Black Hills State University

In this preliminary paper we investigate shifts among undergraduate students’ educational values and their motivations to pursue a college degree. As the academic community strives to overcome the effects COVID-19 pandemic, many educators search for ways to return to pre-pandemic norms. They often encounter relatively lower student engagement levels and lack of preparedness, which may have been exacerbated by the conditions of remote learning. We dig into the causes of these challenges, assessing existing literature on student motivation, preparation, and engagement. Our exploration highlights the need for adaptive strategies that acknowledge and respond to sometimes subtle shifts in norms and students’ educational priorities.

In this preliminary paper we investigate shifts among undergraduate students’ educational values and their motivations to pursue a college degree. As the academic community strives to overcome the effects COVID-19 pandemic, many educators search for ways to return to pre-pandemic norms. They often encounter relatively lower student engagement levels and lack of preparedness, which may have been exacerbated by the conditions of remote learning. We dig into the causes of these challenges, assessing existing literature on student motivation, preparation, and engagement. Our exploration highlights the need for adaptive strategies that acknowledge and respond to sometimes subtle shifts in norms and students’ educational priorities.

The broad physics reach of the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment covers rare phenomena beyond the direct detection of dark matter. We report precise measurements of the extremely rare decay of ¹²⁴Xe through the process of two-neutrino double electron capture, utilizing a 1.39 kg × yr isotopic exposure from the first LZ science run. A half-life of T1/22ν2EC=(1.09±0.14stat±0.05sys)×1022yr is observed with a statistical significance of 8.3σ, in agreement with literature. First empirical measurements of the KK capture fraction relative to other K-shell modes were conducted, and demonstrate consistency with respect to recent signal models at the 1.4σ level.

The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment is a dual-phase xenon time project chamber operating in the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota, USA. We report on the results of a relativistic extension to the nonrelativistic effective field theory (NREFT) from a 5.5 t fiducial mass and 60 live days of exposure. We present constraints on couplings from covariant interactions arising from the coupling of vector, axial currents, and electric dipole moments of the nucleon to the magnetic and electric dipole moments of the weakly interacting massive particle which cannot be described by recasting previous results described by an NREFT. Using a profile-likelihood ratio analysis, in an energy region between 0 keV nr to 270 keV nr , we report 90% confidence level exclusion limits on the coupling strength of five interactions in both the isoscalar and isovector bases. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

This article, through developing a conceptual model, attempts to examine how influencer marketing impacts electronic word-of-mouth (EWOM), consumer E-brand experience, and E-brand loyalty, while considering the moderating influence of E-brand love. The study involved the collection and analysis of 310 questionnaires collected from online retail consumers in Iran. In this study, we employed exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis techniques using a structural equation modeling approach. The research uniquely emphasizes the customer perspective, focusing not only on the outcomes but also on the processes and antecedents that drive E-brand loyalty. The results indicate that influencer marketing has positive influences on EWOM, E-brand experience, and E-brand loyalty. Furthermore, EWOM and E-brand experience exhibit positive effects on E-brand loyalty. Notably, E-brand love plays a moderating role in the relationships between influencer marketing and E-brand loyalty, as well as the relationships between E-brand experience and E-brand loyalty. It is worth mentioning that E-brand love does not moderate the relationship between EWOM and E-brand loyalty. The results help to further comprehend how influencer marketing can successfully improve loyalty in the online realm. However, it is crucial to consider ethical implications in fostering emotional bonds, as unethical practices in this regard can trigger negative outcomes, including "hate" and distrust, particularly across different cultures and contexts. This insight emphasizes the significance of emotional bonds in fostering brand loyalty and proposes that nurturing the link between influencer marketing and E-brand loyalty through brand love, favorable E-brand experiences, and EWOM can result in more robust and lasting connections with consumers. To cultivate E-brand loyalty and love, it’s vital to build trust with influencers, as ethical missteps can have severe repercussions. Hence, it’s important to approach this relationship with careful consideration and awareness.

This study examines the effect of the unemployment anxiety experienced by young adults on their hopelessness through anxiety concerning the future in Türkiye. The study proposes that unemployment influences job hopelessness through future anxiety. Using the survey method, 720 responses were solicited from young adults. A structural equation model was constructed to test the reliability and validity of the measurement, as well as the structural model. The study results showed that unemployment and future anxiety influence hopelessness. However, at the same time, future anxiety is found to mediate the relationship between unemployment and hopelessness.

The objective of our study was to develop a genetically encoded biosensor for quantification of Nedd8, a post-translational modifier that regulates cellular signals through conjugation to other proteins. Perturbations in the balance of free (i.e., unconjugated) and conjugated Nedd8 caused by defects in Nedd8 enzymes or cellular stress are implicated in various diseases. Despite the biological and biomedical importance of Nedd8 dynamics, no method exists for direct quantification of free Nedd8, hindering the study of Nedd8 and activities of its associated enzymes. Genetically encoded biosensors are established as tools to study other dynamic systems, but limitations of current biosensor design methods make them poorly suited for free Nedd8 quantification. We have developed a modular method to design genetically encoded biosensors that employs a target binding domain and two reporter domains positioned on opposite sides of the target binding site. Target quantification is based on competition between target binding and the interaction of the reporter domains. We applied our design strategy to free Nedd8 quantification by developing a selective binder for free Nedd8 and combining it with fluorescent or split nanoluciferase reporters. Our sensors produced quantifiable and specific signals for free Nedd8 and enabled real-time monitoring of deneddylation by DEN1 with a physiological substrate. Our sensor design will be useful for high-throughput screening for deneddylation inhibitors, which have potential in treatment of cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The modular design strategy can be extended to develop genetically encoded quantitative biosensors for other proteins of interest.

Plant responses to damage by insectivorous herbivores are well-documented in mature leaves. The resulting herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) protect the plant by attracting carnivorous arthropods and even some insectivorous vertebrates, to parasitize or consume the plant invaders. However, very little is known about plant production of HIPVs in developing buds, particularly when herbivorous insects are too small to be considered a prey item. It is additionally unclear whether plants respond differently to generalist and specialist chewing insects that overlap in distribution. Therefore, we compared HIPV production of Downy oak (Quercus pubescens Willd.) buds infested with freshly hatched caterpillars of Tortrix viridana (specialist) and Operophtera brumata (generalist), against uninfested buds. Of the compounds identified in both years of the experiment, we found that (Z)-hex-3-enyl acetate, (E)-β-ocimene, acetophenone, linalool, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT), methyl salicylate, α-copaene, α-humulene, (E)-caryophyllene, and (E,E)-α-farnesene appeared to be higher in infested buds compared to controls. We found no difference in HIPV production between the specialist and the generalist herbivores. Production of HIPVs was also associated with leaf damage, with higher HIPV production in more severely attacked buds. Thus, our study shows that oak trees already start responding to insect herbivory before leaves are developed, by producing compounds similar to those found in damaged mature leaves. Future work should focus on how Downy oak may benefit from initiating alarm cues at a time when carnivorous arthropods and insectivorous vertebrates are unable to use herbivorous insects as host or food.

Research on financial literacy seeks to determine whether costly financial mistakes can be avoided. Decisions all consumers face are whether to purchase health insurance, purchase prescriptions, pursue recommended medical testing, and seek medical help for related problems by comparing perceived costs and benefits. Using data from the National Financial Capability Study, this paper provides evidence that financial literacy is a significant determinant in health insurance demand that also reduces the probability of less desirable health-related financial behaviors.

This article links the study of transnational and imperial fascism in the context of the Italian occupation of Albania by examining how Italian authorities sought to turn Albanians abroad into assets rather than liabilities. Organising and monitoring Albanians occurred through conferences, youth institutions and consular activities. Studying such concrete contacts and negotiations allows us to explore the practical issues latent in expanding fascist political subjectivity in transnational and imperial contexts. On the one hand, Italians hoped to verse Albanians in a fascist identity by using existing organisational strategies while silencing or converting potential anti-Italian critics. On the other, many Albanians expressed and offered support for these Italian efforts, though with reservations and conditions, raising questions as to what it meant to be an Albanian nationalist and/or fascist in the years of occupation. The Albanian case therefore contributes to our understanding of the tensions inherent in ‘universalising’ fascism for colonial subjects.

The LUX-ZEPLIN experiment is a dark matter detector centered on a dual-phase xenon time projection chamber operating at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota, USA. This Letter reports results from LUX-ZEPLIN’s first search for weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) with an exposure of 60 live days using a fiducial mass of 5.5 t. A profile-likelihood ratio analysis shows the data to be consistent with a background-only hypothesis, setting new limits on spin-independent WIMP-nucleon, spin-dependent WIMP-neutron, and spin-dependent WIMP-proton cross sections for WIMP masses above 9 GeV/c2. The most stringent limit is set for spin-independent scattering at 36 GeV/c2, rejecting cross sections above 9.2×10−48 cm at the 90% confidence level.

Sanger sequencing, also known as dideoxy sequencing, is a widely used method for DNA sequencing, particularly for cloned plasmids and clinical samples. This technique requires a combination of essential biochemistry skills, such as a chain-termination reaction, gel electrophoresis, and fluorescence detection. Unfortunately, there is a lack of activities that replicate the Sanger sequencing process for students to learn and practice these skills. To address this issue, a manipulative-based Sanger sequencing activity was developed that incorporates colorful pop beads to demonstrate a chain-termination reaction, separation of products, and fluorescence detection. The beads represent deoxynucleotides and dideoxynucleotides, allowing for a visual representation of DNA fragment generation. This kinesthetic learning activity offers a high visual impact for students, aiding in their understanding of the Sanger sequencing process, and can also be used to illustrate polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques.

This chapter employs personal narrative to explore challenges in rural schools that affect student self-efficacy, interest, and perceived relevance in math and science. By embedding abstract/universal concepts within the particularities of place—including storied ways of knowing—“intrepid” educators can bridge the gap between school discourses and cultural values in ways that foster identity formation in relationship to math and science. Recommendations for teaching and learning in rural contexts are explored, including the teacher's role as a mediator between place, story, and content.

This chapter explores several specific areas of rural schooling and education that are ripe for new research. Positing a regionally defined rurality within a larger rural identity, the chapter focuses on language and discourse in analyzing national narratives regarding rural communities. Agency in research for Native communities and delving deeper into masculinity and sexuality in rural communities are also considered as ways to integrate more diverse communities into the rural research lens. Qualitative, descriptive research is posited as a well-suited research method to address the new directions in research.