Digital Commons Network^™

Investigating The Production Challenges Of The P100.1 Phage Endolysin, Jonah O. Frago

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases globally. One key aspect of acne pathogenesis is the disturbance of healthy strain diversity of the skin bacterium Cutibacterium acnes. Many acne treatments are antimicrobial; however, these treatments are generally nonspecific and carry a variety of side effects in addition to contributing to rising antibiotic resistance. Lytic bacteriophages (or phages) are viruses that infect and kill bacteria. Their lytic lifestyle is facilitated by enzymes called endolysins. Phages have been studied as an alternative to traditional antimicrobials in acne treatment and have shown reduced C. acnes load in acne lesions and …

Multipath-Enhanced Directional Modulation For Secure Mmwave On-Body Communication, Wasi Ur Rehman Khan, Max J. Ammann, Hossein Raghib Hokmabadi, William Scanlon, Adam Narbudowicz

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

This paper proposes Directional Modulation (DM) for secure millimeter-wave (mmWave) on-body communication, where security is enhanced by leveraging multipath propagation. The double two-ray ground reflection model is employed to analyze a two-antenna Multi-Input Single-Output (MISO) system placed on human skin. The system operates at 24 GHz with polarization tangential to the skin. Key parameters such as antenna-separation, antenna-to-skin spacing and phase difference between transmitter antennas are varied to analyze the resulting path gain. The results obtained from analytical model are experimentally validated using Yagi antennas placed over a forearm phantom. Based on the findings, the DM technique is implemented. The …

Enhanced Force Sensing Utilizing A Glass-Supported Wgm Microbubble Resonator, Yiming Shen, Zhe Wang, V. R. Anand, Zhuochen Wang, Rayhan Habib Jibon, Anuradha Rout, Bo Cai, Qiang Wu, Yuliya Semenova

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Mechanical force sensors are critical for a wide range of advanced applications. This paper presents a high-performance whispering gallery mode (WGM) force sensor based on a glass-supported microbubble resonator (MBR). By incorporating the proposed glass support design, the proposed sensor achieves the highest force sensitivity reported for MBR-based structures, of 125.71 pm/mN and a detection limit of 52.26 μN. The sensor has a response time of 3.5 ms, enabling rapid detection of dynamic force changes. Further tests show that the sensor is capable of detecting subtle forces, such as those created by water droplets and a gentle breeze, paving the …

Beyond Genes: Non-Canonical Mechanisms Driving Antimicrobial Resistance In Bacteria, Leonard Koolman, Chijioke Emenike, Debasis Mitra, Sourav Chattaraj

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is traditionally discussed in the context of horizontally acquired resistance genes and point mutations at target loci. However, this gene-centred model fails to account for a large number of clinically important modalities of resistance. There is now substantial evidence implicating bacteria in the ability to escape the effects of antibiotics in a variety of non-canonical ways, which are not considered in traditional diagnostic and surveillance pipelines. Among these factors, we can list those arising from global regulatory networks, phase variability, epigenetic tuning, small RNAs, genome structural variability, and phenotypic states like tolerance and persistence. This review will …

Characterization Of Bacterial And Fungal Populations In Retail Kefirs In Ireland, Léon Maughan, Leonard Koolman, Guerrino Macori, Christina Killian, Séamus Fanning, Paul Whyte, Declan Bolton

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

No abstract provided.

An Integrative Bioinformatics Approach To Investigating Timp3 And Immune Cell Infiltration: Prognostic And Clinicopathological Implications, Neelam Bhola, Amit K. Jaiswal, Daman Saluja

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) serves as a prominent endogenous inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), playing a crucial role in inhibiting metastasis, and angiogenesis. However, its exact contributions to colorectal cancer (CRC) remain largely unidentified. We aimed to ascertain the prognostic significance of TIMP3 in CRC patients through a bioinformatic approach. GEPIA, UALCAN, Kaplan–Meier plotter, LinkedOmics, cBioPortal, GeneMANIA, TIMER, TISIDB, the ScTIME database, TISMO, TIDE, CAMOIP, and TISCH2 were employed to comprehensively analyze the differential expression, prognostic value, genetic alterations, signaling pathways, immune cell infiltration, tumor microenvironment (TME) and associated genes of TIMP3 in CRC patients. Compared to adjacent …

Apoptotic Cell Death Induced By Copper (Ii), Manganese (Ii) And Silver (I) Complexes Containing Bridging Dicarboxylate And 1,10-Phenanthroline Ligands: One Of The Multi-Modes Of Anticancer Activity?, Ella O’Sullivan, Denis O’Shea, Michael Devereux, Orla Howe

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Cu(II), Mn(II) and Ag(I) complexes incorporating bridging dicarboxylate and 1,10-phenanthroline ligands have exhibited anti-cancer potential with significant in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic efficacies. Our study focuses on regulated cell death process of apoptosis as a mode of action of the anti-cancer activity by the complexes. Cytotoxicity screening of the complexes demonstrated all the metal-dicarboxylate-phenanthroline complexes exhibit superior activity compared to their non-phenanthroline containing precursors, in addition to cisplatin. The Cu(II) and Mn(II) complexes were shown to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) but this was not observed for the Ag(I) analogues. Furthermore, apoptosis was found to be induced by all …

Integration Of The Portionsize Ed App Into Snap-Ed For Improving Diet Quality Among Adolescents In Hawaii: A Randomized Pilot Study, Emerald S. Proctor, Kiari H.L. Aveiro, Ian Pagano, Lynne R. Wilkens, Leihua Park, Leilani Spencer, Jeannie Butel, Corby K. Martin, John W. Apolzan, Rachel Novotny, John Kearney, Chloe P. Lozano

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Background/Objectives: Coupling mobile health (mHealth) technology with community-based nutrition programs may enhance diet quality in adolescents. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of integrating PortionSize Ed (PSEd), an image-assisted dietary assessment and education app, into the six-week Hawaii Food and Lifeskills for Youth (HI-FLY) curriculum delivered via Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed). Methods: Adolescents (grades 6–8) from two classrooms were cluster-randomized into HI-FLY or HI-FLY + PSEd. Both groups received HI-FLY and completed Youth Questionnaires (YQ) and food records (written or app-based) at Weeks 0 and 7. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed via enrollment, attrition, …

Penanganan Kasus International Child Abduction Di Indonesia: Studi Kasus Penculikan Ezekiel Gionata Purba & Penculikan Enrico Johannes Susanto Carluen, Dhani Ershiano, Ari Wahyudi Hertanto, Benedetto Setyo Satrio Utomo

Jurnal Hukum & Pembangunan

Child protection, particularly in preventing and addressing cases of international child abduction, is an obligation of all states. This phenomenon frequently occurs in Indonesia when a foreign-national parent, following divorce, unilaterally takes their biological child abroad in violation of court-granted custody, guardianship, and/or access rights of the other parent. Currently, Indonesia lacks adequate legal provisions to prevent and resolve cases of international child abduction. Moreover, Indonesia has not yet acceded to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction 1980 (“the 1980 Hague Convention”). This convention establishes a legal mechanism to ensure the prompt return …

Parenteral Nutritional Support In Surgical Patients: Expert Consensus Statements Regarding Intravenous Lipid Emulsions Containing Omega-3 Fatty Acids., Robert G Martindale, David C Evans, Dan Waitzberg, Malissa Warren, Manpreet S Mundi, Stanislaw Klek, Paul E Wischmeyer, Martin D Rosenthal

Surgery Articles

OBJECTIVES: The International Lipids in Parenteral Nutrition (PN) Summit was convened to offer practical guidance and expert consensus opinion regarding the use of intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) in various clinical settings. Herein, we briefly review aspects from this summit that are of particular importance for surgical/hospitalized patients.

METHODS: Summit participants identified and discussed new evidence, data, and analyses, that potentially influence the benefits and risks of ILEs in PN or their use in clinical practice. The summit meeting consisted of expert presentations that assessed recent clinical data and best practice, followed by periodic panel discussions to formulate consensus statements. Consensus …

Prevalence And Concentrations Of Four Waste-Pathogen Combinations From Land-Spreading Across High-Income, Temperate Regions: Meta-Modelling And Distribution Fitting For Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (Qmra), Jennifer E M Mccarthy, Paul D Hynds, Declan J Bolton, Jesús M Frías Celayeta

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

No abstract provided.

Microbial Solutions In Agriculture: Enhancing Soil Health And Resilience Through Bio-Inoculants And Bioremediation, Rahul Kumar, Beatrice Farda, Amedeo Mignini, Rihab Djebaili, Leonard Koolman, Alivia Paul, Subhankar Mondal, Joy M. Joel, Aditi Pandit, Periyasamy Panneerselvam, Marika Pellegrini, Debasis Mitra

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Soil microbes are important for maintaining agricultural ecosystems by promoting nutrient cycling, plant growth, and soil resilience. Microbial-based inoculants, such as bio-inoculants and bioremediation agents, have been identified as suitable means to promote soil health, reduce environmental deterioration, and achieve sustainable agriculture. Bio-inoculants, such as biofertilizers and biopesticides, promote nutrient availability, plant growth, and chemical input dependency reduction. Diverse microbial populations, especially plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), enhance resistance by promoting a symbiotic association with plants and inducing natural resistance against insects. Bioremediation, the second significant microbial intervention, is the use of microorganisms for detoxifying and rehabilitating polluted soils. Methods effectively …

A Post-Normal Environment-Centered Approach To Engineering Ethics Education, T Børsen, Shannon Chance, G Meskens

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

This chapter probes engineering responses to contemporary socio-ecological challenges – like climate change and loss of biodiversity – and advocates for a new, post-normal engineering (PNE) paradigm. The chapter promotes cultivating, via reflection and dialogue, a nuanced ethical understanding for grappling with urgent socio-ecological problems, underscoring the need for a diverse palette of ethical frameworks for current and future engineers. The proposed PNE paradigm rejects today's conventional engineering practices and extractive cradle-to-grave model, prioritizing global responsibility and advocating for reflexivity in constructing new approaches to complex present-day issues. Existing theories like virtue ethics and utilitarianism (covered elsewhere in this handbook) …

Challenges In Adapting Fibre Optic Sensors For Biomedical Applications, Sahar Karimian, Muhammad Mahmood Ali, Marion Mcafee, Waqas Saleem, Dineshbabu Duraibabu, Sanober Farheen Memon, Elfed Lewis

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Fibre optic sensors (FOSs) have developed as a transformative technology in healthcare, often offering unparalleled accuracy and sensitivity in monitoring various physiological and biochemical parameters. Their applications range from tracking vital signs to guiding minimally invasive surgeries, enabling advancements in medical diagnostics and treatment. However, the integration of FOSs into biomedical applications faces numerous challenges. This article describes some challenges for adopting FOSs for biomedical purposes, exploring technical and practical obstacles, and examining innovative solutions. Significant challenges include biocompatibility, miniaturization, addressing signal processing complexities, and meeting regulatory standards. By outlining solutions to the stated challenges, it is intended that this …

“I Can Do This”: Resilience Of Women Students In Engineering And Technology Courses In Portugal, Bill Williams, Shannon Chance

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

To understand the factors that influenced female students to choose their degree programs and complete them successfully, we gathered data from 11 women undergraduate students in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, and Construction Management programs at a Portuguese polytechnic. All participants completed their courses within the two years following the interviews. The two authors analyzed the data gathered via interviews with individual students using thematic analysis and present four generated themes along with their implications.The findings suggest that further research is warranted on the role of short-cycle programs within the Portuguese polytechnic sector in providing routes to help young women overcome obstacles …

Tailoring Innovative Silver Nanoparticles For Modern Medicine: The Importance Of Size And Shape Control And Functional Modifications, Ibtissam Laib, Noura Gheraissa, Abir Benaissa, Latra Benkhira, Manel Azzi, Yousef Benaissa, Ahmed G. Abdelaziz, Furong Tian, Maureen Walsh, Mikhael Bechelany, Ahmed Barhoum

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) play a significant role in modern medicine, with their size, shape, and surface chemistry strongly influencing their biological performance. Smaller nanoparticles (1–100 nm) can penetrate cells more easily, while different shapes such as spheres, rods, cubes, triangles, wires, and stars impact their antimicrobial activity and drug delivery efficiency. This review highlights the importance of precise control over these properties during synthesis to optimize their therapeutic potential. Green synthesis methods, including plant-based and microbial approaches, are presented as safer, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional chemical processes. The review also discusses surface functionalization strategies such …

A Systematic Review Of The Use Of Electronic Nose And Tongue Technologies For Detecting Food Contaminants, Muhammad Zia Ul Haq, Baljit Singh, Xolile Fuku, Ahmed Barhoum, Furong Tian

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Sensor operations in the food industry are faced with several major challenges, including in sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy and rapid detection. Among emerging technologies, e-nose and e-tongue systems have attracted much attention from researchers. This review examines 112 studies published from 2004 to 2025, and examines the functionalities and performance in detecting various food product-associated analytes. The sensitivity of e-nose and e-tongue systems was analyzed using various data processing techniques. Recent research and development in leading countries (i.e., China, United Kingdom, Columbia, India, Portugal, Spain, Hungary, Ireland) was examined. The findings indicate that principal component analysis (PCA) was the most widely …

Octavia Butler And Black Motherhood, Megan Tate

Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Somatic Symptoms, And Athletic Injury Among Collegiate Student-Athletes, Samuel Aswegan

Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Teaching Functional Skills To Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Intellectual Disability Using Behavior-Analytic Curricula, Catrina Barber

Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Interactions Between Lipopolysaccharide And Capsule Retention In Klebsiella Pneumoniae And The Resultant Effects On Macrophages, Juliane Leigh Nguy

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Klebsiella pneumoniae is the third most common cause of nosocomial infections in the United States. The capsular polysaccharides (CPS) are virulence factors allowing K. pneumoniae to evade host immune systems. The current model of capsule structure indicates that CPS fibrils interact with the external O-antigen of lipopolysaccharide molecules to enhance retention to the bacterial outer membrane. These interactions may influence pathogenicity in clinically relevant strains. This study characterized alterations to LPS and CPS structure, the impact of these changes on capsule retention, membrane permeability, biofilm formation, and macrophage interactions. LPS and CPS were quantified and visualized in four strains of …

Severe Aggression Among Zoo-Housed Coconut (Trichoglossus Haematodus) And Rainbow (Trichoglossus Moluccanus) Lorikeets: Wellbeing Considerations For Free-Flight Aviaries, Emily Simkins

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As conservation and education institutions, modern zoos balance the needs of animals with the interests of visitors through several strategies which can increase animal wellbeing and improve visitor experience. Environmental enrichment is frequently employed to increase the suitability of anthropogenic environments for zoo-housed animals, such as through walkthrough habitats and free-flight aviaries. While habitats such as these are important for visitor experience and can be enriching to animals, there are also wellbeing considerations for these spaces. Walkthrough habitats can be a potential source of fear and stress for animals, as shown by increased frequencies of vigilance, undesirable behavior, and aggression. …

Leucine Catabolism Is Associated With Longevity In Female Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers, Kerri R. Conklin

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background & Aims: Dietary isoleucine restriction can improve metabolic health and increase lifespan. It has been hypothesized that shifts in branched-chain amino acid catabolism drives this longevity effect. Impaired branched-chain amino acid catabolism is linked to several age-related diseases. We investigated whether dietary isoleucine restriction increases leucine catabolism and associates with longevity and full reproduction.

Methods: In two experiments, adult female Eastern Lubber grasshoppers (Romalea microptera) were assigned to either a high-quality diet (Balanced ile), or diets with varying isoleucine content (Moderate ile-R and Severe ile-R). In Experiment 1, we used a low-energy (Low Lettuce) group as a positive …

Leaving It All Behind: A Storied Experience, Brandi Sheree Wynne Winfrey

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professionals are experiencing an unprecedented time as conservative politicians and legislators work to dismantle DEI in higher education. In 2022, Florida became one of the first states to introduce and enact anti-DEI legislation. Few studies have examined or investigated the lived experiences of DEI professionals currently living in the midst of this experience. The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to capture and restory the lived experiences of DEI professionals employed at public Florida universities during the introduction and enactment of anti-DEI legislation. Five co-composers contributed their stories of experience as data to this narrative …

What’S For Dinner? A Multi-Pronged Approach Investigating The Foraging Habits And Diet Of St. Johns River Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Erebennus), Andrea Leigh Swinehart

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Wildlife population management depends on knowledge of the population’s foraging ecology. A community of resident Tamanend’s bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops erebennus) utilizes the St. Johns River (SJR) in Jacksonville, Florida, and members of the community are regularly sighted emaciated or with skin lesions. Anthropogenic disturbances may contribute to further health decline, therefore Chapter One analyzed SJR foraging dolphin group habitat use before, during, and after a large-scale dredging event known as the Jacksonville Harbor Deepening Project (JHDP). Kernel density estimates (KDEs) of foraging dolphin group sightings were generated to estimate 95% utilization distributions (i.e., foraging home ranges) for three …

Bifurcation And Index Theory With Applications To Nonlinear Differential Equations, Asrafi Yesmin

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a rigorous framework for the study of bifurcation phenomena in nonlinear differential equations. Semigroup theory and index theory are introduced to examine qualitative changes in the solution structures of the nonlinear dynamic system as the parameters vary. The theoretical framework is then applied to several nonlinear differential equations from biology and physics.

Facilitating Student Engagement In Elementary Science Classrooms With Reformed Teaching Principles, Nathaniel Bryant

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Science performance among elementary school students in the United States has stagnated in recent years. To address this issue, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) were introduced, advocating for a reform in science education. Traditionally, hands-on laboratory work has been used to help students understand scientific concepts through a "learn by doing" approach. However, students often become disengaged during practical work, as following a set procedure to replicate scientific phenomena does not reflect how scientists approach problems in their daily practice. It is now argued that hands-on laboratories should not only involve observation or manipulation of materials and equipment but …

The Next Generation Science Standards And Their Implementation In Iowa High Schools, Janell Wright

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Almost a decade ago, the state of Iowa used the Next Generation Science Standards’ (NGSS) performance expectations as the basis for its state science standards for K-12 students. Several key changes were implemented within these standards, including an increase in the amount of Earth and space science content at the high school level and a three-dimensional approach interweaving science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts along with disciplinary core ideas. In this dissertation, I used a three-paper format in an explanatory sequential mixed methods design to explore how districts in Iowa are using scope and sequence to address the NGSS. …

Bumble Bee Population Genetics In Iowa And The Impacts Of Repeated Emergency Management On The Conservation Reserve Program, Michael Mellett

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

No abstract provided.

Revealing The Hidden Benefits Of Social Emotional Learning: Unpacking What’S Really Going On?, Marissa Schweinfurth

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study explores the role of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in enhancing executive function (EF) skills among elementary school students, with a particular focus on those facing high levels of adversity. The research was driven by three key questions: (1) Can SEL improve EF skills in young students? (2) Does SEL lead to faster development of EF skills compared to typical age-related expectations? (3) Which specific SEL strategies are most effective in promoting EF skills? Utilizing the "Transactional Model of Stress and Coping" by Lazarus and Folkman as a conceptual framework, this study examined how SEL interventions act as coping …