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CHRISTOLOGY AS AN AFFIRMATION OF BICULTURAL IDENTITY: TOWARD EMBRACING THE IMAGO DEI IN BICULTURAL PERSONS IN THE UNITED STATES
No full text2024LEONOR E. STEELE
CHRISTOLOGY AS AN AFFIRMATION OF BICULTURAL IDENTITY: TOWARD EMBRACING THE IMAGO DEI IN BICULTURAL PERSONS IN THE UNITED STATES
Under the direction of ROB N. NASH, JR., Ph.D.
This thesis offers a theological analysis of the nature of Jesus, the profound symbolism of the Eucharist, and the intricate concept of Imago Dei in order to explore the nature of bicultural identity in the United States (U.S.). The thesis opens with an introduction to the topic of social identity and categorization in the U.S. The thesis also analyzes the Council of Chalcedon’s definition of Jesus, offering insights into our understanding of His nature, which is both divine and human. Then, it discusses the significance of the Eucharist or communion, highlighting its central role in Christian worship and its symbolic representation of the sacrifice of Jesus. The Eucharist highlights the dual role of the communion as a foundation of community as well as individual relations with God. Additionally, the study dives into various interpretations of the Imago Dei, a concept deeply embedded in Christian theology that posits that humans are created in the image and likeness of God. The culmination of the study brings together these diverse threads, providing a deeper understanding of bicultural identity through the lens of Christ.Nash, Robert N.Parker, Angela N.Massey, Karen G.Deloach, C. GregoryM.T.S
“Fake Meat”: Perception and Acceptance of Cell Cultured Meat and Plant-Based Meat Alternatives Among African Americans
No full text2024Addressing food insecurity and chronic disease in African American communities is a major concern for many researchers and public health specialists. With limited access to healthy foods, and limited knowledge of other alternatives, it is difficult for residents in food insecure areas to consume healthy and nutritious meals. Efforts to increase access and knowledge should focus on increasing knowledge and availability of meat alternatives, such as cell cultured and plant-based meat alternatives. Many interventions fail to look at the many factors that affects one’s dietary choices such as family traditions, food preferences, cost, media, community, and work organization influence. To explore the perception and acceptance of meat alternatives by African Americans, a concurrent mixed-method study was completed in which 73 survey participants and 14 individual interview participants were recruited using convenience sampling at multiple gym locations, health departments, and a local church. African American, adult participants, living in Solano County, CA were recruited and asked to complete a 21-question online survey, or participate in a 22-question individual interview. Participants commonly cited lack of knowledge, family traditions, cost, food preferences, and outside influences such as community, media, and work units as barriers to trying meat alternatives. Analysis of interviews and surveys revealed that participants consumed meat at least once a day at minimum, had very little knowledge on cell cultured and plant-based meat alternatives, and felt strongly about sticking to family traditions. The study also revealed that while many African Americans are very particular about the things that they eat, when provided more information, they would be willing to try meat alternatives. These findings suggest that intervention programs tailored to increasing knowledge and access to meat alternatives could lead to an increase in consumption of meat alternatives and be used in addressing food insecurity and chronic diseases.Larson, Rebecca L.Gaddis, Cheryl L.R.Zaragoza, William J.Dr.P.H
Characterization of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Portal Mutants
No full text2024The Herpesviridae family is comprised of nine ubiquitous viruses capable of causing primary and latent infection in humans. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) is an alpha-herpesvirus that can manifest as herpes labialis, ocular infection, and encephalitis. The HSV-1 capsid contains a dodecameric assembly of pUL6 monomers at one vertex forming a portal for DNA to be translocated into the capsid. The portal contains several potential functional domains (stem, clip, b-hairpin, wing, crown, and wall) that coordinate the DNA encapsidation process during viral replication. In this study, we aimed to examine the contribution(s) of these domains to DNA packaging. A library of mutant UL6 genes containing in-frame insertions of 15 base-pairs throughout the gene as well as specific mutations to the region encoding the pUL6 -hairpin was generated. In addition, specific mutations to amino acid 541- 558 B-Hairpin domain included a full knockout, a scramble of residues and a substitution of charged residues (KRNQ) to alanine. Thirty-seven random insertions throughout UL6 gene were identified and the location of each insertion confirmed by DNA sequencing. Each mutant gene was cloned into the HSV-1 Strain-17 bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) using a heat-shock controlled, homologous recombination event in SW102 E. coli. Mutant BACs were transfected into African green monkey kidney (Vero) and 31 (HSV-1 UL6 complementing) cell lines to generate mutant virus stocks. Western blot analysis of virus infected cell lysates was performed to confirm expression of mutant pUL6 proteins. In addition, viral replication kinetics were assessed in a replication assay.Visalli, RobertBentz, GretchenDrummond, JamesM.S
College Volunteer Program With Bolingreen Health & Rehabilitation Center Residents
No full textFinal report of a Service Scholars project "to help fight elderly depression through a volunteer program between Mercer college students and residents at Bolingreen Health and Rehabilitation Center by weekly visits to foster relationships and social interaction.
"But Where's My Class?" Implementing The Adult Christian Education (ACE) Tool for Assessment of Sunday Morning Adult Education at First Baptist Church of Augusta, Georgia
No full text2024Within the past ten to fifteen years, there has been a trend among churches to downsize staff and eliminate the role of “Minister of Education.” With these changes in staff structure, a need has emerged for assistance in evaluating adult educational programming within the church. For this project, a process was developed called the Adult Christian Education (ACE) Tool to be used to evaluate adult Sunday school. This Tool consists of a participant survey, a leader survey, and a series of committee meetings that will guide a committee through the evaluation process. After developing the tool, a committee was established at First Baptist Church of Augusta, Georgia, to test the tool. The survey was distributed among adults in the congregation, and the committee met to evaluate the results and make recommendations to church leadership. Once the process was complete, interviews were held with each member of the committee to gain feedback on the ACE Tool itself. This feedback was then used to determine if the process was successful and what changes needed to be made to the tool.
The overall results were that the ACE Tool was a useful tool that could be used in a variety of church settings to evaluate Adult Chrisitan Education. Along with these results, it was determined that some changes needed to be made to improve the tool. These changes included changes to both the surveys used as well as the committee meeting process. The surveys need to be adapted and shortened somewhat for use in other contexts. It was also determined that the committee needs additional meeting time in order to discuss the results and recommendations to church leadership. Moving forward, the tool will be adapted and then tested again in two churches with different demographics in order to compare the process. Once these changes have been made, the ACE Tool, including surveys, committee meeting structure, and process guidelines, will be put in a workbook format that can be purchased and used by other churches.Massey, KarenWalls, JimDeLoach, C. GregoryMiller, Heidi A.D.Min
THE COLOR OF OVERREPRESENTATION: DISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS OF IMPLICIT BIAS TOWARDS AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS
No full text2024Disproportionate discipline, also known as the discipline gap, is the result of the frequent occurrence of punitive or exclusionary discipline measures. It represents a flaw in the educational system that negatively disrupts the African American student population more than any other demographic. This form of punishment removes students from the learning environment via in-school suspension, out of school expulsion, or expulsion. The impact of exclusion on students’ academic trajectory can be devastating. Implicit bias is considered a driving force for the disparities in discipline data. How educators and school staff perceive African American students and their behavior is thought to be a result of stereotypes, misconceptions, and misjudgments stemming from historically adopted patterns of marginalization towards the African American population.
This study sought to fill the dearth of research regarding the role of implicit bias in disproportionately assigning disciplinary sanctions to African American students. Using the lens of implicit bias theory and microaggression theory, this study sought to understand the nuances of implicit bias with connection to behaviors resulting from that bias. Both theories serve as a foundation for understanding the parallel between marginalization and racial prejudice. The researcher conducted virtual, semi-structured interviews with five participants via Zoom, then employed thematic analysis through narrative inquiry design. The participants consisted of two elementary teachers, two middle school teachers, and one high school teacher. Four themes demonstrated the impact of implicit bias. Through the data, the participants’ experiences revealed that African American students are treated differently and often more harshly than other groups of students. Findings illustrated misconceptions and misjudgments associated with African. To mitigate personal bias in this study and improve trust, the researcher employed verification techniques including critical panel, peer review and debriefing as well as member checking.
Recommendations for future research include continuing to explore the connection between the legacy of slavery and discrimination towards African Americans. Additionally, further research should be centered around the cultural awareness of educators, school administration and staff. Lastly, further exploration on this topic can provide a greater understanding of the positive impact of restorative justice and behavioral management training as a catalyst for equitable disciplinary procedures for all students.Boggs, OliviaBoggs, OliviaIsaac, CarolWalker, NavellaD.Phil
Middle to Middle: Middle Georgia Students Engaging in Middle Eastern Studies
No full textProposal and final report of a Service Scholars project to engage Middle Georgia students in Middle Eastern studies
ACTIVATION OF SEROTONIN 5-HT1A RECEPTORS AS A THERAPEUTIC STRATEGY FOR FRAGILE X SYNDROME: RESULTS FROM PRECLINICAL STUDIES IN FMR1 KNOCKOUT MICE
No full text2024There are no approved pharmacotherapies for fragile X syndrome (FXS), a monogenic, neurodevelopmental disorder typified by neuropsychiatric symptoms, including intellectual disability and auditory hypersensitivity. The gene expression of inhibitory serotonin 1A receptors (5-HT1ARs) is reduced in embryonic brain tissue from individuals with FXS, and 5-HT1ARs are highly expressed in neural systems that are disordered in FXS, providing a rationale to focus on 5-HT1ARs as targets to treat symptoms of FXS. We examined agonist-labeled 5-HT1AR densities in male and female Fmr1 knockout mice, a model of FXS, and found that juvenile but not adult Fmr1 knockout mice had significantly lower whole-brain 5-HT1AR expression than age-matched control wild-type mice. Consistent with these results, juvenile Fmr1 knockout mice showed significantly reduced behavioral responses elicited by the 5-HT1AR agonist (R)-8-OH-DPAT, effects blocked by the selective 5-HT1AR antagonist, WAY-100635. Juvenile females showed higher antagonist-bound 5-HT1AR expression than males. Treatment with the selective 5-HT1AR agonist, NLX-112, dose-dependently prevented audiogenic seizures (AGSs) in juvenile Fmr1 knockout mice, an effect reversed by WAY-100635. Sex- and age-related differences were observed in AGS. In electroencephalogram (EEG) studies aimed to identify EEG biomarkers, we observed significantly increased relative gamma power in untreated or vehicle-treated, adult, male and female Fmr1 knockout mice from recordings above the somatosensory cortex (SSC). We also observed sex effects on EEG power. FPT, a 5-HT1R agonist, had mixed effects on relative gamma power in the SSC and auditory cortex (AC). FPT robustly increased relative delta power and decreased relative alpha power in the SSC and AC, with more pronounced effects in Fmr1 knockout mice, and caused small but significant increases in relative beta power. A selective, novel, 5-HT1AR agonist, PFPT, had similar effects on relative delta and alpha power in juvenile wild-type mice. Distinct impacts of FPT and PFPT on cortical EEG were like effects caused by certain FDA-approved psychotropic medications (including baclofen, allopregnanolone, and clozapine). These results provide preclinical support for 5-HT1ARs as potential targets and 5-HT1AR agonists as potential therapeutics for young individuals with FXS hypersensitive to auditory stimuli. They also advance the understanding of behavioral and neurophysiological effects of 5-HT1AR agonists.Canal, Clinton EMoniri, Nader HMayberry, Katelynn MRotschafer, Sarah EYang, BoD.Phil
EVALUATING CROSS-SECTOR COMMUNITY COLLABORATION FOR PARKINSON’S: THE HEALTHY PARKINSON’S COMMUNITIESTM (HPC) NETWORK
No full text2024SUSANA MARLYN CARLOS
EVALUATING CROSS-SECTOR COMMUNITY COLLABORATION FOR PARKINSON’S: THE HEALTHY PARKINSON’S COMMUNITIES (HPC) NETWORK
Under the direction of SUZIE MADDEN, DrPH, MPH
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a significantly increasing public health concern, and the neurodegenerative disease requires a holistic, collaborative approach to addressing all aspects of the disease as well as working toward prevention. Many national, statewide, regional, and local Parkinson’s-oriented organizations exist, and there is little effort to coordinate these players toward improving the local community. The objective of the study was to evaluate individual local-level coalition-building efforts, utilizing a survey and interview process to measure success factors and areas for improvement. The research question was, “How to measure existing collective action effectively?” The two main tools utilized for the study included the Community Coalition Action Theory (CCAT) and the Wilder Collaborative Factors Inventory (WCFI). The survey expanded upon the WCFI to assess the outlined factors, and the interviews helped define these factors qualitatively for future community development. A total of 14 community leaders participated in the survey, of which 5 were also interviewed. Statistical Rho correlations were conducted to test the association between success factors within a category, against the category, and against outcome data. The first series of correlations for success factors within each category resulted in one significant pairing between mutual respect and the ability to compromise (under membership characteristics). The second series of correlations for each category with its relative success factors yielded significant correlations for at least one success factor for each category. The third correlation for categories and outcome variables highlighted membership characteristics, and resources stood out as substantial categories highly associated with the outcomes tested using linear regressions. The linear regressions resulted in one significant outcome where the category of resources predicted access to resources and programs (F(1,10) = 8.10, p < 0.01, R2 = 39%). In addition, the two tools utilized (WCFI and CCAT) have not been employed together to define coalitions and pose a significant research pathway that maps information visually and with data.Madden, Suzie LHilts, AsantaCloud, Leslie JDr.P.H
IMPACT OF GENDER AND GIFTEDNESS ON CHEMISTRY STUDENTS’ SELF-EFFICACY AND SCIENTIFIC IDENTITY
No full text2024High school students’ chemistry self-efficacy (CSE) and scientific identity (SI) are not well understood in the high school chemistry classroom. The purpose of this research was to quantitatively investigate the interaction between gender and giftedness on students’ CSE and SI in a suburban high school chemistry classroom, with and without consideration of laboratory modalities as an intervention. The participants were high school students in a suburban chemistry classroom in a Southeastern state. Data was collected through pre- and post-test surveys with Likert style questions. Data was evaluated using quantitative analysis. The results revealed that neither laboratory modalities, nor gender or giftedness, significantly impacted students’ CSE and SI. Implications suggest that district stakeholders and teachers have a duty to help students grow and understand students’ CSE and SI. Students can strengthen their CSE and SI by having mastery and vicarious experiences as well as opportunities for discussion and verbal persuasion in the chemistry classroom. Future research could explore enlarging the sample size through expansion to more high schools within the same district, changing the methodology to a mixed methods study, or increasing the length of time for the study to see how students perform over the whole course compared to a small segment of it.
Key words: chemistry self-efficacy, scientific identity, gender, giftedness, laboratory modalityFord, Deana JAllee, Karyn ALuke, Sara ED.Phil