Digital Commons Network^™

Modeling And Characterizing The Electron Backscatter In A Cylindrical Anode-Based Distributed X-Ray Source, Jordan Fox, Seth Kilby, Hyoung Koo Lee, Ayodeji Alajo, Ashish Avachat

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Upcoming advancements in computed tomography architectures warrants the investigation of new X-ray source designs and the impacts that electron backscatter can have on these designs. One such design being investigated is a distributed, cylindrical anode-based X-ray source. For such a distributed X-ray source, we developed a modeling pipeline for simulating electron optics and transport to characterize the quality of the primary X-ray beam and the electron backscatter behavior. We report our results on the energy distributions of the bremsstrahlung spectra; electron backscatter ratio; and spatial, temporal, and energy distributions of backscattered electrons that return to the anode.

Positive Solutions Of Semipositone Singular Three-Points Boundary Value Problems For Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations, Xueyan Zhang, Zhaocai Hao, Martin Bohner

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study introduces the existence of one positive solution for a specific category of semipositive singular three-point boundary value problems associated with Caputo fractional differential equations. The proof relies on the application of the Guo–Krasnosel'skii fixed point theorem. In the end, we provide an illustrative example.

How To Measure, Analyze, And Interpret Age-Related Changes In Caenorhabditis Elegans: Lessons For Mechanistic And Evolutionary Theories Of Aging, Zuzana Kocsisova, Brian M. Egan, Andrea Scharf, Xavier Anderson, Franziska Pohl, Aaron Anderson, Kerry Kornfeld

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Aging is characterized by progressive degenerative changes in tissue organization and function, some of which increase the probability of mortality. Major goals of aging research are to elucidate the series of events that cause degenerative changes, and to identify environmental, pharmacological, and genetic factors that influence these changes; this information might lead to new strategies to extend health span and lifespan. Mechanistic studies of aging depend on accurate and precise descriptions of age-related changes, since these descriptions define the aging phenotype. Here, we review studies that describe age-related changes in C. elegans, including measurements of integrated functions such as behavior …

From Zwingli’S Switzerland To The American South:, Celeste Carroll Onchuck

Swiss American Historical Society Review

“Here – here shall be my grave!” declared Rudi Gallmann, standing near Huldrych (or Ulrich) Zwingli and his comrades on the damp ground in the gently sloping Albis hills of the Zurich countryside on October 11, 1531. When the weather was clear and the sun shone over the towering Kappel monastery, one might be overcome with a sense of peacefulness, but that day, the clouds hung low, bringing light rain to accompany the winds that blew over the hillsides. Although morale was not at its zenith among the Protestant troops at Kappel am Albis that day, Gallmann and the others …

From Islands To Mountains:, Stephanie Velasco Poserio

Swiss American Historical Society Review

This reflection, by Ms. A. Martinez, a Filipino-American living and working in diversity education at a castle museum near Bern, Switzerland, highlights how cultural connections are maintained even when one is geographically distant from one’s country of origin. In addition to Ms. Martinez’s Filipino-American perspective, I met and interviewed others who shared their stories as Filipino or Filipino-Swiss migrants. The migration of Filipinos from the islands of the Philippines to the mountains of Switzerland illustrates a dynamic journey that began with labor migration in the early 1970s and reflects a vibrant diaspora today. This article presents a cultural and historical …

Hollywood’S Toughest Stunt Clan Comes From Gossau, Canton St. Gallen:, Roland Schäfli

Swiss American Historical Society Review

Hans Epper from eastern Switzerland conquered Hollywood as a stuntman in the 1930s. His descendants continue to perform death-defying stunts for Quentin Tarantino and Steven Spielberg to this day. A family history like something out of a movie.

When Hans Epper arrived in New York on Whit Monday (the day after Pentecost) in 1926, he gave his name as “John” to the immigration authorities.

He discarded “Hans” just as he wanted to discard his origins: his past in the eastern Swiss municipality of Gossau. An official at the town hall of the industrial village in St. Gallen had scribbled “Off …

Publications Report, The Editorial Board

Swiss American Historical Society Review

2025 was a busy year for the Editorial Board. In addition to publishing three issues of the SAHS Review, we also completed editing and publishing Helvetic Heights: A Human History of the Swiss Alps by our own Richard Hacken. The book has been well received by members and others as a comprehensive history of people living and working in the Swiss Alps since prehistory.

The February 2025 issue of the SAHS Review featured five interesting and very different articles. Thomas Quinn Marabello researched and wrote about the connection between Zermatt, Switzerland and Vail, Colorado. The founders of Vail, a ski …

Full Issue

Swiss American Historical Society Review

No abstract provided.

Georgia Library Spotlight Sir Elton John’S Gift To Emory University’S Library, Lily Brickmeier

Georgia Library Quarterly

No abstract provided.

The Role Of C-Terminal Crosslinking Telopeptide Of Type Ii Collagen (Ctx-Ii) After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review., Ali Naderi, S Ali Ghasemi, Andrea Fabregas, Gene Shaffer, James Raphael

Orthopedic Surgery Resident Research

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are known to accelerate cartilage degradation and predispose patients to early-onset osteoarthritis. C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II), a biomarker of cartilage breakdown, can be detected in various body fluids, including urine, offering a non-invasive method for evaluating cartilage degeneration. This systematic review aimed to assess existing evidence on urinary CTX-II (uCTX-II) levels following ACL reconstruction (ACLR). A systematic search of two medical databases was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies were screened for inclusion based on their assessment of CTX-II in human subjects undergoing ACLR, and methodological quality was evaluated using …

Bch 482.01: Advanced Biochemistry Ii, J. Stephen Lodmell

University of Montana Course Syllabi, 2026-2030

No abstract provided.

Insomnia In Stimulant Use Disorders: Prevalence And Associations With Negative Affect, Isabella G Bourtin, Constanza De Dios, Jessica Vincent, Joy M Schmitz, Scott D Lane, Heather E Webber

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Research suggests that sleep disturbances are common among people who use psychostimulants, including cocaine use and methamphetamine use. These sleep disturbances hinder recovery, heighten relapse risk, and worsen physical and mental health outcomes. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and severity of insomnia among individuals who use cocaine and methamphetamine and to explore potential psychological factors that are associated with more severe insomnia. The sample included participants who completed in-person screening assessments for ongoing studies at an outpatient research clinic. As a part of this screening, participants completed the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and validated assessments of psychological domains …

The Call, February 2026, Lindenwood University

The Call

The Call is an electronic newsletter produced by the Lindenwood College of Arts and Humanities.

Dapivirine Vaginal Ring For Prep: Findings And Lessons Learned From A Pilot Program In Mozambique, Hélder Macul, Aleny Couto, Eduardo De Gusmão, Thais Ferreira, Sérgio Chiale, Katia Ngale, Maria Gonçalves, Afonso Manuel, Danielle Resar, Wafaa El-Sadr

Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (PrEP Ring)

Background: Mozambique has high number of new HIV infections, with adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) disproportionally affected, representing 27% of the 91,644 annual infections. Oral PrEP has been implemented in Mozambique since 2017, however, while 13,585 AGYW initiated PrEP in Nampula Province since 2024, persistence remains a challenge, with 3,111(23%) remaining on PrEP by Dec 2024. To improve acceptance and persistence, the Ministry of Health, with ICAP support, introduced the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DVR) as a PrEP option in March 2025. Methods: DVR was offered at 25 de Setembro Health Centre, Nampula City, focusing on AGYW. It …

Living Well: The Built, Lived, And Social Determinants Of Well-Being, Yi Wen Tan, Zidane Tiew, Emi Loh, Shania Go, Wensi Lim

ROSA Research Briefs

As Singapore transitions into a super-aged society, it becomes imperative for us to develop sustainable, inclusive, and effective models of care. In recent years, there has been growing emphasis on embedding healthcare, social services, and everyday amenities within the community. During this year’s National Day Rally, the Government introduced Age Well Neighbourhoods, a new scheme that builds on existing efforts from the Age Well SG initiative. Age Well Neighbourhoods seeks to expand active ageing centre networks, bring healthcare closer to homes with the establishment of community health posts, and provide greater home personal care services, further cementing its focus on …

Nondestructive Burnup Evaluation And Gamma Spectroscopy Analysis Of Spent Fuel Elements In The Itu Triga Mark Ii Research Reactor, A. Kaya, O. Erbay, Z. Boduroglu, I. A. Reyhancan, M. S. Kiziltas, T. Akyurek

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study presents a comprehensive burnup analysis of all fuel elements in the ITU TRIGA Mark II research reactor core using non-destructive assay (NDA) techniques based on gamma spectroscopy. Two distinct fuel inspection systems were employed to measure the gamma activity, with¹³⁷Cs used as the primary burnup indicator due to its strong correlation with fuel depletion. The results show a clear burnup pattern, with higher values in the inner core rings that gradually decreases toward the outer rings. This asymmetric burnup distribution underscores the need for reactor core reconfiguration, for which an optimized layout is proposed. Additionally, gamma …

Return To Roots: Strunk, White, Orwell, Stewart Justman

Global Humanities and Religions Faculty Publications

Where did I get the idea that writing is a disciplined expression of free thought?

Hiding In Plain Sight: Trafficking Persons With Disabilities For Begging In Ethiopia, Annabel Erulkar, Galan Bekuma, Lemi Negeri, Getachew Teshome Eregata, Musie Tilahun, Getu Asnake, Getahun Semeon, Weyneshet Gezahegn

Humanitarian Task Force

Adults and children with disabilities are at increased risk of human trafficking for begging because of extreme poverty and high rates of illiteracy; cultural norms and stigma leading to low status; lack of social and legal protection; and their reliance on others for sustenance and help with movement, especially in cities which are fraught with risks. Despite this, trafficking of persons with disabilities for begging has received very little attention from researchers, human rights groups or disability advocates. This report presents findings from among the first studies to focus on trafficking of persons with disabilities for begging.

A ‘Digital Dominion’: Launching The Commonwealth Model Law On Digital Trade, Craig Atkinson

Centre for Digital Law

A legislative text published for the benefit of its 56 member countries, the Commonwealth of Nations officially adopted the Model Law on Digital Trade (MLDT) in September 2025. The Commonwealth MLDT addresses a persistent barrier to digital trade (i.e., all trade that is digitally ordered and/or digitally delivered): the laws of many jurisdictions do not sufficiently recognise the legal requirements of electronic commerce (e-commerce) and continue to emphasise paper-bases for commercial communications and transactions in domestic and cross-border contexts.

Hybrid Data-Driven Cement-Stabilized Soil Design: An Integration Of Machine Learning, Multi-Objective Optimization, And Life Cycle Assessment, Chikezie Chimere Onyekwena, Yunli Li, Ikenna J. Okeke, Ubani Obinna Uzodimma, Monday Uchenna Okoronkwo, Wenping Wu

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Soil stabilization is crucial in geotechnical engineering, yet conventional methods are often time-consuming, resource-intensive, and environmentally unsustainable. Despite growing interest in Machine Learning (ML) and optimization tools for mix design, few studies integrate these methods with decision-making techniques and environmental assessment to support practical implementation. This study proposes a hybrid data-driven framework for predicting strength, optimizing mix compositions, and evaluating environmental impacts via life cycle assessment of cement-stabilized soft soils. Six ML models were evaluated, and the top-performing eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) model was further improved using the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO). The optimized XGB-GWO model, integrated with a polynomial …

Computational Characterization Of A Recently Identified Disinfection Byproduct In Drinking Water: The Chloronitramide Anion And Its Monohydrate Complex, Thufail M. Ismail, Max R. Tucker, Gregory S. Tschumper

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

The chloronitramide anion (ClNNO₂⁻) was recently identified as disinfection byproduct in drinking water, and various quantum chemistry methods (CCSD(T), MP2, B3LYP, ωB97XD, and M06-2X) are employed in this study to characterize this negatively charged species and its monohydrate complex. Both vertical and adiabatic quantities indicate the excess electron is bound by 3–4 eV. Four ClNNO₂⁻ monohydrate minima were identified, each exhibiting double ionic hydrogen bonding. The computed ClNNO₂⁻⋯H₂O interaction approaches 15 kcal/mol, and it induces pronounced vibrational frequency shifts in both fragments. Natural bond orbital analysis shows a redistribution of …

Leveraging Molecular Mechanisms Of Desorption To Enhance Pfas Bioavailability In Contaminated Soils, Husam Kafeenah, Margaret D. Taiwo, Patrica Ivy Agorsor, Michael O. Eze

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known for their strong binding properties to soil matrices owing to their amphiphilic properties. While most studies focus on the search for novel PFAS bio degraders, our knowledge of sustainable biomolecules that could drive PFAS desorption and make them more bioavailable is limited. This study investigated the effectiveness of rhamnolipids and organic acids in desorbing PFAS compounds from contaminated soil. Rhamnolipids (25 mg/L) significantly enhanced the release of PFAS compounds from soil, achieving up to 90 % desorption. Acetic acid provided 60–90 % desorption efficiency for most of the PFAS studied, except for PFDA …

Language, Literature, And Culture Newsletter, Thirteenth Edition (February 2026), Language, Literature, And Culture Department, Clark University

Language, Literature, and Culture

The thirteenth issue of the Language, Literature, and Culture department newsletter, which went out in February 2026. The Language, Literature, and Culture department newsletter aims to "share stories, news, ideas, achievements, and important information about and within our academic department that can be helpful to the campus community at large".

Advances And Challenges In Nano-Modified Cementitious Composites: Mechanisms, Dispersion Strategies, And Impact On Mechanical Properties, Fatemeh Mohammadi Ghahsareh, Pengwei Guo, Nusrath Jaha, Yi Bao, Kamal H. Khayat, Weina Meng

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Nanomaterials are increasingly utilized to enhance the mechanical properties, durability, and functionality of concrete materials but face challenges such as agglomeration and uneven dispersion in cementitious systems, which can offset the intended improvements. This paper reviews the advances and challenges associated with nano-modified cementitious composites, elucidating fundamental mechanisms and highlighting strategies for overcoming the challenges through experimental and computing techniques. The reviewed contents include (1) the classification of nanomaterials commonly used in cementitious systems and the mechanisms through which they enhance the mechanical properties of cementitious composites; (2) challenges of nanomaterials such as agglomeration in water, re-agglomeration in cementitious systems, …

Deepfake Liability, Ayelet Gordon-Tapiero, Yotam Kaplan, Gideon Parchomovsky

North Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

Social Media Monitoring And The Admissions Process: A Study Of College Admissions Officers' Use Of Social Media In Undergraduate Application Review, Rachel Karpeles

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

This study explored the evolving role of social media in college admissions, focusing on the perceptions and practices of admissions professionals following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision on Affirmative Action. The research, utilizing a descriptive design, employed a 31-question anonymous survey administered to a convenience sample of 532 admissions representatives. The findings directly contradict the public and media narrative by revealing a profound paradox: while social media monitoring is not a widespread professional practice, its impact on admissions outcomes for a notable portion of applicants is demonstrably significant.

The study found a majority of respondents believe evaluating applicants based …

A Comparative Analysis Of U.S. And Mexico’S Migration Policy From 2009 To 2025: How Their Approaches Shape And Constrain Each Other’S Policy Choices, Viviana Adame

Senior Theses

The long history of movement across the U.S.–Mexico border has made migration one of the main issues shaping their bilateral relationship. This thesis examines how U.S. and Mexican migration policies from 2009 to 2025 affect and limit each other. Using the idea of migration diplomacy, it argues that migration is not just a domestic issue but a way both countries negotiate power and cooperation. The study compares six administrations: Obama, Trump, and Biden in the United States, and Calderón, Peña Nieto, and López Obrador in Mexico, through policy documents, data, and reports. It finds that the United States depends on …

Philippine Cultural Sovereignty: At Risk In The Hands Of Neocolonialism And The Ruling Class, Juliet Mary Atienza Romero

Senior Theses

As countries in the Global South continue to achieve recognized sovereignty, hegemonic powers become eager to find other methods of control, typically through the consolidation of political, economic, and cultural means. The furthering of post-colonial efforts is facilitated by the cooperation of domestic powers, whose personal aims of power align with imperial interests of colonial-like dominance. The interaction between neocolonialism and the ruling class theory may reveal a broader issue beyond the understanding of economic and cultural expansionism as defined by the colonial period. Further, the role of the education system and the projects of docility as used by the …

Zirconium And Hafnium Interdiffusion Study In Zrb2–Hfb2 System, Yue Zhou, Ana C. Feltrin, William G. Fahrenholtz, Gregory E. Hilmas

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Interdiffusion of Zr and Hf in the diboride system was investigated. High-purity zirconium diboride (ZrB₂) and hafnium diboride (HfB₂) were prepared by a combination of boro-/carbothermal reduction synthesis and densification by spark plasma sintering. The bulk ceramics had relative densities of 99.3% for ZrB₂ and 99.7% for HfB₂, and both ceramics were phase-pure by x-ray diffraction analysis. Diffusion couples of ZrB₂ and HfB₂ were annealed at temperatures ranging from 2000°C to 2200°C for times from 4 to 12 h. Zr and Hf elemental concentration profiles were measured using energy dispersive spectroscopy …

The Scope And Impact Of Walking The Talk For Dementia 2024, Sherril B. Gelmon, Kate Irving, Walter Dawson, Jonathan Adrián Zegarra-Valdivia, Lingani Mbakile-Mahlanza, Fernando Aguzzoli-Peres

Institute on Aging Publications

Walking the Talk for Dementia (WTD) is a global educational initiative integrating a walk along the Camino de Santiago with a symposium to combat dementia stigma, raise awareness, and foster inclusion.