A national survey of athletic training educators' academic role strain, role orientation, and intent to leave

"Research in allied health education indicates faculty experience varying levels of role strain between academic responsibilities and clinical practice. How athletic training (AT) faculty prioritize their work and the impact on role strain and intent to leave had not been reported previously. The purposes of this investigation were to determine the degree of role strain experienced by full-time athletic training educators affiliated with accredited entry-level programs, to identify the leading components of role strain, and to examine the relationships between personal, employment and institutional characteristics, academic role orientation, academic role strain, and intent to leave. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional descriptive design to administer a web-based survey. A total of 250 full-time faculty members, solicited from a national database participated in this study, yielding a 26 % response rate. Respondents completed six questionnaires: personal, employment and institutional questionnaires, the Academic Role Orientation (ARO) Scale, the Academic Role Strain Scale - Athletic Training Educator (RSS-ATE) version, and a series of intent to leave questions. The ARO delineates eight work orientations emphasizing teaching, research, and/or service. The RSS-ATE contains 55-items measuring total role strain and 7 subscales: role incongruity, inter role conflict, inter-sender role conflict, intra-sender role conflict, role ambiguity, role overload, and role incompetence. Athletic training faculty reported moderate role strain in comparison to previous reports among collegiate athletic trainers and nursing faculty. Role overload and inter-sender role conflict were the leading components of role strain. Significant relationships were found among the personal, employment, and institutional variables and role strain. Both ideal and actual role orientations as well as role orientation incongruity with supervisors, colleagues, and the institution had a significant impact on total role strain and subscale scores. Individuals with the highest total role strain scores reported a greater frequency of considering leaving their current institution, leaving the profession, and leaving higher education. Strategies for addressing role strain, limitations of the study, and suggestions for future research are presented. Future research exploring the role strain and role orientations of athletic training faculty should be conducted to determine their relationship on other outcomes such as job satisfaction, productivity, and turnover."--Abstract from author supplied metadata

Novel Approaches For Assessment Of Copper Toxicity: Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry And Optical Bioassays

Anthropogenic activities negatively impact fresh water ecosystems through toxic contaminants that are released into the environment. Copper (Cu) is a water contaminant that is fundamentally persistent once introduced into the environment that has the potential for bioaccumulation. Although Cu toxicity has been studied for decades, there is still a continuing problem with new sources and pathways. New approaches are needed to understand distribution and transport of Cu and its potential for complex biological impacts beyond the simple assessment of lethality. Several novel approaches were used in this research project to advance our understanding of Cu toxicity, including fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) and two optical bioassays. Fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is a powerful new method for measuring electroactive species with high sensitivity and sub-second temporal resolution. The ability to mitigate Cu as an environmental pollutant is largely determined by understanding the movement and complexation of Cu ions in the aqueous state with dissolved organic matter (DOM) and other competing ions. The FSCV analytical technique was used to demonstrate that the type of DOM present influences the Cu binding capacity. In addition, the ability of another metal, aluminum (Al), to cause the release of DOM bound Cu was examined. This series of experiments addressed factors that can influence the distribution of Cu in the aquatic environment and its bioavailability using a method (FSCV) with very high temporal resolution. Daphnia magna, a microcrustacean is a model freshwater species for commonly used in ecotoxicological studies. Novel optical bioassays were used to investigate both the behavioral and physiological changes resulting from exposure to Cu or Cu-DOM complexes. The behavioral bioassay examined swimming behavior by tracking two parameters: (1) maximum accumulated distance that Daphnia travel and (2) changes in mean angle that occur over time. The physiological bioassay investigated changes to Daphnid heart rate (HR) and appendage beat rate (ABR) after Cu exposure. These optical bioassays demonstrated that the type and amount of available DOM significantly affected the toxic effects of Cu in both the behavioral and physiological assays. Cu was also shown to significantly affect negative-phototactic behavior of D. magna. FSCV was used to measure the release of neurotransmitters from Daphnia in response to light stimulation. A carbon fiber microelectrode was placed in the brain of the D. magna and neurotransmitter release was measured using two different waveforms, one for histamine (histamine-like neurotransmitters) that was less selective, and one waveform that was more selective for serotonin. Light-sensitive neurotransmitter release was detected using both waveforms. When animals were exposed to 0.1 µM Cu there was a significant reduction in the light-coupled release of serotonin observed when using the serotonin waveform. This suggests that the serotonin may be involved in the effects of Cu on negative phototactic behavior. The use of FSCV and these optical assays are capable of advancing our knowledge of Cu distribution in the environment, its bioavailability and potential for sublethal toxicity

Viewing the Status of Virginia’s Environment Through the Lens of Freshwater Fishes

We summarize a range of topics related to the status of Virginia’s freshwater fishes, their reflection of environmental quality, and their contribution to human wellbeing. Since 1994 the list of extant Virginia fishes has lengthened from 210 species to 227 species, mostly due to taxonomic reorganizations. Virginia’s list of Species of Greatest Conservation Need currently contains 96 fish species, predominated by darters (32 species) and minnows (28 species). Increasing trends in species rarity and threats to fishes suggest that Virginia’s aquatic environment is becoming less hospitable for fishes. Prevailing anthropogenic threats to fishes include agriculture, urban development, mineral extraction, forestry, and power generation; emerging threats include introduction of nonnative species and climate change. Agency assessments of Virginia’s streams, rivers, and lakes indicate that over 40% of them are impaired and that dozens of these waterbodies have fishes that, if consumed by people, contain harmful levels of mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls. Multiple state agencies are responsible for managing Virginia’s freshwaters and fishes to achieve objectives related to recreation, conservation, and environmental health. We close with a discussion of the challenges and opportunities associated with conserving Virginia’s diverse fish fauna and identify several research, management, and outreach actions that may enhance conservation effectiveness

Partitioning and Spatial Distribution of Drugs in Ocular Surface Tissues

Ocular drug absorption after eye drop instillation has been widely studied, but partitioning phenomena and spatial drug distribution are poorly understood. We investigated partitioning of seven beta-blocking drugs in corneal epithelium, corneal stroma, including endothelium and conjunctiva, using isolated porcine tissues and cultured human corneal epithelial cells. The chosen beta-blocking drugs had a wide range (-1.76-0.79) of n-octanol/buffer solution distribution coefficients at pH 7.4 (Log D-7.4). In addition, the ocular surface distribution of three beta-blocking drugs was determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) after their simultaneous application in an eye drop to the rabbits in vivo. Studies with isolated porcine corneas revealed that the distribution coefficient (K-p) between the corneal epithelium and donor solution showed a positive relationship and good correlation with Log D-7.4 and about a 50-fold range of K-p values (0.1-5). On the contrary, K-p between corneal stroma and epithelium showed an inverse (negative) relationship and correlation with Log D-7.4 based on a seven-fold range of K-p values. In vitro corneal cell uptake showed a high correlation with the ex vivo corneal epithelium/donor K-p values. Partitioning of the drugs into the porcine conjunctiva also showed a positive relationship with lipophilicity, but the range of K-p values was less than with the corneal epithelium. MALDI-IMS allowed simultaneous detection of three compounds in the cornea, showed data in line with other experiments, and revealed uneven spatial drug distribution in the cornea. Our data indicate the importance of lipophilicity in defining the corneal pharmacokinetics and the K-p values are a useful building block in the kinetic simulation models for topical ocular drug administration.Peer reviewe

Effects of Impoundments on the Community Assemblage and Gene Flow of Stream Crayfishes

Dams and their impoundments block movement of stream organism and change stream physiochemical properties, which subsequently changes biological assemblages and creates barriers to gene flow. While changes in species assemblages and gene flow have been assessed for numerous impoundments and stream organisms, no study has assessed the effects of large impoundments on crayfish assemblages and population genetic diversity and connectivity. I examined the physiochemical, biological, and genetic effects of impoundments on crayfishes. Between May 2015 and August 2017, I sampled multiple sites up- and downstream of three impounded streams, and along the lengths of two unimpounded streams, in the Bear Creek and Cahaba River drainages in Alabama, USA. First, I assessed the most effective sampling methods for collecting crayfishes in high gradient southern Appalachian streams. A combination of kick seining and electroshocking were most effective at collecting crayfishes, with higher species richness and decreased sampling biases when using both methods. Once effective methods were established, I assessed the effects of impoundments and their subsequent changes to crayfish assemblages and their habitats. Impoundments altered crayfish assemblages up- and downstream of impoundments. Crayfish abundances and species diversity were lower in impounded than unimpounded streams. Assemblages up- and downstream of impoundments were similar, but in unimpounded streams, gradual shifts in dominant species occurred from up- to downstream. Assemblage differences between impounded and unimpounded streams were associated with more stable temperature and flow regimes, decreases in crayfish refuge habitats (i.e., aquatic vegetation, interstitial space), and increased abundances of predatory fishes in impounded streams. Nonetheless, with distance downstream of impoundments, crayfish assemblages began to recover and resemble unimpounded stream assemblages. Impoundments also impacted gene flow and genetic structure of crayfishes. Impounded streams’ crayfish populations were genetically isolated, and unidirectional downstream gene flow, or no gene flow, was detected between up- and downstream populations. The degree of impact of impoundments on gene flow was species-specific, with intrinsic biological and life history characteristics, such as dispersal ability and physiological tolerance, determining the degree of impact. With already declining crayfish populations, decreases in species and genetic diversity due to impoundments can decrease the persistence of hundreds of crayfish species in thousands of impounded streams. These changes in crayfish populations can cause cascading effects throughout stream ecosystems by altering the numerous ecosystem services provided by crayfishes

Evaluation of Colloidal Stability and Ecotoxicity of Metal-based Nanoparticles in the Aquatic and Terrestrial Systems

Intrinsic to the many nano-enabled products are atomic-size multifunctional engineered nanomaterials, which upon release contaminate the environments, raising considerable health and safety concerns. This Ph.D. dissertation is designed to investigate (i) whether metals or oxide nanoparticles are more toxic than ions, and if MetPLATETM bioassay is applicable as a rapid nanotoxicity screening tool; (ii) how variable water chemistry (dissolved organic carbon (DOC), pH, and hardness) and organic compounds (cysteine, humic acid, and trolox) modulate colloidal stability, ion release, and aquatic toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNP); and (iii) the developmental responses of crop plants exposed to Ag- or ZnO- (zinc oxide) nanoparticles. Results suggest that the MetPLATEcan be considered a high-throughput screening tool for rapid nanotoxicity evaluation. Detectable changes in the colloidal diameter, surface charge, and plasmonic resonance revealed modulating effects of variable water chemistry and organic ligands on the particle stability, dissolution, and toxicity of AgNPs against Escherichia coli or Daphnia magna. Silver dissolution increased as a function of DOC concentrations but decreased with increasing hardness, pH, cysteine, or trolox levels. Notably, the dissociated Ag+ was inadequate to explain AgNP toxicity, and that the combined effect of AgNPs and dissolved Ag+ under each ligand treatment was lower than of AgNO3. Significant attenuation by trolox signifies an oxidative stress-mediated AgNP toxicity; its inability to attenuate AgNO3 toxicity, however, negates oxidative stress as Ag+ toxicity mechanism, and that cysteine could effectively quench free Ag+ to alleviate AgNO3 toxicity in D. magna. Surprisingly, DOC-AgNPs complex that apparently formed at higher DOC levels might have led daphnids filter-feed on aggregates, potentially elevating internal dose, and thus higher mortality. Maize root anatomy showed differential alterations upon exposure to AgNPs, ZnONPs, or their ions. Overall, various metal-based nanoparticles revealed lower toxicity than their ions against multiple organisms. This study showed that particle size, surface properties, and ion release kinetics of AgNPs modify following release into aquatic environment, suggesting potential implications to ecosystem health and functions, and that caution be applied when extending one species toxicity results to another because obvious differences in organism biology—supporting species sensitivity paradigm—can significantly alter nanoparticle or ionic toxicity

Evaluation of Colloidal Stability and Ecotoxicity of Metal-based Nanoparticles in the Aquatic and Terrestrial Systems

Intrinsic to the many nano-enabled products are atomic-size multifunctional engineered nanomaterials, which upon release contaminate the environments, raising considerable health and safety concerns. This Ph.D. dissertation is designed to investigate (i) whether metals or oxide nanoparticles are more toxic than ions, and if MetPLATETM bioassay is applicable as a rapid nanotoxicity screening tool; (ii) how variable water chemistry (dissolved organic carbon (DOC), pH, and hardness) and organic compounds (cysteine, humic acid, and trolox) modulate colloidal stability, ion release, and aquatic toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNP); and (iii) the developmental responses of crop plants exposed to Ag- or ZnO- (zinc oxide) nanoparticles. Results suggest that the MetPLATEcan be considered a high-throughput screening tool for rapid nanotoxicity evaluation. Detectable changes in the colloidal diameter, surface charge, and plasmonic resonance revealed modulating effects of variable water chemistry and organic ligands on the particle stability, dissolution, and toxicity of AgNPs against Escherichia coli or Daphnia magna. Silver dissolution increased as a function of DOC concentrations but decreased with increasing hardness, pH, cysteine, or trolox levels. Notably, the dissociated Ag+ was inadequate to explain AgNP toxicity, and that the combined effect of AgNPs and dissolved Ag+ under each ligand treatment was lower than of AgNO3. Significant attenuation by trolox signifies an oxidative stress-mediated AgNP toxicity; its inability to attenuate AgNO3 toxicity, however, negates oxidative stress as Ag+ toxicity mechanism, and that cysteine could effectively quench free Ag+ to alleviate AgNO3 toxicity in D. magna. Surprisingly, DOC-AgNPs complex that apparently formed at higher DOC levels might have led daphnids filter-feed on aggregates, potentially elevating internal dose, and thus higher mortality. Maize root anatomy showed differential alterations upon exposure to AgNPs, ZnONPs, or their ions. Overall, various metal-based nanoparticles revealed lower toxicity than their ions against multiple organisms. This study showed that particle size, surface properties, and ion release kinetics of AgNPs modify following release into aquatic environment, suggesting potential implications to ecosystem health and functions, and that caution be applied when extending one species toxicity results to another because obvious differences in organism biology—supporting species sensitivity paradigm—can significantly alter nanoparticle or ionic toxicity

Effect of hormone replacement therapy on retinal and optic nerve head blood flow and topography in postmenopausal women, and retinal tissue perfusion in ovariectomized rats

Thèse numérisée par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal

Partnering with Profs

This thesis will focus on the study of corporate universities and the development of a business plan for the implementation of Bi-State University. Research presented will cause the reader \O consider alternatives 10 accomplish strategic organizational training and development objectives. The reader should keep in mind their organizational culture and the developmental needs of their organization\u27s human resources. The purpose of this commentary is to identify the various options available beyond traditional training methods to develop a corporate university for Bi-State Development Agency. The best way to research approaches to human development is to ask the subject matter experts. Several approaches were used in this research including phone interviews, interviews with practitioners in HR publications, teleconference interviews, journal articles from training/HR national publications, published works of professional trainers and books from the American Society of Training and Development Best Practices Series. The business plan will act as a proposal for a partnership with a local university to offer an on-sight Bachelors program at Bi-State. The degree program will be a study in Management with a major in Transportation. Over twenty Bi-State employees have a Masters or Ph. D. that qualifies their participation as instructors m this joint venture. Many of these people have or are currently teaching in local colleges and universities. The education plan will go beyond theory into practical application using real-world transportation problems and opportunities. Students will learn through a unique challenge of combining classroom theory with practical application of the learned theory on tl1e job at Bi-State. This developmental approach will provide participants with education and practical career building learning. This project is one of a series of HR initiatives to assist Bi-State in creating a Learning Organization and help become the employer of choice in the public sector in the St. Louis region