Digital Commons Network^™

The Immune System Under Pressure: Understanding The Impact Of Stress On Immune Function And Health, Kaeshwinie Murugan

Honors Theses

Stress has a profound impact on the immune health of college students, exacerbated by challenges such as academic pressures, sleep deprivation, and inadequate coping strategies. This study investigates the relationship between stress and immune function among students at Western Michigan University, utilizing survey data and existing literature to explore mechanisms of stress-induced immune suppression and identify effective interventions. The survey, conducted with 100 participants, revealed that over 70% experienced stress that adversely affected their immune systems, with 60% reporting insufficient sleep and 20% sleeping less than five hours per night.

The survey further highlighted students' reliance on specific coping mechanisms, …

Phonological Awareness: A Unit Plan For Kindergarten, Allison Beasley

Honors Theses

This Kindergarten phonological awareness unit plan provides a clear, structured approach to developing essential early literacy skills by helping children recognize and manipulate sounds in spoken language. Through systematic, explicit, and differentiated instruction, students engage in multiple practice opportunities using varied examples of sounds, including beginning and ending sounds, rhymes, medial vowels, blending, segmenting, syllables, and sound manipulation. The plan incorporates flexible group sizes, from whole-class instruction to small groups and partner activities, allowing for personalized support tailored to diverse learners. Engaging, hands-on activities such as tongue twisters, sound clap games, rhyming circles, Elkonin boxes, and movement-based lessons make abstract …

All Sports Spectacular Event Plan And Data Review, Ashley Dale

Honors Theses

The following report is the event plan for the All Sports Spectacular hosted by the Irish Hills Regional Chamber of Commerce (IHRCC) on October 5, 2024, at the Mill Sports and Event Center in Onsted, MI. The report investigates different elements of the event and how they contributed to the overall success of the event. It also provides recommendations for changes that can be made in the future to increase the fundraising potential of the event.

The project’s main goal was to raise funds for the IHRCC so that they are able to continue their mission of promoting business growth …

Stephanie Sankey Petitioner/ Appellant V. Cameron D. Sawyer, An Individual; Courteny A. Sawyer, An Individual; Picture Picture Films, Llc, A Utah Limited Liability Corporation; And Tim Timmerman, Hope Of America, Llc, A Utah Limited Liability Company, Defendants/ Appellees : Brief Of Appellee, Utah Court Of Appeals

Utah Court of Appeals Briefs (2020 –)

APPEAL FROM A FINAL ORDER OF THE FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT, UTAH COUNTY THE HONORABLE ROBERT A LUND

Gerald M. Salcido, Jon M. Hogelin, Attorneys for Appellees/Defendants

Stephanie E. Sankey, Appellant/Plaintiff

Ferruccio Busoni And His Muses, Jiayan Sun

2025 Publications & Works

Piano Recital: Sun, Jiayan - BUSONI, F. / BACH, J.S. / LISZT, F. / MOZART, W.A. (Ferruccio Busoni and His Muses)

Input Of Anthropogenic Debris Across A Rural To Urban Gradient In The Lake Ontario Watershed, Paige Arieno

Theses

Anthropogenic debris (AD) is now ubiquitous across terrestrial, marine, and freshwater environments. While plastic is typically the dominant material in AD, non-plastic materials, including metal, glass, processed wood, and concrete, are a large part of the diverse debris entering and moving through the environment and may have similar environmental impacts. Current estimates of plastic entering the Great Lakes are coarse and none exist for other AD. This gap precludes development of source-based mitigation plans. This study evaluated debris quantity and composition in tributaries and storm sewers entering the Rochester Embayment of Lake Ontario. Using LittaTraps™ installed in storm drains, we …

Self-Reported Access To Oral Health Care And Perception Of Oral Health From 2011-2020, Taylor Lordo

Honors Scholar Theses

An individual’s perception of their oral cavity directly correlates with whether he/she will seek oral health care. Self-reported oral health (SROH) rating is typically measured on a scale of excellent to poor and is a validated measure of an individual’s oral health. This study aimed to (1) examine the correlation between SROH and access to oral health care, (2) assess changes in access and SROH from 2011 to 2020, and (3) analyze variations across age, gender, and race. Data was collected from the 2011-12, 2013-14, 2015-16, and 2017-20 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for individuals 20 or older. Two …

Bridging The Gap: Addressing Deficits In Reading Comprehension And Critical Thinking Skills Among Students, Kelsey R. Ramos

Masters Projects

This project tackles the persistent decline in reading comprehension and critical thinking skills among secondary students, emphasizing their importance for academic success and real-world problem-solving. Grounded in constructivist theory, the initiative introduces a professional development program designed to equip educators with strategies to foster deeper student engagement with texts. Key components include text-based discussions, the integration of culturally relevant literature, and student-centered approaches to learning. The program comprises pre-session surveys, interactive workshops, collaborative planning, and ongoing check-ins to ensure continuous support and adaptability. Teachers are provided with practical tools to enhance classroom practices, with success measured by improved teacher confidence …

The Microorganisms Associated With Doliolids In A Productive Coastal Upwelling System, Melissa Steinman, Moritz S. Schmid, Robert K. Cowen, Su Sponaugle, Kelly R. Sutherland, Anne W. Thompson

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Doliolids have a unique ability to impact the marine microbial community through bloom events and filter feeding. Their predation on large eukaryotic microorganisms is established and evidence of predation on smaller prokaryotic microorganisms is beginning to emerge. We studied the association between microorganisms and wild-caught doliolids in the Northern California Current system. Doliolids were collected during bloom events identified at three different shelf locations with variable upwelling intensity. We discovered doliolids were associated with a range of prokaryotic microbial functional groups, which included free-living pelagic Archaea, SAR11, and picocyanobacteria. The results suggest the possibility that doliolids could feed on the …

Committee's Motion For Survivor Statement Hearing

Catholic Dioceses in Bankruptcy

No abstract provided.

Colsa Faculty Spotlight: David Plachetzki, Unh Communications And Public Affairs

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

A Document Analysis: In What Ways Do Elementary Schools Display Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports (Pbis) As An Educational Evidence-Based Practice?, Catherine Chidiac

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Research indicates that positive reinforcement can improve student achievement and increase positive student behavior. The purpose of this study was to explore the ways public schools in New Jersey communicate the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) practice to their staff and students. This document analysis reviewed the themes and practices presented in each school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) implementation manuals.

This qualitative research examined 17 Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Implementation Manuals, seeking to better understand how New Jersey public schools communicate Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and how the information aligns with the national …

The Investigation Of The Antimicrobial And Biofilm-Disrupting Properties Of Synthesized Hemibastadin Derivatives., Antonio Harvey

Longwood Senior Theses

This thesis explores the synthesis of a polyphenolic hemibastadin-1 derivative with presumed antimicrobial properties and improved biological safety. Structural modifications included replacing aromatic bromine atoms with phenolic groups and substituting the oxime linker group on the core structure for a triazole. A divergent synthetic strategy was designed with the dimeric nature of these targeted molecules in mind. Although this stepwise synthesis is not complete, the core triazole derivative was prepared with a respectable overall yield of 47% from the methyl gallate starting material. The final steps of the synthesis will require coupling of the divergent intermediates and deprotection of this …

December 6, 2024 Minutes, Swosu Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Does The Mediterranean Diet Play A Beneficial Role In Managing The Health Of Overweight/Obese Breast Cancer Survivors?, Syeda Maria Yaqoob, Layla Haidar, Marlyn A Allicock, Natalia I Heredia

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Numerous studies have established a correlation between the Mediterranean diet and a reduced risk of breast cancer, as well as its efficacy in supporting weight management. Notably, obesity is widely recognized as a significant risk factor for the development of breast cancer. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to improve health outcomes among overweight or obese breast cancer survivors. This narrative review aims to consolidate information on the existing research interventions elucidating the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for the overall health of breast cancer survivors.

Methods: Using the search terms "Mediterranean diet" and "breast cancer survivor", a total …

Effect Of School Hpv Vaccination Requirements On Pediatricians' Recommendations, Ashley Hedrick Mckenzie, Lara S Savas, Ross Shegog, Dale S Mantey, Erica L Frost, Paul Gerardo Yeh, C Mary Healy, Stanley Spinner, L Aubree Shay, Sharice M Preston, Sally W Vernon

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background/objectives: Pediatrician recommendations are highly influential in parents’ decisions to vaccinate their children against HPV. Unqualified, presumptive, and bundled recommendations (UPBRs) are associated with increased HPV vaccine uptake and are considered best practice. This study analyzes pediatricians’ self-reported data to assess changes in UPBR use and the psychosocial determinants of UPBR use as a result of the implementation of a multi-level intervention, the Adolescent Vaccination Program (AVP).

Methods: We surveyed pediatricians across 51 clinics in the Houston area. Baseline surveys (n = 137) were distributed in 2015, and follow-ups (n = 120) in 2019.

Results: Pediatrician UPBR use …

Connecting Cuny To The World Through Oer Collaboration, Thomas Peele, Janelle Poe, Matthew K. Gold, Krystyna Michael, Robin Miller, Luke Waltzer, Laurie Hurson, Stefano Morello, Carli Snyder

Open Educational Resources

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Qa Automation In Eliminating Waste In Project Teams, Ejiro Esiri

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

This study explores the impact of Quality Assurance (QA) automation on reducing waste in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) projects within enterprise organizations. Manual QA processes often result in bugs and defects that negatively affect project quality and business outcomes. Although automated QA testing promises improved accuracy and fewer errors, its implementation and effectiveness in SEO projects have yet to be thoroughly researched. This study uses qualitative research methods, including surveys of SEO professionals, QA specialists, and project managers in enterprise organizations, to examine how automated QA testing influences the performance and outcomes of SEO projects. The results show that companies …

The Effective Implementation Of Agile Project Management In Healthcare It Projects, Chinedu Chigbu

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

This research paper investigates the effective implementation of Agile project management in the healthcare sector, focusing on its role in facilitating digital transformation initiatives. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study examines current practices, challenges, and future trends in healthcare digitalization, emphasizing the pivotal role of IT project management. Key concepts, models, and success metrics are analyzed, with particular attention to the adoption of Agile methodologies and stakeholder collaboration. Challenges such as interoperability, resistance to change, and data security are scrutinized alongside strategic solutions. The paper also outlines future opportunities, including AI integration and blockchain, and offers recommendations for enhancing …

The Benefits Of Using Children's Books In Lesson Planning, Katie Bethel

Honors Theses

This thesis investigates the many benefits that children’s books provide for children. The purpose of this thesis was to create lesson plans for teachers to use that specifically incorporate children’s books into their teaching. This thesis begins with my rationale for this topic as my rationale pulled together both my career and personal connections to some of my life experiences. Then this rationale is followed by a research paper that looks into the many benefits that children’s books provide. With this research and background information, I was able to gather a list of children's books that exemplified many of the …

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: November 2024, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

In November, employment increased by 227,000, with the unemployment rate remaining steady at 4.2%. Veteran unemployment showed mixed trends, with post-9/11 veteran unemployment slightly decreasing to 3.1% and significant variations across different age and demographic groups. Notably, the unemployment rate for Black or African American veterans decreased significantly, while the rate for veterans aged 18-24 increased.

Evaluation Of The Thermal Insulation Potential Of Post-Harvest Blocks Using The Native Strain Of The Edible Mushroom Pleurotus Ostreatus, Miguel Aravena, Leonardo Almonacid-Munoz, Carlos Rojas-Herrera, Hector Herrera, Juan Pablo Cardenas Ramirez, Alejandro Veliz Reyes, Cristiane Sagredo-Saez

School of Art, Design and Architecture

In recent years, the need to adopt materials that are partially or fully recyclable or biodegradable has grown significantly. This paper presents a study aiming to develop a physical and thermal characterization of post-harvest blocks (spent mushroom substrate) used in the production of the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus in order to test its feasibility as an insulation material. For this purpose, culture blocks based on wheat straw residues were prepared using a wild strain of the fungus. After the mushroom harvest, the post-harvest blocks were evaluated for stability, thermal conductivity, moisture content, fire behavior, and surface analysis. The results showed …

Infographic: Timss 2023 Snapshot, Jo Earp

Teacher infographics

Results from the latest cycle of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS 2023) have just been released. Today’s infographic looks at the year 4 and year 8 mean scores in mathematics and science for students in Australia and selected participating countries.

Antibiotics For Acute Watery Or Persistent With Or Without Bloody Diarrhoea In Children: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Syeda Kanza Naqvi, Mustafa Bin Ali Zubairi, Ayesha Arshad Ali, Ashraf Sharif, Rehana Abdus Salam, Zain Hasnain, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Shabina Ariff, Yasir Bin Nisar, Jai K. Das

Institute for Global Health and Development

Background: The use of antibiotics in the treatment of acute and persistent watery diarrhoea has long been a subject of contention. While the advantages of using antimicrobials are acknowledged, concerns remain regarding potential adverse effects and antibiotic resistance. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of antibiotics compared to placebos for the treatment of diarrhoea.
Methods: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and Scopus from inception until 20 July 2023 for studies published after the year 2000 assessing antibiotics vs placebo in acute …

Zinc Supplementation For Acute And Persistent Watery Diarrhoea In Children: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Ayesha Arshad Ali, Syeda Kanza Naqvi, Zain Hasnain, Mustafa Bin Ali Zubairi, Ashraf Sharif, Rehana Abdus Salam, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Shabina Ariff, Yasir Bin Nisar, Jai K. Das

Institute for Global Health and Development

Background: Zinc is a micronutrient that plays a role in immune system strengthening and regulation of intestinal epithelial cells, and can reduce the duration and severity of diarrhoea. We conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effectiveness of zinc compared to no zinc for the management of acute and persistent diarrhoea in children.
Methods: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform from inception until 31 July 2023 for studies published from year 2000 onwards that assessed the use of zinc in the management …

Seeking Equitable Access Amid Academic Capitalism, Chelsea Renaud

Masters Projects

As enrollments decrease nationally for 4-year public universities and funding sources wither, institutions are increasingly re-evaluating the purpose of higher education. This re-evaluation is characterized by a bleeding over between private and public interests in higher education. Economic factors are forcing the issue of the ethos of higher education: namely, whether institutions should prioritize profit or prioritize educating their population. The push-and-pull between private and public interests bears out most immediately for students, who experience increased costs to attend and persist in college. As university libraries increasingly embody a negotiation site for resource access, student support, and student success and …

Supporting Social-Emotional Learning In Early Childhood Education, Victoria L. Cavitt

Masters Projects

Social-emotional learning is a critical component of early childhood education because of how many students lack appropriate social-emotional (SEL) skills. While this has always been an important component of children’s growth and development, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 intensified the need for the implementation of social-emotional learning curriculum, lessons, and conversations in schools and homes. Research describes the necessity of social-emotional learning and the importance of considering diverse needs and cultures, yet teachers and parents are lacking support to make this area part of each day at school and home. Students need instruction in SEL skills to help prepare them …

The Impact Of Underqualified Educators On Student Engagement, Autumnbre Moore

Masters Projects

Student engagement is the backbone of academic success, it is often hampered by underqualified educators who don’t have the qualifications to engage with different types of learners. Student Engagement in K-12 Classrooms: Teacher Qualifications, Inclusivity, Attitudes, and Efficacy frames the gaps in teacher preparation within the bounds of cognitivism, constructivism, and connectivism, discussing how much this does not help learning. The results underlined the importance of inclusive practices, strong teacher-student relationships, and effective professional development. It seeks to inform efforts to build teachers up to create engaging and supportive learning environments, especially for marginalized and underserved students.

Social-Emotional Learning Through A Culturally Responsive Lens, Megan E. Peterson

Masters Projects

Research has revealed that many students increasingly exhibit disruptive behavior in the classroom. These disruptive behaviors can hinder the classroom environment and impede the academic school day. The occurrence of disruptive behavior – especially in early childhood – is on the rise, putting many children at risk for conflictual teacher-student relationships and academic difficulties that follow (Rosati & Lynch, 2023). Teachers report students displaying more anger, anxiety, lack of impulse control, and oppositional defiance (Aksoy, 2020). Educators face the challenge of meeting the diverse social-emotional needs of children in order to provide them with a safe, responsive environment where holistic …

Exploring Diverse Perspectives In Music Education Instruction And Currciculum, Cameron J. Lee

Masters Projects

A diverse and equitable approach to inclusion has been advocated in school music education in the United States of America to enhance the sense of ethnic identity among students from diverse experiences and cultural backgrounds, however research has shown that inequitable teaching methods and practices have been a significant challenge in implementing and inquiring cultural perspectives in teaching approaches and inclusion in the music classroom. To guide student engagement and development of their sense of cultural identity, music educators have advocated the use of culturally responsible music teaching (CRMT), which can provide music teachers with pedagogical guidance to put equity …