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Mandatory Grade Retention: A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Principals During The Implementation Of The Alabama Literacy Act
Get PDFABSTRACT For over 40 years, the standards-based reform movement has significantly influenced educational policy in the United States (Shanahan, 2014). Educators across the country are under increasing pressure to improve student achievement as states implement policies that link test scores to accountability measures. Recently, the adoption of mandatory grade retention policies has emerged as a popular intervention for addressing low academic performance. Effective leadership is vital to the success of policy initiatives. However, there is limited research on how school principals experience mandatory retention policies. Understanding how administrators navigate retention policies is essential for identifying effective leadership strategies that facilitate successful implementation. The findings of this study indicate that principals influence school policy initiatives through their background knowledge, personal belief systems, and prior experiences. In response to mandatory policy changes, participants highlighted the importance of transparent communication, collaborative relationships, and shared leadership as key elements for effective policy implementation
Development Of A Resistive Force Paradigm For The Treatment Of Hemiparesis
Get PDFHemiparesis is weakening of one side of the body as a result of a stroke that contributes to a decrease in propelling forces (i.e. propulsion) while walking. Existing research to improve propulsion of individuals post-stroke has implemented single-belt and split-belt treadmills, various walking speeds, asynchronous belt speeds (on split-belt treadmills), and a variety of methods for inducing resistive force upon a paretic limb in an attempt to strengthen the paretic limb and improve overall gait symmetry. However, despite this concerted effort of clinicians and scientists, gait deficits remain. Novel methods are required to improve reduced propulsion of individuals post-stroke. Recently, we have used backward directed resistive forces to challenge the gait of individuals post-stroke. However, the methods used to date require expensive robotic devices. The primary aim of this research was to develop and refine a passive resistive device for use in a novel rehabilitation paradigm. Additionally, this inexpensive alternative needed to be compact and readily portable, requiring only minimal training without compromising safety in any way. It was also desired to dynamically adjust the resistive force exerted. A secondary aim of this investigation was to test the device for safety and feasibility of use with single belt treadmills. In this document we describe the development of a device that is portable, easy to get into and out of, safe for the user, and allows a clinician or scientist the capability to increment force to the desired amount using only passive mechanical devices. Further, we experimentally tested the device on five community dwelling individuals walking on a treadmill while experiencing a range of backward directed resistive forces at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% of their body weight. We quantified the step-by-step peak propulsive ground reaction forces of a two minute trial for every body weight trial. Individuals were able to get into and out of the device efficiently and, with targeted backward-directed resistive force, we observed a linearly increasing peak propulsive force. Success of the device testing suggests that we can use this in clinical and research settings to test novel paradigms to improve propulsion in post-stroke gait
Analysis Of Gas Station Drugs Using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry And Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Get PDFGas stations and head shops are a seemingly safe and legal marketplace for drug purchase. However, although marketed as dietary supplements or cognitive enhancers, the products sold there have been known to contain psychoactive substances which may be mislabeled or actually contain regulated substances. This study investigates the composition of such products, specifically those labeled as kratom and non-kratom Mitragyna species using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and those labeled as phenibut using GC-MS and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Samples were acquired from retailers in the Birmingham, AL area. The products underwent both qualitative and quantitative analysis of their ingredients in an effort to both identify the ingredients and gain information on the product’s percent composition. The results indicate that products labeled as Mitragyna hirsuta and Mitragyna javanica contained mitragynine, an alkaloid only found in Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), contradictory to their labeling. This raises concerns regarding compliance with regulations and the risks to consumers caused by mislabeled products. Upon GC-MS analysis of the products labeled as containing phenibut, 4-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinone was detected, suggesting thermal cyclization. FTIR confirmed the presence of phenibut in one sample, however, led to inconclusive results in the others. The findings highlight the potential mislabeling of products and uncontrolled distribution of psychoactive substances by retailers. In Alabama, kratom is a schedule 1 drug and phenibut is a schedule 2 drug. Therefore, the sale of these products is in violation of state regulations, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring of these marketplaces. Future research should continue the analysis of alternatives of kratom as they are introduced to the market. Additionally, the techniques used in the analysis of phenibut products would be improved upon by enhanced derivatization and extraction protocols
Investigating The Role Of Notch1 On Cell Viability In Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Cells In Hypoxia
Get PDFINVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF NOTCH1 ON CELL VIABILITY IN PANCREATIC NEUROENDOCRINE TUMOR CELLS IN HYPOXIA ALEXIS KENNEDY MULTIDISCIPLINARY BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE ABSTRACT Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are rare neoplasms originating from neuroendocrine cells in the pancreas. Patients with advanced disease pose a complex challenge due to poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Notch signaling is a juxtracrine cell-cell communication mechanism whereby transmembrane Notch receptors (Notch 1-4) interact with neighboring cells through ligands binding, resulting in a cascade that regulates various developmental processes and cell fate decisions. Dysregulated Notch1 signaling is implicated in PNETs, affecting neuroendocrine tumor biology and potentially interacting with Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) pathways in disease progression. We hypothesized Notch1 in PNET cells provides a survival advantage in hypoxia. The PNET cell line BON-1 and derivative Notch1 Knockout (N1KO) cells were grown under normoxic (21% O2) or hypoxic conditions (3% O2). N1KO was achieved using CRISPR-Cas9. Cellular viability was measured with MTT and CellTiter-Glo (CTG) viability assays, and apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry with Annexin V/7-AAD staining. HIF-2α expression was determined by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry after hypoxia. Statistical analysis was performed using t-tests in Microsoft Excel. After 48 hours of hypoxia exposure, CTG assay showed BON-1 cells maintained 84% +/- 10% viability, while N1KO cells showed 73% +/- 14% (p=0.04). In a 48h MTT assay, BON-1 cells exhibited increased viability of 110% +/- 5%, while N1KO viability dropped to 80% +/- 9% (p\u3c0.001). Both lines had reduced viability at 72 hours, with a greater reduction in N1KO cells (BON-1: 52% +/- 14%, N1KO: 37% +/- 11%, p \u3c 0.05). Flow cytometry revealed increased apoptosis and necrosis in both cell lines under hypoxia, with BON-1 showing higher survival than N1KO. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased nuclear expression of HIF-2α and HIF-1α in N1KO cells under normoxia, which was further confirmed by immunofluorescence. These findings demonstrate Notch1’s role in regulating cellular responses to hypoxia, influencing viability, apoptosis, and necrosis. The differential responses of BON-1 and N1KO cells suggest Notch1 promotes PNET cell survival under low oxygen and balances apoptosis and necrosis. Future studies should explore how Notch1 interacts with cell survival and metabolism regulators, potentially guiding therapeutic strategies for patients with PNETs
Guts, Glory, and Gain: Exploring the Multifaceted Influences of Physical Activity Behavior Among Adults with Crohn\u27s Disease
Get PDFCrohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting approximately 1 million individuals in the United States. In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, complications such as arthralgia, sacroiliitis, and osteopenia may diminish physical fitness and exacerbate disease burden. Physical activity is a promising complementary, non-invasive strategy for managing Crohn’s disease, yet few studies have examined outcomes across the entire activity continuum from sedentary behavior to vigorous exercise. This study sought to provide a nuanced understanding of activity patterns in adults with Crohn’s disease (n=47) by comparing them with age-, socioeconomic status-, and sex-matched healthy controls (n=45), exploring Social Cognitive Theory correlates, and assessing associations with disease-specific outcomes. Results indicated that, compared to healthy controls, the Crohn’s cohort exhibited lower total time in sedentary bouts (mean difference = +55.6 minutes per bout, p=.03), fewer daily sedentary periods (mean difference = -1.2 bouts per day, p=.01), and fewer breaks in sedentary time (mean difference = -1.0 breaks per day, p=.02). Self-reported and device-measured physical activity levels were similar between groups. Fisher’s z-test indicated that social support was more strongly correlated with device-measured light physical activity (z=1.8, p=.04) in the Crohn’s group, whereas in controls, exercise goal setting was more strongly associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (z =-1.9, p=.03) and the number of active bouts per day (z=-1.6, p=.05). Bivariate correlation coefficients provided evidence of significant associations between activity patterns and disease outcomes (e.g., plasma C-reactive protein, clinical disease activity), with daily step count emerging as the only significant independent predictor of clinical disease activity (=-.52, p\u3c.001). Findings from this study have implications for future intervention development aimed at promoting healthier activity patterns among adults with Crohn’s disease. Data obtained from a larger, more diverse sample of individuals with Crohn’s disease should be used to further examine associations between Social Cognitive Theory constructs and activity patterns, identify barriers and facilitators to physical activity, and evaluate intervention needs and preferences
Therapeutic Implications Of Fractionated Radiotherapy And Marcks’ Regulation Of Tunneling Nanotubes In Glioblastoma
Get PDFGlioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain malignancy in adults and the gradual development of treatment resistance prevents patients from achieving remission. A primary objective in the field is to devise strategies to overcome this. We predicted this could be achieved by improving existing therapies, creating better models to study GBM, and by identifying a potential therapeutic target. Fractionated radiotherapy (RT) has been used in GBM standard of care for over a century but does not account for GBM heterogeneity. We first hypothesized that in silico mathematical modeling would be a useful tool for cytotoxicity prediction. While this model had been investigated before, it remained elusive if the predictions translated to physiological systems. We used three patient-derived brain tumor-initiating cell (BTIC) xenolines with differential RT-sensitivity and a novel longitudinal imaging assay to answer this question. Key findings in this study revealed delivering RT in ramped down fractions overcame acquired radioresistance more efficiently than delivering equivalent fractions. Next, we aimed to design an improved pre-clinical in vitro model that better recapitulated GBM heterogeneity. We predicted this could be accomplished by formulating a special maintenance media that supports the stemness properties of BTICs and the canonical functions of astrocytes and macrophages. We validated our model using gold standard functionality assays and differential gene expression analysis which revealed our triculture model recapitulates GBM signatures better than GBM monocultures. Finally, we aimed to uncover a therapeutic target and mechanism. Tunneling nanotubes (TNT) are exciting due to their novelty, multifaceted utility in cellular processes, and therapeutic potential. In this study we aimed to elucidate the role of Myristoylated Alanine-Rich C Kinase Substrate (MARCKS) in the regulation of TNTs between GBM cells and astrocytes. Our results revealed TNT formation is influenced by PKC activation, MARCKS expression, and phosphorylation. Importantly, we were able to target the TNTs with a cytotoxic peptide derived from the effector domain of MARCKS, revealing therapeutic potential. In summation, the work presented in this thesis is geared towards assessing three key hypotheses that share the common goal of contributing to the attenuation of therapeutic resistance
Precast Foundation for Steel Lattice Towers
Get PDFSteel lattice towers are essential structures used in power transmission, telecommunications, and wind turbine towers, where they must withstand various loads to ensure stability and durability. The foundation system plays a crucial role in supporting these towers, with different types chosen based on soil conditions, environmental factors, and project requirements. Traditional foundations, such as drilled shafts, spread footings, and steel grillages have been widely used but often come with challenges, including long installation times, high labor costs, and difficult site conditions. As demand for transmission infrastructure grows, there is a need for faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly foundation solutions. Precast foundations offer a promising alternative by significantly reducing construction time while maintaining high quality and durability. This research introduces a novel precast foundation design for lattice towers, which consists of a prestressed concrete shaft, a steel adapter, and a bolted connection to ensure secure load transfer. To assess its feasibility, three different steel adapter designs are analyzed numerically to evaluate their structural performance against different load cases. In addition to numerical modeling. A capacity interaction diagram is also developed to further understand the foundation’s response under different loading conditions. The evaluation of the adapters is also based on other factors such as material efficiency, cost, and ease of fabrication. This research aims to enhance the efficiency and practicality of precast foundations for lattice towers. The findings will contribute to modernizing infrastructure by providing a cost-effective, sustainable, and easy-to-install foundation alternative, addressing key challenges in transmission tower construction
Exploring Environmental Health Awareness and Knowledge in 9th – 12th Grade Students: A Mixed Methods Approach
Get PDFEXPLORING ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE IN 9TH – 12TH GRADE STUDENTS: A MIXED METHODS APPROACH CRYSTAL T. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES ABSTRACT Safe environments provide accessibility and community protections preventing residents from exposure to contaminants or facing health risks. Unfortunately, environmental exposures such as air pollution and neighborhood-level concerns can adversely impact human health. Environmental justice communities are overburdened with increased adverse environmental exposures and subsequent health disparities. Adolescents may be more vulnerable to exposure risks and provide an opportunity to introduce environmental health education. With their power of peer association and determination, adolescents can influence the health and well-being of their community. Unfortunately, students in an environmental justice community in Birmingham, Alabama, have been excluded from receiving environmental knowledge about air pollution and environmental health impacts, which is crucial for their protection. While past studies have evaluated student environmental health knowledge and awareness, they lack the demographic specificity and cumulative exposure profile of our study site. To address this gap in the literature, a concurrent mixed methods study, collecting quantitative data from pre- and post-intervention surveys and qualitative data from focus groups, was implemented during the 2024 school year at our partner school (91% non- White and 92% economically disadvantaged) using the three dimensions of Environmental Health Literacy framework. Students (n=35) completed three environmental health education modules. Surveys measured affect, verbal and actual commitment to environmental health behavior, and environmental health knowledge. Focus group participants (n=26) participated in closed sessions and provided open-ended responses. Paired sample t-test determined statistically significant improvements from baseline to post-intervention survey scores. Focus group transcripts were coded using grounded theory, which revealed five main themes (a) social structures, (b) crime, (c) community conditions, (d) community resources, (e) mental health and stress. Results from the focus group complement the quantitative findings and enhance understanding of how lived experiences directly influences students’ health and well-being. Students displayed increased interest in taking action on behalf of themselves and their community and demonstrated environmental knowledge gain. In conclusion, students were receptive to, engaged with environmental health education, and were responsive to community change. By acknowledging student concerns and social stressors, this study informs decision makers about ways to engage and promote community youth projects that impact social structure changes. Keywords: Environmental awareness, environmental knowledge, environmental justice, environmental health disparities, adolescent(s), mixed method
Wear resistance of 3D printed occlusal splint materials
Get PDFStatement of problem: Three-dimensional (3D) printing offers an efficient method to produce occlusal devices (splints). However, their wear resistance is poorly understood. Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the wear resistance of flexible and rigid 3D printed occlusal splint materials to milled and conventionally processed occlusal splint materials. By establishing such a comparison, this study will help provide clinicians with greater knowledge of which materials and methods will provide their patients with the most wear resistant and durable occlusal splint possible. Material and methods: Identical sized blocks (n=8) of 3 flexible 3D printed materials (KeySplint Soft, NightGuard Flex 2, SmileGuard), 2 rigid 3D printed materials (KeySplint Hard, NightGuard Firm 2), 1 milled material (Ceramill A-Splint), 1 thermoform material (Erkoloc-Pro), 1 light-polymerized material (Eclipse Prosthetic Resin), 1 heat-polymerized material (Excel Formula Heat Cure Denture Base Material), and 1 autopolymerized material (Great Lakes Splint Resin Acrylic) were prepared and wet polished to 1200-grit SiC paper. The specimens were placed in a modified Alabama wear testing device with spherical zirconia antagonists. The device applied a 20-N load and a subsequent 2-mm horizontal slide for 400,000 cycles. To simulate clinical intraoral conditions, the test was run in a 33% glycerin solution. Following the wear test, the volumetric wear was measured with an optical profilometer. Vickers microhardnesses of the materials were also measured for each material (n=3). Volumetric wear and iv microhardness were compared with one-way ANOVAs and Tukey post-hoc analyses (α=.05). Results: There were significant differences between the wear of the different occlusal splint materials (P\u3c.001). The rigid 3D printed materials underwent similar wear as the light-polymerized, heat-polymerized and milled occlusal splint materials. The autopolymerized and thermoformed occlusal splint material experienced significantly more wear (P\u3c.05). The flexible 3D printed materials had the significantly greatest wear (P\u3c.05). A statistically significant, strong negative correlation between hardness and volumetric wear was found (r=-.93; P\u3c.001). Conclusions: Rigid 3D printed occlusal splint materials exhibit a high degree of wear resistance. Additionally, flexible 3D printed occlusal splint materials exhibit relatively low wear resistance