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Identity Development Among Pre-Health Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Full text linkMany sociology studies have been published regarding the experiences and development of medical school students, but there is a gap in research observing undergraduate students on pre-health professions tracks. Specifically, studies have been published noting a significant decrease in the empathy of medical school students during their third year, but no research has been conducted to identify development patterns of these students during their undergraduate years. This study aims to identify groups of undergraduate students on pre-health professions tracks based on typologies formed from longitudinal survey responses, and also to identify any significant transitions between these groups over time. Because the survey response time frame included the COVID-19 pandemic, this experience of the COVID-19 pandemic added a natural experimental dimension to the data. Using our longitudinal models to compare the transitions between groups across different cohorts, we address whether the pandemic had a significant impact on the identity and empathy development of undergraduate pre-health students. To group our sample based on their survey responses we used latent class analysis, which categorized individuals based on their response pattern to questions regarding religion, political views, moral foundation, empathy, and demographics. Upon completing this analysis and comparing transitions across the discovered groups, we found significant differences in transitions between identity groups across the cohorts. The results suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the identity and empathy development of undergraduate pre-health and nursing students. Further research can be done to see if these potential variations in normal development have a significant impact on the identities and empathy levels of these individuals in the future
Beyond Ethnicity: Perceptions of Racial Identity Among Latina/o/x Students at an HWCU
Full text linkThe Latino population in the United States has grown significantly, contributing to 52% of the nation\u27s population growth in the past decade, according to the Pew Research Center. While research often focuses on the Latino population’s ethnicity, it often overlooks the diverse spectrum of racial identities within this community, leading to a homogenized understanding of their experiences. This study challenges this by examining how Latina/o/x students at Hope, categorized as White-identifying (WI), non-White-identifying (NWI), and international students (IS), perceive their racial identity in the context of privilege, racism, colorism, and belonging. Our total sample is 55 students (20 WI, 20 NWI, and 15 IS), but this presentation is based on an initial analysis of 25 coded interviews (10 WI, 10 NWI, and 5 IS). An additional 30 interviews are currently being transcribed and organized. This study aims to shed light on the complexities of racial identity and belonging within the Latino community at Hope College, offering valuable insights for fostering a more inclusive campus environment
Ubiquitination of xCT: Impacts on The Protein\u27s Stability, Turnover Rate, and Localization
Full text linkSystem xc- imports cystine and exports glutamate. Its presence on the plasma membrane has been shown to increase directly with oxidative insults. Ubiquitin, a small protein, is directly involved in the trafficking and degradation of numerous proteins within cells and has been shown to bind to System xc-. Moreover, upon oxidative insult, protein ubiquitination increases. However, it is not understood how ubiquitination of the transporter impacts its activity. Therefore, the objective of this project is to directly assess how ubiquitination affects the protein’s stability, turnover rate, and localization in the context of oxidative stress. We expressed System xc- in COS7 cells transfected with increasing levels of ubiquitin and observed a decrease in xCT expression and increase in xCT turnover rate as ubiquitin levels rose. However, we also observed an increase in membrane localization in the presence of ubiquitin relative to control. Thus, ubiquitin appears to have a complex effect on xCT activity, and suggests that perhaps that rapid and reversible ubiquitination of the transporter may be responsible for dynamic increases in transporter activity, while extended ubiquitination of the transporter may target the transporter for degradation. Ultimately, this work will allow us to better understand the mechanisms by which System xc- activity is regulated under oxidative stress
Low Back Loading During Patient Handling Tasks
Full text linkLower back disorders are common among the general population, and are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Nurses and others in the healthcare profession are the most at risk for lower back pain, due to the repeated lifting and handling of patients. In a survey from 2001, over 40,000 nurses from 5 different countries were surveyed, and 39% said they would leave their occupation in the next year because of the physical demands. Because of the prevalence of low back pain in nurses, understanding how patient handling tasks and the weight of patients affect the lower back is important to help reduce lower back disorders. To better understand the effects of weight on the lower back, a method was developed using force plates and a motion capture system. Five different movements, simulating patient handling tasks, were performed with 0lb (no weight), 6lb, and 8lb dumbbells. Seventy-six reflective markers were placed on the bony landmarks and appendages of five participants without patient-handling experience. The tasks and weights were randomized to prevent fatigue. Data were processed using Motive and Visual 3D software. Three different models were created for each subject to reflect each weight held in the hands. Joint moments (in N*m) of the lumbar region were calculated for each trial. The range of the moments was calculated for each trial and separated by movement and weight. The average range of moments was calculated for each movement and weight and plotted. Overall, the trends of lumbar moments increased as weight increased, which was expected. Since this study was a Proof-Of-Concept, this method can be applied to unknown weights such as a patient. This approach is encouraging and may be beneficial in quantifying the internal loads exerted on the low backs of nurses during tasks
Temperature Sensitivity of Nitrogen Mineralization in Peat from Bogs Across a Michigan Transect
Full text linkIn this study, seven peat bogs across a latitudinal transect of Michigan were used to analyze inorganic nitrogen (nitrate and ammonium) release from peat to predict the impact that climate warming has on peatland nitrogen cycle. More nitrogen release is expected in samples kept at warmer temperatures (simulated climate warming) and also from samples from lower latitudes in the transect. 1-m peat core samples were taken at each site. 20 g of acid washed sand was added to upper chambers of microlysimeters (two-chambered filter towers). 50 g of peat was added onto the sand and was left to equilibrate for a week. Microlysimeters were leached with 80 mL of 0.01M CaCl2 solution and nitrogen was quantified using ion chromatography. Microlysimeters were incubated for two weeks before leaching procedures were repeated. A separate field-based cation-anion exchange analysis was performed through the installation of plant root simulators. Current results indicate that levels of cumulative nitrogen mineralization are higher in southernmost sites kept at higher temperatures, which supports the hypothesis
The Anchor: November 2024, Issue Two
Full text linkThe Anchor began in 1887 and was first issued weekly in 1914. Covering national and campus news alike, Hope College’s student-run newspaper has grown over the years to encompass over two-dozen editors, reporters, and staff. For much of The Anchor\u27s history, the latest issue was distributed across campus each Wednesday throughout the academic school year (with few exceptions). In recent years The Anchor moved to monthly print issues and a more frequently updated website. The Anchor is now published in print twice per academic semester. Occasionally, the volume and/or issue numbering is irregular
Characterization and Testing of SiPMs for a Next-Generation Neutron Detector
Full text linkMoNA-LISA is a position-sensitive neutron detector at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) used to probe neutron-unbound states through invariant-mass spectroscopy. Position resolution of the neutron detector is a key factor in invariant mass measurements. A better neutron position would significantly improve the overall reconstructed decay energy resolution and would therefore lead to a better understanding of nuclei near and beyond the dripline. The MoNA collaboration is designing a next-generation neutron detector to improve the current MoNA-LISA resolution (~5cm). The new design will replace the PMTs for SiPM arrays as readout technology. The use of SiPMs (more compact) for neutron detection is being tested within the Collaboration and its performance characterized with a simple detector made up of a circuit board with SiPM sensors coupled to a plastic scintillator. The response of each SiPM has been studied (breakdown voltage and dark current count rate). As position sensitivity is a main requirement for the planned next-generation neutron detector, a multitude of tests with cosmic rays and collimated gamma sources, such as 60Co and 65Zn, have been performed as well to evaluate the new design’s position resolution. Along with these tests, algorithms have been developed to reconstruct the interaction point based on the light collected by the SiPMs. Preliminary results of these ongoing tests will be presented
The Downfall of the Khedivate of Egypt
Full text linkFor my research, I wanted to look into what led the British to be able to take over Egypt. To accomplish this in this paper, I wanted to make sure that I told fair stories from both sides. I also wanted to give enough context to this timeframe of Egyptian history being an unofficial Ottoman tributary state under the control of the British by 1882. Steps that I took to properly give respect to both sides were using primary sources from the British in Egypt and Arab historians who translated the words of Egyptians during the time. I found it frustrating to obtain primary sources from Egyptian leaders despite their existence, due to a language barrier. I was unable to analyze sources properly but relied on other scholars who could write proper analyses of the sources. The British sources that I relied heavily on were the works of Edward Dicey who was in Egypt during the Khedivate. The Egyptian industrial cotton manual gave me the ability to see what the industry was like from 1920-1914. Sources from Islamic scholars that covered Egyptian advancements in education and Arab-Islamic nationalism. By pulling from these sources I gained a better understanding of how the British took over Egypt which contributed to my thesis the key factors include rapid industrialization, unequal social reforms, willingness to take on state debt, and failed nationalist aggressions to take control led to the collapse of Egypt
Changes in Working Memory Performance with Various Simultaneous External Stimulation
Full text linkA physically active lifestyle is associated with improved quality of life. Consequently, technologies have advanced to create active walking or cycling workstations where individuals may increase their physical activity in an otherwise sedentary work-related setting. The effectiveness of these active workstations on the brain’s working memory; its ability to process linguistic and conscious perceptual stimuli, is not well understood. This study evaluated changes in working memory by comparing N back-2 scores while completing a heart rate monitored, low-intensity, cycle ergometer exercise protocol. Three conditions were tested during three visits, one week apart from each other. For each trial, the participants sat on a cycle ergometer and completed an N Back-2 Test on a computer placed in front of them. The trials included the N Back-2 Test completed while at rest sitting on the cycle ergometer, while at rest with music playing, or while completing the low-intensity protocol on the cycle ergometer. It was hypothesized that simultaneous exercise would affect working memory, which aids in cognition, and that music would have no effect. No significant impacts of testing conditions were found on working memory accuracy (Sig. = 0.900), percent misses (Sig. = 0.796), or reaction time (Sig. = 0.583). There were no significant results to support the exercise hypothesis. However, the music hypothesis was confirmed. Results show no positive or negative effect of exercise on working memory. In closing, integrating physical activity in the form of active workstations may not improve cognitive performance, yet has the potential to increase overall physical activity without diminishing work efficiency
Flirting or Hurting? : Perceptions of Flirtatious Textings\u27 Appropriateness
Full text linkWith this century\u27s rise of technology, new texting behaviors have not only been introduced, but have grown in their capacity for emotional intensity. This emotional intensity often translates into the forming of both platonic and romantic relationships online, as the online space acts as an easier buffer space for the relationships to begin. Understanding more about the perceptions of flirting behavior over text messaging is essential to develop more clear boundaries for romantic partners in an increasingly online world. This study addresses the link between relationship-status and perceived level of appropriateness of varying degrees of online flirtatious behavior. Using pre-written text messages containing varying degrees of flirtatious behavior, we compared average levels of appropriateness for the same text message conversation by those both in and not in a romantic relationship. Results demonstrated that participants who were in committed relationships rated the flirty message conditions as more appropriate than participants who were single