Digital Commons Network^™

Aged 539 Graduate Internship Report- Bear Creek High School Agriculture Department, Fatima E. Castellanos

Agricultural Education: Graduate Internship Reports

This report provides an evaluation of the Bear Creek High School Agriculture Program. The analysis highlights both program strengths and areas requiring further development, including SAE participation, pathway coherence, and student retention. Overall, the findings demonstrate that intentional planning and strong community partnerships contribute significantly to the program’s effectiveness and continued growth.

Subculture And Identity As An Escape From The Societal Norms Of Power Imbalance And Authoritative Abuse, Sarah Goldberg

Bachelor of Fine Arts Theses

No abstract provided.

Fisheries Research Report No. 362: Characterising Essential Benthic Habitats And Environmental Drivers Of Fishery Recruitment In The Exmouth Gulf Prawn Managed Fishery, Scott Evans, Nick Konzewitsch, Rachel Marks, Renae Hovey, Gary A. Kendrick, Lynda M. Bellchambers

Fisheries Research Reports

Fisheries management relies on the development and evolution of effective assessment and monitoring techniques that are applicable in a range of fishery contexts (Fletcher et al., 2016; L. M. Robinson et al., 2021). The assessment of fish habitats and environmental drivers that influence recruitment is central to sustainable fisheries management (de Lestang et al., 2010; Galindo-Cortes et al., 2010; Gao & Wang, 2021). Western Australia conducts robust fishery-specific monitoring and assessment programs to ensure the sustainable use of its aquatic resources (Newman et al., 2023). However, few long-term datasets exist that directly monitor critical fish habitats and environmental conditions that …

Hurricanes And Human Health In Louisiana: Insights From Hurricanes Laura, Delta, And Ida, Shobha Kumari Yadav, Robert V. Rohli, M. E. Betsy Garrison, Elisabeth Ponce-Garcia, Nazla Bushra, Charleen Mcneill

Faculty Publications

Louisiana is one of the most disaster-prone states, with hurricanes ranking among the most destructive hazards. Hurricanes impede sustainability by straining hospital infrastructure, overwhelming emergency departments, and disrupting continuity of care. Louisiana’s healthcare system, characterized by high uninsured rates, limited rural access, and notable racial and socioeconomic disparities, is particularly vulnerable during disasters. This research explores trends of mental and respiratory health in Louisiana surrounding Hurricanes Laura (2020), Delta (2020), and Ida (2021). Analysis reveals a substantial increase in admissions after landfall of all three storms, with mental health conditions showing a larger surge than respiratory ones in already-vulnerable communities. …

The Banner - V. 160, No. 10 - (December 2025), Christian Reformed Church In North America

The Banner

No abstract provided.

The Autonomy Default Paradigm In Contract Law, Hanoch Dagan, Michael Heller

UC Law Journal

You can scribble an agreement on a napkin or hire lawyers to negotiate a hundred-page contract. Either way, most of your contractual obligations will not be in your document. They will be in the background rules contract law applies absent your express agreement. Justifying these defaults is a core task of contract theory; getting them right is a core task of contract law.

This Article introduces the autonomy default paradigm, a conceptually coherent and normatively attractive account of contract law defaults. We show that defaults are justified to the extent they enhance our autonomy, understood as self-determination. They vindicate our …

The Forever Fight Against Forever Chemicals: Analyzing Loopholes In California’S Pfas Ban For Consumer Products, Jake B. Goldman

UC Law Journal

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals used for their unique qualities in manufacturing across numerous industries. PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” persist in the environment for long periods of time and cause serious health risks to consumers. Given mounting research on PFAS and their adverse health effects, the California legislature passed four laws banning the chemicals in specific consumer products.

This Note argues that three new California laws requiring manufacturers to replace PFAS with “the least toxic alternative” are inadequate because they are ambiguous. This ambiguity will invite litigation and create business challenges by …

December 2025, Robert Kelly

Robert Kelly Manuscripts

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of Face Synthesis Methods And Their Influence On Human Perception, Maha Habib Almaimani

All Dissertations

Synthetic faces (e.g., computer-generated characters) have been increasingly utilized across various fields, including entertainment, healthcare, and education. Perceptual studies are often conducted to understand how synthetic faces are perceived by humans, aiming to enhance both quality and user experience in these domains. Over the years, numerous methods have been developed to create synthetic faces, ranging from traditional techniques such as image composites, Active Appearance Models, and 3D Morphable Models to more recent machine-learning-based frameworks like Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Variational Autoencoders (VAEs).

Despite the growing adoption of synthetic face generation and the variety of algorithms available for their creation, …

Declined Charge: An Attempt At The Horror Game Genre, Fernando Sepulveda Guizar

Computer Science and Software Engineering

Books and movies are a great medium for people to experience new worlds and experiences through a usually passive method. This can be great for stories with a set story and have all the pieces fall into place as the author intended. Video games on the other hand can give players a more active role in the worlds and stories that they experience. Players have direct control over the player character, and their actions have consequences that may or may not persist throughout the entire game, which is not usually the case with movies or books. This is why horror …

Enhancing Youth Learning Outcomes Of Travel Programs Through Storytelling, Gary Ellis, Parisa Paymard, Dottie Goebel, Darlene Locke, William F. Zanolini, Emily Catalan, Kelley Ranly

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

We conducted two studies to evaluate strategies that Extension educators may use to enrich youth travel program experiences. Study 1 evaluated the effects of telling stories about attractions before site visits on youth experiences and learning outcomes on site. Seventeen youth in a 4-H program designed to promote cultural understanding visited eight attractions in Costa Rica. The evening before visiting three sites, youth were told a fictional or cross-fictional story about the sites. The stories elicited imaginary travel to the site (narrative transportation). After visiting the sites, the youth reported the extent to which they felt like they were in …

Teaching Leadership In The Context Of Crisis: Connecting Organizational Leadership And Crisis Competencies In A Faculty Leadership Education Program, Caitlin Lunzmann, Nicole Lamee Perez Stedman, Matthew Sowcik

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This research focused on enhancing leadership instruction in colleges of agriculture. A multi-institutional research team initiated a program to teach agricultural and natural resource faculty how to create leadership-oriented case studies for undergraduates. Forty faculty members participated in an online training academy centered on Bolman and Deal’s Organizational Frames and case study writing. Following the academy, these faculty members participated in field experiences in the southeastern U.S. to gather data on natural disasters, which they used to write case studies about leadership in agriculture. Though the program focused on organizational leadership, it also discussed leadership in the context of natural …

On Robert K. Greenleaf's Archival Writings And Selected Published Works, Larry C. Spears

International Journal of Servant-Leadership

IJSL Associate Editor Jenny Song’s essay that follows, along with Robert K. Greenleaf’s four rare writings that are included here, provides an opportunity for me to share some thoughts on the Robert K. Greenleaf Archives, and on two of the five books of Greenleaf’s writings that I helped to curate and bring to the public some thirty years ago.

Globalizing The Factory Farm: International Organizations And The Spread Of Industrial Animal Agriculture, Zach Wulderk, Allison Troy Phd

General – Farm Animal Issues

This Faunalytics study explores the ways that development finance institutions, United Nations agencies, and others directly and indirectly support factory farming in low- and middle-income countries. With key insights from people working in and alongside these international organizations, advocates can ensure they are equipped with the most effective outreach strategies.

Globalizing The Factory Farm - International Organizations And The Spread Of Industrial Animal Agriculture, Zach Wulderk, Allison Troy Phd

General – Farm Animal Issues

This Faunalytics study explores the ways that development finance institutions, United Nations agencies, and others directly and indirectly support factory farming in low- and middle-income countries. With key insights from people working in and alongside these international organizations, advocates can ensure they are equipped with the most effective outreach strategies.

The Price Of Priorities: How Human Choices Fuel Climate And Ecological Decline, Keisha Hickman

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis examines the ways in which human priorities and behaviors contribute to the escalating climate crisis and ecological systems. We will first analyze the role of social media in shaping public discourse on climate change and critically evaluate the priorities of institutions that have the means to assist in wildlife conservation. Both speak to the current behaviors of humankind prioritizing their own entertainment over meaningful efforts to mitigate climate change and preserve biodiversity. We will then shift to exploring the profound impact of human population growth and its associated activities on other species and ecosystems. Finally, the thesis will …

Buzzy Aotearoa!, Azael Martinez, Kyla Jackson, Jessica Landry, Tommy Lopez, James Pham, Sirjana Khadka, Dai-Chi Tran

Sociology and Anthropology Student Research - Archive

No abstract provided.

Molecular Dynamics Simulations Of Biologically Relevant Interfaces: From Tear Film Lipid Layers To Rna Adsorption On Silica Surfaces., Mahbuba Khanom

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is an important tool in biochemical sciences for studying complex molecular processes and interfacial interactions at the molecular level. Biological interfaces play key roles in processes such as ocular lubrication and biomolecular adsorption. This dissertation studies interfacial phenomena involving two distinct yet conceptually related systems: the tear film lipid layer (TFLL) at the air–water interface at the surface of the human eye, and RNA adsorption on silica surfaces. These studies provide insight into how interfacial composition, structure, and environmental conditions affect larger-scale behavior. Atomistic MD simulations were used to model the TFLL. The TFLL is essential …

Experiences Of Research Administrators With Faculty Researchers In Sponsored Project Compliance., Adrienne M. Lindsay

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine how central office research administrators perceive and describe their professional interactions with faculty researchers, and how those relationships may impact compliance with sponsored project requirements in United States higher education institutions. Cohen et al.’s (1972) organized anarchy theory and Schein’s (2010) organizational culture theory provided a foundational context for understanding research systems within higher education institutions and the social environment in which research administrators navigate potentially contentious roles, both facilitating research and stewarding compliance for the institution and the sponsor. Findings emerged around specific challenges faced by research administrators, which included role …

Impacts Of Biology Modeling Pedagogy On Student Cogitive And Non-Cognitive Elements Of Learning., Jessie K. Newhouse

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation employed a quasi-experimental design used to investigate the use of a modeling pedagogy in high school biology. Modeling is a key element of the Science and Engineering Practices of the Next Generation Science Standards. While research of Model Based Pedagogy (MBP) in physics and chemistry is well established, the influence on biology instruction remains less understood. This research examined how MBP affected both cognitive and non-cognitive components of student learning compared to traditional biology instruction. Existing data collected by Dr. Kathy Malone in collaboration with Ohio State University (2016) were analyzed to study the effectiveness of the MBP. …

Controlling Selectivity In Electrocatalytic Co2 Reduction With An External Magnetic Field., Nawaraj Karki

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

My dissertation describes how to alter the speciation and concentration of molecules at the electrode-electrolyte interface, and how those alterations affect reactivity and selectivity. This dissertation presents two distinct approaches to control the mass transport of neutral molecules such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) at the electrode-electrolyte interface by using an external magnetic field. The first finding demonstrates that magnetic fields indirectly affect the mass transport of target analytes such as CO₂ molecules by selectively interacting with charged species, such as hydroxide ions (OH^-). Such interaction induces magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects, which generate localized hydrodynamic flow and …

Integration And Modulation Of Visual Signals In Dorsal Thalamus., James Whitley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The visual thalamus is influenced by a diverse array of cortical and subcortical inputs that shape how information is transmitted to cortex. Using a variety of anatomical, optogenetic, and in vitro physiological techniques I investigated the differential impacts of modulation and integration of first and higher-order thalamic nuclei, while relying on influential concepts on the general organization of thalamic nuclei. In the first data chapter, I determined how GABAergic pretectum (PT) projections to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) and visual thalamic reticular nucleus (vTRN) can influence retinogeniculate signal transfer. We found that the PT provides over 75% of the …

The Role Of Fast-Food Consumption, Residential Fast-Food Exposures, And Urinary Essential Trace Heavy Metals In Colorectal Cancer (Crc) Outcomes., Jeevan Adhikari

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a public health concern. Within the United States (US), fast-food consumption and environmental exposure to heavy metals have increased. The impact of fast-food consumption frequency from fast-food restaurants, residential fast-food exposures, and urinary essential trace heavy metals in relation to CRC outcomes have not yet been rigorously evaluated in the US. Methods: Within the LEAPS-CRC study, we used geographic information systems (GIS) and logistic regression to study the association of fast-food consumption, residential proximity to a fast-food outlet, and urinary essential trace metals with CRC incidence. Additionally, within Kentucky Cancer Registry (KCR) CRC cases, the …

Genetic Identification Of A Rapidly-Adapting Low-Threshold Mechanoreceptor Innervating Fungiform Papillae., Thomas Alexander Myers Ii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mechanosensory innervation of the oral cavity enables us to detect the texture and location of the foods we consume. Our goal was to find a genetic identifier for a mechanoreceptive subtype. Toward this goal, we examined neurons expressing the neurotrophin receptor TrkC, parvalbumin (Pvalb), and the glutamate transporter Vglut3. Because different papilla types contribute to food detection in different ways, we examined the innervation patterns of these neuron subtypes. We found that Pvalb+ and Vglut3+ neurons were fungiform papilla specific, where TrkC innervated both papilla types. We examined the anatomy of the three genetic populations, finding that the Pvalb+ neurons …

Characterizing Hexavalent Chromium Neurotoxicity Across Laboratory Models., Samuel Thomas Vielee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and potent toxicant. Exposure to Cr(VI) in drinking water is primarily associated with cancers, inflammation, and hepatotoxicity; however, recent studies have identified Cr(VI) as a neurotoxicant in rodent and cell culture models. The literature suggest chromium accumulates in the brain, induces widespread neurodegeneration, and alters rodent behaviors. Despite these data, we lack a detailed and consistent assessments of Cr(VI) neurotoxicity across models, and interactions between aging and Cr(VI) neurotoxicity are not reported in the literature. In this dissertation, we characterize Cr(VI) neurotoxicity across 3 laboratory models: Sprague-Dawley rats, Caenorhabditis elegans, and …

Exposure To Pm2.5 And Aging., Daniel Chris Gomes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Inhalation of fine airborne particulate matter (PM_2.5) is an environmental risk factor for numerous health disorders, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). While several studies have shown that PM_2.5 exposure can induce oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation, the underlying mechanisms that translate these effects into systemic pathology remain poorly understood. Some recent studies have shown that PM_2.5 exposure can lead to telomere shortening in leukocytes, but the generality of this outcome and contribution to endothelial dysfunction has not yet been fully explored. We hypothesized that PM_2.5inhalation accelerates cellular aging and senescence in both circulating peripheral …

Increasing Histidyl Dipeptides In Skeletal Muscle Preserves Muscle Mass And Function In Heart Failure., Mamata Hiraman Chaudhari

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Heart failure is a systemic disease associated with multiple comorbidities, such as skeletal muscle wasting and cardiopulmonary disease. Muscle wasting in heart failure patients is a severe comorbidity associated with decreased exercise capacity and poor quality of life. Previous reports show that oxidative stress is increased in the skeletal muscle of heart failure patients, which can directly lead to muscle wasting. However, antioxidant intervention in these patients was unable to improve cardiac function and consequently had no effect on muscle wasting. Although oxidative stress is the primary driver of skeletal muscle atrophy, no attempt has been made to examine …

Identifying Correlates Of Protection Of A Pneumonic Plague Vaccine., Caleb Samuel Whitley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pneumonic plague is caused by inhalation of the bacterial pathogen Yersinia pestis. The immune response during Pneumonic plague occurs in two phases; an initial asymptomatic phase followed by a highly inflammatory and destructive phase resulting in 100% mortality if left untreated. The rapid onset of severe disease following the asymptomatic phase makes it difficult to administer antibiotics in time to prevent lethal outcomes. Therefore, the development of an effective vaccine is likely needed to combat pneumonic plague in areas of the world where Y. pestis remains endemic. One candidate subunit vaccine is protective in mice, a natural host for …

Direct And Satellite-Based Quantification Of Greenhouse Gas Fluxes In Small Ponds., Mark Christopher Tierney

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As evidenced by their historic losses due to anthropogenic activities, wetlands are undervalued ecosystems that provide numerous ecosystem services, from recreational opportunities to carbon (C) storage. However, these wetlands are also the largest natural source of atmospheric methane (CH₄). Additionally, small water bodies (< 10,000 m²) are disproportionately large emitters relative to larger lakes and reservoirs. As construction and restoration efforts proceed, it is crucial to identify wetlands that need restoration and to understand the factors driving both greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes and the C balance of these systems. This dissertation investigates the drivers of greenhouse gas fluxes …

Sensory And Motor Tectothalamic Circuits: Two Sides Of The Same Coin., Nazratan Naeem

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Integration of sensorimotor information in the visual system has always been an intriguing topic to scientists, yet the subcortical sensory and motor circuits that are essential components of this process have remained elusive. In these studies, we used a blend of classical and contemporary techniques such as viral tracing, immunohistochemistry, optogenetics in-vitro whole cell electrophysiology, and electron microscopy in mice to characterize sensory and motor circuits of the superior colliculus (SC), a conserved visuomotor structure with connections with a wide variety of brain structures, including the thalamus. We focused on two SC cell types: visually responsive widefield vertical (WFV) cells …