Digital Commons Network^™

Pride In Health: An Investigation Into How The Affordable Care Act, Public Accommodation Anti-Discrimination Statutes, And Other Pro-Lgbtq+ Laws Affect Health, Healthcare Affordability, And Healthcare Accessibility For The Lgbtq+ Community, John Kirkley

Honors Program Theses

This study investigates the influence of pro-LGBTQ+ legislation, specifically the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid Expansion and LGBTQ+ Public Accommodation Anti-Discrimination Statutes, on general health, healthcare affordability, and accessibility among LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States. The research delves into historical and present policy impacts on health disparities within the LGBTQ+ community, offering a systematic analysis of data sourced from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey. The research utilizes comparative statistical analysis to discern changes in health outcomes over the years 2014 to 2022, focusing on differences in general health, healthcare affordability, and accessibility between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ respondents, as …

Building Pre-Service Teachers’ Capacities In Integrating Computational And Digital Literacies: Faculty Values And Beliefs, Olamide Ogumgbemi, Meg Ray, Aman Yadav, Michelle Fraboni, Marta Cabral, Nadia Kennedy, Line Saint-Hilaire

Open Educational Resources

The research purpose of this study was to understand the faculty beliefs and values as they are reflected in the faculty’s design and integration of computing and digital literacies into teacher education courses.

Building Pre-Service Teachers’ Capacities In Integrating Computational And Digital Literacies: Faculty Values And Beliefs (Full Paper), Olamide Ogungbemi, Aman Yadav, Michelle C. Fraboni, Marta Cabral, Nadia Kennedy, Meg Ray, Line A. Saint-Hilaire

Open Educational Resources

Several studies have emphasized the necessity of enhancing pre-service teachers' technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) (Niess, 2011; Baran, 2019). However, the contribution of teacher educators to the development of teacher candidates' abilities to teach computational and digital literacies remains insufficiently explored. To do this, we examined teacher education faculty's beliefs and values concerning the integration of computing and digital literacy (CDL) in classrooms. Based on interviews with 32 faculty, we identified themes including how CDL can support disciplinary learning and challenges for implementing CDL into teacher education. We discuss the significance of this work for teacher education.

Pest Slugs And Snails And Their Management In Broadacre Crops, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Slugs and snails cause damage to all broadacre crops. Numbers of slugs and snails have increased in broadacre cropping in Western Australia (WA) with the use of minimum tillage and stubble-retention practices. These systems increase the organic content of paddocks and soil moisture content, leading to higher survival levels of slugs and snails.

Slug and snail pests in Australia have come from other countries, mainly in the Mediterranean region. They have similar lifecycles, which means similar management techniques can be employed to control them in broadacre crops.

Effective management requires application of controls that coincide with different phases of the …

Did Korihor Usurp The Words Of Zeniff?, Elliott Jolley

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

The Book of Mormon contains several instances where a speaker or author in the Book of Mormon quotes a previous one. This article presents one such example: It appears that Korihor usurped the words of Zeniff, quoting some of them for his own purposes. The context of this reference to Zeniff’s words lies in Korihor’s claims that the Nephites were in bondage to the priests, just as the Lamanites wanted to bring Zeniff’s people into bondage. The connections between these two passages cross multiple generations and narrative events internally, and multiple pages of translated, dictated manuscript by Joseph Smith. It …

Nurture And Harvest: A Continued Conversation With The Annotated Book Of Mormon, Kevin Christensen

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

Because Grant Hardy’s important book deliberately contextualizes the Book of Mormon in light of “the generally agreed upon findings of modern biblical scholars and historians,” it invites further discussion on points in which the Book of Mormon and other significant biblical scholars and historians challenge those findings. Hardy also declares that his commentary “is consistently focused on the plain meaning of the text,” which is understandably appealing, but which is in tension with Joseph Smith’s foundational observation that “the different teachers of the religion understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the …

Attachment 101: How Early Bonds Affect Our Adult Lives, Megan Elizabeth Apfelberg

ENGS 15.11: Design and Education

This class explores the four main attachment styles–secure, avoidant, resistant (ambivalent) and disorganized–and how they impact our adult relationships. The lesson will utilize mini-lectures to explain the four attachment styles and provide frameworks for improving relationships based on attachment. Through interactive discussions and a case study activity, students will build skills to assess their own attachment styles and strategies to improve their relationships.

How Does Marijuana Affect Reproductive Health?, Miriam Blatner

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Marijuana use has become prevalent worldwide, especially amongst men and women of reproductive age. Marijuana acts on Cannabinoid receptors, which are a part of the Endocannabinoid system. CB1 and CB2 receptors are most found in humans. Activation of Cannabinoid receptors in males cause a reduction in healthy sperm parameters and inhibits the acrosomal reaction, and therefore minimizes fertility potential. Researchers have not yet discovered any significant interactions between marijuana and the female reproductive system. There has also been limited evidence displaying the effects that marijuana has on pregnancy and breastfeeding of infants. Nevertheless, physicians have recommended against marijuana use while …

What Is Aphthous Stomatitis? What Are The Possible Causes And Treatments?, Shirah Balakhane

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

The historical understanding of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS), also known as canker sores, has evolved. This paper aims to collect data that determines the underlying factors that can cause RAS and highlights treatments or preventive measures one should take. RAS is a common mucosal disease of the mouth that affects healthy people and presents atypically in immunocompromised people. Geographical, age, and gender-related factors can all affect the prevalence. RAS still has no known cause; however, several systemic, local, immunologic, genetic, dietary, allergy, and microbiological factors—including immunosuppressive medications and stress—have been suggested as potential culprits. Using topical and systemic medicines, the …

Ethanol-Containing Mouthwash: Is It Safe? Exploring The Potential Risks And Benefits, Michoel Adler

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

This thesis investigates the safety of ethanol-containing mouthwash, focusing on the risks and benefits associated with the ethanol in mouthwash and its metabolic product, acetaldehyde. While ethanol is an effective antimicrobial agent, its carcinogenic and cytotoxic effects raise some concerns. This paper examines ethanol and acetaldehyde exposure, its toxicity, and its effects on oral health. Existing studies have found risks associated with ethanol exposure and have not found decreased effectiveness in ethanol-free mouthwash controlling oral bacteria. Further research is needed to determine the exact risks associated with ethanol-containing mouthwash and should focus on identifying the most effective and safest combination …

The Impact Of Maternal Thyroid Dysfunction During Pregnancy On Fetal Development, Ariella Eisig

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy significantly impacts both maternal and fetal health, posing physical and neuropsychological development risks for the neonate. This paper reviews the mechanism of thyroid function, the etiology, screening for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and the effects on fetal development and pregnancy outcomes. Multiple studies have shown that maternal thyroid dysfunction can lead to various complications such as IUGR, preterm birth, neonatal Grave’s disease, and adverse neuropsychological outcomes in children. Proper screening, monitoring, and management of maternal thyroid function are essential to lessen these risks and ensure optimal fetal development. Further research is warranted to better understand the complex …

Electrospun Tamarindus Indica-Loaded Antimicrobial Pmma/Cellulose Acetate/Peo Nanofibrous Scaffolds For Accelerated Wound Healing: In-Vitro And In-Vivo Assessments, Elbadawy A. Kamoun, Elbadawy A. Kamoun

Nanotechnology Research Centre

In this work, Tamarindus indica (T. indica)-loaded crosslinked poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/cellulose acetate (CA)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) electrospun nanofibers were designed and fabricated for wound healing applications. T. indica is a plant extract that possesses antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimalarial and wound healing properties. T. indica leaves extract of different concentrations were blended with a tuned composition of a matrix comprised of PMMA (10 %), CA (2 %) and PEO (1.5 %), and were electrospun to form smooth, dense and continuous nanofibers as illustrated by SEM investigation. In vitro evaluation of T. indicaloaded nanofibers on normal human skin fibroblasts (HBF4) revealed a high …

Cultivating Curiosity: Encouraging An Entomology Interest In Preschoolers, Macey Keith

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

This qualitative experiment encourages the integration of entomology-based activities into a preschool curriculum. The researcher aligns her children's preschool experience with tailored art projects and hands-on activities centered around the tomato hornworm, Manduca quinquemaculata, and Madagascar hissing cockroaches, Gromphadorhina portentosa. Following the activity, surveys were administered to parents and teachers to evaluate their perceived value of the lesson. Additionally, questions were asked to ascertain if the child recalled the activities participated in and to capture their emotional responses to the experience. The intention of this study was to create a clear lesson plan that can be easily implemented …

Assessment Of Spruce Beetle ([Coleoptera]:[Curculionidae]) Populations In Red Spruce Stands Of The Southern Appalachians, Kyle Finis Cavender

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

A series of traps was deployed in four red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) stands in the Southern Appalachians to evaluate the presence of, and trap lure efficacy for, the spruce beetle, Dendroctonus rufipennis (Kirby, 1837). Although no spruce beetles were collected, more than 14,000 Polygraphus rufipennis (Kirby) were captured. Traps were baited with a variety of lure combinations that demonstrated a strong attraction of P. rufipennis to frontalin, a relationship not previously reported. The results suggest that the role of frontalin in the chemical ecology of P. rufipennis, including possible regional differences in the biology of the …

Integrated Pest Management (Ipm) Manual: Green Cloverworm (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) Control In Soybeans, David Newfang

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Integrated pest management (IPM) offers a sustainable approach to managing green cloverworm (Hypena scabra) in soybean crops (Glycine Max). The goal is to minimize reliance on chemical pesticides while promoting an ecological balance. This plan outlines a comprehensive IPM strategy tailored for green cloverworm control in soybeans across various growth stages. Monitoring and scouting are emphasized to accurately assess pest populations. Management strategies such as cultural practices, mechanical control, biological control and chemical control are analyzed. Farmer education courses and outreach programs are applied to increase awareness, promote adoption of IPM practices, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. …

Illinois Bipa: A Litigation Nightmare For Employers, Andrew Cook

UIC Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Study Of Music And Gender, Kathryn Alexander

World Music Textbook

This article provides an overview of critical issues and scholarly developments pertaining to music with gender.

Exploring The Impact Of S. Mutans And L. Casei On Cellular Disruptions: Insights From C. Elegans As A Model For Microbial Dysbiosi, Ana Cedeno Escobar

Theses & ETDs

The term microbial dysbiosis describes the interaction of microorganisms with cancerous cells, facilitating tumor progression and metastasis. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), a cariogenic bacterium, employs its adherence and acid-tolerant capabilities to collaborate with other bacteria in invading host cells, thereby promoting oral squamous cell carcinoma and other extra-oral diseases. In contrast, Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) exhibits probiotic properties known to assist in the treatment and prevention of intestinal cancers, fostering microbial homeostasis. When grown together, S. mutans and L. casei engage in a competitive relationship, with L. casei hindering the dominance of S. mutans. However, the intricacies of this relationship …

Emotional State Of Small Animal Veterinarians And Euthanasia: A Global Approach, Cyriac Versini

Theses & ETDs

Euthanasia is a very common practice in veterinary medicine, encountered by small animals veterinarians in their everyday practice as the number of companion animals have exponentially increased these last decades reflecting the societal changes from a rural multigenerational family unit to a urban nuclear model, including companion animals, considered henceforth as family members. Although common, euthanasia does not come without consequences on the emotional state of the veterinarians practitioners worldwide. To fully apprehend its effects, euthanasia has to be understood from a global approach, including ethics, legality and psychology. Euthanasia appears as an ethical challenge for veterinarians, not only because …

Analyzing The Impact Of Environmental Conditions, Cellular Kinetics, & Cell-Intrinsic Control Variables On The Wound-Healing Reaction Rate Of Selected Sponges (Porifera), William Wolfe

Theses & ETDs

All sponges (Porifera) have morphological properties, behavioral tendencies, and cell-intrinsic variables that react differently to environmental conditions, especially temperature, depending on the species. A disruption in the conditions of a host environment will cause the cellular properties of sponges to react in a way unique to its species due to the impact of environmental stress. The core morphological characteristics of sponges are the external structural mold, which tends to be cylindrical, asymmetrical, or radially symmetrical; a loose cellular level of organization; pore structure; an inhalant area; and optimization for overall surface area. Physiologically, every sponge species has a specific temperature …

Effects Of Exercise On Telomere Biology And Its Implications For Cellular Aging, Liam Parker Carrillo-Rodriguez

Theses & ETDs

Telomeres are regions of repetitive DNA-protein sequences found at chromosomal ends. They play a crucial role in preserving the information in our genome by protecting the ends of chromosomes from fraying or tangling. Each time a cell divides, a small portion of telomeric DNA is lost and telomeres become slightly shorter until the cell can no longer divide properly, and the cell undergoes replicative senescence or apoptotic cell death. Telomere length is associated with a number of age-related diseases, lifespan, and cancer. Different factors that have an effect on telomere length, like oxidative stress and telomerase activity, are reviewed in …

Sleep, Sebastian Mark

Theses & ETDs

This thesis delves into the realm of sleep issues and disorders, probing the intricacies of optimal sleep patterns and the factors influencing them. At the core of this inquiry lies the persistent question: “If sleep is paramount, why do some people struggle to attain it?” The research goal is to identify the biological and environmental elements that impede a person’s ability to obtain sufficient rest. I collected data about myself every day from January 4th to May 5th, from diary entries and a wristband that tracks physical activity and sleep metrics throughout the day and night. Using statistical analysis and …

Evaluating Indicators Of Success And Sustainability In Community Forests, Brittney Hall

Theses & ETDs

Community forests are forests managed by local communities. They can be beneficial in socioeconomic contexts and can have positive impacts in supporting local biodiversity of plants and animals. Community forests are considered generally effective at countering deforestation and serve as valuable systems for local communities and as a response to climate change. However, the effectiveness of community forestry is dependent on a variety of socio-ecological factors, thus presenting a need for the success and efficacy of community forests to be evaluated and assessed in a rigorous and objective manner. The purpose of this thesis is to identify socio-ecological variables that …

Enrichment Responses Of Captive Mammalian Carnivores, Megan Nigro

Theses & ETDs

This study examines the effects of simple enrichment on the behaviors of animals at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife Park. Animals included are all non-releasable for various reasons and consist of a Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus), two red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), two gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), two Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi), and a bobcat (Felidae rufus Floridanus). The behaviors of these animals were observed with and without a box. Following a randomized schedule, instantaneous sampling occurred every minute for one hour in the morning and one hour in the a��ernoon over eight days in February 2024. Inac��ve, …

What Makes This Thesis Philosophy? Exploring Examples Of Systematic Discrimination At Multiple Levels Of Philosophical Discourse, Marshall Bustamante

Theses & ETDs

Philosophy, as a field, has historically struggled to include women at every level. This is problematic; as a field, philosophy must include women in order to be more applicable to more people. I look at two types of discrimination that I think are responsible for the low numbers of women in the field, being discrimination based solely on gender and discrimination based on ideas. Discrimination based on gender can be defined quite simply as discrimination experienced solely on the lines of gender, whereas discrimination based on ideas can either focus on markers of identity, leading to people with those identities …

Bombazos Y Belonging: Exploring Belonging And Connection Between Latine Students Through Dance At A Pwi, Gabriella Batista Quintana

Theses & ETDs

By utilizing dance and performance ethnography in tandem with the practice of bomba (an Afro-Puerto Rican dance, genre, and drum), this thesis seeks to understand the themes of belonging and connection amongst Latine students at New College of Florida, a predominately White institution (PWI). How may dance act as a safe space, or counterspace, for students of marginalized identities to foster a sense of belonging? Can connecting to one another, despite our cultural differences within the Latine diaspora, lend itself to finding “home” in an otherwise hostile PWI? According to this study’s participants, finding familiar aspects of one’s culture amongst …

Exploring The Impact Of Shark Ecotourism On Shark Behavior And Public Perception, Alexia Craig

Theses & ETDs

Shark ecotourism is a popular tourist attraction that is increasing worldwide. Shark ecotourism is a form of tourism that focuses on observing and interacting with sharks in their natural habitats while promoting conservation, education, and sustainable practices. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of shark ecotourism on three specific shark species: whale sharks (Rhincodon typups), grey nurse shark (Carcharias taurus), and white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). This analysis will consider both the potential advantages and disadvantages that stem from behavioral changes linked to ecotourism activities. Moreover, the study aims to evaluate the constructive outcomes of shark ecotourism …

The Goldies That Get It, Get It: Exploring The Ability Of Goldfish To Differentiate Between Variability In Reward Reduction, Logan Bell

Theses & ETDs

The instrumental learning process, explored through studies on animals like rats and goldfish, investigates how behavior is influenced by consequences. While Thorndike and Skinner laid the groundwork, research has shown differences in responses to changes in reward magnitude between species. Rats have demonstrated the depression effect, a decline in the rate of performance due to a reduction in the size of reward, however, goldfish studies have faced challenges in replicating findings on this effect. The current study aims to investigate whether goldfish exhibit the depression effect in variable magnitude downshifts. The study involved six common freshwater goldfish (Carassius auratus) randomly …

Birthmarks: Exploring Cultural Connections In Adult Asian American Adoptees, Celeste Kadzis

Theses & ETDs

The purpose of this thesis is to explore how transracial Asian American adoptees relate to their cultural heritage. To understand this I ask: 1) What are the different perspectives that adoptees choose to culturally reconnect to their cultural heritage? 2) What are the reasons why they might choose to or not choose to connect to their heritage? 3) How do adoptees wrestle with and reflect on their upbringing, transition into adulthood, and respond to current events? 4) How can public awareness of cultural diversity within the Asian American adoptee experience be increased? To answer these questions, I conducted ethnographic research …

Cultivating Diversity: Investigating The Impact Of Maize-Bean-Squash Intercropping On The Soil Microbiome, Drake Elting

Theses & ETDs

Soil microbes have a direct impact on plant and soil health. The unsustainability of contemporary agricultural practices pose an increasing threat to the food security of human societies, as many of these practices result in the degradation of soil health, upon which future productivity is reliant. A number of studies have affirmed the assertion that organic farming methods such as milpa increase microbial diversity which has been shown to increase nutrient bioavailability and can help the restoration of damaged soil. The present study investigates the comparative bulk soil microbiome between maize, bean, and squash monocultures and maize, bean, and squash …