Digital Commons Network^™

Genetic Diversity Of Trypanosomes Infesting Cattle From Savannah District In North Of Côte D’Ivoire Using Conserved Genomic Signatures: Rrna, Its1 And Ggapdh, Jean-Yves Ekra, Eliakunda Michael Mafie, Edouard K. N’Goran, Dramane Kaba, Biégo Guillaume Gragnon, Jagan Srinivasan

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

The potential danger to livestock from African animal trypanosomiasis is well known. However, the trypanosome species circulating in cattle and their genetics are poorly understood. After different alignments according to three regions (ITS1, gGAPDH and rRNA gene) of the trypanosome genome, phylogenetic analyses were used to show the genetic diversity of the different species that were circulating in the cattle in three regions (Bagoue, Poro and Tchologo) of Côte d’Ivoire. These analyses were performed by alignment of ITS1; by alignment of partial 18S, ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2 and partial 28S rRNA genes; and by alignment of gGAPDH gene with sequences of …

Empowering Communities Through Education Creating The School Of Green, Kyle Martin

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

The School of Green initiative aims to foster environmental stewardship through community-driven STEM education programs. This paper evaluates the initiative’s impact, critiques its planning, and strategizes for future success. It discusses the evolution of the School of Green Series, its community impact, and future directions. The paper also provides a contextual framework reflective analysis and outlines personal motivations and aspirations. Through meticulous documentation and archival research methods, this project aims to detail the significance of the School of Green Series in promoting environmental education and inclusivity. The comprehensive event report will not only analyze successes and areas for improvement but …

Character Rigging Explorations: Basic Skeleton To Full Simulated Muscle, Lindsay Diana Timbs

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

This thesis project focuses on furthering my knowledge in creating rigs for an organic 3D model with realistic skin deformations. Rigs are the controls used to animate a model. A 3D model's skin deformation is how it squashes and stretches when moved. The project focuses on learning to use simulated muscles, which add the ability to imbue subtle secondary motion to the skin and deliver more realistic deformation as well as the creation of a smooth bind, a standard primary rigging technique. The aim is to compare and contrast their quality based on perceived realism. Subjectively, the muscle simulation was …

What Black Teachers Have To Say About The Push To Remove Critical Race Theory In Schools, Tierra M. Tresvant

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Critical Race Theory (CRT) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in K-12 classrooms have been a contentious issue which has resulted in some U.S. states passing laws that prohibit these topics from being included in classrooms. Literature on critical race theory and the subsequent public policies have shown that professionals in the field of education are under informed about CRT and anti-CRT laws. This research paper explores the opinions of four black 6-12 educators on how DEI and CRT emerge in their classrooms, the implications anti-CRT laws would have on their classrooms, and how their careers would be impacted by …

Music From Rumble Strips: Developing An Experiment For Undergraduates, Hannah Popofski

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Rumble strips are parallel, evenly spaced grooves that have been ground into pavement, often with a trough-to-trough spacing of 12 inches. They are typically found along the shoulders of limited access highways and are designed to produce steering wheel vibrations to warn drivers that they have drifted off the road. One model for sound production by cars moving across rumble strips is that the fundamental frequency is determined by the number of troughs driven over each second. Assuming 12-inch spacing, the sound produced would have a frequency, in Hertz, that has the same numerical value as the speed of the …

Classroom Management In Michigan Second Grade Classrooms, Alyssa Peterson

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

An important topic in elementary education today is classroom management. I explored this topic through interviews and surveys with second-grade teachers around Michigan in order to learn more about the question, “What classroom management systems and strategies are being used in Michigan second-grade classrooms today and are they effective at creating a supportive learning environment?” I obtained an in-depth picture of seven different classrooms and the differing methods the teachers use to manage their classrooms. Emphasized elements in the majority of classrooms include flexibility, relationships with students, expectations and routines, and communication with families.

Financial Regulation In The Age Of Ai, Jack Leitao

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Artificial intelligence has been playing an increasingly important role in the function of financial markets since the 1980s and the inception of program trading. The technology has evolved and has reached a more adolescent phase of development. As the technology has evolved, the risks introduced by massive algorithms keeping the markets humming have become more evident. The relationship between market volatility and trading volume adds risk as the speed and size of the trading activity has increased. High-frequency trading algorithms, while developed and refined by highly sophisticated institutions, still are at risk of succumbing to human error. Overall, algorithmic trading …

Predictors Of International Students' Acculturation Processes In The United States, Somaya Eissa

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

International students have unique acculturation experiences. There are several factors that can play a role in their acculturation process. This topic has not been widely investigated in midwestern middle sized universities in the United States. This study had four specific hypotheses. The first was that the assimilation model is going to be correlated to a stricter upbringing of the individual. The second was that the separation model is going to be correlated with higher religiosity. The third was that the integration model will be correlated with higher

levels of outgoingness. Lastly, that marginalization will be correlated with lower levels of …

Into The Activism: An Exploration Of Gen Z'S Political Participation, Nia J. Davis

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Gen Z is a considerably politically active generation. However, Gen Z differs from previous generations in their methodology, campaigning for change through both in person and digital activism. While both forms of activism are effective in their own way, digital poses a unique challenge. When people can be activists from the comfort of their phone, they become “slacktivists”. People whose activism does not contribute to any significant action outside of the internet (Serup Christensen).

Through interviews and focus groups, my documentary explores how Gen Z participates in activism, and what that means for the future of activism. After these discussions, …

Effect Of External Electromagnetic Stimulation On Microtubule Polymerization, Florian Alushi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Intracellular processes are influenced by mass transport at different spatial and temporal scales, facilitated by diffusion and stochastic encounters between cellular components. While traditionally explained by short-range "lock and key" interactions, some processes involve rapidly fluctuating charges generating electromagnetic (EM) fields, allowing long-range biomolecular interactions. This challenges the conventional view that efficient biochemical reactions depend solely on random encounters and short-range interactions, suggesting EM fields play a crucial role in cellular dynamics. Microtubules (MTs) are essential components of the cell cytoskeleton, responsible for intracellular transport, cell migration, cell division, etc. Beyond their mechanical role, MTs have unique electromagnetic properties due …

Mapping The Reaction Networks Of Cis Formed In The Ozone-Assisted Oxidation Of C₆ Acyclic And Endocyclic Alkenes, Zachary Clarke

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Criegee intermediates (CIs) are highly reactive species generated during the ozonolysis of alkenes, exerting a critical influence on atmospheric oxidation, combustion chemistry, and synthetic processes. Their reactivity, encompassing unimolecular and bimolecular pathways, shapes oxidation mechanisms and product distributions in these environments. A key determinant of CI behavior is the structural nature of the parent alkene. Acyclic alkenes typically yield intermediates with minimal steric hindrance, facilitating rapid reactions, whereas endocyclic alkenes produce geometrically constrained CIs with enhanced internal stabilization, redirecting reaction pathways and reducing overall reactivity. Despite their importance, mechanistic understanding remains limited due to experimental challenges in detecting CIs and …

A Gis Tool For Optimal Forage Species Selection, David B. Hannaway, Christopher Daly, Michael D. Halbleib, Linda Brewer, Sophie Baur, Chelsea Clark, Emilie Krecklow, Scott Bassett

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

To determine appropriate forage species for US ecoregions, geographic information technologies (GIS) are being used to create climatic and soil factor maps. Excel spreadsheets and RStudio are used to create response functions of forage species to minimum and maximum temperature, annual precipitation, soil pH, soil salinity, and salinity. National forage data and expert opinion will evaluate quantitative tolerances, seasonal yield profiles, and pollinator suitability. These maps and agronomic and livestock use information will be shared with forage specialists and farmers to provide alternatives for improved perenniality, increased diversity, and system circularity. Future work will include development and evaluation of climate …

Justice As Fairness Or As Inclusion: Putting Rawls In Conversation With The Bans On Transgender Athletes, Nicole Player

Pomona Senior Theses

The last decade has seen a flurry of anti-transgender bills introduced and passed in the United States, and the topic that has likely been the most hotly debated regards the dozens of state bans on transgender athletes. While most discussions of these bans go straight to a debate about physiology, this thesis centers instead on a question of justice. In the debate of whether to allow a transgender girl to compete in girls’ sports, is it more “just” to prioritize fairness in women’s sport, as these bans do, or is it more just to prioritize inclusion? This thesis, in finding …

Central Nervous System Relapse Of Sarcoma, Srivatsa Vedala, Ahsan Farooqi Md Phd, Brian De Md

Radiation Oncology Medical Student Program 2024

No abstract provided.

Liposomal Nanoparticle Mediated Gene Modulation For The Treatment Of Melanoma In The Murine Model, Bill Xu Tang Bsa, Poonam Yadav Phd, Rahul Anil Sheth Md, Fsir

Students Summer in Oncology at Anderson Research (SOAR) 2024

This study evaluated the efficacy of liposomal nanoparticles (LNPs) in delivering Wnt/β-catenin-inhibiting mIR-124 plasmids to melanomas. In vitro, LNPs with mIR-124 were applied to B16N2 melanoma cells. In vivo, LNPs were injected into B16N2 tumors in mice. Delivery success was confirmed via flow cytometry and RT-PCR, assessing GFP expression, tumor transition markers, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Overall, the findings suggested that LNP-mediated delivery of Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for melanoma, with trends indicating a reversal of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and slowed melanoma progression.

The Genetic Knockdown Of Irf9 Leads To The Reduction Of Antiviral Resistance In Therapeutically Induced Lung Epithelial Cells, Raj Patel, Mbaya Ntita, Scott E. Evans

Students Summer in Oncology at Anderson Research (SOAR) 2024

No abstract provided.

A Literature Review Of Tobacco And Cannabis Co-Use And Cancer Risk, Including A Nationwide Assessment Of Cannabis Legalization, And Examination Of Co-Use Among Young Adults In Texas, Nicholas Truong, Brian Carter, Hien Nguyen Phd, Caroline North Phd, Jennifer Cofer Drph, Mph, Ches

Supporting Tobacco-Related Ongoing Education and Research (STRONGER)

Dr. Jennifer Cofer acted as a mentor for the poster.

A Literature Review On Implementing Tobacco-Free Hiring Policies At Major Health Systems; And Md Anderson’S Experience., Mackenzie Toliver Bs, Brian Carter, Mehwish Javaid Ms, Jennifer Cofer Drph, Mph, Ches

Supporting Tobacco-Related Ongoing Education and Research (STRONGER)

This literature review seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the ethical considerations, health outcomes, and organizational impacts associated with tobacco-free hiring policies in healthcare settings.

Impact Of Alcohol Use Disorder On Ability To Quit Smoking: A Cohort Study, Janet Albarran, Maher Karam-Hage, George Krypiotakis, Jason D. Robinson, Jennifer A. Minnix, Diane Beneventi, Janice A. Blalock, Paul M. Cinciripini

Supporting Tobacco-Related Ongoing Education and Research (STRONGER)

The study aims to investigate the relationship between alcohol use disorder (DSM-IV alcohol abuse) and ability to quit smoking at the end of treatment among adult cancer patients, who enrolled in MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Tobacco Research and Treatment Program (TRTP). The findings could lead to more effective and integrated treatment strategies and encourage clinicians to include combined pharmacological and behavioral interventions to treat dual substance use.

Exploring The Impact Of Topiramate And Smoking Abstinence On Affect In Smokers With Alcohol Use Disorder, Ferdous Abdul Qudus, Yong Cui, Jason Robinson, Paul Cinciripini

Supporting Tobacco-Related Ongoing Education and Research (STRONGER)

No abstract provided.

Portrait Statistique Des Lésions Professionnelles Chez Les Immigrants Au Québec, Marc-Antoine Busque, Jaunathan Bilodeau, Martin Lebeau, Daniel Côté

Portraits statistiques

La population immigrante connaît une croissance importante au Québec depuis plusieurs années. La proportion d’immigrants dans la population en emploi a augmenté de 8,3 points de pourcentage entre 2006 et 2021, passant de 10,9 % à 19,2 %. Cette augmentation de la représentativité des immigrants sur le marché du travail pose divers défis, notamment ceux liés à leur intégration ainsi qu'à leur santé et sécurité au travail (SST). Malgré l’intérêt croissant porté aux enjeux de la SST touchant les personnes issues de l’immigration, il n’existe pas de portrait statistique détaillé des lésions professionnelles indemnisées chez les immigrants au Québec. Dans …

Enhancing Medical Chatbots With Image Diagnosis, Swatisri Chavali

Master's Projects

Medical chatbots, at the conjunction of artificial intelligence and healthcare, are the very cornerstone of a transformative force in diagnostic capabilities and communication channels for healthcare professionals. The history of this journey, from early chatbot models to sophisticated systems, is born out of a relentless pursuit of accuracy and contextual understanding. This proposal acknowledges the critical role played by NLTK in raising the interpretability and communicative capabilities of intelligent systems, meeting challenges that arise from varying writing styles and accommodating the standards of the medical field. The integration of NLTK is a linchpin, bridging the gap between sophisticated technological architectures …

59th International Congress On Medieval Studies, Medieval Institute, Western Michigan University

International Congress on Medieval Studies Archive

The printed program of the 59th International Congress on Medieval Studies (May 9–11, 2024), together with the Corrigenda.

Lis Journals' Lack Of Participation In Wikidata Item Creation, Eric Willey, Susan Radovsky

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

There are many items in Wikidata representing scholarly articles. However, these items have been created mostly by volunteer Wikidata editors and not systematically by journal publishers or editors, which can lead to gaps and inconsistencies in the datasets. This article presents findings from a survey investigating practices of library and information studies (LIS) journals in Wikidata item creation. Believing that a significant number of LIS journal editors would be aware of Wikidata and some would be creating Wikidata items for their publications, the authors sent a survey asking 138 English-language LIS journal editors if they created Wikidata items for materials …

Consulting With An Embedded Librarian: Student Perceptions On The Value Of Required Research Meetings, Susan Franzen, Caitlin Stewart, Mallory Jallas, Joshua Newport

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

Objective: This qualitative research project was undertaken to discover how students perceive the embedded librarian in their nursing class. The researchers determined how a required group research meeting was valued by students and whether that value warranted the necessary time and energy by an embedded librarian.

Methods: Researchers conducted focus groups with twenty-three students from two different sections of the same nursing research methods undergraduate course. Students’ responses to a series of five questions were recorded within Zoom and supplemented by handwritten notes. Data was coded by hand and patterns that emerged from the five focus groups were …

Book Challenges And Collection Development In Academic Libraries, Cindy Hohl, Michael Fernandez, Rachel E. Scott

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

In March 2024, the American Library Association reported a “record number of unique book titles challenged in 2023.” These challenges can have a chilling effect on the work of librarians seeking to collect materials inclusive of human identities, religions, and experiences. The LRTS editors asked current American Library Association President Cindy Hohl to consider the intersection of book challenges and collection development in academic libraries.

Beyond A Land Acknowledgement: Taking A First Step Towards Reparative Action, David X. Lemmons, Tarida Anantachai, Kat Bell, Jason Byrd, Heather James, Erika Quintana, Gerie Ventura, Mea Warren

Foley Library Scholarship

The Logistics Committee of the Conference on Academic Library Management (CALM)’s 2023 conference posed a question early on in conference planning: what if we rejected the traditional model of land acknowledgements? In answering that question, the committee embarked on a year-long process to radically revise the statement to one focused on reparative action. This article covers the revision process, including what inspired it and how the committee structured their work.

The Impact Of A Structured Exercise Program On The Pre-Established Exercise Goals For An Individual With Autism Spectrum Disorder, David Adams, Gary Smith, Paige Mccollum, Emily Batini

IdeaFest 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a structured exercise program on the total amount of exercise completed by the participant. The researchers believe that providing an environment that included the major components of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) would support the participants increase in exercise output. This study used a changing criterion design over the course of 6 weeks. Results suggest that the structured exercise program along with the major components of SDT had a positive impact on the exercise levels of the participant.

Hummingbird Nectar Preference In Urban And Forested Areas, Bridget Blanco

IdeaFest 2024

No abstract provided.

College Corps: Community Service On Wiyot Land, Seth Beres, Marie Roberts, Nick Salgado-Stanley, Rhiannon Lopez, Jovanni Flores

IdeaFest 2024

No abstract provided.