Economic Evidence on the Effects of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act on Indians and Non-Indians

When Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) in 1988, some tribal leaders perceived the state compacting provision required for casino-style gaming on tribal lands as an erosion of tribal sovereignty that could undermine their early economic development successes and disrupt a precariously successful federal-tribal relationship with regard to tribal self-determination. In hindsight, however, the substantial growth and myriad positive impacts of the first twenty years of tribal gaming under IGRA reveal the ways that the federal regulatory framework laid out in the law resolved numerous legal dilemmas that had plagued tribal gaming expansion. It is now clear that the predictability provided by successful tribal- state compact negotiations allowed the necessary capital investments to produce a robust tribal government gaming industry across much of Indian Country. Therefore, an analysis of tribal government gaming’s impacts on tribal communities and neighboring localities is best framed in the context of the federal law that continues to shape the industry today

Post-Celebration Celebration

We experienced a lot in the NICU. It was very, very trying. Getting to the point where we could coordinate our bottle squeezes with the swallowing pattern of a newborn with a cleft palate was not something that we expected to have to do as new parents. Many parents were not able (either financially or perhaps mentally) to be there with their babies. That was even harder to see. But the nurses are there, doing the best that they can. And sometimes there are volunteers that come to hold and talk to the babies that are healthy enough. Childbirth is supposed to be such a happy time. The staff tried to keep our hopes up as best as they could, but being in that space and situation was still thoroughly tough. I hope you are all able to find some stillness and some thankfulness in whatever spaces you are currently in, even if they are not quite what you had imagined

Speciation Genomics of the Chrysoperla carnea Complex

Rapid species radiations can provide insight into the process of speciation and diversification. Chrysoperla carnea, the common green lacewing, was once thought to be a single insect species with a near worldwide distribution. Species-specific vibrational mating songs revealed more than twenty morphologically cryptic species in the Chrysoperla carnea-group. Rapid diversification in this clade seems to have been driven, at least in part, by their precise substrate-borne vibrational duets performed prior to copulation. In this dissertation, I examine speciation in the Chrysoperla carnea-group by reconstructing the evolutionary history of the clade and identifying the genomic basis of a mating song trait critical to the maintenance of species boundaries in this group. In Chapter 1, I assemble and annotate a de novo reference genome of Chrysoperla carnea sensu stricto, the first available for a neuropteran insect. In Chapter 2, I infer the evolutionary history of the carnea-group using reduced representation genome sequencing. Resolved species relationships indicate repeated phenotypic radiations, with multiple parallel evolution of ecomorphs on different continents. These analyses also reveal a history of hybridization in the clade. In Chapter 3, I identify a single large genomic region associated with the mating song feature ‘volley period,’ using QTL mapping. This genomic region contains several candidate genes for lacewing song phenotype, including the gene doublesex, which is critical to song production in Drosophila. Additionally, I demonstrate strong genetic linkage between volley period phenotype and preference for volley period. Overall, this dissertation advances our understanding of carnea-group lacewing diversification and speciation

The Influence of Universal Design for Learning through Cooperative Learning and Project- Based Learning on an Inclusive Classroom

There are three major principles to the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) design: multiple means for engagement, representation, and action/ expression. Problem-based Learning (PBL) and Cooperative Learning (CL) are two instructional methods that allow for the three major components of UDL. Research shows that these two instructional methods are effective academically and promote students exploration and engagement (Altun 2015, ChanLin 2008). This quantitative and qualitative action research study explores the effects of implementing UDL through Project-Based Learning and Cooperative Learning in science units in an inclusive class- room. Student participants in this study passed (70% or above) the post-test for the PBL and CL units. The growth scores of students were not conclusive due to limitations in the methodology. Student preference did not conclusively show a majority preference one way or the other. Although there was not a definitive preference, this data shows that students prefer to learn in different environments and is useful information for educators

Prairie Gardening

The paper attempts to unpick the real meaning of the term ‘prairie gardening’ and to explore its popularity in a European context. Establishment and maintenance techniques are also considered. The term is, however, applied without discrimination to a wide range of styles, from large-scale traditional prairie restoration or re-creation projects through to highly stylised prairie interpretations. Research included a literature review to assess the main ecological features of, and threats to, native North American Prairie and an examination of the origins of contemporary ‘prairie gardening’ in both the USA and Europe. Primary data was gathered from eight UK gardens associated with this planting style. The evidence suggests that the spectrum of styles encompassed by this term is broad even within the UK, a clear indication that its usage is over-simplistic and potentially ambiguous. The author offers her own classification of the genre under the umbrella term ‘prairie-style gardening’ in the hope of further clarification. The paper is a summary of a project which was carried out as part of the second-year project of the HND in Horticulture with Plantsmanship at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

A global library screen of human primary microRNA processing utilizing a ratiometric fluorescence assay

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that play a vital role in gene regulation for many biological processes by binding target transcripts and marking them for degradation or post-transcriptional silencing. miRNAs undergo maturation within the nucleus beginning with cleavage ofprimary miRNA (pri-miRNA) by Drosha/DGCR8 to form premature miRNA (pre-miRNA). Whether this recognition relies more heavily on sequence motifs or structural features within the pri-miRNA is unknown. Algorithms based upon these potential recognition motifs predict many more miRNA sequences within the human genome than have been observed. To investigate the type of features thattarget a sequence for miRNA processing, we conduct a library screen of miRNA sequences within HEK293T cells to obtain a global view of miRNA processing. A reporter system consisting of GFP-P2A-puromycin and a mCherry—pri-miRNA fusion library was utilized. Library sequences that are processed by Drosha/DGCR8 lead to cleavage and degradation of the mCherry transcript and a decrease influorescence. These sequences are then analyzed for sequence motifs or structural features to elucidate how miRNAs are recognized and targeted for maturation

The views of migrant health workers living in Austria and Belgium on return migration to sub-Saharan Africa

Background: The negative consequences of the brain drain of sub-Saharan African health workers for source countries are well documented and include understaffed facilities, decreased standards of care and higher workloads. However, studies suggest that, if migrated health workers eventually return to their home countries, this may lead to beneficial effects following the transfer of their acquired skills and knowledge (brain gain). The present study aims to explore the factors influencing the intentions for return migration of sub-Saharan African health workers who emigrated to Austria and Belgium, and gain further insight into the potential of circular migration. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 27 sub-Saharan African health workers in Belgium and Austria were conducted. Results: As mentioned by the respondents, the main barriers for returning were family, structural crises in the source country, and insecurity. These barriers overrule the perceived drivers, which were nearly all pull factors and emotion driven. Despite the fact that only a minority plans to return permanently, many wish to return regularly to work in the healthcare sector or to contribute to the development of their source country. Conclusion: As long as safety and structural stability cannot be guaranteed in source countries, the number of return migrants is likely to remain low. National governments and regional organizations could play a role in facilitating the engagement of migrant health workers in the development of the healthcare system in source countries

Advancing RNA Virus Discovery and Biology with Whole Genome Sequencing

Two RNA virus families that pose a threat to human and animal health are Hantaviridae and Coronaviridae. These RNA viruses which originate in wildlife continue and will continue to cause disease, and hence, it is critical that scientific research define the mechanisms as to how these viruses spillover and adapt to new hosts to become endemic. One gap in our ability to define these mechanisms is the lack of whole genome sequences for many of these viruses. To address this specific gap, I developed a versatile amplicon-based whole-genome sequencing (WGS) approach to identify viral genomes of hantaviruses and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) within reservoir and spillover hosts. In my research studies, I used the amplicon-based WGS approach to define the genetic plasticity of viral RNA within pathogenic and nonpathogenic hantavirus species. The standing genetic variation of Andes orthohantavirus and Prospect Hill orthohantavirus was mapped out and amino acid changes occurring outside of functional domains were identified within the nucleocapsid and glycoprotein. I observed several amino acid changes in functional domains of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, as well as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the 3’ non-coding region (NCR) of the S-segment. To identify whether virus adaptation would occur within the S- and L-segments we attempted to adapt hantaviruses in vitro in a spillover host model through passaging experiments. In early passages we identified few mutations in the M-segment with the majority being identified in the S-segment 3’ NCR and the L-segment. This work suggests that hantavirus adaptation occurs in the S- and L-segments although the effect of these mutants on pathology is yet to be determined. While sequencing laboratory isolates is easily accomplished, sequencing low concentrations of virus within the reservoir is a formidable task. I further translated our amplicon-based WGS approach into a pan-oligonucleotide amplicon-based WGS approach to sequence hantavirus vRNA and mRNA from reservoir and spillover hosts in Ukraine. This approach successfully identified a novel Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV) strain in Ukraine and using Bayesian phylogenetics we found this strain to be associated with the PUUV Latvian lineage. Early during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, I applied the knowledge gained in the hantavirus WGS efforts to sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 from nasopharyngeal swabs collected in April 2020. The genetic diversity of 45 SARS-CoV-2 isolates was evaluated with the methods I developed. We identified D614G, a notable mutation known for increasing transmission, in over 90% of our isolates. Two major lineages distinguish SARS-CoV-2 variants worldwide, lineages A and B. While most of our isolates were found within B lineage, we also identified one isolate within lineage A. We performed in vitro work which confirmed A lineage isolates as having poor replication in the trachea as compared to the nasal cavity. Five of these isolates presented a unique array of mutations which were assessed in the keratin 18 human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (K18-hACE2) mouse model for its response immunologically and pathogenically. We identified a distinction of pathogenesis between the A and B lineages with emphysema being common amongst A lineage isolates. Additionally, we discovered a small cohort of likely SNPs that defined the late induction of eosinophils during infection. In summary, this work will further define the dynamics of genetic variation and plasticity within virus populations that cause disease outbreaks and will allow a deeper understanding of the virus-host relationship

(Re)Interpreting the Confederacy: Interpretive Options for Preservation

Since 2016 the United States has been embroiled in a debate about what types of monuments should be displayed on our publicly accessible land. As of now, the debate has involved monuments to Confederate soldiers and generals, former presidents, scientists, explorers and other historic figures whose actions are now considered to be out of step with current social norms. While the public debate has, so far, mostly focused on the existence of publicly owned and displayed monuments, many privately owned monuments that are publicly accessible have also become enmeshed in the fight to remove Confederate symbols from public view. Many private institutions have chosen to remove their Confederate monuments and memorials, but the question remains of what to do with the monuments once they have been removed. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how preservationists can assist private institutions in the curation and reinterpretation of their Confederate monuments, once the decision to remove them has been made. This work is grounded in the analysis of the changing interpretation and significance of monuments to difficult histories, as is evidenced by the experiences of South Africa, Estonia and Hungary. It then takes a more focused view of the American Confederate monument dilemma. The scope of this exploration will be limited to expounding upon the preservation and interpretive options available to private institutions, once they have decided to remove or move their Confederate monuments. While recognizing the controversial nature of this subject, this is an objective and analytical study of preservation

Reducing Hospital Readmissions Using the Self Care Deficit Theory

This project aims to reduce inpatient hospital readmission occurrences within 30 days of an initial inpatient hospitalization. Patients at high risk for readmission may have deficits in their ability to meet self-care needs after discharge. Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory provided the theoretical framework for the project. The education provided by this project can teach nurses to identify patients who may be at high risk for readmission. Once identified, nurses can advocate for the patient’s needs