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Does Money Matter? Outside Spending in the 2020 Georgia Elections for the U.S. Senate
Full text linkOutside spending in American politics has become increasingly significant as a small number of groups are influencing elections for millions of people. Since these political nonprofits are allowed to take unlimited amounts of donations, they overpower small donors, taking away the average citizen’s voice. Before the 2000s, outside spending only accounted for 1% of total election spending. In the next decade, outside spending would rise to 9% of total election spending. When Citizens United was passed in 2010, spending by outside groups multiplied.
It is important to study the impact of outside spending in the 2020 Georgia Senate Elections because the elections determined the fate of Congress for at least the next two years. Spending is increasing with each election and becoming harder to track. The study will rely on primary and secondary sources, with a major data and news source being OpenSecrets.
This research aims to provide insight into the increasing amounts of outside spending in the Georgia 2020 Senate elections. The results of the research were that Democrats dominated dark money and candidate spending in Georgia. However, since total Republican spending was higher than the Democrats in Georgia, spending did not have a significant role in the outcome of the election. Due to outside factors like free media and activists like Stacey Abrahams, outside spending did not give either side an advantage
Anatomy Art Project: Exploring Anatomy in Every Day Life
No full textFor this SCARP project, I worked on updating the Anatomy Art website. The work I did included fixing broken links, re-photographing old artwork, photographing new artwork, expanding body system informational sections, and writing a page about Covid-19. I also updated page layouts
Synthesis of Asymmetrically-Substituted Tetraphenyl-Class Porphyrins
No full textPorphyrins are macrocyclic compounds that can be synthesized and used in photodynamic therapy (PDT), a noninvasive and selective method designed to eliminate diseased tissue (such as cancer) without killing healthy tissue. PDT involves the following three steps. A photosensitizer enters a cancerous cell, is excited by electromagnetic radiation, and transfers the energy to molecular oxygen which is then converted into singlet oxygen, which triggers cellular apoptosis. However, for a porphyrin to be utilized as a therapeutic in PDT, it must satisfy the following two criteria: the porphyrin needs to possess the correct solubility to pass through the cell membrane and absorb the specific wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that penetrates through human tissue, approximately 620 - 730 nm. The focus of our studies revolves around synthesizing a porphyrin species that meets the two parameters mentioned above. Porphyrins exhibit absorbance in this redlight range due to their structure, however, to achieve the required solubility to transverse the lipid bilayer, a fatty acid like molecule will be coupled to the porphyrin. The 5,10,15-Triphenyl-20-[4-(carboxy)phenyl] porphyrin, Isomer 1, is ideal for this experiment because there is only one position where the attachment can occur
The Sustainability of Retirement System: Comparative Study and Predictive Models Based on NATIXIS Index
Full text linkRetirement systems are complex tools that are part of the financial systems of countries. There are different pension systems and retirement plans around the world, from the most sophisticated actuarial system to the emerging governmentally controlled one. The goal of this paper is to analyze the current retirement security level of the United States, France, Japan, and Morocco. It also aims to create an assessment model, inspired from the Natixis Global Retirement Index, that is capable of evaluating the retirement system of a country at a specific point in time. In this paper, we use it to assess the Moroccan Retirement System.
Using substantial Macroeconomic data over the period 2012-2021, the study provides a Regression model that allows to estimate the Natixis Index of Morocco to 10 Global Retirement Index with an accuracy of 94%. It also provides Neural Networks model but with a lower accuracy of 69 to 70%.
Most of the changes in the retirement system aim to reduce pension expenditure as a share of the Gross Domestic product. As common factors, the three countries\u27 focus of the study increase their life expectancy and undergo great changes in disposable income and saving over generations.
Variables used in the model include; Retirement Type System: Government dominated system/ Private dominated/ Hybrid, Health Care Type System, GDP per Capital in USD, Inflation Consumer Price, Interest Rate, Average age of retirement, Life expectancy, Fertility Rate, Government debt in USD, Annual Growth Rate in Population, Average Government Spending in Pension as a % of GDP, and Human development Index
La influencia de motivación en la instrucción de estudiantes de lengua (The Influence of Motivation in the Instruction of Language Learners)
No full textThis research explores the importance of motivation within a foreign language classroom. While various scholars strive to identify the most important aspect of motivation, there is a unanimous conclusion that motivation is essential for success in the acquisition of a language. This research explores the range of desires to learn, as scholars define what ignites the flame for each student. It examines intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, while simultaneously acknowledging their roots. Thus, the literature review compares each type of definition as stated by various scholars. As a result, the following question is explored: How do educators help students in the understanding of their own motivations to aid in the process of language learning? After examining strategies used by professionals, I explore my experiences within multiple language classrooms, analyzing the successes, critiquing the failures, and searching for the ideals of language instruction while maintaining a focus on the motivational aspects of the course. The findings identified have the ability to help educators craft their instruction, potentially changing the structure of language classes to best foster motivation in a language classroom.
Resumen
Esta búsqueda explora la importancia de la motivación en una clase de lengua extranjera. Mientras varios eruditos se esfuerzan por identificar los aspectos más importantes de la motivación, hay una conclusión unánime que la motivación es esencial para el éxito en la adquisición de una lengua. Esta búsqueda explora la gama de deseos de aprender, a medida que los eruditos definen lo que enciende la llama para cada estudiante. Examina la motivación extrínseca e intrínseca, también, mientras simultáneamente reconociendo sus raíces. Por lo tanto, la pregunta siguiente está explorada: ¿cómo les ayuda a los estudiantes el entendimiento de sus propias motivaciones en el proceso de aprender una lengua extranjera? Después de examinar las estrategias usadas por los profesionales, yo exploro mis propias experiencias en varias clases de lengua extranjera, analizando los éxitos, criticando los fracasos, y buscando por los ideales de la instrucción de lenguaje mientras manteniendo un enfoque en los aspectos motivacionales del curso. Los hallazgos que están identificados tienen la habilidad para ayudar a los educadores en la creación de su instrucción, potencialmente cambiando la estructura de clases de idiomas para alentar la motivación lingüística en un fondo de educación
Exploring the Impact of Performance-Related Injuries in Collegiate Instrumental Musicians and Occupational Engagement
Full text linkThe art of instrumental music is an expression not solely composed of the creative study of acoustics and frequencies, but also includes the science of particular body mechanics which allow musicians to participate in this most sensational experience (Guptill, 2011). To be a musician requires a creative heart, a curious brain, and also very often calloused fingers and mightily strong fine motor muscles. Instrumental musicians have been coined as “fine motor athletes,” due to the intense impact this occupation has on the body (Roos et al., 2021). Musicians practice countless hours to perfect their craft, often taxing the delicate tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints which make playing an instrument possible. Many studies have explored the nature of such performance-related musculoskeletal disorders, including the types of injuries, types of rehabilitative interventions, and preventative strategies within the context of instrumental musicians (Kok et al., 2015). Understanding the specific biomechanics various instrument families require helps music performers, music educators, physicians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists to prevent damage to these important body structures and intervene upon injury (Chan et al., 2013a). This paper will analyze the current findings across multiple studies pertaining to musculoskeletal injuries in musicians and identify gaps in the literature in understanding the impact of such occupational injuries from a more holistic perspective
Parkinson\u27s Disease: Gaining Hope and Help
Full text linkParkinson’s disease (PD) is currently affecting roughly one million individuals in the United States alone, with about 60,000 more being diagnosed with the disease every year (Parkinson’s Foundation, n.d.). Alarming statistics, as well as a personal connection and interest, led to the development of this project. A couple who I respect greatly is currently living with the husband’s diagnosis of PD. The way that Parkinson’s has quickly deteriorated his body has not visibly stopped the love and support they have for one another. They fight every day against a disease and the functional decline that accompanies it, but report being steadfast in their relationship with each other. Additionally, before the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to volunteer at Rock Steady Boxing Lancaster, where Sue Ludwig, a certified personal trainer, uses boxing techniques to support those with Parkinson’s. I have met many people through this experience who continue to inspire this project. I have continued my work at their new space, Crush PD, as a volunteer, participant, and eager learner.
Aside from my personal connection to Parkinson’s disease, this project was informed through the lens of occupational therapy (OT), as I am a current fourth-year OT student at Elizabethtown College. In academia, we learn about the value of occupations, independence, and therapy interventions to increase the overall occupational health and wellbeing of those we serve. In the development of this project, I saw an innovation in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Working side-by-side with Crush PD fitness, my OT perspective values the functional aspect of every movement. The specific exercises they do lead to increased independence specific for individuals with a PD diagnosis (Sangarapillai, 2021). I personally see occupational therapy as a field of constant innovation, and in this project, I was searching for and learning about ways to be innovative in education and neurological treatment for those with Parkinson’s. My project began with a thoughtful and comprehensive review of the literature to ground my topic and to frame my approach. Additionally, the purpose of the literature review was to assess valuable aspects of Parkinson’s disease education and community programs as therapeutic sources for clients and professionals that work with this population. After the review of availed conceptual and empirical work on the topic of Parkinson’s Disease, I developed a blog and podcast to share information with the consuming public, both professional and lay individuals, about topics, resources and ideas related to PD. My project also endeavored to immerse myself in learning, experiences and interactions relative to the topic. I continued my work at Crush PD Fitness and also received certification in LSVT Big. This manuscript highlights my journey through this scholarly project
Impact of an Interoception-Based Program on Emotion Regulation in Autistic Children
No full textPURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a 25-week school-based intervention and its ability to improve interoception and emotion regulation in an autistic pediatric population. METHOD: One-group pre- and posttest design implementing in a self-contained school. Participants were 14 (11 male, 3 female) students between 9 and 19 years old. The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function 2 (BRIEF-2) and the Caregiver Questionnaire for Interoceptive Awareness-2nd Edition (CQIA-2) were used to determine changes in interoceptive awareness and emotion regulation. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements were found between the preintervention and postintervention scores for both interoceptive awareness and emotion regulation. CONCLUSION: This was the first study to examine the Interoception Curriculum in its entirety, providing evidence that the use of the Interoception Curriculum is feasible in a school setting and suggests that this intervention is effective for improvement of interoception. Findings also suggest that this improvement in interoception is related to improvement in emotional regulation for an autistic pediatric population
Launching A National Historic Preservation Trust ‘This Place Matters’ Campaign Supporting Marietta, Pennsylvania’s ‘Placemaking Heritage Plan,’ Through The National Honors Collegiate Council’s ‘Place As Text’
Full text linkIt has been 50 years since Hurricane Agnes (1972). This tropical cyclone was the costliest hurricane to hit the United States at the time. Hurricane Agnes caused an estimated $2.1 billion in damage, the death toll was 128, and much of the east coast was affected with the heaviest damage in Pennsylvania. Many historically significant properties in the Borough of Marietta, in Lancaster County, were almost obliterated by Hurricane Agnes
Optimization of the Control Line on a Lateral Flow Assay for Lead (II) Detection in Drinking Water
Full text linkAccording to a recent survey by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are between 6 to 10 million lead (Pb2+) service lines in the country. Consumption of lead can cause brain and kidney damage. Our goal is to create a simple, inexpensive paper-based assay to make lead testing accessible. Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are rapid tests (5-30 mins) used to detect or quantify analytes in mixtures. Each LFA has a control line and a test line(s). The control line ensures the test is working. In our test, the control line is composed of neutral red polymer nanoparticles, which are pH sensitive, resulting in a colorimetric change when a water sample is added. Nanoparticles with a size of 180 nm were synthesized and analyzed using UV-Vis and DLS. The control line signal on the lateral flow assay was best five minutes after tap water was added