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Human Flourishing Symposium - Exploring Pathways to Thriving: Shifting from Deficit to Possibility
No full textHuman flourishing research seeks to investigate the essential question of what it means for individuals and communities to thrive and achieve their fullest potential. It also explores the ways in which humanity, with its varied priorities and preferences, can collectively achieve well-being. A notable gap in the existing body of human flourishing research is the insufficient representation of marginalized communities, who are often lacking basic resources. Marginalized communities have been traditionally excluded from the conversations about meaning and fulfillment, which are central concepts in the discussions of flourishing. Historically, this mindset has influenced research and practices concerning marginalized groups, emphasizing deficits and deficiencies, leading to the formulation of policies and practices that are often stigmatizing and disempowering. However, recent advancements in resilience research highlight the potential for individuals to thrive despite adversity. The Symposium on Human Flourishing aims to foster a collaborative environment for interdisciplinary researchers, practitioners, students, and community leaders to engage in discussions about promoting research and practices that enhance human flourishing, especially within marginalized communities
Honesty on the Margins
No full textWe examine how competition affects honesty through two channels: an intensive margin (endogenizing the rewards to exaggeration) and an extensive margin (endogenizing the pool of competitors via an outside option). Using the lying and reputation-cost preference model from the Abeler et al. (2019) metastudy we predict minimal effects on honesty from either channel in isolation, but a sharp decrease in honesty with both competitive channels. Our experimental results confirm the predictions of the model, over both reports and entry/exit behavior. However we do detect some anomalies, suggesting that smaller communities/groups can have persistent honesty even with both competitive forces
Data associated with publication: "In Situ Measurement of Adhesion for Multimetallic Nanoparticles" by A. Baker, S. B. Vishnubhotla, S. Karpe, Y. Yang, G. Veser, T. D. B. Jacobs, published in the Nano Letters, 2025
No full textData associated with publication: "In Situ Measurement of Adhesion for Multimetallic Nanoparticles" by A. Baker, S. B. Vishnubhotla, S. Karpe, Y. Yang, G. Veser, T. D. B. Jacobs, published in the Nano Letters, 202
The Impact of Increased Recycle Content on Microstructure, Tensile Properties and Hemming Capability in Automotive Al-Mg-Si Alloys
No full textThe following study investigated the impact of increased aluminum scrap utilization on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Si alloys for use in automotive applications. Scrap-tolerant alloys represent a key developmental area as the automotive industry continues to strive for greater sustainability and lower cost. For the purposes of this study, a hypothetical scrap mixture, based on a projection from Ford F-150 post-consumer 6XXX (Al-Mg-Si) scrap, was used to derive three alloy compositions of interest. Each alloy targeted a base composition of Mg, Si, and Cu designed to meet Ford WSS-A175-A2 specification requirements, which is a grade commonly used in exposed applications requiring improved local formability for door hem operations. The three alloys targeted 0%, 33%, and 67% recycle content with Fe and Mn increasing as recycle content increased. To determine the impact of thermo-mechanical processing on the scrap tolerance of these alloys, each alloy was rolled to a final gauge of 1.0 mm, targeting cold reductions of 70%, 80% and 90%. Additionally, each alloy was heat treated using two separate practices, with the first targeting near the center of the Ford yield strength specification limits and the second targeting full dissolution of Mg2Si.
Alloy microstructure was evaluated using optical metallography and scanning electron microscopy to identify and quantify observed phases. Additionally, electron backscatter diffraction was used to measure grain size. Tensile testing with measurement of plastic strain ratio was used to evaluate mechanical properties associated with global formability. VDA bend testing and Ford flat hem testing was used to evaluate hemming capability.
Overall, this study found that moderate levels of scrap could be used to improve overall performance with appropriate thermomechanical processing modifications, as the local formability can be improved with increasing cold work without significant, negative impacts to tensile properties. However, higher levels of scrap were found to be exceedingly detrimental to global formability properties, likely hindering their general use for automotive applications. Future work is suggested to better understand how recycle content affects texture evolution during thermomechanical processing as such information could be leveraged to further refine processing strategies to increase the amount of allowable recycling content
Characterizing Healthy Hip Arthrokinematics and Morphology Utilizing Dynamic Biplane Radiography
No full textHip pathologies such as femoroacetabular impingement and dysplasia are the two most common causes of hip osteoarthritis and are a significant source of pain and disability across the lifespan. These pathologies can manifest as aberrant hip motion, and while clinical evaluation often utilizes the contralateral limb as a reference for healthy motion, it is unknown how much asymmetry is present in an asymptomatic hip to put kinematic deviations into context. Morphological abnormalities of the femur and pelvis influence both the paths of muscles surrounding the hip (and, in turn, the muscle torque generating capabilities) and the dynamic articulations, or arthrokinematics, between the femoral head and acetabulum. Regional variations in hip coverage and congruency in asymptomatic individuals will provide a potential mechanistic explanation for common patterns of cartilage degeneration in individuals with symptomatic pathology. Describing healthy hip motion among asymptomatic individuals is essential in order for clinicians to quantify normal functional variability and make informed decisions when evaluating pathologic populations.The goal of this project is to utilize dynamic biplane radiography and model-based tracking to analyze in vivo hip motion during walking, squatting, and ascending a step in a cohort of asymptomatic young adults. From this healthy cohort, morphological features of the femur and pelvis were assessed and femoroacetabular kinematics, muscle moment arm lengths, femoroacetabular surface congruency, and dynamic femoral head coverage were described. The results of this study can be used to put aberrant hip biomechanics into context and provide insight into improving restoration of healthy hip motion following surgical intervention or rehabilitation.
The results of this study indicate sex-based differences in hip kinematics during walking and step ascent are small, but kinematic asymmetry is greater during squatting than during walking. Further, the in vivo torque generating capabilities of muscles surrounding the hip change considerably from the standing position to positions encountered during active functional motions. Finally, hip coverage and congruency varies by region and by activity in asymptomatic hips. This study lays the foundation for future work to assess in vivo hip arthrokinematics and effects of symptomatic morphologies during activities of daily living, work-related activities, and high-impact athletic movements
Towards Rebalancing the Nitrogen Cycle: Development and Examination of Tools to Reduce Nitrogen Fertilizer Emissions from Crop Agriculture
No full textNitrogen is a limiting nutrient in the growth of agricultural crops. To enhance yields and meet food demands, nitrogen fertilizers are added in excessive quantities during crop production. However, the use of these fertilizers is inefficient. An estimated 50% nitrogen fertilizer that is applied is not assimilated by crops and creates severe economic and environmental consequences. In order to develop effective interventions to this problem, the scientific community must first aim to quantify emissions with greater granularity and clarify the driving factors of inefficient nitrogen fertilizer use. Towards this aim, two separate modeling tools were developed to increase nitrogen emissions data availability and improve understanding of how practices and environmental conditions affect nitrogen use efficiency. In addition, a novel nitrogen fertilizer carrier was evaluated for its ability to aid in nitrogen emissions reduction in soil.
First, to improve emissions data availability, a statistical model framework was developed to accurately predict daily nitrate loads (mean Kling-Gupta Efficiency of 0.74) in agricultural streams using streamflow and geographical data. Geographical variables related to nitrogen inputs (i.e., corn acreage density and livestock density) and water resources vulnerability (i.e., tile drainage density and water table depth) were highly correlated with nitrate loading concentrations. Next, a field-scale, process-based model was created to simulate nitrogen fertilizer dynamics during corn cultivation. Scenario modeling indicated that optimizing nitrogen application rates and delaying fertilizer application can reduce emissions to water and the atmosphere. Delayed application versus baseline aligns nitrogen availability in the root zone with peak crop demands, improving recovery rates. Based on these findings similar results in the literature, we hypothesized that nitrogen fertilizer inefficiency and emissions stem from rapid nitrogen transport and mismatched timing with crop needs. To avoid these dynamics, we explored using liposomes—micro-scale lipid carriers—to enhance nutrient retention and reduce transport in soil. Soil column experiments were conducted to analyze the fate and transport of these liposomes.
Together, the research in this dissertation presents and evaluates new tools, both computational and technological, that fill research gaps and that could aid in the challenge of inefficient nitrogen fertilizer use
Evaluating the Influence of Socket Design on Gait, Balance, and Loading in Individuals with Transfemoral Amputations
No full textIndividuals with lower-limb amputations tend to have asymmetrical gait characteristics which can cause poor balance and asymmetrical joint loading. Poor balance increases an individual’s risk of falls, and asymmetrical loading can lead to secondary conditions such as contralateral knee and hip osteoarthritis. The prescription of a well fitted socket which is both comfortable and functional is key in addressing these issues. However, the process of optimizing socket fit is iterative, and success is dependent upon patient feedback and clinician experience.
Quantitative data is needed to expedite the socket fitting process and to optimize gait, balance, and loading in individuals with transfemoral amputations. As such, the objective of this dissertation is to evaluate the relationship between socket design and clinically relevant gait biomechanics for individuals with transfemoral amputations. These findings can be used to streamline the socket fitting process for individuals with lower extremity amputations and to provide evidence which can assist clinicians in justifying services provided to third party payers.
Individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputations donned up to seven sockets which varied in geometry, pliability, volume, and brim height. Gait, dynamic balance, and loading metrics were compared based on socket type during gait. Additionally, residual femur motion relative to the socket was evaluated during gait using a previously validated volumetric tracking process and correlated with dynamic balance metrics.
Sockets adjustments which reduced rigid stability, such as altered brim height or pliability, were associated with an increase in gait deviations, dynamic balance asymmetry, and frontal plane moments in the contralateral hip and knee in individuals with transfemoral amputations. Additionally, greater residual femur pistoning during stance phase of gait was associated with poorer balance in individuals with transfemoral amputations.
These findings provide insights into the influence of socket design adjustments on gait, balance, and loading in individuals with transfemoral amputations and support the theory that a socket which reduces residual femur motion may improve functional mobility in individuals with transfemoral amputations. This study lays the foundation for future work to assess the long term implications of socket design on physical function and fall risk in lower functioning individuals with transfemoral amputations
Mitochondrial Adenine Nucleotide Translocase Drives Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
No full textChronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) represent two ends of a spectrum of interstitial lung diseases. On one hand COPD is characterized by the destruction of alveolar walls and connective tissue, on the other hand IPF is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix and aberrant wound healing response. Despite the seemingly opposite mechanisms of these disparate lung diseases, recent studies have revealed a critical role of mitochondrial dysfunction in driving both disorders. There are currently no efficacious treatments for COPD which can halt or reverse progression and current therapies are only supportive. Treatments for IPF remain limited in scale and have limited efficacy in reversing or preventing disease. Thus, it is critical to understand links between mitochondrial function and lung disease to develop potential new therapies which may improve the prognosis of these deadly chronic diseases. Here, we study the function of adenine nucleotide translocase 1 (ANT1) in both disease contexts. ANT1 is one of the most abundant proteins in the cell and acts as an ATP/ADP antiporter on the inner mitochondrial membrane. ANT1 has been demonstrated to play a critical role in maintaining total cellular ATP levels in a variety of different cell types. We found that ANT1 is reduced in monocytes and alveolar macrophages of early-stage COPD patients. We leverage a COPD smoking-mouse model using an Ant1-null mouse to study the effects of mitochondrial function in COPD macrophage and monocytes. Furthermore, we use a bleomycin-induced injury model of pulmonary fibrosis and identify key senescent pathways modulated by loss of Ant1. Taken together, these studies provide valuable mechanistic insight into the function of mitochondrial metabolism in the pathogenesis of COPD and IPF. Ant1 represents a promising therapeutic target for the future treatment of these diseases and may signify an important approach for future immunomodulatory therapeutics
A Balancing Act: A Qualitative Examination of Foster Parent Rights and Well-being
No full textFoster parents are perceived as important members of the child welfare team, but despite this recognition, there is little research on their experiences and perspectives using a rights framework. Yet this perspective is critical since the child welfare system is a setting where rights violations as well as conflicts occur. This study utilized focus groups with 19 foster parents to explore their perspectives and experiences of their rights within the child welfare system. Following Androff’s framework, (2017), responses were analyzed using his six constructs of social work human rights practice: human dignity, transparency, accountability, participation, non-discrimination, and well-being. The study found a strong relationship between foster parent’s views and a need for a stronger human rights practice in foster care to support not only foster parents but the parents and children the system aims to serve. Much of the discussion focused on the balancing act of rights between the groups. In the end, foster parents identified the need for human rights practices to be in place to foster and nurture well-being. The findings suggest ways that child welfare systems can identify when foster parent, child and birth parent rights may be in conflict and how policies can be negotiated
Automated traction analysis for worn shoes: combining novel imaging technology, convolutional neural networks, and hydrodynamic modelling to predict friction performance
No full textSlips and falls are a major cause of workplace injuries, often exacerbated by worn shoe outsoles. Tread wear leads to increased under-shoe fluid pressures and increased slip risk. Frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) technology offers a cost-effective approach for assessing the slip risk for worn shoes. However, current FTIR-based image analysis methods are not fully automated, and existing fluid pressure models have not been applied to the complex geometries that form on actual worn shoes. This study aimed to advance the use of FTIR for assessing shoe slip risk by: (1) assessing the accuracy of a U-Net network (a convolution neural network) in automatically identifying contact regions from FTIR images, and (2) investigating the association between model-predicted fluid pressures of the identified worn regions and slip outcome, coefficient of friction (COF) and experimentally measured peak fluid pressures. Fifty-five participants wearing worn slip-resistant shoes completed walking trials, including unexpected exposure to a slippery surface. Experimental peak fluid pressures were recorded using an array of fluid pressure sensors embedded in the floor and slip outcome was determined from heel kinematics. The COF was measured with a mechanical slip testing device. The shoes from the participants were scanned with a FTIR device. The U-Net was able to predict contact regions that overlapped with the ground truth contact regions by 83%. Higher predicted peak fluid pressures were associated with higher experimentally measured peak fluid pressures (R^2=0.25), lower COF values (R^2=0.55), and increased slip risk (p=0.0059). In conclusion, this study demonstrates the feasibility of using FTIR technology combined with convolutional neural networks and hydrodynamic modelling to automate the evaluation of slip risk due to the shoe’s worn condition