Undergraduate Research Journal 

About: Undergraduate Research Journal is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Population & Human rights. Over the lifetime, 918 publications have been published receiving 1355 citations.

Microfinance and Poverty Alleviation

Abstract: Introduction Section One: What is a Microfinance Institution? Section 11 Village Banks Section 12 Trust and Group Lending Section 13 Focus on Women Section 14 High Interest Rates, Subsidy, and Financial Sustainability Section 15 Qualified Leadership Section 16 Types of MFIs Section Two: Criticisms of Microfinance Section 21 Does Not Reach the Poorest Section 22 Not Financially Sustainable Section 23 Potentially Harmful to Women Section 24 Creates Large Debt Section 25 Not Universal in Application Section Three: Microfinance and Poverty Alleviation Section 31 Increase in Income Section 32 Better Nutrition Section 33 Higher School Attendance Section 34 Women’s Empowerment Section 35 Lifts Poor Out of Poverty Section 36 Integrated Programs Conclusion References 2 Rollins Undergraduate Research Journal, Vol 2 [2010], Iss 1, Art 9 http://scholarshiprollinsedu/rurj/vol2/iss1/9

Resettlement experiences of children who entered the united states as refugees

Abstract: Approximately 19.5 million refugees exist globally and nearly half are children (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 2014). As families become acclimated and accustomed to the U.S culture, they face numerous challenges. In fact, according to this study, children specifically experience a significant number of stressors during resettlement, impacting them within their family structure, among their peers and in different social interactions.

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation reduces pathological information transmission to the thalamus in a rat model of parkinsonism

Abstract: The degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta leads to parkinsonian motor symptoms via changes in electrophysiological activity throughout the basal ganglia. High-frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) partially treats these symptoms, but the mechanisms are unclear. We hypothesize that motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are associated with increased information transmission from basal ganglia output neurons to motor thalamus input neurons and that therapeutic DBS of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) treats these symptoms by reducing this extraneous information transmission. We tested these hypotheses in a unilateral, 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rodent model of hemiparkinsonism. Information transfer between basal ganglia output neurons and motor thalamus input neurons increased in both the orthodromic and antidromic directions with hemiparkinsonian (hPD) onset, and these changes were reversed by behaviorally therapeutic STN-DBS. Omnidirectional information increases in the parkinsonian state underscore the detrimental nature of that pathological information and suggest a loss of information channel independence. Therapeutic STN-DBS reduced that pathological information, suggesting an effective increase in the number of independent information channels. We interpret these data with a model in which pathological information and fewer information channels diminishes the scope of possible motor activities, driving parkinsonian symptoms. In this model, STN-DBS restores information-channel independence by eliminating or masking the parkinsonism-associated information, and thus enlarges the scope of possible motor activities, alleviating parkinsonian symptoms.

Industrial Potential of Polyhydroxyalkanoate Bioplastic: A Brief Review

Abstract: In the international community, human dependence on plastic is increasing. Meanwhile, global petroleum reserves are diminishing. The cost of this demand on petroleum use is not only economic; there are also escalating human and animal health concerns, environmental implications, and the inherent obligation to prepare feasible alternatives in the event that petroleum depletion occurs. While the bioproduct industry is heavily invested in finding fuel substitutes, innovative efforts in other petroleum-dominated industries, such as plastics, may be worthwhile. Fortunately, there are naturally-occurring compounds in bacteria with structures analogous to those currently derived from petroleum. These compounds offer potentially sustainable and healthier alternatives to petroleum. One such compound gaining attention today is polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). PHA has several attractive properties as an achievable bioplastic source material, either as a direct substitute or as a blend with petroleum. Genetic modification (GM) may be necessary to achieve adequate yields; accordingly, source and host genetics, agronomic practices, and industry-related technology must be examined in this context. This review will compare properties of petroleum-based to PHA-derived plastics, as well as summarize the obligations of, mechanisms by, and implications with which PHA is being introduced to the plastic industry.

Artificial intelligence and the future of work

Abstract: The world that we are living in is experiencing a foundational revolution. Artificial intelligence and automation are substituting human tasks and altering the skills and expertise that companies are looking for. Workplaces are changing. Even more, the nature of work is changing. Is technological change a blessing or a curse? What impact will the persistent increase in usage of technology and artificial intelligence have on where we work and how we work? All these are eminent questions that need to be clarified. This paper discusses how this change is happening and explores the reasons behind this change.