Digital Commons Network^™

Management Implications Of Human Livelihood Strategies On Madagascar's Coastal Landscapes, Katharine E.T. Thompson, Cortni Borgerson, Patricia C. Wright, Jeanne Mathilde Randriamanetsy, Niaina Nirina Mahefa Andriamavosoloarisoa, Mamy Yves Andrianantenaina, Théofrico Alexander Razafindrahasy, Ryan S. Rothman, Carter W. Daniels, Katherine J. Kling, Claire Surkis, Katheryn C. Twiss

Department of Anthropology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The unsustainable harvest and consumption of wild animals destabilizes both wildlife populations and the human livelihoods that depend upon them. In coastal landscapes, the overexploitation of terrestrial resources can increase pressures on marine ecosystems, and vice versa. We explore populations' ability to mitigate hunting pressure by bolstering marine livelihood strategies, assessing whether Malagasy people (or aggregated households) (1) transfer harvest pressure and consumption from oceans to forests in times of lower fisheries yields and (2) habitually exploit both marine and terrestrial resources. We also evaluate the diversity of fishers' and hunters' methods used and species targeted, as reliance on a …

A Comparison Of The Factors That Affect Graduation Rates Of Students Enrolled In Dropout Prevention Programs, Catina R. Thomason

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare the factors that affected the graduation rates of students enrolled in five charter high school dropout prevention programs that utilized the same online accelerated curriculum model. The overarching research question was: what factors affected the graduation rates of students enrolled in dropout prevention programs? A mixed methods design was employed to evaluate extant data on graduation rates and attendance rates surveys and semistructured interviews were completed by administrators and teachers to compare data across the five schools. This approach allowed for a comprehensive analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, providing a …

Pre-Vent Cpap Belly Device, Brandon D. Nguyen, Cameron A. Zipper, Eugina Lee

Biomedical Engineering

The CPAP Belly Pre-Vent device was developed to prevent stomach distension caused by Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment in premature neonatal patients under 2 kg. CPAP therapy provides critical respiratory support but can lead to air accumulation in the stomach due to esophageal insufficiency. This accumulation, known as CPAP belly, can interfere with lung expansion and feeding efficiency. The goal of this project was to design, develop, and test a device that passively vents excess air from the stomach to alleviate these issues.

The main phases of the project consist of identifying customer requirements and translating them to engineering …

Exploring Female-Centered Storytelling Techniques In Travel Podcasting With 'Chicks Take Flight', Layla M. Bakhshandeh

Journalism

The following study explores storytelling through the lens of podcasting to effectively engage audiences. This study addresses the gap in academic literature regarding gender-specific audio storytelling techniques by analyzing how narrative structure, vocal delivery, and content authenticity in podcasts specifically resonate with female audiences, providing practical applications for podcast creators targeting this demographic. Accompanying this literary research is a travel podcast titled Chicks Take Flight. This entertainment podcast tells the stories of young women’s travel experiences. Its goal is to provide a platform to discuss modern travel tips and stories for female audiences. Utilizing the podcasting advice from research findings …

The Adoption Of The Braided River Model Toward An Inclusive Stem Workforce For All, Aixa Alemán-Díaz, Sakib Hussen, Abdul Siam, Candice M. Etson, Robin Mc C. Greenler, Taylor Lightner, Semarhy Quiñones-Soto, Simone B. Soso, Verónica A. Segarra

Physics: Faculty Publications

Despite decades of interventions aiming to transform the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce to be more inclusive and diverse, little progress has been made in creating long-lasting, sustainable change. For a long period of time, the STEM workforce has been described as a leaky pipeline. While there has been some utility to thinking about the STEM workforce in this way, in this article, we discuss how characterizing the STEM workforce as a leaky pipeline can impede the design of innovative interventions that contribute to sustainable change toward a more inclusive scientific enterprise. As an alternative, we join others …

Fermatean Neutrosophic Fuzzy Graphs: A Study On The Winner Index With Enhancing Election Analysis, Wadei Fares Al-Omeri, Kaviyarasu M, M. Rajeshwari

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

In this article, we discuss the fermatean neutrosophic graph of Wiener index, which is an essential topological index formed according to geodesical distance of vertices. The Wiener index is an important factor to describe the structure of a graph and we de ned it in relation to fermatean neutrosophic graphs and computed it for some speci c fermatean neutrosophic graph structures including complete fermatean neutrosophic graphs, cycles and trees. Subsequently, the Wiener index is compared with the connectivity index, a core-degree based parameter, using a sequence of theorems. As an application the study responds to the di culties in election …

Ecological Efficiency Evaluation In Petrochemical Enterprises Using Plithogenic-Artasi Model, Hailing Chen, Dingqun Zhang

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

The application of the ecological carrying capacity theory to the assessment of petrochemical companies' eco-efficiency is the main goal of this article. This study deviates from previous research that examines company eco-efficiency from a strategic and behavioral incentive standpoint. This study uses the multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, considering both qualitative and quantitative factors. Plithogenic sets are used to compute expert importance levels in a decision support system for choosing Petrochemical Enterprises. The suggested plithogenic-based alternative ranking methodology based on adaptive standardized intervals (ARTASI) method is used to determine the ranking of Petrochemical Enterprises. The plithogenic-ARTASI model is a combination of …

Applications Of Archaeal Antioxidant Coenzyme M As An Agricultural Biostimulant, Jeremy Hunter Brown

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

As the demand to meet global food security goals continue to increase, the need to increase efficiency and productivity of agricultural output also rises. This calls for innovative and cost-effective methods for improving plant growth and yield. Here we explore how antioxidants, molecules that inhibit oxidation and are necessary for redox based signaling and redox homeostasis, can be utilized as chemical biostimulants. Specifically, we investigated Coenzyme M, an antioxidant from archaea that holds potential economic advantages over other antioxidants. Chapter 1 provides a comprehensive review of antioxidants and how exogenously application of them affects plant growth and biology, highlighting the …

Clinical Research Center (Crc), Dennis Savaiano, Purdue University Office Of Research

University Research Core Facility Boilerplate Descriptions

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Mthfr Gene Mutation In Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Exploring Potential Correlations With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder And Anxiety, Heba Mehmood

All NMU Master's Theses

One of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is often co-occurring with symptoms of depression and anxiety. The misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis of ADHD is agreed to be a prevalent problem. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene has been identified as a possible contributor to ADHD. The goal of this research is to decrease the frequency at which ADHD is misdiagnosed by investigating the correlation between the MTHFR gene at the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) C677T to ADHD and anxiety. A group of 80 participants’ DNA samples were collected through cheek swabs following IRB approval. Participants …

Environmental Costs Of The West Philippine Sea Dispute In Light Of Catholic Social Teaching, Teofilo Giovan S. Pugeda Iii

Loyola Papers

This paper is an analytical reflection on the insights Catholic Social Teaching (CST) has to offer on the West Philippine Sea Dispute. It discusses (1) an overview of the maritime dispute, mainly from the Philippine perspective, (2) the disputed legal status of the West Philippine Sea in local and international law, (3) the state of coral reefs in the South China Sea, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, (4) CST on the environment, especially concerning water, and (5) some practical and conceptual avenues to enrich the conversation.

Role-Ing While Bipoc: Understanding The Experiences Of Table Top Role Playing Game Players Of Color, Jordan K. Posey

Dissertations

In 2015, controversy surrounded the interactive computer game Mission US: Flight to Freedom. The game was unveiled as an accessible way to teach about American chattel slavery by mixing elements normally associated with roleplaying games (RPGs), Tabletop Roleplaying Games (TTRPGs), and social studies curriculum. The conversations surrounding the game exemplify the complicated history of RPGS/TTRPGs and the limitations of gamification in educational settings. This qualitative study aimed to analyze aspects of gaming culture through a critical race lens by documenting the experiences of Tabletop Roleplaying Game (TTRPG) players identifying as Black, Indigenous, and a Person of Color (BIPOC). Using a …

Elevating Black Voices: The Impact Of College Preparatory Programs On First-Year Success And Retention Of Black College Students, Fabiola Jean

Education Doctoral

In 2019, the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that Black college students had a graduation rate of just 40%. Minoritized students in general, and Black students in particular, ranked lowest on most statistical measures of success in higher education, despite numerous notable efforts to increase college access. Contributing factors included students' lack of academic engagement, stereotype threat, and experiences with racial microaggressions. First-year completion served as a pivotal predictor of long-term educational attainment, particularly for Black students who faced unique challenges. Studies showed that first-year completion and retention rates significantly …

A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach With Hyper Soft Set To Teaching Quality Assessment In English Language And Literature, Yuhua He

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

The training ground for professional English speakers is the English departments of colleges and universities. Economic development and international interactions are impacted by the quality of their instruction. This study created an evaluation method with for evaluating the quality of English language and literature using questionnaire surveys, interviews, and a review of the literature. The multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method is used in this study to evaluate the English langue and literature. Neutrosophic set is integrated with the MCDM method to deal with uncertainty and value information. This study uses the CRITIC method to compute the criteria weights. The CRITIC …

Non-Destructive Detection Of Fillet Fish Quality Using Mq135 Gas Sensor And Neutrosophic Logic-Enhanced System, M. Y. Shams, M. R. Darwesh, Roheet Bhatnagar, N. S. A. Al-Sattary, A. A. Salama, M. S. Ghoname

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This paper demonstrates the feasibility of using an electronic nose to assess fish quality by analyzing air quality and examining volatile organic compounds (VOCs) alongside physical variables, with pH, protein content, and VOCs serving as chemical reference points. Artificial intelligence algorithms were employed to predict quality and calculate regression coefficients. Using the reference neural network algorithm based on chemical and physical compounds, regression coefficients (R values) achieved were 0.99, 0.98, and 0.97, respectively. Additionally, ANFIS (Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System) produced R values of 0.99, 0.85, and 0.98. Both fuzzy logic and ANFIS proved effective for predicting fish quality. Image processing …

The Evolution And Continued Monitoring Of Seagrass Meadows In Higher Town Bay, Isles Of Scilly, United Kingdom, Alex Mallinson

The Plymouth Student Scientist

The pressures of modern society have been proven to have widespread negative effects on worldwide seagrass meadows, thus necessitating an increased need for the accurate and long-term monitoring of sites of special interest. These monitoring programs have typically relied on the in-situ measurement of individual seagrass plants. However, technological advancements have increased the prevalence of new surveying techniques, including satellite imagery, aerial photography and bathymetric measurement. With the advent of machine learning, the processing of these methods has increased in efficiency and become more objective in nature, transforming the way surveys are being undertaken. This study focuses on the unique …

Basil And Swiss Chard: Edible Crops For Use In Floating Treatment Wetlands Improving Agricultural Runoff, Clare Escamilla, David R. Tyrpak, William H.J. Stronsnider, Sarah A. White

Faculty Publications

The plant species established within floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) influence nutrient removal efficiency. To enhance adoption of FTWs by agricultural producers, both economic and ecological benefits from FTWs are needed to increase their use within irrigation retention reservoirs. Thus, we ascertained the feasibility of growing food crops in FTWs by evaluating two edible plant species to determine survivability and nutrient accumulation when grown in FTWs. We quantified plant growth (at saleable/harvestable size), nutrient uptake in root and shoot tissues, and overall nutrient removal efficiency of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris) over a …

Assessment Of Parents’ Awareness About The Care Of Their Neonates With Neural Tube Defects, Asmaa Salah Khamis, Hayam Salah Tanatwy, Safaa Salah Ismail

Nursing

Background: Neural Tube Defects are one of the most congenital anomalies of the Central Nervous System that may happen in the neonatal period. Aim of the study: this study aimed to assess parents’ awareness about the care of their neonates with neural tube defects. Research design: A descriptive study design was used. Setting: the study was conducted at the outpatient clinic for pediatric Neurology at Ain Shams Educational Hospital. Methods: A convenient sample of 40 parents accompanied by their neonates who suffered from neural tube defects. Tools: Data was collected using three tools. Tool (I) A structured questionnaire sheet composed …

Ethnoracial Disparities In Gray Matter Atrophy Are Mediated By Structural Disconnectivity In Multiple Sclerosis, Ahmed Bayoumi, Joseph A Thomas, Breanna R Alonzo, Juan Jimenez, Christopher M Orlando, Carlos A Pérez, Khader M Hasan, Jerry S Wolinsky, John A Lincoln

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: To investigate ethnoracial disparities in gray matter (GM) atrophy, the contribution of white matter lesions and consequent structural disconnectivity among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: This retrospective study included 297 patients with MS (pwMS), 98 Hispanic/Latinx (H-MS), 82 non-Hispanic Black (B-MS), and 117 non-Hispanic White (W-MS). GM atrophy was assessed using univariate, voxel-based morphometry, and multivariate techniques, source-based morphometry. Structural disconnectivity secondary to white matter lesions was evaluated using the network modification tool. Mediation analyses explored relationships between ethnoracial groups, white matter lesions, structural disconnectivity, and gray matter atrophy.

Results: B-MS and H-MS generally exhibited greater gray matter …

Navigating Your Us Bioscience Career Into The 2030s, Peter J Hotez

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

The coming decade might see major cuts to the United States Government funding for biomedicine and the mainstreaming of pseudoscience. But your biosciences PhD gives you the problem-solving skills to navigate this maelstrom, especially if you maintain flexibility, optimism, and enthusiasm for uncharted paths.

Genomic Balancing Act: Deciphering Dna Rearrangements In The Complex Chromosomal Aberration Involving 5p152, 2q311, And 18q2132, Zain Dardas, Dana Marafi, Ruizhi Duan, Jawid M Fatih, Omnia F El-Rashidy, Christopher M Grochowski, Claudia M B Carvalho, Shalini N Jhangiani, Weimin Bi, Haowei Du, Richard A Gibbs, Jennifer E Posey, Daniel G Calame, Maha S Zaki, James R Lupski

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Despite extensive research into the genetic underpinnings of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), many clinical cases remain unresolved. We studied a female proband with a NDD, mildly dysmorphic facial features, and brain stem hypoplasia on neuroimaging. Comprehensive genomic analyses revealed a terminal 5p loss and a terminal 18q gain in the proband while a diploid copy number for chromosomes 5 and 18 in both parents. Genomic investigations in the proband identified an unbalanced translocation t(5;18) with additional genetic material from chromosome 2 (2q31.3) inserted at the breakpoint, pointing to a complex chromosomal rearrangement (CCR) involving 5p15.2, 2q31.3, and 18q21.32. Breakpoint junction analyses …

Insulin Receptor Responsiveness Governs Tgfβ-Induced Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation: Insulin Resistance Instigates Liver Fibrosis, Wang-Hsin Lee, Evelyn A. Bates, Zachary A. Kipp, Sally Pauss, Genesee J. Martinez, Cheavar A. Blair, Terry D. Hinds Jr.

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The insulin receptor (INSR) has been shown to be hyperactive in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in humans and rodents with liver fibrosis. To explore HSC cellular mechanisms that INSR regulates during pro-fibrotic stimulation, we used CRISPR-Cas9 technology. We knocked out a portion of the INSR gene in human LX2 HSC cells (INSRe5- 8 KO) that regulates insulin responsiveness but not the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) or transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling. The INSRe5- 8 KO HSCs had significantly higher cell growth, BrdU incorporation, and lower TP53 expression that suppresses growth, and they also exhibited increased migration compared to the Scramble …

Exploring Oxylipins In Host–Microbe Interactions And Their Impact On Infection And Immunity, Robert J. Neff, Christopher D. Radka

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Plasma lipids are essential components of biological systems, transported through interactions with proteins to maintain cellular functions. These lipids exist in various forms, such as fatty acids, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, sterols, and prenol lipids, derived from dietary intake, adipose tissue, and biosynthesis. While the association between certain fatty acids and cardiovascular diseases has been widely recognized, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) exhibit cardioprotective effects, reducing risks of arrhythmias and heart-related mortality. This is due to their role in the production of eicosanoids, which modulate inflammation. Chronic inflammation, particularly in obesity, is significantly influenced by fatty acids, with saturated fatty acids promoting …

Predicting The Pathway Involvement Of Compounds Annotated In The Reactome Knowledgebase, Erik D. Huckvale, Hunter N. B. Moseley

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Pathway annotations of non-macromolecular (relatively small) biomolecules facilitate biological and biomedical interpretation of metabolomics datasets. However, low pathway annotation levels of detected biomolecules hinder this type of interpretation. Thus, predicting the pathway involvement of detected but unannotated biomolecules has a high potential to improve metabolomics data analysis and omics integration. Past publications have only made use of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes-derived datasets to develop machine learning models to predict pathway involvement. However, to our knowledge, the Reactome knowledgebase has not been utilized to develop these types of predictive models.

Methods: We created a dataset ready for …

Characterization, Performance, And Toxicological Assessment Of Polysulfone-Sulfonated Polyether Ether Ketone Membranes For Water Separation Applications, Muhammad Usman Yousaf, Lucca Madeo Cortarelli, Nerissa I. Jebet, Jason M. Unrine, Nirupam Aich, Olga V. Tsyusko, Isabel C. Escobar

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The removal of small molecular weight charged compounds from aqueous solutions using membrane remains a challenge. In this study, polysulfone (PSf)- and sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK)-based membranes were fabricated via non- solvent induced phase separation process (NIPS) using N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) as solvent and water as non-solvent. Membranes were characterized structurally and morphologically, followed by toxicity assessment conducted before and after filtration, both with and without annealing at various pH values to evaluate potential leaching of trapped solvent from the membrane pores. Additionally, membrane performance was characterized using binary mixtures of cationic and anionic dyes. The results demonstrated selective filtration …

Computational Design And In Vitro And In Vivo Characterization Of An Apoe-Based Synthetic High-Density Lipoprotein For Sepsis Therapy, Ling Guo, Yaxia Yuan, Fang Zhang, Chang-Guo Zhan, Xiangan Li

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Introduction: Septic patients have low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), which is a risk factor. Replenishing HDLs with synthetic HDLs (sHDLs) has shown promise as a therapy for sepsis. This study aimed to develop a computational approach to design and test new types of sHDLs for sepsis treatment. Methods: We used a three-step computational approach to design sHDL nanoparticles based on the structure of HDLs and their binding to endotoxins. We tested the efficacy of these sHDLs in two sepsis mouse models—cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced and P. aeruginosa-induced sepsis models—and assessed their impact on inflammatory signaling in cells. Results: …

Artesunate Enhances The Efficacy Of Enzalutamide In Advanced Prostate Cancer, Xinyi Wang, Jinghui Liu, Fengyi Mao, Yifan Kong, Qiongsi Zhang, Chaohao Li, Daheng He, Chi Wang, Yanquan Zhang, Ruixin Wang, Sally R. Ellingson, Qiou Wei, Zhiguo Li, Xiaoqi Liu

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of death among men worldwide. Treatments targeting the androgen receptor pathway remain the standard therapy for PCa patients. Enzalutamide (ENZ), a second-generation androgen receptor inhibitor, was developed to treat castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, while patients initially respond to ENZ, drug resistance typically develops within a few months. Artesunate (ART), a semisynthetic derivative of the Artemisinin plant, is approved for antimalaria treatment. In this study, we conducted an FDA-approved drug screening and identified ART as a potential candidate for overcoming ENZ resistance in PCa. Mechanistically, ART induces the degradation of c-Myc, enhancing …

Safety And Efficacy Of Weekly Somapacitan For Growth Hormone Deficiency In Children: A 72-Week Observational Study, Abdulmoein E. Al-Agha, Hasan M. Aljefri, Shahd E. Kafi, Aliaa S. Alamri, Abdullah A. Alghamdi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness and safety of somapacitan, a long-acting growth hormone analog, as a promising treatment to improve adherence in pediatric growth hormone deficiency (GHD) management. Methods: The observational study included 184 children diagnosed with GHD. Carried out over 72 weeks at the Pediatric Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic in collaboration with King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Patients received weekly somapacitan doses, starting at 0.16 mg/kg and adjusted according to insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels. Key outcomes included changes in height velocity and IGF-1 levels, with statistical significance set at a p -value of <0.05. Results: The cohort, with an average age of 10.1 years and 67.4% male, showed substantial improvements by week 72: IGF-1 levels increased from 166.97 to 363.74, and height velocity gains were most pronounced in children at Tanner Stage 1. Treatment-naive children exhibited greater initial height velocity improvements compared to those switching from daily GH therapy, although these differences leveled over time. Somapacitan was well-tolerated, with minimal side effects, supporting its long-term safety. Conclusion: Weekly somapacitan offers an effective, safe pediatric GHD treatment, with individualized dosing based on IGF-1 levels. Routine IGF-1 monitoring is advised to maximize benefits and minimize risks. Further studies on diverse populations are recommended to validate these findings in pediatric endocrinology.

An Empirical Analysis Of Pricing And Payments In The Pharmaceutical Industry, Rahul Narnindi

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

High prescription drug prices in the US are a major hurdle on the road to improved public health. On a per-capita basis, US prescription drug spending is more than twice that of comparable OECD peer nations and yet the health outcomes achieved are worse. Policymakers try to implement countermeasures, such as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, to reduce the burden on the public but these countermeasures may result in unintended consequences. In this thesis, I study the effectiveness of two of these countermeasures and their unintended consequences. My first essay investigates prescription (Rx) to over the counter (OTC) drug …

Study On Sustainable Development Of Energy Innovation, Maoli Guo

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Energy innovation and sustainable development play significant roles in the economic development and technological progress of a country. This paper first reviews the measurement methods of energy efficiency in existing literature, selects evaluation indicators based on the influencing factors of energy system performance, and proposes an energy efficiency evaluation method combining the Malmquist index and the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model to evaluate and test the performance of energy sustainable development in each province of China from 2005 to 2021.

The study finds that, firstly, the energy efficiency in China has generally shown an upward trend, but there are significant …