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Impacts of Tick Parasitism on the Rodent Gut Microbiome
Get PDFHost microbiota may impact disease vector behavior and pathogen transmission, but little is known about associations between ectoparasites and microbial communities in wildlife reservoir species. We used Illumina metagenomic sequencing to explore the impacts of tick parasitism on the rodent fecal microbiome in both a field and laboratory setting. We found that tick parasitism on wild hosts was associated with variation in the fecal microbiota of both the white-footed deermouse, Peromyscus leucopus, and the southern cotton rat, Sigmodon hispidus. In a lab experiment, we detected significant changes to the fecal microbiome after experimental exposure to immature ticks in treated versus control BALB/c mice. Whereas there is variation in the fecal microbiome associated with each of the host species we tested, some of the same microbial taxa, notably members of the family Muribaculaceae, occurred at higher relative abundance in tick-parasitized hosts in both the field and laboratory studies, suggesting that there are consistent impacts of tick parasitism on the host gut microbiome. We recommend future studies to test the hypothesis that epithelial cell secretions, generated as part of the host\u27s immune response to tick parasitism, could provide resources that allow particular microbial lineages in the mammalian gut to flourish
Investigating Gender Differences in Intimate Partner Violence Using Gendered General Strain Theory
Get PDFIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health concern impacting communities and criminal justice systems. Nationwide IPV prevention and reduction policies were emphasized in the media during the aftermath of COVID-19 specifically regarding the identification of IPV offending behaviors through law enforcement screening tools. Research on IPV offending has clearly established a link in offenders exerting methods of power and control to harm an intimate partner through verbal abuse, coercion, sexual violence, and physical violence. Further, research also identified significant disproportional experiences of lethality in female victims at the hands of an intimate partner. However, criminological theories outside of control-based perspectives are rarely used to identify and investigate gender differences in violent IPV offending. The goal of this research is to investigate gender differences in violent IPV offending behaviors and severity before and during COVID-19 to enhance overall offender programming and involvement with the criminal justice system. This research aims to divert from common theoretical understandings of IPV by utilizing strain-based perspectives to understand offending behaviors and severity using general strain criminological perspectives. The decision to adopt strain-based perspectives was driven by the introduction of COVID-19 and reported increase of IPV worldwide during a highly stressful time. This research extends GGST to consider children in the home as a stressor and potential catalyst in offending by gender. This study analyzed 2,152 law enforcement lethality assessment protocol (LAP) IPV screening tools from 2018-2021. The findings suggest male and female IPV offenders experience different sources of strain, engage in different types of IPV offending behaviors and severity, and strain has a differential effect on IPV behaviors and severity in male and female IPV offenders
The Impact of Success Coaching on Psychological Well-Being and Sense of Belonging in First-Year College Students
Get PDFAs higher education institutions seek to assist students with the first-year transition, coaching is one intervention shown to increase academic performance and retention rates (Capstick et al., 2019). Along with academics, fostering student success from a holistic perspective is imperative (Bentrim & Henning, 2022). The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of participation in success coaching on the psychological well-being and sense of belonging for first-year college students. The study also investigated the impact of success coaching on first-generation students. Existing data were used to compare participation in success coaching to overall psychological well-being and sense of belonging scale scores. First-year students (n = 801) completed the Psychological Well-Being Scale and Sense of Belonging Scale which were embedded in a first-year survey to capture their campus experiences.
This quantitative study used a one-way multivariate analysis of variance to understand the effect of success coaching on psychological well-being and sense of belonging. For success coaching participants, the effect of number of meetings on psychological well-being and sense of belonging was also tested. A two-way multivariance analysis of variance was used to determine the interaction of being a first-generation student and participating in success coaching on psychological well-being and sense of belonging. For first-generation students that also participated in success coaching, the effect of number of meetings on psychological well-being and sense of belonging was tested using a one-way multivariate analysis of variance.
Results showed a statistically significant difference in success coaching participation on psychological well-being of first-year students. There was a significant difference on the collective impact of coaching on psychological well-being and sense of belonging, however no significant difference on sense of belonging individually. For psychological well-being, there was also a statistically significant difference on attendance at 0 meetings versus 4-6 meetings. There was no significant difference in other meeting groups and no significant difference in meeting group comparisons for sense of belonging. In addition, results showed no significant differences for first-generation students that participated in success coaching. Recommendations are discussed for future research and practical applications extending from the results of this stud
Leveraging Allies, Partners, and Technology: A Case Study Approach to Identifying Best Practices for Improving US Military All-Domain Urban Training
Get PDFIn this study, the researcher explored urban training gaps, opportunities, and synergies across the United States and five Allied and partner nations, and how synthetic training environments (STE) technologies should be optimized now and in the future to improve US all-domain urban training. The researcher adopted a qualitative multiple case study approach, analyzing military doctrine, urban warfare training strategies, and infrastructure in the United States, Germany, France, Britain, Israel, and Singapore to establish best practices across these countries. Urban warfare requires specialized skills to negotiate terrain, including high-rise buildings, subterranean networks, and dense civilian populations. However, the existing U.S. military urban training facilities are insufficient in scale and technological sophistication to replicate them realistically. Allied and partner nations created advanced urban training centers that employ virtual and augmented reality simulations of urban complexities and multi-domain operations. Lave and Wenger’s (1991) situated learning theory was used to stress the need for realistic and immersive training environments. The possible capabilities of synthetic training environments (STE) to transcend physical bounds, improve operational realism, and incorporate technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) artificial intelligence and cloud computing were revealed. The results showcased the significance of modernizing U.S. training frameworks by analyzing training infrastructure across the nations studied. Lessons learned from Allied and partner nations involved creating opportunities for collective training and interoperability, as well as leveraging superior, comprehensive STE technologies. Recommendations include creating training synergies by partnering with Allied and partner nations, improving domestic training infrastructure, and integrating hybrid training techniques
It Ends with Us: How Social Media Algorithms Shape Recommendations in Online Reading Communities
Get PDFMy thesis explores social media algorithms and their influence on recommendations of authors for people who engage with reading communities online. During a three-week research period, I examined algorithmic behaviors in online book communities using an alias. Findings revealed that BookTube, BookTok, and Bookstagram facilitate book discovery but offer weak algorithmic recommendations and suggestions. While social media algorithms excel at providing opportunities for creators and authors, they fail to promote trending and diverse books. These insights indicate that algorithms shape literary consumption by limiting readers’ choices. This research contributes to discussions of online reading communities and the role of algorithmic bias in hindering suggestions of titles and authors
Communication During Perimmigration: A Life-Line Interview Method Study
Get PDFThis thesis examines the communication challenges faced by migrants and their impact on acculturation using a new approach. The study analyzed autobiographical memories of immigrants’ communication to explore both positive and negative experiences over time. The study extends previous intercultural communication research by using the Life-Line Interview Method (LIM) (Assink & Schroots, 2010) to collect autobiographical narratives from twelve participants about their communication journeys. The findings reveal consistencies with past intercultural communication research insofar as uncertainty and identity problems were pervasive, but also positively extends past research arguing that supportive environments, characterized by culturally responsive educators and peer networks, play a crucial role in mitigating feelings of isolation and promoting inclusion. Furthermore, immigrants reported that technology facilitated language learning, enabling migrants to develop skills needed immediately at their own pace. The study emphasizes the importance of advocating for linguistic rights and the need for multilingual support in educational and workplace contexts. It is further argued that future research should consider the Perimmigration Cyclical Transculturation Dialectical Model as it provides a useful reframing of communication and acculturation as a dynamic, ongoing process, rather than past variable-analytic studies. This model highlights the complex interplay of identity, culture, and power dynamics that migrants must navigate, underscoring the need for inclusive practices that embrace linguistic diversity. An agenda for future research is offered.
Abstract (Italian):
Questa tesi esamina le sfide comunicative affrontate dai migranti e il loro impatto sull\u27acculturazione utilizzando un nuovo approccio. Lo studio ha analizzato i ricordi autobiografici della comunicazione degli immigrati per esplorare sia le esperienze positive che quelle negative nel tempo. La ricerca amplia gli studi precedenti sulla comunicazione interculturale adottando il Metodo dell’Intervista Linea della Vita (Life-Line Interview Method – LIM) (Assink & Schroots, 2010) per raccogliere narrazioni autobiografiche da dodici partecipanti riguardanti i loro percorsi comunicativi. I risultati confermano quanto emerso dalla ricerca precedente in termini di incertezza e problemi di identità diffusi, ma aggiungono anche un contributo positivo evidenziando come ambienti di supporto, caratterizzati da educatori culturalmente sensibili e reti di pari, svolgano un ruolo cruciale nell’alleviare il senso di isolamento e nel promuovere l’inclusione. Inoltre, gli immigrati hanno riferito che la tecnologia ha facilitato l’apprendimento linguistico, permettendo loro di sviluppare rapidamente le competenze necessarie secondo i propri ritmi. Lo studio sottolinea l’importanza di sostenere i diritti linguistici e la necessità di un supporto multilingue nei contesti educativi e lavorativi. Si sostiene inoltre che la ricerca futura dovrebbe considerare il Modello Dialettico Ciclico di Transculturazione Perimmigratoria, in quanto offre una riformulazione utile della comunicazione e dell\u27acculturazione come processo dinamico e continuo, in contrasto con gli studi precedenti di tipo variabile-analitico. Questo modello evidenzia la complessa interazione tra identità, cultura e dinamiche di potere che i migranti devono affrontare, sottolineando la necessità di pratiche inclusive che valorizzino la diversità linguistica. Viene proposta un’agenda per la ricerca futura
Development of Paper-Based Electrodes for Electrochemical Detection of Prostate Cancer Related MicroRNAs
Get PDFProstate cancer is a prevalent malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men globally. The early detection and monitoring of prostate cancer are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing unnecessary treatments. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood testing and biopsies, are invasive, costly, and can lead to overdiagnosis. Additionally, PSA tests often yield false positives or negatives, and biopsies carry significant side-effects and discomforts. Therefore, there is a pressing need for novel, non-invasive diagnostic approaches. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising biomarkers for prostate cancer due to their dysregulation in malignant cells and their presence in urine.
However, conventional miRNA detection is hindered by low sensitivity, complex procedures, and expensive equipment. Electrochemical biosensors, utilizing readily available electrode substrates, offer a cost-effective, rapid, and highly sensitive alternative for miRNA detection. Paper substrates are advantageous due to their low cost, accessibility, and compatibility with inkjet printing, which allows for rapid and scalable production of high-resolution electrode patterns. By incorporating these advancements in paper-based electrodes, electrochemical biosensors can offer a highly sensitive, cost-effective, and user-friendly platform for the early detection and monitoring of prostate cancer.
This study introduces an innovative electrochemical paper-based biosensor that leverages gold inkjet printing for the quantitative detection of miRNAs. The biosensor, aimed at developing cost-effective POC devices for low-resource settings, uses thiolated self-assembled monolayers to immobilize single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) on electrodeposited gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the printed gold surface, facilitating specific miRNA capture and enhancing sensitivity. The hybridization of ssDNA with miRNA increases the anionic barrier density, impeding electron transfer from the redox probe and resulting in a current suppression that correlates with miRNA concentration. The biosensor exhibited a linear detection range from 1 fM to 1 μM miR-141 with a sensitivity of 73.13 fM μA-1 cm-2 and a rapid response time (15 min). With a low detection limit of 2.31 fM miR-141 in synthetic urine, the biosensor also demonstrates excellent selectivity against interferent species. This innovative device highlights the potential for the development of cost-effective electrode substrates accessible for cancer diagnostics
A Different Risk-Return Relationship
Get PDFWe challenge the widely accepted premise that the valuation of an early-stage firm is simply the capital invested (USD) divided by the equity received (%). Instead, we argue that this calculation determines the break-even point for the investor; for example, investing USD 1.0 in exchange for a 10% equity sets a firm-level free cash flow target of USD 10.0, resulting in a 0% return for the investor. The design of our study is that of a descriptive analysis of the phenomenon, based on three assumptions: that angel investing is a two-issue negotiation, that negotiation positions are communicated sequentially from capital to equity, and that the capital is fixed to a strategic trajectory. We note that when pausing the negotiation once a strategic trajectory (and thus capital) has been defined, utilizing the break-even point as the main reference point provides a structure that can serve as a guiding barometer for negotiators, as they evaluate their options across the full range of equity greater than 0% and less than 100%. We draw attention to the diminishing benefit of the marginal equity percentage point [diminishing at a rate of (−1/x²)] for the investor to break even on their investment. This relationship tracks to the equation [value = 1/equity], which presents the full option set for any offer, once the capital is determined. Our study provides the practitioner with the subtle benefit of situational awareness and the scholar with a logical foundation for future research
Frailty and Sleep in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Childhood Cancer Survivor Study Report
No full textBackground
Young adult survivors of childhood cancer exhibit rates of frailty similar to adults several decades older without a cancer history. Frailty has been associated with sleep disturbances in non-cancer populations, but the relationship has not been examined in childhood cancer survivors who are known to exhibit elevated rates of sleep problems.
Aims
Examine associations between frailty and poor sleep quality in long-term survivors of childhood cancer.
Methods
This study utilized data from 9044 participants (\u3e 5 years from diagnosis, M(age) = 40.8 years [SD = 9.5]) in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Survivors\u27 frailty status, chronic health conditions (CHC), health behaviors, mental health, and pain were collected in 2014-2016, and self-reported sleep quality in 2017-2019. Multivariable logistic regression models examined frailty status as a predictor of clinically significant poor sleep. All models were adjusted for age at diagnosis, age at survey, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking, risky/heavy alcohol use, and physical inactivity. Separate models included treatment-related variables, CHC burden (number/severity), and emotional health/pain as co-variates.
Results
Frail survivors had 6-fold (95% CI 4.48-7.96) increased odds of future poor sleep quality. Little attenuation of this association was observed when accounting for cancer diagnosis (Odds Ratio [OR] 5.80, 95% CI 4.47-7.52), treatment exposures (OR 5.80, 95% CI 4.43-7.71), or chronic health condition burden (OR 5.12, 95% CI 3.98-6.59), but adjustment for emotional health/pain (OR 2.88, 95% CI 2.18-3.82) attenuated the association appreciably.
Conclusions
Frail childhood cancer survivors have a higher prevalence of clinically significant poor sleep quality. Addressing poor physiologic reserve may impact sleep in frail childhood cancer survivors
Heterogeneous Clustering of Multiomics Data for Breast Cancer Subgroup Classification and Detection
Get PDFThe rapid growth of diverse -omics datasets has made multiomics data integration crucial in cancer research. This study adapts the expectation–maximization routine for the joint latent variable modeling of multiomics patient profiles. By combining this approach with traditional biological feature selection methods, this study optimizes latent distribution, enabling efficient patient clustering from well-studied cancer types with reduced computational expense. The proposed optimization subroutines enhance survival analysis and improve runtime performance. This article presents a framework for distinguishing cancer subtypes and identifying potential biomarkers for breast cancer. Key insights into individual subtype expression and function were obtained through differentially expressed gene analysis and pathway enrichment for BRCA patients. The analysis compared 302 tumor samples to 113 normal samples across 60,660 genes. The highly upregulated gene COL10A1, promoting breast cancer progression and poor prognosis, and the consistently downregulated gene CDG300LG, linked to brain metastatic cancer, were identified. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed similarities in cellular matrix organization pathways across subtypes, with notable differences in functions like cell proliferation regulation and endocytosis by host cells. GO Semantic Similarity analysis quantified gene relationships in each subtype, identifying potential biomarkers like MATN2, similar to COL10A1. These insights suggest deeper relationships within clusters and highlight personalized treatment potential based on subtypes