Bellarmine University

In traditional science high school curricula, biological and physical concepts are limited to abstract textbook descriptions and lectures, leaving students with superficial comprehension due to limited priority on experimentation and exploration.Although traditional teaching methods commonly isolate the concepts covered by physics, chemistry, and biology, the real world transcends those boundaries, namely in fields like biophysics, where these concepts converge.Hence, we developed a protein visualization app that transforms abstract ideas such as the protein structure, the central dogma of molecular biology, Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) mutations, and the sequence-to-structure relationship into interactive learning experiences using 3D molecular models.Our study implemented the app within the curriculum of an honors biology class, and 53 students rated their comprehension of three biophysics topics on a scale of 1-5 before and after using the app.The results highlight that the app enhanced students' comprehension of amino acid structures, DNA to protein relationships, and mutations, particularly for those with a moderate foundation of prior knowledge in biophysics.Overall feedback highlighted the app's potential as an educational tool for enriching learning in biophysics and related fields by fostering comprehension and creative problem-solving skills.By bridging the gap between abstract education and molecular-level understanding, our protein visualization app has the potential to elevate biophysics education.

Background Youth and young adult nicotine and cannabis users most commonly use multiple delivery methods (e.g. vaping plus combustible cigarette smoking). Vaping and combustible cigarette use are also associated with increased internalizing symptoms (i.e. anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation); however, it is unclear whether there are differential patterns of associations based on product use patterns. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to examine user group differences in internalizing symptoms, how internalizing symptoms may impact use, and the perceived impact of vaping on internalizing symptoms. Method Participants were 1742 U.S. youth and young adults aged 13–24 (Mage = 18.04, SD = 3.46; 49.3% female; 74.9% White) who completed self-report measures online. Results Current users, regardless of the number of products used, were more likely to report clinically elevated anxiety and depression symptoms as well as suicidal ideation. Poly-product users also were more likely to endorse indicators of dependence. There were few group differences in terms of affect-related motivations to vape. Conclusions These findings suggest that youth and young adults reporting any use of nicotine or THC should be screened for internalizing symptoms and that cessation interventions for this age group target internalizing symptoms as well as dependence symptoms.

Wind, rain, and the activities of vertebrates frequently dislodge arthropods from tree surfaces, resulting in arthropod "rain" beneath trees. The probability of falling likely differs among taxa based on their adhesive capacities and ability to anticipate disturbance. We quantified the motion of red oak (Quercus rubra Linnaeus [Fagales: Fagaceae]) leaves, and the composition of arthropods dislodged from woody vegetation, following disturbance mimicking branch landings by eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis Gmelin [Rodentia: Sciuridae]). Simulated squirrel landings caused terminal leaves on red oak branches to move rapidly (up to 100cms-1) upward and inward toward the tree trunk during the first 50ms, and dislodged 30% of the arthropods present on a branch. The composition of fallen arthropods was similar to those that remained on the branches, but the proportion dislodged differed among taxa. We used a small catapult to test the effect of leaf movement on the adhesive capabilities of workers of the carpenter ant Camponotus pennsylvanicus DeGeer (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Arboreal ants presumably anticipate disturbance; thus, they were either "warned" or "unwarned" before each launch. Most ants (98%) were dislodged by the catapult. Warning did not affect the average (± SE) initial velocity (126.0 ± 72.0cms-1) or maximum height (22.8 ± 9.3cm) of launched ants. However, both variables were positively associated with ant mass. The results illustrate the limited ability of many arboreal arthropods to avoid the consequences of a common natural hazard and improve our understanding of the challenges imposed by an arboreal lifestyle.

Background The interest in and use of mechanical percussive massage treatment devices have grown immensely among clinicians and athletes. One purported benefit of these devices is the improvement of range of motion but whether these devices are more effective than traditional means of increasing muscle extensibility remains unexplored. Purpose To examine the effect of mechanical percussive massage therapy applied to the hamstrings versus static stretching of the hamstrings on passive knee extension (PKE) range of motion. Study Design Randomized control trial Methods Male Division II NAIA and Division III NCAA football players were recruited. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control, mechanical percussive massage therapy, or static stretching. Passive hamstring extensibility was quantified in all groups using standard goniometric measurements before and after the intervention by measuring PKE three times in a 90-90 supine position. The mechanical percussive massage therapy group received five minutes of treatment to the hamstrings. The static stretching group received manual stretching of the hamstrings performed in the 90-90 supine position (3 repetitions of 30 seconds with 10-second rest between repetitions). The control group received no treatment. An ANOVA was used to investigate effects of the random interventions. Results Seventy-nine male collegiate football players, 37 NCAA Division III and 42 NAIA Division II (mean age 19.8 years +/- 1.2) participated in this study. A significant difference (p < .001) in pre- and post-PKE range of motion was noted for both the percussive mechanical massage therapy (5.8 degrees, SD+/- 3.32) and static stretching (6 degrees, SD+/- 3.29) groups. No significant difference was noted between the two treatment groups. The control group did not demonstrate a significant difference in pre and post-PKE (1.1 degrees, SD +/- 3.62). Conclusions Static stretching and mechanical percussive massage therapy applied to the hamstrings produce significant immediate increases in PKE compared to a control group suggesting that static hamstring stretching, and mechanical percussive massage therapy are both viable options for acutely increasing hamstring extensibility. Level of Evidence II

Organoantimony Lewis acids have been coveted for their ability to bind hard anions like fluoride in competing media. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a phenyl dithienostibole (1) in which the antimony(III) center is embedded within a planar dibenzodithiophene chromophore. Compound 1 reacts with o‐chloranil to form the corresponding catecholatostiborane (2); it also reacts with tert‐butyl peroxide in the presence of perfluoropinacol to form the corresponding pinacolatostiborane (3). Compound 2 was investigated as a platform for anion binding. UV–vis titrations in CH2Cl2 afforded an association constant greater than 107 M−1 pointing to the high fluoridophilicity of this new system. Density functional theory calculations highlight the role played by the σ*(Sb‐Cphenyl) orbital in imparting Lewis acidity to the antimony center of 2.

Abstract The chapter features the research project ‘Artificial Intelligence for Assessment’ (AI FORA). AI FORA’s results will be presented in two volumes where this is the first one on the project’s empirical research. After a general introduction to the project, its topic, and its approach, two material sections follow, because their topics are central for AI FORA’s work. Section “The Pervasive Practice of Assessment and AI” will discuss the pervasive practice of social assessment in our societies which is more and more delegated to AI. Section “The Role of Culture and Context” will present existing cultural comparison approaches and evaluate their capacity to address the role of culture and context for AI-based social assessment in social service provision. Finally, the chapter will introduce the contributions of this book: Each chapter describes a unique cultural representation of context-specific social assessment practices to use AI for public social service provision in different national welfare systems.

Electronic Healthcare Records (EHRs) are becoming an increasingly popular method for hospitals to store digitized patient records and medical data. However, as hospitals have accelerated in their adoption of EHRs nationwide, the concern of cyberattacks has simultaneously surged as well, leaving patient data vulnerable to data breaches. Blockchain technology offers a potential solution to enhance EHR cybersecurity due to its decentralized and immutable storage capabilities. However, despite the robust security and effectiveness of blockchains, it faces widespread adoption issues from hospitals. Significant costs and setup complexity hinder the use of blockchain in EHRs due to hospitals' lack of resources. The serverless application of blockchain, which reduces server load and energy usage by utilizing cold starts instead of keeping servers continuously running, offers an affordable alternative to hospitals. By integrating serverless architectures with blockchain, hospitals can utilize both secure and scalable EHR systems, combating the rise in cyberattacks. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive framework for the implementation of server-less blockchain technology in EHR systems. We explore the current vulnerabilities in EHR systems, and the benefits of serverless applications of blockchain, and propose a practical architecture for serverless blockchain integration.

Large language models (LLMs) often amplify societal stereotypes present in training data. While several methods have been developed to debias models in English, less attention has been given to low-resource languages like Maltese and Urdu. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of multilingual models in transferring learned unbiased behavior across languages. We fine-tune a $\mathbf{X}$ LM-R m odel u sing t he W inoBias a nd StereoSet datasets in English and evaluate its bias across seven languages using the Multilingual CrowS Pairs Dataset. We find that our fine-tuned m odel r educes b ias b y 8% a cross 71 anguages, with a significant $\mathbf{1 9. 4 \%}$ r eduction inlow-resource 1 anguages like Maltese.

Artificial airways are essential in various clinical settings to maintain a patient's airway and provide necessary support for ventilation and oxygenation. These devices are commonly temporary and come in several types, each serving specific purposes. Understanding the indications, types, and proper care of artificial airways is crucial for health care professionals to ensure patients receive optimal care and prevent complications. This article aims to review the indications for using artificial airways and discuss the most commonly used types, including supraglottic airway devices, endotracheal tubes, tracheostomy tubes, and laryngectomy tubes. It also provides insights into the procedures involved in intubation and percutaneous tracheostomy and offers guidance on patient management, emphasizing assessment, oral care, suctioning, and humidification for patients with these airway devices. This article underscores the significance of understanding artificial airways, not just as a set of skills but as a commitment to patient welfare. Health care professionals who master the knowledge and care of these devices can significantly contribute to their patients' well-being and quality of life.