An NGQD Based Diagnostic Tool for Pancreatic Cancer

Background: Pancreatic cancer remains difficult to detect at early stages which contributes to a poor five-yearsurvival rate. Therefore, early detection approaches based on novel technologies should be explored to address this critical health issue. Nanomaterials have recently emerged as frontrunners for diagnostic applications due to their small size in the 1-100 nm range, which facilitates one-on-one interactions with a variety of biomolecules like oligonucleotides and makes them suitable for a plethora of detection and delivery applications. In this work, the presence of specific pancreatic cancer miRNA (pre-miR-132) is detected utilizing the fluorescence properties of highly biocompatible nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs). Methods: NGQDs were synthesized from Glucosamine HCl and deionized H2O. Cuvettes were filled with a mixture of bait ssDNA (13.7μM) and NGQDs (0.5 mg/ml) in deionized H2O that was vortexed for 5s before adding target strands. Samples were again vortexed for 5s and incubated at 4 ºC for 2hrs before excitation at 400 nm with an emission wavelength measured from 420 nm to 780 nm using a spectrofluorometer. Data analysis was performed using Origin software. Results: From the Zeta potential measurements, this platform is comprised of positively charged (1.14±0.36 mV) NGQDs binding with negatively charged (-22.4±6.00 mV) ssDNA electrostatically and/or via − stacking to form an NGQDs/ssDNA complex with an estimated size of 20 nm verified with TEM. Observing variations in fluorescence spectra of NGQDs/ssDNA complexes allows for the distinguishing of single-stranded and double-stranded DNA, as well as specific single-stranded DNA sequences due to bait-target complementarity. Furthermore, this enables detection of the loop of pre-miRNA of interest and can identify target miRNA from random controls with sensitivity in the nanomolar range. Conclusions: This approach allows for pancreatic cancer-specific miRNA sensing to facilitate pancreatic cancer detection at the early stages. Such early diagnosis is ultimately aimed to increase cancer patient survival rates

Detection of Pancreatic Cancer miRNA with Biocompatible Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots

Early-stage pancreatic cancer remains challenging to detect, leading to a poor five-year patient survival rate. This obstacle necessitates the development of early detection approaches based on novel technologies and materials. In this work, the presence of a specific pancreatic cancer-derived miRNA (pre-miR-132) is detected using the fluorescence properties of biocompatible nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) synthesized using a bottom-up approach from a single glucosamine precursor. The sensor platform is comprised of slightly positively charged (1.14 ± 0.36 mV) NGQDs bound via π-π stacking and/or electrostatic interactions to the negatively charged (-22.4 ± 6.00 mV) bait ssDNA; together, they form a complex with a 20 nm average size. The NGQDs\u27 fluorescence distinguishes specific single-stranded DNA sequences due to bait-target complementarity, discriminating them from random control sequences with sensitivity in the micromolar range. Furthermore, this targetability can also detect the stem and loop portions of pre-miR-132, adding to the practicality of the biosensor. This non-invasive approach allows cancer-specific miRNA detection to facilitate early diagnosis of various forms of cancer

Estimation and inference under economic restrictions

Estimation of economic relationships often requires imposition of constraints such as positivity or monotonicity on each observation. Methods to impose such constraints, however, vary depending upon the estimation technique employed. We describe a general methodology to impose (observation-specific) constraints for the class of linear regression estimators using a method known as constraint weighted bootstrapping. While this method has received attention in the nonparametric regression literature, we show how it can be applied for both parametric and nonparametric estimators. A benefit of this method is that imposing numerous constraints simultaneously can be performed seamlessly. We apply this method to Norwegian dairy farm data to estimate both unconstrained and constrained parametric and nonparametric models

Use of Hierarchical Decision Modeling for Site Selection of a Major League Baseball Stadium in Portland

This paper proposes a hierarchical decision model to select a site from various potential sites for a major league baseball stadium in Portland, Oregon. A short background on MLB in Portland, with all the related factors, is provided. Next this paper describes Hierarchical Decision Modeling using pair wise comparisons and the process of using this as a decision making tool. A detailed description of the HDM developed is then provided. This model includes determination of the number of levels of the HDM and their relationship with each other. It describes all the elements of each level and the process of identifying and specifying them. The pair wise comparison method used to gather the experts\u27 judgments is then described. Next it describes the analysis of the gathered data from which final priority weights are obtained for the various sites under consideration. The site selection decision would be based on these weights. Finally this paper discusses future work that would be required on this model to provide effective application to the site selection decision process

Team Self – Diagnosis Report: Team 1 (The ENTx Team)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A team is defined as a small group of individuals with complimentary skills who are committed to a common purpose, performance goals, and approach for which they hold themselves mutually accountable [7]. The aim of this paper is to perform a self-diagnosis of our EMGT 522 team, analyzing the factors that contributed and detracted from our team’s performance. The paper is structured around five key elements of our team, Team Development Model, Team Mechanics, Team Communication, Culture, and Personalities and Roles. While interconnected by the theme of team performance, each of these sections discusses a key attribute to the success and failure of our team. This paper also discusses the tools the team used, the effectiveness of the team performance, and several relationship and team dynamics issues including cross-cultural issues. While we did achieve ‘Real Team’ status, we failed to become a ‘High Performance Team’. The primary reason is our high ENTJ personality component prevented us from taking the final emotional leap to a high performance team. We did not build team spirit, and we did not have enthusiasm towards creating new and creative methods to attain our performance challenge. One might argue that the constraints placed on this class prevent most teams from ever becoming a high performance team. For these reasons, a ‘Real Team’ may be the extent to which we could achieve under the class constraints. We did experience the standard forming and norming processes including team mission, charter, and ground rules. Where we failed was in emphasizing the performance ethics of the team; we focused instead on the performance challenge. The key behavioral attributes apparent in our team, which led to a ‘Real Team’ performance, were taking responsibility, following through, contributing adequately, communicating well, and actively listening

CROSS-CULTURAL TEAMS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON PERFORMANCE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This paper explores various issues that affect the performance of cross-cultural teams. Specifically these issues include team composition, communication, cultural sense making, and performance feedback systems. A team is formed of a small number of people with complementary skills to meet a performance challenge. In a cross-cultural environment, the composition of the team plays an important role in determining a team’s success. This paper discusses various aspects of team composition such as team size, team leader, coach, sponsor, team member skills and competencies, and the level of diversity to make the team a cohesive unit. In order to enjoy the benefits of this cohesion and sustain it, communication is key. Open communication and team interaction leads to commitment and motivation towards team goals. Certain barriers to communication, which are unique to cross cultural teams, need to be overcome to reach these goals. This paper discusses the geographical, language, and cultural barriers, as well as options to surmount them and develop trust in the team. Another way of building a cohesive unit is for team members to understand other members’ cultures and interpret them effectively to avoid misunderstanding and conflict. Cultural stereotyping and paradoxes are explored in this paper with a view toward facilitating team performance. Finally, this paper discusses the effects of culture on performance appraisal and feedback systems in a cross-cultural environment. Various cultural variables are identified that affect feedback giving and feedback seeking behaviors. The criteria for developing an effective feedback system in a cross-cultural team are also discussed. Throughout discussion of these four issues is the importance of team performance. Mediocrity or status quo is easy to achieve; the key to creating a performance driven cross-cultural team involves accurate understanding of composition, communication, and cultural sense making, seasoned with a proper performance appraisal feedback system. While these do not exhaust all issues related to cross-cultural teams, they do provide a roadmap for further exploration and research into this performance opportunity

The Relationship between Education and Professional Performance

Abstract Objectives of the research project are met through the examination of the relationship between educational background and professional performance in the engineering field. Through the analysis of the educational and performance data from personnel files from the engineering group of an automotive manufacturing company, the team was able to confirm the hypotheses. In using the data, the sample is separated into four groups: (1) no degree, (2) associate’s degree, (3) bachelor’s degree, and (4) master’s degree. The personnel data provided by the firms includes income information, experience, and promotion information. The analysis of the data shows that there are significant differences between the four educational groups with respect to various performance measures. The employees with higher levels of education generally outperformed those having a lesser degree. The results are consistent with prior research, therefore, suggesting that baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate education are positively correlated with higher professional performance. In order to initiate the project, this paper begins with a review of prior research, which correlated education and professional performance, plus aided in the formulation of hypotheses. The methodology of the study is then presented. Next, the research results and limitations are discussed. Finally conclusions and implications for further research are then provided

The Relation between Education and Professional Performance: PowerPoint Presentation

Agenda Objective Methodology Hypotheses Data Collection Data Analysis Results Discussion and Future Work Conclusions Question

Project Management of Virtual Teams

Abstract: The new economy has created a paradigm shift in project management; projects must be realized in less time and at lower cost to remain competitive. One by-product of time to market is the invention of virtual teams. Virtual teams are small groups of people who collaborate closely despite being separated to some degree by time, space, and cultural boundaries, doing so effectively with the use of technology. This paper takes a two-step approach to the study of project management in virtual teams. The first step involved research of existing material in published journals. This research realized four key areas of managing virtual projects: (1) structure of the virtual team, (2) project manager, (3) communication and social issues, and (4) project management tools. The remaining portion of the paper focuses on Credence Systems Corporation, specifically on how they manage virtual projects. The case study focus is on an Armenian team with the DaTS software development project. Information was extracted through five interviews of current and past Credence employees. Many project management hurdles for virtual teams were uncovered through this interview process. These included hidden costs offsetting low wages, time to market issues, face-to-face contact importance, use of informal authority, cultural difference, and procedures/processes for remote R&D facilities. While this case study provided valuable information, it is anecdotal in nature. It is not meant as a broad research paper on project management of virtual teams. It is more meant as an application of the fundamentals taught in the ETM department to a real world situation. In completing background research in tandem with actual company interviews, the goals of the project were satisfied

ACL Reconstruction Recovery Rates Trend Lower for Athletes with Additional Knee Damage

Currently, the standard Return to Play (RTP) metrics do not encapsulate the competitive level to which an athlete returns post-injury. This study examines the characteristics and performance of male Tier 4 and higher soccer players, and their ability to RTP following both isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and ACL injuries with additional structural damage to the knee. Results indicate that the rate of return to Tier 4 leagues or higher trends lower for athletes with Grade 3 or higher chondral lesions or meniscal pathologies