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QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS VIA NETWORK MODELS OF HUMAN DYNAMIN-1 THROUGHOUT GTP HYDROLYSIS
No full textThis thesis aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which nucleotide binding dictates the intrinsic dynamics and to understand the functional conformational changes of Human Dynamin-1 during the GTP hydrolysis cycle through the use of Elastic Network Models (ENM). A comprehensive understanding of this process is crucial given dynamin\u27s role in clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). The research utilized both experimentally derived crystal structures and AlphaFold-predicted structures of dynamin, specifically examining the GTPase and Bundle Signaling Element (BSE) domains across nucleotide-free, GTP-bound, GDP-bound, and transition states. The essential features of the research methodology involved a multi-scale computational approach. Qualitative analyses were performed using ENM, including the Gaussian Network Model (GNM) to identify isotropic flexibility, and the Anisotropic Network Model (ANM) to characterize directional, large-scale conformational movements. These network models were complemented by Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, providing atomic-level, time-resolved insights into dynamic pathways. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was then applied to MD trajectories to extract dominant collective motions and quantitatively validate the intrinsic dynamics predicted by ANM. The findings advance our understanding of how ligands and dimerization affect intrinsic motions, as well as what large-scale movements occur during hydrolysis. This research offers critical insight into molecular movements and can enhance the current understanding of vesicle dynamics and membrane fission
Appreciative inquiry for community engaged learning: Enhancing community partner relationships
No full textEffects of External Debt on Inflation in the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ)
No full textThis research examined the effect of external public debt on inflation in the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) using annual data from 1960 to 2022. The study selected the six member countries of WAMZ, namely: Gambia, Guinea, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Ghana, to examine their economic well-being, growth performance, external debt, and inflation over a 63-year period. This study is unique because it examines three periods, namely: pre-WAMZ (1960 to 2000); during WAMZ (2001 to 2022); and the entire period (1960 to 2022), extends previous studies by using updated data, and then shows the long-run positive effect of external public debt on Inflation in WAMZ. The creation of WAMZ and the period during WAMZ changed some of the macroeconomic outcomes of the variables. The outcomes for some variables in the tests and regressions differ across the three periods for the same variable. Our results show a positive and a negative relationship between variables and inflation. The cointegration test results reveal evidence of a stable long-run asymmetric relationship between public debt and inflation. External public debt has a positive relationship with inflation in the three periods examined. The study suggests the need for coordination between central banks and the Ministry of Finance in terms of monetary and fiscal policy, emphasizing fiscal prudence, increased production, and reduced borrowing
A Content Analysis of Spanish Language Curriculum in Texas
No full textThe shortage of Spanish-speaking social workers is significant in the United States, especially in border states such as Texas. Experts are calling for Spanish language training in social work education. However, it is unclear whether social work programs are incorporating Spanish into their curriculum at a pace needed to keep up with demand. Using conceptual content analysis, this article examines the frequency of Spanish language courses relevant to social work education across Texas
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META ANALYSIS OF HOME-SCHOOL INTERVENTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
Get PDFSymptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are pervasive and impair functioning across settings. Though effective interventions designed for school or for home settings are well established, collaborative cross-setting interventions for children with ADHD have yet to be systematically reviewed. The present study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis consisting of eight studies which were analyzed most prominently in (a) measures used, (b) child outcomes in functional impairment, social/emotional/behavioral functioning, and academic achievement, and (c) parent and teacher outcomes. Measures included in study are described, the majority were valid and reliable. Measures included in the review lacked consistency in which constructs they measured, which limited analysis. Improvements were reported across all outcomes with varying effect sizes. Significant improvements were reported in half of the overall outcomes for children’s social, emotional, and behavioral functioning and academic achievement. Select parent and teacher outcomes reported some improvements, most significantly in areas of knowledge, skill, and performance. Overall, meta-analysis results indicate a medium effect, though not statistically significant given small sample size. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NOVEL COUMARIN DERIVATIVES
Get PDFAn optimized approach toward the synthesis of representative coumarin derivatives is described. In addition to standard heat application methods, microwave-assisted coupling has proven beneficial in generating the targeted molecular hybrids which will serve as key templates in the development of new drugs to address resistance and specificity challenges. The coumarin moiety is a fantastic scaffold for molecular hybridization and has gained much warranted attention due to its efficacy in anticancer, antibacterial, and antitumor activity. In this research, novel molecular hybrids of umbelliferone were synthesized and fully characterized as new potential players in the anticancer, antitumor and antibiotic race, as well as the fight against drug resistance. All desired hybrids were analyzed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and Infrared (IR), sufficiently substantiating expected data. This study further demonstrated the potential of molecular hybridization of coumarin moieties, and adds to the list of novel conjugates with potentially increased pharmacological properties
PREDICTORS OF TREATMENT COMPLETION IN ALTERNATIVES FOR FAMILIES: A COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
Get PDFChild maltreatment is linked to a range of adverse outcomes, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and mood disorders, and behavioral and interpersonal problems (Copeland et al., 2007; McLaughlin et al., 2013; Silverman et al., 2008). Children subjected to abuse by caregivers have the highest risk of PTSD onset (Alisic et al., 2014). To mitigate these effects, Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT; Kolko, et al., 2011) was developed to improve caregiver-child relationships. AF-CBT has proven effective in reducing family conflict, improving child symptomatology, and minimizing the potential for child abuse (Kolko, 1996a, 1996b; Swenson & Brown, 1999). Despite treatment advancements, youth who have experienced abuse are at high risk for treatment attrition (Lau & Weisz, 2003). Caregivers play a critical role in therapy attendance and their active participation is required for AF-CBT, yet there is a paucity of research on caregiver-related predictors of treatment completion within this population. The present study aims to investigate caregiver distress and parenting practices as predictors of treatment completion in AF-CBT within community settings. Participants were drawn from a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of AF-CBT versus waitlist control for families characterized by abuse. Our sample comprised 126 caregiver-child dyads referred for treatment following youth exposure to family violence. Caregiver distress was assessed with the Everyday Stressors Index (ESI; Hall, 1983) and the Hostility subscale of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI; Derogatis, 1993). Parenting practices (positive parenting, involvement, poor monitoring, corporal punishment) were assessed with child and caregiver reports on the Alabama parenting Questionnaire (APQ; Frick, 1991). Separate binary logistic regression analyses were conducted with baseline caregiver distress and parenting practices as the predictor variables and Treatment Status (attrition, completion) as the criterion variable. Caregiver BSI Hostility at low and moderate levels significantly predicted treatment completion. Caregiver ESI did not significantly predict treatment completion. Child report of poor monitoring at low levels significantly predicted treatment completion. Caregiver report of parenting practices and child report of positive parenting, involvement, and corporal punishment did not significantly predict treatment completion. Clinical implications and future research recommendations are discussed
LOST IN THE SYSTEM: CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING IN FOSTER CARE
Get PDF“The true character of society is revealed in how it treats its children.” – Nelson Mandela Human trafficking has always existed. It spans the globe and has always been an epidemic. It is often referred to as a crime hidden in plain sight. The sexual exploitation of children in foster care is a topic within the field of sex trafficking that has not been explored enough in research. This research study focuses on the question, “How can placing a child in foster care make them susceptible to becoming a victim of child sex trafficking?” This research study has 132 female minor participants aged 12 to 17. This secondary data was collected in 2016-2018 with a mixed-method survey questionnaire, The Teen Sex Trafficking and Dating Violence Survey. This questionnaire from Arizona State University (ASU) was co-created with a psychologist with 14 years of experience working with girls in delinquency programs and a social work Ph.D. with 18 years of experience working with victims of sex trafficking. These clinical staff recruited the adolescent girls due to their high risk of being sex trafficked, as identified by the clinical staff during their intake assessment. The findings reveal that children who had been placed in foster care were significantly more likely (157% higher odds) to have experienced child sex trafficking victimization than those not in foster care. Through data analysis and findings in this research study, this dissertation provides critical information and valuable findings that placing children in foster care elevates their vulnerability to child sex trafficking and carries profound implications for child welfare systems, policymakers, social workers, law enforcement, and communities
BRITISH AND SOUTH AFRICAN PERCEPTIONS OF AFRICAN PARTICIPATION IN THE AFRICAN MILITARY CAMPAIGNS OF WORLD WAR ONE
Get PDFHistorians interested in reconstructing the events of World War One have consistently noted that the military campaigns that occurred in sub-Saharan Africa have been given scant attention. It is commonly accepted among researchers that while there has been some focus on the impressions of the individual European soldiers involved in this conflict, wide gaps still exist in the literature. Very significantly, a thorough search of the literature clearly reveals that the perceptions of whites towards their African counterparts who participated in the military campaigns has been very much neglected. This dissertation helps to close this gap by focusing on the very specific question of exactly how white combatants viewed the Africans who assisted them in the key military campaigns of sub-Saharan Africa, either by actually baring arms or by serving in such capacities as laborers, porters, transporters, etc. It probes the question of to what degree their contact with Africans supported and/or challenged their preconceived Victorian notions of racial relations. In order to engage in this analysis, this study reconstructs two military campaigns, notably the Kamerun (August 1914 to February 1916) and German East Africa (August 1914 to November 1918). It focuses specifically on the contributions made by black personnel in these campaigns. More significantly, it utilizes the primary records available that contain the individual observations of whites about their African counterparts. Key records include the files of the War and Colonial Offices of the National Archives, United Kingdom as well as official histories of the campaigns, regimental histories, unit diaries, and the letters, memoirs, and journals, etc. of white officers and enlisted men. Representative samples of these perceptions are then classified and divided into relevant categories which are that Africans are good soldiers, brave, loyal, excellent laborers, good leaders, racially inferior, poor laborers, easily frightened, and unreliable. The final product is an in-depth insight which in the simplest and most obvious of terms allows the reader to understand what white combatants thought of African participants. By doing so, it helps to fill in a serious gap in the literature