Digital Commons Network^™

Reading "Particularized Worlds": Apocalypse, The Postsecular, And Postcritique In Toni Morrison's A Mercy, Eli Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

Toni Morrison’s 2008 novel A Mercy uses the concepts of world and apocalypse to explore a tension between individual perception (what Morrison calls “particularized worlds”) and larger social systems. In so doing, A Mercy reveals the nuanced networks of relationships that define worlds of belief and culture. By exploring its treatment of worlds and apocalypse and its attitudes toward the characters who experience them, this paper argues that Morisson’s work demonstrates a novel and timely readerly disposition, one that provides a more ethical approach to reading literature within the postcritical and postsecular landscape.

Library Newsletter Late April '25, Iwasaki Library

Iwasaki Newsletters

This Library newsletter reached staff, students, and faculty of Emerson College on April 18th, 2025

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis And Frontotemporal Dementia Mutation Reduces Endothelial Tdp-43 And Causes Blood-Brain Barrier Defects., Ashok Cheemala, Amy L Kimble, Emily N Burrage, Stephen B Helming, Jordan D Tyburski, Nathan K Leclair, Omar M Omar, Aamir Zuberi, Melissa Murphy, Evan R Jellison, Bo Reese, Xiangyou Hu, Cathleen Lutz, Riqiang Yan, Patrick A Murphy

Faculty Research 2025

Mutations in the TARDBP gene encoding TDP-43 protein are linked to loss of function in neurons and familial frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We recently identified reduced nuclear TDP-43 in capillary endothelial cells (ECs) of donors with ALS-FTD. Because blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability increases in ALS-FTD, we postulated that reduced nuclear TDP-43 in ECs might contribute. Here, we show that nuclear TDP-43 is reduced in ECs of mice with an ALS-FTD–associated mutation in TDP-43 (Tardbp^G348C) and that this leads to cell-autonomous loss of junctional complexes and BBB integrity. Targeted excision of TDP-43 in brain …

Synthesis, Characterization And Biological Activity Of New Ligand Derived From 4-(Dimethylamino) Benzaldehyde And Nano Copper Complex, Enass J. Waheed

Baghdad Science Journal

The general formula of new complexes [M₂(BDS)Cl₄] are resulting from the reaction of a new ligand [N1, N4- bis (1H- benzo [d] imidazol- 2- yl) -N1, N4 -bis(4-(dimethyl amino) benzyl) succinimide] (BDS) with metal ions M(II) = Cd, Co, Hg, Cu and Ni. This ligand was derived from the reaction of the three substances 4-(Dimethyl amino) benzaldehyde, 2-amino benzimidazole, and succinyl chloride. The compounds are characterized by FT-IR, NMR, UV-Vis and Mass spectroscopy. The serine protease SplB of Staphylococcus aureus and the A chain of Rhomboid-protease-GLPG of Escherichia coli were chosen to study the binding strength …

April 18, 2025 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Comparative Analysis Of Human And Drosophila Melanogaster Circadian Rhythms Using Dam Software, Maria Eduarda Couto Dourado, Alessia Zedde, Melissa Lehman, Kimberly D. Rowland

Student Publications and Presentations

This study aims to analyze human sleep patterns and compare them to Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) circadian rhythms using Drosophila Activity Monitoring (DAM) software. The primary objective is to determine the similarities between human and Drosophila sleep-wake cycles under controlled conditions. Human subject data will be collected through an anonymous survey assessing sleep duration, bedtime, wake-up time, mood variations, and lifestyle factors such as work schedule and caffeine intake. The collected data will be processed using DAM software to analyze human sleep-wake cycle patterns. To compare circadian rhythms, human-derived sleep patterns will be integrated into the DAM system to regulate …

Molecular Mechanism Establishing The Off Pathway In Vision, Florentina Soto, Chin-I Lin, Andrew Jo, Ssu-Yu Chou, Ellen G Harding, Philip A Ruzycki, Gail K Seabold, Ronald S Petralia, Daniel Kerschensteiner

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Parallel ON and OFF (positive- and negative-contrast) pathways fundamental to vision arise at the complex synapse of cone photoreceptors. Cone pedicles form spatially segregated functionally opposite connections with ON and OFF bipolar cells. Here, we discover that mammalian cones express LRFN2, a cell-adhesion molecule, which localizes to the pedicle base. LRFN2 stabilizes basal contacts between cone pedicles and OFF bipolar cell dendrites to guide pathway-specific partner choices, encompassing multiple cell types. In addition, LRFN2 trans-synaptically organizes glutamate receptor clusters, determining the contrast preferences of the OFF pathway. ON and OFF pathways converge in the inner retina to regulate bipolar cell …

A Silence After Slaughter-House: Nineteenth-Century State Constitutional Substantive Rights, Liberties, And Privileges, Charles W. "Rocky" Rhodes

Louisiana Law Review

No abstract provided.

Targeting Mtor In Myeloid Cells Prevents Infection-Associated Inflammation, Yohana C. Toner, Jazz Munitz, Geoffrey Prevot, Judit Morla-Folch, William Wang, Yuri Van Elsas, Bram Priem, Jeroen Deckers, Tom Anbergen, Thijs J. Beldman, Eliane E.S. Brechbühl, Muhammed D. Aksu, Athanasios Ziogas, Sebastian A. Sarlea, Mumin Ozturk, Zhenhua Zhang, Wenchao Li, Yang Li, Alexander Maier, Jessica C. Fernandes, Glenn A.O. Cremers, Bas Van Genabeek, Joost H.C.M. Kreijtz, Esther Lutgens, Niels P. Riksen, Henk M. Janssen, Serge H.M. Söntjens, Freek J.M. Hoeben

Physiology Faculty Publications

Infections, cancer, and trauma can cause life-threatening hyperinflammation. In the present study, using single-cell RNA sequencing of circulating immune cells, we found that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays a critical role in myeloid cell regulation in COVID-19 patients. Previously, we developed an mTOR-inhibiting nanobiologic (mTORi-nanobiologic) that efficiently targets myeloid cells and their progenitors in the bone marrow. In vitro, we demonstrated that mTORi-nanobiologics potently inhibit infection-associated inflammation in human primary immune cells. Next, we investigated the in vivo effect of mTORi-nanobiologics in mouse models of hyperinflammation and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Using ¹⁸F-FDG uptake and flow …

Green Grass And Sassafras: Finding Place In Middle Appalachia, Cody Austin Hester

Masters Theses

This paper is concerned with grounding poems about Middle Appalachia. The region more plainly focused is Southwest Virginia, where I have lived for 25 years. Through the collection of poems, it is apparent how the culture, history, and nature of Appalachia have informed my poems. My goal for the collection is for someone who has never been to Appalachia to see the beauty of the region and its people. For those who are from the region, I desire that they develop a deeper appreciation for our home.

The critical paper posits that the best way for someone to experience this …

Bridging Experience And Intention: The Mediating Role Of Outcome Expectations In Social Entrepreneurship Among Creative Economy Actors, Muhammad Iqbal Rezky, Janah Sojanah, Rasto Rasto

BISNIS & BIROKRASI: Jurnal Ilmu Administrasi dan Organisasi

This study explores the role of outcome expectations in mediating the influence of prior experience on social entrepreneurship intention in the creative economy sector of Indonesia. Despite the increasing interest in social entrepreneurship, research on the factors driving the intention to become a social entrepreneur remains scarce. This study employed the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) as a theoretical framework to investigate social entrepreneurship as a career choice, focusing on the influence of outcome expectations on social entrepreneurship intention. A quantitative explanatory survey was conducted with 290 creative economy actors in Bandung through questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Partial Least …

The Aesthetic Revolution In 20th-Century Classical Music And Its Perceptual Effects On Listeners: A Cognitive-Historical Perspective, Derek Lund

Student Publications and Presentations

Few musics rouse as much disdain and confusion as certain styles of Western classical music that arose in the middle of the 20th century. Derided as meaningless and ugly by some, and lauded as complex and liberatory by others, I aim in this paper to elucidate the effects of such music on the mind and why it is so controversial. I discuss the historical functions of music in enhancing social cohesion and facilitating affective offloading using perceptual models developed in the cognitive sciences. This is followed by a description of the 20th century revolution in musical aesthetics and the differences …

A Saddlebag Doctor Of The Mahantongo Valley Of Pennsylvania: The Life And Practice Of Reuben Harris Muth, M.D., 1826-1899, Lawrence K. Knorr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The life and medical practice of Reuben Harris Muth, M.D., a rural saddlebag doctor, is reconstructed from an extant set of physicians’ daybooks, chronicling his professional activity from 1858 until 1898, including patients seen and the fees charged. The daybooks also provided a modicum of hints at other activities in his life, including his farming business and the whereabouts of his wayward son. However, there were no personal letters or diaries available. Thus, other primary sources and local newspaper accounts were utilized to fill out the most likely details and actions of his life, approximating his movements, key decisions, and …

Revealing Roots: Examining The Intersection Of Trauma, Mental Health, And Bioecological Impact On Pentecostal Black Male Pastors, Dreama Delicia Cole

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe Pentecostal Black male pastors in their understanding of (or experiences with) trauma and mental health in the context of the inclusion of bioecological effects and any thoughts about the potential impact on their congregations in California. The chosen theories complement the lived experiences of these pastors. Based on the research questions, interview questions, and data analysis, the following themes and one subtheme emerged: Their Roots Tell a Story: Lived Experiences of Identity Formation and Early Trauma with subtheme Rejection: Lived Experience of Exclusion and Emotional Wounding, Revelation: Lived Experiences of …

Illuminating The Damascus Road Journey In Modern Times - Traveling The Road To Servanthood, Lilian Parico Cavaleri

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Servanthood focuses on serving and prioritizing others’ needs. Research shows that servanthood is associated with higher levels of employee engagement, job satisfaction, and performance, leading to improved individual spiritual well-being and team performance. Research also shows an upward trend within the last four years of companies sponsoring faith-based employee resource groups. However, there has been limited research on a servanthood model for a faith-based employee resource group in a global secular company. This Doctor of Ministry action research project conducted a groundbreaking case study and successfully developed a Bible-based servanthood model called the Seven Paths along the Road to Servanthood …

Encanto’S ‘Colombian’ Soundtrack: A Diffuse Charm Unveiled Through Analysis, Manuela Wanumen Jiménez

Student Publications and Presentations

In the imagination of non-Latin, or even Latin foreigners, Colombia is mostly stereotyped as a country of drug trafficking, dealers, and violence. Although it is a social and politically transversal problem that has violently affected the country for decades, national and international TV shows such as Pablo Escobar: El Patrón del Mal (Colombia, 2012) or Narcos (United States, 2015– 2017) have posed narco-cultura as an ideal; they have glorified the power and enrichment of drug production, turning it into a desired lifestyle. However, in 2020, Disney announced that its next animated movie, Encanto, would be set in Colombia, thus presenting …

Circadian Rhythm Analysis In Drosophila Melanogaster With Neurodegenerative Risk Factor, Elijah Oran, Kimberly D. Rowland

Student Publications and Presentations

A circadian rhythm is an organism’s natural clock regulating sleep-wake cycles. (Poe et al., 2023) Drosophila are useful for genetic and behavioral research because they have many homologous brain development genes. One of these homologous genes, the APOE-4 gene, is associated with dementia and poor recovery from brain injury in humans. (Study Reveals How APOE4 Gene May Increase Risk for Dementia, 2021) Here, we use fly genetics expression system and the Drosophila Activity Monitor (DAM) to look at sleep-wake cycles to understand whether they are affected by extra APOE-4. Previous research suggests they will have a modified circadian rhythm when …

Hooked On Sweetness: Testing Light Attraction In Planaria With Alternative Sweeteners, Logan-Marie Torry, Destiny Perez, Cassandra S. Korte

Student Publications and Presentations

Artificial sweeteners are a common additive to the human diet, with products like Splenda and Equal marketed as healthier alternatives to traditional sugars. These sweeteners that have been examined for their rewarding and withdrawal effects in planarian flatworms. Planaria are photophobic organisms that typically swim away from light. Previous research suggests that planaria can learn through conditioning when exposed to Splenda, Equal, and sucrose in both light and dark environments. This experiment differs as it seeks to test whether planaria can be conditioned to swim toward the light when exposed to alternative sweeteners such as Stevia and a Stevia-Splenda blend. …

Probiotic Promise Verses Reality: A Quantitative Analysis, Gabby Ramos Yarala, Cassandra S. Korte

Student Publications and Presentations

Understanding gut health isn't just about digestion, it's the key to unlocking mental clarity, immune efficiency, and long-term wellness. The gut microbiome consists of bacteria located in the gut. These bacteria assist with digestion, destroying harmful bacteria, and managing the immune system. Probiotics are live microorganisms found in food and drinks. Mainstream highly promoted probiotic products such as kombucha, drinkable probiotic yogurt, and apple cider vinegar were tested to determine which popular products would have the highest bacteria count. To measure these counts, a serial dilution method was used. The results suggest that drinkable probiotic yogurt had the highest probiotic …

From Sketches To Stereotypes: Understanding Criminality Through Student Illustrations, Sandra Sicurella, Simone Tuzza

The Qualitative Report

This study investigates the use of comics to challenge stereotypes about criminals, acknowledging the partial and sensationalized nature of cultural production. It examines how TV series, films, and news influence students’ perceptions. Using Art-Based Research (ABR), a creative and uncommon approach in criminology, the research adopts comics as a pedagogical and investigative tool. The study aims to empirically validate this method, contributing to the academic debate on creative techniques in social research. It tests the hypothesis that visual storytelling can reveal beliefs related to the criminal imaginary and stimulate critical reflection. Three workshops were conducted with university students (aged 20–25) …

The Renal Social Workers' Perspective: Attitude, Behaviors, And Barriers To Sexual Health Inclusion, Sapphira L. Blount Murray

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Sexual health, an important factor of perceived wellness and quality of life, is adversely impacted by renal disease and treatment. The social worker is uniquely positioned on the renal clinical care team to address sexual health. There is a dearth of literature on renal care and sexual health, and no national study on whether or how sexual health is being addressed in renal care planning by the social worker. This qualitative case study was aimed at exploring the attitudes, behaviors, and perceived barriers based on the lived experiences of renal social workers in incorporating sexual health assessments into routine renal …

Pp 535 Carlton Tc Llc V. Cosme

All Decisions

The landlord brought a motion for a preliminary injunction against the tenant and her co-occupant due to persistent nuisance behavior caused by their three pit bulls. The dogs had exhibited repeated aggression toward tenants, children, staff, and other pets, accompanied by threatening and abusive conduct from the owners. Despite a Notice to Cure and ongoing summary holdover proceedings, the tenant failed to act. The court found the landlord established a likelihood of success, irreparable harm, and a balance of equities in its favor. The dogs' behavior, coupled with the tenant's inaction, created a dangerous, intolerable environment. The court granted injunctive …

Rnase1-Driven Alk-Activation Is An Oncogenic Driver And Therapeutic Target In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Zhengyu Zha, Chunxiao Liu, Meisi Yan, Cong Chen, Cheng Yu, Yaohui Chen, Chenhao Zhou, Lu Li, Yi-Chuan Li, Hiro Yamaguchi, Leiguang Ye, Tong Liu, Ying-Nai Wang, Heng-Huan Lee, Wen-Hao Yang, Li-Chuan Chan, Baozhen Ke, Jennifer L Hsu, Lieming Ding, Dong Ji, Peng Pan, Yiran Meng, Yue Pu, Lunxu Liu, Mien-Chie Hung

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Targeted therapy has achieved significant success in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in patients harboring common oncogenic driver mutations such as EGFR, KRAS, and ALK rearrangement. However, ~35-50% of NSCLC patients without tyrosine kinase mutation or rearrangement (non-mutated) cannot benefit from these targeted treatments, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies for this patient population. In this study, we report a non-canonical role of human secretory ribonuclease 1 (RNase1), which binds to and activates wild-type ALK in lung cancer cells, thereby triggering its downstream signaling pathway. RNase1-driven ALK-activation (RDAA) cells exhibit enhanced cell proliferation, migration, …

A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Nazarene Compassionate Ministries' Holistic Model Of Education, Phillip Jason Dixon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to assess the effectiveness of the holistic model of Christian education in the development and preparedness of ministerial leadership roles as used by the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries’ child sponsorship program (NCMCSP) in Armenia, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and the Philippines. According to Moustakas (1994), transcendental phenomenology research seeks to understand human experiences (Moustakas, 1994). The participants in this study were delimited to graduates who experienced the NCMCSP from 2000 to 2020 and actively serving in ministerial leadership to assess their perceptions of the NCMCSP’s effectiveness in educating and preparing them for …

Simultaneous Determination Of Lisinopril And Amlodipine Using Third Derivative Spectroscopy, Hasan Aldewachi

Baghdad Science Journal

In the present investigation, the simultaneous determination of lisinopril and amlodipine in their pure forms and in pharmaceutical formulations were determined using third derivative spectrophotometry. The process is easy, precise, accurate, and economical. The medications in the combined formulation were analyzed using the zero-crossing point method. Lisinopril and amlodipine were discovered to have wavelengths of (204 and 240 nm) and (248 and 272 nm), respectively, in solvent medium in a concentration range of 5-45 μg mL^-1 for lisinopril and 5-40 μg mL^-1 for amlodipine. The results were much in line with the accepted methodology. Common tablet excipients showed …

Preparation And Characterization And Biological Activity Of New Complexes For Some Transition Elements With Schiff Bases Derived From One Antipyrine Substitute, Zeena U. Jasim, Amal M. Ali, Heba A. Mohammed, Maher A. Mohammed

Baghdad Science Journal

A group of divalent complexes was prepared in the formula [M(L)Cl₂] when M=Co⁺², Ni⁺², Cu⁺², Zn⁺², and Cd⁺² L= (Z)-4-((1-(H-indol-3-yl)ethylidene)amino)1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one. The Schiff base ligand is prepared by reacting 4-aminoantipyrine with 3-acetylindol. The prepared ligand and complexes were identified by elemental analysis, an infrared spectrometer, the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum, molar electrical conductivity, electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibility, atomic absorption of the elements, and biological efficiencies. The measurements showed that the synthesized ligand interacts with the central metal ion through the oxygen carbonyl group and nitrogen azomethine atoms, that the coordination …

Synthesis, Characterization And Study Of Thermal Properties Of New Silicone Polymers And Their Nanocomposites, Thikra A. Naif, Basma J. Ahmed

Baghdad Science Journal

This study aims to synthesize a new class of silicon polymers P₁-P₄ were synthesized based on dichlorodimethylsilane (DCDMS) with some organic compounds containing terminal hydroxyl groups were synthesized for the first time[M₁-M₄] via condensation polymerization .Also, their nanocomposites P′₁-P′₄ were prepared in the presence of 0.7% the silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using the solution casting method. The structures of all monomers and polymers were characterized by FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, which allowed to identify functional groups of monomers and silicone polymers. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test were …

Exploration Of The Separation Mechanism Of Flurbiprofen And Nimesulide Utilizing Rp-Hplc, Bashaer A. Al-Phalahy, Mustafa J. Mohammed

Baghdad Science Journal

This study aims to create an easy method for simultaneously measuring nimesulide and flurbiprofen in pharmaceutical formulations. This research provides insight into how variations in buffer concentration, pH levels, and acetonitrile content influence the separation mechanism of two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The retention time of two NSAIDs was increased with an increase of eluent pH value from 3 to 5.5. When acetonitrile content increased from 5 % to 50 %, the retention of two target drugs decreased, indicating hydrophobic and ionic interactions. The RP - HPLC system with UV detection accomplished separation (250×4.60 mm, 130Å , and 5) using …

Chaos And The Human Experience: An Intertextual Study Of Job, Qohelet, And Jonah, Andy Tse Chang

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Hermann Gunkel’s landmark work Schöpfung und Chaos was a pioneering work in biblical studies, largely in part because it highlighted the importance of considering the language, culture, and context of the broader Ancient Near East with regard to Old Testament imagery. While Gunkel’s claims that the Genesis 1 account of creation was borrowing from Ancient Near East myths is now largely rejected, still, the enduring value and legacy of Gunkel’s work is that biblical scholars see the importance of contextual studies in exegeting the Old Testament texts, as well as how to apply the material exegetically to the Old Testament. …

Responding To Leadership Change: A Qualitative Multi-Case Study Of Female Pastors And Their Congregations, Sharon Britz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative multi-case study was to explore the lived experiences of female senior pastors and their congregants who have embraced leadership change from male to female. Although many denominations openly accept and ordain female pastors, and the number of women in pastoral leadership roles has risen, many women in ministry still face obstacles. Guided by the theory of change, in conjunction with liberation theology, this study addressed a gap in research related to the experience of female pastors in ministerial leadership, as minimal similar studies exist, and no other studies within the Congregational Christian Church were found. …