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Scorpions are predatory arachnids that are among the most ancient terrestrial invertebrates. They are typically found residing in desert and riparian environments. Viruses associated with scorpions have been explored in the past, unveiling partial RNA virus sequences and polyomaviruses, but more research in this area is necessary. Cycloviruses are non-enveloped

Scorpions are predatory arachnids that are among the most ancient terrestrial invertebrates. They are typically found residing in desert and riparian environments. Viruses associated with scorpions have been explored in the past, unveiling partial RNA virus sequences and polyomaviruses, but more research in this area is necessary. Cycloviruses are non-enveloped viruses with circular single-stranded DNA genomes (~1.7 to 1.9 kb). Cycloviruses were initially identified in mammals and have now been detected in samples from a wide range of mammalian and insect species. Polyomaviruses are double-stranded DNA viruses (~4 to 7 kb). They are known for causing tumors in the host it infects, and have previously been identified in a diverse array of organisms, including scorpions. The objective for this study was to identify known and novel viruses in scorpions. Using high-throughput sequencing and traditional molecular techniques we determine the genome sequences of cycloviruses and polyomaviruses. Sixteen of the forty-three scorpion samples were positive for eight different species of cycloviruses. According to ICTV guidelines, seven of the eight species were novel cycloviruses which were found in bark scorpions, stripe-tailed scorpions, yellow ground scorpions, and giant hairy scorpions (Centruroides sculpturatus, Paravaejovis spinigerus, Paravaejovis confusus & Hadrurus arizonensis) from Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima county in Arizona, USA. Additionally, one previously known cyclovirus species was recovered in bark scorpions (Centruroides sculpturatus) in Pima county which had previously been documented in guano from a Mexican free-tailed bat in Arizona. There were ten scorpions out of forty-three for which we recovered polyomavirus scorpion samples that grouped into four different polyomavirus species. Polyomaviruses were only identified in bark scorpions (Centruroides sculpturatus) from Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima county. Of the polyomavirus genomes recovered three belong to previously identified scorpion polyomavirus 1 and five to scorpion polyomavirus 3, and two represent two new species named scorpion polyomavirus 4 and scorpion polyomavirus 5. The implications of the discovery of cycloviruses and polyomaviruses from this study contributes to our understanding of viral diversity associated with Scorpions.
ContributorsGomez, Magali (Author) / Neil, Julia (Co-author) / Varsani, Arvind (Thesis director) / Kraberger, Simona (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Scorpions are predatory arachnids that are among the most ancient terrestrial invertebrates. They are typically found residing in desert and riparian environments. Viruses associated with scorpions have been explored in the past, unveiling partial RNA virus sequences and polyomaviruses, but more research in this area is necessary. Cycloviruses are non-enveloped

Scorpions are predatory arachnids that are among the most ancient terrestrial invertebrates. They are typically found residing in desert and riparian environments. Viruses associated with scorpions have been explored in the past, unveiling partial RNA virus sequences and polyomaviruses, but more research in this area is necessary. Cycloviruses are non-enveloped viruses with circular single-stranded DNA genomes (~1.7 to 1.9 kb). Cycloviruses were initially identified in mammals and have now been detected in samples from a wide range of mammalian and insect species. Polyomaviruses are double-stranded DNA viruses (~4 to 7 kb). They are known for causing tumors in the host it infects, and have previously been identified in a diverse array of organisms, including scorpions. The objective for this study was to identify known and novel viruses in scorpions. Using high-throughput sequencing and traditional molecular techniques we determine the genome sequences of cycloviruses and polyomaviruses. Sixteen of the forty-three scorpion samples were positive for eight different species of cycloviruses. According to ICTV guidelines, seven of the eight species were novel cycloviruses which were found in bark scorpions, stripe-tailed scorpions, yellow ground scorpions, and giant hairy scorpions (Centruroides sculpturatus, Paravaejovis spinigerus, Paravaejovis confusus & Hadrurus arizonensis) from Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima county in Arizona, USA. Additionally, one previously known cyclovirus species was recovered in bark scorpions (Centruroides sculpturatus) in Pima county which had previously been documented in guano from a Mexican free-tailed bat in Arizona. There were ten scorpions out of forty-three for which we recovered polyomavirus scorpion samples that grouped into four different polyomavirus species. Polyomaviruses were only identified in bark scorpions (Centruroides sculpturatus) from Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima county. Of the polyomavirus genomes recovered three belong to previously identified scorpion polyomavirus 1 and five to scorpion polyomavirus 3, and two represent two new species named scorpion polyomavirus 4 and scorpion polyomavirus 5. The implications of the discovery of cycloviruses and polyomaviruses from this study contributes to our understanding of viral diversity associated with Scorpions.
ContributorsNeil, Julia (Author) / Gomez, Magali (Co-author) / Varsani, Arvind (Thesis director) / Kraberger, Simona (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / School of Politics and Global Studies (Contributor)
Created2024-05
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This paper examines the role of refugee resettlement and integration agencies on a federal, state, and nonstate level, and the role they each play in facilitating effective refugee integration. Wars, poverty, and political unrest have all contributed to creating the largest number of refugees in history. An important step in

This paper examines the role of refugee resettlement and integration agencies on a federal, state, and nonstate level, and the role they each play in facilitating effective refugee integration. Wars, poverty, and political unrest have all contributed to creating the largest number of refugees in history. An important step in beginning to resolve this refugee crisis is to offer the victims a chance at rebuilding their lives. Every State in the international community has a responsibility to resettle those who have been displaced. It is important to understand the process of refugee resettlement and integration, and the organizations involved, which I map out and then assess what area of refugee integration plays the most important role, and how organizations on every level work together to provide the greatest amount of resources possible. I then evaluate any gaps and problems in the refugee integration system.
ContributorsHarb, Brittany Rene (Author) / King, Kristy (Thesis director) / Dille, Brian (Committee member) / School of Politics and Global Studies (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
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Description
This thesis explores the current standards and the progress being made for civic education in the state of Arizona. To develop a new model, it draws on the programs offered to students in the community of Camden, NJ by the thriving civics department at Rutgers University. Motivated by the current

This thesis explores the current standards and the progress being made for civic education in the state of Arizona. To develop a new model, it draws on the programs offered to students in the community of Camden, NJ by the thriving civics department at Rutgers University. Motivated by the current lack of civic resources in Arizona high schools, this research seeks out a practical, community-centered approach to improving the civic education standards. Arizona was one of the first states to make civic education a priority by passing the American Civics Act, but there is still a long way to go to create civically engaged classrooms for students. The proposed plan combines citizenship pedagogy with direct service opportunities, mentorship, and community projects to help students become engaged in their local communities.
ContributorsMiller, Mekenna Moriah (Author) / Simhony, Avital (Thesis director) / Lennon, Tara (Committee member) / School of Public Affairs (Contributor) / School of Social Transformation (Contributor) / School of Politics and Global Studies (Contributor, Contributor, Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
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Description
Cities and towns are creatures of the state. There is a constitutional hierarchy between levels of governments, and cities and local governments are structurally at the bottom of this hierarchy. However, despite this established dynamic of power, local governments in the State of Arizona have traditionally maintained a significant level

Cities and towns are creatures of the state. There is a constitutional hierarchy between levels of governments, and cities and local governments are structurally at the bottom of this hierarchy. However, despite this established dynamic of power, local governments in the State of Arizona have traditionally maintained a significant level of autonomy when it comes to enacting their own policies. In the face of slow-moving state and national governments, local governments have operated on a level that is quick to respond to the needs of its citizens, and cities have assumed the role of filling in the policy and administrative gaps of higher levels of government. However, relatively recently, there has been increased conflict between cities and the State of Arizona. The state legislature has passed various measures restricting local governments on a variety of topics ranging from elections, labor, firearms, immigration, environmental regulations, and more, preempting cities at a wide level.
ContributorsKhan, Nadira (Author) / Lewis, Paul (Thesis director) / Larsen, Dale (Committee member) / School of Politics and Global Studies (Contributor, Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
This short documentary on the Equal Rights Amendment features attorney Dianne Post and State Representative Jennifer Jermaine, and it examines the fight for passage at the federal and state level. This film attempts to answer the following questions: What is the ERA? What is its history? Why do we need

This short documentary on the Equal Rights Amendment features attorney Dianne Post and State Representative Jennifer Jermaine, and it examines the fight for passage at the federal and state level. This film attempts to answer the following questions: What is the ERA? What is its history? Why do we need it? How do we get it into the Constitution of the United States of America?

The text of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) states that “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.” The amendment was authored by Alice Paul and was first introduced into Congress in 1923. The ERA did not make much progress until 1970, when Representative Martha Griffiths from Michigan filed a discharge petition demanding that the ERA move out of the judiciary committee to be heard by the full United States House of Representatives. The House passed it and it went on to the Senate, where it was approved and sent to the states for ratification. By 1977, 35 states had voted to ratify the ERA, but it did not reach the 38 states-threshold required for ratification before the 1982 deadline set by Congress. More recently, Nevada ratified the ERA in March 2017, and Illinois followed suit in May 2018. On January 27th, 2020, Virginia finalized its ratification, making it the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

Supporters of the ERA argue that we have reached the required goal of approval by 38 states. However, opponents may have at least two legal arguments to challenge this claim by ERA advocates. First, the deadline to ratify was 1982. Second, five states have voted to rescind their ratification since their initial approval. These political and legal challenges must be addressed and resolved before the ERA can be considered part of the United States Constitution. Nevertheless, ERA advocates continue to pursue certification. There are complicated questions to untangle here, to be sure, but by listening to a variety of perspectives and critically examining the historical and legal context, it may be possible to find some answers. Indeed, Arizona, which has yet to ratify the ERA, could play a vital role in the on-going fight for the ERA.
ContributorsSchroder, Jude Alexander (Author) / Adelman, Madelaine (Thesis director) / Mitchell, Kathryn (Committee member) / School of Politics and Global Studies (Contributor, Contributor, Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
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Description
This study identifies and examines healthcare barriers experienced by the Hispanic1 population in Phoenix, Arizona. A cross-sectional survey was used to explore these barriers for 123 members of the community, and the findings reveal that the main impediments to healthcare faced by the Hispanic population are structured by their language,

This study identifies and examines healthcare barriers experienced by the Hispanic1 population in Phoenix, Arizona. A cross-sectional survey was used to explore these barriers for 123 members of the community, and the findings reveal that the main impediments to healthcare faced by the Hispanic population are structured by their language, immigration status, education level, and access to health insurance. The results of the survey were then analyzed to explore possible mechanisms of the origin or intensification of the barriers, as well as potential solutions such as educating future providers to be culturally competent, usage of integrated medical settings, and the advertisement and extension of Promotoras to the community.
ContributorsMusch, Cristina Lizbeth (Author) / Rosales, Jesus (Thesis director) / Estevez, Dulce (Committee member) / Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / School of Molecular Sciences (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description

Since the 1980’s, there has been a growing interest in the concept of sustainability. The prime directive of sustainability is to balance the needs of economics, environmental health, and human society. The change in the global climate, loss of biodiversity, increased levels of pollution, and general trend toward resource scarcity

Since the 1980’s, there has been a growing interest in the concept of sustainability. The prime directive of sustainability is to balance the needs of economics, environmental health, and human society. The change in the global climate, loss of biodiversity, increased levels of pollution, and general trend toward resource scarcity have all increased the momentum of the contemporary sustainability movement. Simultaneously, poverty and nutrition scarcity have attracted many to sustainability’s principles of resource equity. What one can gather from the diversity of sustainability’s intended functions is that it’s meant to solve several problems at once. In another sense, the most impactful sustainability solutions are multipurpose. This is not to say that any given solution is a panacea. On the contrary, sustainability advocates often dispute the existence of so-called “silver bullets” for these global issues. While this tends to reign true, it does not stop policy makers, communities, or researchers from attempting to employ multifaceted solutions. One such example is the myriad of sustainability issues associated with industrial agriculture. With the compounding issues of high water consumption, habitat destruction via land use change, biodiversity loss and climate change, industrial agriculture appears to be a damaging system. Areas like Arizona are projected to be affected by many of these issues. It thus stands to reason that if Arizona is to aggressively address its long-term drought, as well as global sustainability issues, a systematic change in farming practices needs to be made. Firstly, an analysis of the agricultural and water histories of Arizona will highlight the events most relevant to the region’s contemporary issues. Following this, the analysis will frame the greater problem through specific pieces of evidence associated with water scarcity in Arizona. Then, a summary of findings will illustrate the fundamental theories surrounding regenerative agriculture and three of its alternative forms: permaculture, dryland farming, and carbon farming. These theories will be instrumental in recommending a useful conception of regenerative agriculture for Arizona; it will be known as a Regenerative Dryland Farming System (RDFS). The extent and utility of current solutions will then be explored. The remainder of the section will illustrate the principles of the RDFSs, explore their potential weaknesses, and recommend policy for their successful deployment. Overall, it will be argued that RDFSs should fully replace industrial agriculture in Arizona. This will be vital in addressing the nine planetary boundaries and freshwater reality of the region.

ContributorsMeyers, Scott (Author) / Behravesh, Shirley-Ann (Thesis director) / Merrigan, Kathleen (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / School of Sustainability (Contributor) / School of Politics and Global Studies (Contributor)
Created2022-05
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Description
Textbooks are crucial in classrooms when it comes to developing lesson plans and curriculum for the classroom. They serve as a way for students to learn more about a certain topic in depth and can improve reading comprehension skills. However, as past studies have shown (Grever and van der Vlies),

Textbooks are crucial in classrooms when it comes to developing lesson plans and curriculum for the classroom. They serve as a way for students to learn more about a certain topic in depth and can improve reading comprehension skills. However, as past studies have shown (Grever and van der Vlies), textbooks can be one-sided and leave out stories and perspectives from marginalized groups, such as African Americans and Indigenous peoples. Multiple perspectives in textbooks allow students to use historical consciousness to reflect how these historical events have an impact on modern society. Arizona has been in a unique political position over the past decade. In 2011, the state legislature passed a bill banning ethnic studies to be taught in schools. This was eventually reversed by the Court in 2017. Recently, the Governor signed two bills regarding education, which are improving curriculum on the Holocaust and banning critical race theory from being taught in schools. Because of Arizona’s geographic diversity, textbook content might vary since Arizona holds the most federally recognized tribes and borders Mexico. To analyze those differences, the 15 counties of Arizona are grouped into five regions, and from each region, one textbook will be analyzed. The textbooks will be coded for each racial community, which will be Asian American, Hispanic American, Black American, and Indigenous American. It is concluded that there is a direct relationship between the textbooks chosen and the racial groups that are covered in these books. Counties that had a larger Indigenous population tended to have a textbook that would cover more Indigenous history.
Created2022-05
Description
Since their inception in 1997, Arizona policymakers have debated the merits of Arizona’s income tax credits for contributions to certified school tuition organizations (STOs), though the programs have grown year over year. This study aims to answer lingering questions about the beneficiaries of STO scholarships. First, using publicly available reports

Since their inception in 1997, Arizona policymakers have debated the merits of Arizona’s income tax credits for contributions to certified school tuition organizations (STOs), though the programs have grown year over year. This study aims to answer lingering questions about the beneficiaries of STO scholarships. First, using publicly available reports from the Arizona Department of Revenue, the Arizona Board of Education, and American Community Survey 5-year estimates, multiple regression analysis indicates a weakly negative relationship between scholarship dollars and family income but no statistically significant effect of public-school quality on scholarship dollars. Second, using data from a survey of parents whose students’ attend Arizona private schools, logistic regression suggests a weakly negative relationship between scholarship utilization and family income, with public school quality having no statistically significant effect on STO scholarship utilization. Moreover, multiple regression analysis again shows a weakly negative relationship between scholarship dollars and family income but no statistically significant relationship between public school quality and scholarship dollars. This paper concludes by offering policy suggestions to improve the accountability of these programs.
ContributorsBurruel, Fausto (Author) / Kuminoff, Nicolai (Thesis director) / Lennon, Tara (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (Contributor) / Economics Program in CLAS (Contributor) / School of Politics and Global Studies (Contributor)
Created2022-12