workers, Troy Ricardo Weekes

Theses and Dissertations

The Flow Choice Architecture (FCA) is a biofeedback-based behavior modification tool that was designed for operation by human knowledge workers (KWs) before, during, and after the performance of work tasks. FCA utilizes human-aware artificial intelligence (AI) that senses patterns in its operator’s bio-signals to derive their cognitive and affective states. The states are contextualized using relevant information about the operator, task, and work timeline. The contextualized operator states are then used to recommend effective nudges that orient the human KW towards the flow state. This dissertation outlines the state-of-the-art on flow, neurofeedback, and AI then explains how FCA was designed, …

An Assessment Of Image-Cloaking Techniques Against Automated Face Recognition For Biometric Privacy, Brandon Scott Ledford

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past two decades, Americans have aggressively increased the amount of facial data uploaded to the internet primarily via social media. This data is largely unprotected due to the dire lack of existing regulations protecting users from large scale face recognition in the United States, where the value of data trade is in the tens of billions. In its current state, facial privacy in the United States depends on American corporations opting not to collect the public data, an option rarely chosen. Much research has been done in the area of suppressing recognition abilities, giving users the ability to …

Coupling A Parametric Wave Model Into Hydrodynamic Ocean Circulation Forecasts To Improve Efficiency Of Nested Estuarine Storm Surge Predictions, Caleb Tye Lodge

Theses and Dissertations

Efficiency in storm surge modeling is crucial for forecasting coastal hazards in real-time. While computation cost is trivial to organizations with ample resources, the robustness of forecasts generated by most parties are restricted by wall-clock time. The Parametric Wave Model (PARAM) was developed by Boyd and Weaver (2021) as an alternative to computationally expensive wind-wave models when modeling estuarine environments. For this study, PARAM has been tightly coupled with the ADCIRC hydrodynamic model to become ADCparam, then integrated into the Multistage ensemble forecast system, a one-way nesting framework for modeling waves and circulation in coastal estuaries developed by Taeb and …

Application Of Ensemble Methods For Solving Offshore Wind Farm Layout Optimization Problems, Puyi Yang

Theses and Dissertations

Wind energy is considered as one of the most promising renewable energy sources. The intent of this dissertation is to assess the application of ensemble methods on offshore wind farm layout optimization. In this regard, four research questions are considered and addressed accordingly each of which are discussed in detail in a separate chapter (chapter 2 to 5). The first research question is focused on choosing appropriate analytical wake model to be used for the wind farm layout optimization (WFLO) problems in this dissertation. The WFLO problem is a complex and non-convex optimization problem. The accuracy of analytical wake models …

Introducing Global Citizenship In Language Teacher Education Through The Un’S Sustainable Development Goals, Ramsés Ortín

Writing and Language Studies Faculty Publications

The present chapter describes a pedagogical intervention administered in an undergraduate ESL teacher training program. The purpose of this pedagogical innovation was to train future language teachers to incorporate Global Citizenship related objectives into their future practice by using the United Nation’s Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) as reference. Pre-service teachers (N = 10) taking part in this study participated in a three-phase training in which they were first introduced to the topic, then, asked to apply the discussed approach to the design of language learning materials, and finally, they completed a reflection task. The analysis of the last task …

Impact Of Local Covid-19 Policies On The Homeless Population: Case Study In Two Montana Counties, Franchesca D. Talbot

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on people experiencing homelessness in Montana. In each Montana County, local policies in addition to individual shelter policies determine the requirements for homeless shelters in relation to capacity, distancing, and other public health measures designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The policies often differ from county to county, which often lead to different outcomes across the state. This case study analyzed data from multiple sources on the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths among the homeless populations in Missoula and Lewis and Clark Counties in Montana and linked them to the effectiveness of …

Gender Disparity In Obesity And Lifestyle Characteristics Among Adults In Mississippi, Jalysa M. Edwards

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Obesity is a primary public health concern and is associated with several chronic health diseases that can have dire consequences. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were about 1.9 billion overweight adults aged 18 years and above and at least 650 million adults were obese worldwide in 2016. Adults living in Mississippi are of particular concern, due to the high obesity rate which has continued to increase over the past 25 years. Mississippi’s obesity rate is 37.3%, which is one of the highest rates of adult obesity in the United. While obesity increases the risk of disease outcomes, …

Invited Review: Lessons From The Covid-19 Pandemic For Food Supply Chains, John D. Anderson, James L. Mitchell, Joshua G. Maples

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Purpose

Sources

Peer Irrigators And The Choice Of Field Management And Water Control Practices For Irrigation In Arkansas, Victoria Bailey, Kent Kovacs, Christopher Henry, Qiuqiong Huang, Larry J. Krutz

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

We examined how irrigation techniques in use by family and friends influence the use and share of land utilizing different irrigation techniques by Arkansas producers. A bivariate sample selection model simultaneously estimated how farm characteristics determine the use and explain the share of a farm that utilizes an irrigation technique. We found that the irrigation techniques in use by family and friends do affect the irrigation techniques a producer uses and the share of acres utilizing different irrigation techniques. A producer with a family or friend that uses end-blocking irrigation is 41% more likely to use end-blocking themselves. Having a …

Rice Quality And Its Impacts On Food Security And Sustainability In Bangladesh, Indrani Saha, Alvaro Durand-Morat, Lawton Lanier Nalley, Mohammad Jahangir Alam, Rodolfo M. Nayga Jr.

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Rice market efficiency is important for food security in countries where rice is a staple. We assess the impact of rice quality on rice prices, food security, and environmental sustainability in Bangladesh. We find that while price varies as expected for most quality attributes, it is unaffected by a broken percentage below 24.9 percent. This reveals a potential inefficiency, considering the average 5 percent broken rate observed in the market. An increase in the broken rate of milled rice within the limits supported by our findings can, ceteris paribus, increase rice rations by 4.66 million a year, or conversely, …

Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy Associated With Covid-19 Infection, James A. David, George D. Fivgas

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Purpose: To report a case of bilateral acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) associated with a COVID-19 infection. Observations: A 22-year-old female was referred for evaluation of bilateral scotomas concurrent with a mildly symptomatic COVID-19 infection. Exam showed normal visual acuity, bilateral reddish-brown petaloid retinal lesions which were hyporeflective on near infrared (NIR) optical coherence tomography (OCT), and had associated hypoperfusion of the deep vascular plexus on OCT-angiography (OCT-A) consistent with bilateral AMN. At follow-up, scotomas and retinal findings on near infrared imaging and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography had only slightly improved. Conclusions: COVID-19 has been documented to be the etiology of …

Fair And Diverse Group Formation Based On Multidimensional Features, Mohammed Saad A Alqahtani

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The goal of group formation is to build a team to accomplish a specific task. Algorithms are being developed to improve the team's effectiveness so formed and the efficiency of the group selection process. However, there is concern that team formation algorithms could be biased against minorities due to the algorithms themselves or the data on which they are trained. Hence, it is essential to build fair team formation systems that incorporate demographic information into the process of building the group. Although there has been extensive work on modeling individuals’ expertise for expert recommendation and/or team formation, there has been …

Does Whispering Improve Children’S Memory? Comparing Auditory Vigilance And Salience Hypotheses, Christina M. Barnes

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Oral communication is one of the primary tools children use to learn new information and speech registers can deliver additional meaning to the words someone uses. Cirillo’s (2004) vigilance hypothesis states “Whispering can affect the psychobiological state of recipients, and in particular raise their auditory vigilance” (Cirillo, 2004, p. 76). Building on this theory, the current study investigates the role of whispering and children’s memory by examining a whispering vigilance, whispering salience which focused on the changes between normal and whisper registers, and combined vigilance and salience hypotheses to determine if whispering contributes to the recall of information. Using video …