Digital Commons Network^™

Mechanisms For The Age-Related Increase In Fatigability Of The Elbow Flexor Muscles In Healthy Adults, Blaine E. Arney, Andrew Kuplic, Mitchell D. Adam, Christopher W. Sundberg, Sandra Hunter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

The mechanisms for the age-related increase in fatigability of the elbow flexor muscles during dynamic contractions are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of supraspinal and contractile mechanisms for the age-related increase in fatigability of the elbow flexor muscles. Twenty-eight young (23.2 ± 2.6 years; 14 females) and 32 older adults (72.6 ± 5.6 years; 15 females) performed 80 maximal velocity contractions at 20% of maximal isometric strength. Voluntary activation and muscle contractile properties were assessed before and immediately following the fatiguing exercise using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electrical stimulation. Fatigability (% reduction in …

Spectrum, Volume 55, Issue 4, Sacred Heart University

Newspapers (Obelisk & Spectrum)

Highlights include: Second Annual P.I.E.R. Conference -- Laudato Si’ Initiative Expands to Office -- PRSSA Prepares Students for Real-World Success -- Fall Festivities at SHU -- TAP Presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” -- Sacred Heart Hockey Ranked First in Preseason Polls

Comparison Of Combined Pulsed Dye Laser And Intralesional Triamcinolone Versus Intralesional Triamcinolone Alone In Treatment Of Keloid, Marwa Ali, Husam Salman, Ghassan Abdulqahar

Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

ackgroundKeloids are benign dermal fibroproliferative growths causing cosmetic disfigurement and physical disability. Various treatments exist, but no gold standard has been established.ObjectivesTo compare the effectiveness of pulsed dye laser combined with intralesional triamcinolone versus Intralesional triamcinolone alone in keloid treatment.Patients and MethodThis interventional, prospective study was conducted at Dermatology and Venereology center, Medical City Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, from August 2021 to September 2022. Twenty-five patients participated. Ten patients had two keloid scars: one received pulsed dye laser with intralesional triamcinolone (Group A) and the other received only intralesional triamcinolone (Group B). The remaining fifteen patients had a single lesion divided …

Evaluation Of Treatment Modalities And Oncologic Outcomes In Hand Soft Tissue Sarcomas-A Systematic Review Of The Literature, Juan Pretell

All Publications

Background/objectives: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) of the hand are rare, representing only 2% of all STS. The small size and benign appearance of these tumors often lead to unplanned excisions and diagnostic delay. This systematic review sought to characterize the clinical presentation, histology, treatment modalities, and oncological outcomes of hand STS.

Methods: A systematic review of PubMed and Embase was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO. We included studies with ≥10 patients with STS that provided data on treatment options and oncologic outcomes. Data was extracted regarding demographics, tumor features, treatment modalities, and survival metrics.

Results: …

Irf6 Regulates Adherens Junction Proteins And Inflammatory Cytokines In Salivary Acinar Cells And Its Expression Is Elevated In Sjӧgren’S Syndrome, Vi Pham, Antonio Hernandes Chaves Neto, Julia Zheng, Mary Elmeniawi, Krishna Kumar Kookal, Muhammad F Walji, Mary C Farach-Carson, Walid D Fakhouri

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of Interferon Regulatory Factor 6 (IRF6) function in regulating adherens junction proteins and inflammatory cytokines in human salivary acinar cells and Sjögren's syndrome biopsies.

Design: We used mouse model, salivary cell lines, and human salivary gland (SG) biopsies to investigate IRF6 function in SG cellular integrity and immunomodulation.

Results: In Irf6-null mice, we observed myoepithelial cell detachment from acinar cells of major SGs, and the acini were remarkably disorganized compared to wild-type littermates. At the molecular level, the acinar differentiation markers E-cadherin and MIST1 were markedly reduced in Irf6-null embryonic SG, while the proinflammatory cytokines, …

Ten Tips For Legal Empiricists, Jordana R. Goodman, Christa J. Laser

Northwestern Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property

This essay offers practical tips from leading legal empirical researchers to assist new scholars who are entering the field. Topics include developing meaningful research questions, designing robust survey methodologies, balancing qualitative and quantitative approaches, ensuring data transparency, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and navigating ethical considerations in empirical work. Drawing from their own unique challenges and successes, these scholars illuminate what they wished they would have known going into empirical research and the pitfalls to avoid.

Although many examples focus on intellectual property law, the principles outlined here are broadly applicable to all legal empirical scholarship. This essay aims to serve as …

Unregulated And Unacceptable: Facial Recognition Technology's History, Privacy Concerns, And Impact On Society, Alyssa Pequignot

Northwestern Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property

This Note provides a general review of the current state of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT), including Illinois state regulation and past federal regulation attempts. This Note asserts that even as datasets become more diverse and “fairer,” FRT may still have discriminatory impacts on minority populations, as evidenced by a few highlighted examples that focus on race and gender. This Note suggests that one option to mitigate these dangers is to implement national regulations for its use. Ultimately, this Note suggests what a federal regulation might look like, informed by the societal impacts discussion.

After an introduction in Section I, Section …

Colaborate: A Mixed-Methods Approach To Enabling Inclusive Dialogue Of Emotional Regulation Resources For Young Autistic Children, Sarai E. Deese

Senior Theses

Emotion regulation (ER) is a critical developmental milestone and is often delayed or more difficult for autistic children. Publicly available resources for birth-5-year-olds with autism could benefit significantly by integrating the values of and information provided by autistic adults. However, existing resources may have poor accessibility, acceptability, and feasibility according to different groups within the autism community, creating a significant gap in effective support. This mixed-methods study investigated ER experiences, resource knowledge, and resource desire among autistic adults (N=4; Stage 1) and caregivers of young autistic children (N=4; Stage 2) to inform the development of acceptable ER supports. In Stage …

Innovation Interrupted: Legal And Institutional Risks Of Undermining Public-Private Partnerships, Jennifer S. Fan, Xuan-Thao Nguyen

Articles

Part I traces the development of the Bayh–Dole Act and discusses public–private partnership collaboration. Part II focuses on intellectual property generation by universities, illustrating the benefits of public– private partnership. Then Part III highlights the Trump administration’s federal funding cuts to universities that jeopardize the established public–private partnerships. Finally, Part IV details the consequences of how federal funding cuts impact the venture capital sector and the legal architecture of innovation, eroding the United States’ standing in the innovation race.

Supporting Faculty Parents In Professional Development: Case Studies, Recommendations, And A Call For Inclusive Approaches, Anne Marie Gruber, Lindsay Doukopoulos

Faculty Publications

Educational development is often scheduled during academic breaks with the intent of allowing faculty participation; however, this can actually make it more difficult for faculty who are in parenting roles, particularly during summer and school breaks when childcare options are limited. This article provides case studies from two different institutions describing approaches to offering childcare support to faculty participants in professional development. Ultimately, although both cases were successful, they were limited solutions to what is actually a much larger cultural problem. Our discussion shares lessons learned, recommendations, and urges others to embrace inclusive and equity-focused endeavors in supporting faculty caregivers' …

An Animal Interest Approach Method As A Gateway To A One Health Educated Pipeline, Meghan C. Wulster-Radcliffe, Sarah A. Reed, James N. Macleod, Rebekah B. Epps, J. Scott Radcliffe, Robert J. Coleman, Steven A. Zinn

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Diversity And Biology Of Unique Giant Broad Host Range Bacteriophages In Natural Environments, Tannaz Mohammadi

Theses and Dissertations

Microbial interactions within the rhizosphere play a crucial role in shaping bacterial community diversity and function. To explore these dynamics, we isolated 21 bacterial strains from soil and plant root samples collected near Rocky Branch Creek on the University of South Carolina campus. Our findings revealed that a significant proportion of these bacteria are lysogenic for CbK-like phages belonging to the Dolichocephalovirinae subfamily. Additionally, we isolated free bacteriophages directly from the same soil samples and found them to be closely related to those harbored within lysogenic bacteria. Surprisingly, despite predictions of a narrow host range, most of these phages, both …

Unveiling Caulocovert: Conserved Phage And Gene Transfer Agent In Caulobacter, Talia Neco

Theses and Dissertations

Bacteriophage play an important role in bacterial evolution, population control, and horizontal gene transfer within microbial ecosystems. This study focuses on the discovery and characterization of Caulocovert, an active bacteriophage identified in multiple Caulobacter strains. Using genome annotation tools such as Artemis and Mauve, we identified multiple key phage genes, including the major capsid protein, head-tail connector, portal protein, and major tail protein. These phage genes are present in CB13 and several other strains, such as C. vibriodies CB15 and CB2, C. segnis CBR1, Caulobacter sp. FWC26, and the distantly related Caulobacter sp. D5 strain. The location of these genes …

The Role Of Prelimbic Projections To The Rostromedial Tegmnetal Nucleus In Cue Discrimination, Emma Lane Carlson

Theses and Dissertations

Maladaptive decision-making, such as persistent reward seeking despite negative consequences, is a hallmark of substance use disorder (SUD) and related psychiatric conditions. These behaviors are thought to arise from impairments in aversive learning and disrupted neural signaling that normally supports behavioral inhibition. The prelimbic cortex (PL) plays a critical role in encoding cue–outcome associations and exerting top-down control over behavior, while the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) serves as a GABAergic inhibitor of midbrain dopamine neurons in response to aversive stimuli. Although both structures have been implicated in reward and avoidance processes, little is known about how direct PL-RMTg projections contribute …

Enhancing Teacher Self-Efficacy In Ngss Storyline Implementation: A Mixed Methods Action Research Study On Professional Development In Middle School Science Education, Dena Spickard Fender

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods action research study examined how professional development (PD) influences middle school science teachers’ self-efficacy in implementing the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Storyline curriculum. The study also explored which aspects of PD are most effective in supporting teachers at different career stages. Teacher self-efficacy is a critical factor in the successful adoption of reform-based science instruction, yet limited research has investigated how PD can be differentiated to address the needs of novice, intermediate, and veteran educators in underperforming schools.

A convergent mixed-methods design was employed to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument-A …

The Processing Of Emotional Prosody And Semantics In Native And Non-Native Chinese Speakers, Cheng Xiao

Theses and Dissertations

Emotional information in spoken language is conveyed through both semantic and prosodic cues. While listeners interpret the meaning of utterances (what is said), they also detect the speaker’s emotional prosody (how it is said). For non-native speakers, processing these two types of information simultaneously can be challenging, particularly in a tonal language such as Mandarin Chinese, where the same acoustic feature (i.e., pitch) encodes both lexical semantics and emotional prosody. This dissertation reports a series of behavioral and fMRI experiments investigating how native and non-native Chinese speakers perceive and process emotional prosody and semantics in words and sentences. Behaviorally, results …

Improving District Targeted Support For Schools With Low Student Achievement By Implementing Assistance Relationships With School Leaders, Mary Ashley Gaskins

Theses and Dissertations

Riverbend School District faced a challenge: the lack of a formalized structure for providing schools with targeted support that meets their unique needs and increases student achievement. This study explored how the district-level instructional team could customize support to improve English Language Arts and Math performance at schools with low student achievement. The theory of improvement posited that district instructional leaders engaging in assistance relationships – through modeling instructional leadership and providing conceptual and practical tools – would enhance school leaders' capacity, ultimately improving teaching and learning. A key action of the improvement team was the creation and implementation of …

Anthropomorphism In Language And Thought: The Effect Of Agentive Linguistic Framing On Readers’ Perceptions Of Ai Animacy, Dawson Petersen

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past decade, deep learning AI systems have gone from academic obscurity to near cultural centrality in the developed world. As these technologies become increasingly integrated into daily life, there is growing cause for concern about AI anthropomorphism—i.e., the perception of AIs as more human than they really are. Despite the potential risks, AI developers continue to market their technologies using agentive language that seems to be designed to encourage anthropomorphism. The current dissertation utilizes behavioral and eye-tracking methods to examine the relationship between agentive linguistic framing and AI anthropomorphism in both controlled judgments and automatic inferences. The results …

Behind The Gens: A Bioarchaeological Study Of Kinship Structure And Social Change In Iron Age Latium, Italy, Andrea Noemí Acosta Caballero

Theses and Dissertations

The cemetery of Osteria dell’Osa is the only completely published Iron Age cemetery from Latium. Its research legacy continues as dietary, mobility, and biological affinity patterns were reconstructed through carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and strontium isotope analyses and biodistance analysis using bone and dental samples for this dissertation project. The main hypotheses tested are:

a) The diet of people buried at Osteria dell’Osa during the Iron Age likely consisted of mostly grains like wheat and barley, which may yield low carbon isotope signatures;

b) The protein consumption of the diet of people at Osteria dell’Osa was mainly composed of terrestrial protein …

Food Insecurity And Social Connection Of Nicaraguan Refugees And Asylum Seekers In Costa Rica: A Qualitative Study, Keren Herran

Theses and Dissertations

Background

Given the physical and mental health consequences of food insecurity, solutions should be evidence-based and seek to prioritize vulnerable populations. This qualitative study adds to limited literature on how refugees and asylum seekers use their social connections to mitigate food insecurity by investigating how Nicaraguan refugees and asylum seekers in Costa Rica foster social connections and use these connections to acquire and manage food.

Methods

In fall 2024, 35 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in San José, Costa Rica. Participants were recruited through six migrant-serving nonprofit organizations. For study inclusion, participants had to: 1) be 18 or older; 2) …

Performance Limiting Factors For Silicon Anodes In Lithium-Ion Batteries, Najmaddin Bashirzada

Theses and Dissertations

The rising global demand for high-performance and sustainable energy storage solutions has placed lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) at the forefront of technological progress. However, the energy density limits of traditional graphite anodes require the investigation of alternative materials. Silicon (Si), with its high theoretical capacity, is a promising anode material. Still, its practical use faces major challenges such as volumetric expansion, unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, and low conductivity. This thesis examines the electrochemical behavior and limitations of Si-based electrodes using coin cells and ex-situ three-electrode cells. A comparison of electrochemical testing methods – i.e., Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (GITT) …

Identifying And Understanding The Barriers To Sexual Health Information Seeking Experienced By Young Adults (Ages 18-26) Using Social Media, Alexander Nicolas Vera

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation uses a qualitative, constructionist approach to examine the sociotechnical and cultural dynamics that shape digital sexual health-seeking practices of young adults. Guided by information practices and affordance theory, the research draws on semi-structured interviews and digital walkthroughs with 20 young adults (ages 18–26) from a convenience sample of young adults residing in South Carolina. Participants described how they use platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit not only to locate information but to assess its trustworthiness, inclusivity, and personal relevance in real time. Through in-depth accounts and screen-based demonstrations via digital walkthroughs, the study examines how participants engage in …

Development Of A Strategy To Neutralize Ccl8 Activity And Ablate Ccl8 Cellular Targets, Bernardo Chavez

Theses and Dissertations

The chemokine CCL8 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-2) is a versatile signaling molecule involved in tumor progression, immune cell recruitment, and therapeutic resistance. Through activation of receptors including CCR1, CCR2B, and CCR5, CCL8 promotes leukocyte trafficking, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and the establishment of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. In breast cancer and inflammatory diseases, elevated CCL8 levels correlate with poor clinical outcomes, making it a promising therapeutic target.

A strategy was developed to block CCL8 activity and selectively ablate CCL8 receptor expressing cells. A neutralizing monoclonal antibody, 1G3E5, was identified from a panel of murine candidates based on high affinity CCL8 binding. Sequencing revealed two …

Multi-Layer Decision Making For Long-Term Autonomous Mission Based On Dual Process Theory, Shruti Jadhav

Theses and Dissertations

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used in precision agriculture, where extended autonomous operation is required for monitoring, intervention, and field management. However, achieving long-term autonomy remains challenging due to battery constraints, environmental uncertainty, and the need to balance exploration with event-driven tasks. To address these challenges, a multi-layer decision-making framework inspired by Dual Process Theory (DPT) is developed. The framework combines reactive return-tobase strategies, exploratory navigation, and directional bias from prior missions, with a conflict-monitoring mechanism that adapts system behavior based on real-time conditions. The approach is implemented in a simulated agricultural grid environment, demonstrating improved adaptability and coverage …

Ursinus Magazine, Fall 2025, Gundolf Graml, Steve Thomas, Jennifer L. Post-Whisted, Alyssa Kratz, Brad Drexler, Connor Donohue, Michelle Yurko

Ursinus Magazine, 1995–Present

Introducing Interim President Gundolf Graml • Transfer agreement signed with DCCC • New Native American and Indigenous Studies minor • Students get front-row seat to optical innovation • Study abroad expands in Ireland • Alumna earns fellowship from French government • Softball roots, Phillies dreams • New Spirit Store now open • Ursinus' youngest student: Making headlines worldwide • Alumna earns Fulbright award • Ursinus, America250PA support PA scholars • Alumni join Ursinus Board of Trustees • When generosity meets vision • Ursinus named to Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll • Field hockey team explores South Africa • Rankings …

Examining Stress And Anxiety Levels Among Undergraduate Music Majors At The University Of South Carolina, Elise F. Halbig

Senior Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the stress and anxiety levels among undergraduate music majors at the University of South Carolina (USC) and identify potential stressors that might be unique or more prevalent among that specific population. To evaluate this, a questionnaire consisting of 42 questions was administered to participants. Most of the questions were carefully developed by the researcher; however, the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al, 1983) was used to examine participants' stress levels, and 13 selected questions from the Burns Anxiety Inventory (Burns, 1989) were used to examine their anxiety levels. A total of 45 …

Hungry Minds: Analyzing The Impact Of Food Insecurity And Food Assistance Programs On Neurocognitive Development And Childhood Mental Health, Kayla A. Davenport

Senior Theses

Introduction: Food insecurity affects millions of children in the United States and is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for poor nutritional intake and adverse health outcomes. However, less is known about how the experience of food insecurity disrupts healthy development and well-being, particularly among American youth. This thesis had two aims: (1) to examine the relationship between household food insecurity and children’s neurocognitive and mental health outcomes and (2) to evaluate how major food assistance programs address, or fail to address, these developmental risks.

Methods: This thesis uses a mixed-methods approach, integrating a narrative literature review, a cross-sectional …

Is It Enough? Investigating The Effectiveness Of Adhd Accommodations For College Students, Sreekavya Mekala

Senior Theses

This study explores the effectiveness of accommodations given by the University of South Carolina (USC) for students diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A total of 435 students completed a survey divided into three groups: those diagnosed with ADHD (n = 74), those not diagnosed but familiar with someone with ADHD (n = 321), and those not diagnosed and unfamiliar with ADHD (n = 40). Results showed that while most students with ADHD were aware of accommodations, far fewer used them, and many reported inconsistent faculty understanding and hesitation due to stigma. Students familiar with ADHD viewed accommodations as generally fair …

A Descriptive-Correlational Analysis Of Environmental Awareness And Practices Among College Students Of Occidental Mindoro State College, Rica Abigail T. Dagos, Rizzi Angelica D. Cleofe

Journal Article

Higher education institutions have an essential role in developing environmental awareness and increasing the environmental practices of tertiary education students. As a state college in Occidental Mindoro, OMSC aims to produce graduates that are locally responsive to societal concerns, including environmental issues. This study aimed to provide relevant information about the environmental education of tertiary education students by analyzing the environmental awareness and practices of the students at Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC). Using a descriptive-correlational design, the data was obtained from 259 students from various colleges. A four-part online survey questionnaire was used to determine the demographic profile, environmental …

Recommended Best Practices For Construct-Centered Adaptation Of The Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol, Emily Briceño, Darina Bassil, Pranali Khobragade, Anthony Ngugi, Martine Bejjani, Eric Ochieng, Silvia Mejia-Arango, Salima Douhou, Kazione Kulisewa, Miguel Rentería

Population Health, East Africa

Objectives The Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) neuropsychological assessment approach aims to support the collection of harmonizable data on cognitive function for cross-national cognitive aging and dementia research. As the measurement of cognition is sensitive to differences in contextual, cultural, educational, linguistic, social, and other factors that may influence cognitive test performance, HCAP requires adaptation to be appropriate for the contexts in which it is administered. We aim to provide methodological recommendations for the adaptation and implementation of the HCAP and other cognitive data collection tools in novel settings.

Methods We drew from existing guidelines on cross-cultural psychological test adaptation …