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Synthesis of Novel Chromenone Esters for Biochemical Assays
Get PDFThis project details the synthesis of a variety of novel chromenone esters to be used as enzymatic probes. A robust, initial library of 22 chromenone esters was successfully synthesized with differences in chain length, branching, and the incorporation of cyclic and heteroatomic moieties. These new chromenones were fully characterized by 1HNMR, 13CNMR, DEPT HRMS, 19FNMR, and HSQC. The utility of these compounds comes from the fact that they will fluoresce upon cleavage of the ester; thus, this property makes them ideal candidates to be used in the monitoring of enzymatic activity of esterases. Elucidating the enzyme-substrate structure activity relationship (SAR) uncovers specific structural motifs favored by the active site. As more information is acquired about the binding sites of these enzymes, more efficient chemical inhibitors can be created as treatments for infections like Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and Staphylococcus aureus. At present, a standardization curve has been developed to normalize enzymatic data. As more experiments are performed, specific enzymatic characteristics, such as Km and kcat can be determined
Bad Water: A Critical Analysis of Three Municipal Water Crises Through the Lens of Political Ecology
Get PDFIn this paper, I analyze the municipal water crises of Flint, Michigan; Toledo, Ohio; and Jackson, Mississippi through the lens of political ecology to determine how history, power, and society have shaped the troubled water system we see in the United States today. In cities around the US, citizens cannot access clean water, violating a basic human right. Policies have been implemented to protect citizens from consuming contaminated water but are poorly enforced. Additionally, despite knowledge of the ongoing problems including insufficient treatment, outdated infrastructure, and overly contaminated source water, little has been done to remedy the situation. The theoretical framework of political ecology examines the environmental state by looking closely at society and power imbalances, showing that these conditions were not inevitable, but rather the result of exploitative decisions by those in power. By using this framework, it is possible to determine the causes of these crises rather than their symptoms alone. I perform a discourse analysis of each case, pulling literature from news sources, books, policies, and interviews to understand the context of these events and the relations of power between government officials and citizens. By performing this study, it is clear that these water crises, like those occurring today, result from policy failure, economic prioritization, and environmental injustice. Understanding the problem and how it has worsened, provides the information needed to formulate an effective, long-term solution
“Freedom, you have turned from me!” Exploring the Facts vs. the Fiction of Sisi in Netflix’s The Empress
Get PDFAs one of the most beautiful women of her day, head-strong, and in opposition to the strict traditions of her court life, Empress Elisabeth of Austria - also known as Sisi - is remembered for her confidence and free-spirit. While Sisi’s image is admired throughout Austria (and Bavaria) on postcards, posters, and knick-knacks, she is lesser known to American audiences. During her life, she was often criticized for leaving her responsibilities with the court to go on long trips or for prioritizing her love of Hungary over the Austrian people. However, after the Empress’s tragic death, her public image changed; she became idolized and many of the negative views surrounding her began to dissipate over time. Through the Sissi films in the 1950s, a new image of Sisi was created, and a fake persona was solidified into history. With the recent release of The Empress (September 2022, Netflix), she is now reaching modern American audiences. This research will explore how Elisabeth is portrayed in the first season of The Empress, and how this compares to her personality as represented through both her original poetry as well as factual information provided in her biographies. This will also dive into how her personality is portrayed in modern media as a way to target American audiences. As the show begins to gain popularity, it is crucial to understand who Empress Elisabeth is as a historical figure, recognizing both her accomplishments as well as her flaws, and not fall victim to the fictional Sissi myth
Social Media and the Collegiate Vote in Indianapolis
Get PDFThis study aimed to determine the impact of social media on the civic engagement of active college students in Indianapolis. This was done collecting primary quantitative data from an original survey. The survey measured social media as a source of news, a source of information on voting and registration, a location for political debate, and a place to share one’s voting status. Then, the survey measured aspects of civic engagement/political participation including voting and registration history, political efficacy, and what political activities in which people have partaken. I found that social media is an effective source of information on voting and registration and those who see that type of content online are far more likely to vote. However, social media as a source of news has the opposite effect and is correlated with lower political participation
Generosity and Philanthropy in the “Third Place”: A Documentary Short to Celebrate and Promote Cause-Driven Community Spaces
Get PDFThis thesis explores the vast potential inherently found within community spaces in fostering a sense of belonging and spurring positive social change. Through an in-depth examination of Indianapolis’ vibrant coffee culture and a local coffee shop– Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company– as a case study, the project delves into the dynamics of community building, generosity, and social impact within “third places”. Through interview-based documentary filmmaking, the study highlights the transformative power of community spaces like Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company in nurturing connections, supporting local causes, and promoting civic engagement. The documentary short film, Serving with Generosity, serves as both a celebration of Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company and an inspiration for fostering similar spaces elsewhere. The project underscores the importance of recognizing and supporting community spaces that prioritize inclusivity, connection, and philanthropy, ultimately advocating for the cultivation of environments where all individuals feel valued, welcomed, and empowered to make a difference in their communities
Architectural Hippies or Healthcare Visionaries?
Get PDFHuman beings increasingly lack interaction with nature in modern civilizations due to urbanization and lifestyle preferences. Research has shown that biophilic elements, like greenery, natural light, etc., create healing environments that alleviate stress, enhance emotional well-being, and promote recovery. This forms the basis of the Biophilic hypothesis, which states that being around nature is imperative for the well-being of humans. This article explores the transformative potential of biophilic design in healthcare settings, explaining its profound impact on patient outcomes and well-being. Several bodies of research prove that introducing biophilic elements in hospitals has led to shorter postoperative stays, reduced administration of pain relief drugs, lower stress levels for people with chronic diseases, and improved overall well-being of patients. Using Virtual Reality (VR) to simulate biophilic environments has shown promise in significantly reducing patient stress and anxiety levels. The fusion of architecture and nature holds immense promise in transforming healthcare spaces into vibrant ecosystems that prioritize holistic patient well-being