Digital Commons Network^™

A Common Terminology To Unify Research And Conservation Of Coralline Algae And The Habitats They Create, Victor L Jardim, Jacques Grall, M.  Beatriz Barros-Barreto, Anaëlle Bizien, Thomas Benoit, Juan C Braga, Juliet Brodie, Thomas Burel, Andrea Cabrito, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido, Patrick Gagnon, Jason M Hall-Spencer, Mathieu Helias, Paulo Antunes Horta, Siddhi Joshi, Nick A Kamenos, Regina Kolzenburg, Erik C Krieger, Erwann Legrand, Tessa M Page, Viviana Peña, Federica Ragazzola, Lina M Rasmusson, Francesco Rendina, Nadine Schubert, João Silva, Frederico T  S Tâmega, Adeline Tauran, Heidi L Burdett

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Linguistic uncertainty is a prime source of uncertainty pervading ecology and conservation. Coralline algae are a widespread and diverse group of calcifying red macroalgae that underpin coastal ecosystem function and service provision. Recent increasing interest in coralline algae in the scientific literature has revealed a diverse but confusing terminology at organism to habitat scales. Coralline algal research and conservation are international and multidisciplinary, so there are geographic and disciplinary imbalances in research and conservation efforts. To reach consensus and reduce uncertainty, we propose a unified terminology. We review trends in cultural and scientific use of coralline algal terms and propose …

Assessment Of Spatial And Temporal Monthly Rainfall Trend Over Iraq, Sara Ali Muter, Monim H. Al-Jiboori, Yaseen K. Al-Timimi

Baghdad Science Journal

Rainfall time series are considered a parameter that can provide clues to climate change. Based on data from 39 stations, monthly rainfall to cover all regions of Iraq for a period (1980–2021) was analyzed statistically by using Microsoft Office Excel 2013. Rainfall patterns and the factors affecting them is determined using (GIS). The results show that Iraqi rainfall is highly dynamic and their pattern are not a cyclical pattern. The amount of rain decreases as we orient from the north towards the south, with the highest mean reaching in Ducan Station then decreasing as it goes southward, reaching Nukaib Station. …

The Kinematics And Aerodynamics Of Freely Flying Tiny Insects, Evan J. Williams

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Tiny insects are an extremely diverse set of organisms that have important engineering and economic applications. These organisms often fly and readily disperse distances that far exceed their body lengths. The mechanisms behind tiny insect flight are not well understood and present complex kinematics and unintuitive aerodynamics that depart from both fixed-winged mechanisms and larger insects. In addition, their tiny spatial and fast temporal scales make them exceedingly difficult to study, and to date, the field has relied on numerical studies and dynamic scaling. Herein, we describe three projects that significantly advanced our understanding of tiny insect flight and experimental …

Two Unique Cases Of Ponderosa Pine Needle-Induced Abortions, Kevin D. Welch, Megan A. Dietz, Steven E. Edmonds, Dale R. Gardener, Daniel Cook

Poisonous Plant Research (PPR)

Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) needles can induce abortions in cows when consumed during the last trimester of pregnancy. Traditionally pine needle-induced abortions occur in areas where cattle are forced into a stand of ponderosa pine trees to seek shelter and feed during a winter storm that is either very cold, has heavy snow or high winds. However, here we report two incidences of pine needle-induced abortions in cattle that were unique. In one case, there was no weather-related event that forced the cattle into the stand of pine trees, rather the cattle went into the pine trees seeking …

We Were All Originalists . . . For A Minute: Has The Supreme Court Abandoned The Search For Original Public Meaning? Should It?, Steven Semeraro

San Diego Law Review

Predicting the Supreme Court’s next turn is tricky business. The two obstruction-of-justice cases considered here may turn out to be what used to be called “sports,” i.e., cases where the Court used a mode of analysis that it abandons in future cases without explanation. Perhaps, though, these cases hold the promise of a new, more open frontier of judicial interpretation in the service of our self-governing spirit. One in which courts and the parties to litigation cooperatively seek to advance legislative purposes to better our society.

Part II traces the development of originalism, a textualist approach to legal interpretation arising …

What Happens In Vegas, Stays In Vegas. Or Does It?: A Dormant Commerce Clause Analysis Of Nevada’S Online Sports Gambling In-Person Registration Requirement, Lena E. Richardson

San Diego Law Review

Is the in-person registration requirement Nevada’s last-ditch effort to keep what happens in Vegas, in Vegas? This Comment argues that Nevada violates the Dormant Commerce Clause by requiring in-person registration for online sports betting. Part II introduces Nevada’s sports gaming regulations, history, regulatory scheme, and the potentially impacted industries. Part III discusses the relevant law on the Dormant Commerce Clause under a discrimination test. Part IV analyzes Nevada’s in-person registration requirement under the Dormant Commerce Clause and discusses legitimate local purposes for the regulation and reasonable alternatives, concluding that the regulation violates the Dormant Commerce Clause. Part V proposes that …

Effectiveness Of The Online Leave No Trace 101 Course, Joseph Tanner

Ed.D. Capstone Reports

This study examined the effectiveness of the Leave No Trace Online 101 course in increasing participants' knowledge and of Leave No Trace principles. Using a pre- and post-survey design, the study assessed changes in understanding through a combination of self-assessment and objective knowledge-based questions. The research aimed to determine whether the course successfully enhances environmental stewardship knowledge. Findings will inform future improvements to Leave No Trace educational programs and contribute to broader efforts in promoting responsible outdoor recreation.

Economic Analysis Of Global And Local Policies For Respecting Planetary Boundaries, Thomas Hertel

Department of Agricultural Economics Faculty Publications

In a series of highly cited papers over the period of 2009–2023, earth system scientists have identified a set of nine planetary boundaries that must not be breached if we wish to avoid catastrophic consequences for nature and humanity. These range from well-mixed, global boundaries, such as climate-altering atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, to localized limits on freshwater availability and reactive nitrogen entering the environment. Recent estimates suggest that six of the nine planetary boundaries have already been breached. The food system is a key driver of these exceedances and, therefore, must play a key role in any solutions. However, the …

Anhedonic Features In Effort-Related Reward Processing, Harold Alexander Rocha

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Emerging evidence suggests that distinct stages of reward processing uniquely contribute to psychological traits linked to anhedonia, a core mood-disorder symptom characterized by diminished enjoyment of pleasure. However, the relationship between reward-processing stages and dispositional traits related to mood and anhedonia remains unclear. The present study investigated interindividual reward processing differences in a healthy college sample (n = 83) using self-report measures and event-related brain potentials (ERPs) indexing anticipatory and consummatory subprocesses across high- and low-effort conditions using a recently developed effort-doors task. The goal of the study was first to replicate the original ERP experimental effects of the task …

The Design, Construction, And Testing Of Mrna Vaccine Against Equine Herpes Virus, Bhawana Devkota

LSU Master's Theses

Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV 1) is a worldwide significant pathogen that causes respiratory illness, abortion, and neurological disorders in equine. Current vaccines, including live attenuated, inactivated, and subunit platforms, do not prevent viral latency, mucosal shedding, or cross-strain immunity, requiring alternative approaches. To address these gaps, this project explores the design, synthesis, and in vitro testing of an mRNA vaccine targeting immunogenic EHV 1 glycoprotein (gB, gC, gD, gG, and gM). Epitopes were computationally predicted using the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB), codon-optimized for Bos taurus, and cloned into pUCIDT vectors using SP6/T7 promoters. In vitro transcription (IVT) used nucleotide modifications …

Adverse Health Effects Of Waste Anesthetic Gases (Wags): A Scoping Review Of Genetic, Immunotoxic, And Reproductive Impacts, Cozette Wilkins

Student Works

1 Background/Introduction: Occupational exposure to Waste Anesthetic Gases (WAGs) is a well-known concern for healthcare workers, especially those working in high-risk areas like the operating room (OR). Despite the implementation of safety measures such as WAG scavenging systems, there remains ongoing concern about the potential adverse health effects linked to exposure. This scoping review aims to map the existing evidence on the health risks associated with repeated WAG exposure, specifically focusing on genetic, immunotoxic, and reproductive health impacts. By synthesizing available data, this review seeks to better understand the extent of these risks and identify key gaps in the literature …

The Repro-Prophylactic Impact Of Synthetic Tocopherol Polyethylene Glycol, Succinate-Coated, Garlic-Selenium Nanoparticles Against Lead Acetate Toxicity In Male Rabbits, Mohamed A. R. Yassen, Madiha Hadj-Ayed, Jabbar A. A. Al-Saaidi

Baghdad Science Journal

Because of industrial and human activities, lead is a hazardous heavy metal that is widely present in the environment and poses a threat to public health and ecosystems. Garlic extract (GE) demonstrates protective impacts against many disorders. Its effects on heavy metal toxicity require more research. A nanoparticle formulation could increase its effectiveness even more. This investigation examined the repro-protection impact of tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate-coated garlic selenium (TPGS-GSNP) against lead acetate (LA) toxicity. For this purpose, 64 mature male rabbits were equally divided into eight groups (8 each). Male rabbits were treated three times a week for 12 weeks. …

Synthesis And Photocatalytic Applications Of Tio2-Cqds Nanocomposites Prepared By Biological Methods, Maryam S. Jabbar, Olfat A. Mahmood, Zainab N. Jameel, Noor J. Jihad

Baghdad Science Journal

In this study, CQDs were synthesized by the green method using orange juice and ethanol, confused at a relatively low temperature by hydrothermal carbonization process, TiO₂ were prepared by a facile sol-gel method, and TiO₂-CQDs nanocomposites with different weight ratios were prepared by slipe mixing and heat treatment. XRD showed that the CQDs exhibited a broad peak at (002) with hexagonal structure, and TiO₂ (anatase phase) had a polycrystalline nature with tetragonal structure. The FESEM results showed the formation of nanostructures with different shapes and small average particle size. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed that the …

Employment Of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy To Determine Elements Of Human Hair, Fatima H. Salih, Shaimaa S. Mahdi, Alaa H. Ali

Baghdad Science Journal

This paper presents an innovative approach for thyroid disease detection leveraging the capabilities of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). Thyroid diseases are a global health issue with a significant impact on millions of people worldwide. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as blood tests, can be invasive, costly, and time-consuming. In contrast, LIBS provides a quick, non-destructive, and cost-effective approach to illness identification. The study uses LIBS to analyze human hair's elemental composition, revealing elemental signatures linked to thyroid disease through laser ablation and spectral emissions. This method provided data that demonstrated the distinction between the control and infected patients by precisely identifying …

Genomic-Transcriptomic Analysis Identifies The Syrian Hamster As A Superior Animal Model For Human Diseases, Chuchu Wang, Zhenguo Cheng, Jinxin Miao, Xia Xue, Yunshu Dong, Li Zhao, Haoran Guo, Jianyao Wang, Zhizhong Wang, Shuangshuang Lu, Guangming Fang, Ying Peng, Yafei Zhai, Zhongxian Zhang, Dongling Gao, Zhimin Wang, Pengju Wang, Lirong Zhang, Louisa S. Chard Dunmall, Jun Wang, Wenxue Tang, Xiaowei Li, Zhongren Ding, Xiaoyan Zhao, Ling Li, Nicholas R. Lemoine, Zhongde Wang, Daniel Tonge, Wenjie Tan, Jianzeng Dong, Yaohe Wang

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

Background The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) has shown promise as a human diseases model, recapitulating features of different human diseases including COVID-19. However, the landscape of its genome and transcriptome has not been systematically dissected, restricting its potential applications.

Results Here we provide a complete analysis of the genome and transcriptome of the Syrian hamster and found that its lineage diverged from that of the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) around 29.4 million years ago. 21,387 protein-coding genes were identified, with 90.03% of the 2.56G base pair sequence being anchored to 22 chromosomes. Further comparison of the …

The Rider (2025-03-24), Rebeca Salinas

The Rider Archives

Vol. 10, No. 23

Ovarian-Specific Cyp17a1 Overexpression In Female Mice: A Novel Model Of Endogenous Testosterone Excess, Serene Joseph, Vaibhave Ubba, Zhiqiang Wang, Mingxiao Feng, Milan K Dsilva, Sofia Suero, Danielle Waheed, Nathaniel W Snyder, Xiaofeng Yang, Hong Wang, Joanne S Richards, Chemyong J Ko, Sheng Wu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Excessive androgen levels can severely affect female health. However, most existing models of androgen excess rely on exogenous androgen administration, which does not fully capture the effect of elevated local ovarian testosterone on reproductive and metabolic functions. Here, we report the development of a novel hyperandrogenic mouse model, Cyp17TM-625, generated by combining CRISPR-Cas9 and a Tet-On doxycycline system to induce Cyp17A1 overexpression in ovarian theca-interstitial cells. As a result, Cyp17TM-625 mice exhibited significantly elevated Cyp17A1 messenger RNA and protein levels, accompanied by increased testosterone concentrations without alterations in basal levels of estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, or follicle-stimulating hormone. These mice …

Intouch Week Of March 24, 2025, New York Medical College

InTouch

• NYMC Students Shine on Match Day 2025
• LaShari Valentin, Ph.D., M.B.A., Named Designated Institutional Official
• Predatory Journals on the Rise: How the Phillip Capozzi, M.D., Library Can Help You Publish Safely
• Pet the Stress Away Brings Comfort to NYMC
• NYMC Annual Days of Giving Set for March 25-26
• Student Contest Winner’s Designs are Now Available
• Faculty Spotlight: NYMC Faculty Member and Alumna Appointed to Public Health Director for Sullivan County
• Student Spotlight: Justinian Michaels Aspires to Bring Athletes Back to the Game

Chimes: March 24, 2025, Calvin University

Chimes

Knollcrest closes indefinitely, Commons offers new "all-day dining" experience by Addy Offutt

Budgets, diversity, and the future of scholarships and financial aid at Calvin by Ethan Meyers & Sarah Sparling

Service-learning trips return to Calvin by Steven Stachowiak

New statement on sustainability reinforces faith-based commitment to sustainability by Rueben Kok

"I had something else to say": Beth Allison Barr on her new book, Becoming the Pastor's Wife by Natasha Jayaputra

From unknows to icons: The stories that define March Madness by Zach Kerns

Using Glass Waste To Prepare A Type Of Bioceramic, Abdulrazzaq Hammal, Nawzat Nebghali

Baghdad Science Journal

Promoting sustainable living in the future involves efficiently managing waste to reclaim resources and convert them into new raw materials. There is a global focus on accelerating the utilization and recycling of waste to create valuable biomaterials, driving significant research efforts in this area. In this research, pure silica was isolated from glass waste and used in the manufacture of a type of bioceramic for medical applications. Several sequential stages were followed, starting with collecting samples of crushed glass and treating them physically (grinding, granular sorting), mixing the ground glass with NaOH in the following proportions (1:1), (2:1), and (3:1), …

Elevated Extinction Risk In Over One-Fifth Of Native North American Pollinators, Tara Cornelisse, David W. Inouye, Rebecca E. Irwin, Sarina Jepsen, Jonathan R. Mawdsley, Margaret Ormes, Jaret Daniels, Diane M. Debinski, Terry Griswold, John Klymko, Michael C. Orr, Leif Richardson, Nicole Sears, Dale Schweitzer, Bruce E. Young

Biology Faculty Publications

Pollinators are critical for food production and ecosystem function. Although native pollinators are thought to be declining, the evidence is limited. This first, taxonomically diverse assessment for mainland North America north of Mexico reveals that 22.6% (20.6 to 29.6%) of the 1,579 species in the best-studied vertebrate and insect pollinator groups have elevated risk of extinction. All three pollinating bat species are at risk and bees are the insect group most at risk (best estimate, 34.7% of 472 species assessed, range 30.3 to 43.0%). Substantial numbers of butterflies (19.5% of 632 species, range 19.1 to 21.0%) and moths (16.1% of …

Volume 36 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

The Fall 2023 issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal (Volume 45, Issue 1) marks a significant moment in the journal’s history—it is the first full semester back on campus without interruption since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. This issue symbolizes a fresh beginning, a renewed appreciation for storytelling, and a commitment to fostering creativity in a post-pandemic world. Centered around the theme "The Power of the Painted Word," this edition embraces literature as both an art form and a force of expression. Featuring poetry, fiction, and essays from a dynamic selection of voices, this edition highlights resilience, artistic rebirth, and the …

Volume 36 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

The Spring 2023 issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal (Volume 36, Issue 1) embodies the theme "Glimmer in the Gloom", capturing a balance between darkness and hope through poetry, fiction, and essays. The editorial team, led by Alexis Calhoun, curated a collection that explores resilience, personal transformation, and the search for meaning in difficult times. With deeply introspective pieces and a strong emphasis on the power of storytelling, this issue invites readers to find light even in challenging moments. The diverse contributors offer perspectives on personal struggles, self-discovery, and the beauty of human connection, making this edition both timely …

Volume 35 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

The Fall 2021 issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal (Volume 41, Issue 1) highlights an array of compelling poetry, fiction, and essays curated by Editor Wren Jenkins and the Nebo editorial team. This issue presents an eclectic mix of voices and themes, spanning personal reflection, poetic experimentation, and social discourse. With no set thematic focus, the collection celebrates storytelling in its many forms—each piece offering a distinct perspective on the human experience. From evocative lyricism to raw and honest narratives, Nebo continues its mission of showcasing diverse literary talent and meaningful artistic expression.

Volume 33 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Spring 2020, is a speculative-themed edition, exploring science fiction, fantasy, horror, and literary surrealism. The issue, archived as Volume 33, Issue 2, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 38, Issue 2. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

Editor Chad Hall, in his editorial preface, discusses the meaning of "speculative" in literature—how it allows for imaginative world-building and boundary-pushing creativity …

Volume 32 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Spring 2019, presents a diverse selection of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, unified by the theme “Untold Stories.” The issue, archived as Volume 32, Issue 2, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 37, Issue 2. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

Editor Alex Farrier, in their editorial preface, reflects on their personal connection with Nebo, describing how their journey from student …

Volume 32 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2018, explores the theme of "Time and Space," a concept that editor Miranda Holman selected to highlight the interconnectedness of literature and lived experience. Through poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, the issue delves into how writers capture fleeting moments, explore the boundaries of time, and demand space for self-expression.

The issue, archived as Volume 32, Issue 1, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 37, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the …

Volume 31 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2017, presents a thought-provoking collection of poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction that examines themes of multicultural identity, artistic expression, and societal "isms"—prejudices, ideologies, and cultural perceptions that shape human interactions. The issue, archived as Volume 31, Issue 1, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 36, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

Editor John ToShawn Jarrett, in his editorial preface …

Volume 29 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2015, presents a rich tapestry of poetry and fiction, reflecting on themes of identity, human experience, and artistic expression. The issue, archived as Volume 29, Issue 2, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 34, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

Editor Ryan Smith, in his editorial preface, describes his experience as a fledgling academic and writer, …

Volume 29 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Spring 2015, showcases a diverse collection of poetry and fiction that explores themes of identity, existentialism, and the transformation of human experience. The issue, archived as Volume 29, Issue 1, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 33, Issue 2. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

Editor Winston Wright, in his farewell editorial preface, reflects on his journey as a writer and …