Digital Commons Network^™

Characterization Of Multispecies Microbial Communities At Beef And Pork Processing Plants And Their Impact On Pathogen Stress Tolerance, Rong Wang, Sapna Chitlapilly Dass, Vignesh Palanisamy, You Zhou, Tatum Katz, Joseph M. Bosilevac

Nebraska Center for Biotechnology: Faculty and Staff Publications

Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica are major foodborne pathogens. Biofilm formation may potentially contribute to product contamination by these pathogens at meat processing facilities. Further, pathogen stress tolerance may vary significantly due to the interactions with the multispecies microbial community at meat plants, which may be affected by processing activity, animal species, and the local selective pressure caused by sanitization practices.

We characterized natural microorganisms collected from floor drains at various areas at three beef plants and two pork plants and analyzed their impact on pathogen sanitizer tolerance.

The pathogen strains were able to integrate efficiently into the multispecies …

Study Of Maternal And Fetal Outcomes In Pregnancy Complicated By Thyroid Disorders, Sindhu Kumari, Poornima M

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background:

Thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism, are common during pregnancy and can significantly impact both maternal and fetal outcomes. Despite advancements in screening and treatment, thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy often remains underdiagnosed, especially in low-resource settings. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, outcomes and effective management strategies of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy.

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of thyroid dysfunction, including both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, during pregnancy, and their associated maternal and fetal complications.

Methods: This prospective observational study included 281 pregnant women with thyroid disorders attending antenatal care at JSS Hospital, Mysuru, from August 2022 …

Semaglutide And The Evolving Landscape Of Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, Rohan Karkra

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

The FDA approved Semaglutide (Wegovy™) on August 15, 2025, for adults with MASLD and moderate to advanced fibrosis (F2–F3), making it the second approved therapy after Resmetirom. MASLD affects up to 38% of adults and is now the leading cause of liver disease. In the phase 3 ESSENCE trial, Semaglutide achieved resolution of steatohepatitis without worsening fibrosis in 62.9% versus 34.3% with placebo, with additional benefits in weight loss and glycemic control. While long-term data remain pending and access barriers exist, this approval marks a significant advance in MASLD therapy with meaningful histologic and metabolic improvements.

Archaeoparasitology Of The Colorado Plateau, Karl J. Reinhard, Morgana Caacho

Karl Reinhard Publications

Archaeoparasitology has been conducted in the Southwest for 57 years. In the first decade of the period, two pictures of parasitism emerged. Analysis of compressed organic sediments from a latrine at Elden Pueblo presented a spectrum of geohelminths not different from medieval Europe. These findings contrast pronouncedly with an analysis of coprolites from all other studies that show consistent pinworm parasitism at other sites in the Southwest. We summarize the paleoepidemiological bases for these contrasting phenomena.

Inpatient Dermatology Vignettes: Seborrheic Dermatitis, Garrett Furth, Henry Lim, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory disorder characterized by greasy scale, itching, and erythema. It commonly affects areas of the skin that have high sebum production or are sebaceous gland-rich, including the scalp, face, sternum, axilla, groin, and other skin folds. Seborrheic dermatitis can present in infants, adolescents, and adults, and is more common in men. The etiology is not fully understood, but contributing factors include presence of the yeast genus Malassezia, androgen levels, immunosuppression, family history, and stress or lack of sleep. Interestingly, those with neurological and psychiatric conditions, including Parkinsons Disease, spinal cord injury, epilepsy, and tardive dyskinesia, …

Perceived Risk Of Skin Cancer: Influence Of Family History, Age, Ethnicity, And Fitzpatrick Type, Henry Lim, Reem Ayoub, Rafael Do Valle, Kristina Kafle, Dana Olsen, Ysabelle Martinez, Christina Guo, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background: Skin cancer in the United States accounts for approximately 50% of new early cancer diagnoses. Despite this, many individuals underestimate their personal risk, leading to lower engagement in preventative behaviors. Several factors may influence an individual’s perceived risk, including family history, age, race, ethnicity, skin type, and gender. While some individuals recognize their increased susceptibility based on personal, familial, and cultural experiences, others may have a lower perceived risk due to misconceptions or limited awareness. This study examines how these demographic factors influence individuals' perceived risk of skin cancer. Methods: This study analyzed data from 333 individuals aged 19 …

Follicular Occlusion Syndrome: Diagnosis, Management, And Emerging Insights, Henry Lim, Reem Ayoub, Rafael Do Valle, Marshall Hall, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Follicular Occlusion Syndromes (FOS) are rare chronic relapsing skin disorders characterized by abnormal follicular hyperkeratinization, plugging, and inflammation. FOS are more commonly discussed as a ‘triad’ or ‘tetrad’ based on the patient’s clinical presentation. The triad includes hidradenitis suppurativa, acne conglobata, and dissecting cellulitis of the scalp. The tetrad in addition to the triad includes a history of pilonidal cysts. These disorders have a considerably negative effect on quality of life due to chronic pain, psychological distress, and body image concerns. Delayed or misdiagnosis can exacerbate patient outcomes, heightening the importance of timely identification and multidisciplinary treatment. We present two …

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Presenting As Alopecia Anxiety: A Case Report, Henry Lim, Paige Loux, Arianne Felicitas, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Garrett Furth, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) involves a preoccupation with a nonexistent or insignificant physical defect that causes clinically significant distress and impacts a patient's daily functioning. We present a case of a patient with body dysmorphia that manifested as anxiety about hair loss. Case Information: A 48-year-old otherwise healthy female presented to the dermatology clinic with the chief complaint of 8 months of hair loss. She had been seen previously by 2 other dermatologists. She brought 28 pages of paperwork to her first appointment detailing previous work-up, including four separate skin punch biopsies consistent with androgenetic, non-cicatricial (non-scarring) alopecia. Other …

Skin Color Cannot Be Confined To Six Categories: Comparing The Fitzpatrick Scale And Colorimetric Measures, Henry Lim, Kristina Kafle, Reem Ayoub, Dana Olsen, Ysabelle Martinez, Rafael Do Valle, Christina Guo, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen E. Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Purpose The Fitzpatrick Scale (FS), originally developed to dose photochemotherapy in Caucasian skin, has become widely adopted for skin color categorization. It originally included types I-IV, with types V-VI added later for darker skin. The FS was designed for UV radiation reactivity assessment. However, it is increasingly used as a proxy for objective skin color classification, despite being based on a subjective questionnaire. Individual Typology Angle (ITA), a validated colorimetric measurement, presents a potential alternative. Previous studies examining these classification systems have been limited by small sample sizes and uneven distribution across skin tones with subjects predominantly having lighter skin …

An Unusual Case Of Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis: Diagnostic Insights In The Absence Of Classic Systemic Symptoms, Henry Lim, Jonah Gutierrez, Rafael Do Valle, Reem Ayoub, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Garrett Furth, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Mastocytosis is a disorder characterized by an abnormal clonal accumulation and subsequent activation of mast cells within one or more organs. It is generally classified as either cutaneous, with or without systemic involvement, or systemic without cutaneous disease based on major and minor criterion. Indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) is a subclass of systemic mastocytosis with generally good prognosis. While the etiology of ISM is not completely understood, those who are affected typically have the KIT D816V mast cell receptor mutation. Given that ISM is mast cell mediated, patients predominantly present with a wide range of symptoms related to mast …

Current Trends In School Nursing For Diabetes & Dermatology, Ali Al-Nahi, Jeffrey Dickerson, Enith Espinosa Palmett, Shterna Frand, Garrett Furth, Matthew Gutzmer, Marshall Hall, Sana Khan, Shana-Kay Lambert-Johnson, Henry Lim, Kelly Mofor, Lakshmi Morla, Ali Nazim, Rui Zhang, Christian Scheufele, Zara Soomro, Michele Mccarroll, Taylor Pickering, Jasmine Silva, Brina Gonzalez, Devika Adusumilli, Sherri Morgan, Nischal Pokhrel

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background: School nurses are on the front lines of assessing, identifying and treating school-age children with a number of health complications. Implementing nursing services in schools has previously demonstrated improved medical care costs for students, less productivity loss for parents, and less productivity loss for teachers. As a result, nursing services in schools provide a cost-beneficial investment of public money, and warrant both financial support from policy makers as well as educational support from local healthcare services. Aim Statement: This quality improvement project addressed the targeted continuing education gap topics of Dermatology and Diabetes management in school age children. Methods: …

A Case Of Neutrophilic Dermatosis Of The Dorsal Hands With Post-Traumatic Onset, Marshall Hall, Kristina Kafle, Henry Lim, Christian Scheufele, Garrett Furth, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background Sweet Syndrome is an acute, febrile neutrophilic dermatosis that is characterized by painful red lesions, fever, and neutrophilia with histological findings of dermal neutrophilic infiltrate. Neutrophilic Dermatosis of the Dorsal Hands is a localized variant of Sweet Syndrome. Neutrophilic Dermatosis of the Dorsal Hands presents with focused lesions on the dorsal hands, most commonly between the index finger and thumb, typically with fewer systemic manifestations. This condition presents significant diagnostic challenges as it can mimic infectious processes, potentially leading to delayed appropriate treatment. Case Information A 64-year-old male presented to the emergency department with wounds on the bilateral hands. …

Investigating The Relationship Between Skin Color, Ethnicity, And The Fitzpatrick Skin Scale, Henry Lim, Dana Olsen, Reem Ayoub, Maria Francesca Ysabelle Martinez, Rafael Do Valle, Kristina Kafle, Christina Guo, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: The Fitzpatrick skin scale has long been used as a proxy for skin tone categorization. However, its initial creation was to classify reactivity of white skin to ultraviolet A radiation. A reported one-third of dermatologists conflate the Fitzpatrick skin scale for race and ethnicity. Approximately half of the dermatologists also reported utilizing the Fitzpatrick scale to describe skin color. The goal of this study was to compare the Fitzpatrick scale to skin color and ethnicity in a larger, cohort including the full spectrum of skin tones. Methods: Subjects completed a standardized questionnaire. The questionnaire encompassed subjective classification methods: self-reported …

A Case Of Biopsy-Proven Atopic Dermatitis Perpetuated By Psychosomatic Factors, Henry Lim, Jamie Y. Choe, Marshall Hall, Arianne Felicitas, Christian Scheufele, Garrett Furth, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Psychodermatology is an interdisciplinary branch of psychosomatic medicine that addresses interactions between the psyche and skin. Stress is often a key exacerbating factor and highlights the bidirectional relationship between psychological factors and skin disorders. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin condition affecting pediatric and adult populations with an estimated global prevalence of approximately 2.6%, or approximately 204 million people. AD classically presents with a red, scaly, pruritic rash. Here, we present a case of biopsy-proven AD induced by stress-associated behaviors related to patient-identified obsessive-compulsive habits. Case Presentation: A 61-year-old female presented for persistent itching and white discoloration in …

Molluscum Dermatitis In A Pediatric Patient, Garrett Furth, Olivia Mayer, Marshall Hall, Henry Lim, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing condition characterized by irritation, redness, inflammation, and itching of the skin. The cause of AD is theorized to be multifactorial, including genetic components, such as mutations in filaggrin, environmental exposures, and immune predisposition. AD often presents in childhood and adolescence, but can appear at any age. AD eruptions arise through various triggers, which commonly include soaps, detergents, fabrics, and cold or hot weather. Importantly, viral infections can also serve as a trigger, causing systemic inflammation via host defense mechanisms. Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a double-stranded DNA virus that classically manifests as small, dome-shaped, …

Clinical Evaluation And Management Of Terra Firma-Forme Dermatosis: Insights From Two Diverse Cases, Henry Lim, Rafael Do Valle, Reem Ayoub, Marshall Hall, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Terra Firma-Forme Dermatosis (TFFD), also known as Duncan’s dirty dermatosis is a benign, asymptomatic dermatologic condition characterized by well-demarcated brown patches to hyperkeratotic papules or plaques. It most commonly affects the neck, trunk, and face but can appear on other body regions. A key diagnostic feature is that these lesions persist despite routine washing with soap and water but can be removed by forcibly wiping the affected area with 70% isopropyl alcohol, revealing normal underlying skin. The exact etiology of TFFD remains unknown, though it is thought to involve abnormal keratinization or delayed desquamation. This condition is often underdiagnosed or …

Development And Validation Of An Accurate And Precise Skin Color Scale, Henry Lim, Christina Guo, Reem Ayoub, Rafael Do Valle, Kristina Kafle, Ysabelle Martinez, Dana Olsen, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Utilization of the Fitzpatrick scale to describe skin color does not adequately account for variations in pigmentation that are reflective of skin color characteristics of persons from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. This study aims to create a better way to describe skin color. Methods: We developed an 11-point color scale. This Skin Color Scale (SCS) was reproduced onto a physical card that could be placed onto a research participant’s inner arms for independent scale interpretation. Participants and two investigators selected the best matching scale interpretation value for each arm. Self-acquired and investigator assessed Fitzpatrick scores were taken. These …

Impact Of Team Power Disparity On Team Performance: The Role Of Team Power Legitimacy, Teamwork, And Team Power Distance, Yong Ren

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This study explores the mechanism by which team power disparity affects team efficacy, specifically analyzing the impact of team power disparity on team performance through a sequential mediating mechanism, which consists of team members’ perceptions of power legitimacy first and then team cooperation. Moreover, this study examined the boundary moderating role of team power distance in the impacts of team power disparity on team power legitimacy, as well as its subsequent impact on team cooperation and team performance. Through analyzing multi-timepoint data collected from 76 teams, the study found that team power disparity negatively affected team power legitimacy, thereby reducing …

How Can Chinese Culture Go Abroad? Evidence From Successful Establishment Of Chinese Academic Foreign Translation Projects, Tian Lan

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Compared to Chinese economy scale, the global understanding and recognition of Chinese culture are quite superficial, it is crucial to promote Chinese culture go abroad through academic exchanges between China and other countries. This study explores and validates the relationship and applicability of Chinese culture “Going Global” based on the translation project of Chinese academic works. Through case analysis and the development of data models, it aims to provide theoretical guidance and practical tools for relevant institutions and individuals.

The study begins with qualitative research on cases, describing and analyzing typical examples to demonstrate how Chinese Academic Translation (CAT) projects …

The Effect Of Human Resource Business Partners' Power On Business Managers' Work Outcomes: The Mediating Role Of Voice, Wei Liu

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

As a fundamental construct in social sciences, power is defined as an ability to influence others’ behavior to pursue one’s own interests, which affects the work outcomes of individuals within the organizations. The main purpose of Human Resource Business Partners (HRBPs) is to cooperate with business managers to achieve work outcomes, but in practice, HRBPs are often positioned differently in different organizations due to the lack of a precise definition of HRBPs, so their support to business managers is different. In-depth research on the power and influence of HRBPs can provide theoretical guidance for enhancing the internal work outcomes within …

Older People's Consumption Decisions On Technological Products From A Time Perspective, Xiaowei Huang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

The Silver Wave and the Technological Wave are leading social changes in the 21st century. Globally, aging populations have become increasingly dependent on technology. Smart health devices, smart home gadgets, and mental health tools can improve older adults' quality of life, enhance health management, and promote social interaction. Smart products, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), offer enhanced support for older adults, ranging from remote health monitoring to social companionship. The improvement in AI technology, in turn, expands the potential of technological products to address older consumers’ physical and emotional needs. However, most existing studies don't address deeper personality traits such as …

Integrating Lifestyle Medicine Into Undergraduate Nursing Education, Lyndsay Wright

DNP Research Projects

Abstract 

Objective: Lifestyle Medicine (LM) effectively addresses the lifestyle-related diseases that contribute most to global morbidity, mortality, and healthcare spending. However, nurses and nursing students struggle with maintaining healthy lifestyles themselves, with LM and health behavior change strategies insufficiently taught in nursing education. Method: A quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design examined the effects of an LM educational intervention on undergraduate nursing students’ knowledge of LM and intentions for health behavior change. Data were collected using demographic questions, an LM knowledge (LMK) questionnaire, the Lifestyle Medicine Assessment (LMA), and a modified Intention to Change Behavior Scale …

Uplifting Youth: An Adolescent Mental Health Promotion Intervention, Adriana Cornejo

DNP Research Projects

Abstract 

The Lift Project™ is an initiative that combines positive psychology and lifestyle medicine to promote mental health. This DNP project investigated the effectiveness of The Lift Project™ in enhancing mental health outcomes in adolescents for the first time. A quasi-experimental design was employed, with participants aged 12 to 17 who attended The Lift Project™ workshop over 10 weeks (n = 22; age M = 15.3 years, SD = 0.99; 68.2% female, 100% Hispanic). Quantitative mental health assessments measuring anxiety, depression, stress, vitality, emotional well-being, flourishing, and life satisfaction were administered pre- and post-intervention. Results revealed a 30% reduction …

The Fifth (202-195 Bce) And The Sixth (170-168 Bce) Syrian Wars In The Dead Sea Scrolls: Implications For Understanding The Origin Of The Maccabean Revolt, Kenneth Atkinson

Faculty Publications

The rulers of the Seleucid and the Ptolemaic Empires fought six wars for control of the region known as Coele-Syria during the third and the second centuries BCE. These conflicts weakened both powers, allowing them to be conquered by the Roman Republic. For the Jews of Judea, the Fifth Syrian War witnessed increased conflicts in the country among its high priests regarding the nature of Hellenistic reforms and how to deal with the Seleucid Empire. These difficulties continued and led to the Maccabean Revolt at the conclusion of the Sixth Syrian War, which would eventually culminate in Judean independence from …

The Impact Of Nutrition On Depressive And Anxiety Symptoms In Adults, Joseph P. Galabit

Graduate Research Projects

No abstract provided.

The Potential Of Vitamin D As An Adjunct Therapy For Eczema, Kimberly Hill

Graduate Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Congestion Mitigation For Foraging Robot Swarms Using Spiral Path Strategies, Arturo Gonzalez, Qi Lu

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Swarm robotics offers robust and scalable solutions for tasks such as foraging, but congestion near central collection zones remains a critical challenge, especially with increasing swarm sizes. Traditional solutions, such as static path planning or local repulsion-based methods, often fail to prevent interrobot collisions or bottlenecks near the collection zones. This research presents a comparative study of three strategies to mitigate congestion when returning resources to the central collection zone. The research herein focuses on tightly packed environments where, in theory, robots should follow a preplanned spiral, either ad-hoc, square, or circular, with congestion detection as described in the first …

Academic Libraries Addressing Health Literacy And Misinformation, Brynne Campbell Rice, Emily Petersen, Ian Roberts, Emily Vardell, Deborah Charbonneau

Himmelfarb Library Faculty Posters and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Addressing Anti-Black Racism In Library And Information Science Curriculum, Amber Matthews

STEMPS Faculty Publications

This paper explores the development of the graduate course Anti-Racism in Library and Information Science that was piloted at Western University in 2022 and 2023. The one-semester (13-week) course was designed with Black-led community organizations and students contributed to anti-racist information and memory work through experiential learning partnerships. The course used critical Library and Information Science (LIS) literature alongside Black Canadian scholarly perspectives that were grounded in anti-oppression and anti-racism frameworks. The course goals were for students to develop an understanding of how race and other structural inequities inform lived experiences and tools to support collaborative community-led projects. The LIS-tailored …

How District Administrators Further The Book Banning Agenda, Kim Reichenbach Krutka

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Book banning and censorship in school libraries remain a significant barrier to intellectual freedom. Drawing on ten years of experience as a Texas school librarian, this opinion article highlights how district policies and grievance procedures empower individuals to exclude books representing marginalized identities, particularly queer and Black experiences. Using Critical Race Theory (CRT), specifically the tenets of whiteness as property and counter storytelling, the article explains how these policies uphold white privilege and dominant narratives while silencing counter-stories that validate diverse student identities. The grievance process allows a single hearing officer to overturn committee decisions without transparent reasoning, often restricting …