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Seismic Imaging of McMurdo Ice Shelf near Williams Airfield
Get PDFSeismic exploration has played a crucial role in understanding the Earth\u27s interior and has been successfully employed in various regions, including Antarctica. This research focuses on analyzing a 1000-m seismic line on McMurdo Ice Shelf near Williams Airfield, as part of the Thwaites Interdisciplinary Margin Evolution (TIME) project. The McMurdo Ice Shelf, covering an expansive area within the Ross Ice Shelf, has undergone significant changes due to evolving oceanic and atmospheric conditions. The presence of Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) has recently impacted the ice shelf, with warmer ocean waters causing basal melting and changes in wind patterns affecting ice flow and stability. Seismic data were analyzed from 24 seismic nodes recording for 30 days from December 2021 to January 2022. Both passive and active seismic sources were captured with controlled seismic sources generated by a 12-lb sledgehammer. This thesis focuses on the active seismic data and tests the effectiveness of the sledgehammer source for seismic reflection imaging. The objective of this study is to develop a comprehensive velocity model for the area and image the ice shelf, McMurdo Sound, and the seafloor beneath. The hammer signals generated 100-200 Hz frequencies observed in the spectrograms and were used to develop a seismic image. The hammer was a reliable and efficient source identifying two layers; transition from ice shelf to sea (~100 m depth) and sea bed boundary (~900 m). This new seismic image corroborates findings from previous studies, such as the ANDRILL project, by identifying similar stratigraphic units and subsurface interfaces
Do Investors Value Firm\u27s Application of Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology?
Get PDFThis paper examines how investors view a firm\u27s involvement with cryptocurrency or blockchain technology, measured by 10-K disclosures containing the related keywords. I find that investors negatively react to the information related to cryptocurrency or blockchain in the three-day window, but the negative trend is reversed after day four. Surprisingly, the topic analysis indicates that the market reacts positively to all topics related to cryptocurrency and blockchain, except for the competition environment, suggesting that factors outside adopting cryptocurrency or blockchain affect the negative correlations observed before
Investigating The Efficacy of Yoga Vs Traditional Physical Therapy in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review
Get PDFIntroduction: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a complex diagnosis causing an increase in disability and decreased quality of life. This condition is defined as having low back pain for more than three months, in which an individual experiences a decline in function due to enduring pain. Several factors contribute to CLBP including core muscle weakness and decreased motor control to allow for lumbar stability. Though CLBP can be treated in multiple ways; this systematic review (SR) investigates the treatment effects of yoga combined with physical therapy (PT) vs. PT alone to measure the disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).
Methods: Using the PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect databases, articles were found using the keywords: chronic low back pain combined with core strengthening, core stabilization, yoga, or physical therapy (Figure 1). The final articles were evaluated by four authors using the PEDro scale to determine the quality of the articles, which all included randomized control trials (RCTs). The main outcome measure used in this systematic review is disability.
Results: There were 10 articles used in this analysis to determine the effects of yoga and PT or PT alone. The effect size was determined for each RCT by comparing the groups used in each article to determine if one group was different compared to the other. CLBP patients treated with combined yoga and PT or PT only both groups showed significant improvement in disability and pain. In addition, the combined group showed improved mental health status.
Discussion: This SR suggests both yoga and PT or PT alone are beneficial to CLBP individuals and can be used to improve the quality of life and disability in this targeted population. Exercises that target the muscles supporting the lumbar spine were found to have a greater clinical effect on individuals with CLBP compared to general exercise or no treatment. The goals of the patient should be taken into consideration to make an individualized approach in which interventions chosen should be of benefit to the patient.
Limitations: Some limitations of this SR include: the potential for selection bias, some articles analyzed short-term benefits only, and the lack of blinding of therapists or assessors in some articles.
Conclusions: This SR supports the use of yoga with PT or PT alone in individuals with CLBP due to the positive benefits of both interventions on disability, pain, and mental health. Future research should focus on exercise prescription of these interventions combined for a more straightforward approach to a patient’s plan of care
Looking Beyond the Fracture: Initiating an Osteoporotic Fracture Liaison Service
Get PDFBackground/Problem Statement: Osteoporosis, known as the “silent disease,” has been estimated to cause 9 million fragility fractures worldwide, resulting in an osteoporosis fracture every 3 seconds (Pennestrì et al., 2019). Fragility fractures are projected to exceed $25.3 billion US dollars by 2025 (Barton et al., 2021).
Aims/Methods: This paper describes the implementation of an evidence-based practice DNP project using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) method at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Department. The aim of this project is to implement a fracture liaison service (FLS) to help close the post-fracture treatment gap.
Results/Interventions: This is accomplished by enhancing patient knowledge of disease, optimizing the use of bone density scans, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (Dexa) scans; and ordering the following labs: complete metabolic panel (CMP), 25-hydroyvitamin D (25(OH)D), bone specific alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) intact with calcium for appropriate vitamin supplementation. Furthermore, patients at higher risk of refracturing are also properly referred to endocrinologists for chronic osteoporosis management.
Conclusion/Implications for practice: Through these efforts, positive patient outcomes/satisfaction is yielded, bone health knowledge improves, and a reduction in healthcare costs is achieved
Firm Reaction to Geopolitical Crises: Evidence from the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Get PDFThis paper investigates corporate announcements related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict of S&P 500 firms. We observe that firms withdrawing from Russia or suspending operations possess higher cash levels. Additionally, firms with more cash seem to announce withdrawals or suspensions more promptly. These findings suggest that cash levels are pivotal in how firms respond to geopolitical events. While cash does not seem influential when firms announce donations due to the conflict, it does affect the speed of such announcements. Social media also appear to play a significant role. Examining investor reactions to donation or withdrawal/suspension announcements, we report negative returns surrounding these announcements. Our paper underscores the critical role of cash reserves (i.e., financial flexibility) in shaping firm reactions to geopolitical events
A Full Description of All Commutative Associative Polynomial Operations on Probabilities
No full textWhen two events are independent, the probability that both events occur is equal to the product p1 * p2 of the probabilities of each of these events. The probability that at least one of these events will occur is equal to p1 + p2 − p1 * p2. In both cases, we have a commutative associative polynomial operation. A natural question is: how can we describe all possible operations of this type? These operations are described in this paper
: Translanguaging as explained in the text: Translanguaging by Vogel and Garcia
No full textTo discuss salient quotes from the text Translanguaging by Vogel and Garcia (2017).https://scholarworks.utep.edu/humanities_tools/1009/thumbnail.jp
Implementing The Methodology To Generate Diagnostic And Therapeutic Antibodies
No full textThis research aimed to establish the methodology for developing monoclonal antibodies at The University of Texas at El Paso. Monoclonal antibodies are indispensable across multiple fields, including diagnostics, therapeutics, and biotechnology, yet there is a shortage of commercially available antibodies targeting specific proteins or possessing specialized characteristics. To address this gap, three models were selected: a peptide derived from the intracellular protein Schlafen 8 and two cell surface protein receptors: mouse vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and human melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R). These proteins present unique challenges in antibody generation, including issues of accessibility, expression, and specificity.
Throughout this project, I developed expertise in various essential techniques, including immunization protocols, hybridoma generation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) development, western blotting, lentivirus production, generation of stable cell lines, flow cytometry, immunoprecipitation, gene cloning, and tissue culture techniques. This research lays the foundation for future antibody development efforts targeting proteins with complex characteristics
Environmental Impact Assessments (eia): Analysis Of Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessments For The Development Of A Uniform Teia Model
No full textThis dissertation investigates the evolution, processes, and importance of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), focusing on transboundary EIAs and the need for a uniform framework. Originating from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 in the U.S., EIAs have become globally adopted instruments for assessing and mitigating environmental impacts of development projects. This work reiterates historical milestones, strengths, and current limitations of EIAs. Research also included a review of environmental regulations from Mexico, such as the General Law on Ecological Equilibrium and Environmental Protection (LGEEPA). Through several case studies requiring the use of transboundary EIAs, where shared resources and concerns were taken into consideration, the dissertation addresses the complexities of the elements needed in a transboundary EIA. A proposed transboundary EIA model, designated as the Chapa T-Model, is presented as a framework seeking to promote a user-friendly model for TEIA writers to follow. The model provides insight into each element required in a TEIA, with guidance and recommendations that emphasize the TEIA\u27s role in protecting the environment, fostering public participation, and enabling informed decision-making. By emphasizing transparency, simplicity, and adaptability to diverse cultural and geographical contexts, the model offers a standardized yet flexible approach to addressing environmental issues in border regions. As global challenges continue to escalate, there is an increasing need for uniform and innovative tools like the proposed Chapa T-Model. This work lays the groundwork for future researchers and policymakers to establish the Chapa T-Model as a fundamental element of international environmental governance, fostering a sustainable future for all
Investigating Brain Reward Mechanisms: A Comparative Study In Male And Female Rats
No full textDrug addiction is a serious public health concern. Recently, electronic cigarette use has become increasingly popular among vulnerable populations such as adolescents and women. Previous research on conventional cigarette use has shown significant sex differences in drug-seeking behavior and withdrawal symptoms, which are driven mainly by hormonal differences. However, changes in sex hormones do not completely explain the enhanced reward sensitivity reported in females. Thus, this dissertation aims to examine other alternative reasons that can explain these sex differences, such as differences in reward-seeking and neuronal reactivity. Additionally, there is a dearth of consistency across papers intending to map electrode implantations along the reward pathway using Intracranial Self-Stimulation (ICSS); thus, this study provides steps toward the creation of a neuroanatomical functional map of electrical stimulation in different regions along the reward pathway in both male and female rats. Aim 1 utilized the ICSS paradigm to investigate motivation and reward in 15 male and 15 female rats by stimulating the medial forebrain bundle at the level of the lateral hypothalamic area. This experiment showed significant differences in overall reward threshold sensitivity between males and females, with females having higher rates of electrical stimulation when compared to males. To determine if there were long-term effects of ICSS stimulation on neuronal activation, the two main groups were further divided into a total of 4 groups, where one group of males and females (n=7 each) stopped receiving any electrical stimulation one week prior to tissue collection. Neuroanatomical mapping and immunohistochemistry did not reveal any significant differences between groups; however, a trend for higher numbers of neurons displaying ERK activation in the tenia tectum and lateral septum was observed in females when compared to males, both with recent ICSS experience, although the difference was not significant. Aim 2 also used an ICSS paradigm to investigate the changes in reward threshold after repeated nicotine vapor exposure and cessation. Significant changes in percent thresholds were observed in females who received a regimen of nicotine vapor when compared to the vehicle control group. The nicotine group showed lower levels of reward threshold during the 14-day nicotine exposure regimen and higher levels of reward threshold changes during 14 days of withdrawal. While no significant effects were observed in neuronal activation, there was a trend for more phospho-ERK cell expression in the nicotine-treated group when compared to the control group. Overall, this study demonstrates that nicotine vapor affects the reward system of female rats, similar to that seen in previous research with males. This study also underscores how enhancing rigor in our histological assessments for behavioral neuroscience experiments should be an ongoing process to ensure that we continue to develop our understanding of the neuronal substrates that substances such as nicotine act upon to affect the brain and behavior