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Concessions Of Conservation
Get PDFThis thesis examines how the dominant philosophies of development in Brazil, from colonial to contemporary rationalizations, have entrenched systems of land dispossession, particularly against Quilombo communities. Tracing the historical evolution of land, race, and power from colonialism to the present, this study highlights how land-use policies have continually undermined Black sovereignty in favor of extractivist economic models. Through interviews with Quilombolas from Pitanga dos Palmares and Morro de São João, this thesis explores how contemporary conservation frameworks, particularly the New Forest Code of 2012, continue to facilitate land loss under the guise of sustainable development. In response, it advances Quilombo-Futurism as a redefinition of progress, where sovereignty, memory, and futurity prevail, offering an alternative model for both national and global development futures.Bachelor of Art
Assessing the Feasibility of Photovoltaic Systems for North Carolina's K-12 Public Schools
Get PDFThis study evaluates the feasibility of deploying rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems across all K–12 public schools in North Carolina through a comprehensive techno-economic and spatial analysis. Leveraging PySAM, a Python-based interface for the System Advisor Model (SAM), the research simulates nearly 2,000 school sites using a batch process that integrates site-specific weather data, system configurations, and utility rate models. Key metrics analyzed include annual energy generation, levelized cost of energy (LCOE), net present value (NPV) of annual costs, and capacity factor. Spatial results are overlaid with Justice40-designated energy-burdened communities to identify priority areas for investment. Results reveal strong correlations between system performance and financial viability, with high-impact schools, those in energy-burdened areas with large PV potential, offering the most cost-effective opportunities. The analysis confirms that rooftop solar can offset a substantial portion of energy use, reduce operational costs, and support statewide clean energy goals while enhancing educational equity. This scalable methodology provides a decision-support tool for policymakers and school districts considering solar adoption, particularly in historically underserved regions.Bachelor of Scienc
Investigating the Role of Reactive Oxygen Species on Antibiotic Tolerance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Get PDFPseudomonas aeruginosa is the primary infectious agent in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. Chronic P. aeruginosa infections exacerbate the existing disease, while treating the bacteria with antibiotics is difficult due to its intrinsic adaptations. For example, P. aeruginosa has been found to display tolerance to antibiotic treatment in addition to its well-defined resistance mechanisms. The objective of this study was to investigate how reactive oxygen species mediate P. aeruginosa’s tolerance to antibiotics, as previous studies have illustrated that while reactive oxygen species are traditionally understood to be antibacterial agents, they may in fact improve tolerance. To assess how tolerance is impacted by these treatments, a series of tobramycin killing assays were performed where reactive oxygen species concentration was artificially increased to observe changes in tolerance. Additionally, various genes responsible for reactive oxygen species detoxification were deleted to further understand their roles in this process.
This study found promising trends that below a certain threshold, reactive oxygen species serve as a pathway for tolerance upon treatment with tobramycin. However, at excessive concentrations, oxidative stress has a detrimental effect to Pseudomonas aeruginosa’s survival. It was observed that deletions of the reactive oxygen species-neutralizing genes, ΔkatB and ΔsodM, increase survival at lower concentrations of paraquat, a prototypical reactive oxygen species generator. Meanwhile, deletion of part of the stringent response mechanism, ΔrelA, causes decreased survival across paraquat additions. Collectively, these results highlight the role of reactive oxygen species as a mechanism of antibiotic tolerance at manageable concentrations for Pseudomonas aeruginosa before increased concentrations sensitize the bacteria to tobramycin, and encourage further study on other reactive oxygen species-neutralization genes.Bachelor of Science in Public Healt
Purification and Quantification of a Synthetic 3-O-Sulfated Heparan Sulfate Dodecasaccharide in an Isolated Perfused Rat Liver Model by Anion-Exchange High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Get PDFHeparan sulfate is a class of glycosaminoglycan found abundantly in animal tissues with various biological functions largely determined by the sulfation pattern and residue composition of the polysaccharide chain. Heparan sulfate is involved in regulating a variety of biological functions, including cell differentiation and proliferation, blood coagulation, inflammatory responses, and viral infections. Recent advances in chemoenzymatic production of pure, structurally defined synthetic heparan sulfate has allowed for robust functional analysis and activity discovery of these compounds. Namely, a synthetic 3-O-sulfated heparan sulfate dodecasaccharide, dekaparin, has shown therapeutic potential to suppress thromboinflammation and reduce early injury following organ trauma. Due to its unique functions and the labor-intensive nature of its synthesis, establishing reliable methods for recycling dekaparin is essential. This project presents an efficient high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to accurately and selectively purify and quantify dekaparin from the perfusate of the isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL) model, the gold-standard for studying liver ischemia reperfusion injury during transplantation.3 The innovation of the method arises from the installation of a chromophoric p-nitrophenyl moiety that enables optical density (OD) measurement of dekaparin in the ultraviolet spectrum (UV), providing accurate and sensitive quantification at a range of concentrations. Anion-exchange chromatography is commonly used to separate and characterize heparan sulfates due to their high negative charge density and is used in this study in the purification and quantification processes at small, intermediate, and large scale. The insights obtained from this study are crucial for dekaparin’s continuing development as a therapeutic agent and for reducing reliance on costly de novo synthesis.Bachelor of Art
Using Voice-Based Recall for Dietary Interventions in Older Adults
Get PDFDietary assessment is important for identifying patterns that can influence an older adult’s (age 65 and older) medical conditions. Existing assessments dependent on recall limit dietary tools. This pilot study focused on comparing usability of a voice-based dietary recall (Databoard) to a status-quo method, Automated Self-Administered 24 (ASA-24), for recalling meals over the last 24 hours. Participants were randomly assigned to complete voice-based recall or ASA-24 first, followed by a semi-structured acceptability interview. We obtained data on meal choices, participant feedback, and preferences for either method using a 1-10 rating scale (low to high agreement). Descriptive statistics were conducted.
Participants preferred using Databoard and appreciated its conciseness; they felt it could be used more frequently to report food than ASA-24. Dedoose analysis revealed preferences, challenges, and usability insights for Databoard.
Older adults supported voice-based recall as a means to evaluate dietary intake. Further evaluation with larger cohorts of older adults could provide additional opportunities to create a better tool for food recall.Bachelor of Science in Public Healt
Carfentanil drug analysis results
No full textData extract from the UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab at the request of Chris Delcher at the University of Kentucky.
Contains records of all carfentanil samples tested by our lab through June 4, 2025
Wave V - ACA Medicaid Expansion Data User Guide
Get PDFThis data file provides the year in which states expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. These dates are attached to the location in which Add Health participants were living at Wave V
“How am I Going to Live? How am I Going to Pay Rent?”: A Mixed Methods Investigation of Employment, Stigma, and Financial Hardship Among LGBTQ+ Cancer Caregivers
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LGBTQ+ cancer caregivers face financial hardship associated with job changes and stigma. Why was the study done? Caring for a loved one with cancer can be expensive, and many caregivers have to change or leave their jobs, leading to financial strain. LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to face financial challenges and workplace discrimination, which may make caregiving even harder. This study aimed to understand how employment changes and LGBTQ+ stigma was associated the financial well-being of LGBTQ+ cancer caregivers. What did the researchers do? The researchers conducted a national survey of 332 LGBTQ+ cancer caregivers and interviewed 14 of them to learn more about their experiences. They analyzed the survey data to identify factors linked to financial hardship and examined the interviews to understand the challenges caregivers face. What did the researchers find? Many LGBTQ+ caregivers experienced significant financial hardship. Caregivers who had to change/quit jobs had more than three times the odds of financial difficulties. Those who experienced anti-LGBTQ+ stigma were also more likely to struggle financially. The interviews revealed three major themes that revolved around financial burden, LGBTQ+ identity and varying levels of support, as well as unmet financial needs. What do the findings mean? LGBTQ + cancer caregivers face serious financial challenges, especially when they have to change jobs or encounter stigma. Support programs should consider the unique needs of LGBTQ+ caregivers and work to reduce financial hardship and stigma.Introduction Employment changes among cancer caregivers are common and can result in financial hardship. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other identities outside of cisgender heterosexual (LGBTQ+) individuals are more likely to live in poverty and experience workplace discrimination than non-LGBTQ+ individuals. This study aimed to assess the impact of caregiving-related employment changes and anti-LGBTQ+ stigma on financial hardship and describe lived experiences with financial hardship and related employment changes among LGBTQ+ cancer caregivers. Methods An explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted and included a national survey and individual interviews with survey participants. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to test the association of employment changes with financial hardship. An inductive qualitative analysis guided by two of the three domains of financial hardship (ie, material and behavioral) was conducted. Quantitative and qualitative data were integrated throughout the study. Results A total of N = 332 LGBTQ+ cancer caregivers participated in the survey, and N = 14 participated in an interview. The average modified COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity and Caregiver Reaction Assessment financial sub-scale were 25.6 (SD: 9.9, Range: 1-44) and 2.99 (SD: 1.0, Range: 1-5). Employment changes (OR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.73-6.36) and anti-LGBTQ+ stigma (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.47-3.32) were associated with high financial hardship. Three overarching themes from the qualitative analysis included: 1) Financial Hardship: Increased Costs, Strained Finances, and Lost Wages; 2) Caregiving as an LGBTQ+ Person: Stigma, Outness, and Expectations; and 3) Financial Unmet needs and Recommendations. Conclusion LGBTQ+ cancer caregivers experience substantial financial hardship that is associated with employment changes and anti-LGBTQ+ stigma. LGBTQ + cancer caregivers reported varying levels of outness and acceptance that directly influenced their access to financial support. Cancer-related financial hardship interventions tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals are needed
AI Integration: Regulatory And Trust-Building Perspectives For U.S. Army Public Affairs
Get PDFThis study examines the perceptions, challenges, and strategic implications of artificial intelligence (AI) integration within U.S. Army Public Affairs. As AI reshapes the communication landscape, military organizations must balance operational efficiency, ethical standards, and public trust. This research explores how Army Public Affairs leaders perceive the role of AI in communication operations, the organizational challenges tied to its implementation, and its implications for credibility and stakeholder engagement. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study draws on survey data from 54 Army PA professionals—including commissioned officers, senior noncommissioned officers, and civilian supervisors. Responses were analyzed through both quantitative and qualitative methods to assess trust in AI, perceived risks, and expectations for governance. Key findings reveal broad optimism about AI’s potential, particularly for improving efficiency, analysis, and internal workflows. However, concerns about transparency, human oversight, misinformation, and the readiness of junior personnel surfaced as persistent barriers to adoption. Differences in outlook were observed based on respondents’ prior use of AI, leadership experience, and perceptions of policy clarity. Across responses, transparency, ethical safeguards, and role-specific training emerged as critical factors for enabling responsible integration. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for phased implementation, oversight structures, and policy development that align AI use with Army communication goals. It contributes to broader discussions on strategic communication by underscoring the need for governance approaches that foster innovation while preserving stakeholder trust.Master of Art
Structural Chemistry of Helicase Inhibition
Get PDFHelicases are essential motor enzymes that couple nucleoside-triphosphate hydrolysis with DNA or RNA strand unwinding. Helicases are integral to replication, transcription, splicing, and translation of the genome, play crucial roles in the proliferation of cancer cells and propagation of viral pathogens, and are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Despite their therapeutic potential, drug discovery efforts targeting helicases face significant challenges due to their dynamic enzymatic cycles, the transient nature of their conformational states, and the conservation of their active sites. Analysis of cocrystal structures of inhibitor-helicase complexes revealed four distinct mechanisms of inhibition: allosteric, ATP-competitive, RNA-competitive, and interfacial inhibitors. While these static X-ray structures reveal potential binding pockets that may support the development of selective drugs, the application of advanced techniques such as cryo-EM, single-molecule analysis, and computational modeling will be essential for understanding helicase dynamics and designing effective inhibitors