Browsing by Subject "research"

Now showing 1 - 10 of 37
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    16 Years of Charitable Giving Research
    (2019-12-12) Osili, Una; Clark, Chelsea; Han, Xiao
    The underlying data for this research brief is drawn from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Philanthropy Panel Study (PPS)—a signature research project of the school. The PPS, formerly known as the Center on Philanthropy Panel Study (COPPS), follows the same families’ philanthropic behaviors throughout their lives. The study provides nonprofit sector professionals, fundraisers, policymakers and public officials a unique perspective of household giving and volunteering behaviors over time.
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    The 2016 Planned Giving Study
    (2016-09-21) Osili, Una; Kou, Xiaonan; Bergdoll, Jonathan; St. Claire, Mallory; Yang, Le
    Charitable bequests and other planned gifts have historically played a significant role in the funding of higher education institutions. Prominent institutions such as Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, and the Julliard School have been established as a direct result of bequests, and these gifts continue to have a profound impact today. The field of planned giving has become more sophisticated over time. However, the complexity of various planned giving vehicles and the comparatively long time period required for planned gifts to be formalized make it difficult for researchers to systematically track and examine planned giving behavior. Existing studies, therefore, heavily rely on self-reported survey data or tax returns. This study is one of the first efforts that seek to understand the changing landscape of planned giving and to explore donor life-cycle trajectories at higher education institutions. This whitepaper is the first in what is hoped to be a series of reports based upon data on planned gifts and donors in the field of higher education. The whitepaper discusses findings from five case-study universities located across the U.S. As the study expands the sample to include more universities and colleges in the next phase, this report series will offer richer data and insights into more underexplored, yet important, questions in planned giving.
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    ADF/Cofilin Activation Regulates Actin Polymerization and Tension Development in Canine Tracheal Smooth Muscle
    (2009-09-03T15:28:09Z) Zhao, Rong; Gunst, Susan J.; Atkinson, Simon J.; Elmendorf, Jeffrey S.; Sturek, Michael S.
    The contractile activation of airway smooth muscle tissues stimulates actin polymerization and the inhibition of actin polymerization inhibits tension development. Actin depolymerizing factor (ADF) and cofilin are members of a family of actin–binding proteins that mediate the severing of F–actin when activated by dephosphorylation at serine 3. The role of ADF/cofilin activation in the regulation of actin dynamics and tension development during the contractile activation of airway smooth was evaluated in intact canine tracheal smooth muscle tissues. Two–dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed that ADF and cofilin exist in similar proportions in the muscle tissues and that approximately 40% of the total ADF/cofilin in unstimulated tissues is phosphorylated (inactivated). Phospho–ADF/cofilin decreased concurrently with tension development in response to stimulation with acetylcholine (ACh) or potassium depolarization indicating the activation of ADF/cofilin. Expression of an inactive phospho–cofilin mimetic (cofilin S3E), but not WT cofilin in the smooth muscle tissues inhibited endogenous ADF/cofilin dephosphorylation and ACh–induced actin polymerization. Expression of cofilin S3E in the tissues depressed tension development in response to ACh, but it did not affect myosin light chain phosphorylation. The ACh–induced dephosphorylation of ADF/cofilin required the Ca2+–dependent activation of calcineurin (PP2B). Expression of Slingshot (SSH) inactive phosphatase (C393S) decreased force development and cofilin dephosphorylation. Activation of ADF/cofilin was also required for the relaxation of tracheal muscle tissues induced by forskolin and isoproterenol. Cofilin activation in response to forskolin was not Ca2+–dependent and was not inhibited by calcineurin inhibitors, suggesting it was regulated by a different mechanism. Cofilin activation is required for actin dynamics and tension development in response to the contractile stimulation of tracheal smooth muscle and is regulated by both contractile and relaxing stimuli. These concepts are critical to understanding the mechanisms of smooth muscle contraction and relaxation, which may provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of abnormal airway responsiveness.
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    Adolescent Birth Mothers After Unintended Pregnancy and Infant Open Adoption
    (2009-12-08T19:11:56Z) Clutter, Lynn B.; Sims, Sharon L.
    Birth mothers of open adoption are not well studied. This inquiry explored birth mothers’ experiences surrounding unintended pregnancy and infant open adoption placement. The focused objective was to describe adolescent birth mothers’ lives following pregnancy and adoption placement. This qualitative study used naturalistic inquiry, with participants giving 1 to 2 hour tape recorded telephone interviews. Verbatim transcripts were de-identified and systematically analyzed. Birth mother samples were at either 1 to 5 years or 5 to 15 years after infant open adoption placement. Overall both samples chronicled stories from preconception through current life. Birth mothers of both samples were unanimous in their support of open adoption. The sample of 10 birth mothers who were interviewed 1 to 5 years postplacement shared life descriptions from prepregnancy; pregnancy with the decision for open adoption placement and choice of adoptive family; birth in context with the adoptive parents and birth child; postpartum and discharge. Postplacing birth mother findings were presented using the acronym AFRESH: A–adoption accomplishments; F–fresh start; R–relationships; E–emotions; S–support; H–healing. Personal, social, and relational benefits of open adoption far outweighed pregnancy, birth, and emotional challenges. Even though the process and outcome were “hard,” and included personal obstacles, the open adoption placement was “best.” Birth children were viewed as thriving, blossoming, and having a wonderful life. Adoptive families were cherished like those of extended family. Birth mothers thought health care providers should share the option, and then provide adoption friendly care. They also would advise pregnant teens to choose open adoption. Results from the 5 to 15 years postplacement sample of 5 birth mothers yielded themes of (1) satisfaction about decision for open adoption, choice of adoptive couple, and seeing a thriving birth child; (2) personal milestone accomplishments in education, finances, work, life, and relationships; (3) a sustaining sense of being a better person with an improved life; and (4) the essential need for support during and after the process.
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    Advanced Virtual Manufacturing Lab for Research, Training, & Education
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2010-04-09) El-Mounayri, Hazim
    The research formed a base for innovative technology that was used to develop a product on its way to commercialization. The new product provides effective and integrated tool for training and education in advanced manufacturing. It is based on sound e-learning pedagogy and highly effective and integrated virtual reality learning environment.
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    Assessing Student Learning in Co-Curricular Undergraduate Programs
    (2018-06) Galli, Dominique
    The IUPUI Center for Research and Learning assesses student learning in undergraduate research using both qualitatively and quantitatively data. As of today close to 400 students ranging from freshmen to seniors and more than 100 mentors have been surveyed. Data collected as well as select excerpts from student reflective essays will be presented to demonstrate student learning.
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    Assessing the Profiles through Written Reflections of Engaged Learning Experiences Using the AAC&U Written Communication and Integrative Learning VALUE Rubrics
    (2021-08-18) Hahn, Thomas
    This report describes an assessment activity within the IUPUI Institute for Engaged Learning (IEL) for students participating in IEL programs and the Life Health Sciences Internship (LHSI) Program during AY 2020-2021. The IEL Assessment Workgroup assessed written reflection artifacts of 124 students from 14 co-curricular programs. Using selected rows from the Written Communication and Integrative Learning VALUE Rubrics, the raters assessed the Communicator and Problem Solver Profiles of Undergraduate Learning. For Written Communication, overall results indicate that all of the student reflection artifacts at least met the benchmark for Control of Syntax and Mechanics. Nearly all (123 of 124) of the student reflection artifacts at least met the benchmark for Content Development. Overall, 99.6% of the scores for Written Communication met the benchmark. For Integrative Learning, nearly all of the student reflection artifacts (122 of 124) at least met the benchmark for Connections to Experiences. Likewise, nearly all of the student reflection artifacts (123 of 124) at least met the benchmark for Reflection and Self-Assessment. Overall, 98.8% of the scores for Integrative Learning met the benchmark.
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    Assessing the Profiles through Written Reflections of Engaged Learning Experiences Using the AAC&U Written Communication, Integrative Learning, and Civic Engagement VALUE Rubrics
    (2022-11) Hahn, Thomas W.
    This report describes an assessment activity within the IUPUI Institute for Engaged Learning (IEL)for students participating in IEL programs and the Life Health Sciences Internship (LHSI) Program during AY 2021-2022.The IEL Assessment Workgroup assessed written reflection artifacts of 100students from 10co-curricular programs. Using selected rows from the Written Communication, Integrative Learning, and Civic Engagement VALUE Rubrics, the raters assessed the Communicator, Problem Solver, and Community Contributor Profiles of Undergraduate Learning.
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    Center for HPV Research at IUPUI
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2013-04-05) Zimet, Gregory; Fortenberry, J. Dennis; Buckley, Katherine E.
    Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is highly prevalent among women and men and is associated with a number of diseases including genital warts, cervical cancers, other anogenital cancers in both men and women, and cancers of the head and neck. HPV infections are also associated with millions of dollars in annual health care costs. Two vaccines have been developed to prevent HPV infection. Both are approved for use in females ages 9 through 26, and one vaccine is approved for use in 9 to 26 year old males as well. Both vaccines are efficacious, safe, and cost-effective. Despite the great promise of HPV vaccines, vaccination rates in the U.S. are much lower than desired, with 2011 data indicating that 53% of 13-17 year old females received one or more doses and only 37% completed the 3-dose series. The ongoing medical, psychosocial, and financial costs of HPV infection indicate the need for comprehensive, cross-disciplinary research efforts coordinated with community outreach. We have established the Center for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Research at IUPUI; which fosters cohesion and collaboration among investigators from multiple disciplines and departments at IUPUI, IU Bloomington, and University of Notre Dame pursuing HPV-related research. This group of accomplished senior faculty and promising junior scholars represents a growing synergy between basic, clinical, and social/behavioral sciences. The Center for HPV Research will provide formal infrastructure and resources for pilot research projects, and a collaborative environment for development of proposals for external funding. By capitalizing on the unique strengths of an internationally recognized faculty and IUPUI’s remarkable culture of collaborative and interdisciplinary research, we will establish a world-class center for HPV research, research training, and research translation. The overall mission of the Center for HPV Research will be to improve understanding of HPV transmission, infection, and prevention of HPV infection and its consequences.
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    Center For Service and Learning Research Collaborative
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2010-04-09) Bringle, Robert G.; Hatcher, Julie A.; Steinberg, Kathy
    The Center for Service and Learning Research Collaborative has achieved its mission to (a) increasing the capacity of IUPUI faculty to engage in research on service learning; (b) convening internal and external service learning scholars to develop new conceptual frameworks and methodological tools (e.g., Civic-Minded Graduates and Professionals) to improve the quality of service learning research; and (c) disseminating high quality scholarship through IUPUI Series on Service Learning Research (Stylus Publishing), publishing research resources (e.g., scales, Research Primer, Research Briefs), convening scholars for symposia and conferences, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and hosting the 10th Annual conference of the International Association for Research on Service Learning and Community Engagement in October, 2010.