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Non-thermal plasma synthesis of organic feedstock from carbon dioxide and nitrogen
No full textThe concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is increasing at a rate that poses harm to the environment, with the full extent of consequences unexplored. The rising population and increasing burning of fossil fuels over the past centuries is draining natural resources while contributing to deteriorating air quality. Exploration of alternative energy generation is ongoing, although increasing levels of CO2 remain in the atmosphere until reacted or extracted. Plasma, an ionized gas considered the fourth state of matter, is examined in this research as a method of reacting CO2 and N2 to produce carbon and nitrogen-based products of intrinsic value. A custom non-thermal plasma system was designed using a high voltage power supply, chemical-resistant tubing, brass supports, and a grounding system. The conductive materials copper and tungsten were tested to determine plasma activation capability, the ability to maintain stable plasma, and the lifetime of the metals. There are several advantages to the system designed in this research, the primary being that a CO2 reduction of 33% was achieved. In addition, the lifetime and reusability of all materials was considered as to meet Green Chemistry project aims. Using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Residual Gas Analysis with Mass Spectrometry (RGA-MS), the products from a CO2 plasma include carbon monoxide (CO) and oxygen (O2). Trials with a CO2 and nitrogen (N2) plasma suggest that production of nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), CO and O2 is possible. Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were utilized to characterize the electrode conditions
Therapeutic Art Class for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
No full textThis capstone project was designed to address a wide range of performance skills beyond the typical focus on psychosocial skills seen in traditional therapeutic art programs. By incorporating various forms of creative art activities, the program aimed to improve fine motor skills, social interaction skills, and sensory processing abilities in children with various disabilities.Art & Sou
Source of professionalism and knowledge among sport industry professionals in India with limited sport management higher education
No full textA comprehensive review of the literature reveals that sports industry research is progressing in every country worldwide at its own pace. However, there is very little research evidence about the Indian sports industry and the country's limited higher education sport management programs. While India has some of the most ardent sports fans and events in the world, sport management education programs and the development of a proper curriculum in India are still in their nascent stage especially in comparison to the United States and Europe. This quantitative study investigated the current standards of education in India and the source of knowledge and competencies of existing professionals in the Indian industry. Sports industry professionals were randomly selected to complete the COSM survey on Qualtrics and rate their perceived knowledge and professionalism on a Likert scale. Respondents answered questions involving their competencies, experiences, educational backgrounds, years of experience in the sport industry. MANOVA was used to measure the degree to which the various independent variables impact the current knowledge and competencies of India's sports industry professionals. The results support an educational strategy that values informal learning methods by recommending for the inclusion of experiential learning in sport management curriculum. Furthermore, the results also align with work-based learning theories by supporting an experiential learning environment and emphasizing the critical role that real-world experience plays in developing professional competencies. Specifically for the Indian sport industry and curriculum enhancement, the study recommended inserting experiential learning experiences, internships as a requirement for graduation before entering the sport industry. Additionally, this study also emphasizes on collaborations with local, national, and international sport events and organizations such as the Sports Authority of India, Ministry of Youth Sports Affairs, Indian Premier League, Indian Soccer League, FIBA, BCCI and collaboration with established university curriculums in countries like USA, Australia, and Europe in the form of semester abroad, study abroad, or online classes. This quantitative study may contribute to the limited academic literature available to Indian sports practitioners. Additionally, it may synthesize knowledge from previous work on professionalism and curriculum development providing a springboard for new research that will fill the existing knowledge gaps
Teacher perceptions of knowledge, use, and confidence with evidence-based practices for teaching students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) and challenging behaviors (CB)
No full textThe purpose of the current study was to investigate the knowledge, use, and confidence with evidence-based practices (EBPs) among general and special education teachers of students with EBD/CB. More specifically, the current study investigated the relationship between teachers’ knowledge and use of EBPs and their confidence in working with students with EBD/CB. Results were obtained and a comparison was made between the general and special education teachers. Results were obtained and analyzed for all teachers surveyed regarding their knowledge, use, and confidence with EBPs for this student population. Statistically significant differences were discovered that indicated general education teachers were significantly higher than special education teachers in their knowledge, use, and confidence with EBPs for students with EBD/CB. When considering the total number of teachers, regardless of whether they were categorized as general or special education, the findings showed that there existed a statistically significant positive correlation between teachers’ knowledge, use and teacher confidence. In all, teachers who had greater knowledge and use of EBPs were more confident to teach students with EBD/CB. The findings from the current study provide additional research in the field and give insight to teacher preparation programs and school district administrators on how to provide support to teachers of students with EBD/CB
A narrative analysis of the partner of a patient who has undergone a prostatectomy
No full textThe purpose of this study was to explore the storied narratives of the partners of those who have undergone a prostatectomy due to prostate cancer. Cancer affects the quality of life of the family by causing complex feelings and lifestyle changes that can be overwhelming; however, with prostate cancer being a couple’s disease, it may have a substantial effect on the partner. This study aims to shed light on the experiences and needs of the partner of those who have undergone a radical prostatectomy (RP). Using the narrative analysis methodology of qualitative research, interviews with eleven participants were conducted with a semi-structured interview guide. Six overarching themes explained the relationship changes and the barriers of the participants. They did not feel well educated on the impact an RP would have on their relationship and intimacy. Participants shared the impact an RP had on their relationship and intimacy. Fear from the loss of control was clear, and participants expressed a desire for support and a need for information. They vocalized elevating their partner’s needs and protected the affected partner. The biggest barrier they expressed was the lack of support and information on how this treatment would impact them. Medical professionals, especially nurses at the forefront of care, are invaluable in educating partners about the impact that the RP would have on their relationship. Resources and support should be offered to the partner
Parental warmth and affection as a protective factor against adolescent risky behavior
No full textFamilies all around the world strive for the child to become independent as they approach adulthood. The present research investigated the specific protective factor of affection on a range adolescent risky behaviors. In particular, adolescence is a time in a child’s development in which many parents lean on more limits, in order to minimize the opportunity for risky behaviors and negative outcomes. Parents who negatively reveal their stress during communication with their adolescent(s), increasingly mirror negative patterns of communication. Respectful support creates an environment where warmth and affection are welcomed and celebrated. Parenting trends change. Practitioners can focus on qualities and characteristics that families can autonomously incorporate those into parenting patterns, instead of confining parents to prescriptive methods that may not fit each family’s culture or norms. Past research has focused on early interactions, parenting behaviors during the childhood years, and targeted adolescent behaviors. More research is needed on specific parent behaviors and protective factors that lead to positive adolescent adjustment, specifically lower risky behavior levels. A series of negative binomial generalized linear mixed models were conducted in order to determine the interaction outcomes of the moderating variables M on variable Y and X (M, moderating variables: age, marital status, and stress level; X, independent variables: perceived parental warmth and affection; Y, dependent variable: adolescent risky behavior)
The pandemic and working mothers: Perspectives from American and South African working mothers
No full textThe purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on working mothers from the United States and South Africa. This study sought to highlight both cross-cultural similarities and differences. American and South African working mothers took part in online interviews. Eighteen participants were included in the sample, ten participants lived in the United States, while eight participants currently resided in South Africa. The age range of the participants’ children was from 0 to 21 years old. Each participant met individually with the researcher and answered a series of open-ended questions regarding their experiences of being a working mother during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers analyzed interviews using thematic analysis. Common themes emerged in the interviews with both American and South African working mothers. Mothers in the United States and South Africa both noted the need for flexible work schedules as well as expressed difficulty balancing roles as mothers and professionals during the pandemic. Increased motivation and resiliency as well as lack of representation of women leaders were themes specific to South African mothers in this study. Conversely, feelings of decreased interest in pursuing leadership opportunities was a theme specific to American mothers in this study. The current study adds to the growing body of literature documenting the effect of the pandemic on working mothers, and builds on this research by including a qualitative component to gain knowledge from working mothers themselves. The narratives collected in the current study highlight commonalities as well as differences in the experiences of working mothers in the United States and South Africa, which holds important implications for how workplaces and the broader community can best attend to the unique needs of working mothers
Adaptation of the lower extremity neuromuscular activation while performing the Ross Submaximal Cardiovascular Test in healthy adults
No full textBackground: Submaximal exercise tests using treadmills are reliable predictors of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal performances in adults. Understanding neuromuscular lower extremity muscle activation during treadmill walking can help clinicians tailor rehabilitation and training programs for their condition.
Subjects: Ten healthy participants (22.6 ± 1.08 years of age) were recruited for this study.
Method: Participants were instructed to walk on a treadmill at a speed of 3.4 mph and 0% elevation for 3 min. The elevation increased every 3 min by 3% and 4% in women and men, respectively. Data on the muscle activation of the tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius (GA), rectus femoris (QUADS), and semimembranosus (HS) were collected using surface electromyography.
Results: There were slight differences in the muscle activation between the muscle groups at various intervals. The results revealed that the tibialis anterior and semimembranosus took longer to activate and showed trends of more extended activation periods with an increase in inclination.
Conclusion: Analysis of electromyography (EMG) activity in healthy young adults during submaximal exercise testing on a treadmill revealed a delay in muscle activation and increased active time in the tibialis anterior and semimembranosus musculatures
Cytokine levels in breast cancer are highly dependent on cytomegalovirus (CMV) status
No full textPurpose: Breast cancer accounts for 30% of all female cancers in the US. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a herpesvirus that establishes lifelong infection, may play a role in breast cancer. CMV is not oncogenic, yet viral DNA and proteins have been detected in breast tumors, indicating possible contribution to tumor development. CMV encodes cmvIL-10, a homolog of human cellular IL-10 (cIL-10) with potent immunosuppressive activities. We investigated the relationship between CMV infection, cytokines, and breast cancer.
Methods: We evaluated CMV serostatus and cytokine levels in plasma of women with benign breast disease (n = 38), in situ carcinoma (n = 41), invasive carcinoma, no lymph node involvement (Inv/LN−; n = 41), and invasive with lymph node involvement (Inv/LN+; n = 37).
Results: Fifty percent of the patient samples (n = 79) were CMV seropositive. There was no correlation between CMV status and diagnosis (p = 0.75). For CMV+ patients, there was a trend toward higher CMV IgG levels in invasive disease (p = 0.172). CmvIL-10 levels were higher in CMV+ in situ patients compared to the Inv/LN− and Inv/LN+ groups (p = 0.020). Similarly, cIL-10 levels were higher in CMV+ in situ patients compared to the Inv/LN− and Inv/LN+ groups (p = 0.043). The results were quite different in CMV− patients where cIL-10 levels were highest in Inv/LN− compared to benign, in situ, or Inv/LN+ (p = 0.019). African American patients were significantly associated with CMV+ status (p = 0.001) and had lower cmvIL-10 levels than Caucasian patients (p = 0.046).
Conclusion: No association was observed between CMV IgG and diagnosis, but CMV infection influences cytokine production and contributes to altered cytokine profiles in breast cancer
Occupational Therapy's Role in Implementing Food-Related Activities for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
No full textIntroduction: Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) tend to face deficits with cognitive and physical skills, therefore, reducing their abilities to complete food-related tasks (i.e. meal preparation, kitchen safety, grocery shopping) independently. Purpose: This doctoral capstone project aimed to explore the effectiveness of food-related group interventions which will be broken down into four main components: nutrition, grocery shopping, cooking skills, and kitchen safety to promote perceived independence and confidence within these four areas for adults with IDD. Methods: This study utilized a quantitative methods approach, with quantitative measures of food-related skills from the pre-test and post-test surveys. An 8-week program, titled “Food Beyond,” was implemented at Connecting Point of Park Cities (CPPC) in Dallas, Texas. The effectiveness of the group sessions was evaluated through pre- and post-surveys. These findings will contribute to the limited knowledge base on the effectiveness of group-based occupational therapy interventions in enhancing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) for adults with IDD. Results: In all four components, participants demonstrated a significant increase in perceived levels of satisfaction, confidence, and effectiveness. Conclusion: Adults with IDD may benefit from ongoing interventions that focus on grocery shopping, nutrition, kitchen safety, and basic cooking skills to overall improve independence and confidence within these areas.Connecting Point of Park Citie