Resilience: The role of optimism, perceived parental autonomy support and perceived social support

Resilience is an individual’s ability to positively adapt when challenging, adverse or stressful circumstances arise. Transitions are a change from what is familiar to what is unfamiliar and undergoing transitions may provide challenges that may cause anxiety and stress. Three mechanisms suggested to be beneficial in coping with transitions as well as developing and maintaining and potentially predicting resilience are optimism, perceived parental autonomy support (PAS) and perceived social support (PSS). This review will begin by providing definitions of resilience, risk and protective factors, buffering effects, a brief historical overview of the development of resilience research with mention of the ambiguity in definitions and terminology. Critical evaluation of the literature relating to optimism, PAS & PSS and the role of each mechanism in promoting positive adaptive outcomes for individuals facing adverse and stressful circumstances will be conducted. Finally mention will be made of areas that may benefit from further research

Modeling the tumor microenvironment with nanostructured material

The complex microenvironment in a solid tumor is a major barrier in understanding the molecular and mechanical mechanisms that control cancer progression. Biophysical approaches used to quantify the intracellular forces from the actin cytoskeleton and surface traction forces from adhesion allow us to probe the biomechanical properties of individual cells with an unprecedented level of detail. By systematically investigating the parameters in the tumor microenvironment that control cancer cell behavior, as well as their interactions with tumor-associated stromal cells, we hope to gain a better understanding of malignant cell behavior. Toward this end, my lab has developed a high-content mechanomic screening approach to simultaneously profile forces exerted by cells in the tumor on the underlying matrix, along with a number of other cell variables (including morphology, motility, growth, and apoptosis) important in cancer progression. Cells are seeded on synthetic and natural biomaterials engineered to mimic different aspects of human tissues. My presentation will focus on lessons we’ve learned from modeling the tumor microenvironment with these nanostructured materials

Tumor Microenvironment Interactions: Forcing Cancer Progression

Many of the hallmarks associated with cancer, including unlimited replicative potential, apoptotic evasion, and tissue invasion and metastasis, can be linked to abnormal cytoskeletal or matrix mechanics – important biophysical parameters. A common feature of these biophysical interactions is the transmission of force from the extracellular matrix to the internal cytoskeleton, which forms the structure of the cell. My lab recently showed that increased traction forces transmitted from the internal cytoskeleton to the external environment correlate with increased cancer cell motility, proliferation, and chemoresistance; this was demonstrated in mechanosensitive breast and ovarian cancer cells that respond to changes in matrix stiffness and in a genetic model of induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. We also showed that paracrine factors exchanged between cancer and stromal cells dramatically alter the mechanical properties of both cell types. Mechanical forces in the primary tumor are caused by solid stress that results from the rapid proliferation of tumor cells and the recruitment of host-derived stromal cells. Matrix stiffening and high-interstitial fluid pressure further contribute to this high stress environment, which alters cells and the surrounding matrix to activate signaling pathways important in cancer. Mechanical forces are also critical in directing cancer metastasis. In fact, cancer cells undergo a cascade of biophysical changes throughout this process. Quantitative analysis of intracellular mechanics, surface traction forces, and matrix stiffness allows us to probe the biomechanical properties of the tumor with an unprecedented level of detail. These biophysical techniques can be used to systematically investigate the parameters in the tumor that control cancer cell interactions with the stroma and to identify specific conditions that induce tumor-promoting behavior, along with strategies for inhibiting these conditions to treat cancer. My presentation will focus on lessons we’ve learned through quantitative biophysical analysis of cells in the tumor microenvironment I will also discuss current research projects focused on investigating the role of stromal cell aging in cancer progression and mechanisms contributing to chemotherapy and radiation resistance

Problem Representations of Femicide/Feminicide Legislation in Latin America

Femicide/feminicide has become an increasing social concern for local communities, international organizations, and national governments. In 2007, Latin American countries began enacting legislation to prevent and punish femicide/feminicide; however, relatively few researchers have assessed the scope and depth of this legislation. Using Carol Bacchi’s (2009) “what’s the problem represented to be” approach, this study analyzes femicide/feminicide across Latin American countries. The goal of this approach is to assess concepts that are taken for granted within policies and uncover what has been silenced through problem representations. Results provide considerations for future legislative development in Latin America and abroad

Resilience: The role of optimism, perceived parental autonomy support and perceived social support in first year university students

Throughout our lifespan we face many challenges which are often referred to as transitions. The move to university is one such transition which may place individuals at risk of suffering ongoing significant life stress, anxiety and uncertainty. Optimism, promotion of independent functioning (PIF), promotion of volitional functioning (PVF) and perceived social support (PSS) appear to be beneficial in coping with university transition and positive adaptation to adversity as well as being associated both directly and indirectly with resilience. This study was conducted in two stages which examined the mechanisms of optimism, PIF, PVF and PSS and their predictive relationship with resilience in first year university students during two semesters. The results indicated that students with higher levels of optimism, PIF, PVF and PSS experienced higher levels of resilience. In Stage One (N = 95), the multiple regression analysis (MRA) indicated optimism (ps \u3c.01), PIF (ps \u3c.05) and PVF (ps \u3c.05) independently and significantly predicted resilience. In Stage Two (N= 103) the MRA indicated that only optimism and PSS uniquely predicted resilience (ps \u3c .01). This study contributed to the limited research conducted in Australia concerning the resilience of first year university students

Biography and the writing subject : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in English at Massey University

Some German content throughout.This thesis examines four biographers' methods of representing the lives of two women: Olive Schreiner (1855- 1920), who spent her life in South Africa and England, and Franziska zu Reventlow (1871-1918), who lived in Germany and Switzerland. The subjects of these biographies never met and it is unlikely that they ever read each other's work. Olive Schreiner's father was German, but her knowledge of the German language was limited. Although Franziska zu Reventlow translated many novels from French and Norwegian into German she never learnt English. Yet, living in Western cultures during the same period, their lives display a remarkable number of similarities. Both women were writers of fiction who made considerable sacrifices in order to pursue their chosen profession. In comparison to most of their female contemporaries they insisted on living unconventional lives which manifested their subversive views, particularly with regard to women's sexuality and women's rights. Unable to accept traditional definitions of women, they were forced to live unsettled lives, frequently changing their places of residence. Because neither was able or willing to accept permanent positions, each had to rely periodically on friends and relations for financial support, despite repeated attempts to attain independence. Both women suffered from physical disorders which many of their biographers consider to have been psychosomatic (neither illness had been definitively diagnosed in modern medical terms). In an assertion of their independence, Olive Schreiner and Franziska zu Reventlow chose to retain their unmarried names after their marriage (or in the latter's case, marriages). [From Preface

Integrating music with other content areas

A kindergarten class gains practice in reciting the letters of the alphabet by singing The Alphabet Song. Musical instruments made by third grade children are used in experiments during a science unit on sounds. The mathematical concept of fractions is reinforced when fourth graders calculate musical note values of familiar tunes. Fifth grade students study the Civil War through the examination of lyrics of many songs representative of that era. In all four situations, music was utilized in the teaching of various content areas

Women’s Utilisation, Experiences and Satisfaction with Postnatal Follow-up Care: Systematic literature review

Postnatal follow-up care is reported to be the ‘underutilised’ aspect of the maternity care continuum. This review explores women’s utilisation of early and late postnatal follow-up and their experiences and satisfaction with it. Five online databases were searched for English or Arabic articles published between 2011 and 2021. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool; the Andersen healthcare utilisation model was the framework for data analysis. A total of 19 articles met all inclusion criteria. Utilisation facilitators included complications, travel distance, knowledge of the importance for attending and being offered a telephonecall and home visit or clinic visit as options for follow-up. Impediments included lack of perceived need and notbeing provided with information about postnatal care. Comprehensive discussions with and examination by health providers were reported as positive experiences and influenced repeat utilisation. Dissatisfaction was associated with inconsistent information provided by health providers.Keywords: Postpartum Period; Postnatal Care; Women; Literature Review