Digital Commons Network^™

Sexual And Gender Minority Individuals In Our Community: Policy Recommendations To Address Discrimination-Related Stresses, Emylia N. Terry

Lincy Institute Events

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals face a wide range of mental and physical health challenges, which contribute to higher rates of suicide. SGM individuals encounter distress, discrimination, and in some cases, harmful anti-LGBTQIA+ laws and policies that contribute to additional mental and physical health stress. A web-based survey of 1,034 SGM participants in the United States measured the types and frequency of discrimination occurrences and related distress. The survey considers the variety of interactions between individuals and their relationships, while also measuring the community and societal factors that affect health outcomes for SGM individuals. This research evaluates many variables …

Dr-4429: Social Perceptions And Narratives Of The 2019 Mississippi Delta Flood, Lily B. Langstaff

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the social perceptions and narratives surrounding the 2019 Mississippi Delta flood. Recognizing flooding as a “wicked problem,” the research highlights how socioeconomic and cultural identities relate to access to resources and assistance for affected communities, with an emphasis on infrastructure. Through qualitative analysis, including thematic coding of journalistic media sources covering the flood, the study explores the perceptions and experiences as well as the concept of ‘deservingness’ and its relationship with government resources and assistance. Findings indicate that the Mississippi Delta community faced temporal barriers to post-flood recovery due to disparities in representation and perception, underscoring the …

Author Biographical Notes

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.

Fostering Black Maternal Survivorship And Mothering Through Initiatives To Reduce The Individualism And Racism Within Biomedicine, Morgan C. Tutt

Honors Scholar Theses

Many scholars have studied Black maternal health disparities—their causal factors, effects, and concrete interventions to help eliminate them. Many of the life-ending occurrences pregnant Black women disproportionately face are preventable, demonstrating that a significant call to action is long overdue. My primary research question asks whether Gen-Z Black women will be receptive to an alternative prenatal care model (APCM) instead of the current American Care Model (ACM). The APCM is centered on the four guiding components of doula care: care navigation, health education, health literacy, and culturally congruent social support, and the components of critical race theory: race consciousness, contemporary …

Evaluation Of Dentistry Students' Perceptions And Attitudes Towards Artificial Intelligence In Kazakhstan, Yasin Yasa, Kubeisin Altynbekov, Nazgul Onaibekova

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: Artificial intelligence’s (AI) potential to analyze medical data and improve patient outcomes is driving its rapid integration into healthcare systems. This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding Kazakhstani dental students’ attitudes toward AI in dentistry. Methods: A survey with 213 participants assessed dental students’ views on AI in dentistry at two Kazakhstani universities. A self-administered questionnaire (22 items) via Google Forms was used to gather data on demographics, baseline knowledge (information sources, understanding of AI principles, and familiarity with dental AI applications), and attitudes/perceptions. Frequency analyses and chi-square tests (p < 0.05) explored the responses. Results: The survey included 213 dental students (mean …

Synthesis And Partial Characterization Of Chitosan Phosphorylation From Marine Cuttlefish Sepia Aculeata (Orbingy, 1848) And Its Antimicrobial Potentials Against Oral Pathogens, Yathin Reddy Putta, Annathai Pitchai, Pasiyappazham Ramasamy

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objectives: This study investigated the synthesis and partial characterization of phosphorylated chitosan extracted from the cuttlebone of Sepia aculeata (Orbingy, 1848) and evaluated its antimicrobial potential against oral pathogens. Methods: The synthesis of phosphorylated chitosan from Sepia aculeata cuttlebone involved several steps: cleaning, deproteinization, demineralization to extract chitin, deacetylation to produce chitosan, and phosphorylation to introduce phosphate groups. Phosphorylation enhances the properties of chitosan, making it a promising candidate for oral health applications. Phosphorylated chitosan was purified and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to confirm structural changes. This process enhances …

Microstructural And Elemental Characterization Of Hydrated Carbonated Hydroxyapatite As Pulp Capping Agent: An In Vitro Study, S.Swathi Priyadharshini, Chinnasamy Ragavendran, J. Ramana Ramya, Anand Sherwood

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Understanding the microstructural and elemental composition of pulp capping materials is crucial for predicting their biocompatibility and effectiveness in promoting pulp healing. Objectives: This study aimed to characterize the microstructural and elemental properties of carbonated hydroxyapatite as a dental pulp-capping material. Methods: Carbonated hydroxyapatite was synthesized using the precipitation method. MTA and Apacal ART were obtained from commercial sources. The materials were prepared into disk-shaped specimens, hydrated in deionized water at 37°C for 14 days, and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Results: SEM images revealed that MTA exhibited smooth, plate-like crystalline structures surrounded by …

Does Periodontal Treatment During Pregnancy Reduce The Incidence Of Preterm Birth Rates?: A Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Ashraf Elzer, Raga A. Elzahaf, Hameda Asrafel, Khalid Sassi, Mohamed Jedeh

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: To find out if scaling and root planing for periodontal disease during pregnancy lowers the incidence of preterm births. Methods: This is a meta-analysis study design; searches were conducted in the PubMed database and on Google Scholar between January 2000 and December 2023. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered. The studies will be examined to determine the relationship between non-surgical periodontal treatment and preterm birth rates among pregnant women. Results: Only 14 trials were included out of 194 articles identified. The overall result indicated a statistically significant reduction in preterm birth rate when we use the random …

Breaking The Pipeline: Exploring Exclusionary Discipline, Restorative Justice, And The Attitudes And Beliefs Of Educators, Ericka J. Varnedoe

Honors College Theses

This study explores the connection between exclusionary disciplinary practices and the school-to-prison pipeline. It highlights how exclusionary discipline, including suspensions and expulsions, disproportionately affects marginalized groups such as students of color, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ youth, further contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline. In contrast, restorative justice, a non-punitive approach, offers a promising alternative. Initially adopted from the criminal justice system, restorative justice has been integrated into school environments to foster positive school climates, improve experiences, and mitigate challenging behaviors. This research examines educators' attitudes toward both exclusionary and restorative practices, as well as their awareness and implementation of restorative …

Praktik Memancing Di Jerman: Kegemaran Dan Tanggung Jawab, Adelia Rachman, Setiadi Setiadi

Paradigma: Jurnal Kajian Budaya

Angling has been taking place and is deeply rooted in historically German culture. Its functionality evolves from subsistence, economic livelihoods, customs and traditions, to recreational activities offering enjoyment of nature. Summer field research was conducted around Baden-Württemberg and Hessen with ten anglers of diverse backgrounds living in Germany. The qualitative ethnographic research and perspective-taking approach were applied through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and literature studies to explore the current angling culture in freshwater ecosystem landscapes comprising angling experiences and practices, and anglers’ perceptions. The research findings demonstrate angling goes beyond fondness, it is a matter of responsibility in terms of …

Kongsi Kematian Dan Perubahan Ritual Prosesi Kematian Tionghoa Di Padang, Eniwati Erniwati, Yelda Syafrina, Zulfa Saumia

Paradigma: Jurnal Kajian Budaya

This article discusses the changes in the implementation of death rituals organized by ethnic Chinese in Padang city. Documents in the form of photos and bylaws of the death ritual procession, an interview, and observations at the funeral home, crematorium of the Chinese socio-cultural and funeral association Himpunan Tjinta Teman (HTT), Himpunan Bersatu Teguh (HBT), and the Chinese cemetery complex in Bukit Sin Tiong and TPU Bungus Teluk Kabung are the sources of this article. The article's findings show that the performance of death procession rituals is an important part that marks the identity of the deceased and the family …

Learning To Think Like A River Rat: Understanding Place And Identity Beyond The Nature/Society Divide, Nicholas Baxter

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

Place has been an important sociological concept in urban and rural sociology. Sociological scholarship has recognized the place as a physical setting, a location for social action, and full of social meanings. Sociology has historically focused most of its attention on place’s social dimensions, including its cultural meanings and purposes (Bell, 1994; Gieryn, 2000; Lofland, 1998). Environmental sociology, specifically the co-constructionist posture (Rice, 2013), calls us to consider how place’s physical and social dimensions are conjointly constituted (Freudenburg et al., 1995). In this paper, I draw upon the co-constructionist posture to bridge the gap between environmental sociology and other sociological …

Insights Into Cortical Organization And Executive Dysfunction In Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury, Madeleine Reading

Theses and Dissertations

Cortical gyrification is essential for cognitive development, yet its relationship with executive functioning (EF) in pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains unclear. This study examined whether children with TBI exhibit atypical cortical folding in EF-related regions and whether these differences relate to EF performance. Using FreeSurfer 7.1.1, we analyzed local gyrification index (LGI) in 206 participants (ages 5-18) from 14 sites within the ENIGMA Pediatric msTBI Working Group. Vertex-wise regression revealed that longer time since injury (TSI) was associated with increased gyrification in the right fusiform gyrus and multiple left-hemisphere regions, suggesting region-specific neuroplasticity. Contrary to expectations, higher GCS scores …

From The Ground Up: Community-Based Participatory Research Reclaiming The Science Of Lead, Juan Manuel Rubio, Bavisha Kaylan, Anthony Diaz, Patricia Flores, Maya Cheav, David C. Bañuelas, Ashley Green, Annika Hjelmstad, Ariane Jong-Levinger, Tim Schütz, Maya Carrasquillo, Alana M. W. Lebron, Jun Wu

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

For decades, the dominant approach to lead poisoning has been to focus on homes affected by lead paint and to treat children who are already suffering from lead poisoning. This individualizing approach developed in the context of the defunding and deregulation of government agencies in the 1980s. In recent years, however, community–academic partnerships have reframed lead as an environmental issue produced by the development of the lead industry in the twentieth century and connected to overlapping histories of exploitation, discrimination, and inaction. These community-based projects have contributed to shifting research agendas (by emphasizing historical analysis and the study of the …

Towards An Explicit Understanding Of Network Governance In Urban Forestry Management: A Case Study Of Portland (Or), Usa, Quadri Olatunbosun Taiwo, Vivek Shandas

Geography Faculty Publications and Presentations

As the climate continues to warm, and municipal leaders look for cost-effective and timely approaches to urban sustainability, one increasingly sought-out approach is the use of tree canopy to cool neighborhoods. Despite widespread efforts to expand tree canopy in cities, an overwhelming body of evidence suggests that urban green space is declining across the U.S., yet little is known about the factors that propel these changes. Understanding the institutional and governance systems can help identify the opportunities for slow consistent declines. Using social network analysis (SNA) metrics, we examined stakeholder roles in power structures and decision-making processes within Portland, Oregon’s …

Expediting Tool-Use Learning: Effects Of Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Of The Left Anterior Supramarginal Gyrus, Kamila Haliru

Honors Thesis

The left anterior supramarginal gyrus (aSMG) has been implicated as an important brain region in tool use. While anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (atDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) has been shown to facilitate skilled tool use, the effects of aSMG stimulation remain largely unexplored. Using a chopstick-marble paradigm, this thesis examined whether atDCS to the left aSMG would enhance tool-use learning. Electroencephalography (EEG) was concurrently recorded to assess atDCS-dependent changes to the beta and gamma frequency bands. Our results demonstrated that atDCS over the left aSMG significantly expedited tool-use learning and was associated with increased gamma band activity …

Peer Victimization And Nonsuicidal Self Injury: Social Support As A Potential Protective Factor For Adolescents, Nursita Afifah, Sali Rahadi Asih, Ike Anggraika Kuntoro

Psychological Research on Urban Society

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a high-risk behavior that increases the desire and likelihood of attempting to commit suicide. Peer victimization has been found to precede NSSI. Both phenomena are prevalent among adolescents living in urban areas. This cross-sectional study investigated the role of social support in the relationship between peer victimization and NSSI. A total of 449 adolescents who lived in urban areas completed the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory (DSHI), Multidimensional Peer Victimization Scale (MVPS), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to assess NSSI frequency, peer victimization, and perceived social support. The results found that NSSI is higher in …

Cover Cropping: How Sustainability & Economics Can Work Hand In Hand (Pt. Ii), Emma Reyes

Business and Economics Honors Papers

Research finds that while the average rate of soil erosion under natural conditions occurs at less than 1.9 Mg per hectare per year, the current rate of erosion for United States agricultural soils occurs at 6.7 Mg per hectare per year (Nearing et al., 2017). This problem is further heightened by the fact that many farmers are concerned about the added expenses that may come from the use of sustainable practices. As a result, this may lead to an increase in the practice of more harmful conventional agricultural techniques if they continue to be considered more economically beneficial in comparison. …

Bars, Barristers, And Bias: A Content Analysis Of Legal Plays, Evan Chartock

Media and Communication Studies Honors Papers

This content analysis paper investigates the portrayal of the legal profession onstage within legal dramas first performed in the twenty-first century. There has been no previous research that has focused on a comprehensive analysis of the specific content of legal dramas, so this study is exploratory in nature. This study emphasizes the importance of learning about the content characteristics of legal plays and legal characters. This content analysis seeks to answer two research questions. First, do playwrights of legal plays first performed between 2000-2024 belong to similar identity demographics, write about similar content, and/or have similar messaging regarding the notion …

Bedtime Or Game Time: The Impact Of Chronotype Matching On Spectators Moods, Callie Hart

Honors College Theses

Chronotypes have been shown to affect various aspects of life including health and day to day activities such as eating and exercising (Pacheco & Rehman, 2022). Research also indicates that chronotypes can have a direct impact on a person’s mood (Kim et al., 2021). The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between peoples’ chronotype and their mood at a sporting event. It was hypothesized that participants who attend the game at their preferred chronotype time will report being in a better mood and have higher levels of energy than if they attend a game that starts …

Enhancing Skin Cancer Literacy Amongst Young Adults: A Digital Design, Katherine Stoll

Honors Projects

The skin plays a vital role in protection, regulation, and homeostasis of the human body. Skin cancer, despite being mostly preventable, is one of the most common cancers. Young adults, ages 18 to 25, are vulnerable targets due to risky behaviors and misinformation regarding skin cancer. This project was designed by using digital media and website design to enhance skin cancer health literacy among young adults. Using a systematic literature review and research methods, an interactive website was designed to improve skin cancer health literacy and eliminate common misconceptions. The topics addressed throughout the website were the biological factors of …

Task Demands Influence Search Strategy Selection In Otoconia-Deficient Mice, Ryan M. Yoder, Lucas C. Carstensen, Keshav Jagannathan

Psychology

Introduction: The vestibular system plays a crucial role in visual and non-visual navigation. Our recent study found that signals from the otolith organs are necessary for mice’s use of distal visual cues to guide navigation to an invisible goal. Somewhat surprisingly, however, performance was not significantly impaired on some spatial tasks (e.g., Barnes maze reference memory task), questioning the role of otolith signals in visual navigation.

Methods: We report the results of several additional tests of reference memory performance and search strategy use on two versions of the Barnes maze, in an attempt to establish further understanding of the otolithic …

Integrating Human-Centered Design Into Undergraduate Stem Capstone Courses: A Food Product Development Case Study, Saadeddine Shehab, Dawn Bohn, Lucas O'Bryan, Luettamae Lawrence, Mike Tissenbaum

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

This study examines the integration of human-centered design (HCD) in a Food Science capstone course and explores its impact on students’ learning outcomes and skill development. This case study investigated how 42 undergraduate students engaged with HCD processes—including understanding, synthesizing, ideating, prototyping, and implementing—to develop innovative food products. Through pre- and post-surveys, interaction analysis, and performance assessments, the findings revealed that HCD activities significantly enhanced students’ knowledge, collaboration, creativity, and metacognitive skills. Additionally, students demonstrated improved food science competencies, such as product formulation and sensory evaluation. This study highlights the benefits of embedding HCD within STEM curricula to foster authentic, …

Protective And Risk-Related Factors Associated With College Student Burnout, Dominic X. Chavez

Honors Theses

Burnout is an occupational phenomenon commonly defined by the exhaustion, cynicism, and lack of efficacy a person experiences with regard to their role (i.e., educator, healthcare worker, student, etc.). Despite the prevalence of burnout in academia, very few research studies have attempted to examine the variables associated with burnout’s severity in the case of American college and university students. Thus, the current study sought to analyze the protective and risk-related factors previously determined to be associated with academic burnout within a college population. Specifically, burnout self-ratings were compared to perceived burnout stigma, resilience, perceived social support, help-seeking attitudes, and perceived …

How Biophilic Design Impacts Office Spaces, Addison Carter

Honors Projects

Many working individuals experience burnout and dissatisfaction in their jobs. Although is this a result of individual mental strain, or are there other environmental factors contributing to the problem? This study investigates the impact of design on well-being and examines how biophilic design can serve as a solution to the negative effects certain architectural features may have on occupants. A literature review was conducted; it analyzed existing research on topics such as office design, biophilic design, and the influence of architecture on comfort and wellness. To explore how biophilic design can be applied in all settings, not just new construction, …

Humans Are Animals: A Review Of Animals Are People, Matthew R. Jamnik

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

The Animals are People (AAP) story reflects a philosophical inquiry into the nature of sentience, what it means to cultivate community, and the ethical and moral considerations behind “sanctuary.”It gifts a heartwarming journey about growing up, rooting down, and falling in love with life. “We save the animals, then the animals save us,” and so the story goes.

Effects Of Acute Exercise On Cognition: Consideration Of Potential Moderators, Elizabeth G. Gaines, Mckenzie M. Cotten, Elizabeth Reese Carwile, Mary Griffin Jackson, Marascalco Liston, Lucy Wilson

Honors Theses

The present thesis aims to determine the effects, if any, of six potential moderators on the effects of acute moderate-intensity exercise on cognitive functioning. The modes of exercise undertaken by the participants included treadmill (Experiment 1) and stationary bike (Experiment 2) exercise. Participants in each experiment either exercised or rested for twenty minutes and then participated in either a memory recall task or cognitive functioning (“Stroop”) task. The bouts of either exercise or rest on the stationary bike were followed by a rest period during which the participant would be exposed to either standard air oxygen levels (normoxia) or hypoxic …

A Mother And Child Reunion? An Unusual Ottoman-Period Bedouin Pit Grave At Rahat, The Northern Negev, Yossi Nagar, Noé David Michael, Oren Shmueli, Elena Kogan-Zehavi

'Atiqot

No abstract provided.

Making The Invisible Visible: Burial Customs In Late Roman–Byzantine-Period Western Galilee, Based On Organic Remains Adhering To Metal Objects, Ádám Bollók, Ayelet Dayan, Naama Sukenik

'Atiqot

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts Therapy (Foat®) On College Students Experiencing Stress, Anxiety, And Depression, Mikki H. Lane

Expressive Therapies Theses

This arts-based research explores how Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts Therapy (FOAT®) supports college students in coping with stress, anxiety, and depression. Due to academic pressures, social transitions, and developmental milestones, college students are especially vulnerable to mental health challenges (Schaufeli et al., 2002). This arts-based approach to the research explores the impact of Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts Therapy (FOAT®) on college students experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression. Specifically, the study looked to determine if FOAT® could lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in college students who were experiencing these challenges. The research approach included the case study of one college student, …