Junior Recital: Lauren Greene, violin

This recital is presented in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree Bachelor of Music in Performance. Ms. Greene studies violin with Helen Kim.https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/musicprograms/2073/thumbnail.jp

Parties’ increased reliance on online forms of communication may hold serious consequences for both their functioning and their relationship with the public

Zac Greene and Lauren Toner discuss the results of a survey of 1,500 respondents evaluating their level of support for parties to hold conferences online in the future

Lack of evidence for decreased protein stability in the 2397 (Met) haplotype of the leucine rich repeat kinase 2 protein implicated in Parkinson’s disease

Missense mutations in the leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are the leading genetic cause of autosomal dominant familial Parkinson’s disease. We previously reported that two mutations within the ROC domain, namely R1441C and A1442P, exhibit increased protein degradation leading to lowered steady state LRRK2 protein levels in HEK293 cells. More recently, the common WD40 domain LRRK2 haplotype, Met2397, which is a risk factor for Crohn’s disease, has been shown to lower steady state protein levels in HEK293 cells. In view of recent evidence implicating LRRK2 and inflame-mation in PD, we investigated the effects of Met2397 on LRRK2 expression, and compared them to the Thr2397 variant and other LRRK2 mutants. In this study, we transfected HEK293 cells with plasmid constructs encoding the different LRRK2 variants, and analyzed the resulting protein levels by Western blot and flow cytometry. Here we found that both the Met2397 and Thr2397 haplotypes yield similar levels of LRRK2 protein expression and do not appear to impact cell viability in HEK293 cells, compared to other LRRK mutants. Thus, we have concluded that the Met2397 haplotype is unlikely to play a role in LRRK2 mediated or idiopathic PD

Better, Nicer, Clearer, Fairer: A Critical Assessment of the Movement for Ethical Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

This paper uses frame analysis to examine recent high-profile values statements endorsing ethical design for artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML). Guided by insights from values in design and the sociology of business ethics, we uncover the grounding assumptions and terms of debate that make some conversations about ethical design possible while forestalling alternative visions. Vision statements for ethical AI/ML co-opt the language of some critics, folding them into a limited, technologically deterministic, expert-driven view of what ethical AI/ML means and how it might work

Suicide Prevention

Suicide, or intentional self-harm, is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Suicide rates among Hoosiers have increased from 12.6 per 100,000 in 2008 to 16.3 per 100,000 in 2017, a nearly 30% increase over the 10-year period. One in ten Indiana high school students attempted and survived suicide; those who identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual had significantly higher rates of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors compared to students who identified as heterosexual. A variety of factors contribute to a person’s likelihood to engage in suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Though anyone can be affected by suicide, there are some groups within the population that are at a particularly high risk due to the stresses they experience. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of suicide risks, trends, and current interventions in Indiana. To accomplish this, we (1) reviewed the literature and existing data, (2) conducted key informant interviews with state experts, and (3) synthesized the information to provide recommendations for suicide prevention

Pricking the Monster: Netflix and the modification of how and what we watch

Established in 1997, Netflix Inc. introduced a subscription-based DVD-by-mail service in 1999, and went public in 2005 at a share price of $15. At this stage, Netflix--whose basic plan now sits at$7.99--has upwards of 69 million subscribers around the world, a figure that is likely to dramatically increase following recent entry into 130 additional territories in January 2016. (Johnson) Crucially, Netflix is no longer just an aggregator of content from various networks and studios, but rather its own provider of quality film and television content. To date, the impact of Netflix is undeniable and far-reaching. Precisely what this new technology has done, and is continuing to do, to the film and television industries should not go unacknowledged. Namely, one can pose the question, how does Netflix modify not only our cinema and television-watching habits, but also the content that is produced and consumed

Senior Recital: Lauren Greene, violin

This recital is presented in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree Bachelor of Music in Performance. Ms. Greene studies violin with Helen Kim.https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/musicprograms/2213/thumbnail.jp

Responding to parents’ well-being needs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic – a critical reflection on the experiences of vulnerable parents and frontline service providers

In March 2020, a range of public health measures were introduced to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Ireland, including the closure of non-essential services and schools, and restricting the movements and social interactions of the majority of the population. The social and economic upheaval caused by these measures led to increased stress, strain and worry for parents, significantly heightening the risk for detrimental effects on well-being. Barnardos, Irelands leading children’s charity, responded quickly to the crisis by adapting its existing therapeutic services and creating a range of new services to support the needs of parents and families. This paper uses the lens of parental well-being to review the situation in Ireland experienced by vulnerable families during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of the disruptions and the service response. We explore the research background to parental well-being and detail the specific challenges faced by parents as reported in organisational surveys during the pandemic and in feedback from our frontline services. We also outline the complexities for services in responding innovatively and urgently to evolving family needs, and demonstrate facilitators and barriers to engagement. The paper concludes with a summary of the current and anticipated future context for families, and some recommendations for key actions around promoting and sustaining parental well-being

Senior Recital: Amanda Macon, flute

This recital is presented in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degrees Bachelor of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Music in Ethnomusicology. Ms. Macon studies flute with Todd Skitch.https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/musicprograms/1948/thumbnail.jp

Junior Recital: Savannah English, oboe and English horn

This recital is presented in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree Bachelor of Music in Performance. Ms. English studies oboe with Elizabeth Koch Tiscione.https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/musicprograms/2062/thumbnail.jp