Women Drummers: Embracing a tradition and moving forward with change

The aim of this paper is to determine whether or not female drummers are becoming a part of the tradition of drumming in Ghana. Much of the focus lies on the pioneer women\u27s group in Ghana, the Aboase Dadziemba Mmensoun Cultural Group. It looks at the role they\u27ve played in liberating the women of Ghana and revitalizing a change in the traditional realm of drumming. The research touches on the definition of tradition: how it can embody change and still remain traditional. It looks at the institution of drumming in Ghana and evaluates the ever changing role of women within this institution

Utilizing Cinematic Stories to Shift Fear Into Compassion Towards Pit Bull Type Breeds

Creating entertaining yet educational stories to cultivate curiosity in caring for animals can improve animal welfare as well as our own public health under a One Health initiative. More specifically, tailoring well-crafted cinematic stories utilizing thoughtful anthropomorphism about misunderstood dog breeds such as pit bulls can potentially debunk sensationalized media myths surrounding their reputation. Further research is worth pursuing on how an anthropomorphic film with an emotional arc utilizing a non-aggressive pit bull character can decrease a population\u27s previous concerns of “scary” dog breeds discriminated against under breed specific legislation while also championing the use of particular films as moral educators. While the pilot data showed both positive and negative trends in subjects’ perceptions of pit bulls, “scary” dog breeds, and animal sentience after watching the film Kitbull, emotional cinematic stories and the content within those stories matter. We as animal welfare scientists and media professionals must work in collaboration to create truthful yet compelling stories utilizing anthropomorphism more thoughtfully so that we may nurture an audience’s empathy and compassion towards misunderstood animals in society. By increasing our efforts in improving domesticated dog welfare with a focus on debunking societal myths about mislabeled “dangerous” dog breeds such as the pit bull through motion picture stories, we not only better animal and human welfare within local communities, but world-wide

Cook Inlet Sediment Budget and Water Quality Model

A Project Report Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in Civil EngineeringThe topic that is being addressed is whether the sediment load into Cook Inlet increasing as the glacier melt rate has increased in the last 50 years? This is important since regional watershed understanding of the sediment balance and potential changes in sediment erosion and deposition rates in areas and along the coast may impact infrastructure like pipelines, bridges and roads, or communities. The scope includes a discussion on over fifty (50) years of related research, river water and sediment inputs, and an assessment of existing models. Data from USGS and other available sources were gathered, a large scale, high-level statistical assessment was conducted to determine if the riverine discharge data showed any significant increases in flow and sedimentation. The initial results showed that flow was increasing in time, and sediment transport could be as well. A more comprehensive review of the riverine discharge data shows a trend that the rivers are experiencing larger flows. There is not sufficient, comparable data yet to determine if the sediment load has also increased. The research efforts helped to create a basic sediment budget for the Cook Inlet Watershed. The most important results are that the glaciers are melting at a faster rate and the data show that the river discharge volumes are increasing, while sediment rates remain constant or are decreasing. The question this thesis is attempting to answer is whether there is also an increase in the sediment transport. Based on the available data reviewed, the river sediment load appears to be decreasing while the river water content appears to be steady or increasing

Genetic, molecular, and neuroendocrine basis of behavioral evolution in deer mice

Despite the extraordinary diversity of behavior across the animal kingdom, the genes and molecules that contribute to such natural diversity are largely unknown. In this thesis, I leverage the dramatic divergence in behavior between two closely related species of deer mice (genus Peromyscus) to investigate the genetic, cellular, and neuroendocrine basis of behavior. In chapter 2, I show that the monogamous oldfield mouse (Peromyscus polionotus subgriseus) has evolved a novel cell type in the adrenal gland that expresses the enzyme AKR1C18, which converts progesterone into 20α-hydroxyprogesterone (20α-OHP). I then demonstrate that 20α-OHP is more abundant in oldfield mice than in the closely-related promiscuous prairie deer mouse (P. maniculatus bairdii) and that it increases monogamous-typical parental behaviors when administered to both monogamous fathers. Using quantitative trait locus mapping in a cross between these species, I discover interspecific genetic variation that drives expression of the glycoprotein tenascin N and ultimately contributes to gain of adrenal AKR1C18 expression in oldfield mice. In chapter 3, I investigate the genetic architecture underlying the striking difference in exploratory behavior between prairie deer mice and oldfield mice. Through congenic fine-mapping, I identify a 15-Mb locus that strongly contributes to species differences in exploratory behavior. I then investigate the potential contributions of one of the 18 genes in the locus, Olfm4, which harbors cis-regulatory variants that drives its expression in the oldfield hypothalamus. Taken together, my research advances our understanding of the genetic and molecular causes that drive rapid behavioral divergence between species

Des preuves récentes sur les habiletés visuo- spatiales pour la formation en chirurgie : revue exploratoire

Background: Understanding the relationships between structures is critical for surgical trainees. However, the heterogeneity of the literature on visual-spatial ability (VSA) in surgery makes it challenging for educators to make informed decisions on incorporating VSA into their programs. We conducted a scoping review of the literature on VSA in surgery to provide a map of the literature and identify where gaps still exist for future research. Methods: We searched databases until December 2019 using keywords related to VSA and surgery. The resulting articles were independently screened by two researchers for inclusion in our review. Results: We included 117 articles in the final review. Fifty-nine articles reported significant correlations between VSA tests and surgical performance, and this association is supported by neuroimaging studies. However, it remains unclear whether VSA should be incorporated into trainee selection and whether there is a benefit of three-dimensional (3D) over two-dimensional (2D) training. Conclusions: It appears that VSA correlates with surgical performance in the simulated environment, particularly for novice learners. Based on our findings, we make suggestions for how surgical educators may use VSA to support novice learners. Further research should determine whether VSA remains correlated to surgical performance when trainees move into the operative environment.Contexte :  Il est fondamental pour les chirurgiens en formation de comprendre les liens qui unissent les diverses structures corporelles. Étant donné l’hétérogénéité de la littérature portant sur les habiletés visuo-spatiales (HVS) nécessaires en chirurgie, les éducateurs ont de la difficulté à prendre des décisions éclairées quant à l’enseignement des HVS dans leurs programmes. On a effectué une étude exploratoire de la littérature sur les HVS en chirurgie afin de répertorier la littérature et de cerner des lacunes pouvant faire l’objet de recherches ultérieures. Méthodologie : On a interrogé des bases de données jusqu’à décembre 2019 à l’aide de mots-clés reliés aux HVS et à la chirurgie.  Les articles trouvés ont été évalués de façon indépendante par deux chercheurs pour déterminer leur inclusion à la revue. Résultats :  Au total, 117 articles ont été inclus dans la revue finale. Cinquante-neuf faisaient état d’importantes corrélations entre les tests d’évaluation des HVS et la performance chirurgicale. Cette association est étayée par les résultats d’études en neuro-imagerie.   Il n’est pas clair cependant si les HVS devraient faire partie des critères de sélection des résidents et si une formation sur les techniques de visualisation en trois dimensions (3D) est préférable à une formation sur les techniques de visualisation en deux dimensions (2D). Conclusions : Il semble exister un lien entre les HVS et la performance chirurgicale en contexte de simulation, particulièrement chez les apprenants novices. À la lumière de nos résultats, nous présentons des recommandations sur la façon dont les formateurs en chirurgie pourraient se servir des HVS pour aider les apprenants novices. D’autres travaux de recherche devraient permettre de savoir si les HVS restent reliés à la performance chirurgicale lorsque les stagiaires passent à un environnement opératoire réel

Cut It Out: Conversations with Professional Editors

We know what writers do, but what do professional editors do? Come to this session and learn how editors give shape and clarity to writing, and how they navigate the egos of their clients. The students in this session performed informational interviews with different types of editors, including people whose job is to review manuscripts and people whose job is not to review creative writing but to review important documents that will result in people dying or getting fired if they go wrong. Come to this session and learn about the power of words

A dynamic NRBV framework for innovative sustainable operations

Whilst some twenty years old, Hart’s (1995) natural-resource-based-view(NRBV) of the firm is presented in modern literature as an effective and innovative approach to sustainable operations. This said, it is argued that the theory has struggled to transition into industry, largely due to insufficient managerial guidance (Hart & Dowell, 2011). In particular little definition is provided as to the capabilities required to support the NRBV, in some disregard of the intrinsic nature of resources and capabilities (Barney, 2001). This paper builds on seminal NRBV studies, a synergistic relationship with sustainable supply chain management and innovation and application of Teece’s (2007) theory of dynamic capabilities to construct a definitive framework of NRBV capabilities. The results of an empirical study involving semi-structured interviews with UK food companies support a relationship between the NRBV, sustainable supply chain management and innovation and reinforce NRBV capabilities. In its completion, this study aims to overcome a twenty-year theory practice gap and promote an innovative approach to sustainable operations for managers

Exploring dynamic natural-resource-based capabilities for sustainable agri-food chains

The natural-resource-based-view (NRBV) is positively presented in literature as a competitive approach to sustainable operations. In spite of this the theory has struggled to transition into industry; something which academics attribute to a lack of practical guidance and ill-defined capabilities. The purpose this study is to identify NRBV capabilities. This is done via review of seminal NRBV studies and exploration of a synergistic relationship with SSCM, permitting the identification of potentially relevant capabilities. Dynamic capabilities theory is then applied to categorize the capabilities and further enhance applicability. A qualitative multiple-interview methodological approach is employed to empirically investigate the capabilities within the context of the Scottish agri-food sector

Patient experience and satisfaction with symptomatic Faecal Immunochemical Testing: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods evaluation

Background: Recent evidence suggests that faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) can rule out colorectal cancer in symptomatic adults. To date, there is little research exploring experiences of FIT for this population. Aim: To explore patient experience and satisfaction with FIT in an ‘early adopter’ site in England. Design: We used an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach combining mailed quantitative surveys with semi-structured telephone interviews. Methods: Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to assess qualitative transcripts. Results: The survey had 260 respondents and found satisfaction with FIT was high (88.7%). Compared with test satisfaction, the proportion of respondents satisfied with GP consultation, and how they received their results, was lower (74.4% and 76.2%, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed increased area-level deprivation and not receiving an explanation of the purpose of the test were associated with lower satisfaction with GP consultation (both P-values<0.05), while increased area-level deprivation and not receiving results from the GP were associated with lower satisfaction with receiving results (both P-values<0.05). Interviews with respondents (n=20) helped explain the quantitative results. They revealed that “not knowing the purpose of the test” caused “anxiety” and “confusion”, which led to dissatisfaction. “Not receiving results from GP” was considered “unacceptable”, as this left patients with a “niggling doubt” and lack of diagnosis, or assurance that they did not have cancer. Conclusion: Patient satisfaction with symptomatic FIT is high. Efforts to improve satisfaction should focus on ensuring patients understand the purpose of the test and always receive their test results