Digital Commons Network^™

Integrating Human And Animal Health In The Stop Spillover Outbreak Scenarios, Kathleen E. Angell, He Julia Bai, Katherine C. Prager, Janetrix H. Amuguni, Felicia B. Nutter, Jonathan D. Gass Jr, David Brett-Major

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

OBJECTIVES: To generate and employ scenarios of sentinel human and animal outbreak cases in local contexts that integrate human and animal health interests and practices and facilitate outbreak risk management readiness.

METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of past outbreaks and the strengths and weaknesses of response efforts in USAID STOP Spillover program countries. This information and iterative query-and-response with country teams and local stakeholders led to curated outbreak scenarios emphasizing One Health human:animal interfaces at sub-national levels.

RESULTS: Two core scenarios were generated adapted to each of 4 countries’ pathogen priorities and workflows in Africa and Asia, anchoring on …

Corporeal Property And The Limits Of Nagpra, M. Alexander Pearl

Faculty Articles

No abstract provided.

Characterization Of Methylated Histone Modifications During Simian Virus 40 Early Transcription, Jacob Otto Haugen

Theses and Dissertations

Modifications of histone proteins play an important role in transcription. These modifications regulate how chromatin is compacted by the histone proteins and either made available for transcription or prevents transcription machinery from proceeding. The modifications can be added or removed by histone acetyltransferases and histone methyltransferases for the former, and histone deacetylates and demethylases for the latter. To explore the dynamicity of these modifications we used the simple but effective Simian Virus 40 (SV40) model. SV40 continues to be an important tool in understanding eukaryotic transcription. It experiences similar processes as cellular chromatin, utilizing host proteins to propagate its own …

The Impact Of Poverty On Student Achievement And Effective Strategies To Close The Gap, Alexis L. Sorbo

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Poverty has a negative impact on student achievement through a variety of factors such as student engagement, motivation, parent engagement, and resource access. This thesis explores the relationship between poverty and academic achievement by examining how disparities related to socioeconomic status impact a student’s cognitive and emotional development. The reviewed research also investigates effective strategies that teachers and administrators can implement to mitigate these effects, such as using evidence-based instruction and behavior management strategies in the classroom, increasing parent engagement, applying regular, high-quality professional development, and providing equitable access to resources. Research highlights the importance of a holistic approach to …

The Chemical Nature Of Colors, Bryant Corbin, Bryant Corbin

Longwood Senior Thesis Proposal

No abstract provided.

Blouin V. Koster, 319 A.3d 654 (R.I. 2024), Drew A. Mondi

Roger Williams University Law Review

No abstract provided.

Vries V. Gaudiana, 318 A.3d 1035 (R.I. 2024), Rachel K. Lesinski

Roger Williams University Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Cognitive Flexibility And Psychological Resilience In Enhancing Operational Performance Among Air Traffic Controllers, Seda Ceken

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of cognitive flexibility on psychological resilience among air traffic controllers (ATCOs). In the study using a quantitative research design, data were collected from a total of 217 ATCOs from three separate units (APP, ACC and TWR) via a survey. The relationship between cognitive flexibility and psychological resilience was examined using hierarchical regression analysis, controlling for demographic variables such as gender, experience, ATC unit and educational status. In the first stage of the analysis, these demographic factors were included in the model and their effects on psychological resilience were evaluated. The …

Integrated Multi-Omics Analyses Of Synaptosomes Revealed Synapse-Associated Novel Targets In Alzheimer’S Disease, Subodh Kumar, Enrique Ramos, Axel Hidalgo, Daniela Rodarte, Bhupender Sharma, Melissa M. Torres, Davin Devara, Shrikanth Gadad

School of Medicine Publications

Synapse dysfunction is an early event in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) caused by various factors, including amyloid beta, p-tau, inflammation, and aging. However, the precise molecular mechanism underlying synapse dysfunction in AD remains largely unknown. To understand this, we comprehensively analyzed the synaptosomes fraction in post-mortem brain samples from AD patients and cognitively normal individuals. We conducted high-throughput transcriptomic analyses to identify changes in microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA levels in synaptosomes extracted from the brains of unaffected individuals and those with AD. Additionally, we performed mass spectrometry analysis of synaptosomal proteins in the same sample group. These analyses revealed significant differences …

Exploring Mental Health Symptoms In Elite Athletes During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis On Sex Differences, Liang Tseng Kuo, Sung Huang Laurent Tsai, Udit Dave, William A. Marmor, Reena Olsen, Bridget Jivanelli, Michelle E. Kew, Daphne I. Ling

University Libraries Scholarship and Creative Works

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected elite athletes, leading to increased mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Sex differences in mental health may exist among athletes during the COVID-19 crisis. This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine sex differences in mental health symptoms among elite athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. We systematically searched the databases including Pubmed, EMBASE, and manually checked previous systematic reviews for relevant studies in March 2024. Authors were also contacted for sex-specific data. Studies were included if they compared mental health symptoms between male and female elite athletes during …

Learning From Leads: A 1d Dilated Resnet For Ecg Chagas Disease Screening, Somesh Saini, Matheus Lima Diniz Araujo

Student Scholarship

No abstract provided.

The Myth Of Best Interest Of The Child, Victoria Mather

Faculty Articles

One of the basic tenets of Family Law as applied to children is consideration of "best interest of the child" in making decisions. Standards for custody, termination, adoption, and all other matters affecting children are overlaid with consideration of best interest. Unfortunately, the promise of best interest is lost in the actual mechanics of making these critical decisions involving children. This Article explores the disconnect between the ideal of using the best interest of the child as a key factor in legal decisions affecting children and the practicalities of competing interests. The Article first explores the common concern of the …

Using Electro-Peroxone Process To Remediate Soil Contaminated With Phenol, Elaheh Faghih Nasiri, Farhad Qaderi, S. Mustapha Rahmaninezhad

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Industrial processes are among human activities that cause production of a large volume of wastewater containing organic pollutants such as phenol and its derivatives. Soil remediation is crucial for enhancing environmental quality for both humans and other living organisms. This study investigate the use of an electro-peroxone system to remove environmental pollutants from soil. In conjunction with ozonation, the study employed electrochemically generated hydrogen peroxide using a carbon electrode, addressing concerns about transportation and storage. Experiments were structured using response surface methodology (RSM) with three variables: ozone dosages ranging from 4 to 8 l/h, initial pollutant concentrations from 20 to …

Clinical Relapse Versus Treatment Failure: The Case For Surveillance For Re-Appearance Of Minimal Measurable Disease In Pediatric Patients With Higher Risk B-All, Paul S. Gaynon, Linwei Li

School of Medicine Publications

No abstract provided.

Genetic Associations Among Inflammation, White Matter Architecture, And Extracellular Free Water, Amanda L. Rodrigue, Emma M. Knowles, Josephine Mollon, Samuel R. Mathias, Juan M. Peralta, Ana C. Leandro, Peter T. Fox, Peter Kochunov, Rene L. Olvera, Laura Almasy, Joanne E. Curran, John Blangero, David C. Glahn

School of Medicine Publications

Phenotypic and genetic relationships between white matter microstructure (i.e., fractional anisotropy [FA]) and peripheral inflammatory responses (i.e., circulating cytokines) have important implications for health and disease. However, it is unclear whether previously discovered genetic correlations between the two traits are due to tissue‐specific white matter architecture or increased free water in the extracellular space. We applied a two‐compartment model to diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data and estimated tissue‐specific white matter microstructure (FAT) and free water volume (FW). We then quantified their heritability and their genetic correlations with two peripherally circulating proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐8 and TNFα), and compared these correlations to …

Vietnamese Efl Lecturers’ Perceptions Of The Role Of Chatgpt In Facilitating Language Acquisition Among Their Students, Thanh Thao Le, Phuong Hoang Yen Dr, Trut Thuy Pham, Ngoc Bao Chau Tran, Thi Thuy Linh Nguyen

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This qualitative study investigates the perceptions of Vietnamese EFL teachers regarding the role of ChatGPT in Second Language Acquisition (SLA). Amidst the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, this research focuses on understanding how educators at different career stages perceive the effectiveness of ChatGPT in enhancing language learning experiences. Employing semi-structured interviews, the study engaged nine teachers from two educational institutions in Vietnam. Thematic analysis, guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Constructivist Theory of Learning, revealed multiple roles of ChatGPT in SLA. These include its use as a conversational partner, a tool for immediate feedback, …

Digital Storytelling Across Disciplinary Horizons: A Bibliometric Exploration Through Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, And Social Sciences, Desmin Davis, Manoj Praveen G, Ashna K

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This study aims to know the key publication trends and patterns in digital storytelling research and to find the most influential papers, authors, journals, funding sponsors, sources, and countries that contributed to digital storytelling research from 2013 to 2023. This was examined through a systematic bibliometric analysis conducted on 508 documents collected from the Scopus database based on particular inclusion and exclusion criteria. Bibliometric patterns were obtained using the VOS viewer software. The findings indicated that the digital storytelling research field is emerging and shows growing interest in this particular field. The increasing citation trend shows its importance across various …

Analysis Of The Scratch Program For Computational Thinking In Schoolchildren In An Educational Institution In Peru: A Network Analysis, Rolando Oscco Solorzano Dr., Leonor Torres Matos Dr, David Aroni Palomino, Miguel Armando Alcca Huisa, Jeanny Helen Ppuño Huaricachi, Delio Merma Saico

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Abstract: o analyze the relationship between the Scratch program and students’ computational thinking in an educational institution in Peru, relational research guidelines were followed with 384 regular elementary school students aged 6 to 12. The group had a higher percentage of males (52.6%) compared to females (47.4%). Two custom questionnaires were used to measure both variables. The study found that the aesthetic aspects of the Scratch program are the most significant component for developing computational thinking (=3.34; =2.34; =2.47), especially the dimension of computational practices. Limitations include a small sample size for analyzing sociodemographic variables, operationalization of computational thinking dimensions, …

Predictive Perception In Autism, Robert Harlow

School of Psychology Theses

This thesis investigates how predictive perception, motor coordination, and neurotype differences influences social perception in autism. It explores how these mechanisms contribute to social difficulties faced by autistic people, through the lens of the double empathy problem and second-person neuroscience.Chapter 2 examined how spoken intentions and visual evidence guide predictive social perception. Across four experiments, results supported a dual-process model whereby top-down expectations shape early perception but are overridden by visual input once motion begins. This led to the ‘kinematic dominance hypothesis’, suggesting motion cues dominate perception once movement begins due to their higher precision.Chapter 3 used high-resolution active motion …

Smart Education Across Academic Disciplines: A Systematic Literature Review, Billy T.M. Wong, Kam Cheong Li, Mengjin Liu

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Smart education has been practiced in many academic disciplines. To investigate the relationship between the implementation of smart education and the nature of academic disciplines, this paper presents a systematic review to address the literature gap. The study synthesized 110 journal articles collected from Scopus, which were published between 2010 and 2022 and reported smart education practices in higher education. Academic disciplines involved in the practices were categorized into Hard-Pure, Soft-Pure, Hard-Applied, and Soft-Applied based on the Biglan’s classification. The results illustrated that the practices were implemented mainly at the undergraduate level, and most frequently in the language and computer …

Integration Of Design Thinking And Educational Technology Into Science Education: A Conceptual Framework For The Development Of Sustainability Competencies, Ashish Saseendran, Mary Vineetha Thomas

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This study presents a conceptual framework that integrates Educational Technology (EdTech) and Design Thinking (DT) to develop sustainability competencies among secondary school science students. Grounded in UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), the framework promotes systems thinking, strategic action, collaboration, and critical problem-solving. It blends Design-Based Learning (DBL) principles with the iterative stages of the Design Thinking process—Empathise, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test—supporting curriculum-aligned, competency-based learning. By incorporating advanced EdTech tools such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), gamification, and learning analytics, the framework enhances student engagement and enables comprehensive assessment practices. …

Ai-Assisted Diffuse Correlation Tomography For Identifying Breast Cancer, Shun Wan Chan

Department of Food and Health Sciences

Significance: Diffuse correlation tomography (DCT) is an emerging technique for the noninvasive measurement of breast microvascular blood flow, whereas its capability to categorize benign and malignant breast lesions has not been extensively validated thus far, due to the difficulties in instrumentation, image reconstruction algorithms, and appropriate approaches for imaging analyses. Aim: This artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted DCT instrumentation was constructed based on a unique source–detector array and image reconstruction algorithm. Approach: The DCT images of breasts were obtained from 61 females, and AI models were utilized to classify breast lesions. During this process, the blood flow images were either extracted as …

Development Of Chinese Medicinal Ointment With Antibacterial Properties From Tripterygium Wilfordii, Ching Tung, Dawn Au

Department of Food and Health Sciences

Background: Chinese medicinal ointment was first recorded in the Shan Hai Jing (The Classic of Mountains and Seas). Different formulations of Chinese medicinal ointments have been made based on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory. Many TCMs possessed antibacterial properties that were used as microecological regulators to inhibit the growth of gram-negative bacteria, “Escherichia coli.” Purpose: To develop and make an antibacterial ointment by Tripterygium wilfordii (TW) and evaluate its antibacterial function. Materials and Methods: The methodologies included physical (cream selection), chemical [ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD)], and biological (agar assay) experiments for making TW ointment. …

An Overview Of The Current Scientific Evidence On The Biological Properties Of Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.) Moench (Okra), Shun Wan Chan, Hei Tung, Lydia Chan

Department of Food and Health Sciences

Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, commonly known as okra or lady’s finger, is an annual flowering plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. Okra is a native plant in Africa as well as a traditional medicine in Africa and India for treating different diseases and conditions. Today, okra is widely consumed as a vegetable and is increasingly recognized as a superfood due to its rich nutritional profile and potential pharmacological benefits. Research indicates that okra exhibits a range of biological activities, including antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antifatigue, vasoprotective, hepatoprotective, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Despite its promising therapeutic potential, research on the active compounds …

An Overview Of The Current Scientific Evidence On The Biological Properties Of Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.) Moench (Okra), Shun Wan Chan, Hei Tung, Lydia Chan, Tsun Ka, Carten Kwok, Yam Fung Ng

Department of Food and Health Sciences

Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, commonly known as okra or lady’s finger, is an annual flowering plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. Okra is a native plant in Africa as well as a traditional medicine in Africa and India for treating different diseases and conditions. Today, okra is widely consumed as a vegetable and is increasingly recognized as a superfood due to its rich nutritional profile and potential pharmacological benefits. Research indicates that okra exhibits a range of biological activities, including antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antifatigue, vasoprotective, hepatoprotective, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Despite its promising therapeutic potential, research on the active compounds …

Introduction To Hydroponics- 2025-2026 Workshop Handbook, Stacy A. Adams

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Hydroponically grown plants grow faster than traditional production systems, with greater productivity, greater palatability, and having optimal visual character. Three principal components of a system include the plant support platform, a nutrient solution reservoir, and an interface for the root-solution. This publication provides in-depth explanation to system design, evaluation of water quality, nutrient formulation, and prototype systems that can be easily constructed for those wanting to explore hydroponics, such as educators, organizational leaders, or home enthusiasts.

Female Brain And Endocrinological Research–Veteran (Fember-Vet) Study: A Study Protocol For Identifying Endocrinological, Lifestyle And Psychosocial Determinants Of Brain Health Outcomes In Female Veterans For Future Intervention Success, Tamlyn Watermeyer, Elliott Atkinson, Glyn Howatson, Gill Mcgill, Christina Dodds, Paul Ansdell, Chinedu Momoh

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated a greater risk of dementia in female veterans compared to civilians; with the highest prevalence noted for former service women with a diagnosis of psychiatric (trauma, alcoholism, depression), and/or a physical health condition (brain injury, insomnia, diabetes). Such findings highlight the need for increased and early screening of medical and psychiatric conditions, and indeed dementia, in the female veteran population. Further, they call for a better understanding of the underlying biopsychosocial mechanisms that might confer heightened risk for female veterans, to tailor preventative and interventional strategies that support brain health across the lifespan.

Methods …

Investing In Equitable Healthy Aging: Why Africa Must Reform Social Pension Schemes To Improve Alzheimer's Disease And Dementia Outcomes, Cyprian Mostert, Najat El Mekkaoui, Shehzad Ali, Chinedu Momoh, Olivera Nesic, Karen Blackmon, Thomas Thesen, David Andai, Zul Merali, Mary Karanja

Brain and Mind Institute

The eligibility criteria for social pension schemes in Africa hinder equitable and healthy aging. In 2019, women in 14 sub-Saharan African countries had an average life expectancy of 67 years but a healthy life expectancy of only 57 years, leaving them 5 years in poor health before receiving a pension at age 62. Men had a similar situation—a life expectancy of 62 years and a healthy life expectancy of 53 years, spending 10 years in poor health before becoming eligible for pensions at age 63. Many men do not receive pensions due to early death. Delays and low pension payouts …

The Female Brain Health And Endocrine Research In Africa Study (Fember-Africa): Identifying Endocrinological, Lifestyle, Psychosocial And Socio-Cultural Targets For Alzheimer’S Disease Prevention In Women Of African Ancestry, Chinedu Momoh, Rachel Maina, Edna Bosire, Linda Khakali, Sarah Gregory, Karen Blackmon, Thomas Thesen, Samuel Gitau, Anne Njogu, Cynthia Smith, Sylvia Mbugua, Sheila Waa, Jasmit Shah, Kendi Muchungi, Zul Merali

Brain and Mind Institute

Background The Global Dementia Action Plan 2017-2025 specifies key targets, with an emphasis on building research infrastructure and capability across the Global South. However, to date, only 0.1% of total research in Africa constitutes dementia research, the lowest volume of all LMIC regions. Several biomarker and risk models of the preclinical and prodromal stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are proposed as optimal junctures for disease prevention, yet they ignore the influence of biological sex/gender on cognitive and disease processes, despite female sex/gender constituting a major AD modifier. Similarly, the application of these models in ethno-racial and culturally diverse cohorts is …

Assessing Iot Intrusion Detection Computational Costs When Using A Convolutional Neural Network, Mathew Nicho, Brian Cusack, Christopher D. Mcdermott, Shini Girija

All Works

IoT systems face vulnerabilities due to their data processing requirements and resource constraints. With 13 billion connected devices globally, this research investigates the economic viability of AI-based intrusion detection systems (IDSs), specifically analyzing the automation costs of implementing a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) for classifying malicious sensor traffic. This study introduces an innovative framework that evaluates six distinct architectural components of CNN and LSTM: image input processing, convolutional layer operations, max pooling layer functionality, fully connected layer characteristics, softmax output activation, and class determination mechanisms. The framework employs six metrics: matrix size, feature vector number, …