Digital Commons Network^™

Rest-Activity Rhythm Phenotypes In Adults With Epilepsy And Intellectual Disability, Nandani Adhyapak, Grace E Cardenas, Mark A Abboud, Vaishnav Krishnan

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective: Rest-activity rhythms (RARs) are perturbed in many forms of neuropsychiatric illness. In this study, we applied wrist actigraphy to describe RAR perturbations in intellectually disabled adults with epilepsy ("E + ID"), using a cross-sectional case-control design. We examined whether RAR phenotypes correlated with epilepsy severity, deficits in adaptive function, and/or comorbid psychopathology.

Methods: Caregivers of E + ID subjects provided informed consent during routine ambulatory clinic visits and were asked to complete standardized surveys of overall epilepsy severity (GASE, Global Assessment of Severity of Epilepsy), adaptive function (ABAS-3, Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-3) and psychopathology (ABCL, Adult Behavior Checklist). Caregivers …

Synergistic Enhancement Of Tribological Behavior And Colloidal Stability In Cuo Nanolubricants Via Ligand Tuning, Sherif Elsoudy, Sayed Akl Akl Dr, Sayed Akl A. Akl Dr, Esm Lane, Abas Hadawey, Philip D. Howes

Mechanical Engineering

Nanoparticle-based lubricants, or nanolubricants, can exhibit superior tribological properties compared to unmodified base oils. However, these performance gains are highly dependent on the nanoparticle surface chemistry, particularly in maintaining stable colloidal dispersions. This study explores the influence of oleic acid (OA) and oleylamine (OAm) functionalization on the tribological and colloidal properties of CuO nanoparticles dispersed in an SAE 20W50 base oil. We present a hybrid optimization framework combining Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Bayesian Optimization (BO) to identify the optimal OA to OAm ratio (OA–OAm) for CuO nanolubricants. Unlike prior studies that employed either RSM alone or trial-and-error approaches, this …

Two Analytic Issues Arising From Models In Probability And Materials Science, Giang Vu Thanh Nguyen

Mathematics & Statistics Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation explores two distinct topics centered on mathematical models in probability theory and materials science. The first part investigates a series of functions derived from an adaptive algorithm designed to address the score-based secretary problem, a classic challenge in probability theory. This problem involves making immediate decisions to select the best candidate from a sequence of interviews. The algorithm aims to maximize the probability of selecting the optimal candidate based on observed scores. We prove two fundamental analytic properties of this sequence of functions as a theoretic support of the algorithm: first, the functions in the sequence each possess …

Empowering The User Through Inclusive Technical Writing, Robert Enriquez

English Theses & Dissertations

This thesis examines the issues in technical writing due to a disconnect between writer and reader/user. I am basing this study on my real-life job. I am a manager at a well-known sneaker retailer. In August 2024, there was a Workforce Management (WFM) software that the sneaker retailer launched in the retail stores. The WFM itself was glitched and unfinished. Not much disclaimer, training or preparation was given other than these procedural documents the sneaker retailer gave. If all the store managers had to depend on was technical documentation to prepare for this already glitched WFM, then I argue there …

Learning Regulatory Dna-Sequence Code Of Epigenetic Events Using Deep Neural Networks, Sanjeeva Reddy Dodlapati

Computer Science Theses & Dissertations

Epigenetic events, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, arise from a complex interplay among genomic sequence, chromatin-remodeling factors, and environmental cues. These regulatory mechanisms can induce changes in gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence, playing critical roles in development, disease, and cellular differentiation. Among these events, DNA methylation is frequently profiled using bisulfite sequencing (e.g., whole-genome bisulfite sequencing [WGBS], reduced representation bisulfite sequencing [RRBS]). However, predictive modeling of epigenetic states—including methylation patterns and regulatory variant effects—remains challenging due to data sparsity, label noise, and limited uncertainty estimation in current deep learning approaches. This dissertation addresses these issues …

“We Are Trans, But We’Re Not Transitional”: Exploring Safety, Place, And Space In The Lives Of Transgender Individuals In Southeastern Virginia, Susana Avalos

Sociology & Criminal Justice Theses & Dissertations

In general, little research exists on trans people’s spatial experiences despite space being highly relevant to their experiences of violence and perceptions of safety. To date, two criminological studies have examined LGBTQ people’s fear of crime in relation to public or private places and spaces. This is in stark contrast to the sizable place and space literature on cisgender men and women. These topics from the perspectives of trans people are underexplored primarily because most criminological research has historically upheld binarized understandings of gender. Safety should not be privileged or limited to certain groups, individuals, or spaces. Instead, safety should …

Effect Of Moderate Decrease In Contractility On Epithelial Cell-Cell Contacts Under External Stretch, Saika Sharmin

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Epithelial tissues are characterized by extensive cell–cell contacts and often subject to stretch during normal function. Cell-cell contact adhesion strength maintains mechanical continuity from cell to cell. Mechanical forces exerted by cells via actomyosin contractility are known to strengthen cell-cell adhesions to a certain extent. While it is known that a large decrease in contractility causes cell-cell contact rupture due to weakened adhesions, it is unclear how a moderate reduction in contractility affects cell-cell junction stability. Here, we studied how a moderate inhibition of non-muscle myosin II (NMII) affects the integrity of epithelial cell-cell contacts, especially when subject to the …

Systems Statistical Engineering – Hierarchical Fuzzy Constraint Propagation, Hengameh Fakhravar

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Driven by the growing need in the 21st century for integrating rigorous statistical analysis into engineering research, there is a movement to develop an integrated statistical engineering science within statistics and quality communities (Hoerl & Snee, 2010; Anderson-Cook et al., 2012). Systems Statistical Engineering research seeks to integrate the Causal Bayesian hierarchical modeling (Pearl, 2009) and cybernetic control theory within Beer’s Viable System Model (1972, 1979, 1985) and the Complex Systems Governance framework (Keating, 2014; Keating & Katina, 2015, 2016) to produce multivariate systemic models for robust dynamic systems mission performance. Cotter & Quigley (2018) set forth the Bayesian systemic …

A Review: The Beauty Of Serendipity Between Integrated Circuit Security And Artificial Intelligence, Chen Dong, Decheng Qiu, Bolun Li, Yang Yang, Chenxi Lyu, Dong Cheng, Hao Zhang, Zhenyi. Chen

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Integrated circuits are the core of a cyber-physical system, where tens of billions of components are integrated into a tiny silicon chip to conduct complex functions. To maximize utilities, the design and manufacturing life cycle of integrated circuits rely on numerous untrustworthy third parties, forming a global supply chain model. At the same time, this model produces unpredictable and catastrophic issues, threatening the security of individuals and countries. As for guaranteeing the security of ultra-highly integrated chips, detecting slight abnormalities caused by malicious behavior in the current and voltage is challenging, as is achieving computability within a reasonable time and …

Advancing Molecular Graph-Text Pre-Training Via Fine-Grained Alignment, Yibo Li, Yuan Fang, Mengmei Zhang, Chuan Shi

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Understanding molecular structure and related knowledge is crucialfor scientific research. Recent studies integrate molecular graphswith their textual descriptions to enhance molecular representationlearning. However, they focus on the whole molecular graph andneglect frequently occurring subgraphs, known as motifs, whichare essential for determining molecular properties. Without suchfine-grained knowledge, these models struggle to generalize to un-seen molecules and tasks that require motif-level insights. To bridgethis gap, we propose FineMolTex, a novel Fine-grained Moleculargraph-Text pre-training framework to jointly learn coarse-grainedmolecule-level knowledge and fine-grained motif-level knowledge.Specifically, FineMolTex consists of two pre-training tasks: a con-trastive alignment task for coarse-grained matching and a maskedmulti-modal modeling task for …

Sex Differences In The Risk Of Developing Alzheimer Disease, Cognitive Trajectories, And Relationships Between Cognition And Pathological Burden, Carling G. Robinson

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Prior work suggests females may develop Alzheimer disease (AD) dementia at a higher rate than males, and that this effect may interact with apolipoprotein (APOE) ε4 genotype. However, this work has often been limited by imprecise clinical diagnoses and a lack of AD biomarkers. In addition to the frequency of dementia, there are mixed reports on whether sex impacts rates of cognitive decline. Further, females consistently exhibit greater accumulation of AD pathological biomarkers, particularly tau, than males. It has been theorized that females initially demonstrate resilience to AD pathology, maintaining cognitive functioning longer than males, but experiencing a steeper cognitive …

Bioassay To Evaluate Resistance Levels In Tarnished Plant Bug (Hemiptera: Miridae) Populations In Alabama To Common Cotton Insecticides, T. J. Douglas, K. Kesheimer, A. Jacobson, S. Brown, F. R. Musser, L. S. Catchot, S. H. Graham

Midsouth Entomologist

The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), has emerged as the major insect pest of cotton in the mid-southern United States following the eradication of the boll weevil and the introduction of genetically modified Bt cotton for caterpillar pests. The objective of this study is to evaluate tarnished plant bug resistance to the five most common insecticides used for control across six distinct growing regions. Glass-vial bioassays were used to evaluate resistance of field populations in a laboratory setting. Elevated levels of resistance of tarnished plant bug to bifenthrin and, to a lesser degree, imidacloprid have been reported …

Night-Time Warming And Prey Availability Interact To Influence Physiology In Prairie Lizards (Sceloporus Consobrinus), Allison R. Litmer, Morgan K. Pelley, Steven J. Beaupre

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Among ectotherms, temperature and food availability are drivers of individual and population characteristics. Increasing night-time temperatures due to climate change can increase energetic demands, potentially amplified or mitigated by prey consumption. Few studies examine night-time temperatures specifically, and consequences of co-occurring changes in the abiotic and biotic environment. Thus, we examined interactions between warming night-time temperatures and prey availability (as a proxy of foraging time and effectiveness), and how they affect food consumption, digestive passage time, metabolizable energy intake (MEI), assimilated energy, and fecal and urate production in a model organism, prairie lizards (Sceloporus consobrinus). Three temperature treatments (current conditions, …

Anticolonialism And Qualitative Methods For Culture-Centered Interventions, Mohan Jyoti Dutta, Ambar Basu, Satveer Kaur-Gill, Debalina Dutta, Mahuya Pal, Iccha Basnyat, Selina Metuamate, Venessa Pokaia, Phoebe Elers, Indranil Mandal, Rabindranath Mandi, Pankaj Baskey, Devalina Mookerjee, Shaunak Sastry, Jaime Robb, Andrew Carter

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

In this essay, we a collective of Indigenous, Black, and migrant Global South scholars engaged in experiments with the culture-centered approach (CCA) draw on our lived experiences amidst struggles against land grab, neoliberal extractivism, and capitalist exploitation to outline a framework for qualitative methods as anticolonial politics. We begin by exploring the interplays of colonialism, imperialism, and racial capitalism that have shaped the origins and uses of qualitative methods toward serving extractive agendas of global capital. This critique serves as the basis for outlining the key principles of the CCA, turning to voice, storytelling, and embodied action as the basis …

Two Essays On The Role Of Anthropomorphism In Consumer Behavior, Faegheh (Faa) Taheran

Theses and Dissertations in Business Administration

The first essay of this dissertation investigates the contradictory findings on the relationship between anthropomorphism and self-control by focusing on how everyday anthropomorphized objects, rather than the products being used for consumption, influence consumer behavior. While previous studies have shown that using anthropomorphized products may decrease consumers’ self-control, this paper examines how unrelated [to consumption] anthropomorphized objects in a consumer’s environment—such as a water bottle with a humanlike face—can evoke a sense of social presence, increasing consumers’ perceptions that they are being negatively evaluated. Drawing on mind perception theory, I propose that this fear of negative evaluation can enhance self-control. …

Trophic Roles And Climate-Driven Vulnerability For Benthic Invertebrates At Artificial Reefs In The Northern Gulf Of Mexico, Amanda Kirkland

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Artificial reefs are deployed to enhance marine habitats and fisheries, yet their role in supporting secondary production and their vulnerability to climate stressors remain understudied. This dissertation investigates the trophic ecology and climate sensitivity of benthic invertebrates at artificial reefs in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Chapter 1 assessed reef food webs using stable isotopes from fishes, invertebrates, and primary producers across six reefs and two seasons. Mixing models showed that most fishes rely on benthic reef carbon, while suspension feeders consume plankton and sediment microphytobenthos. Isotopic niche analysis revealed functional diversity and seasonal shifts in δ¹³C and δ³⁴S, though …

The Effect Of The Markle Mill Dam Removal On The Habitat And Riverine Food Web Of Otter Creek, Jenna Blanton

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Across the United States, dam removals are increasing in frequency. Despite this, the effects of dam removal on freshwater food webs are under-studied. Most existing studies investigate the impacts on fish assemblages, and very few investigate the impact on diatom, crayfish, and turtle communities. Furthermore, low-head dams are more abundant than large hydropower dams, yet the impacts of their removal are less studied than their larger counterparts. I used a Before After Control Impact (BACI) study design to survey populations of benthic diatoms, riffle-dwelling crayfish, and aquatic turtles. Species richness, species evenness, and Shannon Diversity Index values were used to …

Pd Chlorin-Based Molecμlar Imaging Probes For Breast Cancer, Yoonjung Cho

Theses

Breast cancer (BrCa) is the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S. This highlights the necessity of developing effective therapeutic agents to aid in the treatment of BrCa. A promising new method of treatment is photodynamic therapy (PDT), a clinically approved therapeutic procedure that uses a porphyrin-based photosensitizer (PS) dye to kill cancer cells upon excitation with a light source. It has been observed that chelation of a metal ion into the porphyrin increases the therapeutic efficacy. We have developed a synthetic route incorporating the palladized analogue of the PS …

Advancing The Utility Of Unmanned Aerial Systems (Uas)-Based Imaging Techniques In Broadacre Agriculture: A Multimodal Case Study On Table Beets, Mohammad Shahriar Saif

Theses

Efficient and sustainable food production and management are growing concerns in the context of an ever-increasing global population. It is in this context that the integration of remote sensing with advanced imaging technologies presents transformative opportunities for data-driven decision-making in agriculture. This study therefore explores the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) equipped with multispectral, hyperspectral, and LiDAR sensors for the non-destructive monitoring of table beet (Beta vulgaris) crop traits, with a specific focus on root yield estimation and foliar disease assessment. Table beet, a subterranean crop of increasing commercial and nutritional importance, poses unique challenges for above-canopy sensing due …

Climate Drives Genetic Diversity Loss In American Pika (Ochotona Princeps) Populations In The Great Basin, Emily N. Kulig, Jane Van Gunst, Michael J. Hernandez, Yvonne Luong, Monica Villaseñor, Rachel S. Crowhurst, Clinton W. Epps, Jessica A.Castillo Vardaro

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

American pikas (Ochotona princeps) are small, thermally sensitive mammals that primarily live in montane and alpine environments. The Sierra Nevada lineage (O. p. schisticeps) has experienced numerous local extinctions, most of which occurred in hotter, drier regions such as the Great Basin. Few genetic studies have assessed these at-risk populations. This study aims to fill that gap by conducting fine-scale genetic analyses on populations in low-elevation Great Basin habitat in northwestern Nevada. Specifically, we: (i) quantified genetic diversity and structure among populations within O. p schisticeps, with particular focus on northwestern Nevada; and (ii) assessed the influence of primary productivity …

Supervised Machine-Based Learning And Computational Analysis To Reveal Unique Molecular Signatures Associated With Wound Healing And Fibrotic Outcomes To Lens Injury, Catherine Lalman, Kylie R. Stabler, Yimin Yang, Janice L Walker

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO), a frequent complication of cataract surgery, arises from dysregulated wound healing and fibrotic transformation of residual lens epithelial cells. While transcriptomic and machine learning (ML) approaches have elucidated fibrosis-related pathways in other tissues, the molecular divergence between regenerative and fibrotic outcomes in the lens remains unclear. Here, we used an ex vivo chick lens injury model to simulate post-surgical conditions, collecting RNA from lenses undergoing either regenerative wound healing or fibrosis between days 1–3 post-injury. Bulk RNA sequencing data were normalized, log-transformed, and subjected to univariate filtering prior to training LASSO, SVM, and RF ML models …

State Of The Climate In 2024: The Arctic, R. L. Thoman, T. A. Moon, M. L. Druckenmiller, Thomas G. Askjaer, Thomas J. Ballinger, Uma S. Bhatt, Logan T. Berner, Germar H. Bernhard, Siiri Bigalke, Jarle W. Bjerke, Multiple Additional Authors

Geography Faculty Publications and Presentations

The Arctic environment in 2024 continued on a trajectory that has put it in a state far different from that of the twentieth century. Ongoing accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continues to quickly warm the Arctic, resulting in rapid changes in the cryosphere that are driving cascading impacts to climate, ecological, and societal systems.

Rebounds Reconsidered: Exploring Perceived Causes And Consequences Of People's Beliefs About Rebound Relationships, Hunter Krampe

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Romantic breakups are common and can significantly impact emotional well-being. Many individuals enter rebound relationships despite the prevailing belief that these relationships are disingenuous or unhealthy. While limited empirical research exists, some studies suggest rebound relationships may have positive effects, contradicting common advice. This study examined perceptions of rebound relationships, assessing whether individuals who entered a new relationship shortly after a breakup (3 weeks) were perceived more negatively than those who waited longer (3 months). Using a 2x2 experimental design, participants rated targets on emotional state, personality traits, and expected relationship stability. Results indicated that rebounders were not perceived as …

Survey Of Aquatic Invasive Plants In Selected Umpqua National Forest Lakes And Ponds, Jacob Rose, Gabriel E. Campbell, Catherine De Rivera

Center for Lakes and Reservoirs Publications and Presentations

Seven lakes and ponds within the Umpqua National Forest were surveyed for aquatic invasive weeds during the summer of 2025. These survey results support the US Forest Service and collaborators’ preparations for an upcoming National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) effort to provide coverage for management actions. Center for Lakes and Reservoirs previously surveyed selections of these waterbodies in 2011 and 2009. For this survey, staff sampled 44-105 points per waterbody, and recorded species frequency, species proportion, and water depth. Surveyed waterbodies predominantly featured diverse native plant communities with 12 to 25 aquatic and emergent species. However, the invasive yellow floatingheart …

What's The Value Of A State? Accounting For The Ecosystem Services And Natural Capital Of Oregon, Kathryn Liebrecht

University Honors Theses

Ecosystem services are vital to human welfare and society, but often are overlooked when it comes to planning and setting policy. By neglecting to incorporate the benefits received from natural resources, policy makers may unknowingly be making decisions that harm the long term sustainability and use of these services. To highlight the importance of Oregon's ecosystems, the present study aims to provide a full accounting of the ecosystem services and natural capital of the state. Using data from the Institute for Natural Resources' updated Oregon statewide habitat map, Oregon's ecosystems were matched to biome categories from the Ecosystem Services Valuation …

Small Molecule Inhibitor 3i-1000 Dosed During Bouts Of Anoxia Increases Survivability Of Austrofundulus Limnaeus Embryos, Connor Kime

University Honors Theses

The annual killifish Austrofundulus limnaeus possesses exceptional tolerance to prolonged anoxia, offering a unique vertebrate model for investigating cardiac resilience and survival under metabolic stress. This study tested whether inhibition of the GATA4–NKX2-5 transcriptional axis with the small molecule 3i-1000 enhances post-anoxic survival. WS40 embryos were exposed to 50 µM 3i-1000 during anoxia and early aerobic recovery. Outcomes were assessed across two independent experimental cohorts. Treated embryos exhibited higher survivability during reoxygenation: in the October cohort, survival increased from 76.0% in vehicle controls (n = 25) to 91.7% in treated embryos (n = 24); in the November cohort, survival improved …

The Microrna Mir-30a Blocks Adipose Tissue Fibrosis Accumulation In Obesity, Pradip K Saha, Robert Sharp, Aaron R Cox, Rabie Habib, Michael J Bolt, Jessica B Felix, Claudia E Ramirez Bustamante, Xin Li, Sung Yun Jung, Kang Ho Kim, Kai Sun, Huaizhu Wu, Samuel Klein, Sean M Hartig

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

White adipose tissue (WAT) fibrosis occurring in obesity contributes to the inflammatory and metabolic comorbidities of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, yet the mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. Here, we report a role for the broadly conserved miRNA miR-30a as a regulator of WAT fibrosis and systemic glucose metabolism. Mice modified to express miR-30a at elevated levels in adipose tissues maintain insulin sensitivity coupled with reduced fatty liver disease when fed a high-fat diet. These effects were attributable to cell-autonomous functions of miR-30a that potently increase expression of adipocyte-specific genes. Proteomic screening revealed miR-30a limits profibrotic programs in subcutaneous …

Formation Of Inclusive Competence Of Future Special Education Teachers, Gulbanu Ashimkhanova, Akbota Autaeva, Anar Rakhmetova, Gulmira Tussupbekova, Kanat Sadykov

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: This study aims to explore the phenomenon of inclusive competence as an integral trait of today’s educators.

Methods: The scientific research involved surveying students from pedagogical universities as well as using methods of analysis and synthesis, generalization, systematization, comparison, and classification.

Results: The concept of inclusive competence is understood as the degree of skills and knowledge required to fulfil pedagogical responsibilities within an inclusive educational environment. Key elements of inclusive competence, such as cognitive, motivational, reflexive, and operational components, have been identified and have the following functions:

• · Cognitive elements enable teachers to develop a comprehensive understanding of pedagogical …

Institutional Betrayal And Military Vaccine Mandates: An Inquiry Into Loss Of Health Autonomy Concerning Unlimited Liability Contractual Employment In The Covid-19 Era, Aaron G. Dehaven

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The balance between government control and personal liberty is a growing concern in the modern world. Nowhere is this more evident than in discussions surrounding government policy in public health and individual health autonomy. The Covid-19 pandemic forced many institutions to change their standard operating procedures by adapting to rapidly changing health guidance instituted to protect public health. These changes highlighted the role of health autonomy and individuals’ rights to refuse medical treatments. The Department of Defense changed many aspects of how it operated during the pandemic, including the mandate of the Covid-19 vaccine for all service members. For various …

Inhibitor Development And Clinical Characteristics In Children With Severe Hemophilia A In The Athn 8 Us Cohort Study., Courtney D. Thornburg, H Marijke Van Den Berg, Martin Chandler, Lynn Malec, Matthew Manuel, Carrie O'Neill, Michael Recht, Elizabeth Taggart, Shannon L. Carpenter, American Thrombosis And Hemostasis Network (Athn) 8 Investigators Study Group

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Clotting factor concentrate (CFC), used to treat and prevent bleeding in hemophilia, is rendered ineffective if clotting factor neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) develop. Inhibitors occur most often in children, early in treatment. The American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network (ATHN) 8: US Cohort Study of Previously Untreated Patients (PUPs) with Congenital Hemophilia, conducted in children born in 2010 to 2020 with severe or moderate hemophilia, was designed to determine the percentage of participants who developed a confirmed, clinically significant inhibitor within the first 50 CFC exposure days (EDs). Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate risk factors for inhibitor development in …