Digital Commons Network^™

Electrophysiological Integration Of Engineered Tissue Graft With The Host Swine Myocardium, Bijay Guragain

All ETDs from UAB

The adult mammalian heart lacks regenerative capacity to replenish cardiomyocytes (CMs) lost due to myocardial infarction (MI). Instead, the damaged heart undergoes extensive remodeling that significantly impairs normal cardiac function and may eventually lead to heart failure. Recent therapies that implant engineered tissues fabricated from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) have shown promising results with improved cardiac function and structural integration. However, the extent of electrophysiological coupling between engineered and host tissue remains unclear. This is a critical factor for functional integration of the implant as well as for arrhythmia risk arising from the implant. Our study aims …

Mechanoactivation Of Vegfr-2 Promotes Angiogenesis In The Tumor Microenvironment, Bronte Johnson

All ETDs from UAB

Cancer progression relies on blood vessel growth; without vasculature, tumors would be limited to less than 200µm in diameter. With this reasoning, several cancer therapies have been developed that target the process of angiogenesis, or the growth of vessels off pre-existing vasculature. These treatments target the major promoters of angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2); however, anti-angiogenic therapies are not effective by themselves. This is likely due to mechanoactivation of VEGFR-2 through physical alterations in the tumor microenvironment (TME). One prevalent mechanical change is increased strain on surrounding cells and matrix due to highly contractile …

In Pursuit Of Sovereignty: Transformations Of Colonial Medicine From Wilhelmine To Nazi Germany, Veda Joshi

All ETDs from UAB

After the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, the Great Powers of Europe, including the newly-born German Empire, greatly expanded their influence and colonial possessions in Africa, with colonies in East Asia and the South Pacific quickly following suit. The German Empire, like its contemporaries, engaged with medicine as a necessary part of its colonial endeavors in order to keep both its native laborers and European settlers healthy. Using documents from the German Bundesarchiv (Federal Archive), including official reports made to the German Colonial Office and documenting of formally conducted expeditions, as well as the writings of colonial doctors, this research examines …

Investigating The Role Of Notch1 On Cell Viability In Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Cells In Hypoxia, Alexis Kennedy

All ETDs from UAB

INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF NOTCH1 ON CELL VIABILITY IN PANCREATIC NEUROENDOCRINE TUMOR CELLS IN HYPOXIA ALEXIS KENNEDY MULTIDISCIPLINARY BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE ABSTRACT Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are rare neoplasms originating from neuroendocrine cells in the pancreas. Patients with advanced disease pose a complex challenge due to poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Notch signaling is a juxtracrine cell-cell communication mechanism whereby transmembrane Notch receptors (Notch 1-4) interact with neighboring cells through ligands binding, resulting in a cascade that regulates various developmental processes and cell fate decisions. Dysregulated Notch1 signaling is implicated in PNETs, affecting neuroendocrine tumor biology and potentially interacting with …

Mesenchymal Hippo Signaling In Lung Development And Disease, Kylie Klinkhammer

All ETDs from UAB

During both lung development and regeneration, the proper coordination of different cellular populations working in concert are vital to proper development and wound repairs. Myofibroblasts, highly contractile mesenchymal cells, are vital the organization of cells during lung development and to the remodeling of the extra cellular matrix (ECM) during regeneration. As important as myofibroblasts are, their apoptosis or differentiation to a less contractile phenotype is equally important to normal development and regenerative processes. Excessive differentiation of myofibroblasts or the improper localization of myofibroblasts are associated with pulmonary fibrosis, which is characteristic of lung disease, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia or idiopathic …

Synergistic Effects Of Hyaluronic Acid And Mechanical Strain On Ovarian Cancer Cell Behaviors, Maranda Erin Kramer

All ETDs from UAB

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological cancer, but despite this, the effects of the ovarian tumor microenvironment (TME) on disease progression are poorly understood. The TME consist of the extra cellular matrix (ECM), cellular components, and mechanical forces. Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are stromal cells that secrete several ECM components including collagen, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid (HA). CAFs also have increased motility and contractility, this increased movement creates micro-strains experienced by the tumor cells in the TME. HA interacts with cancer cells as both a serum and stromal component. Increases in stromal HA in the ovarian TME are associated …

Endothelial Cell Cd36 In Alzheimer’S Disease And Breast Cancer Progression, Atul Kumar

All ETDs from UAB

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are increasingly recognized as a distinct class of innate immune cells, with CD36, an innate immunity receptor, playing a pivotal role in regulating immune function and its regulation, angiogenesis, cancer progression, brain related disorder as well as the exchange of nutrients and waste. To investigate this further, we developed EC-specific CD36 knockout mice using the translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) technique. By isolating ribosome-bound mRNA directly from vascular endothelial cells in vivo in these knockout and control mice, we conducted deep RNA sequencing and transcriptional profiling. Our findings revealed that CD36 deficiency in brain endothelia led …

An Exploratory Study Into The Utility Of Toca Boca's Creative Play Model In Enhancing Social Skills And Creative Play For Autistic And Non-Autistic Children, Braden Laboret

All ETDs from UAB

This study examines the potential of Toca Boca World, a creative play app, to enhance social skills and creative play in autistic and non-autistic children aged 4-13. As children's screen time continues to rise, particularly among autistic individuals, it is essential to examine the quality and impact of digital media. The study included 18 children (7 autistic, 11 non-autistic), who participated in eight 5-minute sessions, monitored remotely by caregivers. Social skills were assessed before and after the sessions, while creative play was measured via touch efficiency during the sessions. Enjoyment was also tracked through brief post-session surveys. Results showed significant …

Evaluating Multiparametric Imaging Biomarkers For Guiding Targeted Therapies In Her2+ Breast Cancer, Ameer Mansur

All ETDs from UAB

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+) breast cancer is a biologically diverse disease, in which intratumoral heterogeneity plays a significant role in tumor progression. Advanced medical imaging and image processing techniques offer the potential to noninvasively characterize the underlying intratumoral biology. Capturing these complex changes can allow for assessing therapeutic response and eventually guiding personalized therapeutic strategies. This work evaluates single and multiparametric imaging biomarkers to characterize tumor biology, identify treatment-induced changes, and predict response to targeted therapies. First, the utility of 3’-Deoxy-3’-[18F]Fluorothymidine positron emission tomography ([18F]FLT-PET) was assessed as a biomarker of proliferation for monitoring response to …

Maternal Immune Activation Causes Oligodendrocyte Deficits In The Hypothalamus, Kate Miller

All ETDs from UAB

Maternal immune activation (MIA) refers to the occurrence of an inflammatory immune response during any stage of pregnancy. This manifests as the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and can be caused by air pollution, obesity, or viral infection. When this occurs during the first trimester in humans, it increases the offspring’s susceptibility to developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism (ASD) and schizophrenia (SZ), in males more commonly than females. In addition to behavioral manifestations of neuropsychiatric disorders, metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common comorbidity, defined as the co-occurrence of three or more symptoms including but not limited to hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and …

Reducing Stress: The Role Of The Rcl Operon In Bacterial Stress Response To Hypothiocyanite, Julia Meredith

All ETDs from UAB

The human immune system utilizes a variety of weapons against bacterial communities within the body, which allow it to control the overall microbial population. Understanding how some bacterial species are able to better deal with and survive damage by the immune system while others are not, can help us elucidate the complex relationship between us and our microbiome. One tool that immune cells use for microbial control is the potent oxidant hypothiocyanite/hypothiocyanous acid (-OSCN/HOSCN). The response mounted by Escherichia coli and other bacterial species in order to survive damage caused by HOSCN is the focus of this dissertation. In the …

Understanding Submerged Plant Microbiome And Exploring Plant Microbe Interaction Through Plasma Optimization Studies, Binoop Mohan

All ETDs from UAB

The master's thesis presents research on enhancing plant resilience and growth through the study of the microbiome of submerged aquatic plants and the application of plasma technology in agriculture. We isolated 177 endophytic microbial strains from submerged plants collected from various locations. Screening revealed 50 strains producing ACC deaminase, an enzyme that mitigates plant stress by reducing ethylene levels. Predominant genera included Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Acinetobacter. Metagenomic analysis characterized the diverse bacterial communities associated with these plants. Different plasma treatments were tested to optimize their effects on plant growth. Atmospheric jet and globe plasma treatments significantly improved root length and …

Therapeutic Implications Of Fractionated Radiotherapy And Marcks’ Regulation Of Tunneling Nanotubes In Glioblastoma, Lauren Catherine Nassour-Caswell

All ETDs from UAB

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain malignancy in adults and the gradual development of treatment resistance prevents patients from achieving remission. A primary objective in the field is to devise strategies to overcome this. We predicted this could be achieved by improving existing therapies, creating better models to study GBM, and by identifying a potential therapeutic target. Fractionated radiotherapy (RT) has been used in GBM standard of care for over a century but does not account for GBM heterogeneity. We first hypothesized that in silico mathematical modeling would be a useful tool for cytotoxicity prediction. While this model …

Exploring The Impact Of Returning To Office Work Post-Pandemic On The Mental Health Of Workers: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Jasmine M. Nelson

All ETDs from UAB

This study examines the association between work settings and mental health outcomes among Black working-aged women, with a focus on racial disparities and the role of self-care. Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 Household Pulse Survey, this cross-sectional analysis includes responses from 196,293 employed women aged 18–65. Mental health outcomes, including anxiety, worry, lack of interest, and depressive symptoms—were assessed through self-reported measures. Work settings were categorized as telework (hybrid/remote) or in-office, and logistic regression models were used to assess associations between work setting and mental health outcomes, adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors. Findings indicate that Black …

Exploring Gaps In Hiv Prevention: Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Awareness, Attitudes, Utilization, Coverage, Hiv Testing And Risk Perception Among Sub-Saharan African College Students In The United States, Ikenna Obasi Odii

All ETDs from UAB

This dissertation focuses on increasing HIV awareness and contributing to efforts at reducing new HIV infections among Sub-Saharan African (SSA) college students. It begins with an introductory chapter one and ends in the concluding chapter five. Chapter two presents a systematic review identifying key gaps in HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) knowledge, attitudes, and utilization among Black college students in the United States (U.S). The review synthesizes findings from four studies, revealing that a third of participants demonstrated adequate PrEP knowledge, while PrEP utilization remained under-utilized at three percent. Key barriers to PrEP uptake included fear, low self-perceived HIV risk, infrequent …

Environmental Exposure To Metals In Children And Their Effects On Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oludesola Ogunesan

All ETDs from UAB

ABSTRACT As scientific understanding of environmental determinants of health advances, growing attention has turned to the role of toxic metal exposures in exacerbating neurodevelopmental outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This dissertation investigates the intersection of environmental metal exposure, biomonitoring innovation, and social factors shaping ASD severity in Alabama. Using a multidisciplinary framework, four interrelated studies explore biological, environmental, and participatory dimensions of ASD research and public health. The first study evaluates the utility of Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling (VAMS) for measuring exposure to cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and mercury …

Precision Imaging For Head And Neck Tumors, Logan Daniel Stone

All ETDs from UAB

Antibody-based imaging modalities have become more common in the field of imaging oncology as more biomarkers are identified for certain cancers. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in several cancer types including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and ameloblastoma (AB). The over- expression in these cancers has been targeted with antibodies such as Panitumumab and Cetuximab for imaging modalities. These antibodies can be conjugated with IRDye800 molecules for intraoperative fluorescence imaging or radiolabel for pre-operative positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging. These agents could provide surgeons with additional exams to identify carcinoma in scenarios where only …

"It Says Mommy’S Coffee!": Environmental Print As A Tool To Support Young Children’S Emergent Literacy And Family Engagement In Early Care And Education, Melissa Dawn Sudduth

All ETDs from UAB

This study addressed topics related to family engagement in early childhood education, emergent literacy skills, and the use of environmental print (EP) to support young children’s emergent literacy. The children of interest in this study were young children between the ages of birth and 5-years enrolled in licensed, private early care and education (ECE) centers in Alabama. The researcher employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design using a quantitative survey and qualitative interviews to address the following mixed methods questions: How do families of young children perceive family engagement?, Which emergent literacy skills do families of young children value and …

Adapting The Minority Stress Model Among Middle-Aged And Older Adults With And Without Hiv: Understanding The Interplay Between Minority Stress, Mental Health, And Sexual Risk Behaviors, Alexis R Long Thompson

All ETDs from UAB

This dissertation aims to adapt Meyer’s Minority Stress Model to understand the interplay between minority stress, mental health, and sexual risk behaviors among middle-aged and older adults with and without HIV. The study utilizes data from the MACS WIHS Combined Cohort Study, focusing on adults aged 40 and older. It examines the relationships between perceived stress, psychosocial factors (depression, substance use, social support), and sexual risk behaviors, considering the impact of minority identities such as race, gender, sexual orientation, and HIV status. The findings highlight significant differences in perceived stress, depressive symptoms, substance use, and social support across different intersectional …

Conference Program 2025, Georgia Southern University

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

2025 Program

Navigating The Gap Between Correlational And Intervention Studies Of Fatherhood And Children’S Development: A Family Systems Ecological Perspective, Philip A. Cowan, Carolyn Pape Cowan, Marsha Kline Pruett, Kyle D. Pruett

School for Social Work: Faculty Publications

Objective.

In fatherhood research, a large gap has emerged between correlation-based studies and the design of interventions to increase the quantity and quality of fathers’ involvement in their families. The correlational research suggests that all family members could benefit from fatherhood intervention designs that attempt to reduce risks and strengthen protective conditions in multiple family domains—an approach consistent with family systems theories and ecological theories of child development. But most fatherhood interventions have been designed solely for fathers and focus primarily on parenting. Even in rare instances in which both parents are included in a father-focused parenting intervention, the curriculum …

"The Gift Of A Golden Voice": Shaping The Right Of Publicity To Protect Performers From A.I. Abuses, Sebastian Saavedra

Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal

The note explores the evolving nature of the right of publicity, a unique area of intellectual property and privacy law that protects individuals' control over their likeness and persona. It examines the challenges posed by emerging technologies, particularly AI-generated content, and advocates for a balanced approach that integrates elements from trademark and copyright law while respecting First Amendment rights. The analysis emphasizes the need to protect performers' rights to their public image without undermining established legal frameworks.

The Struggle For Equity In Education: Affirmative Action And Systemic Change, Derek Truong

Tredway Library Prize for First-Year Research

Derek’s paper analyzed both the oppressive and liberating roles the education system holds within society. He grounded this research by examining this paradox within the case study of affirmative action, particularly alongside the experiences of Asian Americans and other historically marginalized perspectives. By examining educational theories, Derek argued that a critical analysis of affirmative action demystifies this paradox and exposes deeper systemic inequities in the education system. With a nuanced view of affirmative action based on theory, Derek concluded that systemic and pedagogical changes can occur with internal reforms, such as integrating a more inclusive curriculum that reflects a diverse …

Doping Hybrid Photopolymerisable Glass With Bodipy Photosensitiser: An Efficient Approach To Improve Uv-Resistance, Luca Sorridente, Tatsiana Mikulchyk, Metodej Dvoracek, Mikhail A. Filatov, Izabela Naydenova, Kevin P. Murphy

Conference Papers

The development of photosensitive materials with improved performance and extended functionality is crucial for advancing holographic technologies. This study presents the modification and characterization of a recently reported photopolymerisable glass composition, focusing on achieving an optimal balance between maximizing photosensitivity of the material during recording and minimizing the impact of UV light on the performance of the recorded holographic structure. Building on these findings, the ultimate goal is to develop UV-resistant holographic optical elements for wavefront sensing in space applications. The research approach is based on introducing a photosensitiser with weaker UV absorption than the typically used in this material …

“Flies Don't Make Honey": An Exploration Of Preschoolers’ Feelings And Actions Towards Nature, Kathrin Paal

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences Theses

The burgeoning climate crisis resulting from anthropogenically enhanced global warming has made protection, restoration and affection for the environment an increasingly urgent matter. The irresponsible use of resources and pollution has caused, and will continue to cause, disastrous impacts on habitats and ecosystems globally; we urgently need to better care for the natural environment. Children’s perceptions towards nature are formed during early experiences. There is a research gap for age-appropriate methods to understand children’s perspectives whilst conceptualising them as the experts in their own lives and meaningfully enhancing their involvement in research. The aim of this thesis is to explore …

Which Discourses Underpin Long-Term, Autistic/Non-Autistic Romantic Couples’ Understandings Of Their Relationship As They Live With And Accommodate Each Other? A Critical Discourse/Narrative Inquiry, Vivien Southall

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences Theses

This piece of work draws on both critical discourse and critical narrative inquiry to examine the long-term romantic relationship experiences of those in autistic/non-autistic long-term romantic relationships. Four couples participated, three heterosexual and one female same-sex couple. The participants were given the opportunity to tell their narratives in a variety of forms, through interviews, emails, stories and with photographs and mementoes as prompts. These forms inspired the way that the data was retold in the research using a variety of styles reflecting the narrative choices of the participants. Through interviews with participants individually and as a couple, over sixteen months, …

‘At Least I Wasn't In An Inner-City Flat With A Partner I Hated’: An Auto/Biographical Study Of Reflections On Well-Being By 35-65 Year Olds In Cornwall Following The Covid-19 Pandemic, Cheralyn May

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences Theses

The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on mental health have been considerably researched since its start in 2019, by researchers from a range of disciplines around the world. This sociological study (using insights from social and positive psychology) contributes to our knowledge of the pandemic by using qualitative methods – fourteen semi-structured interviews and researcher auto/biography to investigate the mental health experiences of middle-aged, single adults living in Cornwall in the UK during the pandemic. In the pandemic literature, this is an under-researched, and therefore potentially less understood, group and location. The data was analysed using a combination of the …

Standardization Of The Vermicompost For Organic Cultivation Of Andrographis Paniculata (Burm. F.) Wallich Ex Nees, Ranjeet Kumar Yadav, Saurabh Singh, Priya, Geet Govind Sinam, Lal Bahadur

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wallich ex Nees is an important medicinal plant that belongs to the family Acanthaceae . It has been used to treat many human diseases since ancient times. The pharmaceutical industries accept only organically grown biomass of A. paniculata that is free from contamination. Vermicompost is an important organic manure that is used as an organic source for the cultivation of crops. The experiment aims to find the optimum dose of vermicompost for organic cultivation of A. paniculata. The different doses of the vermicompost, i.e., Control (T₁), 2.5 t/ha (T₂), 5 t/ha (T …

Reducing Transactional Distance With Ai: Examining The Role Of Chatbots In Online Student Satisfaction And Achievement, Joseph Rene Corbeil, Maria Elena Corbeil

Teaching and Learning Faculty Publications

This study explored graduate students’ perceptions of an AI-powered chatbot integrated into an online education course, guided by Moore’s (1997) Theory of Transactional Distance. A total of 47 students completed a survey assessing Dialogue, Structure, Learner Autonomy, Satisfaction, Perceived Achievement, and Intent to Continue Use. Regression analyses revealed that all three transactional distance dimensions significantly predicted student satisfaction, with Dialogue as the strongest predictor. Dialogue and Structure were significant predictors of perceived achievement, while Learner Autonomy significantly predicted students’ intention to use chatbots in future courses. Qualitative responses reinforced these findings, emphasizing the chatbot’s helpfulness and responsiveness. Overall, results suggest …

“Forced Worship Stinks In God’S Nostrils”: The Inquisition, Sepharad, And The American Experiment, Isaac Amon

Touro Law Review

In December 1791, the Bill of Rights, comprising the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, enshrined fundamental protections for individual freedoms, with the First Amendment guaranteeing liberty of conscience. This milestone, however, was the culmination of centuries of struggle. The arrival of Iberian Jews, including conversos, in North America played a pivotal role in shaping the course of American history. The Founders referenced the Inquisition in their letters and debates, particularly in discussions on legal protections for criminal suspects and the broader issue of religious liberty. Founding assurances of religious freedom to Jews and Christians stand in stark contrast …