Digital Commons Network^™

Comparison Of The Combination Of Prp And Topical Minoxidil To Topical Minoxidil Alone On Androgenetic Alopecia, Leia Hyunyoung Son, Ashley Olivia Owens

Physician Assistant Capstones, 2020-current

Objective: To assess the efficacy of combination therapy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and topical 5% minoxidil compared to topical 5% minoxidil alone in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Methods: A PubMed search using the term “PRP hair” was conducted. The following criteria were used for the search: published in the last 10 years, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, free full text, and full text. Three articles that met these criteria were chosen for systematic review. Results: In all three studies, the combination of PRP with topical 5% minoxidil had increased hair density and higher patient satisfaction compared to topical minoxidil alone. Conclusion: …

Comparing Transcatheter Edge-To-Edge Repair (Mitraclip) To Surgical Approaches For Secondary Mitral Regurgitation, Iain Slater, Jordan Maddra

Physician Assistant Capstones, 2020-current

Objective: To compare clinical outcomes of surgical mitral valve replacement (SMVR) and TEER with MitraClip therapy in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation.

Methods: We performed a review of the literature of primary research comparing clinical outcomes of surgical mitral valve replacement (SMVR) and TEER with MitraClip therapy in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation. A preliminary search of the medical database PubMed was conducted in October 2024 using the terms mitral valve, secondary mitral regurgitation, transcatheter edge-to-edge repair, surgical candidacy, and comparative outcomes. Limits included “published in the last 15 years, humans, English, randomized controlled trials, and cohort studies.”

Results: After …

Flooding Behavior Near The Us/Canada Border: Complications And Approaches, Maria T. Dodson

Honors College Theses

Flood forecasting remains a major challenge due to the nonlinear nature of hydrological systems and uncertainties in environmental data. This study aimed to address the prevalent challenges that arise from forecasting flooding behavior. To address the inherent complexity of hydrological forecasting, a machine learning framework was developed and trained on major contributing factors. To achieve an optimal balance between computational efficiency and predictive performance, a Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) was selected as the optimal machine learning model. As the chosen dataset, North American Land Data Assimilation System Phase 2 (NLDAS2), is known to have inaccuracies in the important feature Relative …

Bearing The How: Self-Compassion, Religiosity, And Basic Psychological Needs As Predictors Of Meaning In Life, Benjamin Wenndorf

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

While meaning in life (MIL) has been established as a significant contributor to psychologists’ understanding of wellbeing (Pollet & Schnell, 2017; Steger et al., 2008; Steger et al., 2011), some theorists believe MIL to be the fundamental human drive (Frankl, 1946/1962). Despite the significance that has been placed on MIL as a core component of human existence, little research has explored more than one variable at a time in relationship to MIL. Recent literature has explored self-determination theory’s (SDT) basic psychological needs microtheory as a predictive model for understanding MIL within a greater context of positive psychology (Martela et al., …

Spec Ops Tools Point Of Sale (Pos) Data Insights, Liam Mcgovern

Business Analytics Student Projects and Publications

No abstract provided.

Mississippi River Pre-Loess Terrace Deposits: Distribution Of Aggregate Resources, Jonathan Leard

Theses and Dissertations

Pre-loess Terrace Deposits are a Pleistocene, high-quality aggregate resource of gravel, sand, and clay subjacent to loess of varying thickness along the eastern valley wall of the Yazoo Basin in Mississippi. This project delineated 1,230 mi2 of this resource with a volume greater than 33 billion yd3 from the misinterpreted Citronelle Formation in Desoto, Tate, Marshall, Panola, Tallahatchie, Yalobusha, Grenada, Carroll, Holmes, Yazoo, Madison, Hinds, Warren, Jefferson, Claiborne, Adams, Franklin, and Wilkinson Counties with nine terrace base levels at 40, 180, 220, 250, 270, 300, 330, 340, and 370 feet msl indicated by test holes, gravel mine data, outcrop studies, …

Genetic Reconstruction And Diversity Analysis In The Usda Forest Service Populus Deltoides Breeding Collection, Carlos Armando Rivera Moreno

Theses and Dissertations

The thesis investigates the genetic structure and diversity of the Populus deltoides collection from the USDA Forest Service breeding program. Using genomics techniques, six population groups with varying levels of admixture were identified, revealing extensive historical recombination and complexity in the population structure, which contrasts with earlier studies from different regions. The research also confirms the collection's integrity by detecting operational errors and contamination, addressed through genetic identity and parentage analysis. Notably, over 80% of the clones have contributions from multiple ancestors, indicating widespread interbreeding. Additionally, a reliable database was created, covering about 96% of the unique genotypes. This enables …

Space Utilization Optimization, Troy D. Rockwood

Theses and Dissertations

Outer space is a crucial and increasingly leveraged resource for advancing human quality of life; however, its utility is constrained by inherent physical and spectral limitations. This thesis examines two distinct resource optimization problems critical to the sustainable development of space. The first part of this work addresses the optimization of physical orbital space. Unlike a terrestrial resource, mismanagement of this orbital space can lead to a runaway cascade of collisions, destroying the utility of entire orbital regimes. This thesis proposes a conjunction metric to quantify orbital capacity based on Keplerian parameters. We develop a computational tool to measure and …

Rekonstruksi Mekanisme Seleksi Hakim Konstitusi Di Indonesia, Indah Sri Pangestu, Dwi Yuliani, Hertaty Dorothy Dewi Siburian

Jurnal Konstitusi & Demokrasi

The mechanism for selection and election of constitutional judges in Indonesia currently still shows a diversity of procedures in each proposing institution, namely the Supreme Court, DPR and President. The process implemented does not fully reflect the principles of transparency, participation, objectivity and accountability as mandated in the Law on the Constitutional Court. Therefore, it is necessary to standardize the procedures for selection and selection of constitutional judges to ensure a more professional system and integrity. One of the solutions offered is the establishment of an independent institution responsible for the selection and recruitment of constitutional judges with a system …

A New Model For Predicting Two-Zone Parameters Based On Geometric Modifications In Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations, Jason B. Metten

Theses and Dissertations

This study uses Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to create a new and improved model for key Two-Zone modeling parameters, 𝜒 and 𝛿2𝑝. It explores how geometric changes to centrifugal compressors impact these modeling parameters. While centrifugal impellers are an important part of many systems, the flow through such impellers is inherently complex, making performance often difficult to predict. There are many approaches for modeling this complex flow environment, one method being the Two-Zone model developed by Dave Japikse. Values for 𝜒 and 𝛿2𝑝 are often determined from data obtained from test rigs or correlations. In this study high-fidelity CFD simulations …

Imagery Intelligence And Presidential Crisis Decision-Making: The Case Of The Cuban Missile Crisis, Codie Mcdonald

Honors Theses

Although the Cuban Missile Crisis was a short period of time relative to our nation’s history, this research has illuminated how much information, tension, and impactful moments lie within each minute; and the fact is, intelligence collection absolutely is a main factor in the de-escalation of the nuclear threat. Without the intelligence collection and production that was completed and given to Kennedy, policy would not be able to be made nearly as easy. Throughout each moment of the crisis, generally speaking, IMINT was able to provide and support the most aid to President Kennedy and his advisers. While the degree …

A Generalized Framework For Singular Spectrum Analysis: Data-Adaptive And Regularized Extensions, Ishmael Jesse Narh Adikorley

Dissertations (1934 -)

Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) has emerged as a powerful nonparametric tool for time series analysis, enabling decomposition, reconstruction, and forecasting of structured signals without reliance on strong model assumptions. However, traditional SSA frameworks face notable limitations when applied to high-dimensional, noisy, and functional time series data commonly encountered in modern applications. This dissertation presents a comprehensive generalization of SSA through the development of a unified Hilbert space-based framework that systematically integrates both data-adaptive and regularized extensions. The proposed framework, termed Hilbert Space SSA (HSSA), extends classical SSA by embedding time series in Hilbert spaces, thus encompassing scalar, multivariate, and functional …

Evaluating Feature Importance In Antarctic Soil Biota Models: An Exploratory And Modeling-Based Approach, Rachel E. Hunter

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The Antarctic McMurdo Dry Valleys are some of the harshest environments on our planet. They may not support higher fauna and vegetation, but the environment has a fairly diverse soil microbiome. The soil microbiome consists mainly of invertebrate nematodes (Plectus, Scottnema, and Eurydiolaimus), rotifers, and tardigrades. In this study, we examined ecological modeling approaches to enhance our understanding of the processes contributing to the overall population. In this process, two extensive data sets were used: the Biotic Effects Experiment (BEE) and the Elevational Transect (ET) data set compiled by the McMurdo Dry Valleys Long Term Ecological Research program were combined. …

Clinical Characteristics Of Graves’ Disease Following Covid-19 Infection Or Vaccination: A Multicenter Case-Control Study, Asena Gökçay Canpolat, Kemal Ağbaht, Ati̇lla Hali̇l Elhan, Mustafa Cesur, Zi̇ynet Alphan Uç, Seçki̇n Akçay, Hülya Iliksu Gözü, Mehmet Aşik, Hayri̇ Bostan, Beki̇r Ucan, Tugçe Şah Ünal, Merve Yilmaz, Ayşe Kubat Üzüm, Mehmet Çağri Ünal, Cuneyd Anil, Ümmü Mutlu, Nurcan İnce, Sevgül Faki, Güven Bari̇s Cansu, Mehmet Sercan Erturk, Ayten Oguz, Mustafa Aydemi̇r, Şefi̇ka Burçak Polat, Oya Topaloğlu, Reyhan Ersoy, Beki̇r Çakir, Ayşe Ok, Ersen Karakiliç, Muhi̇tti̇n Yalçin, Yusuf Kayhan, Kader Ugur, Di̇lek Yazici, Alper Gürlek, Tülay Omma, Emre Serdar Saygili, Adnan Batman, Banu Kara, Göknur Yorulmaz, Bahri Evren, Füsun Baloş Törüner, Bülent Okan Yildiz, Murat Erdogan Fai̇k, Faruk Alagol, Erman Çakal, Mustafa Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To describe Graves’ Disease (GD) associated with COVID-19 infection (COVID) or its vaccines (VAC) and to compare the clinical presentations, laboratory parameters, and short-term clinical course of the disease among different etiology groups (COVID, VAC, and GD control).

Materials and methods: Included in this multicenter matched case–control, retrospective cohort study were 239 patients with newly diagnosed (n = 196) or recurrent GD (n = 43) associated with COVID (n = 79) or VAC (n = 160). Each case was matched (1:1) with a control who had been diagnosed with GD prior to COVID.

Results: The median age of the …

Heat Increment Of Feeding In The Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops Truncatus) Contributes Moderately To Field Metabolic Rate Estimates, Ioulia Koliopoulou, Stacy L. De Ruiter, Jordi Altimiras, Josefin Larsson, Julietta Arenarez, David Rosen, Andreas Fahlman

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Digestion elevates metabolism through the heat increment of feeding (HIF) – the energy expended on mechanical and biochemical processes after eating. Quantifying this cost is essential for bioenergetic models that predict energy flow and prey requirements in populations. Using breath-by-breath respirometry, we measured oxygen consumption (V̇ O2 ) in eight common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) before and after feeding standardized meals (1659–2658 kcal of capelin and herring). Metabolic rate rose by ∼37% above resting levels, peaking 60 min after feeding before returning to baseline within 2 h. When scaled across the day, digestion increased daily metabolic needs by ∼8.2% of …

Correction: Amino Acid Transporter Lat1 (Slc7a5) Promotes Metabolic Rewiring In Tnbc Progression Through The L-Trp/Qprt/Nad+ Pathway, Margot Y. Fedoroff, Lei Zhao, Shaomin Wang, Leili Saeednejad Zanjani, Alok Bhushan, Haifeng Yang, Karen M. Bussard, Stephen C Peiper, Jun He

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Correction: J Exp Clin Cancer Res 44, 190 (2025) Following publication of the original article [1], the authors found that Dr. Leila Saeednejad Zanjani was not included in the final author list despite her contributions. The details are provided below: Current authors: Margot Y. Fedoroff1†, Lei Zhao1†, Shaomin Wang1, Alok Bhushan2, Haifeng Yang1, Karen M. Bussard3, Stephen C. Peiper1 and Jun He1*. Updated author list: Margot Y. Fedoroff1†, Lei Zhao1†, Shaomin Wang1, Leili Saeednejad Zanjani1, Alok Bhushan2, Haifeng Yang1, Karen M Bussard3, Stephen C Peiper1, Jun He1*. The correction does not compromise the validity of the conclusions and the overall …

Sex-Specific Angiogenic Responses In Endothelial Cells-Role Of The Pluripotency Factor Oct4, Junchul Shin, Junyoung Hong, Iuliia Molokotina, Irene Krukovets, Ellin Kim, Svyatoslav Tkachenko, Eugene Podrez, Tatiana V Byzova, Olga A Cherepanova

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

The study investigates the sex-specific effects of the pluripotency factor OCT4 deficiency in endothelial cells (ECs) on angiogenesis. OCT4 is known for its role in embryonic stem cells, but we recently found that it plays a protective role in ECs during atherosclerosis. Herein, we utilized cultured mouse aortic ECs (MAECs) and several in vivo models, including skin wounding, melanoma tumor implantation, and hindlimb ischemia, to explore the role of OCT4 in angiogenesis in both male and female mice. Our findings revealed significant sexual dimorphism in wild type mice, along with sex differences in responses to OCT4 deficiency across all three …

A Trigger For The Autonomous Decommissioning Of Smart Devices, Ravindra Mangar, Jared Chandler, Jingyu Qian, Carl A. Gunter, Timothy J. Pierson, David Kotz

Dartmouth Scholarship

Smart devices are ubiquitous in modern environments, yet their decommissioning phase remains poorly studied and often overlooked in system design. We define secure decommissioning as the process by which a smart device securely disconnects from its environment and makes sensitive data inaccessible. If not decommissioned, devices may retain sensitive information – such as security credentials or user-behavior data that could be recovered by an adversary. Unfortunately, some users may forget to decommission a device when they dispose or sell it, and cannot decommission a device that is lost or stolen. This paper investigates a trigger mechanism for individual wireless smart …

Pi Gain Scheduling And Stall Margin Protection For A Jt9d Turbofan Engine Using T-Mats, Ian Torres

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Independent Study

The objective of this study was to understand the theory behind turbofan electronic engine controllers (EECs) and to develop a Simulink based controller with stall margin limits, which was then used to build a simple 1-D cruise controller for a Boeing 747. The turbofan model used was the JT9D Pratt & Whitney engine in T-MATS with an attached ”ambient” block to input altitude, Mach, and 𝐹𝐴𝑅. Holding altitude at 35000 ft, the 𝐹𝐴𝑅 controller stall lower and higher limit maps were obtained from the 6% LPC and 15% HPC stall margins at steady state for 0.83-0.85 Mach and 2000-4000 𝑁1 …

Application Of Augmented Reality Technology As A Dietary Monitoring And Control Measure Among Adults: A Systematic Review, Gabrielle Victoria Gonzalez, Bingjing Mao, Ruxin Wang, Wen Liu, Chen Wang, Tung Sung Tseng

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Traditional dietary monitoring methods such as 24 h recalls rely on self-report, leading to recall bias and underreporting. Similarly, dietary control approaches, including portion control and calorie restriction, depend on user accuracy and consistency. Augmented reality (AR) offers a promising alternative for improving dietary monitoring and control by enhancing engagement, feedback accuracy, and user learning. This systematic review aimed to examine how AR technologies are implemented to support dietary monitoring and control and to evaluate their usability and effectiveness among adults. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase identified studies published between 2000 and 2025 that evaluated …

The Policy Project: Translating Menstrual Equity Resources, Ashley Jackman

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This creative project focuses on translating key materials from The Period Project, a campaign by the Utah nonprofit The Policy Project that tackles menstrual inequity by pushing for free period products in schools and public spaces. Their educational toolkits guide students and parents toward menstrual resources and outline compliance requirements for school administrators. However, a significant portion of Utah’s population speaks Spanish at home, and current toolkits are not readily available in Spanish. As a Spanish translation major, I saw this as an opportunity to use my skills in a real-world setting, as the translated toolkit will be immediately electronically …

Reimagining Nurse Education: Virtual Reality & Didactic Education For Better Nurse Handoff And Documentation, Haley M. Whalen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Setting: The pediatric perianesthesia unit (pre-operative and post-anesthesia care unit). Problem: Gaps in perianesthesia documentation contribute to poor handoff communication, leading to adverse events and increased hospital costs. Additionally, inconsistent documentation reduces clarity and consistency during handoffs. Context: Staff in the microsystem reported low confidence scores with required OP-Time documentation, inconsistent workflows, and I-PASS handoff expectations. These factors contribute to incomplete charting and a lack of standardization across providers. Interventions: A two-part educational intervention was conducted, consisting of eight sessions. The first component is a Virtual Reality (VR) simulation that demonstrates an accurate perianesthesia I-PASS handoff. The second …

Incomplete (A3) Versus Complete (A4) Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures: Results From A Prospective International Multicenter Cohort Study, Jin W. Tee, Barry T. S. Kweh, Alex R. Vaccaro, Klaus J. Schnake, Mohammad El-Sharkawi, Eugen C. Popescu, Shanmuganathan Rajasekaran, Lorin M. Benneker, Sebastian F. Bigdon, John France, Jerome Paquet, R. Todd Allen, William F. Lavelle, Miguel Hirschfeld, Spyridon Pneumaticos, Richard J. Bransford, Andrei F. Joaquim, Harvinder S. Chhabra, Ulrich Spiegl, Hauri Dimitri, F. Cumhur Oner, Marcel Dvorak, Gregory D. Schroeder, Charlotte Dandurand

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to compare incomplete (A3) versus complete (A4) thoracolumbar burst fractures managed nonoperatively or operatively with respect to reaching minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score.

METHODS: A prospective observational international multicenter cohort study was conducted. After stratification using the AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System, A3 and A4 outcomes were analyzed separately within nonoperative and operative management groups. Outcomes included absolute and relative improvement in ODI scores between discharge and 12-month follow-up. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated and compared with the log-rank test. Multivariable Cox regression models were constructed. The Cox regression models …

Evaluating Three Lightweight Airfield Matting Systems Under F-35b Aircraft Loading, Brett D. Cobb

Theses and Dissertations

Aircraft matting has been in service since WWII. It has provided a maneuverable substrate to allow aircraft forward operations to take place in austere environments. AM2 is the main matting system that has been used for generations. In recent years, the need for a lightweight matting system has come to the forefront of the matting community. This is not only to improve the maneuverability, but also the shipping restrictions. This research is on three different light weight matting systems above subgrade with two CBR values (i.e., 6 and 25). A specially designed load cart was adopted to simulate F-35B loading. …

Use Of Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy For Estimating Soil Chemical, Physical, And Hydrological Properties In Mississippi And Texas, Kanthake Yasas Bandara Gamagedara

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate and efficient estimation of soil properties is essential for advancing sustainable agriculture, water management, and soil survey applications. Traditional laboratory methods and pedotransfer functions (PTFs) are widely used but are often constrained by high costs, time requirements, and limited scalability. As an alternative, mid-infrared (MIR) and visible–near-infrared (vis–NIR) spectroscopy provide cost-effective, rapid, and non-destructive approaches for soil analysis. However, variability among spectrometer types, geographic regions, and soil scanning conditions poses challenges to model transferability and generalizability. This dissertation evaluated strategies to overcome these challenges and enhance the prediction of soil chemical, physical, and hydrological properties in Mississippi and Texas. …

Holding Space, Creating Change: A Journey Through Social Work, Angela M. Millet

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

Holding Space, Creating Change reflects my journey through the Master of Social Work program and the personal, academic, and professional growth that shaped my emerging identity as a social worker. Rooted in a person-in-environment perspective and guided by trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and justice-oriented frameworks, this portfolio integrates my learning across coursework, practicum experiences, and community-based work. I trace my development from an early interest in macro-level advocacy to a deep commitment to clinical practice grounded in empathy, connection, and humility.

Throughout this portfolio, I demonstrate competence across the advanced generalist dimensions of ethical practice, ADEI engagement, research-informed practice, policy analysis, …

Healing, Together, Courtney Cleek

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio reviews the topics of mutual rehabilitation and the human animal bond (HAB) as a holistic approach to addressing topics of mental health, suicide prevention, and innovative services. Displaying work through the Ten Specialization Year Competencies and the Five Elements of Advanced Integrative Practice, we examine ways to expand social justice, amplify voices, and promote healing within our communities.

Learning, Becoming, And Practicing: My Msw Portfolio, Mario G. Colucci

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Social Work In Practice, The Final Stretch, Madison M. Fernandez

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This professional portfolio reflects what I have learned in the MSW program at the University of Montana.

Master Of Social Work Portfolio, Cynthia Elaine Worcester

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.