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INTEGRATED PLANT SENSING AND BIOMOLECULE DELIVERY FOR MITIGATING ABIOTIC STRESS IN PLANTS
No full textThis study presents a smart plant healthcare system that monitors leaf humidity and delivers salicylic acid (SA) via a stimulus-responsive hydrogel. Unlike conventional passive systems, it offers precise, environment-triggered hormone release, enhancing plant resilience to stress. The system holds promises for both precision agriculture and sustainable plant growth in space environments. The study begins by assessing plant health through leaf humidity, as healthy plants show high transpiration rates. Deviations in leaf humidity levels signaled drought stress. Subsequently, a targeted phytohormone was administered in a controlled manner to enhance the plant\u27s physiological resilience and facilitate recovery from the drought stress, thereby promoting the restoration of normal metabolic and growth functions. A temperature-responsive hydrogel encapsulating the plant hormone salicylic acid was synthesized in-house. The hydrogel enabled sustained and controlled release of the biomolecule over a period of up to 8 days, effectively mitigating the burst-release profile that has posed a long-standing challenge in drug delivery systems. This sustained release behavior was further validated through mathematical modeling of the drug release profile, which closely fit the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, yielding a high correlation coefficient (R2=0.9978). Several mathematical models were evaluated to characterize the drug release kinetics, with the best-fitting model indicating that the release was primarily governed by polymer degradation and relaxation mechanisms. In parallel, experiments were conducted to continuously monitor the local relative humidity on the abaxial side of the leaf, which is influenced by transpiration. Based on humidity data, salicylic acid was administered through the thermo-responsive hydrogel system. The application of the designed hormone delivery system resulted in significant improvements in plant performance under drought stress. The experimental setup included both mature plants and seeds, categorized into five distinct treatment groups. Plants treated with the hydrogel-based hormone delivery system exhibited enhanced stress tolerance, as evidenced by a marked increase in localized relative humidity from 20–30% to 60–70%. In addition, seeds in the treated groups demonstrated early germination within a 14-day period. The promising results underscore the potential of this system as a foundation for developing personalized plant healthcare strategies. This approach could be expanded beyond a single biomolecule to include a range of essential phytohormones and fertilizers. Furthermore, the system holds potential for applications not only in conventional terrestrial agriculture but also in extraterrestrial farming environments
Teaching Social Studies Through the Lens of Film
No full textThis poster highlights a Library of Congress project where pre-service teachers use National Film Registry titles on WWI and WWII, analyzing films as layered primary sources reflecting both history and production contexts
Risk Communication and Public Health Emergency Responses During COVID-19 Pandemic in Rural Communities in Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study
No full textBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the crucial role of community preventive behaviors in controlling the virus’ spread. Studies show that people’s risk perceptions and awareness significantly contribute to the containment and prevention of infections by motivating adoption of desired actions and behaviors. This study aimed at assessing the role of risk communication and factors that influenced responses during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural communities in Western Kenya. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a quantitative research approach, collecting data from 806 individuals across Kisumu, Vihiga, and Kakamega counties. Descriptive statistics were used to detail the demographic characteristics of the study population, while logistic regression analysis estimated the associations between risk communication and demographic characteristics on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, compliance with mitigation behaviors, perceived severity, and perceived susceptibility. Results: The results showed that 55% of participants were male and 45% were female, with an average moderate compliance with safety measures (mean = 5.15). A significant portion of participants wore face masks (85.3%), practiced hand hygiene (78.9%), and avoided close contact behaviors (66.6%). Most respondents received information through mass media (86.1%) and health workers (72.9%). Compliance with COVID-19 mitigation measures was highest among those who trusted information from official institutions, health professionals, and mass media, compared to social media, with increased odds of 2.7 times and 2.5 times, respectively. Higher risk perception was significantly associated with older age groups (above 50 years), being male, and working in the private sector. Effective risk communication significantly influenced risk perception, compliance with COVID-19 measures, and vaccination acceptance. Conclusions: The findings suggest that effective risk communication strategies are critical during public health emergencies and hence implications for future public health crises. The results underscore the importance of targeted communication and tailored interventions to improve compliance and vaccine acceptance among different demographic groups, ensuring a more robust public health response during outbreaks and pandemics
Forage preference in two geographically co-occurring fungus gardening ants: A dietary DNA approach
No full textTraditional methods of forage identification are impractical with non-leafcutting fungus gardening ants, making diet-related ecological and life history questions difficult to study. To address this limitation, we utilized dietary DNA metabarcoding on excavated ant fungus gardens to generate forage diversity metrics for the two co-occurring species Trachymyrmex septentrionalis and Mycetomoellerius turrifex. Ten fungus garden samples from each species were collected from a 60x70 m plot in East Texas. Each of the colonies we sampled was paired with a colony from the other species within 3 m of it. Plant forage diversity was assessed with chloroplast trnL primers, and insect frass forage diversity was assessed with mitochondria COI primers. DNA metabarcoding identified a total of 44 plant taxa across all samples, but performed poorly when characterizing foraged insect frass. Plant beta diversity was significantly different between the gardens of T. septentrionalis and M. turrifex colonies, as well as paired colonies. Colony pairs also had significantly different plant alpha diversity. This indicates that diet preference is likely driven both by ant species-specific plant preference, and colony location-specific plant resource availability. Overall, our results show that dietary DNA techniques are a promising tool for the identification of plant forage in ant fungus gardens, enabling the study of future diet-based ecological and natural history questions
Digital inclusion and systemic barriers: The role of technology in shaping the participation of women of color in hybrid workspaces
Full text linkThe rise of hybrid and remote work models, facilitated by digital technologies, has been widely regarded as a means of enhancing workforce diversity and inclusion. However, this study critically examines how these digital workplaces simultaneously reinforce systemic inequalities, particularly for women of color. Drawing on digital divide theory and intersectionality theory, this research explores the ways in which women of color navigate technological barriers, algorithmic bias, and workplace surveillance while developing adaptive strategies to assert their authority in digital spaces. Through a qualitative, interpretivist approach, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 women of color working in hybrid and remote professional settings across multiple industries. Thematic analysis revealed three overarching themes: (1) inclusion and participation in digital workspaces, (2) barriers to digital equity and systemic exclusion, and (3) strategies for overcoming digital workplace challenges. Findings highlight how digital platforms provide greater access to professional spaces but do not inherently disrupt social hierarchies. Women of color frequently encounter muted authority in virtual meetings, exclusion from leadership pipelines due to algorithmic hiring bias, and intensified workplace surveillance. Despite these challenges, participants employ strategic digital presence, self-advocacy, and peer-driven support networks to counteract exclusionary practices. This study contributes to the growing discourse on technological equity, advocating for bias audits in AI-driven recruitment, institutional accountability in digital workplaces, and the development of inclusive virtual work policies. By addressing these structural barriers, organizations can foster truly inclusive digital work environments that empower all employees, regardless of race or gender
Effects of initial foot position on neuromuscular and biomechanical control during the stand-to-sit movement: Implications for rehabilitation strategies
Full text linkBackground: Initial foot position (IFP) is one of the important movement strategies that influence neuromuscular and biomechanical control during sit-to-stand (STS) movements. Similarly, stand-to-sit (StandTS) is vital in rehabilitation settings for evaluating strength and balance control during descending movements. Understanding how IFP impacts changes in biomechanical and neuromuscular movement control factors during StandTS can provide valuable insights for designing effective rehabilitation programs.
Methods: Twelve healthy young adults participated in this study, examining three symmetric IFPs: (1) REF (reference); (2) wide: each foot was shifted outwards by 30% from REF; (3) TO (toes-out): symmetric toes-out angle of 30° from REF. Kinematic and kinetic differences among the three IFPs during StandTS were analyzed, along with the characteristics of muscle activation patterns using muscle synergy analysis.
Results: In the wide IFP, trunk flexion angle was reduced, and valgus angle was greater than in the other IFPs. The TO IFP resulted in greater dorsiflexion and knee flexion angles compared to the REF and wide IFPs. Compared to the REF IFP, both wide and TO IFPs showed greater eccentric work at the hip joint in the anterior-posterior (power absorption) and the vertical direction (gravitational force control) and demonstrated reduced postural sway in medio-lateral and vertical directions. Muscle synergy analysis of EMG activity revealed increased activation of back and plantar flexor muscle in the wide IFP, and increased contribution of hip joint muscles in the TO IFP.
Conclusion: The wide IFP increased the valgus angle, leading to reduced trunk flexion with increased back muscle activation. The TO IFP enabled greater angular displacement at the ankle and knee joints, enhancing hip joint muscle involvement in StandTS movement control. Both the wide and TO IFPs facilitated hip joint work, improving postural sway control during the descent phase of StandTS. These findings provide valuable insights for designing rehabilitation strategies tailored to specific patient needs
Bonhoeffer, Kierkegaard, and Conditional Pacifism
No full textDietrich Bonhoeffer was a Christian pacifist who believed Jesus Christ taught nonviolence, yet Bonhoeffer was involved in a conspiracy to assassinate Adolf Hitler. How did Bonhoeffer justify to himself his participation in the plot? This essay makes the argument that Bonhoeffer, influenced by Soren Kierkegaard, distinguishes between ethics and acts of faith, suggesting the possibility that Bonhoeffer believed he was responding in faithful obedience to the direct call of God to participate in the plot despite the fact that this conflicted with the ethics of the Sermon on the Mount
Emergency Medicine Pharmacist Prescriptive Authority for Resolution of Outpatient Prescription Issues
No full textObjectives: To describe the implementation and impact of a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) for emergency medicine pharmacists (EMPs) that grants them broad prescriptive authority to resolve outpatient discharge prescription issues independently. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all prescriptions written by EMPs under a CPA to resolve discharge prescription issues at a 70-bed emergency department (ED) within a large health system in South Dallas, Texas. This review covered the period from November 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023. EMPs were authorized to independently address prescription problems without a provider’s direct involvement. We collected data on patient demographics, the types of issues encountered, pharmacist interventions, and the rates of patient revisits at 3 and 6 months related to the original prescription issue. Results: EMPs resolved 295 discharge prescription issues by sending a total of 340 prescriptions, representing 11.6% of the 2919 prescriptions issued by EMPs during the study period. The most common issues addressed were related to insurance or affordability (28.1%) and medication unavailability (22%). EMPs most frequently responded by prescribing therapeutic alternatives (59.7%). Among the 295 patients with resolved prescription issues, 11.2% returned to the ED within 3 months, primarily due to persistent symptoms. At the 6-month mark, 13.2% of the 295 patients had returned to the ED, with all additional revisits citing an inability to follow-up with their provider. Analgesics were the most prescribed medication class (37.3%). No major safety concerns were identified, and all prescriptive actions were retrospectively met with provider agreement. Conclusion: Broad EMP prescriptive authority through CPAs enables independent resolution of postdischarge prescription issues, improving care continuity, potentially reducing ED revisits, and sparing provider time to optimally take care of patients. This model can serve as a framework for other institutions aiming to optimize pharmacist-driven transitions of care
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF THE SURROGATE DECISION-MAKER TRUST SCALE
No full textSurrogate decision-makers (SDM) of incapacitated patients in the adult ICU setting serve a vital role in making healthcare decisions for critically ill patients. However, these SDMs may suffer negative physical and emotional outcomes from carrying the burden of this responsibility. High-quality communication between the healthcare team and the SDM may mitigate some of the negative effects of decision-making on SDMs, but a prerequisite to this type of communication is SDM trust in healthcare professionals (HCPs). In order to develop interventions to increase trust and improve SDM outcomes, trust must be quantifiable, but there is currently no validated instrument with which to measure SDM trust in HCPs.
Chapter 2: “A Concept Analysis of Trust Within the Surrogate Decision Maker to Health Care Professional Relationship in the Adult ICU Setting,” provides a newly developed conceptual definition of SDM trust in HCPs. This chapter also discusses antecedents of trust, those realities that must be present prior to the existence of trust, and consequences of trust, both positive and negative. Empirical referents that provide evidence of the presence of SDM trust in HCPs are also examined.
Chapter 3: “A Scoping Review of Surrogate Decision-Maker Trust in Healthcare Professionals in the Adult ICU Setting,” describes a literature review to identify and map what is known about SDM trust in HCPs in this setting. The results of the review were mapped to a conceptual model to help organize and interpret the findings. Trust-building interventions and trust-related outcomes were identified. This review confirmed a significant gap in the literature due to the absence of a validated instrument with which to measure SDM trust in HCPs in the adult ICU setting.
Chapter 4: “Development and Validation of the Surrogate Decision-Maker Trust Scale,” reports on a research study to create an instrument to measure SDM trust in HCPs in the adult ICU setting. Forty-five initial items were written based on the literature review presented in chapter 3. This item bank was refined through content validity testing and regularized exploratory factor analysis down to a final list of 22 questions that made up the Surrogate Decision-Maker Trust Scale (SDMTS).
Chapter 5 summarizes the previous chapters and suggests next steps to build on this dissertation research. The practical implications of this research for nursing practice, education, and future research are examined. Recommendations for confirmatory factor analysis and further validity testing are given
Can\u27t Women Kill?: Women, Violence, and Power in Nazi Germany
Full text linkThis thesis examines the role of women as perpetrators of violence within the Nazi apparatus, challenging traditional narratives that depict them as passive supporters or victims of their circumstances. Through a Foucauldian analysis, it explores how ordinary German women were conditioned by Nazi propaganda, manipulated discourses, and social expectations to engage in acts of brutality, often without direct orders. Case studies, including Erna Petri and Ilse Koch illustrate how women actively participated in the mechanisms of state violence without rank or official status, raising critical questions about complicity and moral responsibility. This study interrogates the bounds of guilt, arguing that participation in a system of oppression does not always require orders or aggressive coercion, but often stems from the normalization of cruelty and the internalization of and commitment to harmful ideological frameworks. The Nazi state’s rigid stratification of gender both confined and enabled women, shaping their capacity for violence, while reinforcing expectations of obedience and conformity. This research contributes to an ongoing and broader discussion of power, complicity, and the ways individuals become enmeshed in structures of oppression by examining the motivations and agency of the women who participated in genocide. Understanding this historical dynamic offers insight into how ideological radicalisation and social conditions continue to shape participation in and resistance to state violence and injustices in the modern world