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The Bias Blind Spot: Investigating and Measuring Factors in Consequential Decision-Making
No full textIn describing decision-making in terms of tools, or heuristics, Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman proposed that human decision-making under conditions of uncertainty is susceptible to systematic errors. One such error includes the conviction that others are more susceptible to these errors. This has been termed the bias blind spot (BBS). To date, few studies have addressed how the systematic errors resulting from this bias are seen in important decisions, such as those associated with criminal conduct. The current study used a survey to provide empirical information on decision-making associated with minor adverse legal consequence to assess whether participants have a BBS. The current study also assessed theoretically supported factors that contribute to the BBS and whether they predicted participants' BBS size.M.S., Psychology -- Drexel University, 201
Comparative Analysis of Areas With Buffer Zones vs Areas Without Buffer Zones: Assessing the Impact of Anti-Abortion Protestors on Patient Experiences Characterized by Emotional Responses
No full textThere has been limited research conducted to understand the impact that anti-abortion protestors have on women seeking abortion - though previous researchers have shown that anti-abortion protestors do have a negative impact on women seeking abortion. This research expands upon existing studies to conduct a comparative analysis to determine if the negative impact of anti-abortion protestors was lessened when proximal optimization was achieved via a buffer zone. For this study, 90 women were interviewed - 45 in Philadelphia where proximal optimization has not been achieved and 45 in Pittsburgh were proximal optimization was achieved. Findings showed that women in Philadelphia (M = 1.3238, SD = .39000) reported to a greater degree negative emotional response compared to women in Pittsburgh (M = 1.0952, SD = .13426), with a p-value of .001. These findings substantiated the initial hypothesis and indicates that when a degree of proximal optimization is achieved via buffer zone legislation, then negative emotions experienced by women seeking abortion services are lessened. There was also a 12-point difference in women feeling upset due to protestor activity between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, with almost 48% of women in Philadelphia reporting varying levels of being upset. These results can be used as contextual information and data to influence policy to establish buffer zone legislation where it is absent, as well as providing substantiating evidence that buffer zones should stay in place if and when contested.Dr.P.H., Health Management and Policy -- Drexel University, 201
TNFR2 Activation Improves Functional Recovery Following SCI and Induces Neurite Outgrowth in-vitro
No full textAbout 12,000 people every year are diagnosed with spinal cord injuries (SCI), the majority of which go through traumatic life changes associated with some degree of paralysis. With an extremely high cost of living and a long list of side effects, SCI remain one of the most challenging models to solve. Therapies for SCI have been developed and while some improvement has been witnessed, we are a long way from establishing a therapy that leads to total recovery from SCI. Due to the nature of the CNS, injuries to the spine create many challenges for researches due to the increase in inflammatory, and inhibitory molecules that lead to increased cell death and the inability to regrow axons. Therapies have attempted to address the inflammation elicited by SCI or the inhibitory microenvironment created because of the injury using various drugs that inhibit molecules such as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF). While molecules like TNF mediate much of the detrimental effects after SCI, TNF is a complex molecule with two receptors (TNFR1 and TNFR2) that activate very different pathways. In our study we deliver an agonist for the TNF receptor II, which unlike TNF receptor I has proven to be neuroprotective in various disease models, as method for SCI therapy. We found that TNFR2 activation after SCI lead to a significant improvement in functional recovery in mice, which we determined was the result of neural circuitry reorganization. Furthermore, we found that TNFR2 activation lead to an increase in neurite outgrowth in Rat cortical neurons in-vitro. We determined that TNFR2-mediated neurite outgrowth was the result of BDNF secretion after TNFR2 activation, and the subsequent activation of pathways that ultimately effected the actin dynamics after. We also determined that TNFR2-mediated neurite outgrowth was assisted by a separate pathway that was mediated by JNK activation and a downstream stathmin protein that is known to effect microtubule dynamics. We believe that these TNFR2-mediated effects that have been characterized in vitro may play a significant role in results we see after TNFR2 treatment in SCI mice and may eventually lead to the creation of a new SCI therapy.Ph.D., Biological Sciences -- Drexel University, 201
An Examination of Broadway’s Interactions with the Secondary Ticketing Market
No full textThe secondary ticketing market impacts many parts of Broadway. The lack of regulations on unauthorized resale has led to brokers scooping up tickets and reselling the tickets for inflated prices before consumers can purchase them. Producers claim it is unfair for other parties to profit from their work, while brokers claim they are fulfilling an economic necessity. Too often, it is the consumer that is harmed by unauthorized resale, whether it is because of inflated prices, misinformation, or the fraud that can thrive in an unprotected marketplace. This case study examines the approaches Broadway theatres take to interact with the secondary market. Through interviews with producers, theatre owners, and ticketing departments from nonprofit and commercial theatres, the study examines the current state of Broadway ticketing and its interactions with the secondary market. Many in theatre focus on enacting legislation to restrict unauthorized resale or implementing policies to restrict this themselves. However, the method that could see the most benefits for all parties involved (including the consumer) is partnerships to create authorized resellers. Authorized secondary sellers already exist, and the benefits they provide make the case for a future ticketing market where authorized resellers work in conjunction with primary sellers.M.S., Arts Administration -- Drexel University, 201
Spatial control of neuronal membrane traffic and mitotic abscission by Septin 9
No full textCell asymmetries drive cell function. Polarized cells such as neurons and epithelia require membrane protein compartmentalization, while fundamental cell processes such as cell division, require precise spatial and temporal control in order to be completed with fidelity. Loss of spatial organization/order is an underlying cause of many diseases ranging from neurodegeneration to cancer. Septins are a family of GTP-binding proteins that associate with membranes and the cytoskeleton. Septins spatially organize the cell membrane, actin and microtubule cytoskeleton, and modulate their dynamics. In this thesis, I examine the role of microtubule-bound septins in the spatial regulation of intracellular transport and membrane-bound septins in the spatiotemporal control of cytokinetic abscission. In the first part of my thesis, I investigated whether microtubule-associated septins influence intracellular transport and how this regulation affects neuronal membrane polarity. Neuronal function depends on maintaining the polarization of axonal pre-synaptic and dendritic post-synaptic proteins. I found that in cultured hippocampal neurons, a microtubule associated septin, SEPT9, localizes predominantly to dendritic microtubules. I discovered that SEPT9 directs sorting into dendrites by halting and reversing axonal motor-cargo, while concurrently promoting dendritic motor-cargo further into dendrites. SEPT9 depletion results in loss of axonal polarization of motor-cargo (e.g. kinesin-1/KIF5 and APP). Conversely, SEPT9 depletion results in a trafficking bottleneck of dendritic motor-cargo (e.g. kinesin 3/KIFA and LDLR) at sites of dendritic entry and at dendritic segments proximal to the cell body. Importantly, cell free in vitro assays revealed that SEPT9 effects on enhancing and impeding the motilities of kinesin-3/KIF1A and kinesin-1/KIF5, respectively, are direct. Furthermore, I found that SEPT9-mediated enhancements of KIF1A and its promotion into dendrites is mediated through a positively charged loop of the motor domain, located at the MT interacting interphase. These results are the first evidence that microtubule-associated septins can directly and differentially affect MT motor motility. Importantly this regulation is critical in maintaining neuronal polarity. In the second part of my dissertation I investigated the role of membrane-bound septins in cytokinesis, the last stage of mitosis. In late cytokinesis, the two daughters physically separate through fission of the membranes of the intracellular bridge (ICB), which is mediated by the ESCRT-III scission machinery. I found that septins form a double membrane bound ring that flanks the midbody and they demarcate the sites of ESCRT assembly. Septin rings partially overlap with ESCRT components at the ICB and dissipate as ESCRT-III rings expand laterally into helical filaments resembling cones to mark the sites of abscission. SEPT9 depletion, which has been previously shown to specifically affect abscission, disrupted the recruitment of VPS25 (ESCRT-II) and CHMP6 (early ESCRT-III) and resulted in improper ESCRT-III ring organization, which appeared dispersed. Notably these ESCRT-III rings failed to constrict the membrane and expand into cones. I discovered that SEPT9 is functionally linked to ESCRT assembly at the ICB by directly interacting with TSG101 (ESCRT-I) and scaffolding the recruitment of downstream ESCRT components. These data further our understanding in the conserved role of septins in cytokinesis and reveal a novel septin interaction with ESCRTs which may have implications for other ESCRT-implicated cell processes such as the multivesicular body-mediated lysosomal degradation. Collectively, these data uncover two novel roles for septins as spatial organizers of the cell. Microtubule-bound septins control the directionality of MT-mediated trafficking, while membrane-bound septin rings control the spatial organization of the ESCRT machinery of cytokinesis. Septins emerge as key spatial regulators from dividing cells to post-mitotic neurons, bearing key insights into the molecular basis and mechanisms that underlie the spatial organization and coordination of eukaryotic cells.Ph.D., Biological Sciences -- Drexel University, 201
The Implementation of an Inter-professional Nutrition Care Algorithm for Obese Pregnant Women
No full textAbstract Background: Obese pregnant women living in underserved regions have limited access to nutrition education and healthy food. Obstetric health care providers, and the inter-professional team must follow a consistent process to ensure obese pregnant women receive nutrition care, as opposed to provider-driven referrals. Nutrition care management consist of specialized nutrition education by a registered dietician (RD) and nutritious foods through Healthy Start (HS) and Women, Infant and Children (WIC) nutritionists. Purpose: Design and implement a nutrition care algorithm to provide a pathway for consistent nutrition care and increase the number of referrals generated to the RD, HS and WIC services. Methods: A chart review was conducted for two months preceding the use of the nutrition care algorithm and two months after the nutrition care algorithm was introduced for the registered dietician, Healthy Start and WIC resource. The two groups of the pre and post-nutrition care algorithm were compared by identifying the frequency of referrals to each nutrition resource. Results: There was an increase in the number of referrals to the RD in the pre and post-nutrition care algorithm group. Conclusions: Collaboration with the inter-professional team, RD, HS and WIC nutritionist is necessary. Consistent use of the nutrition care algorithm may increase nutrition access for Healthy Start and WIC nutrition services.D.N.P., Nursing Practice -- Drexel University, 201
Standardized Infection Control Bundle in Home Health Care
No full textThe increase in complexity of home health care patients poses unique and challenging health risks; often limited by space, equipment, and supplies. The outpatient setting lacks infrastructure and resources to support infection prevention and surveillance activities, leading to failures in basic infection prevention. Therefore, a gap analysis was completed to identify significant issues present with current infection control and bag technique policies and procedures at Penn Care at Home (PCAH). PCAH experiences a lack of standardization of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfectants, leading to a difference in cost among items as well as a difference in manufacturer guidelines for each product. The aim of the project is to determine if providing staff with a standardized infection control bundle will decrease cost and improve infection control practices in home health care. This quality improvement project includes pre-implementation data collected through retrospective order records from Medline, creating and implementing a bundle for ordering supplies, education on correct ordering and usage of supplies, and post-implementation data and analysis. Due to the inability to negotiate a lower cost of bundled supplies, there was no significant cost savings from purchased products. However, the data shows a decreased spend in off formulary products, a decrease in percentage of orders requiring editing, and an increase in patient specific glove ordering. The clinical implications of this evidence are to continue to standardize all products on PCAH’s formulary to ensure all clinicians know how to use products appropriately to provide safe and effective care while controlling costs through supply spend and infection prevention.M.S.N., Clinical Nurse Leader -- Drexel University, 201
Programming, Community Engagement, and Activism in Nonprofit Cinemas
No full textThere is a lack of academic research on nonprofit cinemas, art houses, and film organizations. This paper examines these kinds of non-profit cinemas that provide programming outside of just film screenings. The research is primarily conducted by interviewing key staff members of eight of these organizations throughout the United States. The goal of this paper is to get a better understanding of the value of these organizations and how they impact communities and if they participate in efforts of activism through their specialized programming. Findings suggest that these organizations are using film as a way to educate and raise awareness on social issues and create community through shared values. While there is still much to learn about this industry, these organizations create impact and are valued in their communities.M.S., Arts Administration -- Drexel University, 201
A Hardware and Software Interfaced Microgrid Energy Management System
No full textIntelligent, networked microgrids are becoming increasingly desired for land, sea, and space applications. These self-contained power systems contain limited power availability, but feature two-way communication infrastructure allowing for detailed power measurements and discrete control. Thus, control of individual loads is essential to maintain acceptable system operating conditions. Furthermore, the ability to remotely control these power systems is invaluable when locally enacted control is infeasible. Therefore, developing a system that represents an intelligent microgrid with remote controllability can represent these capabilities, and can be used as tool to test and evaluate ways to address measurement, control, and communication challenges. In order to study the behavior of these systems, a reconfigurable laboratory-based hardware and software microgrid power system was developed, presented, and tested. This system allows for measurement collection and centralized control of remote devices, through an Energy Management System. In the Energy Management System software, collected data is processed using state estimation, which allows for mathematical determination of unknown parameters using a select set of known data. Multiple cases were studied with varying sets of measurement data provided to the estimator. Additionally, two system control cases, composed of remedial voltage control actions, and control actions to meet power demands of critical loads, are presented. During each control action case, the system response is analyzed. Overall, both the measurement and control cases presented successfully demonstrate the system and software capabilities.M.S., Electrical Engineering -- Drexel University, 201
Facilitating Authentic Parent-Teacher Engagement in High-Poverty Urban Elementary Schools
No full textThe primary goal of this descriptive case study was to examine how the implementation of ClassDojo, as an engagement and communication tool in high-poverty urban schools, facilitated authentic parent-teacher engagement and students' motivation to learn. The examination of the perspectives of parents and teachers, gathered through teacher focus groups and parent interviews, were used to determine the impact of ClassDojo as a tool to enhance parental communication and engagement and, subsequently, student motivation in the elementary classroom. Analyzing the perspectives of parents and teachers, as well the authentic communications made through the ClassDojo messaging function, allowed for the exploration of how increased communication and engagement influenced teachers' beliefs about parent engagement within the context of systemic deficit thinking constructs that are common in urban classrooms. Several factors emerged regarding the influence a cooperative parent-teacher relationship has on the engagement of parents and the motivation of students. These relationships and the resulting dialogues help develop an educational community that is more inclusive. Recommendations emerging from this research include strategies for improving parental engagement and developing collaborative educational environments where all members feel valued within the urban elementary school.Ed.D., Educational Leadership and Management -- Drexel University, 201