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Analyzing Gene Expression of Human PIG11 Homologs (PIG11a AND PIG11b) In Zebrafish Embryos
No full textTP53 is a tumor suppressor gene that regulates cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, and apoptosis in response to cellular stress. TP53 acts as a transcription factor that can promote the expression of many pro-apoptotic genes, including tp53-induced gene 11 (PIG11). The loss of PIG11 can contribute to cancer development by reducing apoptosis and allowing damaged cells to survive. In zebrafish, the PIG11 gene has been duplicated, giving rise to two sister genes called pig11a and pig11b. To understand its function, we will determine where and when pig11a and pig11b are expressed during development using a process called whole-mount situ hybridization (WISH). This technique allows us to visualize gene expression patterns in intact embryos, providing information about which cells express pig11a/b during development. To determine where pig11a/b are expressed, we will focus on the five following stages: neurulation (10 hours post-fertilization, hpf), after neural tube formation (18 hpf), differentiation of sensory neurons (24 hpf), during peak apoptosis in the spinal cord (36 hpf), and after peak apoptosis (3 days post-fertilization, dpf). We expect that pig11a and pig11b will be expressed in areas of developmentally regulated programmed cell death, such as the brain and spinal cord
Danger Knows No Language: Analyzing the Online Linguistic Landscape of the National Park Service
No full textAccording to the U.S. National Park Service’s (NPS) visitation numbers, as of 2023, approximately 325,498,646 recreational visits were made to the 400+ park sites within the United States. Out of those roughly 325.5 million visitors, an estimated 14 million visitors are international. While information regarding the potential dangers a visitor might encounter in a given park site is readily available in English, the consistent string of unfortunate, and sometimes fatal, events that occur between visitors and wildlife, raise the question: how well is the NPS investing in informing and protecting the international/non-English speaking community that consistently visits these park spaces? The aim of this presentation is to examine the online linguistic landscape (OLL) of the NPS, and discuss what, if any, languages other than English (LOTEs) have been utilized to inform readers.This information was tabulated and labelled as either informative or emblematic text (Giacon, 2020, Gorter, 2023). This study is largely informed by both current OLL and preceding linguistic landscape (LL) research (Kallen et al, 2020, Landry & Bourhis, 1997). Findings show that, while there is information provided in LOTEs, it is provided in a vague overview, often located in an obscure section of each site. For example, while Rocky Mountain National Park has 102 English web pages dedicated to planning a visit and general visitor safety, the information provided in Spanish is shoved onto a single page as one mass of text, with most topics regarding safety supplied with less than five lines of information. This lack of clear, concise communication does not simply have an impact on the international or non-English speaking communities, it has an impact on citizens, as well. These violations and incidents can have severely adverse effects on our ecosystems and efforts to preserve the crucial natural spaces within the United States. As the fate of the NPS is currently in the air, further research might discuss the (d)evolution of the NPS’s OLL and online presence as a whole
First In Asia : The interplay of National Identity and Internal Factors in Taiwan\u27s LGBTQ+ Policies and Soft Power Projection
No full textThis paper explores the complex interplay of factors contributing to Taiwan\u27s progressive policies, particularly the legalization of same-sex marriage, the First In Asia. It examines how Taiwan’s evolving national identity and “de-Sinification” efforts have fueled a desire for separation from the People\u27s Republic of China, influencing the island\u27s political and social landscape. The research investigates the role of pro- and anti-same-sex marriage groups, the impact of social movements like the Sunflower Movement, the influence of Christian groups, and the power of social media in shaping public discourse. The paper also draws a comparison with South Korea, which, despite being a democracy and having similar cultural influences, has not experienced the same success in LGBTQ+ rights. Furthermore, the paper analyzes how Taiwan\u27s inclusive policies, especially regarding LGBTQ+ rights, have become a symbol of its soft power and distinct national identity in the international arena. The findings reveal that a confluence of factors, including political maneuvering, a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and a supportive rainbow generation, alongside governmental changes in electoral politics, have facilitated the shift towards inclusive legislation. The paper also considers the limitations and future challenges that Taiwan faces in sustaining its commitment to equality while establishing its soft power within the region and acting as an effort for the international community to recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state
Investigating Trump\u27s Discourse to Understand His Resonance with Audiences
No full textThis paper reviews the existing literature on the linguistic analysis of Donald Trump\u27s political speeches, focusing on key features like word choice, repetition, and language use, while demonstrating how these linguistic strategies help build rapport and reinforce his political identity. Trump\u27s language fosters a sense of familiarity and authenticity, contributing to his connection with supporters. However, much of the research on how Trump\u27s rhetoric resonates with his audience has been conducted by scholars outside the U.S., which limits its insights due to the lack of primary knowledge and the influence of cultural differences. Additionally, this body of research almost exclusively examines speeches written by speechwriters, often neglecting the significance of Trump\u27s impromptu rhetoric. These unscripted moments, marked by spontaneity and emotional engagement, are crucial to understanding why Trump\u27s language resonates so powerfully with his audience. While the existing literature offers valuable perspectives on his rhetorical techniques, a gap remains in the study of his impromptu speeches. This paper argues that focusing on these unscripted speeches could fill this gap and provide a more comprehensive understanding of how Trump\u27s rhetoric shapes political identity and engages listeners. Such an exploration could offer important insights into the role of language in contemporary American politics
Reducing Food insecurity among children in Illinois
No full textBackground: Food insecurity, characterized by limited access to nutritious food, profoundly affects child health. This study investigates the nutritional and health concerns of children in food-insecure households enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) programs, focusing on health outcomes, parental emotional impact, and program effectiveness. Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional survey was conducted with 20 households from a low-income Chicago clinic. Quantitative data on income, food security, and child health were collected via Google Forms, including closed-ended and Likert-scale questions. Qualitative data, exploring personal experiences and program effectiveness, were collected through open-ended questions and analyzed thematically. Statistical software analyzed quantitative data, and results were triangulated with a literature review. Results: Significant food insecurity was observed; 18 households feared food scarcity, and 13 reported consuming expired food due to financial constraints. Larger households and those with incomes below $30,000 experienced heightened food insecurity. Households with teenagers and young children were particularly vulnerable. Female children in low-income households showed higher iron deficiency risk. Despite WIC and SNAP enrollment, families struggled to access nutritious food. Parents reported anxiety, guilt, and stress related to providing adequate nutrition. Discussion: This study confirms WIC and SNAP\u27s role in mitigating food insecurity but highlights gaps in nutritional quality and emotional support. Findings underscore expired food consumption as a significant concern. The results align with existing literature on food insecurity\u27s prevalence and detrimental effects. However, this study uniquely focuses on immediate health issues and parental emotional burdens. Limitations: The small sample size (n=20) limits generalizability. The focus on WIC and SNAP participants, absence of long-term analysis, and potential recall bias are limitations. Recommendations: Recommendations include increasing SNAP and WIC benefits, improving access to healthy food, enhancing nutrition education, supporting local food systems, expanding school-based programs, integrating food assistance with housing, and advocating policy changes. Future research should examine long-term impacts and explore innovative solutions. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the persistent challenge of food insecurity among low-income families and the need for comprehensive reforms to improve food quality, increase benefits, and integrate food assistance with broader support systems. Addressing both nutritional and emotional needs is crucial for ensuring children\u27s health and well-being
Benefits of Martial Arts to Improve Student Performance
No full textMartial arts are an ancient tradition of highly specialized combat techniques that are designed not only for the sake of sport but for physical, mental, and spiritual development (Brennan, 2024). Martial arts were originally created to help armies prepare soldiers for war and as time progressed, the focus became a vehicle for self development, physical education (PE), and health and wellness. The term martial arts became popular in the 1970s due to the rise of Kung Fu films and the cultural icon, Bruce Lee. While martial arts are mostly associated with East Asian culture, martial arts have been practiced for thousands of years across many cultures in places as far as West Africa and across multiple time periods (Desch-Obi, 2021). Today, martial arts are proven to be a great instrument of human development in terms of cognitive ability, spatial awareness, and behavioral improvement. These benefits are especially apparent in children, particularly in grades K-5 (Twemlow et al., 2008). When working with students, educators tend to primarily focus on attention span and behavior. One case study implemented a Taekwondo program to reduce rates of aggression and improve overall behavior in the classroom. The study showed a significant decrease in aggression, particularly from male students (Hoyt & Lakes, 2004). In the country of Dubai, a study was performed among 6th graders who had their traditional PE classes substituted with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu lessons as the experimental group and the other half of the students as the control group, engaged in traditional PE lessons. The experimental group showed exponential improvement in the areas of mental health, classroom behavior, and academic performance (Bueno et al, 2022). As a youth martial arts instructor and exercise science graduate student, I am passionate about further studying the benefits that martial arts has on a students’ experience in physical education and giving them a new and diverse way to be physically active, while improving many areas of their life such as their ability to be social, classroom performance, and improved behavior on top of the many benefits that mart arts provides
The Realization of Kinematic Mounts for VPICs
No full textThe need for faster data transmission is increasing as technology advances, requiring innovative solutions to enhance speed and efficiency. Light based transmission devices offer a potential route to improve data transmission. Current light based transmission devices are only two dimensional. VPICs (Volumetric Photonic Integrated Circuits), are a 3D improvement to the existing 2D interfaces that offer a more compact design that enhances speed, efficiency and accuracy. The advancement in the field of VPICs requires integrating photonics components and pushing their limits through different fabrication techniques such as Subsurface Controllable Refractive Indexing Via Beam Exposure (SCRIBE). The main focus of our current work is to design a kinematic mount that restricts the six degrees of spatial freedom to accurately align and lock two separate VPICs. Aligning two VPICs allows transmission of information with the least data loss possible. To date, we have successfully designed a prototype of a pyramidal kinematic mount that is able to align with its inverse counterpart and lock into place. Our future work involves stabilizing two samples and realizing the 3D-printed devices that complement the SCRIBE-written VPICs so we can efficiently produce them in large scales
Nyabenda, Deogratias
No full textNyabenda said soldiers disguised in the same camouflage as the rebels weaved their way through tall grass, armed with machetes, and started to kill any male in sight. Nyabenda explained that the soldiers told everyone to gather at 4 pm because the Hutu and Tutsis had established a peace treaty. As all the male citizens arrived for the meeting, they began to get slaughtered one by one. By the time the rebels realized they were being ambushed, many of them were already dead. Soldiers continued to flood Vuzigo, and Nyabenda said it didn’t matter if the victims were Hutu or Tutsi- anyone present was at risk of being killed. Among those who perished were Nyabenda’s father and three uncles. After his father died, Nyabenda shared that his mother became too traumatized to care for him. He became an orphan and made his way to Rwanda. Now, more than five decades later, Nyabenda said he hopes the next generation of Burundians learn their country’s history to prevent mass atrocities from happening in the future.https://neiudc.neiu.edu/burundi-oral-histories/1036/thumbnail.jp
Mupfasoni, Elisabeth
No full textElisabeth Mupfasoni grew up with seven siblings. She remembers living in a peaceful community where all Burundians cared for one another, and the ethnic divide did not exist. Mupfasoni explained that she was a newlywed when the violence of the 1972 Genocide of Burundi erupted. She and her husband fled and lived with relatives for 2 months to avoid the attacks.https://neiudc.neiu.edu/burundi-oral-histories/1042/thumbnail.jp
Bizmana, Thierry
No full textThierry Bizmana said on April 22, 1972, the militia killed his father and his uncle because they were respected business owners in their community. After the 1972 tragedies, Bizmana explained that living conditions had worsened. He spent several years fleeing the providences of Gitega, Uganda, and Bujumbura. The perpetrators that killed Bizmana’s family ceased their vehicles, homes, and land. For the past 50 years, Bizmana said the people who killed his family are the same people who are part of Burundi’s current ruling power. He said he hopes that the Truth and Reconciliation Committee (TRC) continues to do everything in its power to make this mass atrocity public. Bizmana said before the TRC stepped in to help, Burundians were not even allowed to walk or drive near mass graves. He said he knows people want to dismantle the TRC so they can continue to keep their stolen property.https://neiudc.neiu.edu/burundi-oral-histories/1044/thumbnail.jp