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Computational modeling and simulations of alternating electric fields (AEF).
No full textAlternating electric fields (AEF) therapy is a non-invasive cancer treatment modality for patients with glioblastoma that utilizes AEFs with an electric field strength of 1-3 V/cm at a frequency of 100-300 kHz to suppress tumor growth. Despite the growing interest in AEFs, a limited number of preclinical in-vivo studies hinders the development of AEF treatment. Using the computational modeling and simulations, we designed customized electrodes suitable for the AEF delivery in rodents and developed a computational workflow for the conversion of realistic, 3D rat head models. The workflow was used to access a sensitivity of the AEF strength and distribution in increasingly granular brain models and different tissue electric properties from the literature. We then explored the impact of different edema electric properties, tumor size, and tumor location on the AEFs in a 3D rat head model. This study illustrates a flexible and systematic approach for simulating AEFs under different brain anatomical models, tissue electric values, and tumor properties. Preclinical rodent studies based on these results would enable innovations in treatment monitoring and efficacy, which could then be translated to benefit patients
Are Anxiety Symptoms Better Predicted by Cardiorespiratory Fitness or Self-Reported Physical Activity? : Correlations with General Anxiety and Anxiety Sensitivity.
No full textIn recent years, anxiety disorders have increased among all demographic groups (Goodwin et al, 2020), yet only a small percentage of individuals seek treatment (Lépine, 2002). Symptoms of General Anxiety Disorder can be debilitating, demanding solutions that decrease symptoms. One popular coping mechanism for anxiety is exercise. However, the best forms and frequencies of exercise to lower anxiety levels are unclear. Of particular interest to researchers is the ability of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) versus self-reported physical activity (SRPA) to predict anxiety symptoms. In this experiment, 168 healthy young adults were administered a submaximal graded exercise test to determine CRF. Anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, and SRPA were measured via standardized questionnaires. Multiple regression analyses were performed. Independent variables (CRF and SRPA) were compared with one another and with each dependent variable (anxiety and anxiety sensitivity) to determine which independent variable effectively predicted anxiety symptoms over and above the other. The CRF raw data was found to be significantly, negatively correlated with anxiety data, anxiety sensitivity data, and anxiety sensitivity data when controlling for biological sex. The relationship between CRF raw data and anxiety data when controlling for biological sex was not statistically significant. Raw SRPA data was not significantly correlated with anxiety data or anxiety sensitivity data, regardless of controlling for biological sex. Thus, the data contributes to the conclusion that CRF is a better predictor of anxiety symptoms than SRPA
Healing minds, saving souls : evangelicals and mental health in the age of the therapeutic.
No full textThis dissertation examines the evangelical relationship to modern psychology and its therapeutic function in treating issues of mental health from the late nineteenth century to the early twenty-first. For centuries before the advent of modern psychology, many Christians considered care for the soul—long thought to encompass the mind and emotions—to be among the most vital responsibilities of the church. As the psychologist replaced the pastor as the authority on the mind and emotions in American society, conservative white Protestants in the twentieth century grappled with the epistemological, ontological, and pastoral challenges that this new science and its practitioners posed to the older tradition of "soul care." While some evangelicals proved successful in reconciling modern psychology and American evangelicalism, their efforts also prompted backlash among other evangelicals who claimed that the Bible alone was sufficient to guide Christians through even the most serious of mental maladies. While evangelical relationships with modern psychology differed, all reflected the interplay of scriptural and cultural authority, pastoral care, and beliefs about the relationship between the mind, body, and spirit
A Historical Tracing of Teaching on Human Origins Within the Catholic Church's Response to Modernism for American Catholics (1864-1950).
No full textRecent studies have demonstrated American Catholics are split on beliefs regarding not only human origins but also the interpretation of scripture, and such splitting highlights the dynamic relationship between the interpretation of scripture and beliefs based upon such interpretation. In making sense of the mentioned splitting among American Catholics, this thesis historically traces magisterial and popular teaching on human origins within the Catholic Church's response to modernism both within Italy and within the United States between 1864-1950. Through such an historical tracing, this thesis demonstrates teaching on human origins has developed to adopt an openness to theistic evolution through developments in the interpretation of scripture. This complex development traced both within Italy and within the United States during the addressed timeframe—a relatively short one—may explain recent splitting among American Catholics on beliefs regarding both human origins and the interpretation of scripture
SMART moves : a convergent mixed methods investigation of the outcomes of a two-year science of reading (SOR) professional development in the state of Idaho.
No full textReading failure is avoidable through appropriate literacy instruction (Moats, 2020b), yet research shows that teachers lack foundational literacy knowledge (Moats, 1994; Washburn et al., 2016, 2017) that aligns with the science of reading (SOR). Consequently, literacy assessment of students (NAEP, 2019) and adults (PIACC, 2017) demonstrate low levels of literacy proficiency in the United States. These statistics, combined with a rise in scientific research regarding effective literacy practices (The Reading League, 2022), have led to policy induction regarding these practices across the United States. Thus, many states have begun requiring schools teach reading through a SOR approach (Gewertz, 2020; Schwartz, 2022). Though many states have established funds for this transition (Schwartz, 2021), little research exists to investigate the efficacy of SOR-aligned professional development. This study uses Idaho's Striving to Meet Achievement in Reading Together (SMART) project to examine the experiences of kindergarten through third-grade teachers and support staff participating in a SOR professional development and determine differences in their knowledge of language constructs (i.e., foundational literacy skills) and changes in their knowledge, attitude, instructional practices, and perceptions of student learning. Using a convergent mixed methods design and Desimone's (2009) core conceptual framework for professional development, I simultaneously collected and analyzed qualitative and quantitative data to answer the research questions investigating teacher change in cohort one members of the SMART project. Quantitative results showed a statistically significant change in participants' knowledge in the project's first year (n = 124, Mdn = 12, M = 13.5, SD = 7.1, z = 11.05, p < .001) with a large effect size (r = .7). Qualitative findings showed positive changes in knowledge (n = 5, 100%), attitudes (n = 4, 80%), instruction (n = 5, 100%), and perceived student achievement (n = 5, 100%). Additionally, participants perceived changes in student motivation (n = 3, 60%) and explained the value of coaching support (n = 5, 100%). Qualitative and quantitative findings converged in only one of the factors—changes in knowledge. These findings impact stakeholders within Idaho's education system and those interested in researching the efficacy of professional development and teacher change
"A miracle in motion" : a multiple case study exploring the leadership development experiences of Black superintendents participating in a national leadership development cohort.
No full textOftentimes Black superintendents feel inadequately prepared to lead school systems given the focus on leadership development rooted in White hegemonic leadership practices. Leadership development programming frequently integrates these White hegemonic principles to develop educational leaders for diverse school systems' assets and needs. Moreover, Black superintendents are frequently assigned to school systems with complex and demanding environmental, social, and financial challenges. As a result, Black superintendents do not feel equipped to lead in a manner that is true to their identities while also addressing the unique challenges of the systems they oversee. In a system rooted in White supremacist ideologies, the culture and experiences of Black superintendents are rarely viewed as assets. Thus, systemic barriers perpetuate insufficient opportunities for leadership development for Black leaders who wish to lead for optimal and equitable academic and social student outcomes. This qualitative multiple-case study sought to investigate and comprehend the leadership development experiences of four Black superintendents who participated in a national leadership development cohort. Using Mezirow's (1991) transformative learning theoretical framework, participants engaged in semi-structured interviews and permitted artifact analyses of their investigation journals and mirroring conversation transcripts. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore the leadership development experiences of Black superintendents participating in a national educational non-profit leadership development cohort. The participant interviews and artifacts provided valuable insight into how participants perceive and experience transformative learning in leadership development. This study revealed three findings related to leadership capacity-building, leadership introspection, and leadership praxis. First, the data revealed that the national leadership development cohort provided cohort members with capacity-building experiences to foster learning, growth, and development. Second, the data revealed that cohort members refined their leadership frame of reference by engaging in profound introspection through a combination of critical reflection and rational discourse. The data revealed, finally, that a combination of precipitating experiences, critical reflection, and rational discourse alters a person's frame of reference and has an immediate impact on their leadership praxis. The research findings can be utilized by leadership development specialists, superintendents, and educator associations prioritizing leaders of color to improve their leadership development practices and experiences
Imported Attic Ware at the Etruscan Necropolis of San Giuliano in Lazio, Italy : An Analysis of Pottery Sherds from Looted Chamber Tombs.
No full textThis thesis, entitled "Imported Attic at the Etruscan Necropolis of San Giuliano in Lazio, Italy: An Analysis of Pottery Sherds from Looted Chamber Tombs" serves a dual purpose. First, it seeks to synthesize the socio-political, economic, and technological conditions of the Mediterranean which led to the importation of Greek Attic ware by the Etruscans during the Orientalizing and Archaic periods. Second, it uses material that I examined as part of the San Giuliano Archaeological Research Project as a case study in analyzing the excavated sherds of imported Greek vessels uncovered at the Etruscan Necropolis. The first chapter introduces this thesis, explaining the complexities of analyzing a site that has been heavily looted. The second chapter directly addresses the shifting relationships, technological advances, and economy across the Mediterranean which led to the importation and exportation of pottery between Greece and Etruria. The third chapter is a literary analysis, exploring the development of pottery production and technology across Etruria and Greece, establishing a basis of understanding regarding different pottery wares as well as their production and trade. Next follows a case study in which field reports, data sheets, and context notes of the past six field seasons of the San Giuliano Archaeological Research Project (SGARP) are used to analyze the imported Greek sherds which were excavated. This fourth chapter navigates the complexities of analyzing archaeological material from a looted site. Lastly, the fifth chapter summarizes my discoveries while discussing the complexities of data analysis at a looted site
Worshiping the Workhorse : Questions I Wish I Would've Asked Myself Before Undergrad.
No full textThis thesis examines various questions surrounding work and leisure which young adults ought to more seriously consider as they sign themselves up for their careers, family lives, and spiritual obligations. The first chapter considers the question "When Did I Stop Reading for Fun?", and is a call for the modern, technology-ridden culture of the present to sit down and enjoy quality literature. The second chapter reflects on the question "Why am I Underworking?" and works to unmask common lies of the individual who avoids their workload, and considers valuable truths in combating those lies. The third chapter answers a similar, and yet entirely distinct question: "Why am I Overworking?". This chapter works to encourage young adults who find themselves in oceans of overcommitments to develop freedom from perfectionism, and the confidence to reprioritize their involvements. The fourth chapter poses the final question of "Who is My Comparison Figure?" and invites readers to reflect on how a spirit of unproductive comparison can rob them of joy in all seasons of life – not just the present one
The Effect of Rural Hospital Closure on the Local Clinician Population.
No full textIn rural areas where access to health care is low and rates of chronic illness are high, hospitals are closing at an alarming rate. 148 rural hospitals have closed since 2010, which has recently prompted Congress to introduce the Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act of 2023. As research has looked both at the economic and community health impacts of these closures, I direct my attention to the impact on health care providers. The primary goal of this study is to estimate the causal effect of rural hospital closures on the number of clinicians practicing in a given ZIP code. I examine a sample of 41 U.S. ZIP codes with a rural hospital closure between 2017 and 2019. ZIP codes after rural hospital closure have a reduction of 28.30 clinicians on average within the post-closure timeframe, reaching a maximum reduction of 50.53 clinicians on average at 2 years post-closure. In analyzing the differential effects of clinician specialty, the treatment effect for specialized care clinicians is 12.57 greater than primary care clinicians, suggesting that specialized providers may be more sensitive to push factors associated with rural hospital closure
Tracking aerosolized mosquito control pesticides in an urban atmosphere.
No full textPublic health authorities release aerosolized pesticides, "adulticides," directly into the atmosphere to control adult mosquito populations and reduce the threat of diseases. Malathion and permethrin, both known neurotoxins, are the primary adulticides used for mosquito control in urban areas. Malathion and permethrin can undergo chemical degradation via atmospheric oxidants, which are present throughout typical urban atmospheres, especially during peak mosquito season (summer). Despite this, adulticides are routinely used in urban areas without fully understanding how atmospheric processes (oxidation) impact their environmental fate. Chamber-based studies have assessed the oxidation of adulticides for select oxidants. However, few studies have assessed the environmental fate and transport of adulticides within the context of urban-scale (multi- county) mosquito control. Described herein is a study specially designed to investigate the spatial and temporal variation, and aerosol size fraction distribution of adulticide transport and oxidation post-application throughout greater Houston across 3 summers. In 2013, atmospheric concentrations of malathion and permethrin at application sites closely reflected the alternating adulticide treatment schedule. Malaoxon, an oxidation product of malathion, was also frequently detected, indicating significant oxidation. The atmospheric half-life of malathion in Houston was estimated at <12 h, which was significantly shorter than previous estimates. These results raise concerns of health effects and adulticide efficacy since malaoxon is potentially less effective as an adulticide and more toxic to humans. In 2016, malathion, malaoxon, and permethrin were measured throughout the sampling campaign at a downwind site, despite the alternating adulticide treatment schedule. Confirmation from NOAA HYSPLIT backward trajectories indicates the downwind site is influenced by multiple county-level mosquito control programs. This cross-county contamination may impact adulticide effectiveness through development of pesticide resistance in mosquito populations, and highlights the need for collaboration between county-level mosquito control programs. In 2017, aggressive efforts to control mosquito population growth post-Harvey presented a unique opportunity to investigate adulticide oxidation with improved temporal resolution. Preliminary analysis highlights the potential for rapid adulticide oxidation (<2 h half-life) during high ozone events in an urban area. This research can be expanded by measuring adulticide oxidation in the gas phase, and observing the impacts of adulticide oxidation on mosquito control efficacy