Digital Commons Network^™

The Echo: May 18, 2026, Taylor University

2025-2026 (Volume 113)

No abstract provided.

Imbalance In Wnt: Retinoic Acid Signaling Dysregulates Hox Gene Expression: Implications For Cancer Stem Cell Heterogeneity And Crc Patient Survival, Brian Osmond, Chi Zhang, Pascal K. Kataboh, Caroline O. B. Facey, Lynn M. Opdenaker, Bruce M. Boman

Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Faculty Papers

How HOX transcription factors play a role in the stem cell (SC) origin of cancer is unclear. Our goal is to determine how dysregulation of HOX gene expression promotes colorectal cancer (CRC) development through aberrant SC regulatory mechanisms. We investigated retinoic acid (RA) and WNT signaling because they regulate HOX expression and both pathways are dysregulated in cancer. Previously, we reported WNT and RA pathways are functionally linked, and in CRC, APC mutation generates a WNT:RA imbalance leading to incomplete differentiation and SC overpopulation. We hypothesize that aberrant WNT- and RA-signaling dysregulates HOX expression that contributes to the SC origin …

Geometric Structure In High-Dimensional Representations: Theory And Applications To Language, Jiayi Chen

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

This thesis develops a geometric perspective on high-dimensional representations, motivated by applications to language. Rather than treating representations solely as inputs to predictive models, we view them as structured objects whose geometry encodes meaningful information. In particular, we argue that such representations exhibit organization at multiple scales: at a global level, metric and clustering structure capture relationships such as genre, authorship, and discourse; at a local level, geometric quantities such as intrinsic dimension and curvature describe how these relationships vary across the space.

To study these phenomena, we combine empirical analysis with theoretical development. On the empirical side, we examine …

Stablecoins, Geopolitical Shocks, And Imperfect Arbitrage: A Case Study Of Türkiye, Vincient Arnold

Master in Public Policy Theses

On March 19, 2025, a key Turkish opposition political figure was unexpectedly arrested on what were presumed to be politically motivated charges. In response, the lira depreciated sharply. Meanwhile, Türkiye has a large and active dollar stablecoin market. Using a time series dataset of trade-frequency Tether vs. lira trading, I exploit this natural exogenous geopolitical risk-off event to investigate the response function of stablecoin traders active in Türkiye to this shock. I find that the shock is associated with a large (5.33% ) abnormal depreciation of the lira. Further, I show that the shock is associated with an abnormal widening …

Silicon Rivalry: Understanding The U.S.-China Ai Competition In Southeast Asia, Daniel Christopher Kent

Master in Public Policy Theses

In the rising global strategic competition between China and the United States, artificial intelligence (AI) has taken on a special significance given its potentially transformative impact upon economics and security. Yet while the dialogue around the “AI race” is typically centered on foundational model capability enhancement, application in security contexts, and chip design and manufacturing, there is much less attention paid to its impact on geopolitics. In particular, AI diplomacy—the work of a state to spread its model of AI governance, evangelize its AI companies, and develop critical AI interdependencies and linkages around the world—is far less studied. Nowhere is …

Global Health Financing Of Diagonal Interventions: Building Resilient And Sustainable Health Systems In Sub-Saharan Africa, Lucy Kim

Master in Public Policy Theses

Background: Global health financing has historically prioritized disease-specific “vertical” programs over broader “horizontal” strengthening of general health systems. Vertical programs in HIV have led to unprecedented reductions in mortality worldwide, but HIV remains a significant public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa, where vertical strategies have long been criticized for creating fragmented health systems. In response, global health strategies have shifted towards combining vertical investments with broader horizontal activities, commonly referred to as “diagonal” programming. While evidence suggests that diagonal programming has the potential to create more resilient and sustainable health systems, evaluating its value for money is challenging due to …

The Digital Rentier State: Saudi Arabia, George Ngoh

Master in Public Policy Theses

As artificial intelligence reshapes Great Power Competition, control over digital infrastructure has become a key measure of global hegemony. In this context, Saudi Arabia is using its Vision 2030 strategy to pivot from traditional hydrocarbon reliance toward diversification into the AI and emerging technology sector, seeking to secure a position of power in an increasingly multipolar world.

This thesis analyzes whether Saudi Arabia’s AI investments signal a transition away from traditional resource rentierism or the creation of a new digital rentier model. Through primary and secondary research, this study argues that the Kingdom is establishing a sustainable pathway toward a …

Ucf Pegasus Plan - 1st Grade - Kid Economists In Training, Alyssa Mawyer, Logan May, Jordan Teitelbaum

Pegasus Plans: Social Studies Unit Plans for Florida Teachers

No abstract provided.

A Rarer Earth: The Many States Of Peat In Central Kalimantan, Layna Chen Ms.

Masters of Environmental Design Theses

Peat currently occupies a central place within climate discourse, with Indonesia’s peatlands as a key site of concern since the late twentieth century. Yet this contemporary understanding is historically unstable. Over the last two centuries, what we commonly consider peat has been repeatedly redefined by scientific and bureaucratic institutions. Within popular media, peat has circulated as a low-grade fuel, an infertile swampland, an agricultural soil awaiting rehabilitation, and a hydrological body requiring remediation. Tropical peatland fires, once treated as a scientific improbability, have become a recurring environmental crisis. This history of shifting definitions suggests that ‘peat’ is not a stable …

Design And Analysis Of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powered Aircraft Using Wuads Design Code, Baiming Zhang, Duyen Nguyen, Mike Kiely, Ramesh Agarwal

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Independent Study

This report presents the application and validation of the Washington University Aircraft Design Software (WUADS) using the Dornier 228 as a representative short- to mediumrange aircraft case study. The objective of this work is to improve the reliability of the WUADS model by testing its ability to reproduce the geometry, weight, aerodynamic performance, stability characteristics, and mission behavior of an existing aircraft with known design and performance data. The Dornier 228 was selected because of its regional aircraft configuration and its relevance to future hydrogen fuel-cell aircraft studies. In this work, key aircraft parameters, including fuselage dimensions, wing geometry, passenger …

The Normative Evolution Of Political Crime In Egyptian Criminal Law 1881 – 1981, Anas Sayed Elkorashy

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the historical evolution of the Egyptian criminal justice system's approach to managing political opposition. It employs the concept of "political crime" as a heuristic for analyzing the prosecution of dissent, despite the absence of a statutory definition within the legal system. By situating these practices within the broader context of political conflict, the study traces how criminal law has been used to manage rivalry and neutralize perceived threats to the state. Drawing on Fraenkel’s theory of the "Dual State," the thesis argues that modern Egyptian criminal justice has developed through a distinctive dual structure. The research distinguishes …

Breaking Down Barriers To Pediatric Respite Care Use, Michelle Montanez

Group: Northern Arizona University School of Nursing, DNP Doctoral Papers

Parents of children with a life-limiting illness provide constant, around-the-clock care, often leaving little time for their well-being. This responsibility is emotionally, mentally, and physically demanding, and without proper support, parents face increased risk of depression, burnout, and deteriorating health. Respite services offer relief by providing a much-needed break and allowing parents the opportunity for self-care and improved well-being. Though the benefits of respite are well documented, these services remain underutilized due to barriers such as limited provider awareness, lack of access, and emotional challenges the parents face. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aims to address these barriers …

Measuring Treatment Burden With The Treatment Burden Questionnaire (Tbq): A Narrative Literature Review And Implications For Geriatric Research And Clinical Practice, Jennifer Li-Wang, Sophia Hernandez, Sahana Ramasamy, Lawrence Qu, Jack Banks, Rafael Samper-Ternent, Holly Holmes, Aanand Naik, Dana Giza

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Treatment burden refers to the demands that healthcare places on a patient's daily life, including managing appointments, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. It is a critical concern for older adults, particularly those with multiple chronic conditions. High treatment burden has been associated with poorer treatment adherence, increased disruptions in care, and diminished quality of care. The Treatment Burden Questionnaire (TBQ) is a validated tool that has been successfully used to measure treatment burden in a variety of geographic, clinical, and research settings.

Methods: We conducted a narrative literature review to identify studies that have applied the TBQ in older adult …

Supported Storytelling Through The ‘Life Threads’ Approach For Family Members After Traumatic Brain Injury: “We've Been Through All Of This Trauma, And You're Giving Me Some String?, Alyson Norman

School of Psychology

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) brings inevitable and significant changes for family members, yet there is little to relieve their trauma, resolve their grief, or prevent ongoingsuffering. The aim of this qualitative pre-feasibility study was to understand theclinical potential of storytelling for families after TBI using the ‘Life Threads’ approach(LTA). An in-depth inductive qualitative design was adopted within an interpretivist paradigm. Following informed consent, participants took part in an online focusgroup, then engaged with the LTA over four weeks before completing an unstructured, in-person interview. A final focus group explored participants’ reflections on theLTA. A purposive sample of 20 family members …

Early Neurodevelopmental Outcomes In A Child With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Treated With Everolimus And Vigabatrin, Sarah Ml Wilson, Megan Samuels, Luana Pimentel, Shelley Varnado, Claire Sartwell, Rosleen Mansour, Deborah Pearson, Hope Northrup, Mary Kay Koenig

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objectives: To report early neurodevelopmental outcomes in a child with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) treated with everolimus and vigabatrin.

Methods: The authors report a five-year-old girl with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex who was initiated on vigabatrin at seven weeks old to treat infantile spasms and on everolimus at two months of age to treat a subependymal giant cell astrocytoma. Neuropsychological assessments were conducted in this patient at 12, 24, and 36 months using the Bayley-III and Vineland-II.

Results: On the Bayley-III, the patient had a high average cognitive composite score at 12 months and a high average language composite score at …

Risk Factors And Prevention Strategies For Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Following Fractures: A Scoping Review, Tina Tran, Brian H. Tran, Tatum R. Dam, Ank A. Agarwal, Moorice Caparó

Student Publications

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a neuropathic pain disorder characterized by pain disproportionate to the severity of the inciting injury, persisting beyond the expected period of tissue healing. CRPS can significantly impact functional outcomes, but despite increasing research, risk factors and preventive strategies remain incompletely characterized. The objective is to map the existing evidence on risk factors and preventive strategies for CRPS following fracture, including trauma-related, surgical, and patient-related contributors, and identify gaps in current prevention and risk stratification approaches. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus was conducted from database inception through March 17, 2026. Eligible studies …

A Systematic Literature Review On Data-Efficient And Adaptive Learning Techniques For Encrypted Traffic Classification Under Modern Protocols, Muntakimur Rahaman, Azwan Mahmud, Azlan Abd Aziz, Osama M. S. Abujawa, Ji-Jian Chin

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Recent studies suggest that few-shot and zero-shot learning methods, drawing on meta-learning, self-supervised approaches and metric-learning ideas, can classify encrypted traffic (TLS 1.3 and QUIC) with competitive accuracy across different protocol conditions. This systematic literature review (SLR) investigates 22 studies selected from an initial pool of 500 papers using PRISMA 2020, focusing on current methodologies for non-stationary network traffic classification, with particular attention to few-shot, zero-shot, and meta-learning approaches. The research addresses four questions: (1) Which approaches have been employed for non-stationary network traffic classification and threat detection? (2) How do hybrid or cross-domain models improve adaptation, detection and overall …

Design And Implementation Of Error Estimators For Finite Element Eigenvalue Problems, Gabriel Esteban Pinochet Soto

Dissertations and Theses

We present three publications, all encompassed under the umbrella of a posteriori error estimation theory for eigenvalue problems for finite element discretizations. The central objective of the research is the development of a general framework for the study of reliable estimation of eigenvalues and eigenspaces. We introduce applications to problems of theoretical interest as well as problems arising in real-life scenarios, such as optical fibers. The first paper focuses on the implementation of a dual-weighted residual error estimator for a nonselfadjoint eigenvalue problems arising from the study of leaky modes in optical fibers---Maxwell's equations, Perfectly Matched Layers, and a conforming …

Cohort Study Of Opioid Utilization In Post-Tonsillectomy Pediatric Patients, Sainiteesh Maddineni, Varun Vendra, Hareem Khan, Noor Ali, Tulio Valdez, Anna Messner, Iram Ahmad

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objectives: Prospective observational cohort study at a tertiary care academic center to evaluate the post-operative use of oxycodone in pediatric tonsillectomy patients and caregiver knowledge of opioid disposal.

Methods: Pediatric patients 6-18 years old undergoing tonsillectomy were enrolled. Patients were excluded if they required prolonged inpatient care, had a history of organ transplantation, chronic pain or narcotic use, congenital or chromosomal disorders, inability to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and other significant medical diagnoses that could potentially alter postoperative pain management. All patients were prescribed a standard amount of oxycodone to be used for breakthrough pain in addition to ibuprofen and …

Hukum Pengadaan Barang (Government Procurement) Dan Pembangunan Ekonomi, Ade Maman Suherman

Jurnal Hukum & Pembangunan

Abstract

Indonesia's Position Based On The Australian Asean New Zealand Free Trade Agreement And Its Impact From A Business La W Perspective, Ariawan Gunadi

Jurnal Hukum & Pembangunan

Abstract

Catatan Singkat Mengenai Kedudukan Mpr Sesudah Perubahan Uud 1945, Fatmawati Fatmawati

Jurnal Hukum & Pembangunan

Abstract

Examining The Consumer Purchase Shares Of Plbs Across Cultures: A Comparison Of The U.S. And Turkish Plbs, Musa Pinar, Tulay Girard, Nilay Bicakcioglu-Peynirci, Ilayda Ipek, Tanses Gulsoy

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

A Comparative Semiotic Analysis Of Promotional Philanthropic Public Texts In Persian And In English, Shaheen Borna Professor, Sushil Sharma Professor & Associate Dean, Russell Wahlers Associate Professor & Chair Mkg Department, Sameer Hajjar Assistant Professor

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Pertussis In Adolescents: Nonspecific Findings And The Importance Of Clinical Vigilance - A Single-Center Retrospective Study, Kaan Celebier, Furkan Kalayci, Merve Keser, Metin Yigit, Enes K. Kılıc, Yunus E. Ince, Ahmet A. Gungor, Hande Yigit, Betul Demircioglu Kalayci, Aslınur Özkaya Parlakay

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: In adolescents, pertussis commonly presents with a mild, atypical picture that can delay diagnosis, lead to its exclusion from the differential diagnosis list, and sustain community transmission. Typical paroxysms and laboratory abnormalities are frequently absent or subtle. We aimed to describe qPCR-confirmed adolescent cases and highlight diagnostic challenges. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed electronic records of patients presenting to general pediatrics and pediatric infectious diseases clinics between January 2019 and August 2025. Adolescents with a multiplex respiratory panel positive only for Bordetella pertussis were included; co-detections and incomplete data were excluded. Demographics, symptoms, examination and imaging findings, laboratory results, treatment, …

Demystifying Longitudinal Melanonychia: Low-Cost 3d-Printed Nail Models For Patient Education, Nuran C. Golbasi, Zachary J.K. Neubauer, Nataliedeana Badillo, Shari R. Lipner

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

No abstract provided.

181st University Of Notre Dame Commencement, University Of Notre Dame

Commencement Programs

• SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 4
• HEARING IMPAIRED INFORMATION 9
• GRADUATE SCHOOL 10
• MENDOZA COLLEGE OF BUSINESS GRADUATE BUSINESS 32
• GRADUATE ARCHITECTURE 38
• LAW SCHOOL 39
• UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY 42
• COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS 44
• COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 51
• COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 55
• MENDOZA COLLEGE OF BUSINESS 61
• SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE 67
• KEOUGH SCHOOL OF GLOBAL AFFAIRS 67
• VALEDICTORIAN CANDIDATES 68
• EMERITI FACULTY 68
• HONOR SOCIETIES 69
• AWARDS AND PRIZES 77
• TASSELS 100

Investigating Racial Differences In The Receipt Of Antenatal Interventions Prior To Periviable Delivery, Niurka Monteserin, Whitney Bender

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: The Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM) provides guidance on the use of antenatal corticosteroids, antibiotics, and cesarean delivery in the periviable period. Although racial differences exist in postnatal active management of periviable neonates have been described, less is known about racial differences in antenatal interventions preceding delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in the receipt of antenatal interventions before periviable delivery by birthing parent race.

METHODS:  We conducted a population-based cohort study using the National Center for Health Statistics database including periviable deliveries (20w0d-25w6d) from 2016-2021. Individuals delivering a non-anomalous live singleton gestation in a hospital were included. Births …

Is Panic Over E-Bike Safety Justified? A Review Of The Literature And Comparative Analysis With Conventional Bicycles And E-Scooters, Amir Ghanbari, Asha Weinstein Agrawal, Kevin Fang

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

The increasing popularity of e-bikes has prompted global concerns about their safety. This literature review synthesizes English-language literature on e-bike safety, focusing on publication trends, data sources, major themes, and comparisons with human-powered bicycles and e-scooters. In total, 197 studies published between 2009 and June 2024 were reviewed. Research activity has expanded rapidly in recent years, with China and the United States emerging as the leading countries. Most studies examined rider demographics, crash involvement, rider behaviors, and comparisons with other traffic modes. The most common data sources were medical records, surveys, and naturalistic designs. Among studies comparing e-bike safety with …

Impact Of Food Insecurity On The Management Of Children With Food Allergy: A Scoping Review, Kiranjit Atwal, Kate Maslin

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Child health and development are affected by food insecurity, which is an increasing phenomenon globally. The rates of food allergy are also increasing, and the multifaceted burden is well documented. The higher costs of allergen-free food, essential to food allergy management, may compound the levels of food insecurity, but evidence is still emerging. This scoping review was conducted with the aim to understand the impact of food insecurity on the management of children living with food allergy by mapping the current types of evidence, key concepts, and research gaps. Following JBI methodology, evidence about children aged ≤18 years living in …