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Animal-Assisted Ministry and Multispecies Sociality in a Christian Therapy Dog Organization
No full textAnimal-assisted ministry is a specialized application of the human-canine bond that transforms the expression of Christian identity for human participants. This practice expands the sociality of both humans and dogs in a multispecies society. Therapy dogs used in animal-assisted ministry are social subjects who become entangled with human social problems in various facets of human-dominated society that would otherwise be inaccessible to nonhumans. Their capacity to comfort people experiencing anxiety enhances the therapeutic character of their handlers, underscoring the fact that Christian ministry is inherently a form of therapy. These dogs are simultaneously endowed with symbolic connotations that increase Christian believers’ feeling of closeness to God when interacting with them. The recently growing popularity of animal-assisted ministry operations in the United States is a reflection of the elevated social status accorded to dogs via contemporary pet culture
Gambling-Related User-Generated Content: An In-Depth Analysis of Slot Machine Vlogs on YouTube
No full textThe growing popularity of social media platforms has transformed how gambling content reaches audiences, with gambling vlogs now attracting millions of viewers outside traditional marketing channels. Despite their reach and potential influence, these user-generated videos remain understudied in gambling research. This study sought to analyze slot machine vlogs by examining their portrayal of gambling experiences, assessing viewer engagement patterns, and identifying the video features associated with higher engagement metrics. Using a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, I analyzed 170 popular YouTube slot machine vlogs and 43,837 viewer comments through advanced analytical techniques. Latent Dirichlet Allocation topic modeling identified four themes in gambling portrayal, with betting strategies and game mechanics dominating the narratives. A targeted term detection approach found that responsible gambling (RG) messaging appeared in only 9.41% of videos, while binary logistic regression analyses indicated that these RG-inclusive videos were associated with higher engagement metrics. Viewer comment analysis using SentiStrength showed predominantly neutral-to-positive sentiment, and comment topic modeling uncovered five distinct engagement themes ranging from technical discussions to community building. The study contributes to gambling literature through its comprehensive analysis of an influential yet previously underexamined medium while developing methodological frameworks applicable to video content analysis in broader hospitality research. The findings offer actionable implications across the gambling ecosystem: content creators gain strategies for optimizing audience engagement, gambling operators receive guidance on partnership selection, and platforms obtain recommendations for developing policies that balance user engagement with RG practices
Developing an Evidence-Based Continuing Education Program for Physical Therapists Working with Individuals with Down Syndrome
No full textDespite the abundance of resources available for physical therapists (PTs) treating children with Ds, the resources are limited for PTs working with teens and adults. This suggests that this population is underserved within the healthcare community. This project aimed to bridge this knowledge gap by developing a comprehensive continuing education program for physical therapists, focused on the treatment and care of teens and adults with Ds. This education program will give physical therapists a resource for treating teens and adults with Ds, an under-resourced population. Two modules focusing on musculoskeletal (MSK)/gait and communication strategies were developed, and then pilot tested by 10 physical therapy students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The results of our quality assessment survey indicated a strong positive reception, with high ratings for ease of access, usability, and engagement. However, specific areas for improvement were identified to enhance the modules\u27 effectiveness and user experience. The feedback was utilized to refine and enhance the modules before their final release. Future research and expansion of this project will include additional modules and further pilot testing to promote the comprehensive care and treatment of individuals with Ds by physical therapists
Investigating The Influence of Environmental Stressors to Exopolysaccharide Production in Soil Cyanobacteria: Genomic and Physiological Perspectives
No full textCyanobacteria are photosynthetic microbes with essential roles in Earth’s ecosystems. The secretion of long–chain polysaccharides, known as exopolysaccharides (EPS), is a key trait facilitating cyanobacterial adaptation to diverse ecosystems. Genomics studies have shown that aquatic cyanobacteria harbor multiple gene copies encoding EPS export proteins, likely conferring a selective advantage in lakes or oceans. In addition, physiological experiments showed that nutrient limitation in aquatic habitats influences EPS production, affecting cyanobacterial fitness. However, whether terrestrial cyanobacteria also harbor multiple EPS-related genes and how nutrient limitation impacts their EPS production is not well understood.In the first chapter of my thesis, we investigated the variability in EPS gene copy numbers in genomes of aquatic and terrestrial cyanobacteria. We were further interested in exploring the factors influencing this variability. Our comparative genomic analysis revealed that soil cyanobacteria harbor more EPS-related gene copies than their freshwater counterparts. Historical horizontal gene transfer and gene loss, rather than gene duplication, may be the main factor of this variation in gene copy number. A high number of EPS-related gene copies might influence EPS structure and length, which may provide a selective advantage in highly dynamic environments such as soils. In the second chapter, we evaluated how phosphorus (P), an essential nutrient, affects the EPS production in soil cyanobacteria. Physiological experiments in the second chapter demonstrated that phosphorus limitation, in the form of a reduction in available phosphate, limits both biomass and total EPS content in soil cyanobacteria cultures. However, the EPS-to-biomass ratio remained consistent. Although the production of EPS is energetically expensive, our findings showed that soil cyanobacteria still produce EPS under P limitation. Suggesting that EPS is an important trait for cyanobacterial survival and might influence biofilm formation under P limitation. While our comparative genomics analysis indicated the presence of multiple EPS-related gene copies in soil cyanobacteria, the functional role of these multiple copies under nutrient limitation remains unclear. Our physiological analysis did not show an increase in EPS production under P limitation, nor did they indicate a complete shutdown of EPS synthesis. Future research should investigate potential structural modifications of EPS under P limitation. These modifications may provide a selective advantage for cyanobacterial survival and therefore impact on soil ecosystem function
The Roles of OprF in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms
No full textMany bacteria form multicellular communities known as biofilms. Biofilms contain bacterial cells and a protective extracellular biofilm matrix. This matrix contains exopolysaccharides, extracellular DNA (eDNA), membrane vesicles, and proteins. The matrix proteins are far less characterized than other extracellular biofilm components. In biofilms formed by the model organism Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the protein OprF is abundant in the cellular outer membrane and the extracellular matrix. In my dissertation research, I have presented data supporting the hypothesis that the OprF protein significantly affects P. aeruginosa biofilms. By examining various strain backgrounds and the nutrient-dependent effects of glucose and sodium chloride, I demonstrate that the roles of OprF are condition-dependent. Furthermore, the data confirm that these effects are not due to OprF-dependent differences in the number or morphology of cells in P. aeruginosa biofilms, nor are the nutrient-dependent effects due to differences in media osmolarity or metal concentrations. The research highlights the impact of the OprF protein on late-stage static biofilms via the loss of eDNA from the biofilm matrix. In contrast, I clarify that levels of the P. aeruginosa exopolysaccharide Psl are unaffected by a loss of OprF, and that OprF-dependent biofilm defects are not affected by Pseudomonas Quinolone Signaling molecules. I hypothesize that OprF is impacting P. aeruginosa biofilm eDNA levels via two possible mechanisms: 1) by retaining eDNA in the matrix, or 2) by affecting intracellular pathways involved in cell lysis, which produces eDNA. Future transcriptomic analysis of P. aeruginosa biofilm cells with and without OprF, for which I have optimized RNA extraction, will help elucidate any intracellular effects of OprF
Beyond Survivance: Sumud Through Food -Oranges, Olives & Watermelons
No full textThis thesis explores the media symbols of resilience through the cultural lens of food, specifically focusing on native olive trees, the watermelon as a representation of the flag, and Jaffa oranges. These elements are not merely culinary staples; they are symbols of identity, resistance, and survival within struggle. By examining the historical, cultural, and political significance of these symbols, this study aims to shed light on how food transcends its primary function to become a medium of cultural expression and resistance.The olive tree\u27s significance extends beyond its economic and cultural dimensions to showcase a deep spiritual and symbolic role within society. It is a living example of tenacity, often outliving the individuals who plant and nurture it. This intergenerational connection reinforces a sense of belonging, binding communities together through a shared heritage. Thus, the olive tree serves as a powerful symbol of resistance, with its roots entrenched in the land, symbolizing the steadfastness or “sumud” of those in the face of occupation. The watermelon has emerged as a symbol of nationalism, particularly for its visual resemblance to the flag. The green rind, white flesh, red interior, and black seeds correspond to the flag\u27s colors, transforming this fruit into a subtle, yet powerful symbol of resistance. Its use in art, media, and public demonstrations showcases its role in the cultural narrative of resistance, serving as a form of peaceful protest and a reminder of identity under occupation. Jaffa oranges symbolize loss and resilience. The city of Jaffa historically has had oranges as a major export, making it well-known across the Arab world. The Nakba in 1948 and the occupation of orchards by Israeli entities turned the citrus into a reminder of displacement. Their commercialization under Israeli branding obscured their origins and highlighted cultural erasure. Despite this, Jaffa oranges remain a powerful symbol of pre-1948 society and national pride, preserved in art, literature, and oral histories. They encapsulate the dual themes of loss and resilience, reflecting the struggle to preserve cultural identity and heritage amidst hardship. This study employs a dual methodological approach, combining narrative contextualization and ethnography, to explore how media symbols such as watermelons, oranges, and olives represent resilience through food. By analyzing the power of these symbols, the study reveals how to express and maintain their identity and agency amidst ongoing challenges. This exploration contributes to food studies and cultural resistance by demonstrating how everyday items hold deep political and cultural significance. The thesis highlights the association of food, identity, and resistance, showcasing ingenuity and resilience in preserving heritage and asserting their rights. Ultimately, it underscores the role of cultural symbols in sustaining collective memory and fostering continuity and hope amidst adversity
Balanced Artistry: Integrating The Methods of Michael Chekhov and Body Mapping for the Versatile Singing Actor
No full textThis document explores the integration of movement-based techniques in vocal performance training by focusing on integrating Michael Chekhov’s acting method and Body Mapping. It examines how these methodologies enhance expressive freedom, technical efficiency, and injury prevention in singers. By providing a framework for performers to embody characters with greater authenticity, this document contextualizes exercises from both Body Mapping and Chekhov’s technique through an interdisciplinary approach that enhances student achievement of technical vocal and acting proficiency. Synthesizing principles from Body Mapping, such as inclusive awareness and the dynamic points of balance, with key elements of Michael Chekhov’s acting technique, including crossing the threshold, archetypal gesture, and qualities of movement, this work presents strategies for incorporating movement into the modern voice studio and opera workshop space. Examples of lesson plans, exercises, and modalities of execution will be shown. This research contributes to a growing body of work advocating for a holistic approach to vocal training and emphasizes the inseparable connection between body, breath, and artistic expression
Black Women & Feminism: SNCC, the Second Wave, and Balancing Identities of Gender & Race
No full textThis research paper discusses American Black women’s interactions with feminist movements with a focus on the story of one civil rights group, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). The paper tells the account of how advancing feminist thought in the 1960s was met with different reactions among SNCC’s racially diverse membership. With ideologies such as Black Power also gaining in popularity at this time, rifts among racial lines were created within SNCC that would echo later racial disparities in the second-wave feminist movement of the 1970s. The thesis of the paper largely speaks to the issue of intersectionality and how different identities, such as race, can create unique experiences when combined with other identities, such as gender
Examining the relationship between casino employee gambling involvement, demographic characteristics, and responsible gambling program perceptions
No full textThis study investigated past-year gambling involvement (i.e., frequency and breadth) among employees at MGM Resorts International (MGM) and their views on the effectiveness of MGM’s responsible gambling (RG) program (i.e., GameSense). It also examined associations between these views and employees’ gambling behavior, as well as their demographic and work-related characteristics. We used cross-sectional data drawn from a broader research project, which surveyed a large sample of MGM employees (n = 814) in 2020. Our analysis revealed that gambling frequency varied by ethnicity, department affiliations, and property location, while gambling breadth differed based on gender and department affiliations. We employed hierarchical multiple regression analysis to identify the factors that predicted perceived RG program effectiveness. This study identified four significant predictors of employees’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of RG programs: (1) Asian ethnicity, (2) department affiliation (high or low contact with gamblers), (3) the location of their workplace (Las Vegas or elsewhere), and (4) tenure in the gaming industry in years. Employees identifying as Asian, those with longer industry tenure, or those working in high-contact departments or at non-Las Vegas properties tended to view the RG programs as more effective. These findings highlight the importance of developing RG training strategies tailored to the diverse backgrounds of employees and can be applied to enhance RG programming at land-based casinos
Effect of In-Season Potentiation and Priming on Jump Height in Collegiate D1 American Football Players
No full textNeuromuscular priming and post-activation potentiation (PAP) are techniques utilized to increase nervous system excitation, muscle force, and rate of force development during subsequent muscle contractions in sport. PAP is a commonly used approach that has the potential to influence neuromuscular status monitoring and flagging, and optimize power training. Specifically, jump height is an important parameter in athletic performance and assessing inter-limb asymmetries. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to report the effects of different PAP strategies on jump height during a competitive D1 American football season. These findings will inform practitioners on optimal PAP strategies and their implications for neuromuscular status monitoring