PERCEPTIONS OF TATTOOS AND PIERCINGS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

This study attempts to examine the perceptions of faculty and staff at Rowan University towards professionals with visible body modifications (VBM), specifically tattoos and piercings, in higher education. Five main research questions were addressed: (i) What are the attitudes towards professionals with VBM at Rowan University? (ii) How might the display of VBM affect Rowan University’s values and objectives? (iii) How are professionals with VBM perceived by hiring managers at Rowan? (iv) In what ways do perceptions differ across campus units at Rowan University regarding professionals with VBM? (v) What kind of environment does staff and faculty at Rowan University provide for unconventional professionals? To answer these questions, a mixed method approach was utilized, which consisted of a 42 question Likert scale survey distributed to all active employees and a seven-question interview with randomly selected volunteers. Of the 4103 employees, 80 completed the survey and five respondents responsible for recruitment or hiring for their units were randomly selected to be interviewed. The study reveals a combination of indifference and acceptance among survey respondents, as well as understanding and encouragement of individuality and self-expression from interviewees. Overall, the study exposes positive views towards higher education professionals with visible body modifications and disputes discriminatory practices against unconventional prospective professionals

Combining Helium Plasma-Driven Radiofrequency with Nanofat for Contouring

Many energy sources have been utilized to optimize tissue behavior following traditional liposuction. Peer-reviewed data to date show that radiofrequency has been shown to cause more skin and soft tissue contraction than other energy sources. While external RF can improve skin quality and create new collagen formation, tissue contouring has not been successful with topical energy application. However, the use of subdermal RF has been utilized to generate directional shaping and contouring in addition to skin tightening. An understanding of the way soft tissue contracts over time as collagen fibers develop is based on both the science of soft tissue energy response and experience in treating large numbers of patients. The Apyx Renuvion device is 510(k) cleared for soft tissue coagulation. In most cases of facial and body contouring, the ability to add volume in specific regions is as important as the skill to remove it. Since some liposuction is commonly performed as a part of the Renuvion contouring process, frequently this lipoaspirate is used to augment focal depressions or areas of soft tissue atrophy. The recent development of mechanical processing of macrofat into smaller particles, as well as nanofat, has widened the scope of the use of adipose-derived tissue

Combining PDO Threads with Exosomes for Microlifting

A recent survey of practicing plastic surgeons showed that regenerative medicine is the current top interest of esthetic consumers worldwide. Patients are frequently requesting correction of small regions, instead of opting for an all-encompassing procedure associated with prolonged recovery time. Thus, the field of “microlifting” has emerged. This is a new approach in which minimally invasive procedures can be utilized to accomplish outcomes formerly reserved for traditional surgery. The combination of polydioxanone (PDO) threads and topical exosomes is a method of treating both underlying soft tissue laxity and the surface of aging skin. The application of exosomes can deliver topical growth factors and targeted peptides to assist in rapid skin surface healing. More than a simple delivery vesicle, exosomes communicate with cells at the recipient site and can induce cellular change. PDO threads can be used subcutaneously as both a suspension device and regenerative biostimulatory device. Usually resorbed at 6 months post-insertion, these threads leave behind a linear network of collagen and elastin fibers that remains long after the polydioxanone is gone. Combination therapies can target several concerns when performed simultaneously. This regenerative method is well accepted by patients due to minimal cost and recovery time

Helium Plasma-Driven Radiofrequency in Body Contouring

Consumer demand for a minimally invasive alternative to dermolipectomy-based excisional procedures has been driven by interest in risk reduction, reduced scarring in the treatment region, and significant lessening of recovery time. While minimally invasive liposuction is a common approach, limitations can include residual skin laxity and irregular skin contour. The current literature suggests that radio frequency energy is superior in achieving non-excisional soft tissue and skin shrinkage without surgical skin resection. Monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency-based devices have been available for 10 years. Recently, a plasma-driven radiofrequency device, Renuvion, was introduced and FDA cleared for soft tissue coagulation. The device uses a pressurized helium tank to drive radiofrequency energy into a hollow cannula. As measured skin temperature rarely exceeds 38?C, the safety profile of the device is optimized. The use of helium-driven plasma energy is a new and promising resource for achieving non-excisional soft tissue and skin tightening. Because the device rapidly heats subcutaneous collagen, strong immediate contraction is generated within fractions of a second. This treatment is followed by very visible improvement at the 24 hour post-op mark. Results can continue to improve over a year, as infiltration of new collagen within the adipose stroma occurs

Youth leadership life skills development of participants in the West Virginia 4-H camping program

Although the development of leadership skills through the 4-H camping program is highly valued, measurement of leadership skill development of West Virginia 4-H camping program participants has been lacking. Thirteen to fifteen year old 4-H members were targeted in this study in order to gather data about leadership development among this age group.;Significant relationships were found between the total YLLSDS score and years of participation in county camp and receiving the Spirit of Camp Award. Participants also reported higher leadership scores if they had served as a Chief or Sagamore of their 4-H tribe, if they were female, and if they were younger.;Leadership activities, opportunities, and training in the 4-H camping program vary greatly from county to county in West Virginia. Uniform goals, programming, and evaluation are needed to facilitate leadership programming, life skills development, and leadership evaluation for the West Virginia camping program

Diane E. Duncan

Diane E. Duncan was, as a teenager, an original member of the National Youth Advisory Council for the American School Food Service Association. The ASFSA started this group to learn more about the student perspective regarding school food service. This experience led Diane to decide to make the nutrition field her career. After working with the Rice Council, ConAgra Foods, and the Florida Department of Citrus, Diane is currently with McKee Foods.https://egrove.olemiss.edu/icn_ohistories/1037/thumbnail.jp

Bacterial meningitis pathogens identified in clinical samples using a SERS DNA detection assay

This communication reports the first demonstration of the detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis bacterial DNA extracted from anonymous patient CSF samples and assesses the applicability of a previously developed SERS based DNA detection assay as a platform for the detection of multiple meningitis pathogens from clinical samples

Development of 3D printed networks in self-healing concrete

This paper presents a new form of biomimetic cementitious material, which employs 3D-printed tetrahedral mini-vascular networks (MVNs) to store and deliver healing agents to damage sites within cementitious matrices. The MVNs are required to not only protect the healing agent for a sufficient period of time but also survive the mixing process, release the healing agent when the cementitious matrix is damaged, and have minimal impact on the physical and mechanical properties of the host cementitious matrix. A systematic study is described which fulfilled these design requirements and determined the most appropriate form and material for the MVNs. A subsequent series of experiments showed that MVNs filled with sodium silicate, embedded in concrete specimens, are able to respond effectively to damage, behave as a perfusable vascular system and thus act as healing agent reservoirs that are available for multiple damage-healing events. It was also proved that healing agents encapsulated within these MVNs can be transported to cracked zones in concrete elements under capillary driving action, and produce a recovery of strength, stiffness and fracture energy

Multi-mycotoxin exposure assessment in UK children using urinary biomarkers - a pilot survey

Peer reviewedPostprin