Digital Commons Network^™

People's Upr Written Record: Compiled By The International Human Rights Clinic At The University Of Illinois Chicago School Of Law And The Human Rights At Home Litigation Clinic At The Saint Louis University School Of Law, Sarah Dávila A., Lauren E. Bartlett

Faculty White Papers

This written record compiles the lived experiences of directly impacted persons. Directly impacted persons include people who have personally faced the conditions, policies, or practices documented in this written record in the United States and who have chosen to share their testimonies. The testimonies in this written record include those provided in-person, via video recording, which have been transcribed, or in writing. Testimonies are presented anonymously with ▊ sign as names and identifiable information has been redacted. Their accounts provide first-hand evidence of how these human rights issues operate in practice, offering essential context and depth that cannot be captured …

Targeting Oncogenes: Development And Characterization Of Aurka And Her2 Inhibitors, Itzel Montoya

Chemistry Theses

Targeted inhibition of oncogenes has remained a key strategy in the development of more potent, effective, and less toxic therapeutic anticancer agents. Among the most clinically significant signaling pathways are those mediated by the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) and Aurora Kinase A (AurKA). HER2 is a member of the ErbB receptor family that supports cell growth and proliferation through downstream signaling of the PI3K and MAPK pathways and is closely linked to more aggressive tumors and therapeutic resistance. AurKA is a protein kinase essential for mitotic spindle assembly, centrosome maturation, and other key processes in cell cycle …

Understanding P53 Regulation On Transposable Elements In Cancer, Xuan Qu

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Transposable elements (TEs), traditionally known as “jumping genes”, are known to have the ability to move in the genome and alter the activation of transcriptions from nearby genes. Taking up nearly half of the human genome, TEs have evolved, and some have been selected to play important roles in biological processes. We found that in human diseases such as cancer, global hypomethylation resurrects many ordinarily silenced TEs. These TEs can often serve as alternative promoters for oncogenes and play functionally meaningful roles in driving disease processes. One of the top genetic mutation status that correlates with differential numbers of TE …

Comparison Of Gene Up Regulation Between A Mouse Model Of Rop And Extremely Premature Newborns From Days 7 To 14 Of Life, Nitin Chouthai, Nikhlesh K. Singh

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Background: Severe ROP is linked to considerable morbidity in extremely premature newborns. To our knowledge, there are currently no early-phase biomarkers for ROP.

Objective: The objective of this retrospective study was to compare the retinal RNA expression in mouse pups exposed to oxygen-induced retinopathy with the blood RNA profile of extremely premature newborns during the first two weeks of life, specifically from days 7 to 14 of life.

Design/Methods: Bulk RNA transcriptome analysis was conducted using peripheral blood samples from 21 extremely preterm newborns who were born at less than 26 weeks’ gestation and were between 7 and 14 days …

Daily Eastern News: April 01, 2026, Eastern Illinois University

Daily Eastern News: 2025-2026

No abstract provided.

Habitat Preference Of Invasive Lionfish (Pterois Spp.) In The Gulf Of Mexico, River Barnett

Theses & ETDs

Lionfish (Pterois spp.) are an invasive species in the Gulf of Mexico that originated from the Indo-Pacific. They have no natural predators within this area and are known to prey on anything they can fit into their mouths, as well as having a high fecundity rate. This thesis investigated the habitat preferences of the invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) in the Gulf of Mexico, focusing on depth distribution and substrate preference. Specifically looking at quantifying depth-related patterns in lionfish abundance across shallow (< 20 m), intermediate (20–40 m), and mesophotic (>40 m) zones, assessing the influence of habitat structure, including artificial and natural habitats, on …

Introduction To The Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Affecting Row Crops In South Carolina, Jonathan K. Croft, G. Kyle Smith, Jay Crouch, William J. Hardy Iii, Shelby Hammond, John D. Mueller

Introductory Materials

Knowledge of the biology, host range, overwintering habits, damage thresholds, and life cycles of problem nematode species is necessary to optimize the design of effective management schemes. The following is a summary of the relevant facts for the important plant-parasitic nematode species affecting South Carolina row crops.

Efficacy Analysis In Clinical Trials: A Comprehensive Review Of Statistical And Machine Learning Approaches, Dhrubajyoti Ghosh, Samhita Pal

Faculty Articles

Efficacy testing is a cornerstone of clinical trials, ensuring that medical interventions achieve their intended therapeutic effects. Over the decades, a wide range of statistical methodologies have been developed to address the complexities of clinical trial data, including parametric, nonparametric, Bayesian, and machine learning approaches. Parametric methods, such as t-tests, ANOVA, and LMMs, have traditionally been the foundation of efficacy testing due to their efficiency under well-defined assumptions. Nonparametric techniques, including the Friedman test, Brunner-Munzel test, and modern extensions like nparLD, have emerged as robust alternatives, particularly for skewed, ordinal, or non-normal data. Bayesian methodologies have enabled the incorporation of …

Admissions Magazine Spring 2026, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Admissions Magazine

Altitude: Fueling the Future

• Flight Training Starts Here
• Opening Doors To Discovery, Access, and Opportunity
• Built for Pressure, Trained for Altitude
• Smarter Design, Stronger Performance
• Fueling the Future: Advancing Cryogenic Fuel Innovation for Safer, Smarter, Lunar Missions
• Planting the Seed for Smart Farming
• Out-Of-This-World Research in the Andes
• Inside a World of Science: Taking on Space, Systems, and Science
• Staying Ahead of the Herd: Student Innovation Reaches NASA
• Against the Current, Making History
• Transformative Technology
• Shadowing Success
• Where Passion Ignites Altitude: Embry-Riddle Rocket Team Overcomes Setbacks to Launch DENEB-2
• Cross Country to Crash Scenes: Running Toward Understanding
• Making an Impact: …

Testing The Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis On Anthropogenic Pressure In Central Alabama, Gavin Terrell

Theses

Biodiversity is fundamental to maintaining ecosystem structure and function globally. Prior to the late 20th century, ecological theory generally predicted that biodiversity would be highest in systems experiencing minimal disturbance. However, Joseph H. Connell challenged this view with the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH), which posits that species diversity peaks at intermediate levels of disturbance and declines under conditions of both low and high disturbance. Although widely cited, the applicability of the IDH to natural systems remains debated, particularly in the context of anthropogenic disturbances and when diversity is measured beyond species richness alone.

This study evaluated the predictions of the …

Assessing The Influence Of Temperature And Water Level On Gill Disease In Goldfish, Moses Elijah Cadawas, Emmalie Turner, Darlene Panvini

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Gill disease in fish is a strong biological indicator of water quality and environmental stress. These diseases are commonly caused by bacterial or parasitic infections that target gill tissues and can lead to severe physiological impairment and ultimately mortality. Several environmental factors, including water level and temperature, play a critical role in determining fish susceptibility to these infections. Changes in these conditions can act as stressors that weaken immune defenses and promote pathogen proliferation. This study aimed to evaluate the relative impact of environmental stressors on the development of gill-associated disease in Carassius auratus (goldfish) under controlled conditions. Following exposure …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonists On Glycemic Control And Cardiovascular Outcomes, Canna Malaikham

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have been evaluated for the treatment of both type 2 diabetes and obesity. The purpose of the literature review was to assess the clinical benefit and potential risk of GLP-1 receptor agonists by examining the mechanism(s) of action of drugs that utilize a variety of signaling pathways by activating receptors on specific cells. The literature reviews include: (a) Mechanistic studies of molecular signaling; (b) Pharmacokinetic analysis of the plasma concentration of drugs post-dosing; (c) Randomized controlled trials of drugs to evaluate their effectiveness; and (d) …

A Rubric-Based Evaluation Of Mote Marine Aquarium’S Curriculum, Alexis Williams

Theses & ETDs

Informal science institutions such as aquariums play a critical role in shaping students’ engagement with and understanding of scientific concepts, particularly outside traditional classroom settings. This study addresses a gap in existing research by examining curriculum design rather than solely student outcomes, focusing on middle school programs at Mote Marine Aquarium. A theory-aligned rubric grounded in the Four-Phased Model of Interest Development, intrinsic motivation, three-dimensional learning, and the Contextual Model of Learning was developed and applied to evaluate three lessons: Marine Ecology, Ocean Technology, and Marine Biomedical. The analysis assessed inquiry-based learning, real-world connections, reflection, collaboration, and support for interest …

Assessing The Role Of Fisheries In The Decline Of Seabird Populations Off The Coast Of Chile, Karen Robertson

Theses & ETDs

Seabirds have been in decline globally with an overall decrease of nearly 70% between 1950 and 2010 highlighting pressure on these systems. Seabirds are important due to the ecosystem functions and services they provide, nutrient transfer, population regulation, ecotourism attraction and overall indicators of ecosystem health. The coast of Chile is a leading area in productivity, resulting in high numbers of seabird species inhabiting its coastal areas. Additionally, it is a leading country in the fishing community, leading to an overlap between fisheries and seabird communities. While there are other threats such as invasive species and climate change contributing to …

Don't Go Near The Water: How Pfas Regulation In North Carolina Is Falling Drastically Short, And How Technology Can Bridge The Gap, Madison Kate Williams

North Carolina Journal of Law & Technology

No abstract provided.

Polyhydroxybutyrate (Phb) From Biofloc Systems Enhances The Growth And Immune Performance Of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia, Menaga Meenakshisundaram, Jimmy B. Mboya, Felix Sugantham

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

This study characterised polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)-producing bacteria from the culture water of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) in biofloc ponds and investigated the influence of PHB on the growth and immune performance of GIFT. Out of 40 bacterial isolates, Bacillus infantis, Exiguobacterium profundum, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus hirae showed positive results for PHB against fluorescent stains. The PHB yield in the range of 5%–95.45% (w/w) was recorded, with the highest from K. pneumoniae (95.45% w/w). The experimental treatments included a basal diet as a control (C), a basal diet with PHB (5 g kg⁻¹) from …

Agronomic Practices For Climate-Resilient Okra Production In Agroecological Systems: A Review, Samuel Mathu Ndungu, Lokeshwar Kesamreddy, Mathieu A.T. Ayenan, Stephen Othim, Siyabusa Mkuhlani, Yu Hsiang Liu, Amha Besufkad, Wubetu Bihon Legesse, Eric C. Legba, Judith Honfoga, Lukas Pawera

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Okra is increasingly recognized as a climate-resilient crop within diversified agroecological systems; however, an integrated synthesis of its biophysical, agronomic, and socioeconomic dimensions is lacking. This review consolidates the current knowledge on okra physiology, production ecology, and value chains, with a focus on climate resilience under heat, drought, salinity, pest, and disease pressures. Evidence across regions demonstrates that agroecological practices such as crop diversification, mulching, conservation tillage, integrated pest management, and the use of organic and biological inputs consistently improve soil health, stabilize yields under climatic stress, and reduce dependence on external inputs, although with trade-offs in labor demand and …

Postmarketing Safety Of Bimekizumab For Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Early Pharmacovigilance Analysis Using The United States Food And Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System, Simona A. Alomary, Nicole J. Baker, Temitayo Ogunleye, Susan C. Taylor

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

No abstract provided.

Book Review: The American Religious Landscape By Ryan Burge, Derek Maxson

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Viral Hepatitis As A Public Health Concern: A Review About The Situation In Iraq From 2021-2023, Muthanna Abdulkareem, Yousif Abdulraheem, Sahar Dhaher, Hussein Naji

Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Background: Viral hepatitis, caused by distinct viruses (Hepatitis AVirus , Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus , Hepatitis D Virus, Hepatitis E Virus, and Hepatitis G Virus), is a major public health concern. In Iraq, many cases remain asymptomatic or underdiagnosed, making the true burden difficult to assess. Highlighting its impact is essential for informed public health action.Objectives: To determine the pattern of viral hepatitis from all Iraqi governorates-through the period of study-from the first May 2021 to the 30th of April 2023.Methods:A retrospective study of people infected with viral hepatitis through the records available in the main Community Disease …

Music Listening While Studying And Academic Performance Among College Students With Attention Deficit And Hyperactivity Disorder, Raihan K. Khan, Md Towfiqul Alam, Madalynn Nofplot, Sojib Bin Zaman, Catherine L. Zaman

Faculty Scholarship

Evidence on whether music listening supports academic performance, particularly among students with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), remains mixed. We explored associations between music listening while studying and academic performance (GPA: grade point average) among college students, and to evaluate whether the associations differed by ADHD status. We analyzed cross-sectional survey data from college students and conducted linear regression models with self-reported GPA as the dependent variable. Models were adjusted for sex, academic level, college affiliation, primary study location, weekly study hours, and preferred genre of music. A total of 541 students participated. Most of the students were at …

Choice, Power, & Care: Crisis Pregnancy Centers And Reproductive Justice In Missouri, Sylvie Richards

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Senior Honors Papers

Crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) are religious organizations with the purpose to dissuade people from obtaining abortions. They often present themselves as authentic reproductive healthcare clinics through medicalized language, services such as ultrasounds and pregnancy tests, promises of information on all pregnancy options, staff dressed as medical professionals, and placement near family planning clinics. In reality, CPCs are medically unlicensed and often spread medical misinformation.

No study has yet focused on CPCs in Missouri, despite providing a critical case study. The state has minimal access to abortion and other components of comprehensive reproductive healthcare and one of the worst maternal mortality …

Synthesis And In Vitro Evaluation Of Potential Tuberculosis Antibiotics, Chloe Spradlin

Honors Projects

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health threat. The bacteria causing TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, has proven difficult to combat, as drug resistance (MDR-TB) continues to develop within the bacteria. Access to healthcare in developing countries complicates the treatment of TB and MDR-TB. The World Health Organization has declared TB a global health crisis and has called for the development of new therapies. Previously, we used AutoDock Vina software to design novel drugs targeting InhA, an enzyme involved in mycobacterial cell wall synthesis. This project focuses on synthesizing amino diphenyl amides (ADA) and screening them against Mycobacterium. The synthetic pathway enables …

The Effect Of Vibrotactile Sensory Input Devices On Improving Subjective Speech Perception For Those With Normal Hearing, Elizabeth Kalinowsky

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how vibrotactile sensory augmentation can improve speech understanding in adverse listening conditions for those with normal hearing by providing auditory speech cues. It aimed to investigate whether there is any value of AVT devices for those with normal hearing in adverse hearing situations, where understanding speech is difficult due to background noise, reverberation, or other factors. This research project is a preliminary case study involving one participant. Tympanometry and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) tests were conducted to verify that the participant did not appear to have hearing loss due to middle …

Fisheries Management Paper No.312: Discussion Paper On Management And Licensing Options For The Charter Industry - Statewide Strategic Review Of Western Australia’S Charter Fishing Sector, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Management Papers

This consultation paper has been prepared to support the statewide strategic review of Western Australia’s (WA) charter fishing sector, which was initiated as a government commitment.

The paper details issues and proposals relating to the management and licensing framework, development opportunities and representation model for the charter fishing industry. The proposals have been developed in consultation with the Charter Review Working Group. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) now seeks comment from relevant stakeholders on the issues and proposals outlined within this paper.

Comments provided will assist in providing advice and recommendations to the Minister for Fisheries …

Wright State University's Celebration Of Student Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities From Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Wright State University

Celebration of Undergraduate & Graduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities Materials

The student abstract booklet is a compilation of abstracts from students' oral and poster presentations at Wright State University's Celebration of Student Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities on April 1, 2026.

Simulation And Optimization Of The Active Magnetic Shield Of The N2edm Experiment, N. J. Ayres, G. Ban, G. Bison, K. Bodek, V. Bondar, T. Bouillaud, G. L. Caratsch, E. Chanel, W. Chen, C. Crawford, V. Czamler, C. B. Doorenbos, S. Emmeneger, S. K. Ermakov, M. Ferry, M. Fertl, A. Fratangelo, D. Galbinski, W. C. Griffith, Z. D. Grujic, K. Kirch, V. Kletzl, J. Krempel, B. Lauss, T. Lefort, A. Lejuez, K. Michielsen, J. Micko, P. Mullan, O. Naviliat-Cuncic, F. M. Piegsa

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

The n2EDM experiment at the Paul Scherrer Institute aims to conduct a high-sensitivity search for the electric dipole moment of the neutron. Magnetic stability and control are achieved through a combination of passive shielding, provided by a magnetically shielded room (MSR), and a surrounding active field compensation system by an Active Magnetic Shield (AMS). The AMS is a feedback-controlled system of eight coils spanned on an irregular grid, designed to provide magnetic stability to the enclosed volume by actively suppressing external magnetic disturbances. It can compensate static and variable magnetic fields up to ± 50 μT (homogeneous components) and ± …

Emotion Regulation As A Moderator Of The Association Between Stressful Life Events And Changes In Religiosity, Catharine Mann

Senior Theses

Previous research indicates that religion and spirituality can have a beneficial impact on the well-being of individuals, both promoting health and reducing poor mental and physical health outcomes. Religiosity often shifts across the lifespan, but some experiences can predict those changes. For example, stressful life events (SLEs; e.g., loss of a family member, serious illness) are often associated with a decrease in religiosity. Past research has shown that in adults, the experience of SLEs predicts less identification with previously held religious beliefs. This relation could be influenced by a number of factors, but many are likely related to the use …

Internal Waves, Wind, And Biogeochemistry At The Head Of The Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon, Marisol C. Figueroa

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Coastal submarine canyons are dynamic environments where internal waves, wind forcing, and complex bathymetry interact to regulate physical and biogeochemical variability. This study investigates how intra- and interannual variability in internal waves and upwelling-favorable winds influence cold-water mass intrusions and associated biogeochemical responses at the head of the Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon. Using a 2010--2021 time series of nearshore physical and chemical observations from the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories intake system, combined with local and offshore wind measurements, this work examines variability across seasonal to interannual timescales. Results show that semidiurnal M2 internal tides are the primary drivers of cold, …

Redbird Impact, Vol. 9, No. 1 (Spring 2026), Center For Civic Engagement, Illinois State University

Redbird Impact

No abstract provided.