Digital Commons Network^™

Social Worker Experiences Providing Mental Health Therapy To Iowa Lgbtq+ Youth, Kathy Jochims

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

High rates of untreated mental health issues and suicidality among LGBTQ+ youth, exacerbated by isolation and rejection in rural areas, demonstrate an urgent necessity for preventive and responsive mental health care. However, access to these essential services remains limited in many rural areas. This study involved using a generic qualitative design to explore the experiences of social workers providing mental health therapy to LGBTQ+ youth in rural Iowa, and presence of cultural humility in social worker practices. The cultural humility theory was chosen as the theoretical framework. Semistructured interviews with 10 Iowa social workers were evaluated using thematic analysis. Study …

Special Education Teachers’ Perceptions Regarding The Inclusion Of Students With Learning Disabilities In Assistive Technology, George Edward Avent

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Special education teachers do not always include assistive technology (AT) in instructional practices to promote the academic success of students with learning disabilities. The purpose of this study was to explore the reasons special education teachers only sometimes include the use of AT in instructional practices. The conceptual framework was observational learning theory, also known as social learning theory, which focuses on human learning patterns based on observations of other human beings. A basic qualitative design with open-ended, semistructured interviews was used. The participants included 12 special education teachers from the school study site. The research questions framed the study’s …

Kenyon Collegian - December 12, 2024

The Kenyon Collegian

No abstract provided.

Novel Spatial Approaches To Dissect The Lung Cancer Immune Microenvironment, Idania Lubo, Sharia Hernandez, Ignacio I Wistuba, Luisa Maren Solis Soto

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Lung cancer is a deadly disease with the highest rates of mortality. Over recent decades, a better understanding of the biological mechanisms implicated in its pathogenesis has led to the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapy, resulting in improvements in patient outcomes. To better understand lung cancer tumor biology and advance towards precision oncology, a comprehensive tumor profile is necessary. In recent years, novel in situ spatial multiomics approaches have emerged offering a more detailed view of the spatial location of tumor and tumor microenvironment cells, identifying their unique composition and functional status. In this sense, novel multiomics platforms have …

The Uniform Triadic Transformation And Claude Debussy’S Music, Davielle Smith

Honors Theses

Beginning with Claude Debussy’s Berceuse Héroïque, I analyzed each triad using chord symbols along with their Roman numeral representation (where applicable).1 Next, I used integer notation and modular arithmetic, where each pitch name is given a number such that C is 0 and B is 11, creating a set, the integers (mod 12).

This leads to the development of pitch-class sets where the “mode” of a triad or arbitrary number of pitches is expressed in terms of interval spacings. In many cases, such as that of 12-tone or other serialized music, pitch class sets explain many of the composer’s artistic …

Resin White Paper On Research It Competency, William Brown, Lindsay Dowling, Darach Golden, Josephine Lynch, Roberto Sabatino, Shirley Wrynn

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

The National Forum for Research Services and Infrastructure (RESIN) brings together research support staff, research IT staff and library staff working in research support from Irish Universities, Technological Universities, other Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) and Research Funding Organisations (RFOs).  This white paper explores the essential role of Research IT within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), highlighting its critical functions in advancing research capabilities, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring compliance with ethical and legal standards. Research IT encompasses specialised tools, services, and infrastructure to support the research lifecycle, including high-performance computing, data storage, software development, and cybersecurity. The paper examines the unique challenges …

Design, Synthesis, And Nmr-Guided Characterization Of A Targeted Covalent Inhibitor-Like Molecule Against Ivyp1 From P. Aeruginosa, Samuel Taylor Moore

Master's Theses

Multi-drug resistance poses a serious threat to future generations and historical antibiotic pipelines; consequently, the medical and economic burdens associated with treating multidrug-resistant bacteria are substantiated. In this context, P. aeruginosa (PA) emerges as one of the most significant healthcare challenges, being a leading cause of resistance-associated mortality worldwide. Despite modern efforts to combat these poor outcomes, drug-resistant cases continue to rise, and the need for novel antibiotic treatment is apparent. To this end, we investigated relevant resistance mechanisms and past antibiotic targets within PA, and in doing so, we identified relationships between peptidoglycan biology and a periplasmic protein, Inhibitor …

More Than Just A Grade: Factors Influencing Secondary Students’ Engagement With Digital Feedback, Mandy Prior

Dissertations

The increasing use of technology in secondary education has shifted teacher feedback practices to digital environments. While digital feedback offers many promising affordances, the factors that influence how students engage with and use digital feedback are not well understood. Previous research indicates that digital feedback poses unique challenges for engagement. New paradigm feedback models seek to identify processes and actions that promote feedback engagement. However, these models require further study in digital and pre-higher education contexts. This qualitative single-case study investigated the factors influencing secondary students' engagement with digital feedback. Data included 24 student interviews conducted across four grade levels …

Review – Insect Farming For Food And Feed In The Global South: Focus On Black Soldier Fly Production, K. B. Barragán-Fonseca, D. Gómez, C. H. Lalander, D. Dzepe, S. Y. Chia

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Clear differences exist between the Global South and the Global North with respect to economic development. The majority of small and medium-sized insect production farms are located in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, which face challenges to food production and organic waste management in general. These regions have a long history of insect use, as well as environmental advantages, making production of insects in general - and the black soldier fly in particular - a promising option for sustainable food production and organic waste management. This study aimed to identify the current state of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) …

Sel For Well-Being And Equity In Higher Education, Colleen Conley, Deborah Donahue-Keegan

Psychology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

The understood overarching purpose of higher education is to prepare students, typically young adults, with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate, thrive in, and be contributing members of society (Hurtado, 2019). In this time of unprecedented cross-sectoral complexity and volatility on a global scale, institutions of higher education must consider a more expansive set of learning and competency outcomes (Gopalan et al., 2022). This paradigm shift is essential given the alarming rise in mental health challenges on college and university campuses, deep polarization, and an increased demand for prosocial skills in workplaces across sectors (Dermody et al., 2022; Padurean …

Increasing Documentation Compliance Of The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool, Eric Jiang

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: The objective of the quality improvement project is to increase documentation compliance and assessments of the Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT) to help promote positive health outcomes and increase early mobility, while reducing the over utilization of physical therapy (PT). This can help reduce costs from potential health complications. Aim: The goal is to increase the utilization of the BMAT by 10% from 31.3% to 41.3% across three medical-surgical units from October 9, 2024 to November 22, 2024. Methods: To increase compliance with using the BMAT at the hospital, staff education was delivered through announcements, poster boards, and reminder …

Disrupting The Status Quo: Narratives Of Women Of Color Leaders At California Community Colleges, Lesley Doricely Meza

LMU Theses and Dissertations

The California Community College (CCC) system is the largest higher education system in the United States and serves diverse students. However, CCC’s leadership does not mirror the diversity of its student population. Senior-level positions continue to be dominated by White men, highlighting the lack of diversity among leadership at these institutions and exposing the ongoing underrepresentation of women, especially women of color (WOC), in leadership positions due to the ingrained hierarchal and patriarchal systems in CCCs. This qualitative study aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of WOC, who are midlevel administrators at the CCC system. A …

A Survey Of Several Python Libraries Foe Computational Geometry, Meghana Kolluru

Masters Projects

This project delves into computational geometry, a crucial area of computer science, by

implementing algorithms to solve geometric problems using Python libraries like Shapely, SciPy,

and Triangle. It begins with foundational tasks such as creating geometric objects (points, lines,

polygons) and performing operations like calculating distances, intersections, and unions. These

basics lay the groundwork for tackling more advanced applications.

Key implementations include the Convex Hull, which computes the smallest convex

polygon enclosing a set of points, aiding in applications like collision detection and GIS. The

project also explores Voronoi Diagrams, which partition a plane into regions based on proximity,

and …

Page Rank Algorithm In Java, Nikkil Bollman

Masters Projects

The PageRank algorithm is introduced by Google, It is used in search engine optimization, and ranking web pages based on their significance and importance based on a graph structure. This project focuses on implementing the PageRank algorithm using Java and Spring Boot, with Apache Spark as the core technologies for graph data processing. The project aims to compute PageRank scores for nodes in a directed graph, simulating real-world scenarios such as web page ranking and link analysis. The implementation is designed to handle large datasets efficiently by leveraging Spark's distributed computing capabilities and GraphFrames' robust graph processing framework. The workflow …

Creating A Colab Notebook Based On The Tutorial Of The Simpy Python Library, Mary Deepika Basani

Masters Projects

This project introduces an interactive Google Colab notebook designed to familiarize users with the core functionalities of the SymPy Python library, a powerful tool for symbolic computation. SymPy offers an extensive range of capabilities essential for mathematical modeling, algebraic operations, calculus, and matrix manipulations. The notebook serves as an educational platform, allowing users to experiment with small examples and explore practical applications of symbolic computation in real time. Organized into sections, the notebook focuses on key SymPy features such as simplification, equation solving, differentiation, integration, and matrix operations. Each section includes clear explanations, practical demonstrations, and interactive exercises, helping users …

Preoperative Detection Of Extraprostatic Tumor Extension In Patients With Primary Prostate Cancer Utilizing [68ga]Ga-Psma-11 Pet/Mri, Clemens P Spielvogel, Jing Ning, Kilian Kluge, David Haberl, Gabriel Wasinger, Josef Yu, Holger Einspieler, Laszlo Papp, Bernhard Grubmüller, Shahrokh F Shariat, Pascal A T Baltzer, Paola Clauser, Markus Hartenbach, Lukas Kenner, Marcus Hacker, Alexander R Haug, Sazan Rasul

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objectives: Radical prostatectomy (RP) is a common intervention in patients with localized prostate cancer (PCa), with nerve-sparing RP recommended to reduce adverse effects on patient quality of life. Accurate pre-operative detection of extraprostatic extension (EPE) remains challenging, often leading to the application of suboptimal treatment. The aim of this study was to enhance pre-operative EPE detection through multimodal data integration using explainable machine learning (ML).

Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed PCa who underwent [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/MRI and subsequent RP were recruited retrospectively from two time ranges for training, cross-validation, and independent validation. The presence of EPE was measured from post-surgical histopathology …

The 2024 Nobel Prize In Physiology Or Medicine: Microrna Takes Center Stage, George A Calin, Florent Hubé, Michael R Ladomery, Nicholas Delihas, Manuela Ferracin, Laura Poliseno, Luca Agnelli, Suresh K Alahari, Ai-Ming Yu, Xiao-Bo Zhong

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The Non-coding Journal Editorial Board Members would like to congratulate Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun, who were jointly awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNAs and the role of microRNAs in post-transcriptional gene regulation, uncovering a previously unknown layer of gene control in eukaryotes [...].

Analysis Of The Snake Cube Puzzle And Adjacency Criteria, Trey Matus

Honors Theses

The snake cube is a puzzle that consists of straight and turn pieces attached by a string that folds into a n x n x n cube. Finding solutions for large cubes is difficult, so finding necessary conditions for solutions is crucial. Using computational algorithms and mathematical proofs, I find improved bounds for the maximum number of straight pieces in a given puzzle size. In particular, I introduce and apply the adjacency criterion to identify groups of puzzles that are unsolvable. Additionally, I find a connection between the number of puzzles that adhere to the adjacency criterion and generalized Fibonacci …

Real-Time Feedback-Driven Framework For Automated Cybersickness Mitigation, Md Jahirul Islam

Master's Theses

As technologies are becoming more advanced day by day, the embracement of virtual reality (VR) technology among users is also increasing in daily activities for various purposes, and subsequently, the barrier between the real and virtual world is fading. Despite the versatile uses, cybersickness (CS) is a major problem which is induced among users due to the immersive VR experience. There is a plethora of research findings and methods to measure the users’ CS such as virtual reality sickness questionnaire (VRSQ), simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ), fast motion scale questionnaire (FMS), and others. Recently, machine learning approaches have also been adopted …

Sixth Joint Amended Plan

Catholic Dioceses in Bankruptcy

No abstract provided.

Data Intensive Method For Processing Defect Detection And Mitigation For Composites, Deepak Kumar

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Composite manufacturing without processing defects is a crucial step in satisfying the production, performance, and quality requirements of composite materials in various industries. Autoclave processing enables manufacturing of high-quality composite parts with excellent mechanical properties, whereas additive manufacturing (AM) offers adaptability to complex designs and streamlined processes. However, each method presents unique challenges; despite the benefits, autoclave processes can still result in processing defects, and AM is particularly susceptible to processing anomalies owing to the novelty of the process. Ensuring the quality and reliability of composite manufacturing is essential to fully capitalize on the advantages offered by both techniques. Artificial …

Book Review: How The Army Made Britain A Global Power: 1688–1815, James D. Scudieri

Parameters Bookshelf – Online Book Reviews

Author: Jeremy Black

Reviewed by Dr. James D. Scudieri, senior research historian, Strategic Studies Institute, US Army War College

Senior research historian Dr. James D. Scudieri provides a detailed outline of Jeremy Black’s history of the British Army from 1688 to 1815, highlighting the author’s “theme that the British Army made the empire as much as the Royal Navy—through projecting Landpower.” Scudieri also notes the book’s value to American readers, writing, “American security professionals will see parallel insights from this small regular army within a parliamentary system” and that the “US Army’s evolution in a republic that centers the military …

Book Review: We Had To Get Out Of That Place: A Memoir Of Redemption And Betrayal In Vietnam, Wylie W. Johnson

Parameters Bookshelf – Online Book Reviews

Author: Steven Grzesik

Reviewed by Dr. Wylie W. Johnson, chaplain, US Army War College Class of 2010

Dr. Wylie W. Johnson reviews Vietnam War veteran Steven Grzesik’s memoir that, as Johnson explains, shows the effects of “the Army’s institutional policies” and how “[u]nit cohesiveness begins with senior leadership.” Grzesik’s personal experiences and the “isolation, abuse, and sacrifice of individual replacements” (which Johnson identifies as important themes in the book) provide a valuable perspective on “the imperative of caring for soldiers.”

Aquatic Plant Threats To The Columbia River, Jacob Rose, Gabriel Campbell

Center for Lakes and Reservoirs Publications and Presentations

These presentation slides provide an overview of some of the invasive aquatic plants that pose an emerging threat to Oregon waterways. It contains botanical notes and high-quality photographs of approximately nine different plant species. Additional slides emphasize the importance of early detection and rapid response, as well as existing resources for invasive species outreach. This presentation was given orally at the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Interagency Noxious Weed Symposium to an audience of natural resource practitioners.

Emerging Aquatic Plant Threats To Oregon Waterways, Jacob Rose, Gabriel Campbell

Center for Lakes and Reservoirs Publications and Presentations

This brief presentation provides an overview some of two invasive aquatic plants that pose a threat to the Columbia River, where it borders Oregon and Washington. Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus) and fragrant waterlily (Nymphaea odorata) threaten aquatic habitats up and down the Columbia River. Staff from the Center for Lakes & Reservoirs promoted a quick, picture-based key for flowering rush and lookalikes. This presentation was given orally at the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Interagency Noxious Weed Symposium to an audience of natural resource practitioners.

2024-12-12 First Day Complete, Morehead State University. Fiscal Services Office, Mary Fister-Tucker

Faculty Senate Records

An e-mail sent by the Chief Financial Officer, Mary Fister-Tucker, on December 12, 2024 to the president of the Faculty Senate in regard to the First Day Complete program to be implemented in fall of 2025.

Adjustment To College Following The Covid-19 Pandemic, Neco Xyavier Johnson

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION Adjustment to College following the COVID-19 Pandemic Objective: The present study examined the relationship between college adjustment and individual differences following the COVID-19 pandemic. It compared the adjustment of students who attended college pre-pandemic (2019) and post-pandemic (2022) and investigated the role of individual difference variables in this adjustment. Method: The study involved 118 pre-pandemic and 250 post-pandemic first-time college students. Both cohorts’ adjustment was assessed at the end of their first semester. The post-pandemic cohort was also evaluated on individual difference measures like loneliness, personality, and emotion regulation. Results: Post-pandemic students exhibited poorer adjustment compared …

Business Governance Strategies Needed To Reduce Corruption, Colin Milverton Jackson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Corruption undermines businesses by distorting competition, reducing performance, and hindering economic growth. Business leaders must understand and implement strategies to address fraud and corruption in order to ensure long-term success, benefiting both their companies and the broader economy. Grounded in stewardship theory, the purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies that small manufacturing business leaders use to implement business governance guidelines needed to reduce corruption in international transactions. Data were collected through semistructured face-to-face interviews and a review of company documents. he participants in this study were five business leaders from two firms who implemented successful strategies …

Sulfhydryl-Containing Compounds And Iron Homeostasis: Mechanisms Of Labile Iron Pool Dysregulation And Consequences For Cellular Health, Steven Lowell Mann Christiansen

Theses and Dissertations

While iron's unique coordination chemistry and redox activity have resulted in its broad incorporation into biological systems, dysfunction in key iron-regulating mechanisms can transform these biochemical advantages into factors that contribute to several pathological conditions. This dissertation explores the complex interactions between iron and sulfhydryl-containing compounds (SCCs), with particular focus on glutathione's (GSH) role in stabilizing iron reactivity juxtaposed with homocysteine's (Hcy) ability to disrupt iron homeostasis and promote disease progression. Through rigorous biochemical analysis and experimentation, we demonstrate that Hcy disrupts iron regulation through several mechanisms: (1) Hcy competitively displaces protective iron-binding molecules in the Labile Iron Pool (LIP), …

New Employer Payroll Taxes And Entrepreneurship, Audrey Guo, Melanie Wallskog

Upjohn Institute Working Papers

How costly are taxes for young firms? In this paper, we demonstrate that even small payroll taxes significantly distort entry, growth, and hiring decisions. First, leveraging cross-sectional variation in the taxes faced by new employers, we find that higher taxes discourage new firms from hiring their first workers, with an elasticity of the number of new employers to taxes of −0.1. Second, studying changes in taxes after entry, we find that higher taxes lead more firms to exit, while also reducing employment for those who survive and leading some firms to avoid taxes by using non-taxable contract labor.