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Expanding Tailored Nanomaterials with Precise Spatial and Morphological Control
No full textMulticomponent nanocomposites with precise spatial control are important for diverse fields spanning from energy conversion to optoelectronics and catalysis. Traditional methods using hydrophilic interactions alone are limited to random mixtures when multiple nanoparticle (NP) types are combined. To improve capabilities, a new strategy for polymer micelle design combining orthogonal hydrophilic (H) and fluorophobic (F) interactions to independently control two distinct NP populations was developed.
Initial research aimed at understanding F-interaction adjustments, which further enabled the switchability of FNP distribution states (dispersion vs aggregation) within polymer films through immersion annealing. Next, dual-NP assembly was examined using a diblock poly (H-b-F) where excess HNP was required for micelle template preservation. The addition of a glassy lipophilic (L) block led to a triptych triblock poly(H-b-L-b-F) design that enabled vitrification of FNP-loaded micelles for robust dual-NP control with well-defined assemblies regardless of the FNP/HNP fractions. A novel micelle-chain morphology occurred with majority FNP content, potentially supporting unique transport applications. Finally, a polymer micelle with immobile glassy core was developed to fabricate porous cylindrical templates with persistence. As a collective these advancements in polymer micelle design have expanded the scope of tailored nanomaterials with precise spatial and morphological control
The Impact of Microlearning Professional Development on Educator Social and Emotional Competencies and Beliefs About Middle School Students’ Social and Emotional Learning
Get PDFThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted educational experiences for students with extended school closures and social distancing during the 2020-2021 school year and beyond. School closures, social isolation, and societal issues impacted students and caused mental health challenges as well as behavioral issues in the classroom. This study explored the impact of educator social and emotional competencies (SEC) on social and emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom. Previous research on SEL has found benefits to student’s relationship skills, emotional regulation abilities, and increases in academic achievement. This action research study used a mixed method design to gather data from surveys, interviews, classroom observations, and reflection questions. The data was analyzed to understand educator perceptions on SEL, their own SEC, and the impact of microlearning professional development sessions on educator SEC. The findings demonstrated an increase to the participating educators’ SEC, which impact educator beliefs about SEL instruction, and the implementation of SEL in the classroom. This research highlights the need for educators to receive training on SEC, thereby impacting the SEL instruction in their classroom and the students who receive the instruction
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and the Preservation of the Zone of Stasis After a Burn Wound by the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway: An Evaluation of Ethics
No full textBurn injuries consist of three zones: the zone of immediate cell death (the coagulation zone), the zone susceptible to burn induced apoptosis (the zone of stasis), and the zone unaffected by thermal damage (the zone of hyperemia). Cell death in the zone of stasis by burn induced apoptosis can create an expansion of the zone of coagulation, creating a larger surface area for potential pathogens, scar contracture and decreased wound healing. With an investigation into the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the zone of stasis, the ability to prevent apoptosis in a burn wound can be observed. Through an analysis of primary literature articles of animal studies, the possible implications of MSCs on the PI3K/AKT pathway in the zone of stasis is interpreted. The zone of stasis of thermal wounds in rat and mice models are avoiding apoptosis with the introduction of MSCs. Investigating the potential of this method through an analysis of ethics will allow for a conversation about potentially continuing the field of research into human trials, potentially creating a new common practice in the burn care field. However, the hefty price of stem cell treatment, and donation protocols create great ethical dilemmas
College Student-Athlete Identity Unveiled: The Interplay of Racial and Ethnic Subdimensions
Get PDFThe racialized and institutionalized structure of the NCAA, college sports, and the PWIs that host most athletic programs positions racial and ethnic identity as a potential barrier to the social and academic engagement, mental health, and identity development of student-athletes. However, few studies examine the relationship, role, and influence of racial, student, and athlete identities outside of domain-specific outcomes. We collected data from 343 student-athletes to explore the relationships between student-athletes\u27 academic and athletic identities, race centrality, and private and public regard, while also examining how race and ethnicity influence these identity dynamics. Our results revealed race and ethnicity to have statistically significant effects on three of the five identity constructs, as well as eight significant underlying relationships among the identity constructs, which were further impacted by participants’ racial and ethnic identities. We provide insight into nuanced relationships between academic and athletic identities, race centrality, and private and public regard, and the impact of race and ethnicity on their interrelatedness. Through this study, we addressed critical gaps in literature by responding to calls for more comprehensive analyses of the multidimensional and intersecting identities of student-athletes and further substantiate the need for inclusive support and research on the interplay and development of the identity dynamics among an increasingly diverse student-athlete population
Modifiable and Non-Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia Among Non-Hispanic White and Black Populations Aged 50-64 in the United States, 2006-2016
Get PDFBackground and Objectives Non-Hispanic Black populations (NHB) have a significantly higher prevalence of dementia than non-Hispanic Whites in the U.S., and the underlying risk factors may play a role in this racial disparity. We aimed to calculate risk scores for dementia among non-Hispanic White (NHW) and non-Hispanic Black populations aged 50-64 years over a period of 10 years, and to estimate potential differences of scores between NHW and NHB. Research Design and Methods The Health and Retirement Study from 2006 to 2016 was used to calculate the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE) risk score, a validated score for predicting dementia risk. Weighted average CAIDE score, as well as CAIDE score for modifiable factors hypertension, obese, hypercholesterolemia, physical inactivity), and non-modifiable factors (age, sex, education) were calculated for adults aged 50-64 years with normal cognition for 2006-2008, 2010-2012, 2014-2016. The associations of race with CAIDE score and elevated CAIDE score were examined. Results A total of 10,871 participants were included in the analysis. The CAIDE score showed declining trends for NHB from 2006 to 2016, while NHB consistently had a higher total CAIDE score and CAIDE score for modifiable factors from 2006 to 2016, but not for non-modifiable factors. Discussion and Implications NHB had a higher level of dementia risk factors than NHW among adults aged 50-64 years in the U.S. from 2006 to 2016, and the difference is attributable to modifiable risk factors, which holds promise for risk reduction of dementia
