Digital Commons Network^™

Diamond Line - Fall 2023, Diamond Line Editors

Diamond Line Undergraduate Literary Magazine

No abstract provided.

Volume 59, Issue 1, 2023 Speaker & Gavel

Speaker & Gavel

Complete digital issue (Volume 59, issue 1, 2023) of Speaker & Gavel.

At The Intersection Of Ableism Entelechy, And Policy Debate, Alex Mcvey, Matthew Gerber

Speaker & Gavel

This article investigates the causes of ableism and inaccessibility in policy debate, and also envisions alternatives to the current conception of debate that could open doors to more participants at all levels of ability. We argue that the rhetorical theories of Kenneth Burke help to illuminate symbolic practices in debate which function to exclude disabled voices. We also forward the argument that the competitive nature of policy debate, along with its dominant discursive practices and speech codes, constitutes an example of what Kenneth Burke calls ‘entelechy’. We further argue that the entelechial nature of policy debate is at the root …

Community And Cultural-Centered Music Therapy With The Boys & Girls Club: A Qualitative Case Study, Moriah Treadwell

Music Therapy Theses

COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL-CENTERED MUSIC THERAPY WITH THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB: A QUALITATIVE CASE STUDY

Abstract

Music therapy with The Boys & Girls Club of a rural area of middle Georgia would create a positive outlet for the youth to delve into an experience that would create worthwhile opportunities for them outside of their everyday routine, while implementing coping mechanisms, self-actualizing habits, and social benefits. With the implementation of music therapy used in The Boys & Girls Club of The Big Bend, this population would be exposed to not only a therapy that they are not accustomed to, but they …

Southern Adventist University Commencement Program December 2023, Southern Adventist University

Commencement Programs

Program for Southern Adventist University Winter 2023 graduation. The commencement service took place on December 14, 2023 at 7 pm in Iles Physical Education Center.

Differential Effects Of Paraquat, Rotenone, And Mptp On Cellular Bioenergetics Of Undifferentiated And Differentiated Human Neuroblastoma Cells, Ekramy Elmorsy, Ayat Al-Ghafari, Huda Al Doghaither, Sara Hashish

Faculty Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

Vol.51 N.21 December 14th 2023, Voice Media Ventures

Black Voice News

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Microbial Diversity And Characterization Of Cellulase And Hemicellulase Genes In Goat Rumen: A Metagenomic Approach, Santosh Thapa, Suping Zhou, Joshua O’Hair, Kamal Al Nasr, Alexander Ropelewski, Hui Li

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Background

Goat rumen microbial communities are perceived as one of the most potential biochemical reservoirs of multi-functional enzymes, which are applicable to enhance wide array of bioprocesses such as the hydrolysis of cellulose and hemi-cellulose into fermentable sugar for biofuel and other value-added biochemical production. Even though, the limited understanding of rumen microbial genetic diversity and the absence of effective screening culture methods have impeded the full utilization of these potential enzymes. In this study, we applied culture independent metagenomics sequencing approach to isolate, and identify microbial communities in goat rumen, meanwhile, clone and functionally characterize novel cellulase and xylanase …

Hudson, Hannah Leigh, B. 2000 (Sc 3704), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid and scan (Click on "Additional Files" below) for Manuscripts Small Collection 3704. “Historical Overview of Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee,” a paper by WKU student Hannah Hudson.

On The Benefits Of The Tryptophan Metabolite 3-Hydroxyanthranilic Acid In Caenorhabditis Elegans And Mouse Aging., Hope Dang, Raul Castro-Portuguez, Luis Espejo, Grant Backer, Samuel Freitas, Erica Spence, Jeremy Meyers, Karissa Shuck, Emily A Gardea, Leah M Chang, Jonah Balsa, Niall Thorns, Caroline Corban, Teresa Liu, Shannon Bean, Susan Sheehan, Ron Korstanje, George L Sutphin

Faculty Research 2023

Tryptophan metabolism through the kynurenine pathway influences molecular processes critical to healthy aging including immune signaling, redox homeostasis, and energy production. Aberrant kynurenine metabolism occurs during normal aging and is implicated in many age-associated pathologies including chronic inflammation, atherosclerosis, neurodegeneration, and cancer. We and others previously identified three kynurenine pathway genes-tdo-2, kynu-1, and acsd-1-for which decreasing expression extends lifespan in invertebrates. Here we report that knockdown of haao-1, a fourth gene encoding the enzyme 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3HAA) dioxygenase (HAAO), extends lifespan by ~30% and delays age-associated health decline in Caenorhabditis elegans. Lifespan extension is mediated by increased physiological levels of …

Mapping Restricted Introgression Across The Genomes Of Admixed Indigenous African Cattle Breeds., Juliane Friedrich, Richard I Bailey, Andrea Talenti, Umer Chaudhry, Qasim Ali, Emmanuel F Obishakin, Chukwunonso Ezeasor, Jessica Powell, Olivier Hanotte, Abdulfatai Tijjani, Karen Marshall, James Prendergast, Pamela Wiener

Faculty Research 2023

BACKGROUND: The genomes of indigenous African cattle are composed of components with Middle Eastern (taurine) and South Asian (indicine) origins, providing a valuable model to study hybridization and to identify genetic barriers to gene flow. In this study, we analysed indigenous African cattle breeds as models of hybrid zones, considering taurine and indicine samples as ancestors. In a genomic cline analysis of whole-genome sequence data, we considered over 8 million variants from 144 animals, which allows for fine-mapping of potential genomic incompatibilities at high resolution across the genome.

RESULTS: We identified several thousand variants that had significantly steep clines ('SCV') …

Insight - Fall 2023, Dugoni School Of Dentistry

Insight

Welcome to the fall 2023 issue of Insight, a newsletter celebrating the accomplishments of our community of scholars. We aim to spotlight insights from people at the Dugoni School working in all areas of scholarship, including clinical or biomedical research, the scholarship of teaching and learning, improvement of the health care system, and professional partnerships that advance the field.

E-Cigarette Use And Respiratory Symptoms In Adults: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Mohammed M. Alqahtani, Faraj K. Alenezi, Mohammed A. Almeshari, Abdullah M. Alanazi, Ziyad Ben Taleb, Mohammad E Ebrahimi Kalan, Mary P. Martinasek, Rheese J. Mcnab, Rachel Culbreth, Mansour Alotaibi, Hassan Alijohani, Lynda T. Goodfellow, Taha T. Ismaeil, Saleh S. Algarni, Tareq F. Alotaibi, Mobarek K. Alqahtani, Hamoud Al-Ajel, Khalid S. Alwadeai, Nafea S. Almutairi, Eric Ford

APC Fund

Introduction:
Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is gaining popularity among adults. Monitoring e-cigarette-induced respiratory symptoms is crucial for both clinical and regulatory purposes. We systematically reviewed the current literature to understand the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among exclusive e-cigarette users, dual users, and former smokers.

Methods:
Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus. We included all English-language, empirical quantitative articles that explored the prevalence of e-cigarette-related respiratory symptoms. Random-effects models were utilized in conducting the meta-analyses. The quality of identified studies was evaluated using the NIH Study Quality Assessment Tools. This study is registered with PROSPERO(#CRD42020165973).

Results:
The …

Salamander Modeling: Bridging The Gaps In Environmental Science Accessibility, Grace Leopold

Honors Program Theses and Projects

In the realm of science education, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all students, especially those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), is an imperative goal. IEPs are customized plans designed to support students with diverse learning needs, which can encompass a broad spectrum of disabilities and learning differences (Shaw, 2021). Providing learners with an IEP is an integral part of Special Education, however, there are a host of overarching challenges faced by students with IEPs in science education, especially in environmental science classes. In this thesis, the development and application of clay salamander models are evaluated for their potential to provide …

Clausewitzian Theory Of War In The Age Of Cognitive Warfare, Amber Brittain-Hale, Amber Brittain-Hale

Education Division Scholarship

We can reconceptualise warfare by contrasting Clausewitz with the modern practice of cognitive warfare, as evidenced by Ukraine’s defence methodologies. The strategic orchestration of ‘infopolitik’ and the sophisticated use of social media can shape narratives and public perception. This article revisits Clausewitz’s tenet of war as a political instrument and juxtaposes it with contemporary conflict’s multidimensional tactics. By scrutinising Ukraine’s digital and psychological warfare tactics, one may question the applicability of Clausewitz’s framework, seeking to understand if these novel dimensions of warfare compel a redefinition or an expansion of his thesis to navigate the complexities of contemporary geopolitical confrontations.

A Year Of Wins For Farmed Animals, Lewis Bollard

General – Farm Animal Issues

Although the European Union shelved its ambitious farmed animal welfare reforms, there were other “wins” for farmed animals in 2023. There were 130 new corporate pledges to eliminate cages for laying hens and the worst abuses of broiler chickens. So far, over 1,000 corporate pledges have been fully implemented, and 39% of American hens, 60% of European hens, and 80% of British hens are cage-free, up from 6%, 41%, and 48%, respectively, a decade ago. The US Supreme Court upheld California’s Proposition 12, which bans the sale of eggs, pork, and veal from caged animals and their offspring in California. …

The Balance Of Spectacle And Empathy: Writing And Revising The Stone Skinned: A Novel, James Tickle

Honors Program Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

A Year Of Wins For Farmed Animals, Lewis Bollard

Nexus – UNEP – Animal Welfare, Environment, Sustainable Development

Although the European Union shelved its ambitious farmed animal welfare reforms, there were other “wins” for farmed animals in 2023. There were 130 new corporate pledges to eliminate cages for laying hens and the worst abuses of broiler chickens. So far, over 1,000 corporate pledges have been fully implemented, and 39% of American hens, 60% of European hens, and 80% of British hens are cage-free, up from 6%, 41%, and 48%, respectively, a decade ago. The US Supreme Court upheld California’s Proposition 12, which bans the sale of eggs, pork, and veal from caged animals and their offspring in California. …

Standards Based Inclusive Preschool Curriculum, Bridgette Leigh

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to create an inclusive preschool curriculum geared toward all children ages 3-to-5 years-old. The curriculum demonstrated scripted and detailed instructions on how to conduct lessons in the developmental areas of cognitive and social-emotional. Those developmental areas were selected due to the research indicating the highest need areas for young children. In addition, the curriculum addressed: the Minnesota state educational standards for preschool age children, early childhood indicators of progress (ECIPs), and individual education plan (IEP) goals and objectives for young children who have special needs. The curriculum gives example case studies and ways …

Investigating The Role Of Bhlhe40 In Host Responses To Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection And Myeloid Cell Development, Skyler Hendrix

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Infections with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of the disease tuberculosis (TB), remain a prominent global health threat that affects millions of people annually. While antibiotic treatments for Mtb infections are available, the increased prevalence of drug-resistant Mtb cases has highlighted the urgent need to develop additional therapeutic options such as host-directed therapies. Development of host-directed therapies, however, first requires a better understanding of the protective immune responses required to control Mtb infection. Such responses must strike a precise balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses that promote bacterial clearance while also minimizing tissue damage. Here we show that the …

Tropicalization Fact Sheet, Linda Walters, Carla Perscky

CEELAB Outreach Materials

The goal of this 2-sided fact sheet is to introduce the topic of tropicalization along our coastlines to young audiences and their families. Tropicalization is defined as, "the transformation of ecosystems by tropical organisms that migrate towards the poles in response to warming minimum winter temperatures."

Understanding And Combating The Spread Of Antibiotic-Resistant Organisms, Bejan Mahmud

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

The introduction of antibiotics in the 20th century stands as one of our greatest scientific achievements, profoundly transforming human health and global well-being. Over the past century, antibiotics have ensured that infectious diseases are no longer the most common causes of death worldwide. In further enabling a vast array of invasive medical procedures (e.g., surgeries, organ transplants), antibiotics have effectively added decades to the average human lifespan. In agriculture, antibiotics have been heavily relied upon to meet the nutritional demands of the growing human population. Thus, ever since the introduction of penicillin, antibiotics have been the “miracle drugs” they were …

Population Trends And Trophic Ecology Of The Invasive Peacock Eel (Macrognathus Siamensis) In The Florida Everglades, Grace Kahmann

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Invasive species threaten the ecological integrity of ecosystems worldwide, including the Florida Coastal Everglades. This study investigated the ecological role of the peacock eel (Macrognathus siamensis) within this ecosystem, emphasizing its population trends and the environmental factors that affect its population performance, and the potential for interactions with native fish assemblages and coastal food webs. I used 19 years of electrofishing data to investigate the population trends of peacock eels at the marsh-mangrove ecotone of the Shark River Estuary, Everglades National Park (Florida, USA). I found that peacock eel populations have increased since their first detection in 2002, and their …

Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Inertial Geomagnetic Passive Navigation, Andrei Cuenca

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

In recent years, the integration of machine learning techniques into navigation systems has garnered significant interest due to their potential to improve estimation accuracy and system robustness. This doctoral dissertation investigates the use of Deep Learning combined with a Rao-Blackwellized Particle Filter for enhancing geomagnetic navigation in airborne simulated missions.

A simulation framework is developed to facilitate the evaluation of the proposed navigation system. This framework includes a detailed aircraft model, a mathematical representation of the Earth's magnetic field, and the incorporation of real-world magnetic field data obtained from online databases. The setup allows an accurate assessment of the performance …

Improved Image Recognition Via Synthetic Plants Using 3d Modelling With Stochastic Variations, Chris C. Napier, David M. Cook, Leisa Armstrong, Dean Diepeveen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This research extends previous plant modelling using L-systems by means of a novel arrangement comprising synthetic plants and a refined global wheat dataset in combination with a synthetic inference application. The study demonstrates an application with direct recognition of real plant stereotypes, and augmentation via a plant-wide stochastic growth variation structure. The study showed that the automatic annotation and counting of wheat heads using the Global Wheat dataset images provides a time and cost saving over traditional manual approaches and neural networks. This study introduces a novel synthetic inference application using a plant-wide stochastic variation system, resulting in improved structural …

Assessing The Potential Involutionary Effects Of New Copyright Laws: A Techno-Legal Analysis Based On The Impact Of Web 3.0 On Copyright Protection, Alvin Hung

Seattle Journal of Technology, Environmental, & Innovation Law

As Internet technology evolves, legal professionals and academics must stay current and adapt to these inevitable technological changes. This article investigates the extensive influence of the latest version of the World Wide Web (the Web)—Web 3.0—on copyright laws based on a techno-legal analysis that considers the opportunities and challenges of this new technology. The principal version of copyright laws, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), was enacted in 1998 during the Web 1.0 era, signifying an impending need for appropriate updates in the new Web 3.0 era. This article traces the historical development of U.S. copyright laws by positing it …

“I’Ll Have The Fish, Please” – Why Wild, Sustainable Fisheries In The United States Need Permanent Federal Protection, And Fast, Renee Larson

Seattle Journal of Technology, Environmental, & Innovation Law

No abstract provided.

Review: The Harvesting Process And Recent Advances On Health Benefits Of White Tea, Adhi Irianto Mastur, Agung Karuniawan, Ernah

Jurnal Kultivasi

The meticulous harvesting process and appropriate post-harvest techniques play pivotal roles in preserving the quality and health benefits of white tea. This careful approach maintains the bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, caffeine, gallic acid, Epigallocationchin (EGC), Epigallocationchin gallate (EGCG), and Epicatechin gallate (ECG), integral to white tea's health benefits. The stability of catechin content in tea plants is greatly influenced by the environment (clone, plant age, leaf age, altitude, temperature, humidity, processing, and pH when storing dry tea). In Indonesia, the raw materials used to produce white tea are mostly pecco from the superior GMB clone Assamica variety which has …

Gap Junctions Or Hemichannel-Dependent And Independent Roles Of Connexins In Fibrosis, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions, And Wound Healing, Yuting Li, Francisca M Acosta, Jean X Jiang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Fibrosis initially appears as a normal response to damage, where activated fibroblasts produce large amounts of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during the wound healing process to assist in the repair of injured tissue. However, the excessive accumulation of the ECM, unresolved by remodeling mechanisms, leads to organ dysfunction. Connexins, a family of transmembrane channel proteins, are widely recognized for their major roles in fibrosis, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and wound healing. Efforts have been made in recent years to identify novel mediators and targets for this regulation. Connexins form gap junctions and hemichannels, mediating communications between neighboring cells and inside …

Recombination-Mediated Dissemination Of Methicillin-Resistant S Aureus Clonal Complex 1 In The Egyptian Health Care Settings, Salma W Elsayed, Reem A Elghaish, Eman Badr, Shaimaa F Mouftah, Nehal A Saif, Iman S Naga, Ahmed H Shata, Ben Pascoe, Samuel K Sheppard, Mohamed Elhadidy

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a rapidly evolving pathogen that is frequently associated with outbreaks and sustained epidemics. This study investigated the population structure, resistome, virulome, and the correlation between antimicrobial resistance determinants with phenotypic resistance profiles of 36 representative hospital-acquired MRSA isolates recovered from hospital settings in Egypt.

Results: The community-acquired MRSA lineage, clonal complex 1 (CC1) was the most frequently detected clone, followed by three other globally disseminated clones, CC121, CC8, and CC22. Most isolates carried SCCmec type V and more than half of isolates demonstrated multi-drug resistant phenotypes. Resistance to linezolid, a last resort antibiotic for …