Modeling The Impact Of Proton Irradiation On Photoluminescence Spectra Of Perovskite Solar Cells, Ming Lang Tseng, Nima Ghadiri

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

This study presents a comprehensive modeling approach to assess the impact of proton-irradiation on the photoluminescence (PL) response and current–voltage (JV) characteristics of CsMAFAPbI₃/P3HT-based perovskite solar cell validated against experimental data reported in literature. Proton irradiation generates displacement damage across the cell structure most critically within the perovskite bulk where the defect density increases approximately linearly with increased fluence and decreases for high proton energies due to reduced non-ionizing energy loss (NIEL) at higher energies. To capture the optical degradation behavior, Time-Resolved PL transient (TRPL) and PL spectra were modeled using a fluence- and energy-dependent Kohlrausch model (stretched-exponential) …

Regulatory Invisibility And Energy Poverty: Epc Exclusion, Traveller Mobile Homes And Ireland’S Low-Carbon Transition, Paul Lally, Ehiaze Ehimen, Mary Galvin, Ciara Ahern

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) systems play a central role in residential decarbonisation by determining how dwellings are assessed, benchmarked and made eligible for retrofit support. However, these systems are largely designed around conventional, permanent, site-built housing and can exclude non-standard dwelling types. This paper examines the exclusion of permanently occupied Traveller mobile homes from Ireland’s EPC framework and considers the implications for energy poverty, retrofit policy and energy justice. Using a critical narrative synthesis, the study integrates academic literature, statutory reports, policy documents and community-based evidence to trace the relationship between Traveller accommodation policy, regulatory classification and contemporary decarbonisation frameworks. …

Exploring The Prevalence Of Eating Disorders, Low Sex Drive, And Exercise Compulsion Among Professional And Non-Professional Elite Male Rugby Union Players, Gary Sweeney, Siobhain Mcardle, Danielle Logue, Nessan Costello, Kieran Collins

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Rugby union exhibits large variations in the idealised player physical profiles across positions. The pursuit of physique ideals with limited professional support can influence eating disorder symptomology, exercise compulsion, and low sexual drive. The primary aims were to (1) explore the prevalence of elite male rugby union players who are at risk for eating disorders, low sex drive, and exercise compulsion, and (2) explore the relationship between risk and players’ professional status, weight, age, and playing position. A secondary aim was to explore the nutritional service support and dietary monitoring practices experienced by the players. Participants were recruited from four …

An Analysis Of Diet Sustainability Among Different Dietary Patterns In The Portuguese Adult And Elderly Population, Mariana Rei, Áine Burke, Sadhbh O’Shea, Annemarie E. Bennett, John M. Kearney, Sara S.P. Rodrigues

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Purpose: Dietary patterns influence human and environmental health. Shifts toward convenience and ready-to-eat ultra-processed foods have contributed to the rising prevalence of malnutrition, chronic disease, and ecological harm. This study examined the associations between dietary patterns and diet sustainability among Portuguese adults. Methods: Data from 2287 individuals aged 18–84 years were obtained from the last National Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Survey (2015–2016). Three dietary patterns were identified based on food composition and processing: Traditional, Diet Concerns, and Unhealthy; while four dietary patterns were categorized according to food preparation location: At home by themselves, At home by relatives or friends, …

Physique Development And Management Shape Experiences Of Low Energy Availability Risk In Elite Professional Male Rugby Union Players, Gary Sweeney, Siobhain Mcardle, Nessan Costello, Kieran Collins

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

This study aimed to explore elite male rugby union players’ perceptions and lived experiences of physique development and management in relation to low energy availability risk. Semi-structured interviews (29 ± 8 min) were conducted with 18 players (senior: n = 9; academy: n = 9; mean age: 23 ± 3) across four professional rugby union clubs in Ireland. Through reflexive thematic analysis, the following themes were constructed. Players had limited awareness of low energy availability, yet described experiences consistent with symptoms, including fatigue, low mood and reduced libido. A pervasive physique culture, characterised by body composition ‘ideals’ and weight or …

From Platelets To Particles: Optimizing Extracellular Vesicle Isolation In A National Blood Centre, Y. Chintala, A. Waters, F. Mcgrath, A. Lorusso, C. Wynne, S. Meaney

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Background and Objectives: Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (PEVs) are submicron, membrane-bound particles released upon platelet activation, with a recognized role in haemostasis, inflammation and immunoregulation. PEVs remain insufficiently characterized in blood products. This study compared four isolation methods to evaluate their impact on PEV yield, purity and characteristics, aiming to identify a practical approach for transfusion service workflows. Materials and Methods: PEVs were isolated from expired single-donor aphaeresis platelet concentrates (n = 12) using methods based on different isolation principles: ultracentrifugation (UC), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), mixed size/charge separation (hybrid) and an affinity-based spin column method (affinity). Size, number and biochemical …

Understanding The Epigenetic Landscape Of Barrett's Esophagus And Esophageal Cancer: A Review Of Current Findings, Caveats And Future Directions, Louise Lawless, Trevor Doherty, Carla Surlis, Niamh Gilmartin, Therese M. Murphy

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Esophageal cancer (OC) is currently the eighth most common form of cancer worldwide with a 5-year survival rate of 10%–20%, with the primary risk factor of esophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) being the development of Barrett's Esophagus (BO). Despite its clinical significance, the molecular pathogenesis underlying both BO and OC is not well understood. In recent years, epigenetic dysregulation, particularly aberrant DNA methylation, has emerged as a critical area of investigation, given its potential utility in the identification of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers. This review examines the evolving epigenetic landscape of esophageal cancer, including a focus on its origins in BO …

Technical Skills And Their Roles In Agribusiness Supply Chain Management Education, Ryan Loy, Logan L. Britton, F. Bailey Norwood

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

The integration of advanced technical skills and supply chain management (SCM) tools is critical for the evolving demands of agribusiness. This study identifies the technical competencies, software proficiencies, and educational strategies essential for preparing students to excel in modern SCM roles. Through semi-structured interviews with 26 SCM professionals across US agribusiness sectors, the study highlights the demand for expertise in tools such as SAP, Power BI, and SQL alongside capabilities in data-driven decision-making and adaptability. Despite theoretical preparation, graduates often lack practical experience with industry-standard technologies, underscoring a gap in academic curricula. The findings suggest that agribusiness programs should emphasize …

From Reactionary To Anticipatory Integrated Action: Novel Environmental Health Surveillance For Mass Gatherings, Benjamin J. Ryan, Michael Donahoo, Danielle Esler, Paul Barach, Benjamin Coghlan, Shelby Garner, Laura M. Langan, John Piispanen, Bryan W. Brooks

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

Advances in AI-driven analytics, human-in-the loop techniques, and wastewater monitoring provide the foundation needed to shift from reactive to anticipatory actions for mass gatherings. Traditional surveillance systems focus on clinical and laboratory-based notification pathways, which often result in tardy actions being implemented. Thus, traditional surveillance is becoming outdated. Mass gatherings pose heightened public health risks and hazards, including trauma; injury and substance misuse; deliberate poisoning; and infectious diseases such as food and waterborne illnesses, sexually transmitted infections, and respiratory diseases. There is also a heightened concern due to reduced vaccination coverage. As a result, future international events such as the …

Personality Assessment Inventory Profiles In Adults Seeking Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment, Emily Kinsey

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The current study aimed to examine differences in interpersonal functioning and response validity among adults presenting for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment compared to those seeking services for other clinical concerns. The study used archival data from 238 client files collected in an outpatient clinical setting. Interpersonal functioning was assessed using the Dominance (DOM), Warmth (WRM), and Nonsupport (NON) subscales of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey, 1991). Response validity was evaluated using the Negative Impression Management (NIM) and Positive Impression Management (PIM) scales. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed no significant group differences across DOM, WRM, and NON …

Parent And Family Engagement In Middle Schools: A Qualitative Exploration Of Parent Perspectives And Student Success In West Tennessee, Angela Y. Searcy

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Parent and family engagement in middle school has been demonstrated to increase students' academic achievement; however, barriers often prevent parental participation. This study focused on parents' and teachers' perceptions of the parents' role in the educational process and sought to answer research questions about parents' perceptions, parents as equal partners in the educational process, and barriers to parental participation. A qualitative research design was used for the study. Teachers and parents from a middle school in West Tennessee participated in interviews to generate data used in this study. Teachers and parents identified common themes affecting the parent-school partnership, including …

Barriers To Mental Healthcare Among Men, Adrienne White

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Men are consistently less likely than women to seek professional mental health services despite experiencing significant rates of depression and psychological distress. Traditional masculine norms and depression-related stigma have been proposed as major contributors to this disparity. The present study examined the relationships among depression stigma, conformity to masculine norms, depression severity, perceived barriers to care, and attitudes toward seeking professional mental health treatment among adult men with current or past depression. Seventy participants completed measures of depression severity (PHQ-9), conformity to masculine norms (CMNI-30), depression stigma (DSS), attitudes toward help seeking (MHSAS), and perceived barriers to care (BMHS). Contrary …

Tuberculosis Presenting As Multiple Pulmonary Nodules Mimicking Malignancy, Abdel Martinez Borrego, Fatimah Bello, Brandon Cantazaro, Luisa Montoya, Frank Mediola

School of Medicine Publications

Multiple pulmonary nodules often raise concern for metastatic malignancy; however, the differential diagnosis is broad and includes infectious, inflammatory, granulomatous, vascular, and benign etiologies. Tuberculosis (TB), although uncommon, can present with multiple nodules that closely mimic metastatic disease on advanced imaging, requiring careful clinicoradiologic and microbiologic correlation. We describe a woman in her 50s who presented with dyspnea and new-onset heart failure, in whom imaging revealed mediastinal lymphadenopathy and bilateral pulmonary nodules concerning for malignancy. Evaluation was limited by concurrent COVID-19 infection, and CT-guided biopsy demonstrated necrotizing granulomas without evidence of malignancy or infection. She later re-presented with fever and …

Pediatric Both Bone Fracture Leading To Median Nerve Entrapment: A Case Report, Joshua Lyndon Dale, Frank Gerold

School of Medicine Publications

Introduction: Both-bone forearm fractures are common in pediatric patients and most often result from a fall onto an outstretched hand. Although rare, nerve entrapments, particularly of the median nerve, can occur, especially following closed reduction.

Case report: We present the case of a 13-year-old male who sustained a both-bone forearm fracture while on vacation in Mexico. The injury was managed with closed reduction and casting. Despite appropriate treatment, the patient developed progressive numbness, tingling, and thenar atrophy in the median nerve distribution. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies confirmed significant median nerve dysfunction. Surgical exploration revealed the median nerve entrapped in …

Computational And Ai Literacy: Lessons Learned From Computer Science Education, Sharin Jacob, Yenda Prado, Quinn Burke

Journal of Computer Science Integration

This conceptual paper explores the intersection of computational thinking (CT) and artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, proposing a framework integrating AI literacy into existing computational literacy models. We argue that computational thinking (CT) skills form the foundation for AI literacy, and that lessons learned from decades of computer science (CS) education research can ably guide the development of AI literacy instruction for a wide range of  students and within integrative contexts. Drawing on Kafai and Proctor's (2022) conceptualization of computational literacy, as well as encompassing cognitive, situated, and critical dimensions, we extend their framework to advance our understanding of AI literacy. …

Hyena: An Observing System Simulation Experiment For Hypothetical Energetic Neutral Atom Imagers, Joel Tibbetts, Amy Keesee, Matina Gkioulidou, Robert Demajistre, Viacheslav Merkin

Faculty Publications

Mesoscale plasma sheet flows are widely understood to be a critical component of the overall picture of energy, particle, and magnetic flux transport during periods of geomagnetic activity. Without simultaneous measurements with true global coverage, the short lifetime (~10 min) and localized spatial extents (~1–3 R_E in azimuth) of these structures make obtaining a global picture of their contributions to stormtime magnetosphere dynamics difficult to characterize. Energetic neutral atom (ENA) imaging can enable remote mapping of plasma energization in the magnetosphere; however, its line-of-sight integrated nature, coupled with the challenging-to-characterize attributes of the target physical phenomena, means that numerous …

Examining Reproductive Equity In The Post-Roe United States, Yali Pang, Anna Grace Causey, Nakeina E. Douglas-Glenn, Research Institute For Social Equity Rise

Research Institute for Social Equity

Four years after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, state-level variation in reproductive rights policy is associated with substantial geographic inequities in access to abortion and reproductive health care across the United States. The adoption of restrictive or protective reproductive rights policies is closely tied to legislative control, underscoring the political drivers of reproductive inequity. The evidence suggests that advancing reproductive equity will require coordinated national, state, and local response to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, reduce economic barriers, and establish durable legislative protections for reproductive rights.

Beyond Income Deprivation: Assessing The Compounding Impacts Of Fixed Costs And Broadband Equity On Food Security, Aemro Worku, Morgan Woodle Phd, Nakeina E. Douglas-Glenn, Research Institute For Social Equity Rise

Research Institute for Social Equity

Nearly 47 million people in the United States, including 14 million children, are considered food insecure by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These nutritional deficiencies are often considered problems of uniform economic hardships. Analyzing 50-state data, this report reveals two distinct structural challenges: financial cash flow and physical geography. First, absolute food insecurity is driven by high costs of living, fueled by housing rent burdens, and is mitigated by strong broadband internet access that connects families to benefits. Second, physical access to healthy food shows no independent relationship with household budgets; rather, it is a problem of corporate grocery placement …

Connecting The Dots - Recognition Of Artificial And Natural Shapes Relies On Representing Points Of High Information, Gunnar Schmidtmann, Nicholas Baker, Kevin J. Lande, Filipp Schmidt

School of Health Professions

Physiological and psychophysical evidence suggests that the visual system represents object outlines using prominent curvature features, particularly regions of extreme curvature (convex maxima and concave minima). These curvature extrema often coincide with points of high informational content (“surprisal”), but this relationship is only correlational. It remains unclear whether the visual system explicitly encodes curvature extrema or instead prioritizes the most informative contour locations. To address this, we conducted two shape-matching experiments comparing the roles of curvature extrema and surprisal in shape representation. Observers performed match-to-sample tasks in which smooth reference shapes were matched to simplified polygonal versions created by connecting …

Automatic Teeth Segmentation In Panoramic Radiographs Using Attention U-Net, Shehabeldin Mohamed Saber Prof.Dr.

Dentistry

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the Attention U-Net architecture for teeth segmentation in panoramic dental images. By exploring the potential of Attention U-Net, the study aims to contribute to the development of more precise and automated dental imaging analysis, which could enhance diagnosis, treatment planning, and computer-aided dental systems. Subjects and methods: The TUFTS University dataset consisting of 1000 de-identified panoramic radiographs was used for training and testing an Attention U-Net architecture with 10-fold cross-validation. These scores surpass those of all other networks implemented on the same dataset. using a newly available benchmark …

Effect Of Caries Removal Techniques On Micro-Tensile Bond Strength Of Cad/Cam Composite Blocks To Dentine (In-Vitro Study), Hend Sayed Ahmed, Mohamed Fouad Haridy, Hoda Fouda, Basma Khalifa, Youssef M. Haridy

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Laser Versus Fluoride Varnish In Management Of Dentine Hypersensitivity In Non-Carious Lesions: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Hend Sayed Ahmed, Mohamed Fouad Haridy, Hoda Fouda, Amr Adham Shalaby, Youssef M. Haridy

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Different Packing Protocols On Fracture Resistance Of Maxillary Premolars Restored With Bioactive Composite, Hend Sayed Ahmed, Mohamed Haridy, Hoda Fouda, Alaa Elgembri

Dentistry

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to verify effect of different packing protocols on fracture resistance of

maxillary premolar teeth with standardized mesioocclusodistal (MOD) preparations restored with bioactive composite.

Materials and Methods: Seventy sound maxillary premolar teeth with standardized MOD cavities were randomly

allocated to seven groups (n=10): G1 (control): sound teeth; G2: unrestored MOD preparation; G3: was filled by an

incremental technique with nanohybrid resin composite (Beautifil II LS, Shofu); G4: was filled in bulk with flowable

composite (Beautifil Bulk Flowable, Shofu); G5: bulk filled with nanohybrid composite (Beautifil Bulk, Shofu); G6: was

restored by increment …

Clinical Feasibility Of An Artificial Intelligence- Assisted Digital Workflow For Full-Arch Implant Rehabilitation: A Multicenter Case Series, Dalia Ghalwash, Marco Tallarico, Mohamed El Ashry, Carlotta Cacciò, Mohamad Qaddomi

Dentistry

Fully digital workflows are increasingly used in implant prosthodontics; however, completely edentulous full-arch rehabilitations remain challenging because implant position transfer and passive framework fit are susceptible to cumulative scanning and registration errors. Clinical evidence on artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted completearch implant impression workflows remains limited. This multicenter case series aimed to describe the clinical feasibility of an AI-assisted digital workflow (SmartX) combined with extended scan bodies for all-on-X full-arch implant-supported rehabilitations. Ten completely edentulous patients rehabilitated with all-on-X implant-supported fullarch prostheses were included. Digital impressions were obtained using SmartFlag scan bodies and an AI-assisted SmartX workflow with an intraoral scanner. The …

Chia Seed Extract As A Potential Adjunct In The Management Of Oral Candidiasis: An In Vitro Study, Dalia Ghalwash, Rawda Sayed, Ahmed Ammar, Eman Khalil

Dentistry

ABSTRACT Background Oral candidiasis remains a common opportunistic fungal infection, with increasing interest in natural antifungal alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of Salvia hispanica (chia) seed extract against oral Candida albicans, compare its efficacy with nystatin, assess their combined effect, and investigate cytotoxicity on WI-38 human fibroblast cells. Methods Antifungal activity was evaluated using broth microdilution and agar well diffusion assays, with nystatin oral suspension used as a positive control. Cytotoxicity of chia seed extract was assessed on WI-38 human fibroblast cells using the MTT assay. Results Chia seed extract demonstrated notable antifungal activity, with a …

When Drug Repurposing Backfires: Antagonistic Effects Of Ivermectin On Cisplatin Therapy In Oral Cancer, Dalia Ghalwash, Rana Tantawy, Shereen Nader, Ayman Elgawish

Dentistry

Abstract

Background

Cisplatin (CIS) remains the gold standard chemotherapeutic agent for the management of oral cancer. However, its clinical efficacy is frequently limited by chemoresistance and dose-dependent toxicities. Ivermectin (IVM), a well-established antiparasitic agent with emerging anticancer properties, has been proposed as a potential adjuvant capable of enhancing the antitumor efficacy of CIS.

Methods

In vitro experiments were conducted on HN9 oral squamous cell carcinoma cells, while OEC normal epithelial cells served as control. The experimental evaluation comprised the MTT assay for cell viability, Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining for apoptosis detection, cell cycle distribution analysis, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) …

Active Synchronous Participation In Online University Courses: Areview, María Dolores Rueda Montero

Capítulos de libros

This work explores the nature of synchronous active participation in online university education, focusing on its pedagogical value, challenges, and effective design strategies. While asynchronous learning dominates online higher education due to flexibility, the literature consistently highlights its limitations in engagement, motivation, and social connection. Synchronous active participation can compensate for these constraints by fostering social presence, sustained attention, and real-time interaction, especially when it is intentionally designed and facilitated. This study examines key themes such as webcam use, multimodal participation, community building, instructional design, and instructor digital competence. Findings show that non-use of cameras often reflects privacy, anxiety, or …

Mending The Broken Heart: Applying Selective Spiritual Practices To Navigate The Grief Process At Reeder Memorial Baptist Church Charlotte, North Carolina, Kathryn A. Bonapart

Doctor of Ministry Projects

This Doctor of Ministry capstone examined how guiding congregants through intentional spiritual disciplines can foster grief healing at Reeder Memorial Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC. Many members face grief related to death, illness, relational loss, or communal trauma. The project integrated the biblical narrative of Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–46) with group practices such as prayer, silence, solitude, lament, and journaling. Quantitative pre- and post-surveys and qualitative data from journals, field notes, and interviews revealed growth in emotional awareness, spiritual endurance, consistent grief practices, deeper faith during mourning, greater awareness of God’s presence in suffering, and stronger community connections.  The …

Framing Home: Extending Beyond The Threshold, Kaitlin R. Kirsch

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

This thesis body of work inspects the changes in the artist’s relationship to domesticity and their perceived sense of control over the spaces they have called home. By creating and embellishing spaces that subvert the threshold between the physical and psychic, the works stimulate feelings of comfort or discomfort. Installations of found materials, mixed media, and text-based dark humor, come together to account for this artist’s attempt to navigate the tediousness of daily life. The work takes into consideration the intangible rules that infiltrate a household, defining the framework in which a person learns to live within, or adapt to, …

Understanding Realities And Assembling Futures: Open-Source Hardware As A Concept, Movement, And Community, Anastaia Ackom Antwi, Antonia Anaya, Samuel Duah Boadu, Nano Castro, Pablo Credmades, Brianna Johns, Sarah Hutton, Jessica Nguema, Lee Wilkins

Open Educational Resources: Textbooks

Chapter 23 of Open Movements: Recognizing Challenges and Building Connections edited by Abbey K. Elder, Shannon M. Smith, and Bryan Ricupero

Book Abstract

At their core, open movements exhibit a set of shared values centering public access and broad representation. These values and the practices they inform work to prevent the concentration of power, especially as it relates to information and its monetization. Despite these shared values, general discussions about openness have broken off over the last few decades to bring closer attention to more focused topics like open science, open data, open access, and other movements within Open. This …