Digital Commons Network^™

Mvgamba : Unify 3d Content Generation As State Space Sequence Modeling, Xuanyu Yi, Zike Wu, Qiuhong Shen, Qingshan Xu, Pan Zhou, Joo-Hwee Lim, Shuicheng Yan, Xinchao Wang, Hanwang Zhang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Recent 3D large reconstruction models (LRMs) can generate high-quality 3D content in sub-seconds by integrating multi-view diffusion models with scalable multi-view reconstructors. Current works further leverage 3D Gaussian Splatting as 3D representation for improved visual quality and rendering efficiency. However, we observe that existing Gaussian reconstruction models often suffer from multi-view inconsistency and blurred textures. We attribute this to the compromise of multi-view information propagation in favor of adopting powerful yet computationally intensive architectures (e.g., Transformers). To address this issue, we introduce MVGamba, a general and lightweight Gaussian reconstruction model featuring a multi-view Gaussian reconstructor based on the RNN-like State …

Lova3 : Learning To Visual Question Answering, Asking And Assessment, Henry Hengyuan Zhao, Pan Zhou, Difei Gao, Bai Shou, Mike Zheng Shou

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Question answering, asking, and assessment are three innate human traits crucial for understanding the world and acquiring knowledge. By enhancing these capabilities, humans can more effectively utilize data, leading to better comprehension and learning outcomes. Current Multimodal Large Language Models (MLLMs) primarily focus on question answering, often neglecting the full potential of questioning and assessment skills. Inspired by the human learning mechanism, we introduce LOVA3 , an innovative framework named “Learning tO Visual question Answering, Asking and Assessment,” designed to equip MLLMs with these additional capabilities. Our approach involves the creation of two supplementary training tasks GenQA and EvalQA, aiming …

The Inclusion Of Metacognition In Source Evaluation Instruction, Anthony Tardiff

Communications in Information Literacy

Though the ACRL Framework holds metacognition as crucial to exercising information literacy, its emphasis was reduced from prominence in early drafts to a single mention in the final document. At the same time, few of the frequently-taught sets of source evaluation criteria include a step for self-awareness. This raises the question: do librarians explicitly teach metacognitive concepts when they teach source evaluation? Online library guides about source evaluation from various colleges and universities in Washington state were analyzed, and librarians who taught source evaluation were surveyed to determine whether and to what extent metacognitive concepts were included as part of …

Morphometric Based Roughness Estimates For Wind Loading Applications In The Coastal Transition Zone, Hadley Rose Besing

Theses and Dissertations

This project was developed to support the Florida Tech Wireless Sensor Network System (WSNS) hurricane research team in determining wind loads during high-impact wind events. The WSNS team objectives included estimating the critical pressure (𝐶_p) from observed 3-s gusts during high impact weather events (tropical cyclones). The field work was conducted at a single-story residential home in Satellite Beach, FL approximately 400 m from the coast. During data collection periods, more than 1-million 20-second LiDAR wind profiles were observed.

The bulk roughness at the test residence is characterized utilizing an existing morphometric technique with geometry that is derived …

Thinking And Doing Beyond Science And Risk Communication As Mere Transmission, Inez Z. Ponce De Leon

Department of Communication Faculty Publications

I look back on my professional experience as both bench and social scientist, and examine my misun derstandings of science communication as a field, which were fueled by my ideologically-driven stance on the primacy of the bench sciences over all other fields of study. I begin with my work as a molecular biologist, continue with my socialization into the social sciences at the PhD level, and narrate my ex periences as a researcher attempting to break down the notion of science and risk communication as mere vessels for sharing scientific information. I do this by discussing my research findings, and …

Phytoplankton Responses To Changing Irradiance And Carbon Fertilization, Alison Siersma

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Phytoplankton play a crucial role in marine ecosystems due to their innate ability to fix carbon. As atmospheric CO2 levels continue to rise from fossil fuel combustion, the resulting increase in dissolved CO2 and the concurrent decrease in ocean pH are likely to impact the phytoplankton community. The response of phytoplankton to elevated CO2 can vary significantly among species and environmental conditions (e.g. light, temperature, nutrient availability). To address these variations, an experiment was conducted using a controlled photobioreactor system, maintaining high and low light, constant temperature, nutrient levels, and two pCO2 concentrations. This study focused on two regionally relevant …

Management Of Possible Serious Bacterial Infections In Young Infants Where Referral Is Not Possible In The Context Of Existing Health System Structure In Mbeya, Tanzania: Experience And Lessons From The End Line Assessment, Esther Ngadaya, Alexander Manu, Mary Mmweteni, Dorica Burengelo, Doreen Philbert, Gibson Kagaruki, Kahabi Isangula, Mbazi Senkoro, Godfather Kimaro, Amos Kahwa

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Severe bacterial infections (SBIs) are a leading cause of neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries. World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) guideline for outpatient management of danger signs indicating possible serious bacterial infections (PSBI) when referral is not possible was adopted by three pilot district councils in Mbeya Region, in Tanzania (Busekelo, Kyela and Mbarali Districts) in 2018 (the PSBI project). This study documented changes in practice during the PSBI project, and lessons learned. A cross-sectional study was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods between July 2021 and January 2022, post-implementation. The study participants comprised stakeholders, health workers, …

Effectiveness Of Clinical Training In Influencing The Outcome Of Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid In Selected Facilities At A County In Kenya, Evah Maina, Abednego Ongeso, Nancy Maingi

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major health concern in developing countries, primarily due to the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) is a common and affordable screening method, yet its effectiveness is closely tied to the skills and competency of healthcare providers. This study aimed to assess the impact of clinical training on improving VIA screening outcomes for cervical cancer in a county in Kenya.

Methods: Seven government health facilities equipped with cryotherapy machines were selected, with two healthcare providers sampled from each. A six-day VIA training intervention was conducted, combining …

The Relationship Between Early Dysphagia Screening And Incidence Of Pneumonia Among Acute Stroke Patients, Sabreen Elsedeek Ahmed Assistant Lecturer

Nursing

Background: Post-stroke dysphagia is a common complication of acute stroke, which could increase the risk of mortality and aspiration pneumonia. Aim: This study aimed to assess the relationship between early dysphagia screening and the incidence of pneumonia among acute stroke patients. Research design: A correlational descriptive design was utilized in this study. Setting: The study was conducted at the stroke and neurology intensive care units at As-Salam International Hospital. Subject: a purposive sample of (87) adult patients newly admitted with a diagnosis of acute stroke was included in the study. Tools: Three tools were used in this …

Enhancing Home Energy Efficiency: Web And Cloud Integration For Sustainable Electricity Monitoring, Kyle Aaron Coloma, King Harold A. Recto

Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper demonstrates how sustainability can be integrated to technology by developing a cloud-based web application that monitors the use of energy in a residential setting. In the development of the minimum viable product (MVP), frontend tools were utilized to ensure that the platform runs on most types of devices. Moreover, backend tools were also used to ascertain efficient handling of data while maintaining security for the users. The project which has guaranteed fundamental functionality and a measure of security has been deployed successfully for early users. For future improvements, it is recommended to prioritize the optimization of user interface …

Zero-G Exercise Equipment, Charisse Biglete, Jake Brajevich, James Monroe, Ethan Siahpush

Mechanical Engineering

In a micro-gravitational environment, the body undergoes less loading than that found on Earth. This leads to muscular atrophy, Osteoporosis, decreases in protein synthesis, and various other undesirable outcomes. To prevent this, astronauts undergo a strict exercise regime to maintain their health. The current exercise equipment available for spacecraft is large, heavy, complicated to use, costly, and unsafe. There is a definite need for the re-engineering of the exercise equipment to be used by astronauts while in microgravity environments to rectify these issues.

The Role Of Graphics And Packaging In Brand Protection, Charlotte Smith

Graphic Communication

This project was focused on how packaging and graphics can be utilized to help minimize the occurrence and risks of counterfeit products in the pharmaceutical industry. During this project, a brand protection plan for a fictional pharmaceutical product was formulated that focused on both developing packaging that is difficult to counterfeit and fostering consumer education. This plan involved covert, semi-covert and overt anti-counterfeiting features which were implemented in the packaging. An educational website was also created for users and distributors in order to enable the end users to identify if that product is genuine. The project objective was to better …

Examining The Relationship Between Internalizing, Externalizing, And Psychotic Psychopathology At Five Levels Of Criminal Risk, Cooper Mitchell Sparks

Theses

Though it is well established that mental illness is not a primary risk factor for criminal justice involvement, the relationship between mental illness and criminal risk with justice-involved persons with mental illness is not well understood (Bonta, et al., 1998; Morgan, et al., 2010; Skeem, et al., 2014). Specifically, psychopathology has not been understood at different levels of criminal risk. Using the Five-Level Risk and Needs System for criminal risk (Hanson, et al., 2017), the current study aimed to identify mean differences between different domains of psychopathology (i.e., internalizing, externalizing, and psychotic psychopathology) across five levels of criminal risk. Data …

A Focus On The Social Validity Of Treating Stereotypy Using Response Interruption And Redirection, Maggie Grace Ratcliff

Theses

Stereotypy refers to a class of operant repetitive motor and vocal responses with no readily apparent goal or purpose (Rapp & Vollmer, 2005; Singer, 2009; Wunderlich et al., 2023). Although most stereotypy is clinically insignificant and does not warrant treatment (i.e., nail biting, hair twirling), some stereotypy persists at a frequency or severity which interferes with skill acquisition, social interactions, and daily living skills. Stereotypy which persists at this level is considered clinically significant and is often the target of treatment (Wunderlich et al., 2023). A variety of evidence-based treatments for the reduction of stereotypy exist, though some neurodiversity advocates …

Integration Of Blockchain Technology In Industrial Applications, Sanjana Sakinala

Theses

This research explores the integration of Hyperledger Fabric., a framework of blockchain in industrial applications, particularly focusing on supply chain management. By addressing the limitations of traditional blockchains - such as high transaction latency, scalability challenges, and privacy concerns - this research demonstrates how Hyperledger fabrics overcomes them. Through simulation, we show significant enhancements in transaction speed, data privacy and scalability, making the Fabric a viable solution for industrial systems.

Using Stimulus Equivalence Procedures To Increase Police Officers' Identification Of Behavioral Functions, Caitlin Sturges

Theses

Mentalistic constructs and theories have been spouted since the dawn of mankind to explain the many behaviors of humans. These philosophies, however, leave many unanswered questions in society’s understanding of why complex behaviors (e.g., the multifaceted behaviors between police officers and citizens) occur. Society has entered an era of policing reform. Moreover, society is in search of answers as to why violent and seemingly complex behaviors are on the rise between law enforcement officials and citizens. The purpose of this study was to teach police officers the four functions of behavior utilizing equivalence-based instruction (EBI). Three active-duty law enforcement officials …

Investigating The Effect Of Metal Site Of The Leaf And Branch Compost Cutinase Through Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Ryan James Molitor

Theses

The petroleum-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a versatile and synthetic polymer that plays a pivotal role in the economy, including packaging, textiles, 3D printers, and even medical-related applications. There is a need for plastic waste management. Biological up-cycling of PET is a promising method for a clean and sustainable future. In 2012, a group of researchers, Tournier et. al., performed experiments and molecular dynamics simulations on the Leaf-branch Compost Cutinase, LCC (PDB Code: 4EB0), which outperformed the PET hydrolysis activity compared to three other PET hydrolyzing enzymes. The LCC and PET depolymerization rate of wildtype LCC was reported to be …

Addressing End-Of-Life Care Education Gaps For Registered Nurses: A Quality Improvement Project, Mayra Villalba, Alejandra Angel, Arvinder Singh

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: As the global elderly population grows rapidly, end-of-life care (EOLC) needs have expanded, warranting comprehensive nursing education. There is a significant gap in exposure to EOLC during nursing undergraduate education, clinical experiences, and training opportunities in the professional setting. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to educate nurses about end-of-life care. Methods: In an established medical-surgical unit, hospice patients with comfort-only measures were placed into a cohort labeled Transitional Care Unit (TCU). Between October 2023 and May 2024, nurses working in the TCU were surveyed on their knowledge regarding EOLC. Staff attended mandatory education sessions after the …

Redistribution With Political Constraints: Legal Rules Compared To Taxes And Transfers, David Weisbach

Penn State Law Review (2003 - Present)

No abstract provided.

The Lesser Of Two Evils: Whether The United States Is Legally Justified In Its Decision To Send Cluster Munitions To Ukraine, Drew Weglarz

Penn State Law Review (2003 - Present)

No abstract provided.

Genetic Architecture Of Cerebrospinal Fluid And Brain Metabolite Levels And The Genetic Colocalization Of Metabolites With Human Traits, Ciyang Wang, Chengran Yang, Daniel Western, Muhammad Ali, Yueyao Wang, Chia-Ling Phuah, John Budde, Lihua Wang, Priyanka Gorijala, Jigyasha Timsina, Agustin Ruiz, Pau Pastor, Maria Victoria Fernandez, Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (Dian), Alzheimer’S Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (Adni), Daniel J Panyard, Corinne D Engelman, Yuetiva Deming, Merce Boada, Amanda Cano, Pablo Garcia-Gonzalez, Neill R Graff-Radford, Hiroshi Mori, Jae-Hong Lee, Richard J Perrin, Laura Ibanez, Yun Ju Sung, Carlos Cruchaga

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Brain metabolism perturbation can contribute to traits and diseases. We conducted a genome-wide association study for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain metabolite levels, identifying 205 independent associations (47.3% new signals, containing 11 new loci) for 139 CSF metabolites, and 32 independent associations (43.8% new signals, containing 4 new loci) for 31 brain metabolites. Of these, 96.9% (CSF) and 71.4% (brain) of the new signals belonged to previously analyzed metabolites in blood or urine. We integrated the metabolite quantitative trait loci (MQTLs) with 23 neurological, psychiatric and common human traits and diseases through colocalization to identify metabolites and biological processes implicated …

Prediagnostic Amino Acid Metabolites And Risk Of Gout, Accounting For Serum Urate: Prospective Cohort Study And Mendelian Randomization, Natalie Mccormick, Amit D Joshi, Chio Yokose, Bing Yu, Adrienne Tin, Robert Terkeltaub, Tony R Merriman, Oana Zeleznik, A Heather Eliassen, Gary C Curhan, Hang-Korng Ea, Matthew Nayor, Laura M Raffield, Hyon K Choi

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: Our objective was to prospectively investigate prediagnostic population-based metabolome for risk of hospitalized gout (ie, most accurate, severe, and costly cases), accounting for serum urate.

Methods: We conducted prediagnostic metabolome-wide analyses among 249,677 UK Biobank participants with nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomic profiling (N = 168 metabolites, including eight amino acids) from baseline blood samples (2006-2010) without a history of gout. We calculated multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) for hospitalized incident gout, before and after adjusting for serum urate levels; we included patients with nonhospitalized incident gout in a sensitivity analysis. Potential causal effects were evaluated with two-sample Mendelian randomization.

Results: …

Growing Rich Off The Fruits Of Private Incarceration, Joseph Hennessy

Journal of Law and Policy

Mass incarceration is a uniquely American phenomenon. With roots in chattel slavery, modern mass incarceration truly exploded in the latter half of the 20th Century. As Reagan-era politicians advocated for fiscal conservatism on the one hand and heavy-handed responses to crime on the other, private prison pioneers saw an opportunity to derive profit from society’s most vulnerable. Today, private prisons house as much as half of some states’ total prison population, and private prison corporations have demonstrated an insatiable desire to expand their reach. This Note explores the unique social vulnerability of privately incarcerated people through a statutory and judicial …

Smooth Muscle Cell Stress Response: Essential In Atherosclerotic Pathogenesis, Pujun Guan

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Recent research using lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing unveiled a previously undescribed and prominent role of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in atherosclerotic plaque formation. SMCs undergo complex phenotypic modulation characterized by de-differentiation of SMCs and heterogeneously increased expression of markers for macrophages, fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells as plaques form. Cultured SMCs exposed to exogenous cholesterol mimic many of the phenotypic changes associated with plaque formation, and our lab determined this SMC modulation is driven by cholesterol entering the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and triggering ER stress and PERK signaling. Further, …

Assessing The Temporal Role Of Mir-200 Loss In Murine Models Of Nsclc, Jared Fradette

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) making up a majority of new diagnoses. Metastasis is the big killer in NSCLC and is driven by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immune evasion. The microRNA 200 family is a master regulator of EMT and is implicated in immune regulation. In this study we have developed a novel genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) and derived primary cell lines from them to explore the role of microRNA-200 in early EMT and immune changes. Our model combines conditional activation of Kras^{G12D …}

El Leñador, December 2024, El Leñador Staff

El Leñador Newspaper

El Leñador is an English and Spanish newspaper produced by Humboldt State University students. Our staff cover and provide news to Latinx and other diverse communities on campus and in Humboldt County. We are committed to providing relevant news and expanding the representations and stories told about people of color and other marginalized groups. Our work helps create more social, political and cultural diversity in local media.

El Leñador es un periodico en español y inglés producido por estudiantes de la Universidad Estatal de Humboldt. Nuestro personal cubre y provee noticias a la comunidad Latinx y otras comunidades diversas en …

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter Newsletter, Issue #66 December 2024

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter: Newsletters

Nominations Solicitations Issue

President's Message, John R. Ruberson

Members

Grad Student Award

Teaching Award

Research Award

Extension Award

Award of Merit

Annual Membership Info

Student Award Fund

In Memoriam: John L. Lambert (April 25, 1942-July 3, 2024), Larry Elmer Germer (April 24, 1941-October 25, 2024), Leo Lucas (1931-November 13, 2024)

Pledge

A Comparative Analysis Of Passenger Demand For Two Airport Hubs In The United States, Selcuk Ertekin, Fassil Fanta

Journal of Applied Marketing Theory

This paper studies the passenger demand for two airport hubs in the United States using econometric time-series modeling. By focusing on the traditional determinants of demand (national income and price), this paper compares the econometric dynamics of passenger demand for a large and a small airport hub. We found that there is a sustained relationship between income, price, and revenue passenger miles over time. We also found that a shock in GDP causes a disruption that has a lasting impact on passenger demand.

Implementation Of A New Graduate Registered Nurse Mentorship Program: A Quality Improvement Project, Cindy N. Ruisi

Nursing Doctoral

Transitioning from student to a registered nurse is a critical period for new graduates, often marked by challenges affecting confidence and job satisfaction. Mentorship programs have been identified as an effective intervention to support new nurses during this transition. The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) offers a structured mentoring program that can be leveraged to enhance the confidence level and job satisfaction of new graduate registered nurses.

This quality improvement project aims to implement a new graduate registered nurse mentorship program at a > 400-bed community hospital. This program will incorporate components of the established Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses mentoring program, …

Law And Equity On Appeal, Aaron-Andrew P. Bruhl

Faculty Publications

Most lawyers know that the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure merged the divergent trial procedures of the common law and of equity, but fewer are familiar with the development of federal appellate procedure. Here too there is a story of the merger of two distinct systems. At common law, a reviewing court examined the record for errors of law after the final trial judgment. In the equity tradition, an appeal was a rehearing of the law and the facts that aimed at achieving justice and did not need to await a final judgment. Unlike the story of federal trial procedure, …