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An analysis of the pollinators of Echinacea purpurea in relation to their perceived efficiency and color preferences
Get PDFThis study aimed to better understand how insects interacted with species of Echinacea in Tennessee and specifically their preference to floral color. Based on previous studies I expected the main visitors to be composed of various bees, beetles and butterflies. Based on previous studies, I hypothesized that most bees (especially social bees) would most likely pollinate the purple/violet morphs of the flower versus the white morph. I also expected the bees would have the most visits to the coneflowers versus any other taxonomic group. I believe bees to be the majority of pollinators based upon the results of Stucky, Gadd, & Arellano (2012) and other pollination studies of Asteraceae species (Figueroa-Castro et al., 2016). I hypothesized there would be fewer generalist pollinators (such as thrips, Diptera, and some Hymenoptera) compared to bees. I also hypothesized that the generalist would be more likely to visit white morphed flowers. The site of my study was in Red Bank, Tennessee 5.5 miles north of the center of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee in a flat level cleared lawn. This area allowed ample room to set up my specimens in clusters (consisting of five plants each) based on their coloration (purple and white). At each monitoring session of one hour the number and species or genus (whichever could be identified) of each potential pollinator was recorded in relation to the floral color of the plant visited. To potentially indicate the effectiveness of pollinators, the duration of pollination and floral constancy was also monitored. It is important to note that the actual effectiveness of a pollinator could not be determined by this study because there was no direct measurement of growth or germination in relation to each individual plant/insect interaction. The ability of pollinators to carry pollen was assessed by their anatomical parts (e.g., hair density) and literature. The results suggested that overall pollinators were evenly distributed in relation to floral color; though some species did show color preferences. Duration of visits was significantly different for all comparisons run and floral constancy was variable as well. Though this study was not able to directly associate pollination events with the likelihood of fertilization, this study allowed us to see what kinds of insects (how frequently and how long) were visiting these purple coneflowers. The results of this study could be used with future research to help management plans for this genus or help attract certain species to your own garden
A metabolomics-based approach to the screening of endometrial cancer: development of a gas chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry-based method
Get PDFEndometrial Cancer (EC) is the most common malignant tumor of the female reproductive tract. Currently there are no methods for effectively screening EC, but one method that is thought to be useful in screening EC is metabolomics. Metabolomics involves the analysis of metabolites which are low molecular weight inorganic and organic chemicals that are substrates, intermediates, and by-products of enzyme-mediated biochemical reactions in the cell. Previous research shows that the metabolic signature of EC patients are discernable from those of healthy patients. To aid in the development of an effective screening method for EC, blood serum, urine, and saliva samples of EC patients and controls enrolled in a clinical trial at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga Department of Gynecological Oncology will be collected. For each sample, the metabolites will be extracted, purified, and derivatized before gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Chromatographic separation will use a Trace1310 GC system equipped with a TG-5MS column interfaced with ion trap mass spectrometry. The obtained signatures will be used in an effort to build multivariate classification models that can distinguish EC patients from healthy patients, providing a non-invasive, affordable screening test for EC. Prior to the analysis of clinical samples, the entire method will be optimized for all sample types to ensure that the method will be able to provide the data necessary for developing a screening system. The initial phases of method development indicate that the proposed method will be sufficient for collecting metabolomic data, but more optimization is required before clinical samples may be analyzed
The combined influences of race, sexuality, and gender on perceptions of sexual harassment
Get PDFThe current research examines the perceptions of sexual harassment based on the influence of the victim’s gender, and the race of both the victim and the perpetrator, and perceiver’s feminist beliefs. By using vignettes (a brief description of an event), we manipulated a) the gender of the victim (man or woman), b) the race of the victim (POC or white), and c) the race of the perpetrator (POC or white). Our hypotheses were as follows: a) vignettes depicting same-sex harassment will be less in line with the definition of sexual harassment; b) vignettes portraying the victim as a woman of color will be deemed as less problematic than white victims displayed in the vignettes, and c) in vignettes portraying the perpetrator as a black man, the participant will more likely consider the situation as sexual harassment. After responding to the vignettes, the participants completed scales measuring feminist identification, rape myth acceptance, and homophobic beliefs. Unfortunately, the present study did not support any evidence for the combined influence of perpetrator race, and victim gender and race, on perceptions of sexual harassment scenarios. Nevertheless, the present findings suggest feminist identification may play a role in how people perceive sexual harassment scenarios
Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of organometallic complexes for catalytic carbon-hydrogen bond activation
Get PDFStyrene can be produced directly from benzene and ethylene through an atom economical oxidative hydroarylation process. In this process, an electrophilic homogeneous transition metal catalyst activates the C-H bond in benzene. I propose to explore this reaction in two fronts: 1) the synthesis of electron-poor trans-spanning bidentate pyridine ligands and 2) the computational study of pyridine-functionalized bidentate diimines. The trans-spanning ligand will utilize either a Ru(II) or Co(III) metallohinge with cis-coordinated 2-ethynylpyridine ligands. The complex [(p-cym)Ru(PMe3)(C2-2-py)2] (1) where (p-cym = para-cymene and C2-2-py = 2-ethynylpyridine) can be prepared from (p-cym)Ru(PMe3)(Cl)2 and HC2-2-py in the presence of lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiHMDS). Complex 1 has been characterized by 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy where the 31P NMR chemical shift at 15.2 ppm confirmed when the alkynyl-pyridine ligands were attached, and the 1H NMR showed mirror symmetry which is consistent with the proposed complex. Pd(II) acetate was attempted to coordinate to 1 in a trans fashion to make [(p-cym)Ru(PMe3)(C2-2-py)2Pd(OAc)2], however this gave inconclusive NMR results. This reaction was extended to the electron-poor Co(III) to prepare [Cp*Co(PMe3)(C2-2-py)2] (2) where (Cp* = pentamethyl cyclopentadienyl anion) from [Cp*Co(PMe3)(I)2]. Additional ligand analysis involved density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the B3LYP functional in Gaussian 16 software to determine the ligand-donating ability of six bis-imine ligands. The electron-withdrawing character of bis-imine ligands has been linked to C-H activation in N,N′-bis-(pentafluorophenyl)-2,3-dimethyl-1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene, and by replacing a fluorine with a nitrogen in N,N′-bis-(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoripyridine)-2,3-dimethyl-1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene, the electronic density was localized on the pyridines leaving an electron poor imine region
Albinism in Africa: examining identity formulation
Get PDFAlbinism is a genetic condition that often intersects at disability and perceived notions of race; this double-stigmatization has proved problematic for people with albinism living in Africa, who not only appear physically different from others in their community but are also commonly regarded as ontologically different. Individuals with albinism in Africa undergo frequent challenges throughout their lifetime that significantly shape their identities. This process of identity formation begins in early childhood and is greatly impacted by unequal access to healthcare and schooling, harmful rumors and mythologies surrounding the condition’s origins, violence, workplace discrimination, income inequality, and many other factors. In contrast to Erving Goffman’s theory of spoiled identity, many African people with albinism facing the double-stigmatization of race and ability have reclaimed their identities in the midst of adversity and live happy and successful lives. This analysis of over twenty sources further explores the socio-cultural aspects of albinism in Africa; the majority of existing research is medical or biological in nature
An exploration into constructed space
Get PDFOur interactions with and experience within the built environment are mediated by design. Evident in the infrastructure and conventions of modern society, designed experiences perpetuate existing values and construct new values by directing attention and movement in space. One’s sensory awareness of space through mindfulness and perception is integral to uncovering the systems of control that design frequently renders invisible. Through a cross-examination of ma, dérive, stroll gardens, and maps, this paper positions tourism, specifically Rock City, as an example of constructed space. Experience tourism leverages physical layout and perceptual elements before, during, and after visiting the spectacle. Tourism sells experience as a commodity and presents the tourist with a way of seeing. In a creative demonstration, the project “See This Rock” appropriates the visual and spatial strategies of Rock City to draw attention to the intentional actions of design to direct movement, construct space, and create value
Why is the Followers-to-Following Ratio so Important?
Get PDFThe impact of social media exposure on various aspects of users’ personality and mental health has become a popular topic for psychological research over the past ten years. Instagram provides users with numbers indicating how many accounts they follow and how many accounts follow them. This ratio carries social status, in that someone with more followers than people they follow could be viewed as a more popular user. The current study explores the relationship between Instagram use, user popularity, the Big 5 personality traits, self-esteem, histrionic tendencies, and narcissistic tendencies in a sample of 125 undergraduates. We hypothesized that users with larger follower-to-following ratios would have lower self-esteem, and higher narcissistic and histrionic tendencies. There were few significant correlations between the personality traits and followers-to-following ratios, suggesting that more research is needed in order to determine the impact that an individual’s personality has on the amount of attention and effort they spend on their ratio
Age Differences with Presentation on Social Media
Get PDFThis study investigated younger, middle-aged, and older participants’ self-esteem, self-expression, and comfort and regrets with self-expression on social media. It was hypothesized that older adult social media users would show different patterns and relationships in their use and self-expression. Participants included 214 younger- (52%), 135 middle-aged adults (33%), and 61 older-adults (15%). Self-esteem and regrets on social media were both related to comfort with self-expression on social media among older adults. In contrast, self-expression and comfort with self-expression on social media were related for younger- and middle-aged adults, but not older participants. Findings suggest that social media plays a unique role in older adults’ lives. Researchers should be aware of and further explore age differences in reactions to social media
The state of healthcare policy education in nursing school curricula: a literature review
Get PDFThe purpose of this paper was to conduct a literature review regarding the current state of health policy education in nursing school curricula. Additionally, the paper will outline what improvements are being implemented in nursing education. The database CINAHL was used to conduct this study. According to the literature, there are an inadequate number of nurses participating in health policy reform which can be linked back to a lack of health policy education while in nursing school. The literature suggests options such as experiential learning, group activities and reflections, enhancing faculty knowledge, suggesting new teaching strategies, and implementing new courses as ways to improve policy education thus increasing nurse participation in health policy
Berni Searle: Heritage and Cultural Identity
Get PDFThis short art analysis paper accompanies an original video presentation produced by UTC undergraduate students, dedicated to the work of a contemporary artist and developed as part of ART 4190r: Global Contemporary Art course in Spring 2021.https://scholar.utc.edu/global-contemporary-artists/1024/thumbnail.jp