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    The Adversities of Latinx/Hispanic Youth in the Foster Care System

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    Minorities in the foster care system experience an adverse childhood due to the systemic issues present within foster care. The adversities faced by Latinx and Hispanic youth in the foster care system is a continuous problem causing significant disparities within the foster care system. The problems Latinx/Hispanic youth face are unique to this population in the areas of culture and policy. Disparities show that the current system does not utilize equitable practices and there is progress to be made with child welfare policies. The problem contributes to the social strains on Latinx/Hispanic youth, particularly immigrant youth, who face challenges related to identity, assimilation, and the loss of family ties. Barriers such as language, economic instability, and systemic racism also contribute to the difficulties that Latinx/Hispanic youth and families experience when navigating the foster care system. I learned that although Latinx/Hispanic youth are not overrepresented in foster care, other representation issues exist against this population. Also, each state faces its own problems within their foster care system

    The Underrepresentation of Latinx Leaders in U.S. Politics

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    A Systematic Literature Network Analysis of Telecommunication System Performance in Robotic Surgery: The Role of Latency

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    This study examines the crucial role of latency in robotic telesurgery, which integrates telecommunication and robotic technologies to enable remote surgical procedures. Employing Systematic Literature Network Analysis (SLNA), the research examines key latency factors affecting telecommunication systems essential for surgical robotics. Methodologically, the study integrates bibliometric and keyword co-occurrence analyses to focus specifically on latency within robotic telesurgery. Results identify significant latency contributors, such as data transmission delays, network infrastructure, and control system stability, which heavily impact system performance and patient safety. The findings emphasize the need for advanced telecommunication frameworks, including 5G and 6G networks and enhanced control protocols, to minimize latency issues effectively. This analysis explores how latency impacts real-time feedback and control precision, this study reinforces the importance of developing resilient telecommunication structures to ensure safe, efficient telesurgical practices, ultimately enhancing telemedicine and expanding healthcare accessibility to remote areas

    Evidence Synthesis and Graduate Researchers: Benefits and Barriers

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    Detailed Description: With the increased interest in evidence synthesis research in social sciences and fields outside of the health sciences, more librarians are actively involved in consulting and collaborating with researchers, with some also participating as co-authors on projects (Chapman, 2021; Kogut, Ramirez, & Foster, 2022). Based on individual requests, librarians may conduct comprehensives searches, document and report searches to ensure reproducibility, and/or assist with question refinement, protocol development, citation management tools, and evidence synthesis software. To support evidence synthesis researchers, libraries are identifying support models and deciding on the scope of assistance they can provide. Within this process, other ‘sticky problems” can arise such as the type of evidence synthesis assistance to provide for doctoral and/or master’s students. These questions involve multiple considerations about staffing limitations, librarian training, and readiness of graduate students to adopt the comprehensive and time-intensive nature of evidence synthesis research. To address these topics, the presenters will discuss results from a recent literature review, share planning underway at their institution, and facilitate an information exchange by soliciting attendee discussion based on a series of topic-related prompts that include the three questions below. The relevance of this topic is threefold: it promotes broader awareness of evidence synthesis models adopted by academic libraries, facilitates discussion and potential solutions librarians can adopt to support graduate researchers interested in evidence synthesis research, and provides peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities. Objectives: As a result of attending this session, attendees will be able to: Discuss evidence synthesis models adopted by academic libraries. Describe liaison and functional librarian roles and types of assistance provided for graduate researchers interested in evidence synthesis research. Identify potential training options for graduate researchers interested in evidence synthesis research. Question prompts: What evidence synthesis model has your library adopted to provide support for researchers in disciplines outside of health sciences? How are you navigating faculty and/or graduate student requests for assistance? What are the major challenges and successes you have encountered

    Performance of LASSO and Ridge Regression for Variable Selection in Genome-Wide Association Studies of Maize Flowering Time

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    Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) are instrumental in identifying genetic variants linked to complex traits, providing valuable insights into trait heritability and biological mechanisms. This study applies GWAS to investigate flowering time in maize, a critical adaptive trait, using a diverse dataset of 5,000 recombinant inbred lines across eight environments. Traditional GWAS methods often encounter challenges in high-dimensional datasets due to the presence of multiple small-effect genetic loci. To address this, we compared two penalized regression methods—LASSO and Ridge regression—to perform variable selection and regression analysis within a GWAS framework. LASSO effectively reduced the number of predictors by selecting the most impactful variables, while Ridge regression retained more features, offering a broader genetic context for predicting flowering time. Results demonstrated that Ridge regression yielded slightly better predictive performance, achieving a lower Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) than LASSO

    Effects Of Resistance Exercise On Post Stroke Patients: Systematic Review Of The Literature

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    Individuals who suffer from post-stroke effect face loss of function in mobility and quality of life. Mobility issues lead to changes in walking patterns, strength ability, daily independence, and more. Resistance training is an effective rehabilitation method used to test improve recovery by enhancing well-being, reducing spasticity, and increasing control. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of resistance exercise on post-stroke patient\u27s recovery and return to activities of daily living. A systemic literature review using databases, key terms, and various strategies. Databases used consisted of UCF Libraries, PubMed, Google Scholar, SagePub, Medline, ScienceDirect, and EBSCOhost. These databases were used in hand with the key words: resistance training, weight training, post-stroke, strength training, brain ischemia, stroke therapy, and quality of life. Thirteen studies cited, post-stroke patients saw an increase in mobility, strength, walking patterns, walking speed, balance, and gait performance. In this literature review, 4 studies showed an increase in muscle mass and muscle strength, 4 studies showed increase gait performance and coordination, 3 studies resulted in an increase of balance and stability and 2 studies examined an increase in muscle tone and reduction in tight muscle. Additionally, results displayed that post-stroke patients who implemented resistance training may help prevent recurrent stroke, reduce disability, and improve overall quality of life. The study concluded that resistance training offers substantial benefits in post-stroke rehabilitation, supporting inclusion in clinical guidelines for stroke recovery programs. Overall, resistance training has a positive correlation with improving post-stroke patients\u27 ability to complete daily tasks and regain certain mobility aspects that were lost due to previous incident

    Synthesis and Characterization of Multifunctional Cerium Oxide Containing Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

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    This study presents the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of a novel core-shell nanoparticle composed of a maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) core and a europium-doped cerium oxide (EuCNP) shell, developed for potential use in cancer theranostics. Using a co-precipitation method, Fe2O3–EuCNP core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized and compared against control samples of CNPs, EuCNPs, and Fe2O3. A variety of characterization techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, TEM, XRD, XPS, DLS, TGA, and DSC confirmed the successful synthesis of core-shell architecture and europium doping. Moreover, Fe2O3–EuCNPs demonstrating strong colloidal stability (high zeta potential), enhanced Ce3+ content, and enhanced photoluminescence. RAW 264.7 macrophages cells showed good cell viability after incubating with the nanoparticles, while MCF-7 breast cancer cells showed relatively greater cell death. The multifunctionality of these nanoparticles—combining magnetic, antioxidant, and fluorescent properties—positions them as promising candidates for future development in magnetic hyperthermia treatment, magnetic drug targeting, and optical imaging in cancer therapy

    Organization and Activation of Caffeine Expectancies

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    Caffeine is the most consumed and widely used psychoactive substance in the world. Whether someone uses caffeine or not, expectations about use can be influential to some degree. Expectancies exist everywhere and are extremely influential in all aspects of life. Regarding drug use, expectancies can affect behavior, outcomes, and one’s experience with the drug. Caffeine is no exception, caffeine expectancies have been seen to play a role in several actions such as the development, maintenance, and reinforcement of caffeine use. This study examined latent use profiles of caffeine and relationships between the profiles and the activation of caffeine expectancies. Multidimensional scaling was used to plot the activation of caffeine expectancies based on latent profiles. College students (n = 1,032) reported on caffeine use and caffeine use expectancies. Latent profile analysis identified 5 use classes: Light/none-users (n = 620, LCMP = 98%), Developing Problem Use (n = 141, LCMP = 93%), Problem Minimizing (n = 64, LCMP = 96%), Late Problem Use (n = 154, LCMP = 100%), and Caffeine dependence (n = 53, LCMP = 100%). We then used Multidimensional scaling (INDSCAL) to create a hypothetical memory network of caffeine expectancies and to plot likely activation pathways of expectancies based on the latent use profile using PREFMAP. The results indicated that activation of expectancies moved away from the stimulation/sedation axis and toward the emotional valence axis indicating a shift from stimulating effects to emotion-regulation effects. These may have important implications for prevention programs targeting various levels of caffeine use

    Addressing Barriers in the Primary Prevention of Hypertension in Black People

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    Hypertension is a significant health concern among minority groups, and the black population is most at risk (Abrahamowicz et al., 2023). The black population experience higher prevalence rates of hypertension compared to other racial groups and are more likely to experience hypertension-related problems, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).  This literature review explores various nursing interventions aimed at preventing hypertension within this population. In this review, the term “black people or persons” is a broad term used to describe both African Americans and people of Afro-Caribbean decent. This includes various backgrounds such as Haitian, Jamaican, or otherwise West Indian individuals with darker skin complexions. The review synthesizes findings from several scholarly sources to provide a comprehensive overview of effective strategies and their implications for nursing practice

    Florida’s Gifted Education Program: Exploring The Nexus Between Giftedness And Choice Of College Major

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    Florida’s Gifted Education Program (FGEP) is a K-12 educational program in Florida’s public education system through which gifted students are identified and supported through individualized educational plans promoting intellectual development. The intent of this study is to explore the influence Florida’s Gifted Education Program has on the choice of major of a student and mental health outcomes. Current data revolving around different definitions of “giftedness” such as high ACT scores, SAT scores, and GPA, show a connection between negative mental health outcomes produced by the development of perfectionism. FGEP presents challenges in addressing these concerns due to non-standardized curricula across districts and schools in the form of unique Gifted Service Delivery Models. A mixed methods approach was used involving qualitative semi structured interviews and quantitative surveys with college/university students who were previously enrolled in FGEP, educators of FGEP, as well as elementary students actively enrolled in FGEP. Qualitative data was analyzed using open coding and developed into themes that serve as the basis of this project. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics (e.g., mean, median, standard deviation, range, etc.) and correlation tests (e.g., Fisher’s Exact, Mann-Whitney U test, etc.,). FGEP does not directly push students to pursue STEM majors more than Non-STEM; however, there is more emphasis on STEM curriculum in classes. The FGEP influences the development of perfectionism through special treatment, student self-criticism, and high expectations, which leads to increased depression and anxiety later in life

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    University of Central Florida (UCF): STARS (Showcase of Text, Archives, Research & Scholarship)
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