Digital Commons Network^™

Where’S Perry? The Strange Biology Of The Platypus, Carolina Mosquera

Osmosis Magazine

No abstract provided.

Emergence, Differentiation, And Modeling Of Hematopoietic Stem Cells In Developing Embryos, Lucy Shive

Caroliniana Undergraduate Research Journal

In the field of developmental biology, the understanding of embryogenesis is driven by ever-advancing techniques of studying embryos’ structures and behaviors. Yolk sacs are critical to an embryo’s survival and its function in producing a mature organism from a simple zygote. A hallmark of embryonic yolk sacs is their production of primitive hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Recent research has explored the mechanisms by which these HSCs develop and migrate, as well as the mechanisms by which they differentiate into various cell types. This more thorough understanding of HSCs is the basis for the development of embryo models, peri-gastruloids, from stem …

Assessing Walleye Recruitment Via Otc Marks And Temporal Sampling Changes In Smallmouth Bass Population Structure In Lake Mcconaughy, Nebraska, Robert D. Allison Iv

Biology Theses, Dissertations, and Student Creative Activity

Lake McConaughy is a socially and economically important reservoir managed to provide diverse, high-quality angling opportunities. Walleye are the most frequently targeted species, although Smallmouth Bass have increased in popularity in recent years due to improvements in abundance and size structure. Walleye have been stocked annually since 1989 to support the population and have been the focus of extensive research. In contrast, Smallmouth Bass have been present for over 80 years and are self-sustaining; however, their population has not been formally evaluated since introduction.

The first objective of this study was to develop an oxytetracycline (OTC) mark retention correction factor …

Comprehensive Temporal, Spatial, And Environmental Analysis Of Arkansas Tournament Information Program (Atip) Data With A Lake Dardanelle Case Study., Jeffrey G. Phillips

ATU Scholars Symposium

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) established the Arkansas Tournament Information Program (ATIP) in 1990 to provide a long-term, standardized dataset to describe Black Bass (Micropterus spp.) tournament outcomes, angler performance, and fish size structures across Arkansas, yet most of its analytical potential has not been fully explored beyond yearly summary reports. This project will use ATIP data from 1990 to 2027 and a biological case study from Lake Dardanelle to evaluate long-term trends, compare lake-specific performance, identify environmental drivers of tournament success, access how well tournament data represents true Black Bass populations, and create an “average” year benchmark …

Play For All: Promoting Inclusivity And Providing Modifications For Kids With Disabilities Within An Indoor Play Space, Yasmeen Ikbal, Mary Jan Greer

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Children’s environments need to be enhanced to match their developmental levels (Winter & Dempsey, 1994). There is a lack of tools, play equipment, and structures specifically targeted to children with disabilities (Therrien et al., 2022). Lack of opportunities for these children can hinder their development (Mullick, 2013). This capstone intends to educate staff and parents on how to promote inclusivity by increasing their understanding of disabilities, creating accessible environments, adapting activities, and building confidence in supporting children with disabilities to participate in their occupations.

Systematic Design And Optimization Of Porous Bone Plates Using Taguchi Method And Finite Element Analysis, Aliaa A. Farraj, Tawakol A. Enab, Hanan M. Amer, Mostafa A. Elbahloul

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Solid bone fixation plates, although clinically effective, often induce stress shielding and impair periosteal blood flow due to their mismatch in stiffness with cortical bone. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes lattice-engineered porous bone plates designed to balance mechanical integrity and biological compatibility. A systematic parametric investigation was conducted by varying three design variables: crystal structure type (diamond, fluorite, and gyroid), porosity levels (50%, 70%, and 90%), and structure layout. Three-dimensional models were developed using nTopology, and finite element analysis (FEA) was performed under a static compressive load to evaluate stress distribution. A Taguchi L9 orthogonal array was employed …

Reday Program 2026, Bryant University

Bryant REDay (Research and Engagement Day)

Program for the 2026 Bryant REDay (Research and Engagement Day). Program includes schedule at a glance, descriptions for panels, workshops, and presentations, along with sign-up links for specific sessions in the electronic version of the program. Printed program was in color with double-sided printing on 8 1/2" x 11" paper stapled together in the upper left corner.

Cognitive And Mental Health Challenges: Addressing The Impact Of Traumatic Brain Injuries In Adults, Hannah E. Smith, Lesley Khan-Farooqi, Phd, Otd, Otr, Anne Mcdonnell, Mpa, Otr/L, Cbist

Student Capstone Papers

This capstone examined the challenges adults face following traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and explored interventions aimed at enhancing cognitive functioning and mental health. This capstone also aimed to reduce caregiver stress and burnout by expanding knowledge and resources focused on cognitive and mental health within the population. TBIs can result from a variety of causes, affecting cognitive abilities, mental health, and functional outcomes. This capstone shows evidence-based interventions designed to improve cognitive functioning, facilitate engagement in meaningful activities to improve mental health, and enhance overall quality of life for adults recovering from TBI. This also will demonstrate potential for occupational …

Changes In Depression, Eating, Sleep, And Emotion Regulation In Air Force Rotc Cadets After The 12-Wk Star Training Program, Antonella V. Schwarz, Hunter Haynes, Sheena Puleali’I, Jacob Mota, Molly F. Johnson, Maria G. Kaylor, Andrew Addison, Robyn Braun-Trocchio, Austin J. Graybeal

Faculty Publications

Introduction: – Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets must balance collegiate demands with military preparation, leaving them vulnerable to psychological stressors. While structured strength and conditioning (S&C) programs enhance physical readiness, their impact on psychological health in cadet populations remains unclear. This study evaluated changes in depression, eating behaviors, sleep quality, and emotion regulation during a 12-wk S&C program. Methods: – Forty-nine U.S. Air Force ROTC cadets (21 female, 28 male; age: 20 ± 2 yr; body mass index: 24.2 ± 4.4 kg·m⁻²; body fat %: 27.1 ± 9.0%) completed the Supporting Tactical Athlete Readiness (STAR) program, a …

Transcriptomic Analysis Of Xeroderma Pigmentosum Group C Skin Samples, Austen N. Gleave

Theses and Dissertations

Xeroderma Pigmentosum is a rare genetic disorder caused by defective DNA damage repair enzymes. This condition results in an increased risk of developing skin cancer and other symptoms in those affected. In this thesis, we examined the effects of Xeroderma Pigmentosum on gene expression in patient skin biopsy samples. To accomplish this, we utilized statistical analysis of spatial transcriptomic and single-cell RNA sequencing techniques to discover differences between patient and heterozygous carrier skin samples. We found that the skin samples from Xeroderma Pigmentosum patients showed elevated levels of inflammation, immune activation, and cellular stress, while the carrier skin samples leaned …

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Risk Perceptions And Patient Burden, John William Glisson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional correlational study examined relationships among perceived environmental risk factors, depressive symptoms, and functional symptom burden in adults diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative condition with an unclear etiology, and some individuals attribute the diagnosis to environmental exposures such as pesticides or military service. The purpose of this study was to assess whether environmental risk perceptions were associated with depressive symptoms or functional impairment, and whether depressive symptoms were associated with functional status. Participants were recruited through online ALS support networks and advocacy organizations, resulting in a final sample of 145 adults …

Characterizing The Diet, Movement, And Hooking Frequency Of Pier-Hooked Juvenile Green Turtles (Chelonia Mydas), Cody R. Mott

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Green sea turtles are impacted by their interactions with recreational fishing piers, but how these interactions affect their diet, behavior, and hooking risk remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to characterize and quantify interactions between juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and a recreational fishing pier in southeast Florida. The goals were to evaluate how proximity to the pier influences turtle diet, behavior, and incidental hooking. We compared pier-hooked turtles with individuals captured on an adjacent reef and at a control site lacking a nearby pier. Dietary preferences were assessed using nitrogenous blood analytes and stable isotope analysis. …

Irrigation, Crop, And Soil Management Impacts On Water Use In Pivots/Laterals, Tejinder Singh, Matt Yost, Masoumeh Hashemi, Burdette Barker, Cheyenne Reid, Rebekah E. Iverson

All Current Publications

In this fact sheet, we describe evapotranspiration (ET), introduce a new tool, the soil moisture evapotranspiration (SMET) model, and share results from multi-year trials across Utah evaluating different center-pivot irrigation technologies, deficit irrigation strategies, crop types, drought-tolerant crop genetics, and conservation agriculture practices. These findings highlight how Utah growers can improve water productivity and maintain profitable production under limited water supplies.

Not Just Static: Evolutionary Throughlines In The Female Voice, Maria Hand '26

Honor Scholar Theses

Vocal communication is essential for many forms of human interaction and discourse. As such, the human voice has been the subject of extensive scientific research in a variety of contexts, including that of potentially evolved characteristics. Researchers have long studied the various changes that occur in direct relation to hormonal shifts across the ovulatory cycle, but one particularly interesting facet of this research is the voice. There are numerous acoustic parameters that are highly socially salient, and thus an ideal means with which to study potential ovulatory cycle related changes. Studies of this subject additionally provide further insight into the …

Evaluating Impact Of Sustainability Practices And Operational Efficiency On Firm Value In Indonesia’S Mining Sector, Erika Windyasari, Yosman Bustaman

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

Sustainability practices are increasingly prominent in investor assessments of firm value Nevertheless, empirical evidence regarding which specific environmental practices are incorporated into capital market valuations remains inconclusive, particularly within mining sectors in emerging markets. This study investigates the correlation between sustainability practices energy efficiency, water management, waste management, renewable energy adoption and environmental quality (PROPER rating) together with operational efficiency and firm value in Indonesian listed mining firms. The analysis uses panel data for 23 firms over 2017–2023. Firm value is measured by Tobin’s Q, while operational efficiency is measured using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The correlation is estimated using …

A Regional Scoping Review Of School-Based Nutrition Interventions Conducted Across Nordic Countries, Basil H. Aboul-Enein, Stephen Gambescia, Nada Benajiba, Norah Eid Aljohani, Teresa Keller, Patricia J. Kelly

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: While Nordic countries have a relatively high socioeconomic status population, they are challenged by the health deficit of rising obesity and overweight among young people. The aim of this regional scoping review is to identify best practices for designing and implementing effective school nutrition programs in Nordic countries and identify gaps for further research.

METHODS: Using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a scoping review was conducted across nine academic databases between 1980 and May 2025.

RESULTS: Fifty-three studies met the inclusion criteria, from small pilot interventions to large national or international cohorts involving thousands of students across the five …

Literature Review Of Local Culture-Based Mathematics E-Module With Islamic Values In Probability, Maya Puspita Sari, Surya Sari Faradiba

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This study is grounded in the need to address the limitations of probability learning that is often procedural, decontextualized, and disconnected from students’ cultural and religious values. It aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of how local cultural contexts and Islamic values can be systematically integrated into mathematics e-modules, particularly for probability learning, and to formulate structured design principles and quality indicators for their development. This paper adopts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach by analyzing empirical studies published between 2020 and 2025, using a structured selection process involving identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion stages. A total of 11 high-quality …

The Effect Of Virtual Laboratories On Students Interest And Learning Outcomes In Spermatophyta At Sma Negeri 1 Sojol, Ismawati Ismawati, Sutrisnawati Sutrisnawati, Manap Trianto, Masrianih Masrianih, Abd Rauf, Musdalifah Nurdin

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

Limited access to physical laboratory facilities and the abstract nature of Spermatophyta material reduce students’ learning interest and outcomes, necessitating the use of innovative digital learning media such as virtual laboratories. This study aims to analyze the effect of Virtual Laboratory (V-Lab) implementation on students’ learning interest and cognitive learning outcomes in Spermatophyta material at the senior high school level. A quantitative quasi-experimental design with a posttest-only control group was employed involving 66 eleventh-grade students divided into experimental and control classes; data were collected using a learning interest questionnaire and a multiple-choice test, and analyzed using independent samples t-test after …

Reading Literacy Research Trends In Science Learning (2015–2025), Siwi Handayani, Siswanto Siswanto, Rina Rahayu

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This study aims to analyze research trends in reading literacy within science learning from 2015 to 2025 through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework. The initial screening of 150 articles from the WoS Core Collection and SINTA databases yielded 29 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The analysis focused on publication dynamics, contributing countries, participant characteristics, research variables, and the science subjects investigated. The findings indicate that research on reading literacy in science learning remains limited and shows fluctuating development. Most publications originate from national journals indexed by SINTA, …

Breaking Barriers: Advancement Toward Practical Nursing Licensure For Certified Medication Assistants In Long-Term Care--A Descriptive Study, Aleshia L. Maxwell

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The persistent nursing shortage across the United States, particularly in Long-Term Care (LTC) settings, has complicated the healthcare system’s ability to meet the needs of an aging population. While existing research often examines progression from Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN), limited research explores factors influencing progression from entry-level LTC healthcare workers to Practical Nursing (PN) licensure. This quantitative descriptive study examined the barriers and supporting factors influencing advancement toward PN licensure for Medication Assistants-Certified (MA-Cs) in Arkansas LTC facilities. A convenience sample of N=100 participated in the study. Results indicated that financial and structural barriers often …

Biosensors For Biomedicine, Drake O'Leary

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

This project investigated the use of engineered bacterial reporter systems to detect cellular stress responses associated with antibiotic activity. While constructs were successfully introduced and tested against known antibiotics, the reporter consistently produced a blue signal across conditions, limiting the ability to distinguish specific stress responses. This suggests issues such as leaky expression, insufficient regulatory control, or lack of specificity in the reporter design. Although results were inconclusive, this work highlights key challenges in developing reliable biosensors and provides a foundation for future optimization. Improving signal specificity and reducing background expression will be critical for enabling accurate characterization of antibiotic …

Investigating The Role Of Interval I402 On Sk-3-Based Spore Killing And Gene Drive In Neurospora Crassa, Ellana Tobin

Senior Theses – Biological Sciences

Neurospora crassa is a useful model organism for genetic research due to its haploid life cycle and its ability to produce large numbers of sexual spores called ascospores. The haploid ascospores form within asci, which typically contain eight ascospores at maturity. However, selfish genetic elements known as meiotic gene drivers have been discovered in Neurospora fungi, and some of these alter the number of viable ascospores that form in each ascus. There are two known meiotic gene drivers in N. crassa: Spore killer-2 (Sk-2) and Spore killer-3 (Sk-3). Spore killing occurs when a killer strain mates with a sensitive …

Exploring Synthesized Cbd Derivatives: Implications Of Therapeutic Strategies For Neuroinflammation, Josephine Mosser

Senior Theses

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid derived from Cannabis Sativa with well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, yet its clinical utility is limited by moderate receptor selectivity, rapid hepatic metabolism, and broad pharmacological activity on the central nervous system (CNS). This thesis describes the design and partial execution of a multi-step synthetic route aimed at generating CBD/CBD-derived chalcone intermediates for potential therapeutic applications for neuroinflammation. The steps encompass an O-methylation, O-acetylation, and a Fries rearrangement. The first three steps were completed successfully and reproducibly shown through 1H-NMR and 12C-NMR; however, purification of the fourth step was not successful within the available …

Targeting Rna Polymerase I In Ewing Sarcoma Treatment, Alexis Bruce

Theses

Ewing sarcoma is a rare and aggressive pediatric bone cancer with poor survival rates in patients, as low as 30% in advanced or recurrent cases. There are limited treatment options, making molecularly targeted therapy vital to explore. Through CRISPR scans of Ewing sarcoma cell lines, ribosome biogenesis was highlighted as a potential target. As RNA polymerase I is a key component of ribosome biogenesis, the cytotoxic ability of two RNA Polymerase I inhibitors, CX-5461 and BMH-21, were used on patient-derived Ewing sarcoma cells. The efficacy of the drugs on two cell lines was determined via measuring cell viability, migration potential, …

Cellular And Molecular Characterization Of Ube3a Function In Cic-Dux4 Sarcoma, Jesse D. Walker

Theses

CIC-DUX4 sarcoma (CDS) is a rare and extremely aggressive soft tissue sarcoma that primarily affects children and young adults. CDS is characterized by an oncogenic chromosomal translocation. Current treatments for CDS are similar to those in other sarcomas like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Treatments, however show that CDS responds poorly compared to other sarcomas, due to relapses of localized disease at high rates and short duration response of treatment, proving the importance of understanding CIC-DUX4’s complex role on how it regulates overall gene expression in CDS cells from a molecular approach.

UBE3A is a ubiquitin protein ligase that plays a …

Remove To Recruit: The Short-Term Efficacy Of Invasive Shrub Removal In A Minnesota Floodplain Forest, Claire S. Wiley

Biology Honors Projects

Within Midwest floodplain forests, there is a lack of long-term studies focusing on native tree recruitment post invasive shrub removal. With interacting threats such as emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), invasive earthworms, and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), land managers need particular information about these ecosystems in order to better understand how to protect them. This study aims to explore the efficacy of the removal of Rhamnus cathartica and Lonicera spp. in promoting native tree recruitment within a Minnesota floodplain forest along the Mississippi River. Results revealed that post removal ash (Fraxinus spp.) seedling abundance …

Research Day 2026 Program, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School Of Medicine

Research Day

No abstract provided.

Short Lab Report- Presentation, Wroud Saleh, Yevgeniy Grigoryev

Open Educational Resources

No abstract provided.

The Mental Advantage: The 10 Disciplines That Separate The Elite From The Average, Scott Williams

Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL) Capstone Abstracts

Title of Project

The Mental Advantage: The 10 Disciplines That Separate the Elite from the Average

Defense Date

April 1, 2026

Candidate Name

Scott Williams

Personal Email Address

[email protected]

First Advisor

Dr. Joshua Henson, PhD

Second Advisor

Dr. Michael Steiner, PhD

DSL Final Project Abstract

Project Type

This project was a book manuscript designed to develop and present a practical leadership framework for high-performance individuals and organizations.

Project Overview

This project explored the concept of Elite Mental Execution™ as a structured framework for understanding and developing high-performance leadership. Drawing from nearly three decades of professional experience in leadership, executive coaching, …

Testing The Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis On Anthropogenic Pressure In Central Alabama, Gavin Terrell

Theses

Biodiversity is fundamental to maintaining ecosystem structure and function globally. Prior to the late 20th century, ecological theory generally predicted that biodiversity would be highest in systems experiencing minimal disturbance. However, Joseph H. Connell challenged this view with the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH), which posits that species diversity peaks at intermediate levels of disturbance and declines under conditions of both low and high disturbance. Although widely cited, the applicability of the IDH to natural systems remains debated, particularly in the context of anthropogenic disturbances and when diversity is measured beyond species richness alone.

This study evaluated the predictions of the …