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Microplastics chemical characterization, regional distribution, and effects on BIOTA
No full textThis dissertation provides an in-depth analysis of the environmental effects of microplastics, with a focus on nurdles (pre-production microplastics) and microfibers . The opening section provides an overview of the pervasive nature of microplastic, and the current methodology used to describe its environmental impact. Chapter 1 identifies the physical weathering characteristics of microplastics from marine and freshwater coastlines using a attenuated total reflectance Fourier infrared spectrometer (ATR-FTIR). This chapter suggests that standard sample preparation methods may not be necessary for large (> 1 mm) microplastic identification and explores the impact of environmental substances on the accuracy of the analysis. Chapter 2 evaluates the impact of virgin and aged microfibers on plant growth. Through the analysis of biomass, chlorophyll content (Soil Plant Analysis Development values), water retention capability, and biochemical impacts, it was determined that the presence of microfibers has the potential to result in acute impacts on aquatic plant health and ecosystem function. Chapter 3 focuses on the distribution of nurdles along the Lake Michigan shoreline, analyzing the correlation between pollution sources and nurdle presence. Through statistical modeling, this chapter demonstrates the impact of local plastic manufacturers on nearby coastlines. The findings of this dissertation conclude that there is a clear need for further research into microplastic pollution mitigation and environmental impact. Overall, this dissertation provides a comprehensive resource for understanding the impact of primary microplastic pollution and challenges we face regarding their management.Ph. D
The effect of prolonged sitting and intermittent exercise on fibrinolytic potential
No full textPURPOSE: Prolonged sitting has been shown to negatively impact various cardiometabolic and hemostatic variables, and intermittent exercise breaking up prolonged sitting appears to mitigate those changes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine changes in fibrinolytic capacity in prolonged sitting broken up by low intensity exercise compared to uninterrupted sitting. METHODS: Nine apparently healthy adults (5 men, 4 women: 23.4±0.9 years) reported to the laboratory for two separate visits. They underwent two hours of uninterrupted sitting or two-hours of accumulated sitting broken up by low intensity exercise every 30 minutes. Blood was drawn to assess fibrinolytic responses via tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1). RESULTS: There was a significant time-by-trial interaction (p=0.047, η2 =0.41) for PAI-1 activity. Additionally, a trend of time-by-trial interaction (p=0.06, η2 =0.37) was observed for t-PA antigen. CONCLUSION: Following two hours of sitting, fibrinolytic potential was diminished, however those changes were mitigated by interrupting the bout of sitting with brief periods of walking.M. S
Generalized covering projections and iebrations with unique path lifting
No full textCovering space theory is an important tool of algebraic topology, as it gives rise to a rich interplay
between self-homeomorphisms of spaces and the group theory of homotopy classes of loops.
However, for spaces that are locally not well behaved, this theory is somewhat limited. To illustrate
this, we first revisit a classical example, the Infinite Earring, which is known to not have a universal
covering space. For the latter fact, we present a version of a proof from the literature, but with a
somewhat more geometric flavor. We then explain why there is a simply connected fibration with
unique path lifting over the Infinite Earring and how any fibration with unique path lifting can be
turned into a generalized covering projection, via local-path-connectification of its domain, without
altering the fundamental group. This leads to a natural question: Can every generalized covering
projection be obtained in this way? We answer this question in the negative, using a known example
from the literature for which there is a simply connected generalized covering projection and for
which the trivial subgroup of the fundamental group is not closed in the quotient topology of the
compact-open-topology.M. A
Serotonin autocrine signaling is required for the formation of functional serotonergic circuits in Drosophila
No full textSerotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter produced by serotonergic neurons that modulates various behaviors in Drosophila such as locomotion and feeding. In addition to this canonical function, it is also an autocrine signaling molecule that shapes the morphology of axons during development by activating serotonin receptors. Whether serotonin autocrine signaling is required for the formation of functional circuits is unknown. To test this, I manipulated serotonin levels during a critical period of development when serotonergic axons are forming and connecting with post-synaptic targets. I then analyzed behavior later in development when serotonin levels returned to normal physiological levels and found locomotion and feeding were disrupted. This suggests that 5-HT levels during development cause structural defects in circuitry which persist throughout development to impact behavior. Next, I asked if this process relies on serotonin receptors by temporally manipulating the expression of serotonin receptor 5-HT1A selectively in serotonergic neurons. I found feeding to be similar regardless of 5-HT levels in 5-HT1A mutants, whereas locomotion still decreased. Altogether, these data suggest that serotonin autocrine signaling through 5-HT1A directs the formation of functional feeding circuits, whereas locomotion circuits utilize an alternative autocrine signaling mechanism
The effects of a novel model of care on acute and long-term readmission rates in heart failure patients
No full textPurpose: Heart Failure (HF) is a chronic condition impacting millions of Americans. The burden of HF has intensified and negatively impacts the economy and society’s overall health and well-being. The purpose of this project is to examine the effectiveness of this novel cardiac rehabilitation program as a core for HF management in reducing acute and long-term readmission rates and improving patient care. Methods:
Indiana University Ball Memorial Hospital has implemented a guideline-directed interdisciplinary HF model of care with cardiac rehabilitation as the central focus. The
model’s components aim to improve care transitions, enhance self-management and selfefficacy of the patient, and improve patient outcomes through cardiac rehabilitation and the use of the HF mini-order set. Data collection occurred from January 2023 through December 2023 through electronic medical records (EMR) and Cerner to determine readmission rates. Results: All-cause 30-day readmission monthly rates of patients who
participated in the model of care averaged 16.92 ± 9.12% in 2023. Long-term readmission rates since the establishment of the model of care in 2016 averaged <1% and were <1% for each month during 2023. Total Blue Dollar Savings using the Heart and Lung Center (HLC) and the Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) Community Paramedic team was
~1,689,600, and the MIH Community Paramedic
team saved ~$1,241,600 in 2023. Conclusion: Blue Dollar Savings and improved
readmission rates in 2023 reflected the utilization of progressive care components, guideline medical-directed therapies, and cardiac rehabilitation as a central core component could be a cost-effective and care-effective solution. The multidisciplinary
progressive HF model of care provides valuable insight for healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers seeking to implement effective models of care to improve patient outcomes.M. S
Effect of charge and hydrophobicity on molecular adsorption at oin-in-water nanoemulsion interfaces
No full textNanoemulsions (NEs) are mixture of two immiscible liquids, commonly oil droplets in water (O/W) or water droplets in oil (W/O) which are stabilized by relatively low concentration of surfactants. Different types of NEs are widely used in industrial and environmental remediation applications, including oil recovery, drug delivery, food processing, water purification and cleaning up oil spills. However, there are only limited studies pertaining to adsorption of organic molecules at the NE interfaces. For example, the effect of surfactant charge on the adsorption of organic compounds is not well-established. Second harmonic generation (SHG) has been found to be an effective method to study micro- and nano- particle/liquid interfaces. It is an interface-specific technique that can probe equilibrium and dynamic processes occurring at a variety of interfaces. In-situ measurements of kinetics and isotherms for the adsorption of organic molecules at different types of NE interfaces can be studied using SHG spectroscopy. The overall goal of this project has been to deduce the role of coulombic and hydrophobic interactions on the adsorption of organic molecules at the interface of NEs. To achieve this, the objectives of this thesis project are (1) preparing oil-in-water (O/W) NEs using charged, neutral, and aromatic surfactants and characterizing the NEs before and after molecular adsorption using dynamic light scattering, (2) characterizing the dye and surfactant molecules by measuring their surface tension to assess their
hydrophobicity, (3) carrying out in-situ measurements of adsorption kinetics and isotherms of charged and neutral dyes for the prepared NEs using SHG to determine Gibbs free energy of adsorptions. Our findings suggest that coulombic interaction is pivotal for molecular adsorption, and other type of interactions can also minimally impact SHG dye adsorption. Different adsorption characteristics in the context of NE interfacial charge properties and their stability following molecular adsorption has been explored in this study.M. S
Conference realignment: strategic planning for conference offices to navigate changes
No full textConference realignment is shifting collegiate athletics. With many important decisions remaining, this paper reviews how different institutions have considered the financial and competitive implications of changing or remaining in a conference and how conferences can approach realignment to develop a strategy to ensure their conference can remain competitive and a destination for institutions and athletes. These questions are examined through the changes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and impacted institutions. With significant change already occurring and discontentment among ACC schools such as Florida State, Clemson, and the University of North Carolina, the ACC may need to identify its niche within Power Conferences to stabilize its membership at a time when the Big 12 looks to continue growing and the SEC and Big Ten can offer higher television payouts to premier programs. Several significant considerations play into the decisions of conferences to expand and for institutions seeking to provide the best opportunities for their student-athletes, institutions, staff, and fans. Finances including television revenue are a driving factor in these decisions. Financial stability is a major draw for many institutions that do not have the brand or finances to consider independence from a conference. Administratively, athletic departments must consider access to major sport events such as the College Football Playoff and NCAA championship tournaments
as these are draws for student athletes and provide prestige and recognition to the institution. During this round of conference realignment, there is also consideration to legal challenges and agreements around television and conference membership. The ACC’s Grant of Rights has been a major topic for several institutions that seek flexibility to consider moving to another conference, but restrictions in the agreement may present challenges. Overall, these areas yield notable takeaways about how institutions and conferences position themselves for sustained success in this era of conference realignment.M. A
19 in 1925: Helene Johnson and Opportunity
No full textThis project explores the literary contributions of Helene Johnson, a young but formidable voice
in the Harlem Renaissance, through the lens of her 1925 submissions to the National Urban
League’s independent publication, Opportunity: A Journal of Negro Life. Johnson’s talent as a
poet manifested in her earliest published works “Trees at Night” and “My Race,” which were
launching pads for her short but admirable career as a poet. Although Johnson was only 19 at the
time of these two publications, her artistic voice was marked by lyric intensity, sensory
experiences, and a poignant exploration of Black identity; she made bold strokes, even as a
teenager, and her boldness persisted and grew into the more well-known works of her later
career, such as “Sonnet to a Negro in Harlem.” The dissemination of her poetry through little
magazines, namely Opportunity, was crucial in broadening her reach to a diverse readership.
This study delves into “Trees at Night” and “My Race,” existing within the social, cultural, and
political ecosystem of Opportunity, and how they contributed to Johnson’s distinctive Black
literary identity.M. A
Transport and deposition of microplastics at the water-sediment interface of the White River, Muncie, Indiana
No full textMicroplastics (MPs), particles less than 5 mm, are an emerging environmental issue. Rivers are crucial MP (MP) conduits from land to sea. Effective MP pollution mitigation in rivers requires an understanding of river dynamics and its relationship to MP deposition in sediments.
This study investigates MP movement and deposition at the water-sediment interface of the White River in Muncie, Indiana, in particular, hydrodynamics and sediment parameters which affect MP fate and transport. Three sites along the river were sampled for sediment: White River Woods (Upstream), Westside Park (Mid-Stream), and Morrow's Meadow (Downstream). These locations were chosen to capture spatial variations in MP deposition. At each site, twelve cross-sectional sediment samples were collected at intervals of 10 ft using the Ponar bottom grab sampler. Samples were evaluated for sediment grain size distribution, density separation, microscopic identification, and polymer analysis via Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), facilitating MP quantification and characterization. A significant variation in MP concentrations and types was determined across the sampled locations, with the highest
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concentrations observed upstream, suggesting proximity to MP sources, e.g., agricultural run-off. Fragment concentrations were consistent across sites; however, concentrations of films and fibers differed greatly, suggesting that other environmental, geological, or anthropogenic variables may influence MP distributions. Polymer analysis identified polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the predominant polymers, reflecting common consumer and industrial plastic usage. Statistical analysis further highlighted the influence of river flow dynamics and sediment characteristics on MP distribution, underscoring the complex interaction between physical, chemical, and biological factors in determining the fate of MPs in freshwater systems
Impact of indoor courtyard gardens on seniors' health in nursing homes
No full textThe garden setting that is available throughout all seasons will promote and stimulate
exercise, social interaction, and mental acuity with anyone that interacts with this type of
environment. The presence of live plants has been associated with decreasing stress and
stabilizing sleep wake cycles among seniors. The interaction of working with plants will
improve the physical activity, social activity, and health of anyone, especially seniors in
nursing homes. Given that the elderly have declining health, it is essential that this type of
environment is installed within all nursing homes. The goal of this research is to increase the
health and wellbeing of the elderly living in nursing homes. The hypothesis will be testing if
there is an impact between indoor year-round courtyards gardens in nursing homes on
residents emotional, social, and physical wellbeing, compared to outdoor gardens that can be
utilized only a few months out of the year.M. A