13251 research outputs found
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Civilian Manufacturing and National Defense: Strategic Planning for Globalization\u27s Challenges
No full textThis thesis examines the interconnection between civilian manufacturing and national defense within the context of globalization. The study aims to identify the challenges faced by the United States in maintaining its manufacturing capabilities and to propose strategic solutions to address these challenges. Through a comprehensive analysis of historical data, case studies, and policy recommendations, the research highlights the critical role of specialized and process manufacturing sectors towards national defense. The findings suggest that the creation of a federal executive department, strategic investment, diversification, policy re-evaluation, and collaborating with allies are essential for sustaining national defense capabilities. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for policymakers to address the identified challenges and ensure a robust civilian manufacturing base
Balancing Performance and Efficiency: An Autoencoder Approach to API-Based Malware Detection
No full textThe constant evolution of malware presents a critical challenge to today\u27s interconnected world. It poses an increasing threat on different scales, spanning from individuals, organizations to critical infrastructures such as government’s security. Hackers continuously develop new techniques to evade detection methods. When confronted with the high volume and variety of malware, conventional approaches tend to struggle to perform in robust, accurate and timely manner. This thesis explores the application of deep learning methods to improve malware detection and classification techniques. By analyzing API call sequences, the proposed approach leverages Autoencoders to compress high-dimensional malware data into more optimized representations that captures the most discriminative features. Classification models then use these encoded representations to differentiate between benign and malicious software. The suggested framework includes Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), specifically used to enhance detection accuracy, generalize to unseen malware families, and effectively manage complex, high-dimensional data. The results show that autoencoder-based dimensionality reduction enhances detection accuracy, reduces computational costs, and provides a robust latent representation that supports effective classification
Gratitude and Positive Developmental Outcomes in Adolescents
No full textAdolescence is a period characterized by transition, and adolescents must navigate through changes and challenges as they age toward adulthood. Previous research has suggested that gratitude may play a role in contributing and supporting positive developmental outcomes. Two examples of these positive developmental outcomes include prosocial behavior and resilience. The present study qualitatively explores the development and expression of gratitude during adolescence and how gratitude shapes positive developmental outcomes, in particular prosocial behavior and resilience, as perceived and experienced by the adolescent participants. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from six participants. Themes and subthemes emerged from thematic analysis, including Adolescents’ Gratitude Development and Expressions, Roles of Gratitude in Prosocial Behavior and Roles of Gratitude in Resilienc
Alpha-Synuclein Interaction With Gedunin
No full textParkinson’s disease (PD) and other Proteinopathies develop when α-synuclein misfolds and aggregates into toxic amyloids. While existing treatments for PD are primarily focused on managing its symptoms, a viable solution for slowing down the progress of Parkinson’s disease involves targeting the toxic α-synuclein amyloids. Gedunin, a natural inhibitor of heat shock protein 90, has been extensively used to treat malaria. Also, recent research investigations have shed light on its potential beyond malaria therapy, indicating that Gedunin may offer a possible solution for treating a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Using plate-based assays, we examined how Gedunin influences α-synuclein fibrillation and its impact in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s. The findings reveal Gedunin dose dependent concentrations modulates the α-syn fibrillation pattern, reducing the buildup of toxic oligomers while increasing their susceptibility to proteolytic breakdown. Gedunin decreases α-synuclein-amyloid toxicity by binding to the hydrophobic parts of α-synuclein oligomers. This suggests that oligomerization may be crucial for α-synuclein to manifest its neurotoxic effects. These results provide convincing proof of Gedunin’s neuroprotective potential in PD by targeting protein misfolding and aggregation, also, they indicate a path forward for treatments that modify the disease course
Investigations of Proteins Including Yellow Thermal Protein, Blue Thermal Protein, Lactoperoxidase, and Thyroid Peroxidase
No full textThis research investigated four different proteins: yellow thermal protein (YTP), blue thermal protein (BTP), lactoperoxidase (LPO), and thyroid peroxidase (TPO). YTP and BTP were both engineered from the extremely stable and non-aggregative thermal green protein (TGP) by mutating one residue each to obtain proteins with shifted spectra while preserving the stability properties observed in TGP. Site-directed mutagenesis (SDM) was utilized to construct YTP by mutating a histidine at residue 197 to a tyrosine (H197Y) and BTP by mutating a tyrosine at residue 67 to a histidine (Y67H). These proteins were expressed in E. Coli and purified with nickel and diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) column chromatography. UV/Vis and fluorescence spectra were obtained for YTP, BTP, and TGP. Preliminary chemostability measurements were run as well, and fluorescent lifetime data was obtained for BTP. Crystals of YTP and BTP were also obtained from conditions similar to that used to grow TGP crystals. Meanwhile, a plasmid containing a human LPO gene was designed and expressed in E. Coli cells with the end goal of obtaining active protein for use in crystallography. Seven expression and purification pairings took place, with purifications utilizing nickel and carboxymethyl (CM) column chromatography. UV/Vis spectra and SDS-PAGE were used to determine initial likelihood of expression success. Activity assays were performed several times, each time indicating no activity present. However, a western blot did detect LPO bands. Finally, a plasmid containing a truncated human TPO gene was also designed and expressed in E. Coli cells with the goal of obtaining active protein for use in crystallography. Purifications included nickel, DEAE, and size-exclusion column chromatography. Several expressions for use in western blots and crystal setups were performed, while two detergent types were also explored. In tandem, a TPO Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) lab was designed as an Intro to Biochemistry lab investigating six TPO mutations including the following techniques: SDM, protein purification, UV/Vis spectrophotometry, bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay quantification, and a guaiacol assay
Marginalization in Climate Change Adaptation Decision Making: Insights From Coastal Bangladesh
No full textThe impacts of climate change are deeply uneven, often widening social inequalities and environmental injustice. Participation of all stakeholders—particularly historically marginalized groups—is essential for designing effective and inclusive adaptation strategies. This mixed-method, cross-sectional study investigates the underlying factors that hinder participation in decision-making and examines organizational efforts to reduce marginalization within climate adaptation projects implemented across the southwest coast of Bangladesh. The study used de-identified datasets, collected through structured household surveys from 301 randomly selected individuals and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations in Assasuni. A Generalized Additive Model (GAM) was used to analyze how socio-economic and demographic factors coupled with people’s perceptions and organizational approaches affect the degree of participation. Thematic analysis of interviews explored strategies employed to enhance inclusivity. The findings reveal that wealth disparities, male dominance within households, incentive-based motivations, attitudes toward adaptation, and geographic isolation are key determinants of exclusion. In response, organizations are promoting participation through community consultations, group formation, targeted outreach, and one-to-one communication. Notably, early engagement, formalization of processes and sustained trust-building emerged as critical components for fostering inclusive, context-sensitive decision-making in climate adaptation planning. These insights underscore the need for participatory frameworks that are not only inclusive by design but also adaptive to local socio-political dynamics. This will ensure equitable adaptation measures through collective actions of future researchers, policymakers and practitioners
Characterizing a RAD23 Dependent Ultraviolet Radiation Resistance in Tetrahymena Thermophila
No full textIn 2020, 10 million deaths were attributed to cancer, with multidrug resistance being responsible for over 90% of deaths in cancer patients receiving treatment. This study utilized the model organism Tetrahymena thermophila to study how cells become resistant to Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) radiation, a process similar to multidrug resistance, specifically focusing on the nucleotide excision repair and ubiquitin shuttle protein Rad23. The National Cancer Institute documented 30-60% of cancers tested had a mutation in RAD23. Knockdown of RAD23 in Tetrahymena thermophila demonstrated a UV resistance phenotype with decreased nucleotide excision repair and differential expression of proteins active within caspase-independent cell death instigated by mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and radical oxygen species release. This study concluded that Rad23 has an essential role within caspase-independent cell death leading to UV resistance. This study uncovers a potential role for Rad23 in caspase independent cell death and opens up the ability to use Tetrahymena thermophila as a model organism in which to study how cancer cells utilize caspase-independent cell death to become multidrug resistant
A Study of Collegiate Equine Team Funding, Expenditures, and Recruitment Strategies
No full textCollegiate equine teams (including horse judging, equestrian, ranch horse teams) have been recognized for their contributions to students\u27 personal and professional development for post- graduation success. Teams have been used to provide opportunities, a sense of belonging and allow for experiences students may not have elsewhere. However, there is a notable gap in knowledge as to where funding comes from and how much teams may be able to budget for expenditures. Recruitment tactical knowledge provides other teams with knowledge of potential areas they may be lacking or unaware of. I used an online survey to understand current ranges of support and expenditures, as well as anticipated change of support and expenditure amounts. This descriptive study utilized frequencies and cross tabulations to identify relationships between equine team support, expenditures, structural and demographic characteristics. The target population consisted of collegiate head coaches/advisors for ranch horse, horse judging and Zone 7 IHSA equestrian teams. Findings from this survey indicate there may be some support sources that do not provide support for these teams. Also, some support may be more available based off how much of the coach\u27s job is dedicated to coaching. As past research has shown how these teams positively impact students it is a necessity to assess how these teams are being supported and to provide an idea of what budget they need
Synthesis and Characterization of Doped Rare-Earth Zinc Alloys
No full textRare-Earth-Zinc (RE-Zn) alloys doped with manganese represent a promising class of materials with diverse applications in magnetic, electronic, and thermoelectric devices. These alloys hold significant potential owing to the unique combination of rare-earth elements\u27 properties with the versatility of zinc, augmented by manganese doping. In this study, I present the successful synthesis of ErMn0.2Zn11.8 alloys, achieved through self-flux method. The synthesized crystals were characterized using electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). Additionally, magnetic measurements were performed to investigate the magnetic properties. Future plans include DFT calculations and comparison study between Rare-Earth-Zinc alloys with Manganese doped Rare-Earth-Zinc in terms of Magnetic properties
Effect of Reduction Annealing on the Structural and Electrical Properties of α-MoO3 Thin Films
No full text2D layered molybdenum oxide has attracted significant research interest due to its tuneable bandgap and diverse structural, chemical, electrical, and optical properties influenced by growth parameters and synthesis techniques. In this study, the effects of reduction annealing on the structural and electrical properties of few-layer MoO₃ thin films, deposited on Si/SiO₂ substrates via pulsed laser deposition, were investigated. X-ray diffraction revealed nanocrystalline structures with a preferred (020) orientation, reduction annealing produced highly crystalline orthorhombic α-MoO₃ with reduced unit cell volume. FESEM/EDS provided detailed analyses of microstructures and elemental compositions. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the orthorhombic structure, with characteristic peaks at 667, 820, and 995 cm⁻¹, corresponding to O-Mo-O and Mo=O vibrational modes. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed a bandgap reduction from 3.3 eV to 3.07 eV, enhancing conductivity through oxygen vacancies. Preliminary FET measurements demonstrated that the samples retained their semiconducting behaviour, with IDS vs VDS characteristics showing effective gate modulation with high mobility. This study is a small endeavor to extend the research in wide band gap insulating transition metal oxides and their integration into device-based applications