Digital Commons Network^™

Leveraging Data Science For Resilience: Improving Trauma-Informed Care Practice For Adverse Childhood Experience With Ai & Data Science Application, Mohmmad Arif Shaik

Master's Theses

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have long-lasting effects on physical health, mental well-being, education, and socioeconomic outcomes. Resilient Georgia (RG), a statewide initiative, seeks to address ACEs through trauma-informed care and data-driven strategies. However, challenges in data collection, analysis, and tracking set back the effectiveness of these efforts. This study explores the role of data science and interactive visualization tools in improving outcomes for individuals and communities affected by ACEs. A key focus of this research is the development of a data science management application designed to enhance data collection and improve real-time decision-making. The application features interactive dashboards that allow …

Bones And Brains: The Association Between Osteoporosis And Depression, Mason Taylor

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Introduction: Osteoporosis and depression are two public health problems that are increasing in prevalence. Previous studies have found a positive association between the two variables in women and men and women together, but there is a gap when looking at men. Therefore, it was important to investigate the odds of depression in men, women, and men and women together to make comparisons by sex.

Methods: 1,602 participants aged 65 and older were included in the study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017 – March 2020 Pre-Pandemic dataset. One unadjusted and seven adjusted models were created for …

Parental Stress, Self-Compassion, And Meaning In Life Among Mothers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Hyun-Ju Ju

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience higher levels of parenting stress than mothers of typically developing children or children with other developmental disabilities, which can undermine their psychological well-being. Additionally, parental stress among mothers of children with ASD is influenced by various demographic factors. This study primarily identified the relationship between parental stress and demographic factors. It also examined the correlations among parental stress, self-compassion, and meaning in life of mothers raising children with ASD within a positive psychology context. Finally, this study investigated whether self-compassion mediates the relationship between parenting stress and two distinct dimensions …

How Do Couples Of Autistic Children Perceive Their Quality Of Life? A Case Study Featuring Sequential Mixed Methodology, Amanda Duncan Dr.

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

Families who have autistic children report significantly lower quality of life indicators than neurotypical families and those with other developmental disabilities (Bitsika & Sharpley, 2004; Brown et al., 2006; Charnsil & Bathia, 2010; De Sousa, 2010; Merkaj et al., 2013). However, the reports fluctuate between family members as mothers report more mental health challenges than fathers, including stress, anxiety, and depression (Dabrowska & Pstiula, 2010; Hodapp et al., 2003; Merkaj et al., 2013). Yet, these findings are based on the limited research that has been done on fathers and couples (Cheuk & Lashewicz, 2015; Osborne & Reed, 2008; Papageorgiou & …

From Cyclones To Cybersecurity: A Call For Convergence In Risk And Crisis Communications Research, Ann Marie Reinhold, Ross J. Gore, Barry Ezell, Clemente I. Izurieta, Elizabeth A. Shanahan

VMASC Publications

Effective risk and crisis communication can improve health and safety and reduce harmful effects of hazards and disasters. A robust body of literature investigates mechanisms for improving risk and crisis communication. While effective risk and crisis communication strategies are equally desired across different hazard types (e.g., natural hazards, cyber security), the extent to which risk and crisis communication experts utilize the “lessons learned” from scientific domains outside their own is suspect. Therefore, we hypothesized that risk and crisis communication research is siloed according to academic disciplines at the detriment to the advancement of the field of risk communications research writ …

Protective Effects Of Nigella Sativa Against Acrylamide-Induced Toxicity In Submandibular Salivary Glands Of Albino Rats: A Histological And Molecular Study, Salma Awad Taghyan, Elham Fathy Mahmoud, Rasha Mohamed Taha, Mohamed Shamel

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Marginal And Internal Fit In Cad/Cam-Fabricated Indirect Restorations, Hend Sayed Ahmed, Mohamed Samy Salama, Sarah Adel Botros, Ayman Helmy Helmy

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Intracanal Microbial Reduction After Root Canal Preparation With Different Tapered Instruments. An Ex-Vivo Study, Hala Fayek Khalil, Shehab Eldin Moahmed Saber, Mostafa Kholy, Soha Elhady, Esraa Abdelwahab

Dentistry

Aim: The objective of this ex vivo study was to assess the dual impact of instruments taper and irrigation activation methods on bacterial reduction in infected root canals. Materials and methods:42 extracted human molar teeth were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis for 2 weeks to develop a mature biofilm. The samples were divided into four experimental groups and two control groups. The experimental groups underwent root canal preparation using two different instruments: XP Shaper (taper 0.04) and Reciproc Blue R25 (taper 0.08). Additionally, two different activation methods were tested: mechanical (XP Finisher) and sonic (EDDY). Bacterial reduction was assessed using Colony …

Introducing Flowable Resin Composite As A Novel Palatal Dressing After Free Gingival Graft Harvesting: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Dalia Ghalwash, Mohamed Temraz, Ahmed Elbarbary, Eman Khalil, Nesma Shemais

Dentistry

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using a flowable resin composite compared to periodontal pack in reducing postoperative morbidity after free gingival graft (FGG) harvesting. Materials and methods In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 34 patients requiring FGG were allocated into two equal groups. The intervention group received a flowable resin composite dressing over the palatal wound, while the control group received Coe-Pak. Postoperative pain was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and mean analgesic consumption over 14 days. Secondary outcomes included wound size and color match of the healing site assessed at weeks 1, 2, …

Metabolic And Barrier Function In Response To Β-Caryophyllene In Intestinal Epithelial Cells, Hannah Scroggins

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, regulates cellular metabolism and energy status in intestinal epithelial cells. β-caryophyllene (BCP) is a plant-derived compound that may provide advantageous effects on intestinal barrier function and nutrient utilization. The goal of this thesis was to investigate the effects of BCP on butyrate utilization and metabolism in intestinal epithelial cells. Throughout this thesis, Caco-2 cells in hanging inserts in multi-well plates were used as a model for the intestinal barrier. One study was conducted to investigate the effect of BCP on butyrate utilization and barrier function in intestinal epithelial cells. A second study aimed to elucidate …

Cytocompatibility, Osteogenic Potential, Antibacterial And Antibiofilm Efficacy Of A Calcium‑Silicate‑Based Intracanal Medication, Shehabeldin Mohamed Saber Prof.Dr., Shereen Nader

Dentistry

This study assessed the biological and antimicrobial properties of a calcium silicate-based material and calcium hydroxide (CH) when used as intracanal medications. MTT assay, osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal stem cells (hPDLSCs), cell mineralization-assay, and determination of ALP activity were assessed to investigate the biological properties. While the agar well diffusion, crystal violet (CRV) assay and LIVE/DEAD staining of dentin slices infected with a mature E. faecalis biofilm were used to assess the antimicrobial properties. Normally distributed data were analyzed using one and two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test, while for non-normally distributed data Kruskal Wallis and Dunn's tests …

Influence Of Different Finishing And Polishing Protocols Of Composite Cad Cam Blocks On Surface Roughness And Biological Response Of Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Hend Sayed Ahmed, Mohamed Fouad Haridy, Mohamed Shamel, Houda Fouda, Raghda Khalil, Ahmed Refaat

Dentistry

The surface quality of composite CAD/CAM restorations is vital in aesthetics, longevity, and the biological response of

surrounding gingival tissues. Yet, little is known about how different finishing and polishing techniques influence cellular

behavior at the tissue interface. This study aimed to evaluate how various finishing and polishing systems affect the surface

roughness of composite CAD/CAM blocks, and how these differences influence the attachment, viability, and inflammatory

response of gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs). Seventy-seven composite CAD/CAM specimens were prepared and

subjected to one-step, two-step, and multi-step finishing/polishing protocols, with or without polishing paste. Surface rough-

ness was measured using …

Red Palm Oil Mitigates Vitamin A Deficiency In Parotid Salivary Glands An Animal Study, Sara Elbanna, Mohamed Mansy, Mohamed Shamel, Mahmoud Al Ankily, Caroline Maged Massieh

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Epidemiology Of Recurrent Herpes Labialis Among Dentistry Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey In Egypt, Sara Abdelwahed, Dalia Ghalwash, Al Hassan Diab

Dentistry

Aim: Recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) is a common viral infection with significant psychosocial and clinical implications. Dental students are particularly vulnerable due to stress and frequent patient contact, yet data on their epidemiology in Egyptian cohorts are scarce. The study aimed to determine the prevalence, recurrence patterns, and associated risk factors of RHL among dentistry students in Egypt. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 559 dentistry students at the British University in Egypt. A structured, self-administered questionnaire captured sociodemographic data, history of RHL episodes, frequency, severity, and triggering factors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square …

Correlation Of Oncogenic Micrornas 21 And 22 Expression Level To The Different Grades Of Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Of Salivary Glands (Ex Vivo Study), Sara Abdelwahed

Dentistry

Background: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) counts among the most frequent types of malignant salivary gland neoplasms. Brandwein system classified MEC into low, intermediate and high grade as per histological pattern, but this classification lacks the correlation with the genetic basis such as MicroRNA profile. This study aims to assess the expression level of MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) and MicroRNA-22 (miR-22) in different grades of MEC. Material And Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks of MEC were obtained from Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University and General Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University within the period of (2014-2023). Reverse transcription polymerase …

Effect Of Smoking And Finishing And Polishing Protocol On Color Stability And Surface Roughness Of Resin Composite, Fatma Makkeyah, Mohamed Samy Salama, Sara Adel Botros, Mohamed Shamel, Mahmoud Al Ankily

Dentistry

Purpose To investigate the influence of smoking and finishing and polishing protocol on color stability and surface roughness of resin composite. Materials and methods Seventy-two discs fabricated from supra-nanofilled composite were divided to 6 groups according to: Tobacco Product (Conventional Cigarette/CS and Heated Tobacco/HTP); and Finishing and Polishing Protocol (Control/C, Multi-step finishing system/FS, and Medium-grit abrasive bur + two-step polishing system/ PS). After finishing and polishing, specimens were exposed to a total of 600 cigarettes, divided into 20 each day, simulating 30 days of smoking. Color parameters were detected using a spectrophotometer. Surface roughness (Ra) was measured before and after …

Effect Of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Pisum Sativum Peel Aqueous Extract On Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Oral Epithelial Cells And Fibroblasts Cell Lines, Mai Hafez

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Resin Restorative Material Type And Layering Techniques On The Fracture Resistance Of Maxillary Premolars, Hend Sayed Ahmed, Mohamed Fouad Haridy, Radwa Nagy, Shimaa Elsayed Elhusseiny

Dentistry

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the fracture resistance of premolar teeth with standardized mesio-

occluso-distal (MOD) cavities, restored using various techniques (layering techniques and composite-resin

restorations)

Materials and Methods: Seventy intact maxillary premolars with standardized MOD cavities were randomly

divided into seven groups (n=10): G1 control intact teeth; G2: MOD cavities left unrestored; G3: restored using an

incremental technique with nanohybrid resin composite (Neo Spectra TM ST, Dentsply Sirona); G4: restored in

bulk using a flowable composite (SDR Flow+, Dentsply Sirona); G5: bulk-filled with a multihybrid composite

(Tetric N Ceram, Ivoclar); G6: restored using an incremental technique with …

Fracture Resistance Of Maxillary Premolars Restored With Different Dentin Replacement Protocols, Hend Sayed Ahmed, Shadwa Hatem Kabil, Maha Elbaz

Dentistry

Aim: The aim of this research was to investigate the fracture resistance of premolar teeth with standardized

mesioocclusodistal (MOD) cavities restored with different dentin replacement protocols.

Subjects and methods: Sixty sound maxillary premolar teeth with standardized MOD cavities were assigned

to six groups (n=10): G1: sound teeth (positive control); G2: unrestored premolars with MOD cavities

(negative control); G3: restored incrementally with nanohybrid resin composite; G4: restored by bulk fill

flowable followed by nanohybrid resin composite; G5: restored with packable fiber-reinforced composite

followed by nanohybrid resin composite and G6: restored with flowable fiber-reinforced composite followed

by nanohybrid resin composite. After being …

Effect Of Load Removal On Bonding Of Resin Cement To Cad/Cam Composite, Sara Adel Botros, Farid Sabry El-Askary, Nader Maher Tadros, Abdallah Hassanien, Salvatore Sauro

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Marginal And Internal Fit In Cad/Cam-Fabricated Indirect Restorations, Mohamed Salama, Sara Adel Botros, Hend Sayed Ahmed

Dentistry

Objectives: This study investigated the effect of marginal adaptation and internal fit of premolar teeth restored with indirect overlays, fabricated from different CAD/CAM materials (lithium-disilicate and composite blocks). Materials and Methods: Twenty-two intact premolars with standardized concave chamfer overlay preparation were divided into two groups (n= 18) Group (A): lithium disilicate blocks and Group (B): composite blocks. All groups cemented with dual cured resin cement. After 24h of storage at 37°C followed by thermocycling. Marginal gap evaluation evaluated using a stereomicroscope at x50 magnification at 4 points at each surface. Specimens were then sectioned mesiodistally to assess internal fit. Statistical …

An Exploratory Approach To Understanding Assessment Errors On Measures Of Executive Functioning, Gurjot Mondair

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The global risk of dementia due to longer lifespans and increased medical interventions necessitates accurate diagnosis of cognitive decline. Thus, the utilization of neuropsychological testing to diagnose disorders of cognitive decline should seek to ascertain multiple data, including success/failure of cognitive tasks and evaluation of error patterns. The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency of executive function (EF) errors across diagnoses of cognitive decline (age-related cognitive decline [ARCD], mild cognitive impairment [MCI], vascular dementia [VaD], frontotemporal dementia [FTD], Lewy body dementia [LBD], and Alzheimer’s disease [AD]) and to examine whether the specific types of EF errors (intrusion, …

Experiences Of Latina Single Mothers Raising Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study, Shaila Alvarez

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children. Although the prevalence of ASD among Latino children and single mother households has increased in recent years, there is limited research that explores the experiences of Latina single mothers raising children with ASD. This qualitative study utilized a phenomenological approach to gain a better understanding of the experiences of Latina single mothers raising children with ASD, using the ecological framework to conceptualize their experiences within their cultural and environmental contexts. Semistructured interviews were conducted individually with nine single Latina mothers. The data collected during these semi-structured interviews were analyzed …

The Blank Paper Method: An Independent Retrieval Protocol, Kevin Gregorio

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Most students struggle with effective self-study, often relying on passive strategies like rereading instead of active techniques such as retrieval practice, which research shows enhances learning and long-term retention. To address this issue, this study introduced and evaluated the Blank Paper Method—a structured free recall protocol designed to encourage self-regulated retrieval practice. The study explored two key questions: (1) Does the Blank Paper Method improve test performance compared to students’ default study habits? (2) Will students voluntarily adopt this method over time, demonstrating self-regulated learning? The study involved 56 incoming high school freshmen at a private college-preparatory school in Philadelphia. …

Exploring Psychological Impacts, Coping, And Conflict Resolution Of Transnationalism On Parent-Child Relationships, Sally Sanchez

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The number of immigrants migrating to the United States has increased over the past 30 years. Many of these immigrants leave behind their spouses and children, creating transnational families. Researchers have focused on the experiences of transnational families, but there is a need for continued research to further explore the psychological impact of separation and reunification. The purpose of this study was to identify the possible psychological impact of the separation and reunification process experienced by transnational families, and the coping strategies used during the process. This study used a qualitative design to explore the experiences of transnational families who …

Immoral Hazards, John Aloysius Cogan Jr.

Faculty Articles and Papers

It is time we view high deductible health plans (HDHPs) as immoral hazards. While these policies can generate a pocketbook benefit for many Americans, they also impose substantial and morally reprehensible societal costs. Prior scholarship on HDHPs has focused mainly on the economic principle of moral hazard-the idea that large deductibles prevent insured patients from overconsuming medical care and driving up prices. This patient-centric, overconsumption-focused moral hazard framework, while useful for understanding how deductibles can alter patient behavior and generate patient specific harms, leaves much of the HDHP story untold. This Article moves beyond the moral hazard theoretic to critically …

Characterization Of P38alpha And Nitric Oxide Synthase 3 Binding, Gillyan M. Jewett

Master's Theses

P38alpha is a member of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. This family is important for mediating signal transduction pathways through phosphorylation of downstream substrates. Previous work has described the ability of p38alpha to bind and phosphorylate nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) at two sites, the autoinhibitory loop (AI) at S600 and the N-terminal MAPK binding site (NtMAP) at S114. P38alpha has two substrate binding domains, the common docking groove (CD-groove) and a hydrophobic pocket (DEF) that are important in binding and phosphorylating various substrates specific to each pocket. Utilizing biolayer interferometry, this work describes the importance of both …

New Observations Of Common Snook, Centropomus Undecimalis, In Mississippi Coastal Waters, With A Summary Of Local Records, Tiffany A. Weidner, William C. Tilley, Brooke Doucet, Angelos Apeitos, Eric A. Saillant, James S. Franks, Jeremy M. Higgs

Gulf and Caribbean Research

No abstract provided.

The Macroalgal Composition Differs Among Depths And Zones In Cuban Mesophotic Coral Reef Eosystems, Beatriz Martínez-Daranas, Dennis Hanisak, Partricia M. González-Sánchez, Stephanie Farrington, John K. Reed

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Previously the algal community of Cuban mesophotic coral reef ecosystems (MCEs) has not been characterized quantitatively. The objective of this study was to explore the distribution of macroalgae around Cuba and their depth profiles within the mesophotic zone (30−150 m). Data on the algal community were obtained in 2017 during 43 ROV (remotely operated vehicle) dives around Cuba’s shelf. Scientists specializing in algal taxonomy watched the live ROV video on board the ship and recorded algal presence every ~5—10 min in a database. Algae were identified to the lowest possible taxa, and algal presence/absence was analyzed in 20 m depth …

Early Season Tropical Cyclones Affect Birds Breeding On A Barrier Island, Theodore J. Zenzal Jr., Amanda N. Anderson, Brock Geary, Jessica Schulz, Robert C. Dobbs, Wylie C. Barrow Jr., James H. Waddle

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Animal populations often experience acute natural disturbances, most of which are connected to short—term weather events. Occurrences of early—season tropical cyclones during the peak of the avian breeding season are likely to increase with climate change, which can substantially impact populations of coastal breeding birds at multiple scales. To understand the acute impacts of severe tropical cyclones, we investigated how abundances of breeding birds changed before and after 4 early season named tropical cyclones on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. We detected a change in pre— versus post—storm numbers of breeding birds after 2 out of 4 …