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Histone Deacetylases In Kidney Injury: Distribution, Injury-Specific Regulation, And Fibroblast Hdac1 Function, Huy Nguyen Jun 2026

Histone Deacetylases In Kidney Injury: Distribution, Injury-Specific Regulation, And Fibroblast Hdac1 Function, Huy Nguyen

ETDs from 2020-2029

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) through maladaptive repair and interstitial fibrosis. Epigenetic regulation has emerged as a critical factor of kidney injury responses, however the injury-specific and cell-type specific roles of histone deacetylases (HDACs) remain poorly defined. This dissertation investigates the regulation and functional significance of HDACs in kidney injury, with a particular focus on fibroblast HDAC1 as a mediator of interstitial fibrosis development following AKI. In my cisplatin-induced AKI model, a single dose of cisplatin caused a significant decline in kidney function in both male …

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Toothbrush Resistance Of Resin-Based Stain And Glaze Materials Applied To 3d-Printed Denture Resins, Panisa Homyai Jun 2026

Toothbrush Resistance Of Resin-Based Stain And Glaze Materials Applied To 3d-Printed Denture Resins, Panisa Homyai

ETDs from 2020-2029

Background: Three-dimensionally printed (3D-printed) dentures are commonly fabricated using a single tooth-colored resin, after which surface stain and glaze coatings are applied to reproduce gingival coloration, enhance the esthetic appearance and improve clinical longevity of characterized prostheses. However, daily oral hygiene procedures such as toothbrushing degrade surface coatings, leading to discoloration, increased plaque retention, and deterioration of esthetic appearance. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of stain timing and glaze application on the surface gloss and roughness of a three-dimensionally printed denture resin before and after simulated toothbrushing Methods: 80 disc-shaped specimens (12 mm in diameter and 3 mm in thickness) …

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Mindfulness Across Media: Examining The Effects Of Audio, Audio-Visual, And Virtual Reality Mindfulness Interventions On Social Media Mindsets And Psychological Wellbeing, Rashmi Salian Jun 2026

Mindfulness Across Media: Examining The Effects Of Audio, Audio-Visual, And Virtual Reality Mindfulness Interventions On Social Media Mindsets And Psychological Wellbeing, Rashmi Salian

ETDs from 2020-2029

Social media is so deeply ingrained and integrated into daily life that concerns about its impact on psychological wellbeing continue to grow, prompting pressing questions about how to foster healthier and more intentional use of technology. Recent studies suggest that low-agency mindsets toward social media lead users to develop habitual usage patterns and ambiguous information consumption behaviors, both of which negatively impact psychological outcomes. However, limited research is available on mechanisms that could effectively alter these mindsets. This study uses an experimental methodology to investigate whether mindfulness interventions delivered through varying levels of media immersion can improve psychological mindsets toward …

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Mechanisms Of Cyst Initiation And Expansion In Polycystic Kidney Disease: Alterations In Tubule Flow Dynamics And P21- Driven Epithelial Reprogramming, Isis Thomas Jun 2026

Mechanisms Of Cyst Initiation And Expansion In Polycystic Kidney Disease: Alterations In Tubule Flow Dynamics And P21- Driven Epithelial Reprogramming, Isis Thomas

ETDs from 2020-2029

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common inherited disorder characterized by progressive cyst formation, kidney enlargement, and eventual renal failure. Mutations in PKD1 or PKD2 disrupt polycystin-mediated mechanosensory signaling in renal epithelial cells, altering calcium signaling, epithelial architecture, and cellular homeostasis. Although cyst expansion has historically been attributed to epithelial hyperproliferation or tubule pinching off to form a cyst that no longer remains connected with the tubule, the early physiological and molecular events that initiate cyst formation remain incompletely understood. This dissertation investigates how alterations in tubule flow dynamics and epithelial stress responses contribute to cyst initiation and …

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Investigation Of Air Emissions With A Local Composites Industry, Chris White Jun 2026

Investigation Of Air Emissions With A Local Composites Industry, Chris White

ETDs from 2020-2029

Workers at an office space raised complaints about a sweet-smelling odor directly outside their building. After an initial assessment of the surrounding businesses and their processes, it was determined that the workers were most likely exposed to styrene emissions from a nearby composites company. This investigation utilizes multiple weeks of direct readings with a photoionization device and active environmental sampling with a charcoal tube and pump to confirm the styrene exposure hypothesis. Weather trends were also recorded to determine correlation between weather and exposure to the sweet-smelling chemical. The direct readings found an exposure maximum of less than 2 ppm …

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Holding The Dying: Worldview, Community, And The Practice Of End-Of-Life Doula Care, Amy J. Shields Jun 2026

Holding The Dying: Worldview, Community, And The Practice Of End-Of-Life Doula Care, Amy J. Shields

ETDs from 2020-2029

As populations age and chronic illness increasingly characterizes the final stages of life in the United States, end-of-life doulas (EOLDs) have emerged as non-medical practitioners who support dying people and their families through education, companionship, advocacy, and ritualized care. Drawing on a thematic analysis of 18 semi-structured interviews with practicing EOLDs across the United States, this thesis examines how EOLDs conceptualize a “good death,” navigate emotionally intensive work, and sustain themselves in an unregulated and often marginal professional landscape. Situating EOLD practice within anthropological scholarship on death and dying, the study highlights the ways EOLDs challenge dominant biomedical narratives that …

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Enhancing Dynamic Balance And Mobility In Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy Or Spina Bifida, Phuong Thi Minh Quach Jun 2026

Enhancing Dynamic Balance And Mobility In Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy Or Spina Bifida, Phuong Thi Minh Quach

ETDs from 2020-2029

Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Spina Bifida (SB) are among the most prevalent pediatric neuromotor impairments, posing significant challenges to independent mobility and dynamic balance. Although arising from different neurological origins, CP from non-progressive brain disruptions during development and SB from lower motor neuron lesions in the neural tube, both the conditions often lead to similar functional limitations, including muscle weakness, impaired gait and limited mobility. Affected children typically exhibit compromised postural control and an increased dependence on assistive devices. Over time, this decline in independent physical activity often triggers secondary health issues, such as early onset of osteoporosis, hypertension, and …

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The Role Of 14-3-3 Proteins In The Pro-Inflammatory Response Of Microglia And The Neuronal Stress Response To Trichloroethylene Exposure, William Stone Jun 2026

The Role Of 14-3-3 Proteins In The Pro-Inflammatory Response Of Microglia And The Neuronal Stress Response To Trichloroethylene Exposure, William Stone

ETDs from 2020-2029

ABSTRACT This dissertation examines how 14-3-3 proteins, with a focus on the 14-3-3θ iso-form, regulate signaling pathways relevant to neurodegeneration. While tradition-ally described as molecular hubs that organize protein–protein interactions, our work reveals how 14-3-3 function is shaped by environmental insults, namely bac-terial and neurotoxicant exposures, and how its disruption contributes to disease-associated processes. Two complementary approaches were used, focusing on microglial inflammatory signaling and neuronal responses to an environmental neurotoxicant, to define a broader role for 14-3-3 proteins in disease associated pathways in the brain. Chapter I identifies 14-3-3 proteins as modulators of microglial activation. Disrup-tion of 14-3-3 interactions …

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Reading Between The Lines: An Exploration Of Censorship In United States Public School Libraries, Sally Anne Perz Jun 2026

Reading Between The Lines: An Exploration Of Censorship In United States Public School Libraries, Sally Anne Perz

ETDs from 2020-2029

Between 2021 and 2025, PEN America documented over 22,000 book bans across the United States (US). Yet, with only 451 districts banning out of over 13,000, 97% of US school districts are not engaging in banning. The 451 banning districts represent only 3% of US school districts. While most research examines individual stakeholders, such as librarians and teachers, this study focused on district and community data which do not change as fast as microsystem variables. Since banning occurs at the district level, understanding school district demographics and values may help situate the sociopolitical context of school board decisions to ban …

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Evaluation Of Occupational Exposure To Noise And Respirable Particulate Matter In Dentistry, Kabe Fetner Jun 2026

Evaluation Of Occupational Exposure To Noise And Respirable Particulate Matter In Dentistry, Kabe Fetner

ETDs from 2020-2029

Dental procedures can result in occupational exposures to both noise and particulate matter. Dental professionals routinely operate high-speed instruments and mechanical tools that may produce elevated sound levels and aerosolized particles during clinical treatment. Although these exposures are common in dental environments, limited data exist describing full-shift occupational exposure levels during routine dental procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate occupational exposure to noise and respirable particulate matter (RPM) during routine dental procedures in a clinical setting. Area noise monitoring and real-time aerosol monitoring were conducted over six clinical days while common dental procedures were performed, including fillings, …

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Statistical Methods For Mendelian Randomization Under Nonlinearity And Non-Normality, Mary Appah Jun 2026

Statistical Methods For Mendelian Randomization Under Nonlinearity And Non-Normality, Mary Appah

ETDs from 2020-2029

Instrumental variable (IV) methods are widely used for estimating causal effects in observational studies where unmeasured confounding may bias traditional regression estimates. The core idea is to use a variable referred to as an instrument that is associated with the exposure of interest, independent of unmeasured confounders, and influences the outcome only through the exposure. While originally developed in econometrics, IV methods have been increasingly adopted in epidemiology and genetic research under the framework of Mendelian Randomization (MR), where genetic variants, most commonly single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), serve as instruments. MR provides a powerful tool for investigating causal relationships between …

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The Role Of Interorganizational Linkages In Shaping Hospital Reporting Burden: A Relational View Analysis, Robert Howard Jun 2026

The Role Of Interorganizational Linkages In Shaping Hospital Reporting Burden: A Relational View Analysis, Robert Howard

ETDs from 2020-2029

Administrative burden associated with health information exchange represents a persistent challenge for U.S. hospitals, contributing to provider burnout and operational inefficiency. This study examined whether interorganizational linkages, specifically hospital system affiliation, participation in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), and participation in Health Information Exchanges (HIEs), are associated with perceived barriers to electronic health information exchange. Guided by the Relational View, linkages were conceptualized as potential conduits for shared assets, knowledge-sharing routines, and complementary capabilities that might reduce barriers to exchange. Data from 2018–2023 were drawn from the American Hospital Association Annual Survey and IT Supplement, merged with community-level measures from the …

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Describing Propagation Of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii Through Comparative Genomics And Phenotypic Analysis Of Modern-Day Clinical Isolates, Emma Graffice Jun 2026

Describing Propagation Of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii Through Comparative Genomics And Phenotypic Analysis Of Modern-Day Clinical Isolates, Emma Graffice

ETDs from 2020-2029

Understanding the genomic structure of bacterial populations is essential for tracking antimicrobial resistance and informing public health strategies to prevent spread of multidrug resistant organisms. In this study, we investigated the diversity and distribution of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb) lineages across a major healthcare system in the U.S. Deep South through both retrospective and prospective isolate collection. Our analysis revealed a heterogeneous population composed of multiple genotypically and phenotypically distinct lineages. To improve the resolution of lineage classification, we applied average nucleotide identity (ANI) as a high-resolution metric for comparative genomics. A ≥99% ANI threshold effectively delineated lineages, outperforming traditional …

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Contribution Of Phosphorylation To Hp1a Function, James Walts Jun 2026

Contribution Of Phosphorylation To Hp1a Function, James Walts

ETDs from 2020-2029

Heterochromatin Protein 1 (HP1) family members are highly conserved, non-histone chromosomal proteins essential for heterochromatin formation and transcriptional regulation. In Drosophila melanogaster, HP1a functions both as a transcriptional repressor and activator, as well as other functions, and undergoes post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation. The functional consequences of HP1a phosphorylation remain largely unexplored. This thesis investigates the role of phosphorylation at serines 89/90/91 (S899091) of HP1a by generating two mutant alleles: a phospho-mimic (SE) and a phospho-block (SA). Both alleles produce stable mRNA transcripts; however, Western blot analysis revealed reduced protein accumulation relative to wildtype HP1a. Homozygous phospho-block animals are embryonic lethal …

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Jnk Signaling Impacts Car-T Cell Effector Function, Charles Kuhlmann Jun 2026

Jnk Signaling Impacts Car-T Cell Effector Function, Charles Kuhlmann

ETDs from 2020-2029

The potent cytotoxic activity of T cells serves as a natural defense against cancers. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy represents a strategy for harnessing T cells against advanced tumors. CAR-T cell therapy has seen striking success against hematologic malignancies, prompting its application to new diseases. Ovarian cancer is a highly lethal disease characterized by frequent recurrence and aggressive nature, prompting the investigation of CAR-T cell therapy as a salvage regimen. However, like in other solid tumors, the early performance of CAR-T cell therapy in ovarian cancer is poor. While many strategies exist for improving the longevity of CAR-T …

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Culturally Informed Approaches To Support Perinatal Mental Health: Perceptions And Experiences Of Perinatal Depression And Support Systems Among Postpartum African-Born Women In The United States, Joyce O. Imafidon Jun 2026

Culturally Informed Approaches To Support Perinatal Mental Health: Perceptions And Experiences Of Perinatal Depression And Support Systems Among Postpartum African-Born Women In The United States, Joyce O. Imafidon

ETDs from 2020-2029

Perinatal mental health (PMH) of African-born women (ABW) is underrepresented in research and practice in the United States (US) despite known consequences of poor mental wellbeing on one’s overall health, relationships and productivity. Beyond their fundamental role in family support, ABW contribute significantly to the US workforce, education sector, and economy. This three-paper dissertation enhances understanding on PMH outcomes, perception and experiences of ABW in the US. Perinatal depression (PD), one of the most common mood disorders affecting 1 in 8 women, is highlighted. The overarching question is to what extent does the US health system address PMH of ABW …

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Identifying Existing Barriers To Equitable Transportation In Birmingham, Alabama, Brandy Rose Mckinney Jun 2026

Identifying Existing Barriers To Equitable Transportation In Birmingham, Alabama, Brandy Rose Mckinney

ETDs from 2020-2029

A transportation system is designed to connect people to essential community resources and support their mobility needs. However, transportation facilities and services in lower-income communities often fail to meet local demands, restricting access to jobs, healthcare, recreation, and other critical services. These gaps disproportionately impact lower-income and vulnerable populations, reducing mobility and overall quality of life. This study aims to (a) define transportation inequity and the measures used to assess it; (b) summarize existing inequities across the United States; (c) examine travel choices, needs, and barriers in lower-income communities in Birmingham, Alabama; and (d) propose strategies to address transportation inequity …

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Darkstar: A Memoir In Essays, Sophie Hawke Isham Jun 2026

Darkstar: A Memoir In Essays, Sophie Hawke Isham

ETDs from 2020-2029

Darkstar: A Memoir in Essays is an essay collection that follows the last four years of my life. These essays vary in length, format, and material. The themes these essays tackle range from heavy subjects like deteriorating mental health from bipolar disorder and grief over the loss of pets and family members, to lighter subjects such as gender expression and identity, and the love surrounding me from friends, family, and relationships. While each essay can stand alone, they are more fleshed out and connected in the context and structure of this thesis. This body of work explores the various ways …

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Behind The Screen: Exploring How Undergraduate Students Experience Sense Of Belonging In Online Learning Environments In The United States, Grace Ellen Kiersznowski Jun 2026

Behind The Screen: Exploring How Undergraduate Students Experience Sense Of Belonging In Online Learning Environments In The United States, Grace Ellen Kiersznowski

ETDs from 2020-2029

Enrollment in online courses in higher education has been rising rapidly over the past couple of decades and has accelerated since the COVID-19 pandemic. This has made higher learning more accessible for students who would otherwise have difficulty earning a degree. Online education poses many barriers to students’ development of a sense of belonging, something research has been found to be of great importance to student success and well-being. Relatively little was known about students’ sense of belonging in online learning environments prior to the pandemic. Since the pandemic, online education has undergone major changes, changing the landscape in a …

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Bone Marrow Adiposity, Obesity, And Tumor Burden In Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma, Ananya Deshpande Jun 2026

Bone Marrow Adiposity, Obesity, And Tumor Burden In Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma, Ananya Deshpande

ETDs from 2020-2029

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy in the United States. It is characterized by the accumulation of clonally expanded plasma cells in the bone marrow, which leads to end organ damage and myeloma-defining events requiring treatment. The only modifiable risk factor for MM is obesity. However, associations between obesity, bone marrow adipocytes, and tumor burden at MM diagnosis remain unclear. We evaluated associations of bone marrow adipocytes, body mass index (BMI), and clinical features of tumor burden among 168 patients with histologically confirmed newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) enrolled in the Integrative Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology …

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Caring Through Cancer: The Role Of Stress And Social Support In The Lives Of Caregivers Diagnosed With Cancer, Antoinette Shantay Williams Jun 2026

Caring Through Cancer: The Role Of Stress And Social Support In The Lives Of Caregivers Diagnosed With Cancer, Antoinette Shantay Williams

ETDs from 2020-2029

Caregivers living with cancer face overlapping burdens that are often overlooked in research, policy, and practice, despite the profound implications for their mental health and the care they provide. The main objective of this dissertation is to examine how cancer status, gender, and social support intersect to influence the number of poor mental health days reported by caregivers in the United States and a U.S. territory. Specifically, this study assesses differences in poor mental health days between caregivers with and without cancer and examines whether gender and social support independently and jointly moderate this potential association. Using 2022-2023 data from …

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Challenges Of Lutetium-177 Metastable Concentration In Radiopharmaceutical Waste, Cameron Robert Liggitt Jun 2026

Challenges Of Lutetium-177 Metastable Concentration In Radiopharmaceutical Waste, Cameron Robert Liggitt

ETDs from 2020-2029

Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) is an upcoming radiopharmaceutical with commercial use recently approved for cancer treatment by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). During production, a contaminate, Lutetium-177 metastable (Lu-177m), can also be produced. The concentration of Lu-177m will vary greatly depending on the production method. One of the largest problems posed by this metastable contaminant is disposal challenges due to its longer half-life and more energetic decay process. This research models the potential for the decay in storage method to be used for disposal of Lu-177 waste based on the concentration of Lu-177m. Utilizing varying ratios of metastable per therapeutic dose, this …

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Nazi Propaganda In The United States Prior To American Entry Into The Second World War, Trenton Alexander Bowen Jun 2026

Nazi Propaganda In The United States Prior To American Entry Into The Second World War, Trenton Alexander Bowen

ETDs from 2020-2029

This thesis examines the multifaceted nature of Nazi propaganda in the United States during the interwar years. I argue that these publications were not just a parade of familiar cliches about Jews or the wisdom of American neutrality. Rather, they and the organizations that disseminated them presented a jumbled patchwork of lies, hypocritical claims, contradictions, and distortions. In other words, I argue that Nazi propaganda was so dangerous in the United States because it relied on mixed and confusing messaging, and in turn, on the ignorance of Americans about the nature of the “new Germany.”

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Shaping Fibroblast Fate To Drive Fibrotic Remodeling In Pulmonary Fibrosis: Decoding S100a4, Spring Li Jun 2026

Shaping Fibroblast Fate To Drive Fibrotic Remodeling In Pulmonary Fibrosis: Decoding S100a4, Spring Li

ETDs from 2020-2029

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease characterized by persistent fibroblast activation, excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and irreversible remodeling of lung architecture. A central feature of disease progression is the accumulation of fibroblasts that evade apoptosis and persist in a pathologically activated state. However, the molecular mechanisms that sustain this aberrant phenotype remain incompletely understood. The calcium-binding protein S100A4 has been implicated in fibrotic processes, but its role in orchestrating fibroblast fate and profibrotic behavior has not been fully defined, particularly with respect to its influence on fibroblast survival and activation in IPF. In the first …

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The Medicalization Of Rapists In Psychiatry From 2000-2024, Lily Plowden Jun 2026

The Medicalization Of Rapists In Psychiatry From 2000-2024, Lily Plowden

ETDs from 2020-2029

The process of human problems coming to be defined as medical conditions and thus under the purview of medical professionals is called medicalization. This study examines how psychiatrists medicalize perpetrators of sexual violence, looking particularly at debates around whether to include a new disorder, Paraphilic Coercive Disorder, in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition. Using a content analysis of n=102 articles, it finds that discussions of the pathology of sexual violence perpetration were prevalent among psychiatric journals from 2000-2024. Psychiatrists medicalize rapists through three pathways: advocating for a new medical disorder; attributing the cause of sexual …

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Investigation Of The Noise Reduction Performance Of A Commercial Active Noise Canceling (Anc) Device, Eli O'Connor Jun 2026

Investigation Of The Noise Reduction Performance Of A Commercial Active Noise Canceling (Anc) Device, Eli O'Connor

ETDs from 2020-2029

It is estimated that 22 million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise at work each year. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), active noise canceling (ANC) devices are generally not adequate to use for hearing protection in an occupation setting. This study examined the noise attenuation of AirPod Pros 3, to investigate how the device performs at different sound levels. AirPods Pros 3 and a CARL mannequin were used for this study. Two dosimeters were placed inside the mannequin’s right and left ear canals. A speaker played pink noise at external ear sound levels of 90, 95, …

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Evaluating The Service Life Of A Respirator Cartridge When Exposed To Various Volatile Organic Compounds, Neha Murad Alwani Jun 2026

Evaluating The Service Life Of A Respirator Cartridge When Exposed To Various Volatile Organic Compounds, Neha Murad Alwani

ETDs from 2020-2029

Inhalation is the most common exposure pathway. With the significant presence of respiratory exposure, respirator cartridges are widely used as personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce exposure to gases, vapors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study evaluated the breakthrough time of respirator cartridges under various VOC environments commonly encountered in beauty salons and automotive repair shops. Breakthrough time is the duration a respirator cartridge can provide protection before contaminants can be inhaled and the respirator cartridge is no longer effective. The breakthrough time of three VOCs was examined: acetone, toluene, and m-xylene. Using a custom designed test chamber equipped …

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Potential Noise Exposure During Post-Trip Inspection Among Commercial Freight Truck Operators, Makayla Ashley Baker Jun 2026

Potential Noise Exposure During Post-Trip Inspection Among Commercial Freight Truck Operators, Makayla Ashley Baker

ETDs from 2020-2029

Noise exposure is one of the most common occupational hazards. Transportation and mate-rial moving occupations reported exposure to noise levels that ranged from moderate (81.4%), loud (15.9%), to very loud (< 0.5%). This study aimed to assess the working noise environment of freight truck operators while completing post-trip inspection. Area noise sampling was performed while freight truck engines were in idle states. A type 2 sound level meter (SLM) was utilized to record noise levels, positioned at rear of the truck cab with the microphone towards the source at a height of 5 feet. The SLM was set up for three noise metrics: Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) and Hearing Conservation (HC) action level in addition to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV). 4 trucks were sampled and for each truck, recording duration lasted approximately 15 minutes, reflecting the time spent conducting post inspections. Data collection included the average sound level (Lavg), A-weighted equivalent continuous sound level (LAeq), and maximum A-weighted sound level (LASmax). The measurements were repeated 3 times for each truck and the data were averaged. Lavg was compared to the three respective occupa-tional exposure limits (OELs), assuming a worst-case scenario. Lavg values of each sampling round among four trucks obtained using the OSHA PEL values ranged from 45.1 to 51.4 dB(A), OSHA HC criteria ranged from 37.8 to 51.9 dB(A), and ACGIH TLV values ranged from 55.5 to 67.9 dB(A). The average LAeq of three sampling rounds of the four trucks ranged from 75.4 to 76.9 dB(A) with Truck 3 having the highest average level. The average LASmax of three sampling rounds ranged from 79.3 to 92.0 dB(A), with Truck 3 having the highest average level. Though none of Lavg averages exceeded the respective OELs, Truck 3 under the ACGIH TLV criterion had the highest Lavg at 51.6.9 dB(A), LAeq at 76.9 dB(A), as well as the highest LASmax at 92.0 dB(A). The elevated sound level may be attributed to engine turnover from automated shutoff in prolonged idle states. Further studies need be conducted to investigate other potential factors such as air-brake systems, engine/cab model and age.

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Clinical Validation Of Tabpfn-2.5: Zero-Shot Performance, Data-Scarce Robustness, And Distilled Models For Real-Time Clinical Decision Support, Baraa Aljawawdeh Jun 2026

Clinical Validation Of Tabpfn-2.5: Zero-Shot Performance, Data-Scarce Robustness, And Distilled Models For Real-Time Clinical Decision Support, Baraa Aljawawdeh

ETDs from 2020-2029

Accurate clinical risk prediction plays an important role in improving patient outcomes, particularly in perioperative settings where early intervention can influence care decisions. Although machine learning has shown promising results using electronic health record (EHR) data, its use in clinical practice is often limited by complex development processes, the need for hyperparameter tuning, and variability in performance across datasets. These challenges are especially relevant in data-scarce clinical settings. This thesis evaluates TabPFN-2.5, a transformer-based tabular foundation model designed to perform classification without dataset-specific training. The model was applied to two real-world perioperative prediction tasks: unplanned care escalation (UCE) following post-anesthesia …

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June 17, 2026 Blazer Weekly, University Of Alabama At Birmingham Jun 2026

June 17, 2026 Blazer Weekly, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

Blazer Weekly (student newsletter)

No abstract provided.

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