Digital Commons Network^™

Powerful Women—A Man-Made Fear: Unmasking The Vilification Of Women In Literature Through The Lens Of Jean Grey, Maximillan Wilson

Master of Liberal Studies Projects

Comic books in their current form have been a staple of American pop culture for nearly a century. The combination of art and narrative provides a unique storytelling medium that has evolved with each new batch of artists and authors over the decades. The imagination's impossible and fantastical qualities are actualized in ways that non-visual literature cannot compete with, reaching audiences of all ages and reading comprehension. However, like with all fiction, the influence of reality cannot be denied. Despite the colorful costumes and progressive storylines, comic book stories suffer from a long-standing misogynistic motive that has long plagued literature. …

Enhancing Neonatal Resuscitation Optimizing Epinephrine Dosing And Improving Communication, Sonsare Holtzclaw

MSN Student Capstones

No abstract provided.

Improving Surgical Turnover Times, Jessica Palmer

MSN Student Capstones

No abstract provided.

Navigating Pediatric Fever: Diagnosis, Treatment And Parental Guidance, Marquita D. Mack

MSN Student Capstones

No abstract provided.

Safety Issues Due To Inadequate Utilization Of Policies And Procedures To Identify And Confiscate Dangerous Contraband Found On Patients, Onyinye Uche

MSN Student Capstones

No abstract provided.

Understanding And Enhancing Health Literacy In The Management Of Oncology Patients, Sarata Saidykhan

MSN Student Capstones

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Pain Management Practices In An Orthopedic Medical-Surgical Unit, Christiana Owusu

MSN Student Capstones

No abstract provided.

Increasing Operating Room Efficiency Through A Case Cart Facilitation And Staging Process, Susan Tomco

MSN Student Capstones

No abstract provided.

Fall Reduction In The Emergency Department, Victoria Barbee

MSN Student Capstones

No abstract provided.

Reducing Falls On A Cardiac Telemetry Unit, Tracey C. Fields

MSN Student Capstones

No abstract provided.

Alaska Earthquake Center Quarterly Technical Report July-September 2024, Alexandra Farrell, Beth Grassi, Stephen Holtkamp, Elisabeth Nadin, Carolyn Parcheta, Angelica Stabs, Michael West, Heather Mcfarlin

Alaska Earthquake Center Reports

This series of technical quarterly reports from the Alaska Earthquake Center (AEC) includes detailed summaries and updates on Alaska seismicity, the AEC seismic network and stations, fieldwork, our online presence, and lists publications and presentations by AEC staff. Multiple AEC staff members contribute to this report. It is issued within 1-2 months after the completion of each quarter Q1: January-March, Q2: April-June, Q3: July-September, and Q4: October-December. The first report was published for January-March, 2021.

Safe Reinforcement Learning For Intersection Management In Riti Communities Under Rare Extreme Events, Yuanzhang Xiao

CSET Project Reports

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the transportation sector, with applications spanning autonomous vehicles, driver injury prevention, and traffic management. Efficient traffic management, particularly through adaptive intersection control, holds significant potential for reducing congestion. This study explores the application of reinforcement learning (RL) to adaptive traffic signal control in rural, isolated, tribal, and indigenous (RITI) communities, which face unique challenges such as rare extreme weather events. Standard RL approaches struggle in these contexts due to limited exposure to these rare events. In our study, we first evaluate several mainstream RL algorithms and identified two most promising approaches. …

Genome-Wide Association Analysis And Genomic Prediction Of Salt Tolerance Trait In Soybean Germplasm, Rongqing Xu, Qing Yang, Zhi Liu, Xiaolai Shi, Xintong Wu, Yuenhan Chen, Xingyu Du, Qiqi Gao, Di He, Ainong Shi, Peijun Tao, Long Yan

Horticulture Faculty Publications and Presentations

Introduction:

Soybean is an important protein and oil crop, and improving yield has traditionally been a major breeding goal. However, salt stress is an important abiotic factor that can severely impair soybean yield by disrupting metabolic processes, inhibiting photosynthesis, and hindering plant growth, ultimately leading to a decrease in productivity.

Methods:

This study utilized phenotypic and genotypic data from 563 soybean germplasms sourced from over 20 countries. Employing four distinct models—we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using four models, including MLM, MLMM, FarmCPU, and BLINK in GAPIT 3, we conducted a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) to identify single nucleotide …

Forensicllm: A Local Large Language Model For Digital Forensics, Binaya Sharma

LSU Master's Theses

Large Language Models (LLMs) excel in diverse natural language tasks but often lack specialization in fields like digital forensics. Their reliance on cloud-based APIs or high-performance computers restricts their use in resource-limited environments, and response hallucinations could compromise their applicability in forensic contexts. We introduce ForensicLLM, a 4-bit quantized LLaMA-3.1-8B model fine-tuned using Retrieval Augmented Fine-tuning (RAFT) on 6,739 Q&A samples extracted from 1,082 digital forensic research articles and curated digital artifacts. Evaluation on 2,244 Q&A samples showed that ForensicLLM outperformed the base LLaMA-3.1-8B model by 4.06%, 5.43%, and 15.79% on BERTScore F1, BGE-M3 cosine similarity, and G-Eval, respectively. Compared …

Measuring And Modeling Grease Degradation, Alan Gurt

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Lubricating grease is an ideal lubricant for many devices such as roller bearings, journal bearings, slide bearings, gears, and many types of joints due to its simplicity. Once grease is put in place, it can often provide adequate lubrication for extended periods of time without the need for a complex supply system that would generally be needed for oil lubrication. However, during prolonged use, various degradation mechanisms change the physical and chemical properties of grease, possibly leading to inadequate performance and machinery failure.

In order to succinctly quantify the degradation of grease, it is essential to have robust, meaningful test …

Best Practice Advice For Asthma Exacerbation Prevention And Management In Primary Care: An International Expert Consensus, Neil Skolnik, Barbara P. Yawn, Jaime Correia De Sousa, María Mar Martínez Vázquez, Amanda Barnard, Wendy L. Wright, Austin Ulrich, Tonya Winders, Stephen Brunton

Department of Family & Community Medicine Faculty Papers

Primary care clinicians play a key role in asthma and asthma exacerbation management worldwide because most patients with asthma are treated in primary care settings. The high burden of asthma exacerbations persists and important practice gaps remain, despite continual advances in asthma care. Lack of primary care-specific guidance, uncontrolled asthma, incomplete assessment of exacerbation and asthma control history, and reliance on systemic corticosteroids or short-acting beta2-agonist-only therapy are challenges clinicians face today with asthma care. Evidence supports the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) + fast-acting bronchodilator treatments when used as needed in response to symptoms to improve asthma control and …

Simulations, Modeling And Data Analysis Of Parity Violating Electron Scattering Experiments, Yufan Chen

Doctoral Dissertations

In the Standard Model (SM) of nuclear and particle physics, parity violation is incorporated through the representation of the weak interaction as a chiral gauge interaction. Only the left-handed components of particles and right-handed components of antiparticles participate in weak interactions in the Standard Model. This implies that parity is asymmetric for the weak interaction. Parity violating electron scattering (PVES) experiments are designed to probe the physics parameters related to the SM, with the possibility to discover physics beyond the SM (BSM) by measuring the parity violating asymmetry 𝐴𝑃𝑉 of longitudinally polarized electrons scattered off unpolarized targets with high precision. …

Therapeutic Potential Of Astrocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicles In Mitigating Cytotoxicity And Transcriptome Changes In Human Brain Endothelial Cells, Ruth Juliana Stewart

Doctoral Dissertations

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a major role in cell-to-cell communication via the horizontal transfer of RNA, DNA, proteins, and lipids that affect the physiological response of the recipient cells. Astrocytes are a type of glial cell that exerts a protective effect on neurons and brain endothelial cells. The astrocytes and the endothelial cells form the blood-brain barrier. Due to their nano-size and non-complex structure, EVs can efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier. This study investigated and assessed the impact of EVs on reducing oxidative DNA damage in human brain endothelial cells (HBECs). The protective potential of astrocyte-derived EVs was determined by …

Measurement Of Multi-Jet Ratios In The Atlas Experiment, Zahra Farazpay

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation presents a comprehensive study of multi-jet cross-section ratios using proton-proton collision data collected by the ATLAS detector during Run 2 of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at a center-of-mass energy of √ s = 13TeV. By examining these ratios across different energy scales, the analysis provides valuable insights into the running of the strong coupling constant, αs, a fundamental parameter in Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) that dictates the strength of the strong interaction. The running of αs—its variation with energy—is crucial for understanding QCD, yet it remains one of the least precisely known aspects of the theory. In this …

Machine Learning-Driven Process Analysis And Optimization In Solid-State Welding And Fusion-Based Additive Manufacturing, Radif Uddin Ahmed

Master's Theses

In the modern era of advanced manufacturing, optimizing process parameters is pivotal in ensuring the quality and reliability of sophisticated component fabrication. This study presents a novel, data-driven approach to parameter optimization in two cutting-edge manufacturing techniques: Friction Stir Welding (FSW) and Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). By leveraging machine learning methodologies, this research addresses the critical challenge of efficiently determining optimal process parameters, a task traditionally relying on time-consuming and resource-intensive trial-and-error methods. This study will lead to a robust data-driven framework for process analysis of more advanced manufacturing techniques like the Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD) process. Friction …

Global, Regional, And National Stillbirths At 20 Weeks' Gestation Or Longer In 204 Countries And Territories, 1990–2021: Findings From The Global Burden Of Disease Study 2021, Gbd 2021 Global Stillbirths Collaborators, Veincent Christian Pepito

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

Background

Stillbirth is a devastating and often avoidable adverse pregnancy outcome. Monitoring stillbirth levels and trends—in a comprehensive manner that leaves no one uncounted—is imperative for continuing progress in pregnancy loss reduction. This analysis, completed as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021, methodically accounted for different stillbirth definitions with the aim of comprehensively estimating all stillbirths at 20 weeks or longer for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021.

Methods

We extracted data on stillbirths from 11 412 sources across 185 of 204 countries and territories, including 234 surveys, 231 published …

Effect Of Workload And Trust On Automation Levels In Human-Robot Collaboration, Abhiram Maddula

LSU Master's Theses

Automation is becoming increasingly common in manufacturing and assembly plants. The future lies in hybrid workspaces where the strengths of humans and robots complement each other, with robots excelling in precision, speed, and strength, and humans excelling in creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex decision-making. Collaborative robots can foster a more efficient and productive work environment by bridging the gap between human and machine capabilities. This study examines how semi-automated and automated modes impact human-robot collaboration, focusing on mental workload, trust, and task performance.

In this experiment, 58 participants performed a primary task alongside a collaborative robot assembling a miniature lamppost …

Empathy From Artificial Intelligence Therapists And Human Therapists, Ruth Zeller

Senior Honors Theses

In response to the constantly evolving daily pressures in society, various forms of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are currently in the developmental stages. These AI systems are specifically designed to cater to the emerging needs for mental health services. This is a burgeoning area of research and development. Studies examining AI therapy have found that client use of these services has successfully promoted healthy lifestyles. However, caution should be exercised when considering AI as a therapist, as human-chatbot relationships may lack essential components present in human relationships. Empathy, a crucial aspect of therapy, is a key focus of the present study. …

Nusap4 Regulates Chromosome Segregation In Trypanosoma Brucei By Promoting Bipolar Spindle Assembly, Qing Zhou, Ziyin Li

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Faithful chromosome segregation in eukaryotes requires the assembly of a bipolar spindle and the faithful attachment of kinetochores to spindle microtubules, which are regulated by various spindle-associated proteins (SAPs) that play distinct functions in regulating spindle dynamics and microtubule-kinetochore attachment. The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei employs evolutionarily conserved and kinetoplastid-specific proteins, including some kinetoplastid-specific nucleus- and spindle-associated proteins (NuSAPs), to regulate chromosome segregation. Here, we characterized NuSAP4 and its functional interplay with diverse SAPs in promoting chromosome segregation in T. brucei. NuSAP4 associates with the spindle during mitosis and concentrates at spindle poles where it interacts with SPB1 and MAP103. …

The Farmer Stress Production Meeting Model: Acceptability And Feasibility Of An Intervention, Anna Scheyett, Andrea Scarrow, Jennifer Dunn, Stephanie Hollifield, Justin Shealey, Brian Hayes

Journal of Extension

Farmers experience high stress levels, but are often reluctant to participate in mental health-specific programming. We tested providing stress supports to farmers by embedding information and resources within existing Extension production meetings. During meetings, farmers were offered blood pressure screenings where providers would also discuss stress; were offered an information packet on stress and health, and listened to a brief talk from a therapist with local roots. Farmers accepted screenings and resources, and several later contacted the therapist. Extension agents, initially cautious about addressing the topic of farmer stress, expressed greater confidence in talking about the issue after these meetings.

Virtual Culinary Nutrition Education: Youth And Parent/Guardian Acceptability Of The Switch Cooking School, Summer Mcvicker, Laura Paulsen, Anna Mlodzik, Allison Henry, Maren Wolff

Journal of Extension

Face-to-face cooking programs can positively impact food choices, fruit and vegetable intake, and cooking self-efficacy; however, little is known about virtual cooking programs. We studied the perceived acceptability of the virtual SWITCH Cooking School (SCS). Four monthly cooking classes were offered for each participating school. Classes included nutrition education, food safety, and cooking demonstrations. Feedback was collected through post-class surveys and focus groups with parent/guardian and youth participants. Families valued the convenience of the virtual delivery and were interested in participating again. Future considerations for the SCS include incorporating additional variety of culinary skills and modifying registration methods.

Extension Education For Real Estate Professionals: Teaching Regulations And Sharing Resources That Protect Water Quality And Property Values, Linda Patterson, Shari Halik, Kristine F. Stepenuck

Journal of Extension

Real estate professionals can be an important source of information for home buyers and sellers about regulations and practices that protect water quality and properties from environmental damage. Lake Champlain Sea Grant (LCSG) Extension identified a deficit in real estate education covering these topics for real estate professionals. Accredited real estate workshops were initially developed by LCSG Extension and Vermont Agency of Natural Resources specialists. The program was later expanded to New York. Six-month follow-up surveys indicated that the majority of participants continued to use knowledge and tools gained in the workshops. Suggestions for replicating this program elsewhere are provided.

Transformative Interactions: Chatgpt’S Role In Facilitating Professional Development Among Vietnamese English As A Foreign Language Teachers, Thi Thuy Tran, Trut Thuy Pham, Thanh Thao Le

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objective: This study delved into the integration of ChatGPT as a medium for English teacher professional development among Vietnamese English as Foreign Language (EFL) teachers.

Methods: Rooted in the Constructivist Learning Theory and the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, the qualitative exploration employed semi-structured interviews with nine teachers categorized into novice, mid-career, and near-end career stages. The objective was to understand teacher experiences, perceptions, and insights regarding the role of ChatGPT in their professional journey.

Results: Key findings illuminated that ChatGPT facilitated enhanced personalized learning, bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical application, and even indirectly spurred …

Sterilisation Efficiency Of Dental Burs And Bacterial Species Investigation In Dental Clinics: Comparison Study, Ghsaq M. Alhamdani, Bent Alhuda Hussein Neamah, Azal H Al-Masoody

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

In a regular dental facility, the correct management of the pre-cleaning and sterilisation phases plays a significant role in the good management of personnel and instruments. Thorough cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation are critical in dental clinics as most of instruments are reusable in daily practice. However, the sterilisation process of some equipment is difficult because of their complex structure, small size and presence of surface details. One of the most potent devices for cross-infection in dental clinics is a dental bur, present in a variety of materials, shapes and sizes with highly complex surface features. Evidence suggests transmission of viruses …

The Big Data Gap: Asymmetric Information In The Ophthalmology Residency Match Process And The Argument For Transparent Residency Data, Stephen Adam Le Breton, Shilpa Desai

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology

Background

The ophthalmology match is an important step for graduating medical students that defines their future career. Residency programs demonstrate significant variability due to differences in size, location, research output, subspecialty exposure, surgical case load, and alumni fellowship/practice placement. Despite the importance of informed decision-making, applicants often find limited, inconsistent information about potential programs.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to characterize and identify gaps in the information available to residents in the 2022 to 2023 Match.

Methods

The SFMatch Web site was reviewed to identify programs included as well as characteristics cited on each program's webpage. Program webpages …