11549 research outputs found
Sort by
Search Strategy for A Rapid Review of Digital Inclusion Strategies and Interventions for Vulnerable Populations
No full textDueling identities : an exploration within and beyond twinship
No full textBeing an identical twin, I struggle to find my individuality outside of my twinship. The bond I have with my sister is unmatched to any relationship in this life. People often neglect to view me as a separate person within my twin relationship. I feel conflicted about possessing aspects that pertain to me that are not within my twinship. I have faced many challenges on my own which has helped me to understand and accept that I am strong enough to navigate this world independently. While I love being an identical twin and sharing the same interests in many things, at the same time, I want to be my own person. I explore these tensions by making photographs with the use of still-life to symbolize aspects of our relationship. My research explores how twins are depicted and treated in society and how the challenges of being a twin are overlooked. Our relationship is far more intricate than many choose to understand. Growing up as identical twins, we were expected to be the same and independence was not encouraged. This body of work aims to confront these issues and bring awareness to the complexities of twin identity and twin relationships; and to expand the conversation of this underrepresented topic. My thesis speaks to the broader challenges of defining oneself
School-Based Mental Health Services: Disparities for Youth with ASD
No full textAs children’s mental health needs are increasing across the United States, mental health treatment services are becoming more readily available. School-based mental health services (SBMHS) are widely accepted as an efficient and effective way to deliver mental health services to students, but youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are continuously overlooked in these programs (Dickson et al., 2021). In order to better understand the disparities in delivering SBMHS to students with ASD, we have developed a survey for the teachers, administrators, and student support staff in two counties in Eastern North Carolina. This survey will assess their knowledge of mental health needs of students with ASD and their willingness to participate in training about mental health conditions and services in this population
Investigating the neurological immune response to long COVID SARS-CoV-2 infection in K18-hACE2 transgenic mouse model
No full textSince the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, considerable research has been conducted to explore the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the human immune system and the body. However, less attention has been given to investigating "long COVID," defined by the CDC as persisting symptoms lasting at least three months post-infection. Therefore, current research has focused on understanding the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the brain's immune response and behavioral or cognitive functions. Existing literature has proven angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Interestingly, this host entry receptor also plays a role in the upregulation of B1R expression associated with inflammation. Thus, our study aims to understand the benefit of oppressing the B1R during prolonged COVID-19 infection. Therefore, the hypothesis is that SARS-CoV-2 infection induces B1R expression in the brain, driving glial cell activation and cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms. We used our lab-established long COVID mouse model to test our hypothesis, including the K18-hACE2 transgenic mouse model infected at 4x10³ TCID SARS-CoV-2. The design involved testing with the B1R antagonist, SSR240612, in thirty-two mice divided appropriately into four groups evaluating glial cell activation, B1R expression, cognitive function, and behavior. Our study observed a 10% increase in survival rates among groups infected with SARS-CoV-2 when treated with a B1R antagonist. Cognitive trends indicated that B1R antagonists protected against deficits induced by 4x10³ TCID50 dose. Our findings also support existing research indicating elevated B1R expression following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, analysis of glial cells suggests activation during SARS-CoV-2 infection. These results indicate that the B1R Antagonist SSR240612 plays a role in glial cells' neurological and immune response to inflammation and changes in behavior induced by mild SARS-CoV-2 infection
Investigating the Role of Ecdysone Receptor in Germline to Somatic Cell Communication
No full textOogenesis requires complex coordination between both somatic and germ cell populations, relying on systemic signals such as hormones for proper oocyte production and formation. Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent model organism to explore how signaling from germ to somatic cells is required for viable egg production. Drosophila oogenesis utilizes steroid hormones such as ecdysone to facilitate many aspects of germ cell development such as ovariole formation, germline stem cell proliferation, and cyst formation. Ecdysone function relies on reception by the heterodimeric complex, Ecdysone Receptor (EcR) and Ultaspiracle (Usp), that in turn activates transcriptional targets. EcR and Usp are expressed in both germline and somatic cell populations, but the role that ecdysone signaling plays in germ cells to control somatic cell processes is unclear. To allow germline compatibility, three EcR RNAi lines and three dominant negative lines were developed in Drosophila to deplete or block EcR function in the germline. Using various germline specific drivers, we found that loss of EcR results in significant somatic cell focused phenotypes. Irregularities such as non-ascending egg chambers where egg chambers stall in repeating stages were observed. Upon further phenotypic analysis, we also discovered cyst collision phenotypes where 16-cell cysts were not properly encapsulated by somatic follicle cells. There was also a significant decrease in follicle cell proliferation, suggesting that EcR is needed to stimulate proliferation of overlying somatic cells. Overall, this suggests that EcR is needed in the germline for follicle assembly. We plan to further investigate germ to somatic cell communication using live imaging to visualize both follicle cell migration. This will inform us if EcR non-autonomously promotes follicle cell migration through centripetal movements
Assessing Anesthesia Providers' Perceptions of Ultrasound-Guided Arterial Catheterizations: A DNP Project
No full textCRNAs frequently perform perioperative arterial catheterizations. Despite multiple studies supporting the advantages of ultrasound guidance, no formal processes are consistently followed, leaving CRNAs to use clinical judgment and personal preferences when selecting methods for arterial catheterization procedures. Currently, there is a lack of understanding regarding CRNA knowledge of and preference for utilization of ultrasound technology for perioperative arterial catheterization. The purpose of this DNP quality improvement project was to develop, implement, and evaluate the perceived adequacy of an educational resource designed specifically for CRNAs for improving awareness of and preference for utilization of ultrasound for arterial catheterization. The project was implemented at a large academic hospital in the southeastern United States. Educational materials, including a PowerPoint presentation and handout, were provided to participating CRNAs to utilize in their clinical practice. Review of pre- and post-implementation surveys demonstrated increased awareness of the advantages of ultrasound and improved confidence in ultrasound utilization. The perceived barrier to ultrasound utilization in arterial catheterizations was reported by 100% of respondents as the lack of available ultrasound machinery. Data analysis was limited by the small sample size, partial CRNA participation, and uneven number of respondents to the pre- and post-implementation surveys. Future projects should incorporate a larger sample size, a hands-on ultrasound training and skills workshop, and a thorough assessment of cost-related factors that impact perioperative arterial catheterizations including procedure duration, material costs, surgical delays, and ultrasound equipment.D.N.P
Everybody's Going Uptown: Using Peer Recruitment to Increase Early College Enrollment Among Black AIG Students
No full textBlack Gifted students are underrepresented in advanced academic spaces which include Advanced Placement (AP), and dual enrollment opportunities such as College and Career Promise (CCP) and Early College. Black AIG students often struggle to find a sense of belonging in academic settings. It is important that these students see themselves represented in advanced academic spaces. This study examines the use of peer recruitment strategies on influencing Black AIG students to apply for the early college and seeks to determine what to what extent educators influence their academic decision-making processes and foster a greater sense of belonging. There are multiple factors that influence the decision-making process of Black AIG students. Parental influence, peer influence and teacher influence are all contributing factors. By understanding how these factors work together to influence the academic decisions of Black AIG students, educators can strategically recruit these students for advanced opportunities and work to eliminate existing enrollment gaps. The findings of this study indicate that the use of peer recruiters is an effective strategy to increase Black AIG enrollment in early college. The reluctance of Black AIG students to participate in advanced academic opportunities stems from the feeling of social isolation. The use of peer recruiters' signals to Black students that they are welcomed and accepted in these spaces and gives them symbolic permission to participate
SUSTAINABLE HORIZONS: EXPLORING DESIGN INITIATIVES TO SHAPE VIBRANT COLLEGE TOWN, GREENVILLE, NC.
No full textThis project explores the balance between architectural innovation and ecological consciousness. Sustainable design revolves around many professionals working towards solutions that are environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially equitable. The goal of sustainable design is to meet all the needs of the present generations, without compromising the ability of future generations of meeting their own needs. We will learn the significance of sustainable design in urban environments and its profound impact on communities and the environment. The benefits can be categorized into three areas; quality of life, health and wellbeing. With sustainable design, there is an increase in job satisfaction, health, and productivity. Improved traffic with less congestion, pleasant commutes, and alternate modes of transport. Building and construction methods that incorporate green design create less waste, use less energy, and less water consumption. In turn, this would reduce the need for more landfalls, more energy plants, water treatment plants, and fossil fuel pipelines. The utility buildings we already have would also be more efficient with sustainable design. Through a combination of real-world examples and case studies, we delve into the advantages and challenges associated with implementing sustainable design principles in urban planning and design decisions. This journey toward a more sustainable future takes us from green cities like Freiburg, towards a closer examination of Greenville's BUILD Projects (at least two sections of West 5th Street Streetscape, and Town Common Connector Street Section, Greenville, NC). Greenville is the home of East Carolina University, the third largest university in North Carolina state (~28,718 enrollment), and the sites in the Uptown district were selected carefully within the recreational hub, considering the most frequent movements of the massive, diverse student population. This qualitative research studies Jane Jacobs’s masterpiece, “The Death and Life of Great American Cities,” to create analysis rubrics, features, and the necessary criteria to conduct more in-depth assessments. Researchers also discuss some of the key features of city planning and sustainable design from the selected case studies, highlighting the importance of urban form, diversity in neighborhoods, importance of Mixed-Use developments, green infrastructure, and renewable energy. Ultimately, the study concludes that simultaneous cultural, contextual, and technological interpretations can potentially suggest more sustainable urban settings for a community, offering many benefits for the environment, society, and the econom
Analyzing the Resulting Effects of Taiwan’s Hokkien Language Program
No full textIn 2017, Taiwan's government passed the Indigenous Languages Development Act with the intention of revitalizing its indigenous languages by classifying them as national languages and implementing new language learning programs within schools across the country. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the Taiwanese Hokkien language program specifically, also known as 閩南語沉浸式教學計畫, in order to understand its resulting effectiveness and the factors leading to its successes or struggles at this time. The participants taking part in this study are the teachers of the language classes and the adult family members of students taking the classes. The data was primarily gathered through the use of anonymous and non-invasive qualitative surveying of parents and teachers, focusing on cultural and educational impacts respectively. The results of this study revealed both challenges and positive elements within the language program. The role of culture and social effects are also shown to shape the outcome and overall use of this program
JOYFUL LEARNING MATTERS: TEACHER PRACTICES IN AMPLIFYING JOYFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCES FOR CHINESE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
No full textThe purpose of this participatory action research project (PAR) was to study how a group of teachers designed and implemented strategies with the intent of amplifying joyful learning experiences for Chinese English Language Learners (ELLs). The research focused on four classroom teachers in an elementary school as Co-Practitioner Researchers (CPR) who worked collaboratively to articulate the characteristics of joyful learning, co-design an observation tool, and select and implement culturally and linguistically responsive joyful learning strategies for Chinese ELLs. The researchers incorporated Community Learning Exchange (CLE) processes, three PAR cycles of inquiry, and collaborative work. Using the axioms of CLE, we learned together by engaging in deeper understanding of the potential cultural and historical influences in Chinese ELL students' learning and through authentic experiences of examining our practices in classrooms. Through data analysis of evidence from observations, CPR member reflections, documents, and artifacts, two key findings emerged from the PAR study: (1) teachers who cultivate intentional relationships with students support a safe and joyful learning environment for students; and (2) teachers who plan and implement lessons with specific CLRP strategies support ELL equitable access, academic rigor, and agency. Based on the study findings about how teachers can collaborate to shift their practices to incorporate more access and rigor for ELL students, school leaders can consider three recommendations when designing professional learning and facilitating instructional shifts: foster a learning environment with gracious space to empower staff; cultivate relational trust and agency to engage collaborative work; and center learning on strengthening teachers' culturally and linguistically responsive practices to amplify students joyful learning experiences