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Providing Preschool Classrooms With Sensory Kits to Measure the Effectiveness of Sensory Input on Motor Functioning and Sensory Integration
No full textThis study measured the effectiveness of sensory kits in preschool classrooms. Preschool children ages 2 years 9 months to 4 years old were divided into a control group classroom that did not receive sensory kits and an experimental group classroom that did receive sensory kits. Both groups were assessed in a pre-test and a post-test using 10 subsets of the Evaluation of Ayres Sensory Integration assessment to measure sensory integration and using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale to evaluate motor progression. The control group post-test scores moved farther from norm and average scores, while the experimental group post-test scores showed movement closer to norm or average scores in 11 out of 13 total subtests. Scores indicate the sensory kits were effective. Limitations include a small sample size and various ways for teachers to administer sensory materials in the classroom
Tuning Optoelectronic Properties of WO3 Thin Films Through Reduction Annealing
No full textWO₃ thin films were characterized by being deposited on quartz and Si/SiO₂ substrates via Pulsed Laser Deposition method and then were exposed to reduction annealing in 5% H₂/95% Ar at 400°C for 1, 2, 10, and 15 hours. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, UV-Vis, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and field-effect transistor (FET) showed that the 10-hour annealing is the best, as it is the only one that led to overall improvement in all properties. The quartz bandgap decreased from 3.20 to 2.91 eV transmittance while resistivity improved (238 → 0.0735 Ω·cm). The Si/SiO₂ resistivity was also improved by 2,349 times (119.8 → 0.051 Ω·cm). FET measurements, in turn, presented with dual conditions, where; 1 hour annealing presented a of electrons with a ratio of ON/OFF of 10⁴, and a 10-hour annealing proved ambipolar balance. The XRD analysis indicated the optimal crystallite size of 29.71 nm was reached at 10 hours, while the minimum microstrain and dislocation density were also present. Attributes beyond 10 hours went down mainly to oxygen back-diffusion from the substrate. This particular work demonstrates proper design tools for reduction-annealed WO₃ films in device applications
A Mystery of Microecology: Revealing the Ecological Relationship Between Allorhizobium Vitis and Missouri Native Grape Species
No full textCrown gall disease can be very detrimental to grape and wine producers around the world by reducing vine vigor and yield. It is caused by the bacteria Allorhizobium vitis (A. Vitis) carrying a tumor inducing (Ti) plasmid. The A. vitis bacteria have been found in soil and cane tissues in vineyards around the world, and infect all cultivated grapes. However, there have been no reports of crown gall on native wild grapevines, and very little is known about the ecology of A. vitis in native ecosystems. I have sampled cambium tissues from three native wild grape species of Missouri (Vitis vulpina, Vitis rupestris, and Vitis cinerea) as well as soil samples from the growing area to investigate the ecological relationship that A. vitis has with these wild vines. I found that genetic markers for the A. vitis associated Ti plasmid, RepB and VirD, are present in all wild grape species, but no symptoms of crown gall were observed. The presence of Ti plasmid markers is more prevalent in V. rupestris and V. cinerea than in V. vulpina, with V. vulpina being almost completely absent of virulent plasmid markers. These observations remain true even when V. vulpina and V. rupestris are growing at the same site. The presence of the PehA marker, representing A. vitis chromosome, is mainly confined to V. rupestris. This suggests a high degree of genetic diversity in wild A. vitis strains in the native ecosystems. The differences in A. vitis detection among the species as well as the lack of tumors imply the existence of multiple resistance mechanisms. These results set a steppingstone in understanding the ecological niche A. vitis holds in the native ecosystem and in designing control strategies to protect cultivated grapevines from infection by A. vitis in vineyards
Revolutionizing the Immaculate Conception: The Limitations of Medieval Theology and the Advancements of John Duns Scotus
No full textAlthough in the modern era, the Immaculate Conception is a controversial doctrine that prompts conflict primarily between Catholic and non-Catholic groups, during the medieval period Roman Catholics were greatly divided on the topic. Opposition to the belief hinges not only on its lack of scriptural basis and complicated theology, which some deem as placing Mary outside of the need for Christ’s redemption, but also on the fact that it was not declared dogma until 1854 by Pope Pius IX. In this thesis, I first consider how Augustine of Hippo’s original sin theology laid the foundation for avid rejection of the Immaculate Conception well into the early modern period. Second, I identify hinderances for acceptance of the Immaculate Conception during the medieval age by analyzing the work of Anselm of Canterbury, Eadmer of Canterbury, Bernard of Clairvaux, and Thomas Aquinas. Third, the work of John Duns Scotus is analyzed to show how he affirmed the Immaculate Conception, while still working within a rational scholastic framework. This thesis argues that John Duns Scotus revolutionized perceptions of the Immaculate conception by utilizing immediate animation and Anselmian original sin theology to reconcile the doctrine with Mary’s role in Christian salvation. Further, the massive contributions that Scotus made to the development of original sin theology, animation, and Immaculate Conception are explored. This thesis finds that Augustinian original sin and Aristotelian-Thomist animation were the primary hinderances to the acceptance of the Immaculate Conception and prolonged its formal acceptance in the Catholic Church
Help or Hindrance? Humans as a Range Expanding and Reducing Force for Himalayan Black Bears in Nepal
No full textI explore the relationship between Himalayan black bears (HBBs) and humans by constructing niche models for HBBs considering both natural and human influences. This approach allowed me to assess the net impact of human activities on HBBs, which face challenges like habitat fragmentation, but also reap some benefits (like increased food availability). I examined HBB niche impacts from humans by quantifying and comparing the extent of HBB niche space when including versus excluding anthropogenic influences. Specifically, I estimated the natural HBB niche space by assuming no human alterations of the landscape and compared this natural range to the observed range in habitats heavily altered by human activity. Niche models were based on a total of 475 presence records that I collected from both field surveys and literature reviews. Environmental variables included bioclimatic and anthropogenic factors for species distribution modeling. Four models were developed using Maxent, incorporating relatively pristine and more human-modified habitats. Habitat suitability maps were generated, distinguishing suitable habitat using a tenth-percentile minimum training presence threshold. These maps were overlaid onto Nepal\u27s Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) map and categorized into land cover type (e.g. forest, grassland, anthropogenic) to analyze the interactions and net change between HBB distribution and land use patterns. Overall, the results suggest that current anthropogenic changes have a near net-neutral impact on the range of HBBs. Natural forested regions remain highly suitable habitats, while areas modified by human activity exhibit lower but still notable levels of suitability for HBB. Despite the compensation some bears may reap through crop and livestock raiding, conservation activities to address human-HBB interactions and safeguard vital habitat for the species are necessary
Use of Fecal Inoculum From Easy and Hard Keeper Horses to Determine in-Vitro Digestibility of Feedstuffs Used in Equine Diets
No full textDigestibility studies provide vital information for formulating ideal diets based on an animal’s ability to digest and absorb the available nutrients from the feed provided. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in the nutrient digestion of horses between those that have a difficult time maintaining a healthy body weight (body condition score at or below 5, hard keeper) and those that easily maintain a healthy body weight (body condition score of \u3e5, easy keeper). Six mature geldings averaging 534.1 ± 47.1 kg were used in this study. During the experimental period horses were subjected to a light workload. At the beginning of the study the three horses in the easy keeper group had a BCS of 7. As compared to the three hard keepers which were all scored at a BCS of 4. Fecal material was collected from three easy keepers and three hard keeper horses and used to create microbial inoculums which were then used to digest feedstuffs using an ANKOM Daisy II Incubator. For experimental purposes five different feedstuffs; mature fescue hay (Festuca arundinacea), alfalfa cubes (Medicago sativa), bermudagrass hay (Cynodon dactylon), oats (Avena sativa), beet pulp (beta vulgaris) and two commercially available concentrates MFA Easy Keeper Edge (Emporia, MO), and Nutrena Triumph Complete (Kansas City, KS). Following digestion in the ANKOM Daisy II Incubator, samples were analyzed for NDF and ADF. The in-vitro DMD, NDF and ADF values of the feedstuffs were within the ranges found on Dairy One’s feed database. The data was analyzed using an OLS regression model and an ANOVA table to determine differences in digestibility of feedstuffs between the two horse groups. Treatments were considered significant with (P ≤ 0.05). No differences were observed in the in-vitro DMD, NFD, and ADF values due to horse treatment group (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, there was no treatment by feedstuff interactions (P ≤ 0.05). Further work is needed to elucidate possible causes for the difference in the amount of feed intake required to maintain BCS of horses subjected to similar feed and a light workload
Multilingual Voices, Monolingual Spaces: Linguistic, Academic, and Cultural Challenges of ESL Students
No full textStudents taking first-year composition classes in the United States are typically new to the university and native speakers of English; however, since approximately 5.6% of American college students come from other countries, non-native English speakers are also often present in these classrooms. In this project, I aim to explore the linguistic, cultural, and academic challenges faced by English as a Second Language (ESL) students in the first–year composition and English language learning classroom. Using a methodological triangulation combining autoethnography, qualitative research, case studies, close reading, textual analysis, and personal reflection, I investigate how language and background shape ESL students\u27 writing identities. My central questions include: How do second language factors such as culture, gender, prior education, and writing experiences affect the way immigrant students express identity in a mainstream writing course? How do the challenges of one-on-one writing conferences differ between Bangladesh, my home country, and the United States? This thesis has two main parts: one case study involving four students and a survey of thirty ESL students at Missouri State University’s English Language Institute. This study builds a bridge between first-year composition and English language learning classrooms, shedding light on ESL students’ challenges and highlighting the need for more intentional, culturally responsive teaching strategies that address identity, language barriers, and cross-context transitions
Effects of Active Learning in an Undergraduate Physiology Class Using Hands-on and Simulation Labs
No full textIncreasing student engagement has shown positive effects on students and can be achieved by incorporating active learning strategies in the lab. Currently, the undergraduate human physiology lab at Missouri State University utilizes simulations to practice physiological concepts. The proposed project aims to evaluate if incorporating hands-on labs would improve student learning and/or their engagement. The hypothesis is engagement will be increased in hands-on labs, but grades will not differ significantly, based on previous literature. Three simulations were replaced with hands-on lab software to evaluate engagement and learning. Student engagement was assessed using a voluntary, anonymous survey. Exam average scores were analyzed to assess changes in learning for each lab modality. Engagement was significantly increased with hands-on labs. Students cited increased engagement due to the hands-on component compared to the simulation, and collaboration with their lab mates. Hands-on lab topics were reported as more engaging than the simulations. Hands-on lab content had slightly higher exam averages than the simulations. This suggests incorporating active learning strategies can enhance the lab experience and foster greater student involvement
Responses of Native and Invasive Aquatic Vegetation to Changes in Water Depth in an Ozark Spring-Fed Pond
No full textSpring-fed aquatic ecosystems in the Ozark Highlands are characterized by stable water depths, clear water, and diverse aquatic vegetation (filamentous algae, submerged, floating, and emergent plants). Sudden changes in water depth can impact aquatic vegetation dynamics but the impacts of prolonged changes are poorly understood. I investigated seasonal and annual changes to aquatic vegetation abundance in a spring impoundment during and after a two-year period of low water depth that was caused by a broken outlet below an artificial dam. Water depth was significantly lower in 2020 and 2021 (low water years), compared to 2022 and 2023 (high water years). Vegetation abundances differed between years in certain seasons. In winter and spring, filamentous algae cover was lower in high water years than low water years, while in fall, cover was greater in high water years than low water years. In winter, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) cover decreased in the low water year just prior to outlet replacement and then increased in the high water year just after outlet replacement. Floating vegetation did not change. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) indicated that water temperature, phosphate, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll-a concentrations were significant predictors of aquatic vegetation cover, while water depth was a significant predictor of vegetation frequency. After water depth increased, invasive Potamogeton crispus became the dominant submerged species, with cover 3.5–4.5 times higher in high water than in low water years. Increased P. crispus cover corresponded with decreased native SAV cover. RDA indicated that water temperature, conductivity, and chlorophyll-a were significant predictors of P. crispus biomass and elemental composition. Seasonal variation likely influenced water temperature and quality, which subsequently impacted aquatic vegetation dynamics, while changes in water depth impacted vegetation distribution. Temperature was a key driver of P. crispus biomass, while competition for nutrients and seasonal variation influenced its elemental composition
The Role of Host Factor SPTBN1 in HIV-1 Capsid Uncoating in Human Microglial Cells
No full textHIV-1 is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and currently, there is no cure once an individual is infected. The development of new drugs targeting HIV-1 replication steps is essential for keeping viral loads low or undetectable to prevent further transmission. An attractive replication step for new drug targets is viral capsid uncoating, where the virus loses the protein structure encapsulating the genome. The exact mechanism of capsid uncoating is unknown; however, several host-factors may be involved including protein SPTBN1. Recent studies have shown a significant decrease in viral infectivity when SPTBN1 is knocked down, yet its role in replication has not been characterized. Preliminary data in the Hulme Lab revealed a delay in early time points of uncoating in vivo when SPTBN1 was knocked down. The goal of this thesis was to determine the role of SPTBN1 in HIV-1 capsid uncoating. The plus/minus cyclosporine A assay demonstrated that interactions of SPTBN1 with the capsid are independent of the host factor cyclophilin A. Furthermore, using the cyclosporine washout assay, we did not observe a delay in capsid uncoating when SPTBN1 was depleted. However, the data indicates a knockdown threshold greater than 84% is required to decrease HIV-1 infectivity as observed in previous literature. Our uncoating assays did not achieve the SPTBN1 knockdown threshold, which may explain why uncoating was unaffected. SPTBN1 may still play a role in capsid stability through binding or indirectly impact uncoating through interactions with molecular motor proteins kinesin and dynein. Understanding the role of host cell factors in uncoating will open a door for the development of new capsid inhibitors