Maximizing the Academic and Professional Success of First-Generation College Students in Biomedical Engineering

Although efforts to increase the inclusion, retention, and success of first-generation college students (FGCSs) in research universities have resulted in noticeable progress, FGCSs still feel academically challenged, isolated, and show more anxiety and depression compared to non-FGCSs. Moreover, FGCSs may possess additional underrepresented identities that exacerbates the problem. There is more risk of dropping out of academic programs for FGCSs enrolling in STEM degrees, especially those of more multidisciplinary nature such as Biomedical Engineering. From the overall population of the State of Arkansas, only 23.3% have a bachelor’s degree or higher which is the third least percentage in the United States. Ensuring that STEM FGCSs at the U of A succeed academically and professionally is essential to both increasing the STEM higher education turnover and decreasing the poverty in Arkansas; since gaining a STEM degree is highly linked to social and economic mobility for first-generation college students. There is a critical need to identify effective strategies that can lead to the academic success of FGCSs in multidisciplinary STEM fields. In the absence of such strategies, FGCSs will continue to struggle academically and show a continued less representation in the critically important STEM fields. The goal of this study is to identify effective strategies that lead to the inclusion and success of FGCSs in multidisciplinary STEM fields. Our hypothesis is that various styles of mentorship and coaching will provide academic, and professional guidance for FGCSs that leads to an enhanced sense of inclusivity and, ultimately, their retention and success in the STEM field. We identify the effect of assigning a faculty mentor combined with an academic coach, or a peer mentor combined with an academic coach on the success of FGCSs attending two core classes in the Biomedical Engineering department at U of A. The two selected classes (Sophomore level: Biomechanical Engineering and Junior level: Biomolecular Engineering) are traditionally defined as challenging classes. Data was collected from the FGCS by surveys and by monitoring their academic performance in-class assignments. Factors like race, work, involvement in professional opportunities, class standing, and goals after graduating were considered while analyzing the data. The results of this study showed that both faculty mentoring combined with academic coaching and peer mentoring combined with academic coaching have increased the confidence of Biomedical Engineering FGCSs significantly. FGCSs belongingness was not significantly changed after the mentoring program. Disseminating the study outcomes will provide guidelines to the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas as well as the public. The effective strategies defined in the current work will be implemented towards maximizing the chances of first-generation college students’ success

Development of probes for molecular imaging : evaluation in models of inflammation and atherosclerosis

The imaging field is rapidly evolving and in the last two decades there have been tremendous developments in the field of multimodal imaging. Multimodal molecular imaging approaches that utilize ultrasound/magnetic resonance imaging (US/MRI), single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT), or positron emission tomography/MRI (PET/MRI) may provide additional detailed information at the cellular and molecular level to help identify patients with vulnerable plaques that are at risk of rupture. The search for specific biomarkers in combination with specific and optimized molecular probes may help to prevent adverse events such as myocardial infarctions or strokes. Current clinical contrast agents do not provide information on the inflammatory components of atherosclerotic plaques; thus, more specific molecular probes are needed. This thesis focuses on probe development for different molecular imaging techniques using multimodal and targeting approaches. Several types of molecular probe were evaluated: bimodal and multimodal microbubbles, as well as chemically modified human serum albumin (HSA)-based probes (aconitylated (Aco) and maleylated (Mal)) for targeting markers of inflammation; adhesion molecules on endothelial cells or macrophages, and scavenger receptor A1 (SR-A1) on macrophages. Evaluation of these molecular probes was facilitated by their physical properties enabling assessment with fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and nuclear imaging properties for in vivo molecular imaging with SPECT/CT and PET/MRI. We found that functionalizing molecular probes with targeting moieties greatly improved the targeting specificity and avidity to the target compared to non-targeted molecular probes. Furthermore, these molecular probes were successfully radiolabeled with a detectable in vivo signal by 99mTc-anti-ICAM-1- MBs imaging of inflammation with SPETC/CT, and atherosclerosis by 89Zr-Mal-HSA with PET/MRI. Ex vivo evaluation of HSA-based probes showed significant accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions of Apoe-/- mice, as quantified by gamma counter and phosphor imaging autoradiography, compared to wild type (WT) mice. In conclusion, adhesion molecule targeting and scavenger receptor targeting with functionally modified probes in this thesis showed potential for the imaging of inflammation and atherosclerosis. Of the evaluated probes, modified HSA-based probes seem to have the greatest potential for clinical application in molecular imaging of atherosclerosis

Constitution-making in transition: a comparative study of the 2012 Egyptian and 2014 Tunisian constitutions

This master\u27s project examines constitution-making in transition by analyzing both the 2012 Egyptian and the 2014 Tunisian constitutions as case studies. The processes of the two constitutions took place in quite similar post-uprising contexts in which Islamists were the majority and yet resulted in different outcomes. The project aims to identify and analyze the variables that influenced constitution-making processes in both countries and hence the outcomes as indicated in the analysis of a selected number of civil and political rights in both constitutions. The project answers three questions: Why did Islamists in Egypt gain a qualified majority at the constituent assembly, while Ennahda Islamists in Tunisia gained only a simple majority? How did these majorities impact the constitution-making process in each country, and how did the process shape the constitutional outcome? The conceptual framework of the project sets a number of factors (independent variables) that were at stake during transition and influenced the constitution-making process (intermediate variable), which, in turn, shaped the outcome (dependent variable). The project concludes that the selected articles of civil and political rights in the Tunisian constitution come closer to the international norms of the ICCPR as an attempt at reaching a compromise with the vision of the non-Islamist groups, whereas the articles in the 2012 Egyptian constitution drifted from the ICCPR, and the vision/agenda of the Islamist majority was predominant in the constitutional text. The project presents conclusions and lessons learned that could provide directions for future research on constitution-making

Mechanisms of toxicant-induced vascular cell injury : role of phospholipase A₂ enzymes

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (P AHs) are common environmental pollutants resulting from incomplete combustion of organic matter, emission sources, automobile exhausts, cigarette smoke (CS), residential wood, or coal combustion. PAHs are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract of mammals and have toxic, mutagenic and/or carcinogenic consequences. More than 100 different P AH compounds are identified. Sixteen of the common P AHs typically analyzed have been listed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) among 129 priority pollutants, and five of which are listed among the 25 hazardous substances that are believed to have the most potential threat to human health at priority superfund sites. CS has been implicated as a major risk factor in atherosclerotic heart disease through a mechanism that involves endothelial cell (EC) injury and apoptosis or programmed cell death. Little is known about the specific components of CS responsible for this effect or the mechanisms by which CS induces EC injury and progression of atherosclerosis. However, the phospholipase A2/arachidonic acid (PLA2/ AA) pathway might be involved in SC-induced EC injury. In this research, the long-range goal was to understand the role of several P AHs found in the environment and CS in the EC and smooth muscle cells (SMC) injury. The hypothesis to be tested is that EC and SMC PAR-induced apoptosis is mediated by PLA2/ AA pathway. The objectives of this research were 1) to evaluate the effects on EC injury of different P AHs present in high concentration in both Chattanooga creek and CS. 2) to test the molecular mechanisms by which P AHs induce such effect. 3) to test the effect of IV P AHs on SMC in vitro and to characterize the role of different PLA2 isoforms in such effect. In this research, we found that Chattanooga creek contains extremely high levels of 11 out of 16 EPA priority P AHs. The levels range from 10,625 mg/kg soil (phenanthrene) to 97 mg/kg soil for fluorene compounds. Six out of the 11 compounds studied, found in the creek or in CS, activate the AA cascade and induce apoptosis of EC. Three of the 11 P AHs cause these effects by activating and increasing the expression of two different isoforms of PLA2; the Group VIB and the Group IVy enzymes. Furthermore, three out of 11 activate and increase expression of only the Group IVy PLA2. PLA2 activation and release of AA is associated with an increase in apoptosis as measured by histone fragmentation and cleavage of P ARP. From these results, we hypothesize that the water solubility as well as the molecular structures of the compounds play important roles in the effects of P AHs on EC PLA2 activation and apoptosis. These data suggest that small molecular weight, highly water soluble compounds present in high concentrations in the Chattanooga creek and CS may be potentially toxic confirming the need for further studies. We also found that 8 P AHs present in high concentrations in CS and in urban pollution induce EC apoptosis by a mechanism that involves PLA2-mediated activation of JNK.s, p-38, and caspases-8, -9, and -3. PAHs induce phosphorylation of JNK-1, JNK-2, p-38, and the transcription factor c-Jun, resulting in apoptosis in EC. This effect is inhibited significantly by MAPP (Group IV and VI PLA2 inhibitor) and JNK-1 L form (JNK-1 and -2 inhibitor) but not with SB203580 (p-38 inhibitor). These data provide compelling evidence that P AHs induce apoptosis by a mechanism that involves fatty V acid-induced phosphorylation of JNK-1 and JNK-2. Furthermore, p-38 phosphorylation did not participate in the mechanism by which PAHs induce apoptosis. This study also establishes a link between the discrete structure of these PAHs and their activity. We investigated the effect of 8 different P AHs on SMC PLA2 activation and induction of apoptosis. Our data show that five of the 8 compounds tested cause 3H-AA release in a concentration-dependent fashion. The 5 active compounds also induce apoptosis at a concentration that induce significant 3H-AA release. In addition, specific PLA2 inhibitors that are selective for Group IV and VI enzymes inhibit 3H-AA release and attenuate the apoptotic effect, suggesting that P AHs induce SMC apoptosis by a mechanism thati nvolves PLA2. Results from cell-free PLA2 activity assays, RT-PCR, and Western blotting show that SMC express 4 isoforms of PLA2, Group IV a, J3, y, and Group VIJ3 PLA2. Transfection of SMC with PLA2 isoforms that were the most strongly expressed (Group IVy and Group VIB) causes a significant increase in 3H-AA when stimulated with active PAHs as compared to wild type cells. Our data suggest that both of these enzymes are responsible for PAR-induced AA release and subsequent apoptosis in SMC with the possibility of Group IVa and B involvement in this effect. This study demonstrates the involvement of P AHs in EC and for the first time in SMC. Furthermore, our data suggest that small molecular weight, highly water-soluble compounds present in Chattanooga creek may be potentially toxic confirming the need for further studies

Antimicrobial activity of essential oils from herbs and spices and application of black cumin to Rainbow trout fillets

This research was conducted for two purposes. In the first study, The antimicrobial activity of selected herb and spice essential oils for control of growth and survival of microorganisms was examined. Inhibition of growth was determined by the paper disc agar diffusion method. Antibiotic susceptibility discs were used as control. Minimum lethal concentration (MLC) was determined by the tube dilution method. Essential oils from anise, angelica, basil, carrot, celery, cardamom, coriander, dill weed, fennel, oregano, parsley, and rosemary were evaluated. Inhibition ranged from complete with oregano to no inhibition with carrot oil for each of the test strains which included: Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli 0:157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Lactobacillus plantarum, Aspergillus niger, Geotrichum, and Rhodotorula. Oregano essential oil showed the greatest inhibition (zone 370-80 mm) (MLC ~ 8 ppm). Coriander and basil were also highly inhibitory (MLC = 25 - 50 ppm) to E. coli O: 157:H7 and other bacteria tested. Pseudomonas was the most resistant microorganism to the spice oils but still had a MLC in the 100 to 200 ppm range using oregano, basil and coriander oils. Anise oil was not particularly inhibitory to bacteria (inhibition zone ~ 25 mm), however anise oil was highly inhibitory to molds. Basil, coriander, and oregano were also highly inhibitory to the fungi assayed. In the second study, the effectiveness of aqueous, ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts of black cumin (Nigella sativa) for control of growth and survival of common spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms was investigated. More over, the applications of black cumin oil on fresh Rainbow trout fillet were tested. In vitro, the ethanolic extract of black cumin seed was found to be highly inhibitory (zone = 35-55 mm) against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Rhodotorula, moderately inhibitory (zone =16-28mm) against Escherichia coli 0:157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Geotrichum, and only weakly or not inhibitory (zone\u3c12 mm) against Aspergillus niger by the paper disc agar diffusion method. Freshly harvested rainbow trout fillets were stored at 0°C (on ice) and at 4°C using five marinate treatments. Treatments evaluated were a plain teriyaki marinate (control), and four marinates containing black cumin and/or dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC). Trout treated with marinate using black cumin oil had significantly lower aerobic plate counts (\u3c 3 log), coliform counts, Listeria and yeasts and mold counts (p \u3c 0.05). DMDC marinated trout was not significantly differ than control marinate for all counts (p \u3c 0.05). Fresh trout treated with either ground seeds or the combination of black cumin oil and DMDC marinate exhibited moderate reduction (\u3e1 log) in all counts (p \u3c 0.05). Since a marinate containing black cumin essential oil was highly inhibitory to both spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms and also significantly (p\u3c0.0001) increased shelf-life by almost two weeks, it may be useful for extending shelf life of fresh refrigerated fish

Assessment of Urinary Kidney Injury Molecule-1 as an Indicator of Early Renal Insult in Children with Cystic Fibrosis

BACKGROUND: The risk of acute kidney injury in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is due to renal tubular affection by CFTR gene. AIM: Our study aimed at early detection of renal impairment in CF patients, to enable careful monitoring and adjustment of nephrotoxic medications. METHODS: Fifty patients with CF were enrolled in our study; they were age- and sex-matched to 40 healthy control children. All subjects were screened by urine analysis, measurements of kidney function tests, fractional excretion of sodium, β2-microglobulin (beta-2-M) excretion, and renal ultrasound examination. Urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) was assayed using ELISA technique. RESULTS: Both urinary beta-2-M and KIM-1 concentrations were significantly higher in CF patients compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The duration of the disease was significantly positively correlated with the urinary beta-2-M and KIM-1 levels (r = 0.6 and 0.7, respectively; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that urinary KIM-1 can be considered as a sensitive early indicator of acute renal injury

Identity through Caricature Art in Egypt

Can a normal individual learn more about a country’s identity through art and rather a type as simple as caricature art? How do identity and caricature art relate to one another? Exhibited art often faces similar questions. The term ‘identity’ mainly refers to a first impression formulated in relation to a nation and is often linked to a piece of land. A complete picture of a nation’s identity cannot be simply formed as involved are components, complexities, and even contradictions. No specific concept is involved or implemented in the process but rather an integrated system of data with physical, psychological, moral, and social aspects along its lines. This system and induced spirit is embodied in the interiors of a place to give a sense of continuity and distinction. In other words, identity separates the physical from the psychological. The concept of identity encompasses a set of symbolic meanings, spiritual and cultural, that is accumulated over time to give a sense of belonging to the individuals living in a certain place. As a result, a sense of loyalty and pride is passed on to the people making them aware of their social environments and cultural rights which could be expressed through caricature art to reflect their experienced identities. Caricature art is a simplified language, usually embodying a scene from public and everyday life, used by a ‘watani’ (Patriotic) individual to express his or her identity within the framework of sarcastic comedy. The identity of the Egyptian is the product of civilized movements by Egyptians through the ages

Examining social networking site narratives between government and youth on entrepreneurship : the case of relationship development in Egypt

Analysis of the ways in which SNS (Social Networking Sites) are used by governments, organisations and everyday users has over the past ten years been of significant interest to academic researchers. Part of this analysis of use has included understanding how in the Middle East, SNS were used in the series of anti-government protests known as the Arab Spring. Specifically, in Egypt, during the January 25 Revolution, a large number of youth users went on SNS such as Facebook to disseminate information, create conversations and raise awareness of their perspectives and concerns. Whilst use in protest and demonstration may result in aspects such as a drop in public trust of government agents, SNS could also contribute to significant relational outcomes such as relationship development and trust.This study takes Egypt as its foci in investigating the outcomes of SNS interaction between Government agencies and Youth users. This study aims to understand the role of the topic about which conversations are occurring in communicating with the citizens. Additionally, this study places emphasis on the role of the government agency in changing the perceptions of the Government through SNS interactions.This study contributes to the burgeoning domain of SNS studies by providing a non- traditional approach to its theoretical background. It specifically achieves this by adopting three areas of focus; first, SNS which includes a site and user perspective. Second, the political context which includes Marketing theory and government studies. Third, relationship development and trust which includes a multi theory lens into theorising the outcomes of SNS interactions. Therefore, it is the first study to apply Political Marketing Theory in Egypt in a non-electoral context. Using novel applications of Relationship Marketing and Public Relations theory, this study presents an understanding of the relationship orientation in the interaction between GOFE and Youth on SNS. Furthermore, the analysis regarding trust development in this study is developed through a framework that highlights both the users’ perspective of trust and the organisations' efforts towards achieving trust.This study adopts a social constructivist approach. Therefore, this investigation embraces qualitative inductive methods. Due to the rich culture and high interaction of the context investigated, the research problem at hand was addressed through the application of netnography. The Netnographic package includes; firstly, an online observation of Facebook pages followed by textual analysis. Secondly, it includes two sets of interviews with a sample of the users (i.e. Youth) and the organisations (i.e. GOFE). Using Thematic Analysis ten different themes were extracted from the three sources of data (i.e. Facebook data, GOFE interviews and Youth interviews).The findings from this study suggest that GOFE SNS representation is not yet mature. However, findings demonstrate that GOFE are in the process of becoming a generalisable model of government SNS representation. This could occur with the drop in control over engagement and movement to engagement strategies beyond those targeted primarily at publicity alone. Indeed, this study confirms the significant influence of SNS in fostering positive relational outcomes between the Government and Youth, while confirming the role of the topic and agency. These findings are discussed in light of theoretical contribution and practical implication to the government sector. Whereas previous studies have focused on one aspect of the communication process, this study is the first conducted in the public sector domain in Egypt that focuses on the observed behaviours of GOFE on SNS, perceived behaviours of GOFE by Youth and the strategic intent of GOFE by being present on SNS. This study concludes with limitations incurred and recommendations for practice and future studies. Finally, this study argues that with a further optimised SNS representation, there is indeed hope in developing relationships and achieving trust between Government and citizens in Egypt through SNS interaction

Clinical Impact of Custodiol Cardioplegic Solution on Patients Undergoing Complex Cardiac Surgery With Mild to Moderate Impairment of Left Ventricular Systolic Function

Background: The Bretschneider HTK solution is used widely for multiorgan preservation for transplantation, as well as a cardioplegic agent that allows single dose administration which is an attractive option for lengthy complex cardiac surgery. It was proved that it is simple to use, safe and practical. Moreover, it is considered to confer sufficient myocardial protection for more than 2 h of cardiac arrest. We undertook this descriptive study to analyze the performance of HTK solution in patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery with mild to moderate impairment of left ventricular systolic function. Patients and methods: A total of 50 patients underwent different complex cardiac surgery at national heart institute from January 2015 to November 2016 using single dose Custodiol cardioplegia as the primary and sole cardioplegic agent, their data was prospectively collected and their hospital outcome was analyzed as regards to ten study endpoints namely Prolonged ventilation, return to theatre for bleeding, renal failure, stroke, 30 days mortality, postoperative MI, need for inotropes, time on inotropes, ICU stay and hospital stay. Pre- and postoperative echocardiography was done to compare and evaluate the change of LV function using the parameters of End Systolic Dimension, End Diastolic Dimension, Fraction Shortening and Ejection Fraction of the left ventricle. Results: Half of the patients were males. Their age ranged between 16 – 65 years with a mean (standard deviation) of 47.46(11.10). preoperative ejection fraction ranged from 30 % to 49% with a mean (standard deviation) of 41.8 (6.32), the majority of them (64%) had NYHA class of 3 and half of them had CCS of 3. all patients were done electively. The most common procedure done was redo DVR 24% (12 patients) followed by Bentall operation 22%(11 patients). This is followed by CABG + MVR 7 patients (14%), then an equal number of 6 patients (12%) who underwent redo MVR post-infective endocarditis and CABG+ MVrep. The repair of tricuspid valve was done for 14 patients (28%) either with MVR or DVR. 4 patients (8%) had CABG +AVR for their combined lesions and another equal number of two patients (4%) underwent redo CABG and AVR + conduit (valve separate tube graft operation). prolonged ventilation occurred in 20% of the cases. An equal percentage of 6% of the patients had to return to the operative room and had postoperative MI. Renal failure occurred in 4% of the patients and as far as 30-day mortality is concerned, a similar 4% of patients died within this period. EF and FS were very similar when compared together (41.8 ± 6.32 %, 20.8 ± 2.35 % preoperatively compared to 41.92 ± 7.49%, 20.85 ± 3.25% postoperatively). P value was insignificant (0.937 and 0.929) respectively. Conclusion: A single dose of an HTK cardioplegic solution provides good myocardial protection in complex cardiac surgery with mild to moderate impairment of LV function and has a good immediate postoperative outcome

Magnetic Line Source Diffraction by a PEMC Step in Lossy Medium

In this chapter, we investigate a magnetic line source diffraction problem concerned with a step. To study the diffraction problem in lossy medium, we follow the Wiener-Hopf technique and steepest decent method to solve it for impedance step. By equating the impedances of the step to zero, the solution reduces for magnetic line source diffraction by PEC step. Then we transform the obtained solution for PEMC step by using duality transformation. Perfect electromagnetic conductor (PEMC) theory is novel idea developed by Lindell and Sihvola. This media is interlinked with two conductors namely perfect electric conductor (PEC) and perfect magnetic conductor (PMC). Both PEC and PMC are the limiting cases of perfect electromagnetic conductor (PEMC). We study the magnetic line source diffraction by PEMC step placed in different soils (i) gravel sand (ii) sand and (iii) clay. By using the permittivity, permeability and conductivity of these lossy mediums we predict the loss effect on the diffracted field. Such kind of study is very useful in antenna and wave propagation for subsurface targets and to investigate antenna radiation patterns