Digital Commons Network^™

Kidney-Targeted Mrna Nanoparticles: Exploration Of The Mrna Loading Capacity Of A Polymeric Mesoscale Platform Employing Various Classes Of Excipients, Arantxa Roach

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Mesoscale nanoparticles (MNPs) for the therapeutic relief of renal ailments can be modulated to deliver various payloads – including biomolecules such as mRNA. In preparing mRNA loaded-MNPs, we observed a point of saturation for mRNA loading of these particles, when aiming to increase the payload per particle. Here, we aimed to circumvent this limitation by incorporating various excipients that interact with mRNA for increased loading. These interactions involved the reduction of mRNA electrostatic repulsion and improving mRNA stability during formulation and release. Thereafter, we tested the encapsulation efficiency of these modified particles and compared it to our original formulation. Further, …

Judges As Lawyers, Deirdre M. Smith

Faculty Publications

The integrity of the American legal system and, thereby, of our democracy rests on the shoulders of the judiciary. It is widely understood that the roles of jurist and advocate are incompatible and that the fairness and legitimacy of our court systems require maintaining clear boundaries between those roles. Accordingly, an essential feature of every state’s judicial conduct code is a prohibition on the practice of law by judges. However, many states have carved out exceptions to this prohibition to allow part-time judges sitting in low-level trial courts to supplement their modest judicial compensation by practicing law. The rationale for …

The Art Of Nfts: Copyright, Contracts, And The Fallacy Of Ownership, Christine S. Davik

Faculty Publications

With cryptocurrency Bitcoin’s prices continuing to hit record highs, overall public interest in NFTs will likely increase significantly as it ordinarily has in the past. But before purchasing an NFT, it is important that consumers understand exactly what they are buying. Many assume their purchase will include the associated art that is shown in the individual NFT marketplace listing, whether it be a CryptoKitty, a Bored Ape, or a single video clip from an NBA game. However, in reality, most buyers are getting little more than a few lines of code on the blockchain. What explains these misconceptions, especially when …

The Social, Mental, And Physical Health Impacts Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On People With Hiv: Protocol Of An Observational International Multisite Study, Yvette P. Cuca, Christine Horvat, Inge Corless, Craig Phillips, Álvaro José Sierra-Perez, Solymar Solís Báez, Emilia Iwu, Motshedisi Sabone, Mercy Tshilidzi Mulaudzi, Sheila Shaibu

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world, immunocompromised individuals such as people with HIV (PWH) may have faced a disproportionate impact on their health and HIV outcomes, both from COVID-19 and from the strategies enacted to contain it. Based on the SPIRIT guidelines, we describe the protocol for an international multisite observational study being conducted by The International Nursing Network for HIV Research, with the Coordinating Center based at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing. Site Principal Investigators implement a standardized protocol to recruit PWH to complete the study online or in-person. Questions address demographics; …

Teaching “Mistrust”, Sarah J. Schendel, Sam E. Bourgeois

Minnesota Journal of Law & Inequality

No abstract provided.

New York State Climate Impacts Assessment: 04 Buildings, Nicholas B. Rajkovich, Carrie Brown, Ilya Azaroff, Erik Backus, Shannon Clarke, Jared Enriquez, Bethany Greenaway, Meghan T. Holtan, Jamal Lewis, Ozgem Ornektekin, Laurie Schoeman

Publications and Research

New York State has nearly 5.3 million buildings, and all of them are vulnerable in some way to the impacts of climate change. Understanding these impacts is critical, because risks to buildings not only threaten individual lives but also pose threats to community-level resilience. This chapter examines the impacts of climate change on buildings and, by extension, the people and communities they shelter and support. It also highlights building types and populations that are at particular risk and presents adaptation strategies to protect the state’s existing and future building stock from climate impacts.

Maintenance As A Core Value Recommendations For Increasing Gender Equity On Digital Scholarship Teams, Amanda Koziura, Stephanie Becker

Library Faculty Research

As two female librarians who have worked in digital scholarship at research institutions, we have observed how patriarchal gender norms can influence the way teams operate and the toxic impact they have on librarians. In this chapter, we will identify points of impact and suggest a feminist approach, which relies on maintenance and care, to further equity in the subfield of digital scholarship within academic libraries.

Martin Sostre – Enemy Of The State, Laura Molik

Minnesota Journal of Law & Inequality

No abstract provided.

A Phenomenological Exploration Of Intracommunity Attitudinal And Experiential Barriers To The Utilization Of Psychotherapeutic Services In Bipoc Populations, Jade Turner

Calvert Undergraduate Research Awards

This study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore the role that intracommunity attitudes and beliefs and negative mental healthcare experiences play in determining treatment-seeking behavior in BIPOC communities. Through in-depth semistructured interviews, five participants shared their perspectives and experiences, providing rich and nuanced insight into the subjective landscape of mental healthcare avoidance among racial and ethnic minority populations. The analysis revealed five overarching themes (pray it away, isolated and invisible, fear, perceived importance of racial matching, and therapeutic experiences profoundly impact treatment-seeking) shedding light on the nuanced ways in which BIPOC individuals make sense of and navigate mental health within …

Unlv Title Iii Aanapisi & Mcnair Scholars Institute Research Journal 2024, Jesica Godinez-Paredes, Kian Hassankhan, Apia Hickman, Robin Ruth Kee, Kevin Ayala Pineda, Briana Melendez, Kalli Ramos, Saturn L. Reyes, Fabian Leija, Selena Pepe, Silva Topchyan, Celeste Ainsley, Mayra Arzate, Jessica Balistreri, Zantana Ephrem, Mirella Jasso, Karl Panou, Nichole Pelaez, Miklo Alcala, Akshay Dave, Mey Mey Heng, Michael Finkle, Janessa Montenegro, Reynafe Naol Aniga, Victor Mejia, Angelica G. Diaz, Anayeli Flores-Garibay, Kari Lee Joe Goold, Samantha Hernandez, Lianelys Cabrera Martinez, Caitlin Reynolds, Kimberly N. Usbeck, Abdulrahman Alahdal, Angelica Diaz, Willaine Mae Kahano, Raquel Jackson, Cecia Ruiz-Hernandez, Kers Ung-Watson, Yessenia Henriquez, Vanessa Marie Booth, Alexia Brown, Darlyn Magana, Bianca Navarro, Nicholas Pereira, Gia Renemae Calip, Lucky Heng, Ralph Sagun, Lucas Abreu, Alexandra Maria Acosta, Tristan Benally, Cosset Hernandez Pena, Adrian Montenegro, Cierra Paaaina-Daquioag, Nicole Torosian, Tracy Fuentes, Julissa Martinez, Medina Mcallister, Michal Newhouse-Van Vlerin, Tiria Carr, Nima Abkenar, Isabella Aceituno, Yuhan Bi, Victoria Campos, Melika Cummings, Zachary J. Johnigan, Alexis Sotolongo-Marin

McNair Journal

Journal articles based on research conducted by undergraduate students in the AANAPISI, LSAMP, and McNair Scholars Program.

Table of Contents

About AANAPISI

Dr. Chris Heavey, Interim President

Dr. Keith Rogers, Vice President for Student Affairs

Ms. Zhanna Aronov, Associate Vice President for Retention & Outreach

Optimizing Partnership Impact: Prioritizing High-Quality Social-Emotional Learning In A Sports Enrichment Out-Of-School Time Program, Julie Thompson Goldstein

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Research demonstrates that out-of school time (OST) programs featuring physical activity positively impact students' social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies, including self-regulation and collaboration skills. However, financial barriers prevent low-income students access to OST and sports opportunities. Grant-funded OST partnerships seeking to improve student well-being, emotional safety, and connection need ways to measure their value. A systems view indicates that OSTs play an interactive role within a school's complex system. Guided by the Improvement Science Framework, this Dissertation-in-Practice aimed to strengthen the SEL quality of 2-4-1 TOP Self Sports, a physical literacy-informed sports enrichment OST program serving primarily elementary school students. Using …

Welcoming All: Closing Racial Gaps In School Connectedness, Ashley T. Sherman

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This mixed-methods improvement science dissertation in practice (ISDiP) explores the problem of racial gaps in school connectedness at a small suburban elementary school, where Black students report the lowest rates of connection. School connectedness is a crucial predictor of academic and social-emotional success. An exploration of scholarly and professional practice identified restorative practices coaching as a high-yield strategy to close this gap. Restorative practices is a framework of proactive and responsive practices aimed at building community and repairing harm when it occurs. Six fourth- and fifth-grade teachers participated in bi-weekly coaching sessions and classroom observations of circles, a fundamental element …

Mental Health Impacts Of Covid-19 On U.S. Young Adults: A Thematic Analysis Of Depression, Anxiety, And Ptsd Experiences, Carol Meza, Viridiana Ortiz, Pedro Hernandez

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

This study explores the yet-to-be-fully-realized effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, particularly focusing on young adults between the ages of 18-39 years of age living in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing a thematic content analysis, the study seeks to deepen our understanding of the impact of this novel virus on mental well-being, filling a gap in limited existing research. The theoretical framework in this study is the Disaster Response Cycle or the Disaster Response and Recovery Cycle, and it outlines the different phases that individuals and communities may experience during and after a disaster. The …

Predicting Diabetes Disease Occurrence Using Logistic Regression: An Early Detection Approach, Ahmad Shaker Abdalrada, Ali Fahem Neamah, Hayder Murad

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

Diabetes disease is prevalent worldwide, and predicting its progression is crucial. Several model have been proposed to predict such disease. Those models only determine the disease label, leaving the likelihood of developing the disease unclear. Proposinga model for predicting the progression of disease becomes essential. Therefore, this article proposes a logistic regression model to anticipate the likelihood of Diabetes syndrome incidence. The model exploit capabilities of logistic regression by using sigmoid function. The model's performance was evaluated using the Pima Indians Diabetes dataset and demonstrated high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The prediction accuracy rate was 77.6%, with a sensitivity of …

A Review Of Textmining Techniques: Trends, And Applications In Various Domains, Hiba J. Aleqabie, Mais Saad Sfoq, Rand Abdulwahid Albeer, Enaam Hadi Abd

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

Text mining, a subfield of natural language processing (NLP), has received considerable attention in recent years due to its ability to extract valuable insights from large volumes of unstructured textual data. This review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the applicability of text mining techniques across various domains and industries. The reviewstarts off with a dialogue of the basic ideas and methodologies that are concerned with textual content mining together with preprocessing, feature extraction, and machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, this survey highlights the challenges faced at some stage in implementing textual content mining strategies. Additionally, the review explores emerging …

Improvement Of Network Reliability By Hybridization Of Thepenalty Technique Based On Metaheuristic Algorithms

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

In this study, a network created by converting the Petri net into a network for shutdown system, by calculatinga network’s nonlinear reliability polynomial by splitting the network into two, each having a source node and anterminal node. This the procedure converts the system into two parallel-series block diagrams that are connected ina series. The metaheuristic algorithm using the honey badger algorithm (HBA) and Dwarf Mongoose OptimizationAlgorithm (DMO) have been used to improve the problem for the shutdown network hybridizing these algorithmsemploying the penalty method, we will obtained the (PFMHBA, PFMDMO) algorithms. Thereafter, we comparedthe results of the use of the …

Integrating Artificial Intelligence In Public Relations And Media: A Bibliometric Analysis Of Emerging Trends And Influences, Akhmed Kaleel, Mohammed Shukri Alomari

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in public relations and media is an emerging interdisciplinary research domain warranting greater attention. This study presents the first bibliometric analysis of recent literature at the nexus of AI, public relations, and media. Publications from 2018-2023 were retrieved from Scopus and analyzed touncover productivity, impact, collaborations, and topics. Results showed rising annual outputs with over 2000 articles published in 2021, confirming intensifying research activity. Recent publications also demonstrated higher citation impact, indicating their contemporary influence. Prolific authors were predominantly China-based, while the US led overall production. China, Western nations, and India dominated but opportunities exist …

Applications For The Groups , Where Prime Upper Than 9, Lemya Abd Alameer Hadi, Mahmood S. Fiadh, Niran Sabah Jasim, Jabbar Abed Eleiwy

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

The problem of finding the cyclic decomposition (c.d.) for the groups ), where prime upper than 9 is determined in this work. Also, we compute the Artin characters (A.ch.) and Artin indicator (A.ind.) for the same groups, we obtain that after computingthe conjugacy classes, cyclic subgroups, the ordinary character table (o.ch.ta.) and the rational valued character table for each group.

0544a New Ridge-Type Estimator For The Gamma Regression Model, Zakariya Yahya Algamal, Ahmed Maher Salih, Mundher Abdullah Khaleel

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

When there is collinearity among the regressors in gamma regression models, we present a new two-parameter ridge estimator in this study. We look into the new estimator's mean squared error characteristics. Additionally, we offer several theorems to contrast the new estimators with the current ones. To compare the estimatorsunder various collinearity designs in terms of mean squared error, we run a Monte Carlo simulation analysis. We also offer a real data application to demonstrate the usefulness of the new estimator. The results from simulations and actual data reveal thatthe proposed estimator is superior to competing estimators.

Power Of One: The Journey Of An Asian Undocumented Student, F. Michelle Bringas

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

While little research has been conducted on Asian undocumented students in higher education, it was the powerful story of an Asian undocumented high school student, Tereza Lee, that inspired Senator Richard Durbin to co-author immigration legislation known as the 2001 DREAM Act. Tereza’s story represents an important counter-story to what many perceive as the dominant narrative and a widely-held misconception that issues of undocumented immigrants and undocumented students only affect Latinos. The purpose of this study is to include Tereza’s narrative as a solution to the problem of its exclusion in higher education. Asian critical race theory centers the voices …

Magnetometer-Less State-Estimation Of A Mobile Robot Using Cascaded Kalman Filters, Tommy Le

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Localization, or state-estimation algorithms, are one of the most important aspects inthe development of autonomous mobile robots. Typical localization requires an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) along with an external reference, such as GPS (Global Positioning System) for outdoor applications. In indoor applications, the GPS data is not accessible so many mobile robot implementations turn to magnetometers to provide additional pose information. However, in the context of miniaturizing robotic systems, magnetometers are not always reliable due to their proximity to motors and other electronics, causing magnetic distortion and in turn, incorrect pose information. To address this issue, this thesis proposes a …

Minor Parties In America: National Failure, Some Localized Success, Eman J. Mohammad

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Leaning primarily on Duverger's Law, which credits minor party votes as wasted momentum, current research on institutional obstacles to minor party voting largely overlooks the influence of constituency size. This research reexamines the electoral hindrances that minor parties face when competing against the two dominant political parties. Specifically, I hypothesize there is a negative relationship between constituency size and minor party vote share. This thesis adopts an institutional approach to explain the success of minor parties in constituencies of varying size. In the empirical models, I will control for minor party organizational strength, state ballot access laws and whether states …

The Impact Of Political Content Consumption From Tiktok On Civic Engagement And Online Political Participation Among Gen Zs - A Case Study In Cambodia, Menghieng Ngov

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Background: TikTok has grown as the foremost platform for short-form videos in Cambodia, widely recognized for its entertainment and showing activities like dancing and singing. This study aims to explore the amount of political and civic content on TikTok, produced by general users, news outlets, or politicians, and examine its influence on Generation Z's online political participation and civic engagement. This research investigates how exposure to those contents affects these Gen Zs, specifically addressing two main questions: (1) "How does TikTok influence Gen Z's understanding and engagement in political and civic topics in Cambodia?" (2) “How does the level of …

A Qualitative Study Investigating Instructors’ Post Pandemic Teaching Using Synchronous Online Learning And Their Intention To Use Emotion Artificial Intelligence, Adeolu Tolu Ebenezer Oyebode

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in Online learning. With this increase comes several challenges for instructors and students such as connectivity issues and student engagement. Organizations are spending millions of dollars developing emerging technologies such as emotion AI and other AI applications without taking cognizance of users’ intentions to adopt them. This research investigates instructor's experiences of post-pandemic teaching using Synchronous Online Learning (SOL). Additionally, this study used the Universal Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology framework (UTAUT) to examine instructors’ intentions to use emotion AI. Faculty who taught from Spring of 2019 to Summer of 2023 …

Perceptions Of Lightboard Videos On Engineering Students' Engagement For Learning: A Mixed-Methods Case Study, Rana Sanyal

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Purpose. Researchers have recommended using comprehensive visual materials in engineering courses, as visuals instill more information in students than auditory information and they have the ability to engage students more effectively than other types of content and to convey the nuances of non-verbal communication. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of engineering students on incorporating technologically advanced video course materials (TAVCM) created with lightboard technology on their engagement in learning. Theoretical Framework. The theoretical framework was based upon an integrative learning environment that incorporated many theories of cognitive learning. The Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML) …

Adult Attachment As Moderating Variable For Parental Burnout, Janell Mccann

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

In recent years, research in family sciences has focused on the impact of stress on parents, leading to parental burnout risks. This study aimed to explore how adult attachment relates to parental burnout and if it moderates the link between parenting stress and burnout. Attachment theory suggests secure attachment can protect against parenting stress, while anxious and avoidant attachment may worsen its effects. In order to examine the effect of adult attachment in the development of parental burnout, parenting stress was measured using the Balance of Risks and Resources, parental attachment was measured using Experiences in Close Relationships (Revised), and …

Unmasking Challenges Of African American Women At Predominantly White Institutions (Pwis) Unveiling Phenomenological Realities And Prioritizing Well-Being, Alicia C. Perry

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation addresses African American women's intricate challenges at predominantly white institutions (PWIs), exploring the outcomes of navigating a sense of belonging which eventually affects one's well-being within this professional context. The study employs a qualitative approach to delve into the experiences of those who work or have worked in the environment. By capturing the personal narratives of African American women in various roles at PWIs, the research aims to understand the intersectionality of race and gender dynamics impacting their professional lives. The literature review contextualizes the study by discussing the challenges identified in existing research, including the marginalization experiences …

The Effects Of Behavioral Skills Training For Goal Setting On Skill Acquisition, Michelle Beaulieu

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

With many U.S. adults being diagnosed with or at high risk for largely preventable chronic diseases, positive health behavior change is a critical public health concern. Behaviors such as physical activity, healthy eating, substance use (e.g., alcohol, nicotine) have all been linked to risk of various chronic diseases and long-term health outcomes. Health coaching has emerged to fill the gap within the current healthcare system surrounding behavior change treatment. Many health coaching organizations and resources claim that the practice incorporates client-directive care. However, further research is warranted for determining what skills are necessary for health coaching clients to successfully work …

Divided Crowns: An Ideological Criticism Of Self-Black Determination And Conflicting Visions Of Wakanda In Black Panther, Alaya E. Hubbard

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Using an ideological criticism of Hollywood’s Black Panther (2018), this paper analyzes the differing portrayals of the self-Black determination of the film’s main characters, T’Challa and Killmonger, as it relates to their backgrounds, cultural connections, racial identities, power dynamics, and their fights for social justice. Aspects of the film that were analyzed included characters’ actions, dialogue, lore, and presence. Digging deeper into the film’s story once key themes were revealed. This examination included parallels to the real-world, including locations, social movements, and social reformation leaders. The goal of the paper is to show how the film offers insights into broader …

An Examination Of High School Principals And The Influences That Supported Their Leadership Capacity, Jodiann Beeson

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Research indicates that high school principals play a crucial role in a school’s success by shaping its culture, influencing teacher retention, and impacting student attendance and academic performance. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the phenomenon of the lived experiences of high school principals, understand their perceptions of the influences that supported developing their leadership capacity, and identify the barriers that prevented them from developing their capacity to lead. This study investigated the experiences of eight high school principals in California to understand their perceptions of the influences that factored into developing and sustaining their leadership …