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Application of an engineered insulin antibody in continuous insulin sensing
Get PDFInsulin is a polypeptide hormone used as a treatment for diabetes mellitus to control blood glucose levels. Insulin administration determined by the patient based on the number of carbohydrates consumed, their current blood glucose level, and their own personal history of glucose and insulin metabolism. However, there are many personal and contextual factors that control insulin metabolism. Therefore, continuous and real-time measurements of insulin levels would provide crucial information in managing glucose homeostasis. This could be achieved through an antibody biosensor. Antibodies are commonly employed in affinity biosensors due to their high sensitivity and selectivity towards specific targets. While high specificity is an attractive feature of biosensors, the tight binding of antibodies to their targets presents a challenge in designing regenerable sensors, and current available methods for the regeneration of affinity biosensors is not feasible for in vivo continuous monitoring. Here, we introduce functional allostery to an anti-insulin antibody fragment, a single chain fragment variable (scFv), using the light-oxygen-voltage-sensing domain from Avena sativa Phototropin 1 (asLOV2) that changes conformation in response to blue light. We develop and characterize a library of eleven anti-insulin scFv – asLOV2 fusions to determine the best candidates with high insulin binding affinity and active photosensitive asLOV2 domains. This works establishes the foundation for engineering the directed reversibility of a high affinity biological recognition element for use in continuous insulin monitoring.Bachelor of Scienc
The Poetics of Ruin: Towards a Playful Archaeology
Get PDFThe primary question this thesis seeks to answer is how and why we interact with the worlds of ruins. I center my approach to the question of ruin through the lens of archaeology. Archaeology, as I define it, is the study of the material remains of the human past. In other words, archaeology necessitates the study of ruins. However, I argue that archaeology is not enough to grapple with ruins. Ruins need not be material, nor need they be of the past—the practice of urbex within a broader context of play gives us insight into the ruins of the everyday and thus the present. Urbex reveals places of urban abandon, presenting an ontological paradox of an occupied yet abandoned place and a ruin that should not be ruined. I suggest that urbex, play, and games can form a framework for a “playful archaeology” that allows us to confront the ruins of the present and future. I imagine “playful archaeology” to be rooted in exploration, but my goal is not to prescribe what “playful archaeology” should look like, but what it could look like.Bachelor of Art
Servant, Slave, Self-Employed: The Influence of Eighteenth-Century Women's Economic Roles on Their Decisions During the Revolutionary War
Get PDFWhile the scope of studies on the Revolutionary War has broadened over the past fifty years to include various studies on women, enslaved people, and Indigenous nations’ involvement on both sides of the war, a neglected framework is that of class. This thesis builds upon past works and studies on eighteenth-century women and the North American economy to argue that class played a distinct role in both the choices women faced during the era of the American Revolution and how they experienced the war itself. As women were crucial parts of the colonial economy, their participation was necessary for the success of the nonimportation agreements and boycotts. Class and social means also determined how deeply an individual would feel the impact of the war, such as following the Continental Army or staying home to manage farms or households. Though women had demonstrated their ability to be involved in public life and society, being fully included would require a complete rewrite of prescripted gender roles and expectations, which led society to create a distinct political role for them: that of the Republican Mother. Despite this, their access to property and money diminished, indicating they were still within the hierarchy of the new United States. Covering nearly ninety years of history, this thesis provides an overview of just how important class was in women’s lives and how it impacted their decisions during the Revolutionary War.Bachelor of Art
Differential Peptidomic Profiles of Airway Epithelial Cell Secretions in Health and Disease: Implications for Innate Immune Response and Airway Integrity
Get PDFThe human airway epithelium plays a crucial role in the innate immunity of the lungs through mucus secretions containing proteins and peptides that interact with immune cells, macromolecules, pathogens, and allergens. Cystic fibrosis (CF) alters mucus concentration and composition, impairing airway function and increasing susceptibility to infections and obstructions. Peptidomic profiling offers insight into epithelial airway defense mechanisms, but it is unknown whether these profiles differ significantly among healthy individuals and people with CF. We hypothesized that peptidomic profiles of airway epithelial cell secretions would differ between health and CF under infectious and inflammatory conditions, reflecting disease-associated changes related to immune responses and epithelial integrity. Using human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cell culture secretions and ex vivo mucus samples from healthy individuals and CF patients, we identified and quantified peptides by mass spectrometry. Baseline analyses of culture secretions revealed reductions in vesicular and microvilli-associated peptides in CF samples. Following exposure to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA), all culture samples displayed increased peptides related to innate immunity, but CF samples exhibited reduced peptide diversity. Elevated albumin levels, marking epithelial barrier integrity disruption, were detected in CF culture samples. Peptidomes between ex vivo mucus samples and in vitro HBE cell secretions differed, reflecting the more complex in vivo environment. This study enhances our understanding of airway epithelial defense mechanisms, providing insights into the pathogenesis of muco-obstructive lung diseases, which could inform the development of therapeutic strategies.Bachelor of Scienc
The Impact of Hog Farming on Land Value and Real Estate in North Carolina
Get PDFConcentrated Animal Farming Operations (CAFOs) have been the culprit of rampant pollution water, noise, and air pollution for decades, leading to chronic health conditions, environmental racism, and decreased lifespans. While researchers have extensively researched these aspects of CAFOs, the economic impact of CAFOs on nearby real estate remains an elusive and novel area of research. This study aims to explore the correlation between the proximity of a parcel of land to a CAFO and the value of the parcel, with a specific focus on laying a foundation for future studies to develop a stronger understanding of the relationship and potentially establish a causative relationship. Using data from the North Carolina counties of Duplin, Sampson, Wayne, Bladen, Greene, Lenoir, Pender, Johnson, Onslow, Robeson, Jones, Columbus, Pitt, Edgecombe, Craven, Cumberland, and Nash from North Carolina's OneMap dataset and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's List of Permitted Animal Operations, this study aims to understand the relationship between the distance to the nearest CAFO and parcel value. To do so, we utilized the two dataset's location data to generate log-linear regression models to explore the relationship between the variables and remove the confounding variable associated with parcel acreage. We found land value to increase as the distance to the nearest CAFO increases at two different time points, establishing a correlation between the two variables. However, we could not find conclusive statistics to establish a causative relationship between the two variables. Thus, this study lays the foundation for a novel field that requires further research to develop a stronger relationship between the two variables and to decrease the internal sources of errors due to unaccounted confounding variables due to the particular datasets utilized.Bachelor of Scienc
The Implementation of Restorative Practices in North Carolina Public Elementary Schools
Get PDFThis study evaluates the state of implementation of Restorative Practices (RPs) across 14 North Carolina public elementary school districts. This research strives to answer whether well-funded public North Carolina elementary schools have successfully implemented RPs compared to lower-funded North Carolina public elementary schools. Studying the implementation of RPs within public North Carolina elementary schools is important for several reasons. Missed classroom time hinders children and youth from receiving education, securing future employment, and participating fully in our democracy. Furthermore, existing research highlighting RP implementation within middle and high schools demonstrates that RPs have the potential to work when implemented successfully. Therefore, additional research on RP implementation in elementary schools is crucial, as this period is essential for instilling positive behavior patterns within children. There currently does not exist robust research on the state of RPs within North Carolina public elementary schools. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study incorporates quantitative data on school funding and demographic factors with qualitative insights gathered through surveys, an interview, and RP workshops. The findings in this thesis reveal that while RPs are implemented in both low- and well-funded North Carolina public elementary schools, there exists challenges in successful implementation. Challenges to implementation include lack of implementation data and teacher resistance to RPs. Ultimately, the findings in my research underscore the need for 1. A systematic measure to understand RP implementation across North Carolina public school districts, 2. Greater use of implementation data, 3. Increased investment in resources to support staff buy-in, and 4. Increased district wide access to RPs. Given that my research is one of the first to explore RP implementation across North Carolina public elementary schools, my research highlights several future research opportunities to explore. Key future research opportunities include teacher perceptions of RPs and its effect on implementation, parent and caregivers’ approaches to discipline and its effects on RP implementation within schools, the relationship between children with high Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) scores and the effects that RPs have on their social-emotional learning (SEL), and longitudinal studies to reveal potential causal relationships of RPs with factors including educational attainment.Bachelor of Art
Burnout, Compensation, and Clinical Productivity: Impact on Career Satisfaction and Retention Among Community-Based Preceptors in the Southeastern United States
Get PDFCommunity-based preceptors are essential to training future healthcare professionals, yet limited research exists on how burnout, compensation, and clinical productivity intersect in this workforce. A deeper understanding of these factors is critical to sustaining community-based medical education. This study examined the characteristics, motivations, and challenges of community-based preceptors across North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia to inform targeted policy and support strategies. A 28-item cross-sectional survey was distributed via executive directors of state trade associations to known preceptors across the five states. The survey assessed demographics, teaching experiences, well-being, satisfaction, compensation, and clinical productivity. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 122 preceptors responded. Most were physicians practicing in family medicine, primarily located in North Carolina, and aged 40–49. Top motivations included serving as a role model, investing in students’ futures, and the joy of teaching. While preceptors reported overall satisfaction with their roles, many noted emotional exhaustion and dissatisfaction with faculty development opportunities. Only half received financial compensation, though most believed 1,999 per student/month was fair. Precepting commonly extended the workday by 60–80 minutes, impacting productivity. Preceptors are primarily driven by intrinsic motivations but face persistent barriers, including time constraints, emotional strain, and insufficient compensation. Addressing these challenges through targeted incentives, institutional recognition, and structural supports is essential to sustaining and expanding the community-based preceptor workforce. These findings call for coordinated, equity-focused strategies to support long-term preceptor engagement across diverse clinical settings.Bachelor of Science in Public Healt
Roots in the Aisles: The Influence of Ethnic Markets on Traditional Foods and Generational Identity among Second-Generation Mothers in the United States
Get PDFThis research explores how second-generation Latina mothers incorporate traditional Latine meals into their diets, using ethnic markets as a lens for analysis. Rather than viewing these meals as solely nutritional choices, I approach them as tokens of cultural significance that transmit memories and traditions as well as play a role in identity formation. Through the use of existing literature and an online questionnaire, I use a mixed-methods approach to analyze the role that food shopping and ethnic grocery stores play in the lives of these women. This study highlights how ethnic markets allow for cultural preservation and continuity within this population. Bachelor of Art
When Structure Meets Scandal: The Effect of first-past-the-post Voting systems on Political Removal
Get PDFHow does the difference between first-past-the-post systems affect the outcome of removal within a scandal. This thesis investigates how far structures related to the UK Westminister System and the US presidential system play a part in whether politicians are removed in scandals. Factors such as party strength and differences in the separation of powers cause scandals to manifest differently between systems ultimately affecting the outcomes. Investigated through four cases, the findings indicate that the structure of the system has some effect on the outcome of removal, but not necessarily enough to highlight a system more likely to produce it.Bachelor of Art
Engaging fathers for improved care and feeding: A qualitative examination of fathers’ roles and supportive practices among families affected by HIV in Lusaka, Zambia
Get PDFBackground
Male engagement in maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN) programming has significant potential to enhance support for breastfeeding and caregiving, particularly for children who are HIV-exposed but uninfected (CHEU). These children face increased risks of compromised growth, health, and development compared to their HIV-unexposed and uninfected counterparts. Despite avoiding HIV transmission, CHEU infants remain highly vulnerable to adverse health outcomes. Therefore, family-centered approaches, particularly those involving partner and spousal support, hold promise for increasing exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates, improving caregiving practices, and ultimately resulting in improved health outcomes for both mothers and children.
Objectives
This secondary analysis aimed to explore the father-child relationship in the breastfeeding process by examining fathers' perceived and actual involvement in four categories of care: roles, spousal support, breastfeeding, and infant care.
Methods
Fifteen interviews with fathers and WLWH from a formative qualitative research study using Trials of Improved Practices (TIPS) methodology in Lusaka, Zambia were analyzed thematically using Atlas.ti.
Results
Participants in this analysis included 15 fathers and 23 women living with HIV. Fathers in this study perceived that caregiving and parenting responsibilities rest jointly with both parents. Prior to counseling, fathers identified their primary support practices as providing financial assistance, procuring food and household supplies, and encouraging both breastfeeding and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. With regard to infant care, fathers engaged in diverse activities with their children, including playing games, reading stories, outdoor exploration, singing songs, bathing, and carrying the baby. Following counseling sessions, all fathers exhibited a reinforced conviction that both parents share responsibility for child-rearing and involvement in the care and feeding process. Financial provision for the family remained the most prominent role for fathers, followed by encouraging or reminding mothers to breastfeed and reinforcing that exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) constitutes the optimal practice for properly nourishing CHEU during their first six months of life.
Conclusion
Fathers’ descriptions of their parental roles included encouraging and facilitating breastfeeding, engaging in infant care and development, providing financial assistance, procuring food, and promoting adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), which aligned with the support mothers reported receiving. Fathers described significant involvement and interest in EBF promotion during the first six months of life, highlighting positive influence on continued breastfeeding practices and routine child growth and development for vulnerable populations like CHEU. Future prevention of mother-to child transmission (PMTCT) programs and interventions should be developed utilizing a family systems lens and capitalize on the promising potential of paternal and spousal support to enhance rates of optimal care and feeding practices while simultaneously improving ART adherence for concordant and discordant couples.Bachelor of Science in Public Healt