Digital Commons Network^™

Risks Of Mercury Release From Disturbance Of Blue Carbon Ecosystems, Fan Zhang, Jingrou Hu, Ana Carolina Ruiz-Fernández, Christian J. Sanders, Xinxin Li, Ruotong Chen, Kunshan Bao, Bigyan Neupane, Aidah Baloch, Yanhui Zheng, Oscar Serrano

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs) function as dual repositories of organic carbon and legacy contaminants. While BCEs are recognized carbon sinks, their role as mercury (Hg) sinks and the risk of their conversion into sources due to human and climatic disturbances remain unexplored. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the drivers and risks of contaminant remobilization from threatened BCEs, with a primary focus on mercury. We explore how natural and human disturbances influence Hg storage, release, and bioavailability, while evaluating the risks posed to ecosystems and human health. Through a three-level meta-analysis, we show that physical disturbance remobilizes approximately 54% (95% …

Burden Of Disease In Us Patients With Skeletal Versus Muscular Or Pain Manifestations Of Hypophosphatasia: An Analysis From The Global Hpp Registry., Priya S. Kishnani, Steven Ing, Julie Hoover-Fong, J Carl Pallais, Angie Voskopoja, Shona Fang, William R Mowrey, Eric Rush, Kathryn Dahir

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a metabolic disorder characterized by deficient alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, defective mineralization of bones and teeth, and non-skeletal manifestations. We compared disease burden between patients with skeletal and non-skeletal manifestations.

METHODS: Data from US adults enrolled in the Global HPP Registry through July 2024 were analyzed to compare baseline characteristics, genetic testing results, functional outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes between participants with and without overt skeletal manifestations. Patients who had only dental manifestations were excluded.

RESULTS: Of 283 participants, 234 (82.7%) had skeletal manifestations (79.1% female; 89.3% White; median age 48.7 years) and 49 (17.3%) had only …

The Epidemiology Of Kidney And Urinary Tract Infections In Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease: Prevalence, Risk Factors And Association With Gfr Decline In The Chronic Kidney Disease In Children Study., Derek K. Ng, Andrea R. Molino, Siyao Zhang, Emily J. Stonebrook, Craig S. Wong, Pratyush Gyawali, Kimberly J. Reidy, Susan L. Furth, Bradley A. Warady, Jeffrey J. Fadrowski, Ckid Study Investigators

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract and kidney infections are potential complications in pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially among patients with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). We characterized the prevalence of self-reported infections from childhood through young adulthood; evaluated risk factors; and quantified the association with CKD progression.

METHODS: Infections in the past year were self-reported at annual Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) study visits. Age-specific infection prevalences were stratified by sex and CKD diagnoses (glomerular, non-glomerular non-CAKUT, CAKUT low-risk for infections, and three CAKUT high-risk categories: reflux nephropathy, obstructive uropathy, and other high-risk). Repeated measures logistic …

Streamlining Diagnosis Of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome: New Diagnostic Algorithm With Updated Criteria., Jeremy J. Pomeroy, Jesse Richards, Brooke Sweeney, Seema Kumar, Katie E. Queen, Joshua Zaritsky, Carl H. Cramer, Elias I. Traboulsi, Brittni A. Scruggs, Erica E. Davis, Ekaterina Keifer, Emma Mcgibbon, Timothy Ogden, Bendert De Graaf, Tonia Hymers, Elizabeth Forsythe, Philip Beales

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Considerable advances have been made in our understanding of Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS), particularly in its core clinical features and molecular genetics, warranting an update to the existing diagnostic criteria framework. Using a rigorous, evidence-based, and consensus-driven process, a multidisciplinary group of international experts and patient-led organizations developed an updated diagnostic algorithm. This algorithm provides practical, updated guidance for clinicians, including a pathway for accurately incorporating genetic findings into the diagnostic process. We recommend that a clinical diagnosis requires either 4 major criteria or 3 major and 2 minor criteria. Revised major criteria are retinal dystrophy, obesity (or overweight in individuals <  2 years old), congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract or chronic kidney disease, hypogonadism/genital anomalies, neurodevelopmental/neurocognitive manifestations, and postaxial polydactyly. The diagnosis can also be established with a positive genetic testing result in patients exhibiting ≥ 1 major criterion, provided that genetic findings should be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical presentation, age, family history, and overlap with related ciliopathies. These consensus criteria offer a simple algorithm incorporating updated definitions for major and minor criteria and genetic testing to support a timely and accurate diagnosis of patients with BBS, inform genetic counseling, and potentially facilitate earlier access to treatment. Trial Registration: CRIBBS Registry; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02329210.

Ceftaroline Pharmacokinetics On Ecmo, A Pediatric Case Report., Kathryn Pavia, Ashton Bellamy, Alaina Burns, Allison Scott, Ethan A. Poweleit

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: In-vitro studies suggest that patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may struggle to achieve therapeutic ceftaroline exposure to treat infections due to antibiotic sequestration within the ECMO oxygenator; however, there are no published data regarding ceftaroline concentrations from patients supported by ECMO.

PATIENT PRESENTATION: Here we present an analysis of ceftaroline pharmacokinetics in a 5-y-old patient supported on ECMO due to influenza-associated necrotizing pneumonia.

RESULTS: A total of nine concentrations were analyzed, including three concentrations prior to cannulation and six on ECMO. ECMO cannulation was associated with a relatively small change in the volume of distribution (0.17 L/kg to …

Faculty Authors & Achievers Bibliography 2026, Luke Vilelle

WRL: Faculty Authors & Achievers Bibliographies

The office of Academic Affairs and the Wyndham Robertson Library congratulate all Hollins faculty who published or presented creative or scholarly works from Fall 2024 - Fall 2026. These pages comprise a list of that work.

The Quest For Sacred Truth In A Secular Society What Is Fueling Gen Z’S Return To Faith And Church Attendance In America?, William W. Dornbush

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

This dissertation investigated the Critical Research Question: What are the key external factors influencing Generation Z’s internal quest for spiritual renewal? The study examined biblical, historical, and contemporary revival movements, including the Exodus, Pentecost, the Great Awakenings, the Jesus Movement, Charismatic Renewal, Brownsville, Toronto, and Asbury, to identify recurring patterns linking external pressures to spiritual awakening. Using a qualitative design, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with twelve Generation Z participants who experienced spiritual searching, renewal, or a deepened faith between 2020 and 2025, exploring how contemporary external pressures influence spiritual openness and transformation. The findings revealed six major themes: (1) …

Fall Seasonal Program

Bailey School of Music Concert Programs

A collection of programs from September through mid-November 2026.

The Paleoceanography Of The Jurassic Western Interior Seaway, Richard Reynolds, Rhodri Jerrett, Marc Davies, Uwe Balthasar, Gregory Price

Faculty of Science and Engineering Datasets

Supplimentry material for the paper: The Paleoceanography of the Jurassic Western Interior Seaway

Paleoenvironmental Fluctuations Across The Mid-Late Jurassic, Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, Richard Reynolds, Terry Poulton, Rhodri Jerrett, Marc Davies, Gregory Price

Faculty of Science and Engineering Datasets

Supplimentry material for the paper: Paleoenvironmental fluctuations across the Mid-Late Jurassic, Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin

Hydrothermal Bond Reordering Recorded In Jurassic Belemnites And Oysters From The Swift Formation, Montana, Usa, Richard Reynolds, Jessica Berry, Rhodri Jerrett, Marc Davies, Alina Marca, Richmal Paxton, Gregory Price

Faculty of Science and Engineering Datasets

Supplimentry material for the paper: Hydrothermal Bond Reordering Recorded in Jurassic Belemnites and Oysters from the Swift Formation, Montana, USA

Recognizing The Azygos Lobe: A Case Series Detailing Presentations And Clinical Implications, Salma Alkhatib, Diego Marin

Student Publications

Discovery of an azygos lobe is an infrequently encountered anomaly that can be recognized on chest imaging, occurring in approximately 1.2% of patients. The azygos lobe is formed from abnormal migration of the azygos vein, leading to the formation of an azygos fissure and corresponding azygos lobe. This variant is asymptomatic, however, it has clinical implications because of its ability to be mistaken as various pulmonary pathologies. Recognition of this rare finding is essential to prevent misdiagnosis, and to avoid complications during thoracic procedures such as vascular injury. This case series details 3 presentations of an incidental azygos lobe, identifying …

Numerically Evaluating The Effect Of Pin Geometries On Interlayer Material Mixing And Thermo-Mechanical Characteristics During Additive Friction Stir Deposition (Afsd), Numan Habib, Ana Vafadar, Ferdinando Guzzomi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD) is an additive manufacturing technique used to fabricate large-sized components layer-by-layer in a solid state, below the melting temperature. Poor interlayer mixing between subsequent layers results in a lack of mechanical interlocking, leading to low-strength components. The role of pin design plays a crucial role in fabricating high-strength components, requiring a comprehensive understanding of thermo-mechanical behaviour and flow pattern in the deposition zone. In this study, five different pin geometries are presented and investigated using a three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. A user-defined function (UDF) was used to calculate strain- and temperature-dependent viscosity. …

Barriers To Veterans Affairs (Va) Healthcare Utilization: Exploring The Underutilization Of Va Healthcare Services Among Rural, West Texas Veterans, Adam G. Rodgers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Rural veterans forgo Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare at disproportionate rates, and this study found that the primary barrier is not enrollment but utilization. Seven of the eight participants were already enrolled yet remained functionally outside the system. The purpose of this qualitative single-case study was to explore why rural West Texas veterans forgo and underutilize Veterans Health Administration (VHA) healthcare. Two research questions examined the perceptions contributing to that decision and the barriers preventing access. Andersen’s behavioral model of health services use provided the framework. Semistructured virtual interviews with eight rural West Texas veterans were analyzed using Braun …

Mutation-Based Multi-Agent Test Case Update, Dawei Tian, Jiakun Liu, Yun Peng, Yichen Zhang, Jianlei Chi, Jun Sun, Xiaohong Su

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Modern software systems evolve rapidly under CI/CD practices, where tests are critical for quality. However, substantial code changes often render existing test cases obsolete, causing pipeline disruptions, reduced productivity, and compromised quality. Recent automatic test update approaches leverage LLMs to refine test cases via execution feedback and exact-matching context retrieval, prioritizing executability and line coverage but suffering three limitations: (1) neglecting test assertion adequacy, weakening fault detection; (2) relying on coarse line coverage instead of specific uncovered lines/branches; (3) using exact-matching retrieval, which fails for LLM hallucinated queries. To address these, we propose MuMuTestUp, a mutation-guided multi-agent framework with three …

Adjunctive Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization After Surgical Evacuation Of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: An Updated Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Tallal M. Hashmi, Hafsa Arshad Azam Raja, Zain Tariq, Faizan Ahmed, Niraj Arora, Majid T. Aized, Adeel Saleemi, Ameer E. Hassan, Adnan Qureshi, Osama O. Zaidat

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) has emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH); however, the efficacy and safety of adjunctive MMAE compared with surgery alone remains uncertain.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception through June 2026. Randomized controlled trials comparing adjunctive MMAE plus surgical evacuation with surgical evacuation alone in patients with cSDH were included. The primary outcome was hematoma recurrence. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated using a random-effects model.

Results: A total of eight randomized controlled trials were included. The …

Rethinking Behavior - Fall 2026, Midwest Symposium For Leadership In Behavior Disorders

ReThinking Behavior Magazine

A magazine for professionals serving children and youth with behavioral needs.

Fall 2026, Volume 10, Issue 1

Learning Opportunities 2026/2027, Illinois Math And Science Academy

Course Catalogs

The graduation requirements of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy are established by the IMSA Board of Trustees. Each semester, students must take a minimum of five academic courses (2.5 credits) for a letter grade (not Pass/Fail), not including Fine Arts or Wellness courses. Students may enroll in a maximum of eight academic opportunities each semester, including academic courses, Fine Arts and Wellness courses, and Experiential programs. The College and Academic Counselor approves enrollment for students in all courses and experiences.

Swk 200: Introduction To Social Work Syllabus, Samantha Norris

Open Educational Resources

This Open Educational Resources (OER) syllabus was created for Introduction to Social Work (SWK 200) at the College of Staten Island, thanks to support from the CUNY Graduate Center’s Open Knowledge Fellowship.

The focus of SWK 200 is on introducing students to the profession of social work. This course examines the profession of social work, its value base, areas of practice, and societal role. Major social problems; philosophies of social welfare, provision, program and policy initiatives; and the response of social work as a profession are addressed. The obligation of professional social workers to promote social and economic justice on …

Intl 30800: Research Methods For International And Global Studies, Eliza Marks

Open Educational Resources

This syllabus was developed for INTL 30800: Research Methods in International and Global Studies at City College of New York (CCNY). This project-based course introduces International and Global Studies students to research methods, with a focus on how social scientists formulate questions, design and carry out research, and interpret evidence. The course is designated Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC).

Quantum Mechanics, Non-Locality, And The Space Discreteness Hypothesis, Wilson A. Zuniga-Galindo

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

The space discreteness hypothesis asserts that the nature of space at short distances is radically different from that at large distances. Based on the Bronstein inequality, here, we use a totally disconnected topological space X as a model for the physical space at short distances. However, we consider the time as a real variable. In this framework, the Dirac–von Neumann formalism can be used. This discreteness hypothesis implies that given two different points in space, there is no continuous curve (a world line) joining them. Consequently, this hypothesis is not compatible with the theory of relativity. We propose R×(R×X)3 as …

Study Of A Nonlinear Delayed Parabolic Model For Prion Disease Dynamics With The Unfolded Protein Response, Gangadhara Boregowda, Laurent Pujo-Menjouet, Zhaosheng Feng, Michael R. Lindstrom

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Prion diseases are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the dynamic spread of misfolded toxic proteins in the brain. In this process, the normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) produced by neurons misfolds into a toxic form known as scrapie prion protein (PrPSc). These misfolded proteins propagate through the brain by converting healthy prions into their toxic form. This biological mechanism can be modeled by a system of nonlinear parabolic partial differential equations, accompanied by a nonlinear delayed integral boundary condition. Our primary objective is to establish the existence of nonnegative classical solutions to this system. Furthermore, we derive a priori estimates for …

Richmond Law Magazine: Autumn 2026

Richmond Law Magazine

To Lead is to Empower

The House That Family Money Built

The Front Line of Virginia's Judicial Systen

Beyond Nutrients: Frass Fertilizer Legacy Effects For Sustainable Nematode Management In Potato–African Nightshade Rotation Systems, Emmanuel O. Anedo, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas K. Korir, Solveig Haukeland, Xavier Cheseto, Moses Nyongesa, Patrick Pwaipwai, Sevgan Subramanian, Abdou Tenkouano, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The utilization of insect frass fertilizer in crop production systems has recently gained significant global interest, but there has been limited evidence of its residual benefits in rotational cropping systems. The legacy effects of black soldier frass fertilizers (BSFFF), conventional organic fertilizer (SAFI), inorganic fertilizer (NPK), synthetic nematicide, and their combinations on potato cyst nematode (PCN) management under potato-African nightshade rotational farming systems were investigated. Eight treatments were evaluated: BSFFF, SAFI, chitin-fortified BSFFF (BSFFF+5chitin), NPK + nematicide, combination of BSFFF and NPK so that each supplies 50% of the nitrogen required by potato (50BSFFF+50NPK), combination of SAFI and NPK so …

Exploring The Significance Of Kenya's Indigenous And Emerging Blue Foods For Sustainable Aquaculture Development. A Review, Jonathan Munguti, Mavindu Muthoka, Domitila Kyule, Esther Magondu, Kevin Obiero, Jimmy Mboya, Menaga Meenakshisundaram, Tanga M. Chrysantus, Gerald Kwikiriza, Francis K. Njonge

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Kenya's aquaculture sector is at a pivotal stage, transitioning from a historical reliance on Nile tilapia and African catfish toward a more diversified production portfolio that integrates indigenous and emerging freshwater and marine species. This shift is increasingly recognized as essential to enhance climate resilience, food security, and ecosystem health. This systematic review synthesizes more than two decades (2000 to 31st January, 2026) of peer-reviewed literature to evaluate the biological suitability, culture performance, and socio-ecological roles of underutilized native taxa, including Ningu (Labeo victorianus), Jipe tilapia (Oreochromis jipe), freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium spp.), rabbitfish (Siganus sutor), marine-acclimatized Nile tilapia, mud crab …

Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Complications In Neonates With Kidney Failure., Shannon Reinert, Maanasa Yarlagadda, Alexander Bondoc, Donna Claes, Stefanie Riddle, Meredith P. Schuh

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Neonates with kidney failure require placement of a peritoneal dialysis catheter (PD-C) shortly after birth. PD-C malfunction and peritonitis, both common in this population, are associated with PD failure. The aim of this study was to describe our center's PD-C-related practices and outcomes in neonates with kidney failure.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of neonates who required kidney replacement therapy (KRT) within the first 30 days of life from 01/2018-12/2023. We evaluated for PD-C duration, PD-C replacement or revision, and peritonitis.

RESULTS: Twenty-four neonates had PD-C placed for chronic dialysis at a median of 9.7 days and …

Clinical Function Assignment Of Nat2 Alleles By The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium Pharmacogene Curation Expert Panel., Bailey M. Tibben, David W. Hein, Michelle Whirl-Carrillo, Andrea Gaedigk, Michael T. Eadon, Rodney F. Minchin, Sotiria Boukouvala, Adalberto Rezende Santos, Roseann S. Donnelly, José A G Agúndez, Kelly E. Caudle

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

NAT2 encodes arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2, a key enzyme in the phase II metabolism of arylamines and arylhydrazines. NAT2 is highly polymorphic, resulting in variable distributions of rapid and poor metabolizers across global populations. Here, we detail the process undertaken by the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) NAT2 Pharmacogene Curation Expert Panel (PCEP) to assign clinical function to NAT2 star (*) alleles using CPIC's standard terminology. Given the observed impact of NAT2 genetic variability on drug response, CPIC convened the NAT2-PCEP to standardize clinical allele function assignments. The NAT2-PCEP is comprised of multidisciplinary and international members, including researchers, clinicians, and implementers …

Algorithmic Oversight: Caremark's Fiduciary Framework Applied To Artificial Intelligence, Samar Singh

Political Science and International Relations: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Artificial intelligence now drives core corporate decision, such as loan approvals and hiring screens, yet corporate boards have largely treated its governance as a management-level policy questions rather than a fiduciary obligation. This paper argues that this framing is mistaken, using Delaware's Caremark doctrine, as refined by Marchand v. Barnhill, In re Boeing, and In re McDonald's. The relevant cases already impose an enforceable duty on boards to actively oversee mission algorithmic systems, and by applying Marchand's mission-critical standard, this paper demonstrates that AI performs core business functions that expose companies to anti-discrimination, consumer protection, and …

Fall 2026 Environmental Sciences Seminar Series, Morgan Crump, Morgan Crump

NRESS Seminars

U.S. national parks protect more than landscapes—they preserve natural soundscapes and dark night skies that are vital to ecological integrity and visitor experiences. This presentation highlights interdisciplinary research conducted with the National Park Service's Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division, including studies of artificial light at night, visitor use management, and the Listening Lab at the University of Vermont. Examples from parks across the U.S. demonstrate how science can inform practical conservation and visitor management.

The Echo: September 29, 2025, Taylor University

2025-2026 (Volume 113)

No abstract provided.