UBIR Repository (Univ. at Buffalo)
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A Biracial Identity
No full textM.A.As our nation stands more diverse than ever, an increasingly large number of Americans belong to more than one racial group. This progression has given birth to a nation whose racial and ethnic demographics are constantly evolving. One of the largest growing populations in this country consists of individuals conceived through interracial unions (Phillips, Odunlami, & Bonham, 2007). The process of how biracial young adults experience racial identification is influenced by many factors including social perceptions, attitudes of biracial people in reference to their racial identity and the heterogeneity of race declaration itself. The concept of race is defined by "certain groups of people [who] do have clear physical differences—such as skin tone, hair color/ texture, and facial features" (Barker, 2008). Contributing to the growing body of knowledge surrounding the process of racial identification and biracial experience, the specific identity decisions made by biracial individuals, and the factors that may be associated with the choice of a racial-biracial identity for individuals at the college level will be explored.**To request an accessible version of the file(s) associated with this item, contact [email protected]. Please include the item's persistent URL [http://hdl.handle.net/. . .] in your request.*
Iron Metabolism in Astrocytes, Implications for Oligodendrocyte Maturation and Myelination
No full textM.S.Iron deficiency leads to hypomyelination both, in humans and animal models, and the neurological sequelae of hypomyelination are significant. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms of iron homeostasis in oligodendrocytes is necessary for planning effective strategies for iron supplementation. Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cells in the brain, and are the only cells in close contact with blood vessels. Therefore, they are strategically located to acquire nutrients from the circulating blood such as iron. We have found that iron incorporation and storage by astrocytes is essential for the normal development of oligodendrocytes progenitor cells (OPCs) as well as for the postnatal myelination of the mouse Central Nervous System (CNS). We used the Cre-lox system to knock-out the ferritin heavy subunit (Fth), the transferrin receptor 1 (Tfr1) and the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) expression in Glast-1 positive astrocytes. Blocking Fth or DMT1 production specifically in astrocytes reduce oligodendrocyte iron uptake and significantly delay OPC development in the postnatal brain. Furthermore, a significant hypomyelination was found in these two conditional knockout mice. The brain of Fth and DMT1 knockout animals presented an important decrease in the expression levels of myelin proteins and a substantial reduction in the percentage of myelinated axons. This reduced postnatal myelination was accompanied by a significant decrease in the total number of oligodendrocytes and in the density of myelinating glia. On the other hand, the ablation of the Tfr1 in astrocytes do not significantly affects the development of new oligodendrocytes or their iron homeostasis. These results indicate that Fth and DMT1 are important molecules for astrocyte iron incorporation and storage and suggest that a normal iron metabolism in astrocytes is essential for OPC development and for the myelination of the mouse brain.**To request an accessible version of the file(s) associated with this item, contact [email protected]. Please include the item's persistent URL [http://hdl.handle.net/. . .] in your request.*
Taxonomic Efficacy of the Macaque Skeleton: A Geometric Morphometric Analysis of the Crania and Postcrania with Regard to Ecogeography and Behavior
No full textPh.D.Taxonomic classification is a fundamental aspect when it comes to understanding the natural world, yet the current methods for assessing unknown species are often based on qualitative methods and are focused on craniodental morphology. Moreover, it is currently unknown how much variation could, or should, exist within a particular genus. Therefore, this dissertation investigated whether the skeletons of a closely related group of primates, the macaque monkeys, could serve as a useful comparative dataset to 1) determine how much variation feasibly exists throughout the skeleton within a given genus, and 2) to pilot new, quantitative methods by which to classify specimens. Thus the main hypotheses tested whether taxonomy can be accurately predicted based on patterns of morphological variation in a geographically widespread taxa (H1) and whether postcranial bones reflect subgeneric macaque taxonomy at the same level, or better, then the cranium (H2). Three additional hypotheses tested which external factors were likely to confound the assessment of taxonomy from morphological variation: climate/geography (H3), diet (H4), or locomotion (H5). Data consisted of 3D scans for eight macaque species (M. arctoides, M. fascicularis, M. fuscata, M. mulatta, M. nemestrina, M. nigra, M. radiata, M. sylvanus) and a colobine outgroup, Trachypithecus cristatus, for a total sample of 297 individuals. Each macaque species included in the study represented a different phylogenetic lineage and were chosen both for this purpose and for their wide geographic representation. The dataset included eight skeletal elements for each individual, where a total of 293 fixed and semilandmarks were applied throughout the skeleton (crania = 45; mandible = 31; scapula = 66; humerus = 38; radius = 33; os coxa = 28; femur = 40; tibia = 40). A regression analysis was performed to minimize the effects of sexual dimorphism, making the primary input variables regression residuals. Molecular, ecogeographical, and behavioral data were collected from published datasets. Geometric morphometric methodologies were employed for analysis, namely multivariate statistics. Patterns of variation were analyzed both between- and within-species via Canonical Variates Analysis and 2D Multidimensional Scaling. Classificatory ability was tested using Discriminant Function Analysis. For comparison between morphological and other variables (molecular, ecogeographical, behavioral), Euclidean distance matrices were generated. These distance matrices were subjected to Mantel tests and partial Mantel tests, which tested the correlation between the various datasets. Procrustes rotations were used to visualize the congruence between these datasets for each species. Results suggested rejecting some, but not all, of the null hypothesis. Ho1 and Ho2 were rejected based on results that supported the idea that taxonomy can be assessed based on patterns of morphological variation throughout both the crania and postcrania. Ho3 was also rejected since results supported the notion that ecogeographic variables, namely climate and geography, do impact morphological variation as it relates to taxonomic assessment. Ho4 and Ho5 were not rejected, as there was not enough evidence to conclusively argue that diet nor locomotion impact morphological variation in macaque monkeys. Therefore, results from this dissertation offer an important empirical and theoretical contribution to the field of biological anthropology. Empirically, results suggest that the various species of macaque monkeys are taxonomically distinct from one another. Moreover, both the crania and postcrania possess a taxonomic signal, and some bones, such as the limb bones, are more useful for taxonomic assessment than previously realized. The morphological variation seen in macaques is most likely driven by genetics and ecogeographic factors, and less likely to be driven by diet or locomotion. Lastly, sex must be controlled for when assessing the taxonomic efficacy of sexually dimorphic primates. Theoretically, results from this dissertation suggest that methods for taxonomic assessment are outdated and should be updated to reflect new methodological tools. Thus, the methods presented here should be used as a baseline for future taxonomic assessments of known and unknown primate species.**To request an accessible version of the file(s) associated with this item, contact [email protected]. Please include the item's persistent URL [http://hdl.handle.net/. . .] in your request.*
The Impact of a Pediatric Critical Incident Simulation on the Perceived Importance of and Need for a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Protocol for Anesthesia Providers
No full textUB SON, DNP Research ProjectCritical incidents (CIs), devastating events that exhaust coping mechanisms and cause distress, are likely to affect anesthesia providers during their careers. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to explore the need for and the perceived usefulness of CI stress debriefing (CISD) among anesthesia providers at a children’s hospital in Western New York (WNY) to promote decreased work-related stress and burnout and to improve self-care and professional quality of life. Project objectives were to 1) determine the perceived usefulness of CISD; 2) explore what constitutes a CI; 3) determine perceived CISD barriers; 4) determine the preferred CISD timing; 5) determine what would necessitate CISD; and 6) explore the adequacy of the hospital’s CISD team for the anesthesia providers and design a CISD protocol for these anesthesia providers. Neuman’s Systems Model guided this project. Following University at Buffalo (UB) Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, 12 anesthesia providers participated in a CI simulation with a pretest and posttest. Participants were introduced to the CISD team at the project site and a follow-up survey was completed one week later. Data analysis consisted of descriptive and inferential statistics. After a pediatric difficult airway CI simulation, participants showed increased tension (t (9) = -3.004, p = 0.015) and decreased esteem. Burnout also increased after the simulation, demonstrating emotional exhaustion. These anesthesia providers expressed a strong desire for CISD and CI simulation implementation. A CISD protocol was designed based on project findings. Future research should focus on a larger, more heterogenous sample
Impact of an Interdisciplinary Simulation Training on Provider Confidence and Competence in the Management ff a Local Anesthetic System Toxicity Critical Incident
No full textUB SON, DNP Research ProjectThe purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project was to examine the impact of a critical incident (CI) team training event on clinician confidence and competence in managing a local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) CI at an ambulatory surgery center located in Western New York (WNY). The National League for Nursing (NLN) Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning questionnaire and a CI questionnaire developed by the DNP project student were utilized to collect data. Following approval by the University at Buffalo (UB) Institutional Review Board (IRB), 16 clinicians were voluntarily recruited from the study site. Results from pre and post intervention survey instruments were statistically significant. Mean confidence and perceived competence scores improved from 3.32/5 to 4.26/5 (p = 0.001). Similarly, competence scores improved by 30.5% (p = 0.000) following the CI training. Key findings emerged from the training and qualitative analysis, most notably a lack of institutional and individual preparedness to effectively manage a CI, including LAST. This study shows promise with regards to the efficacy of staff training to improve the individual clinicians’ confidence and competence in the management of a CI, while identifying site specific deficiencies to be addressed that may avert untoward patient outcomes in the event a CI were to occur. To more broadly apply findings, additional research is needed at multiple centers with a larger sample size and a longitudinal component to evaluate participants’ retention of CI content
Impact of an Educational Workshop on Non-Opioid Analgesic Use by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Caring for the Adult Patient Undergoing Elective Spinal Surgery
No full textUB SON, DNP Research ProjectDespite numerous adverse effects and an ongoing epidemic, opioids are frequently administered as first-line analgesics in adult spinal surgery and recovery. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to develop an educational workshop for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) caring for adult patients undergoing spinal surgery at a Western New York (WNY) hospital based on a retrospective chart review of CRNA non-opioid analgesic use and CRNA perceived non-opioid analgesic use barriers. Workshop content focused non-opioid analgesics including ketamine, dexmedetomidine, magnesium, lidocaine infusion, gabapentinoids, and NSAIDs. Project aims were to increase CRNA non-opioid analgesic use and to decrease post-operative opioid requirements for adults undergoing spinal surgery. Project objectives were to 1) develop an evidence-based CRNA workshop focusing on non-opioid analgesic use in adult spine surgery; 2) complete a retrospective chart review examining CRNA non-opioid use for adult patients undergoing spinal surgery; 3) survey CRNAs on barriers to non-opioid analgesic use in adult spinal surgery prior to workshop implementation; and 4) conduct a one-month post-workshop retrospective chart review to assess CRNA use of non-opioids for adult patients undergoing spinal surgery. Lewin’s Theory of Planned Change was the theoretical framework. Results showed that CRNAs felt limited using non-opioids due to supervising anesthesiologist reluctance (68.3%) and surgeon reluctance (41.6%). CRNA’s attending the workshop administered non-opioids in a greater percentage of cases despite statistical non-significance. No significant change was noted in patient post-op pain scores or morphine requirements. Future research is needed exploring open lines of communication among interdisciplinary anesthesia teams
A Case Study on Team Science and Its Benefits Via Shared Resources: Implications for Science Policy and Research Administration
No full textPh.D.The full text PDF of this dissertation is embargoed at author's request until 2021-02-19.This dissertation examines a unique, multi-institutional collaboration assembled by what at one time could have been considered competing institutions. Yet instead of vying for portions of available resources, these organizations worked together to establish a center to house advanced research instrumentation, which has now grown to be significantly more. What began in answer to a brain drain phenomenon in New York City, which included both negative economic and civic impacts, has grown in a short period of time to become a highly lauded and accomplished organization.Inspired by the works of John Marburger, former director of Brookhaven National Lab and national science policy advisor to U.S. President George W. Bush, this study responds to his call for more data to be at the hands of science policy makers. In 2005 John Marburger, upon recognizing there was no singular discipline committed to assembling this data, made a call to establish a field of science of science policy. He deemed the necessity for the field to establish evidence-based decision making for research and innovation policy. This study follows the establishment of the New York Structural Biology Center from conception to full operation over the course of nearly 20 years. Ten individuals with relevant experiences in relation to the Center were interviewed face-to-face. The participant pool included Center leadership, affiliated researchers, board members and past participants. Document analysis of Center reports and establishment materials were reviewed. As well, data was collected on measures that could be correlated to success or productivity. Looking closely at the theory of economies of scale to analyze and interpret the data, the Center has proven to be a productive investment for both the participating institutions and the federal research agencies awarding funding. Data also suggests that the environment is conducive to productive synergies—the value and performance of more than two groups combined proves greater than them separate. Through intensive fieldwork, this dissertation sets the groundwork for future studies further delving into the economic analysis and cost-benefit of this research environment. It offers the opportunity for others to contribute to the investigation of what may be productive organizational constructs for research. It will inform science policy decision makers in both quantitative and qualitative ways of the value of this model which has the potential to be replicated.**To request an accessible version of the file(s) associated with this item, contact [email protected]. Please include the item's persistent URL [http://hdl.handle.net/. . .] in your request.*
Negotiating Around the CEDAW Norms and the Locally Grounded Knowledge(s): Kurdish and Turkish Women’s Mobilizations around International Monitoring Mechanisms
No full textPh.D.The full text PDF of this dissertation is embargoed at author's request until 2022-02-19.This dissertation examines the Kurdish and Turkish women activists’ mobilizations around the CEDAW (The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women) monitoring mechanisms to study how the activists negotiate the intramovement tensions through their mobilizations around shadow report writing practices. Based on ethnographic fieldwork with the Kurdish and Turkish women’s rights activists between 2017-2019, combined with archival research, I argue that in their mobilizations around the CEDAW monitoring practices, the Kurdish and Turkish women activists negotiate each other at the intersections of three axes: the formal procedures and the language of the CEDAW, the locally-grounded knowledge(s) and the ethnic disputes. The activists make use of the legitimacy and the formality of the CEDAW and strategically shift to the rights-based discourse to justify their issues and demands in order to alleviate intramovement ethno-political tension and to pressure state. However, while doing so, they are also restrained/regulated by the formal discourses of the international women’s rights. They are frequently confronted by the discrepancies between the CEDAW norms and the complexity of the localized realities on the ground. By studying the activists’ negotiations in the shadow report writing settings this dissertation pays attention to the less discussed role of the activists on the ground, the intramovement dynamics and their navigations and contestations within the local level organizing.**To request an accessible version of the file(s) associated with this item, contact [email protected]. Please include the item's persistent URL [http://hdl.handle.net/. . .] in your request.*
The Opera Canon and Its Aesthetic Paradigm as an Artistic Management Issue
No full textM.A.This study seeks to contribute theoretically and practically to the field of arts management. Specifically, it explores issues in opera management. In particular, it examines a clearly identified understanding of the opera canon as one of the key issues for the opera managers today in their struggles to overcome the communication issues of the opera performance. The contemporary opera audience has different demands regarding the perception of the operatic show. It is a challenge for the opera manager to create a proper program strategy in order to secure both the traditional opera goers’ enjoyment, and at the same time, to attract a new audience.**To request an accessible version of the file(s) associated with this item, contact [email protected]. Please include the item's persistent URL [http://hdl.handle.net/. . .] in your request.*
Acquisition and Classification of Automobile Audio Signals for Dataset Generation
No full textM.S.Classification is an integral part of categorizing scientific data in order to assist human understanding of the context in which a signal is generated. This work seeks to classify an audio sample recorded from an automobile engine in order to diagnose the health of a vehicle. To establish this process, studies were performed by monitoring the resultant recordings after manipulating the configuration settings of the external microphone as well as by performing an analysis on the frequency spectrum of a segment of the audio samples. Diagnosis via these characteristics reduces discrepancies introduced by the subjective nature of audible interpretation due to the limitations of the human auditory field. Additionally, a more precise understanding of engine characteristics leads to cleaner dataset generation and granularity in engine health categorization.**To request an accessible version of the file(s) associated with this item, contact [email protected]. Please include the item's persistent URL [http://hdl.handle.net/. . .] in your request.*