Digital Commons Network^™

Augmenting Back-Translation Decision Making With Latent Semantic Analysis: Predicting Expert Decisions With Semantic Similarity Scores From American Sign Language, Jared A. Embree

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focused on a novel improvement to the current method for adapting assessments into American Sign Language (ASL). Bilingual Deaf adults participated in back translations across the United States, and those back-translation decisions were assessed by human experts to judge similarity in meaning. Translations were compared to original text samples using two types of Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) models to compute semantic textual similarity (STS) scores, and to calculate weighted Youden Index (WYI) Scores. These scores were used to determine the ideal cutoff to be used when making judgments and compared to human expert decisions. The results revealed that …

Multi-Semantic-Stage Neural Networks For Robust And Interpretable Deep Learning, Christopher J. Menart

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Deep neural networks have great representational power. However, most deep neural nets today optimize directly for performance on a single task defined only by labeled training data. This excludes potential sources of knowledge and ways of learning which could improve their performance, and address challenges, such as explainability, which are pressing to the field. We propose a framework for neural network architecture which generalizes it to a graph of many semantically-meaningful variables. We call it the Multi-Semantic-Stage Neural Network (MSSNN). An MSSNN models its domain as a web of conditional probabilities, i.e. a collection of inter-related tasks which can learn …

Insights Into Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis: Novel Mechanisms And Treatments, Christopher Dupont

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Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (hyperKPP) is an inherited channelopathy that leads to incapacitating episodes marked by severe skeletal muscle weakness or total paralysis, often accompanied by muscular stiffness (myotonia). The periods of muscle dysfunction are thought to be caused by the elevation in extracellular potassium (K). This autosomal dominant disorder is associated with mutations in the skeletal muscle voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav1.4). A multitude of inciting factors have been documented, including rest post-exertion, a potassium-rich diet, exposure to cold temperatures, psychological stressors, and fatigue. Given the variability of the triggers and the debilitating manifestation of symptoms, individuals afflicted by hyperKPP have …

Transgender Students And The First Amendment, Dara Purvis

Faculty Scholarship

Suppose a transgender child experiences teasing and harassment from their classmates, whose hostile reactions interrupt the school day. School administrators tell the transgender child that, in order to allow educational activities to continue, they must dress in more gender-neutral clothing, ideally cionsistent with the sex they were assigned at birth. The student's parents protest, arguing that their child's clothing is speech that expresses their gender identity. The school points to Tinker v. Des Moines, allowing suppression of student speech where it creates a material disruption, as well as recent legislation characterizing discussion of gender identity as lewd and obscene. …

The Nebulous Binaries Of C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces, Amantia Menalla

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Much of C.S. Lewis’ novel Till We Have Faces can be examined through one of two binaries. The tension between rationality, or reason, and spirituality, or religion, is one of the core facets of both the text and its main character, Orual. Orual feels the pull of both ideas and thus spends most of the novel in a nebulous space between them. This tension is further complicated by the space between the feminine and the masculine which she also inhabits. By covering her face and body, Orual de-emphasizes her feminine identity and takes on a masculine role, dressing as a …

Journal Of Communication Pedagogy, Complete Volume, 2024

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

No abstract provided.

Friends In Law Places- The Role For Medical-Legal Partnerships In Reshaping The Rural Bar And Bedside, Michael Sobol

South Dakota Law Review

No abstract provided.

Indigent Legal Services In South Dakota: A History, Benjamin Titus

South Dakota Law Review

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Link Between Neurocognitive Function And Long Covid: A Comprehensive Review, Dinamaris Aguilar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The intent of this thesis is to provide an in-depth overview of the neurological manifestations associated with long COVID. The review aimed to assess the cognitive functioning symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 post-infection (PASC), investigate the potential mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 affects the nervous system, contributing to cognitive fatigue, brain fog, and cognitive dysfunction, and explore the parallels between SARS-CoV-2 and Alzheimer’s Disease. Neuroinflammation emerges as a shared element among these mechanisms, significantly impacting cognitive function. The parallels between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's Disease offer insights into how Alzheimer's affects cognition, aiding in understanding COVID-19's impact. The review underscores a notable gender …

Adaptation Of A Commercially Available Galvanic Skin Response Sensor To Measure Respiration Across The Chest For Heart Rate Variability Monitoring, Breno C. Dobal

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a naturally occurring cardiovascular phenomenon referring to the changing timing between consecutive heartbeats. The connection between HRV and overall cardiovascular health and autonomic nervous system function has been well established through prior research and well documented in existing literature. The existing studies, however, included shorter HRV subject recording session, using traditional HRV monitoring methods that do not typically combine electrocardiogram (ECG), seismocardiogram (SCG) and galvanic skin response (GSR) respiration monitoring. The inclusion of longer HRV subject recording may allow for further insight on the possible effects of given observable biological phenomenon on HRV.

The current …

The Implications Of Artificial Intelligence In The Criminal Justice System, Natalie Garay

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This thesis focuses on artificial intelligence's recent implications on the criminal justice system regarding its admissibility as evidence in civil and criminal cases. One of the main concerns surrounding artificial intelligence is determining the validity of AI application; application refers to the accuracy "AI measures, classifies, or predicts what it is designed to" (Article: Artificial Intelligence as Evidence by Paul W. Grimm, Maura R. Grossman & Gordon V.Cormack.(https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1349&context=njtip). Privacy law will also be analyzed in this analysis. Is evidence recorded without the individual's consent or knowledge acceptable in determining an individual's guilt? This analysis will primarily focus on …

Identifying The Use Of Turtles And Tortoises At The Prehistoric Penny Site At Cape Canaveral, Alexandria Griffin

Honors Undergraduate Theses

As people live in an area, they leave behind an assortment of cultural items they once utilized. Some of these items may include pottery or bones from animals they used as food. Analysis of these bones can give a glimpse into how they managed their resources in the environment around them, including which ecosystems they chose to exploit, and which taxa they prioritized for consumption or cultural purposes. The Indian River Lagoon in Florida is a diverse costal lagoon with many various overlapping ecosystems and ecotones available for prehistoric peoples to utilize. Comparing the frequency of taxa representing different local …

Motivations For Retaliatory Aggression On Social Media Among Borderline Personality Endorsers, Hannah Grimes

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Social media has become a popular way of connecting with people, but it has also led to an increase in cyber aggression. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a condition that is characterized by retaliatory aggression, difficulty in interpersonal relationships, and high impulsivity. Those who endorse BPD symptoms experience unstable interpersonal relationships and struggle to maintain connections with others which can lead to problematic behaviors on social media like retaliatory aggression. Understanding the motivations behind those behaviors can help inform the experiences of the diagnosed population, mitigate problematic behaviors, and facilitate healthy social relationships. This study aims to explore the motivations …

An Investigation Of Students' Modes Of Thinking Concerning Linearity In Linear Algebra, Noa Levy

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The intent of this thesis is to investigate student approaches to linearity within a linear algebra context, focusing on definitional, computational, and theoretical skills. Linear algebra’s abstract nature constitutes a major challenge for a significant sector of STEM students, with the course often serving as undergraduates’ first encounter with mathematical proofs and extrapolations. The current student struggle is reflected through the prominent gap in knowledge derived from a lack of a concrete understanding of rudimentary concepts (like linearity), pivotal to student success. As such, this investigation aimed to bridge this gap by considering students’ modes of thinking regarding the elementary …

Healthcare Disparities Among Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder And Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Patients, Brooke A. Martinez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is the most common subtype of rare connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder (HSD) is a connective tissue disorder that presents itself similarly to hEDS. Both disorders primarily affect individuals assigned to females at birth (AFAB), and symptoms range from joint instability, musculoskeletal pain, dizziness, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Due to many factors like lack of education or attitudes among medical professionals (MPs), receiving a diagnosis of either of these conditions can be a challenging and grueling journey for patients. An online survey was conducted and distributed over social media platforms to …

Reliable Detection Of Wnt7a Protein In Transfected Human Embryonic Kidney 293 Cells, Henry Okonkwo

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) refer to a set of development abnormalities affecting a fetus that can result from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Studies performed by the National Institute of Health estimate that the pervasiveness of FASDs may number as high as 1 to 5 per 100 school children. Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are a subset of these abnormalities and have been observed to occur in 38% of children with FASDs. While there is an association between PAE and CHDs, the exact molecular mechanism as to how it occurs remains unclear. A 2022 RNA sequencing study points to the Wnt7a …

The Use Of Telehealth Evaluations For Diagnosis Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Children Aged 0-7: A Literature Review, Teah L. Ruiz

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The following literature review was intended to review current research studies related to diagnostic evaluation using Telehealth for young children aged 0-7 seeking a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The analyzed research created a comprehensive guide on the quality, quantity, and state of Telehealth research for ASD evaluation will result. Through the synthesis of available literature, the strengths, and weaknesses of different models of Telehealth ASD evaluation were assessed. The results of this literature review found that there is evidence to support Telehealth’s use in some aspects of evaluation, but not as a stand-alone methodology. Further research is required …

Assessment Of Quality Of Life Among Patients Undergoing Semaglutide Treatment For Weight Loss, Muhammad Sameed

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Purpose: The study aims to assess the Quality of Life (QoL) among patients undergoing semaglutide treatment for weight loss. The primary hypothesis is that patients’ QoL will improve after semaglutide treatment. This can be due to losing weight, having better physical and mental health, or due to the perceived betterment in life after treatment.

Introduction: Obesity is becoming more prevalent in America, and it has a huge effect on the person's medical conditions, life expectancy, and QoL. Though there has been a surge of treatments to deter the obesity rates in America from rising. One of the more popular and …

Palliative Care Integration Into Critical Care In People With Terminal Conditions, Arielle Westfall

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Palliative care is of value to the quality of life in people with terminal conditions when initiated early. The purpose of this literature review was to identify barriers to early initiation of palliative care consultation. The secondary purpose was to examine characteristics that prompt palliative care consultation. The TLC model of palliative care was used to explore palliative care in the critical care setting in people with terminal conditions. The concepts of the model support optimal palliative care as collaborative and comprehensive, with shared decisions made by the patient, practitioners, and loved ones. A literature review was conducted to identify …

Understanding Guardian Perceptions Of Whole-Foods Plant-Based Diets As Interventions In Pediatric Medicine, Vijay R. Luthra

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The obesity epidemic is widespread in American society, often affecting children who bear its consequences innocently. Due to a lack of nutrition knowledge, children rely on caregivers to meet their nutritional needs and instill healthy habits. This study examines parents' attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors, as well as perceived barriers to adopting a whole-foods plant-based diet (WFPD) for their children. Using a modified survey instrument by Morton et al., this study focused on parents and children regarding dietary choices. Participants were recruited from the waiting area of a pediatric clinic at the Medical College of Georgia between April and May 2023. …

The Effects Of Bilingualism And Trust On Digital Scam Susceptibility, Grace M. Casanova

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Trust is an essential component of social relationships and is connected to how we make informed decisions. Humans tend to use mental shortcuts to arrive to decisions, a strategy which may be exploited by scammers. As online scams have become more common, it is critical to understand factors that can influence appraisal of potentially untrustworthy sources. The present study focused on language, in the form of self-reported bilingualism, and its relation to scam susceptibility. Language is a factor that contributes to alterations in brain structure, cognitive performance, and cognitive control systems. Bilinguals show advantages in the form of increased synaptic …

The Impact Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus And Maternal Oral Microbiome: A Scoping Review, Jaclyn P. Langan

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy-related metabolic disorder associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Recent research has highlighted the potential role of the oral microbiome in the pathophysiology of various systemic conditions, including diabetes mellitus. However, the impact of GDM on the maternal oral microbiome remains relatively understudied. Understanding alterations in the oral microbiome during pregnancy complicated by GDM could provide valuable insights into the mechanistic links between systemic metabolic disorders and oral health.

Objective: The objective of this scoping review was to comprehensively examine the existing literature on the relationship between GDM and maternal oral …

Deceptive Realities: Exploring The Nexus Of Fake News, Artificial Intelligence, And Public Perception, Victor E. Milanes

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Our research delves into two critical areas: fake news and artificial intelligence (AI). Historically, fake news predates the printing press, but its resurgence after the 2016 US Presidential Election garnered mass attention. Studies indicate its potency, with one fake article found to be as influential as a campaign ad (Allcott & Gentzkow, 2017). However, partisan media likely skews its impact on public perception.

Conversely, AI's integration has surged in recent years, sparking both excitement and concern among the public (Pew Research Center, 2022). Its ability to generate hyper-specific images, demonstrated by DALL·E 2 and Midjourney, poses challenges in distinguishing real …

Examining The Relationship Between Physical Health Behaviors And Mental Health Outcomes In Female Hispanic College Students, Alexandra St. Laurent

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The current state of mental health in college students is a universal concern. Female college students are reporting more depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms than ever before. Physical activity and diet quality can positively influence mental health symptoms. Current research provides scarce evidence that examines the relationship of these health behaviors and outcomes in the Hispanic female population. The primary aim of this study is to examine the relationship between physical health behaviors and mental health outcomes in Hispanic female college students. This is a cross-sectional study using a self-report survey to collect data from approximately 109 Hispanic female college …

Hybridization Kinetics Of Four-Way Junctions Localized On A Dna Scaffold, Katherine N. Taylor

Honors Undergraduate Theses

DNA computing is an ever-growing field with scientists trying to design structures that optimize logic gate communication to develop fast, biologically compatible, computational structures. We hypothesize that by using the principles of DNA computing, it is possible to design a DNA tile capable of studying localized DNA hybridization that can differentiate between oligonucleotides of different structural conformations. This includes synthetically manipulating DNA into a nanostructure that can perform Boolean logic functions to calculate the different rates of hybridization. To test our hypothesis, we designed a DNA Tile that incorporated a 4WJ using YES logic. Linear and hairpin single-stranded (ss) DNA …

Searching For Black Holes In The Galactic Center, Caden Zaccardi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Due to the high extinction along the plane of the Milky Way towards the Galactic Center (GC), it is useful to look at objects that are bright in the near-infrared (near-IR) to obtain data with Earth-based instruments. To identify X-ray Binary (XRB) counterparts towards the GC, we used near-IR spectra from the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT). After reducing the LUCI/LBT spectra with the superFATBOY (sFB) pipeline, we compared our near-IR spectra to previously matched IR and X-ray sources in the GC (DeWitt, 2011). Particularly, we looked for H and He emission lines, which indicate signs of a hard radiation field …

Investigating The Association Of Demographic Factors On Methotrexate Delay-Clearance And Toxicity In Pediatric Oncology Patients: A Retrospective Chart Review, Belal Alabdul Razzak

Honors Undergraduate Theses

High-dose methotrexate (HD MTX) is critical for treating pediatric malignancies such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and neuro-carcinoma. However, its significant toxicity due to drug accumulation poses substantial risks. This retrospective study assesses the impact of demographic factors on MTX toxicity and clearance in pediatric oncology patients. Patient records from Saint Mary Hospital were analyzed, focusing on two MTX administration protocols: a 24-hour infusion followed by alkaline hydration and a 4-hour infusion followed by alkaline hydration. We hypothesize that factors such as age, body surface area (BSA), and body mass index (BMI) are associated with MTX clearance and toxicity. The study …

A Tool To Automate Neuropathological Assessment In Huntington Disease Mouse Models, Samuel A. Moldenhauer

Honors Undergraduate Theses

As our life expectancy continues to rise, so does the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington disease (HD). Neurodegeneration leads to progressive regional brain atrophy, typically initiating prior to symptom onset. With the advancements of medical treatments designed to target neurodegeneration, researchers measure their impact on atrophy in animal models to assess their effectiveness. This is important because treatments designed to combat neuropathology are more likely to modify the disease itself, per contra to treatments designed to mask or treat symptoms. One method of brain region size quantification is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which while accurate, is prohibitively expensive. …

Elements Of The Criminal Minds, Kelsie A. Esposito Ms.

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Studying human behavior and societal dynamics has captivated scholars across time. From ancient philosophers like Plato to contemporary researchers, the quest to comprehend our distinctiveness and the mechanisms that enable harmonious coexistence remains paramount. This thesis examines the enigmatic realm of the “criminal class,” looking at their identity and actions and the cognitive processes underpinning their behavior. Focusing on violent criminal offenders, this thesis seeks to provide greater meaning and understanding of the criminal mind.

The Forced Removal Of Iraqi Jews: Ethnic Cleansing And Its Impact On Global Perceptions Of Zionism And The State Of Israel, Gal Shem-Tov

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The mid-20th century, particularly the 1940s and 1950s, was marked by significant Jewish migration and ethnic cleansing worldwide following the Holocaust and widespread antisemitism. A common misconception is that the Holocaust's effects were confined to Europe; however, substantial evidence shows that similar policies and migrations occurred in the Middle East and North Africa, where antisemitism was also a prominent issue often overlooked in historical narratives. Furthermore, the perception that Zionism—a movement for the re-establishment, development, and protection of a Jewish nation in what is now Israel, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary—originated solely within European or "White" Jewish communities is …