Digital Commons Network^™

Between Classic Social Contract Theory And Hegelian State: A Case For Freedom’S Broader Conception, Gerald Chibueze Azike

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

The classic social contract theorized by Hobbes, Rousseau, and Locke advocates for establishing the state based on individual freedom; for them, a contractual agreement rather than nature serves as the foundation for the state. In his Philosophy of Rights, Hegel rejects this classic view of the social contract, which sees freedom and consent as the basis of the state. While the perspectives of the classic social contract and Hegel yield differing interpretations of freedom, the dissertation explores their relationship against contemporary challenges to freedom. It investigates the extent to which the classic social contract' s conception of subjective freedom, which …

Appendices A & B: Supporting Faculty Parents In Professional Development: Case Studies, Recommendations, And A Call For Inclusive Approaches, Anne Marie Gruber, Lindsay Doukopoulos

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Hippocampal-Prefrontal Functional Neural Networks In A Rat Model Of Fragile X Syndrome Are Poorly Organized With Limited Resiliency, Mohamed Ouardouz, Patrick Jasinski, Mohamed Khalife, J. Matthew Mahoney, Amanda E. Hernan, Rod C. Scott

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a common cause of autism spectrum symptoms. The genetic mutation results in multiple molecular alterations that are hypothesized to negatively impact neural circuit development although the nature of any functional neural dynamic consequences remain unclear. Therefore, the characteristics of hippocampal-prefrontal (H-PFC) network dysfunction were investigated in a rat model of FXS. FMR-KO and control rats underwent behavioral tests assessing sociability, memory, and anxiety to validate and replicate previously recognized deficits. Single-unit electrophysiology in the H-PFC circuit during exploration was used to measure patterns of action potential firing that were then compared between groups using generalized …

High-Quality Factor Phase Gradient Metasurfaces With Dynamic Reconfigurability, Lin Lin

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Free-space optical communication holds immense potential for surpassing the bandwidth limitations of conventional physically defined channels. Achieving flexible and efficient communication in free space requires compact, robust optical components capable of dynamically tuning laser light without relying on bulky lenses or mechanically driven mirrors. Metasurfaces, or flat optics, have garnered significant attention due to their densely arranged subwavelength nano-resonators, which impart phase, amplitude, and polarization changes comparable to those of traditional bulky optics. However, conventional phase gradient metasurfaces are constrained by passive designs based on geometric configurations and the weak light-matter interaction inherent in most dielectric materials, limiting their applicability …

Zanidatamab Monotherapy Or Combined With Chemotherapy In Her2-Expressing Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma: A Phase 1 Trial, Funda Meric-Bernstam, Sun Young Rha, Erika Hamilton, Yoon-Koo Kang, Diana L Hanna, Syma Iqbal, Keun-Wook Lee, Jeeyun Lee, Muralidhar Beeram, Do-Youn Oh, Jorge Chaves, Rachel A Goodwin, Jaffer A Ajani, Lin Yang, Rajen Oza, Elena Elimova

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

There is a need for novel therapies for patients with previously treated HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA). This phase 1 (NCT02892123) dose-escalation and expansion trial evaluated zanidatamab (a dual HER2-targeted bispecific antibody) ± chemotherapy in previously treated patients with HER2-expressing, locally advanced/metastatic cancers. Here, we report the outcomes for GEA cohorts receiving zanidatamab monotherapy or with chemotherapy (paclitaxel or capecitabine). The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate, progression-free survival, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity. Seventy patients were enrolled (n = 29 monotherapy; n = 41 combination therapy); most received prior HER2-targeted agents (monotherapy, …

Metabolic Reprogramming Driven By Ant2 Deficiency Augments T Cell Function And Anti-Tumor Immunity In Mice, Omri Yosef, Leonor Cohen-Daniel, Oded Shamriz, Zahala Bar-On, Wajeeh Salaymeh, Amijai Saragovi, Ifat Abramovich, Bella Agranovich, Veronika Lutz, Joseph Tam, Anna Permyakova, Eyal Gottlieb, Magdalena Huber, Michael Berger

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

T cell activation requires a substantial increase in NAD+ production, often exceeding the capacity of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). To investigate how T cells adapt to this metabolic challenge, we generate T cell-specific ADP/ATP translocase-2 knockout (Ant2-/-) mice. Loss of Ant2, a crucial protein mediating ADP/ATP exchange between mitochondria and cytoplasm, induces OXPHOS restriction by limiting ATP synthase activity, thereby impeding NAD+ regeneration. Interestingly, Ant2-/- naïve T cells exhibit enhanced activation, proliferation and effector functions compared to wild-type controls. Metabolic profiling reveals that these T cells adopt an activated-like metabolic program with increased mitobiogenesis and anabolism. Lastly, pharmacological inhibition of ANT …

African American Men’S Perception Of Fear Of A Deadly Encounter With Police During Traffic Stops In Detroit, Delshawn King

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This qualitative, phenomenological study is an examination of the fear of deadly encounters during traffic stops as experienced by seven African American men in Detroit. This fear is rooted in the historical context of slavery, where laws permitted the use of force to control African Americans. Using the critical race theory framework, the impact of traffic stops on African American men was explored, including how these encounters contribute to fear, psychological distress, and potential escalation of violence in interactions with law enforcement. The study shows that the fear of police encounters significantly impacts the psychological well-being, trust, and security of …

Nurse Practitioner And Physician Assistant Staffing To Bridge Physician Shortages In North Carolina Rural Clinics, Robin Alisha Tyson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Physician shortages in North Carolina rural counties are a problem that continues to affect patient care, which has necessitated the need to use other disciplines such as nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). The purpose and review question for this integrative review focused on determining best practices for utilizing PAs and NPs in rural clinics and how these staffing options could improve health outcomes. The administrative management theory served as the framework for this project by emphasizing the functions of planning, organizing, coordinating, and teamwork. A search of both empirical and nonempirical literature for years 2019 through 2024 was …

Staff Education To Facilitate Patient Medication Adherence Among Schizophrenia Patients, Fri Florence Fon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Over the years, mental health practice has been characterized by a lack of compliance by schizophrenic patients after receiving a prescription for medication when discharged from the hospital (Kim et al., 2020). This issue has adversely affected the quality of experience and treatment outcomes among schizophrenia patients in my organization, an outpatient mental health clinic a similar challenge exists. Many patients diagnosed with schizophrenia struggle with medication adherence postdischarge, leading to increased relapse rates and hospital readmissions. This recurring issue has highlighted the need for enhanced patient education to improve compliance. The identified practice problem was the need for a …

The Lived Experiences Of Registered Behavior Technicians Using Applied Behavior Analysis With Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rebecca Rene Wyble

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased dramatically over the past 20 years; the Centers for Disease Control describe ASD as an epidemic of need. Individuals with ASD need proper treatment and support services. One of the most significant needs is for applied behavior analysis (ABA), which is considered the most effective treatment for ASD, yet several barriers impede caregivers’ ability to access ABA, such as the shortage of ABA practitioners, including registered behavior technicians (RBTs). This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of RBTs working with children with ASD in ABA settings in the United States. …

Examining Hospital Mergers And Acquisitions From A Supply Chain Perspective: Applications For Public Hospitals In Louisiana, Jamar O'Neal Powell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Public hospitals undergoing mergers and acquisitions (M&As) often encounter complex supply chain challenges that disrupt operations, decrease efficiency, and jeopardize financial sustainability. Ineffective post-merger integration may result in increased costs, lower employee performance, and diminished patient satisfaction. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine whether key post-merger supply chain strategies: supply chain integration, vendor consolidation, inventory rationalization, and healthcare landscape evolution (independent variables) were significantly associated with hospital performance outcomes: supply chain efficiency, employee performance, employee satisfaction, patient care experiences, and financial efficiency (dependent variables). Grounded in organizational change theory, this study utilized a secondary data analysis design …

Developing Organizational Leaders’ Personal Mastery Through Emotional Intelligence Training In The Workplace: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, Billie Bruce Relyea

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Mayer and Salovey, seminal researchers of emotional intelligence (EI), indicated that the ability measures of EI are still evolving, and the mental abilities involved in EI remain to be determined. Organizational leaders should understand this intention as the key to developing EI and personal mastery, resting firmly upon attaining accurate self-awareness as a prerequisite for human behavior. The purpose of this interpretive phenomenological analysis was to gain an understanding of the socially constructed realities of the lived experiences of organizational leaders and organizational development specialists who have completed Ennea International’s 5 Lens Development Platform (5LDP). Bandura’s social cognitive theory grounded …

Society’S Press: Designing A Digital Commons To Promote Critical Thought And Civil Discourse, Louis Driver

Honors College Theses

This thesis proposes the design of a new digital commons aimed at counteracting the negative incentives that currently dominate online discourse. This paper outlines the research and design of a system that promotes informative, medium-length, user-generated content, emphasizing thoughtful communication over virality. Inspired by academic peer-review practices, the proposed platform will implement a community-driven moderation model to reduce low-quality contributions and foster constructive feedback.

Staff Education To Address Communication In Correctional Healthcare, Pamela Renee Bredy

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctoral project was a staff education initiative focused on enhancing staff knowledge of Situation Background Assessment Recommendations (SBAR) communication through structured educational intervention in correctional healthcare settings. The practice problem centered on significant deficiencies in standardized communication. The practice-focused question was, Will implementing staff education on SBAR communication increase staff knowledge and confidence? I aimed to enhance staff communication and knowledge through SBAR implementation using live sessions, hands-on practice, and reference materials.

Parapinopsin: A Photoswitchable Inhibitory Gpcr For Two-Photon Optogenetics, Bobbie J. Brown

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

The development of optogenetic tools has greatly advanced the capability of researchers to understand the connection between neuronal activity and behavior. Optogenetics makes use of opsins, which are light activated ion-channels, ion pumps, or G-Protein coupled receptor (GPCR-based) proteins used to regulate cellular activity. Coupled with technological advances in genetics and optical physics/microscopy, optogenetics can be used to control specific populations of cells in a time-locked, spatially specific manner. The experiments possible with optogenetics depend largely on the capabilities and limitations of the opsin used; thus, there have been continuous efforts to design and employ new opsins with a variety …

Circuit-Specific Vulnerability In A Mouse Model Of Alzheimer's Disease, Samuel Brunwasser

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

The relationship between brainwide functional decline and accumulation of pathological protein aggregates in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is complex and not well understood. A set of highly interconnected cortical regions known as the Default Mode Network (DMN) exhibits selective vulnerability to both functional decline and amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques in early AD. One possibility is that early Aβ accumulation in the DMN drives vulnerability. However, it is unknown whether there is something intrinsic to neuronal projections within the DMN that biases these circuits towards dysfunction. In this dissertation, I describe the development of a multisite in vivo electrophysiology pipeline for chronic …

Induced Cd8a Identifies Enhanced Human Nk Cell Il-15-Induced Proliferation And Metabolism And Modulates Nk Cell Activation, Celia Cubitt

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Natural Killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic innate lymphoid cells that play an important role in the surveillance and elimination of virally-infected and malignantly-transformed cells. These primary effector functions are achieved by producing cytokines and chemokines which activate and recruit additional immune effectors, as well as direct cytotoxic killing via perforin and granzymes. NK cell function is tightly regulated by a balance of germ-line encoded activating, inhibitory, co-stimulatory, and cytokine receptors expressed at the cell surface. Through these activating and inhibitory receptors, NK cells recognize and kill targets without prior sensitization through the loss of self-identifying molecules such as major histocompatibility …

Parental Guidance Suggested: Genetic, Epigenetic, And Environmental Factors Shape Allele-Specific Gene Regulation In Metabolic Traits, Celine Louise St. Pierre

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Deciphering the “genotype to phenotype” map is a crucial goal of biology. We will not improve our ability to predict phenotypes from DNA sequences until we better incorporate epigenetic and environmental variation into our models of human health and disease. Genes are typically presumed to express both parental alleles equally, but genetic and epigenetic factors can cause one allele to function differently than the other (e.g. expressed or silenced more). These allele-specific imbalances can alter the final composition of a gene’s transcriptional product and ultimately shape phenotypes. Allele-specific effects have widespread impacts on complex traits, but how environmental signals contribute …

Expanding The Druggable Proteome By Integrating Deep Learning With Molecular Simulations To Predict Cryptic Pockets, Artur Meller

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Of the protein structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank, less than half have pockets suitable for the binding of drugs. Even when proteins contain pockets in their ground state structures (e.g., the nucleotide-binding active site in myosin motors), achieving specificity remains a central challenge in drug design as many protein families share common structural motifs. Cryptic pockets are cavities absent in ligand-free experimental structures that form due to protein fluctuations in solution. They provide a means to specifically target proteins currently considered undruggable. While cryptic pockets are alluring drug targets, it remains difficult to predict which proteins will form …

Young-Onset Diabetes Poses A Greater Risk Of End-Stage Kidney Disease Than Cardiovascular Disease And Stroke: A Retrospective Cohort Study Of Uk Biobank (Ukb), Debasish Kar

Peninsula Medical School

No abstract provided.

Reverse Engineering Of Binary Programs Using Graph Attention Networks, Sai Nikhila Kanigiri

Master's Theses

Understanding the functionality and behavior of binary code is essential for many software engineering tasks, including malware analysis, vulnerability detection, and program optimization. However, automating this process is challenging due to the complexity of machine code and the significant manual effort required from experienced software engineers. In this paper, we present BinGAT (Reverse Engineering of Binary Programs using Graph Attention Networks), a method for classifying binary programs into algorithmic categories using Graph Attention Neural Networks (GNNs) based on their Control-Flow Graphs (CFGs). Given a binary program, BinGAT extracts its CFG through static analysis and transforms the assembly instructions within each …

Sirt6 Deficiency Promotes Senescence And Age-Associated Intervertebral Disc Degeneration In Mice, Pranay Ramteke, Bahiyah Watson, Mallory Toci, Victoria A Tran, Shira Johnston, Maria Tsingas, Ruteja A Barve, Ramkrishna Mitra, Richard F Loeser, John A Collins, Makarand V Risbud

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Intervertebral disc degeneration is a major risk factor contributing to chronic low back and neck pain. While the etiological factors for disc degeneration vary, age is still one of the most important risk factors. Recent studies have shown the promising role of SIRT6 in mammalian aging and skeletal tissue health, however its role in the intervertebral disc health remains unexplored. We investigated the contribution of SIRT6 to disc health by studying the age-dependent spinal phenotype of mice with conditional deletion of Sirt6 in the disc (Acan

Recent Trends In Medical Education To Sustain An Effective Practice - A Systematic Review, Sharon Pricilla Jeevan Kumar Leela Ms., Amtuz Zehra Dr, Ayesha Siddiqhha Mukthar Ms

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Learning processes in medical practices in medicinal schools put more emphasis on the hard sciences than they do on developing soft skills like empathy and communication. For this reason, the medical humanities emerged to provide a "different" take on the creative process. Medical ethics, the doctor-patient relationship, clinical research, mental illness, and professionalism are just a few of the topics that have been utilized to discuss in medical school. A strong connection between classroom learning and clinical experience is crucial for medical school graduates. Students graduating from a medical program are expected to have experience with patient care, clinical procedures, …

Exploring The Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms: Implications For Disease Susceptibility, Thrupthi Rai, Sushma M, Jadeppa G, Suma M N, Swetha Nk

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

The Vitamin D endocrine system, comprising of Vitamin D, its receptor (VDR), and metabolic enzymes, coordinates essential physiological functions influencing skeletal metabolism, immune response, and various diseases including osteoarthritis, cancer, and obesity. Understanding the impact of genetic variations, particularly the VDR gene, on disease susceptibility is crucial. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of Vitamin D metabolism, deciphering how the VDR gene works and understanding how different versions of the gene impact complex diseases. It provides a brief overview of the association between VDR gene polymorphisms in inflammatory disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism, coronary artery disease, asthma, cancer, and infectious diseases. …

A Comprehensive Review Of Ethical Guideline On Biomarker Application And Research, Nurjamal Hoque

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Background:

Biomarker research is essential for personalized medicine, providing insights into disease causes, diagnostics, and treatment methods. However, informed consent, privacy, data protection, and vulnerable population impacts are major ethical considerations in this quickly developing profession.

Method

This thorough overview analyzes existing legal frameworks, such as HIPAA and GDPR, and assesses growing ethical criteria for biomarker research and implementation. A examination of case studies, ethical considerations, and regulatory rules examines how biomarker research has handled sensitive data and protected participant rights.

Result

Key results indicate that informed consent is a significant issue in biomarker research owing to its complexity and …

Making Training Stick: Transferring Learning Back To The Job, Amanda Woods Herron, Phoebe Hessen, Katelyn J. Cavanaugh, Wykesha C. Hayes, Victor Hassid, Courtney L. Holladay

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Communication remains a central priority in healthcare, making it a key component of many training efforts. The positive impacts of communication training in healthcare settings have been well-established; however, the linkage of communication training to key organizational outcomes (e.g., engagement, performance, retention) remains underexplored. The present study investigated a training program targeting interpersonal communication within a large academic oncology center. We drew from Cognitive Load Theory and Social Cognitive Theory to evaluate the impact of the training on participant learning (retention and utilization), transfer (communication, decision-making, performance), and results-level outcomes (engagement and turnover). The program centered around a personality framework …

The Fair Credit Reporting Act, David J. Fletcher

Maine Law Review

With the increasing importance of credit in the United States economy, a specialized group of agencies has developed to supply businesses with personal information on consumers. These reporting agencies come in two basic forms. Credit bureaus deal with purely economic data and use a file system to develop their reports. Investigative consumer reporting agencies issue a more comprehensive report which is generally the result of a field investigation. Because of subjective judgments, errors of identification, or use of untrustworthy sources, consumer reports often are inaccurate. The direct result of most inaccuracy is harm to the report's subject, the consumer. An …

Privileged Communications: A Case By Case Approach, Josephine Citron

Maine Law Review

Privileged communications are communications which, because of a special relationship, are protected from revelation during the course of litigation. In the past, grants of privilege have been made by reference to professional groups rather than to the content of the particular communication, resulting in inconsistent treatment. Some professionals have secured absolute privileges for their relationships while others have been partially or totally unsuccessful. The inconsistencies are most clearly demonstrated by examining grants of privilege to medical, psychotherapeutic, and social work personnel, although it is not intended that the case by case approach suggested in the proposed statute at the end …

Enhancing Mental Toughness And Strength And Conditioning Performance In Collegiate Athletes Through Pressure Training, Chad Workman, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(4): 456-469, 2025. This study is the first to investigate the role of mental toughness (MT) in predicting strength and conditioning (S&C) performance outcomes and the impact of pressure training (PT) on MT development among NCAA athletes. A women’s Division I field hockey team (n = 15) participated in five 1-hour sessions focused on psychological skills training to enhance MT, followed by two S&C sessions under PT conditions. Using the Mental Toughness Index, MT was assessed after the workshops/before PT and following PT. Regression analysis revealed that pre-PT MT scores predicted S&C performance outcomes …

Meningococcal Sepsis In Pregnancy: A Case Of Neisseria Meningitidis Bacteremia In The First Trimester, Tiffany Pittman, Madison Morgan, Monica Drummond, Allison Tresner

Research Day

Introduction:

Meningococcal sepsis caused by Neisseria meningitidis is a rare but life-threatening infection, especially in pregnant women, where the risk of rapid deterioration can occur. The diagnosis of sepsis due to N. meningitidis in early pregnancy is particularly challenging due to limited treatment options that are safe for both mother and fetus. This case highlights the clinical course, diagnosis, and management of Neisseria meningitidis bacteremia in an 8-week pregnant woman, providing valuable insights for clinicians treating systemic infections in pregnancy.

Case Presentation:

A 29-year-old female, gravida 4 para 2012, at 8 weeks and 6 days gestation with no other contributory …