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Physical Activity as a Predictor of Obesity in Autistic Children
No full textResearch has found autistic children to be 40% more likely to be obese compared to their non-autistic peers. Reduced physical activity (PA) is thought to be a contributing factor to the increased prevalence of obesity in autistic children. This was one of the first studies to investigate the PA behaviors of autistic children during an adapted physical education (APE) class using accelerometry. The purpose of this study was to examine the PA of autistic children and determine the relationship between PA and obesity. Participants were recruited from a school for students with disabilities who participate in a once-weekly APE class at a large Midwest university and grouped by weight classification (overweight or obese). PA was measured by wearing an accelerometer during the one-hour visit. Height and weight data were provided by participants’ teachers. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare group differences. A correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between PA and BMI score. A simple linear regression analysis was used to determine the predictability of BMI score based on PA. No significant differences were observed between groups and no relationship between PA and BMI were observed
Garlic Curing: Post-Harvest Nutrient Remobilization From Leaves to Cloves
No full textGarlic (Allium sativum L.) is grown on small and large scales worldwide. After harvesting, garlic undergoes a drying process for long-term preservation, called curing. Some producers cure with leaves intact, while others will remove and discard the leaves, curing only the bulbs. Due to the ability of plants to remobilize nutrients from leaves to underground storage organs, such as bulbs, the curing method of garlic may affect clove nutrient content. This study explores nutrient remobilization responses in garlic when cured with leaves intact compared to leaves separated from bulbs. Four cultivars of garlic, German White, Chesnok Red, Romanian Red, and Inchelium Red, were grown and harvested for three consecutive years. Plants of each cultivar were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: oven-dried (bulbs separated from leaves and placed directly into a forced air oven), intact (leaves remained intact with bulbs and plants cured in a greenhouse), and separated (leaves were cut from the bulbs to cure separately in a greenhouse). Leaf and clove dry weight were recorded, and nutrient content of boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulfur, and zinc were determined using an ICP-MS. There was no effect of curing treatment on leaf and clove dry weight. Remobilization of phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and copper was supported by a significant reduction of leaf content in intact plants compared to separated. Similarly, intact cloves had higher concentrations of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, copper, molybdenum, and zinc. Opposite results in leaf and clove calcium and boron concentrations suggest low or no mobility of these nutrients. However, the differences in nutrient concentrations were not consistent in all cultivars and years in this study. Although curing method did not affect overall yield of garlic, keeping leaves intact during curing may result in some remobilization from the leaves and increased nutrients in the cloves. Further research is needed to clarify these findings to determine the extent of nutrient remobilization in garlic
Study of Electrical and Magnetic Properties of Ni/NiO Nanocomposite Thin Film
No full textIn this thesis, detailed magnetic and electrical transport properties of composite thin films consisting of antiferromagnetic NiO, and ferromagnetic Ni have been studied. Highly oriented NiO thin films were grown on sapphire (0001) substrate using pulsed laser deposition with varying growth parameters such as oxygen pressure of the chamber and the substrate temperature. To obtain various percentage mixtures of Ni and NiO by means of introducing point defects (oxygen vacancies) into the NiO crystal structure, the as-grown films were annealed in forming gas (Ar:96% and H2:4%) at a fixed temperature of 600C and varying annealing time (0.5h to 6h). X-ray diffraction (XRD) data show that as-grown NiO film, which has a rock salt structure, is preferentially grown on the sapphire substrate along the (111) planes. The phase mixtures of Ni/NiO obtained by reduction annealing were confirmed by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the XRD data, a very sharp peak at 44.4° indicates that Ni has a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure. Detailed magnetic properties were investigated using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Temperature and field-dependent magnetization M (H, T) data show that pure NiO and Ni are antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic, respectively. The NiO-rich samples also showed ferromagnetic behavior with a saturation magnetization of 3.8 x 10-5 emu, and coercivity of 270 Oe. Ferromagnetism (FM) has also been observed in Ni-rich samples in the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) experiment, and the FMR linewidth increases with decreasing Ni phase in the composite thin films. Finally, density functional theory (DFT) calculation using quantum espresso was performed to understand the effect of oxygen vacancy on the electronic and magnetic properties of NiO. The behavior of the composite Ni/NiO thin films resembles a magnetic semiconductor which has a promising application in the arena of spintronic devices
Downstream Dispersal of Fine Tailings, Chat and Metals in Channel Sediment of Big River, Old Lead Belt, Southeast Missouri
No full textIn St. François County, Missouri, compromised above-ground tailings piles and containment ponds from historical mining activities in the Old Lead Belt released considerable amounts of dolomitic, Pb- and Zn-contaminated waste sediments to the Big River, contributing to significant downstream floodplain and channel sediment contamination. Previous studies have documented the effects of heavy metals on Big River biota and water quality, as well as benthic habitat disruption resulting from the influx of small sediments. Few have considered the effects and future contamination risk of the coarse waste sediments (2-16 mm in diameter), locally called “chat”, which retain high Pb and Zn concentrations and can constitute over 40% of the1) quantify the percentage of dolomite tailings in downstream channel bar deposits, 2) determine the downstream extent of chat transport from mine waste input sources, 3) evaluate the fine sediment Ca, Pb, and Zn concentrations and their relationship to mine waste, and 4) evaluate the future contamination potential of coarse chat in bar deposits in the Big River. The study showed an overall increase in the average percentage of 2-16 mm sized sediments within bar deposits below mine locations which decreased with distance downstream. Within the study area, dolomite tailings percentages in bar sediments80% in 2-4 mm, 65% in 4-8 mm and 20% in 8-16 mm size fractions. The percentage of dolomite dropped to 5% for 2-16mm sediments around 40 km below Flat River Creek while the10% as far as Washington State Park (50 km downstream from Flat River). Heavy metal concentrations peaked just above Flat River with8,700 mg/kg and almost 12,000 mg/kg for Zn. Pb and Zn concentrations decreased with distance downstream but remained above PEC toxic levels throughout the study area. Transport rates between 350 m/yr for 2-4 mm and 175 m/yr for 8-16 mm sediments indicate high residence times within the channel for these sediments. Further, coarse tailings contain high Pb concentrations which may be released to the aquatic environment by geochemical weathering and abrasion due to reworking and transport during flood events
Metabolomics Reveal Size-Dependent Impacts of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on Grains of Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.)
No full textPlants are exposed to emerging contaminants including nanoparticles, due to the novel but wide uses of these materials. However, researchers have shown contradicting effects of CeO2-NPs on barley grains with focus mostly on concentration effects and not sizes of these CeO2-NPs. Therefore, this study aimed at comparing the effects of 0nm (control), 8nm, and 40nm (250 mg CeO2-NPs/kg soil) on the metabolite profile of barley grains. GC-FID and GC-QTOF-MS were used to measure fatty acid contents and metabolomic changes respectively. GC-FID analysis revealed that palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and the total fatty acid concentrations were not affected, although linolenic acid was increased by 8nm CeO2-NPs. Interestingly, most sugar metabolites (UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, sorbitol, arabitol, digalacturonic acid, lyxitol, 1,5-anhydroglucitol, and ribose) were decreased by 8nm CeO2-NPs but increased by 40nm CeO2-NPs except 1-Kestose. Other sugars (erythritol, beta-gentibiose, glucoheptulose, N-acetylmannosamine, methylmaleic acid, and maltitol) were decreased by both CeO2-NPs except maltotriitol, ribitol, and glycerol. Amino acid metabolites (N-acetylserine and alanine) were also decreased by both CeO2-NPs while tyramine was increased. Antioxidant metabolites (ferulic acid and vanillic acid) were increased in treated grains compared to control, while 4-hydroxycinnamic acid was decreased by both 8nm and 40nm CeO2-NPs. Surprisingly, all fatty acid metabolites were increased by both sizes of CeO2-NPs except pentadecanoic acid treated with 8nm CeO2-NPs. Overall, these findings indicate that CeO2-NPs can have size-dependent but subtle effects on the metabolite profile and biochemical pathways of barley grains. Future studies should investigate if those biochemical changes can have effects in the succeeding generations
Promoting Civic and Community-Based Teaching Practices: An Exploratory Study of Collaborations Between Faculty Development Centers and Civic and Community Engagement Centers
No full textThe current study sought to provide an initial exploration into collaborative efforts between faculty development centers and civic and community engagement centers related to the promotion of civic and community-based teaching practices. Chief Academic Officers of public institutions supportive of civic and community engagement were surveyed, and findings provided initial evidence that such collaborations do exist and can be effective. However, the partnerships may often be episodic and informal. Implications for practice and future research are discussed
Stay-at-Home Fathers: What Is Their Life Really Like? An Intimate Portrayal
No full textReinforced by years of gender stereotypes is modern societies’ definition of masculinity, which has long been characterized by breadwinning and providing. Current literature has observed the growing trend which finds an increasing number of men engaged in the role of caregiver and the dynamic change in the home-work balance. Only a few studies looked at what life is like for a stay-at-home father and even fewer have allowed these fathers a unique voice for sharing their story. The purpose of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of what day to day life was really like as a stay-at-home father. In a sense we aimed to adjust the current gender role stereotypes, through this intimate portrayal of one courageous father who chose a nurturing caregiving role instead of following societies’ definition of what a strong masculine provider looked like. This research study provided an authentic window into the realities faced by one stay-at-home father in today’s society. This study describes certain themes which emerged throughout, including the participant’s perception of his role as caregiver where he found greater fulfillment than his career, the fulfillment he found with his connection to his daughters, and finally he found the essence of meaning for his life, his self-esteem and his identity through being a stay-at-home dad. This research concluded for one stay-at-home father, a greater meaning for his life, a stronger bond with his daughters and an overall sense that he was paving the way for other men regarding a softer, nurturing side of masculinity
Validation of an Internet Search Strategies Assessment
No full textThe internet has become the go-to place for those seeking information. The strategies that people employ when seeking information differ (Tsai, 2005), and critical thinking is related to these differences (Zhang et al., 2015). Although people use different strategies to find information on the internet, there are virtually no formal, easy to use tools for assessing these differences. Wansing and Wood (2020) developed the Internet Search Strategies Assessment (ISSA) for this purpose. A preliminary study revealed that the scale had four factors as hypothesized, but the measure did not correlate as well as expected with other theoretically related scales. This study used a multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) design with undergraduate college students (N=126) to further explore convergent and discriminant validity evidence for ISSA. A combination of implicit and explicit measures were used. Results provided some evidence supporting the construct validity for two of the hypothesized factors. However, the other two factors did not correlate well with any of the measures in the study
Comparing the Motivation of Auto Thieves and Carjackers
No full textMotor vehicle theft is a popular crime with hundreds of thousands of vehicles stolen each year. Two common MVT methods are auto thefts and carjackings. Auto thefts occur solely as property crimes, in which an offender steals an unoccupied vehicle. Carjackings are interpersonal crimes, in which the offender steals the vehicle from the driver by force or coercion. This study compares the motivation of the two offender groups. Utilizing 28 in-depth semi-structured interviews with active offenders, this study explores why they chose to commit crimes, why they chose vehicle-related crimes, and why they chose their preferred method. Although both offender groups target vehicles, there were differences in motivation. Money-making was the most popular reason, with pleasure being the second most notable reason. Auto thieves also stole as a means of transportation regularly, but this was not noticed with carjackers. Offenders stole vehicles to sell and earn quick large amounts of money for survival and necessities, as well as to spend on luxury items, drugs, alcohol, and women. Most auto thieves chose to avoid interpersonal crimes to reduce the need for violence or the chance of heavier consequences, but carjackers rarely used their weapons as anything more than a scare tactic. After the crime occurred, carjackers disposed or separated from the stolen vehicles almost immediately, but auto thieves often kept them for several days. Stolen vehicles were most often disposed of by stripping them of parts and abandoning them on the side of the road by both offender groups
Synthesis and Characterization of Antimony Cyanoximates for Microbiological Studies
No full textAntibiotic-resistant pathogenic microorganisms (such as MRSA and alike) represent a real and significant threat to the health and wellbeing of the general population. The search for new compounds of non-antibiotic nature that act as antimicrobial agents is an important task with obvious practical applications in the biomedical field. Metal-based coordination and organometallic compounds that demonstrate antimicrobial activity was found to exhibit a completely different mode of action compared to antibiotics. That suggests the absence of the mechanism of developing tolerance to these types of compounds at least for 30 - 40 years. Thus, there are numerous organotin (IV), silver (I), copper (II) and arsenic (III) compounds that have been extensively studied with that goal in the past. However, most of them are toxic to biological species. On the contrary, organoantimony (III, V) compounds possess much lower general toxicity but demonstrate appreciable antimicrobial properties and better body clearance. Unfortunately, there is still an insufficient amount of information regarding the latter class of compounds. Our research group’s previous experience clearly identified cyanoximes – compounds with the general formula NC-C(=NOH)-R, with R being an electron-withdrawing group – as potent biologically active compounds. These small molecules also act as very good ligands binding a variety of metal ions and metalloids with many compounds showing a good potential for biomedical applications. Except for one publication in 2000, there are no investigations of any kind of Sb-based compounds with oxime-bearing ligands. Therefore, the goal of the proposed research is to synthesize and characterize a series of antimony complexes with some specifically selected biologically active cyanoximes structures. All the synthesized novel compounds were characterized by elemental analysis (C,H,N), IR & NMR spectroscopy, thermal analysis (TG/DSC), and x-ray crystallography. The biological activity of the synthesized compounds was tested against bacterial strains MRSA, PAO1, and E. coli. Optical density (OD) was used to measure microbial cell growth, at a wavelength of 600 nm (OD600)