Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

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 …

Demography Of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys Temminckii) Along A Fishing Pressure Gradient, Luke T. Micek

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Passive fishing gear is a threat to the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii). The spatio-temporal persistence of this threat and its impacts on M. temminckii populations has not been quantified. I quantified the density of passive fishing gear and the demographic parameters of M. temminckii along a fishing pressure gradient in East Texas streams. Most gear was abandoned and illegally deployed, with densities varying seasonally. Detectability of passive fishing gear declined with increasing gear age, water depth, and volume, but increased with increasing precipitation. Macrochelys temminckii catch per unit effort, abundance, and survival was lower at sites with …

Cpg Methylation Changes Associated With Hyperglycemia In Type 1 Diabetes Occur At Angiogenic Glomerular And Retinal Gene Loci., Xiaojian Shao, Sophie Le Fur, Warren A. Cheung, Marie-Pierre Belot, Kevin Perge, Natacha Bouhours-Nouet, Candace Bensignor, Lucie Levaillant, Bing Ge, Tony Kwan, Mark Lathrop, Tomi Pastinen, Pierre Bougnères

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Chronic hyperglycemia is a major risk factor for glomerular or retinal microangiopathy and cardiovascular complications of type 1 diabetes (T1D). At the interface of genetics and environment, dynamic epigenetic changes associated with hyperglycemia may unravel some of the mechanisms contributing to these T1D complications. In this study, blood samples were collected from 112 young patients at T1D diagnosis and 3 years later in average. Whole genome-wide bisulfite sequencing was used to measure blood DNA methylation changes of about 28 million CpGs at single base resolution over this time. Chronic hyperglycemia was estimated every 3-4 months by HbA1c measurement. Linear regressions …

Telegroup Parent Behavior Management Training For Disruptive Behavior: Mixed-Methods Comparison Of Effectiveness And Engagement For White And Bipoc Caregivers, Li Shen Chong, Nicole B. Groves, Erin S. Gonzalez

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Background: Parent Behavior Management Training (PBMT) is the first-line psychosocial intervention for child disruptive behavior, though research documents disparities in PBMT engagement and effectiveness between Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and White families. Objective: This study aimed to quantitatively compare clinical outcomes and satisfaction ratings of telegroup PBMT and qualitatively identify themes related to engagement and challenges among White and BIPOC caregivers. Method: Data from 177 caregivers (78% White; 22% BIPOC) of children aged 5 to 12 referred for treatment of disruptive behavior and/or ADHD were collected as part of measurement-based care (MBC) before and after participation in …

Bayesian Statistics: Origins And Applications, Evelyn Pulla

Publications and Research

Bayesian Statistics applies Bayes' Theorem to update beliefs through new evidence. In this project, I explored how Bayesian Statistics applies into real supporting decision-making under uncertainty. By solving problems using data, I was able to realize how prior knowledge and evidence collaborate to make better conclusions. The project also demonstrates how Bayesian reasoning corrects our intuition to make decisions based on logical reasoning. Through this project, I was able to learn why using probability to make informed decisions matters both in science and real life.

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.

Enhancing Strategies For Government Partnerships To Meet Organizational Goals And Objectives, Nuela Uche Umeh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Organization X’s mission to strengthen legal rights and rehabilitate inmates involves effective collaboration with government entities. Organization X struggled to build strong partnerships with government agencies, limiting its ability to provide legal aid and rehabilitation services to marginalized inmates and victims of human rights violations. The purpose of this study was to use a SWOT analysis to explore the challenges and opportunities in government partnerships, aiming to identify barriers and recommend strategies to strengthen collaboration, build staff capacity, and enhance service delivery. Guided by four research questions, the study examined barriers and opportunities in government partnerships. Data were collected through …

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.

Examining The Relationship Between Leadership Styles, Staff Performance, And Staff Retention In Medication-Assisted Treatment, Chauncey Manique Tims

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This case study examines the influence of leadership styles on employee retention and performance in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) facilities located in the southeastern United States, with a focus on facilities treating patients with severe opioid use disorder (F11.20). Using the Baldrige Excellence Framework, the study explores how different leadership approaches impact the work environment, employee satisfaction, and retention. Data were collected through semi structured interviews with six clinic directors, one regional clinical supervisor, and one regional director, as well as a review of organizational archival records and a literature review. The analysis revealed several key findings: (a) staff licensure requirements …

Effects Of Age And Employment On Covid-19 Rates By Nonmetro/Metro Location, Amanda Jean Keith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In the United States, the combination of a highly transmissible virus and the preexisting vulnerability of rural areas amplifies the impact of COVID-19 surges in the rural population compared to the urban counterpart. This quantitative non-experimental ex-post facto study aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between metro and non-metro locations and COVID-19 infection and mortality, and how age and employment status influence the outcomes. The theoretical framework was the rural nursing theory, with the social determinants of health providing the framework for integrating the underlying concept through the five domains of economic stability, education, health and health care, …

Health Equity And Social Determinants Of Health Nurse Education, Jacqueline Arana Clements

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The primary care setting provides integrated healthcare services where nurses address many healthcare needs, develop patient relationships, and practice in the context of family and community. To provide comprehensive care, nurses must complete a social determinants of health screening that addresses the social factors that impact clinical outcomes. In 2021, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published a nursing education strategy on educating nurses on social determinants of health. This project aimed to develop a staff education program to prepare primary care nurses on the concepts and terminology encompassing social determinants of health, identifying the severity of health …

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, …

Awareness Of Symptoms And Risk Factors Of Ovarian Cancer Among Healthy Women Aged 18 Years And Above: A Narrative Review, Surabhi Sai P Raghavendra, Mackwin Kenwood Dmello, Neevan Dsouza

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Introduction: Ovarian cancer is often termed a "silent killer" due to its late presentation and poor prognosis. Awareness of its symptoms and risk factors is crucial for early healthcare intervention, which can significantly increase survival rates. This review article focuses on awareness of ovarian cancer, the risk factors, symptoms and factors influencing awareness among women.

Methods: Articles published in English between 2009 and 2024 were included, focusing on awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors among healthy women aged 18 years and above in a community-based or facility-based study setting.

Results: Overall, awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms …

Administrative Appeal Decision - Donaldson, Oscar (2025-05-01)

Parole Administrative Appeal Decisions

No abstract provided.

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 …

Bernier V. State - The Right To Counsel In Entrustment Revocation Proceedings, Peter J. Detroy

Maine Law Review

Theodore Bernier was adjudicated a juvenile offender in September, 1966, and was subsequently committed to the Boys Training Center (BTC) for the term of his minority. In February, 1968, he was released on entrustment to his parents. Almost a year and a half later, Bernier was questioned by local police regarding his possible involvement in the theft of greenstamps from a local store. Although he was released without the police taking further action, they notified an aftercare and placement worker assigned to the BTC of the questioning. As a result, the BTC revoked the entrustment, and the police took him …

Conservation, Policy And The Role Of Counsel, David J. Halperin

Maine Law Review

The conservation interests in the State of Maine have been roused to a furor by the decision of Maine's highest court in State v. Johnson. The case, in substance, holds that Maine's Wetlands Act is unconstitutional when applied to prohibit the filling of a specific segment of salt water marsh. While both the decision and the underlying statute are of considerable substantive interest, the case deserves particular study for the light it sheds on the role of counsel in helping the legal process accommodate new policy concerns. A note of caution must, of course, be sounded before seeking to generalize …

Ransoming The Maine Environment, G. Graham Waite

Maine Law Review

The call for natural resource conservation is widely heard today. Purity of air and water are goals that most persons seem to endorse, at least in the abstract. The dollar costs of governmental programs for achieving relatively clean air and water doubtless are high, making questions of who bears them important. Some recent decisions of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court suggest that in Maine the major costs will be paid by taxpayers at large rather than by individual resource users.

De Novo Juries, Misdemeanor Counsel, And Other Problems: Changes Ahead For The Maine District Courts?, Pierce B. Hasler

Maine Law Review

The Maine judicial system has two levels of criminal courts, the superior court having exclusive trial jurisdiction over felony prosecutions and the district court operating with concurrent trial jurisdiction for misdemeanors. The district court also processes the preliminary phases of felony cases; included in this function are bail hearings, initial appearances (arraignments), and preliminary hearings. To provide jury trials in misdemeanor prosecutions state law permits all district court convictions to be appealed to the superior court for trial de novo to a jury. The accepted reason for unlimited de novo trials is that the state constitution requires a jury in …

The Constitutional Law Of Remedies In Welfare Litigation, Donald F. Fontaine

Maine Law Review

It is becoming increasingly obvious that the problems of poor people in the United States are dependent, more than those of other classes, upon the proper administration of government agencies. The contact of poor people with government agencies involves most of their chief concerns in life: Welfare, social security, adequate health care, adequate income from work, a safe and healthy place to live, whether privately or publicly owned, and schools that provide real education without racial or economic discrimination. Where payments are improperly withheld from a presumably destitute recipient, the need for a speedy and adequate remedy should be obvious. …

Validity And Reliability Of The Wattbike For The Wingate Anaerobic Test, Bernie F. Acevedo, Alex Rothstein, Michele Aquino, Christian Maia, Robert M. Otto, John Petrizzo, John Wygand, Amerigo Rossi, John Handrakis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) is widely recognized for assessing anaerobic power and capacity. While the Lode cycle ergometer has been validated for the WAnT, the Wattbike's validity and reliability require further investigation. PURPOSE: To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Wattbike for conducting the WAnT by comparing its performance metrics in the "30-second test" setting to the WAnT on the Lode cycle ergometer. METHODS: 11 participants (male = 7, female = 4; age: Mean = 23 yrs 2.9 yrs; height: Mean = 171.5 cm 8.7 cm; weight: Mean = 76.8 kg 13.9 kg) ± ± ± Familiarization trials …

Search And Seizure, Daniel G. Lilley

Maine Law Review

Search and Seizure, authored by Colorado Judge Edward C. Fisher, is a book of better than 300 pages which purports to be a recent survey of the law dedicated to "peace officers of America." The foreword states that it is written for law enforcement officers and is a ready reference for attorneys, judges, and others concerned with the administration of criminal justice. The book is clearly written. It tells police officers how to conduct searches and seizures and it tells them why restrictions are imposed. Where there is still conflict and doubt, it gives the officer some "safe" approaches to …

Judicial Administration: The American Experience, Robert B. Williamson

Maine Law Review

Professor Karlen's Judicial Administration: The American Experience "contains, in revised and updated form, the substance of three lectures delivered in England in December, 1968, upon the occasion of the founding of the English Institute of Judicial Administration at the University of Birmingham."

Maritime Personal Injury In The New England Fishery, Ralph J. Gillis

Maine Law Review

Commercial fishing, as carried on by the "down east" fisherman, is an industry fast succumbing to the economic inequities of vessel operation. Over the past two decades, the prices for fish boats have not increased as rapidly as the operating costs involved in fitting and maintaining the fishing vessel. Today, this situation has been compounded by the economic inability of the individual trawler owner to obtain protection and indemnity insurance to compensate crew members for injuries received during the course of maritime employment. The present consequence of these developments is that, although judicial and legislative regulatory guidelines have been set …

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 …

Rule 80b And Nonstatutory Judicial Review Of Administrative Action In Maine, Richard A. Langley

Maine Law Review

The 1967 amendments to rules 80B and 81 of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure (MRCP) constitute significant and potentially far-reaching changes in judicial review of administrative action in Maine. Prior to 1959, nonstatutory judicial review of administrative action in Maine was available only by extraordinary writ. An alternate means of securing judicial review was provided by the original rule 80B of the MRCP adopted in 1959, but because of an apparent overlap of those two procedures, 80B was amended in 1967. That amendment made rule 80B the sole means of obtaining nonstatutory review of all governmental action and a …

The Law Of The Land: Development Legislation In Maine And Vermont, J. Jackson Walter

Maine Law Review

In recent Maine and Vermont environmental protection legislation, desecration of the landscape has emerged as an issue as controversial as pollution of water and air. Traditional techniques of land use regulation operate locally, some say parochially, without any regular regard for Earth Day or statehouse politics or even administrative fair play. The trend in northern New England to adopt state-level standards totally changes the business of land development. And statewide rules are not the end; national land use standards are imminent. A report by the President's Council of Environmental Quality recommends federal controls within areas of critical environmental concern, such …

A State Approach To Effluent Charge, Orlando E. Delogu

Maine Law Review

Although the concept of effluent charge as a means of dealing with water pollution has been widely discussed in this country for more than a decade and widely used with documented success in parts of Europe for over fifty years, there is a surprising lack of specific material on methods of implementation. We are, after all, a complex society with overlaying levels of government and close working relationships between the public and private sectors of the economy. Furthermore, the statutory, constitutional, and institutional framework of the federal government and that of each state government are different in varying degree from …

The Underdiagnosis: Addressing The Underdiagnosis Of The Female Athlete Triad And Relative Energy Deficiency In Sport, Nicholas R. Bohannon, Kayla E. Hasty, Stacie Fairley, Robert Walker

Research Day

Introduction: Many elite athletes train their whole lives to reach elite status. For another set of athletes, their sports careers were cut short for one reason or another. The underdiagnosing of the Female Athlete Triad (Triad) or Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) might be the reason for some athletes. A few main barriers have prevented the medical community from accurately diagnosing athletes suffering from the Triad and RED-S.

Objective: This study investigates the critical barriers to early and accurate detection of the Triad and RED-S. Key obstacles include insufficient research, limited physician education, and inadequate awareness among athletes and …