Digital Commons Network^™

The Latino Higher Education Landscape In Massachusetts, Fatema B. Ahad, Fabián Torres-Ardila, Elisa Castillo, Lorna Rivera, Joseph B. Berger

Gastón Institute Publications

This white paper provides a statistical overview of HSIs in Massachusetts within the state’s evolving demographics and postsecondary education context. It presents historical trends on student enrollment, student outcomes, and faculty and staff composition, highlighting the state of Latino students in the Commonwealth. The analysis offers descriptive data to inform policymakers, practitioners, and institutional leaders. It does not evaluate causal relationships or institutional effectiveness. The institutions included in this report were identified as HSIs and emerging HSIs through full-time equivalent (FTE) analysis for fall 2024 data. This is not an official or comprehensive list of schools eligible for, or that …

Sea-Ice Observation In The Arctic By The Arab Satellite 813, Simulated By The Radiative Transfer Model ‘Sciatran’, Tuqa Mohsin Al Hajri

Theses

The purpose of this research is to explore the spectral behavior of sea ice and to understand how Arctic sea ice surfaces appear when they are observed with a hyperspectral sensor. This is crucial because sea ice changes a lot during the melt season, and different surface types can sometimes look similar to a human eye, but physically they are different. It is thus essential to identify the spectral differences between these surfaces. The main objective of this study is to examine how the spectra of white ice and melt ponds change when their physical and optical properties are varied, …

June 2026 News Releases, University Of Montana--Missoula. Office Of University Relations

University of Montana News Releases, 1928, 1956-present

No abstract provided.

A Theoretical Framework And The Development Of A Multidimensional Scale Of Purpose In Life, Louis Fang, Alfred Allan, Joanne M. Dickson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose in life is a key resource in existential psychology. However, its conceptual variability has hindered its application in mainstream practice. This paper presents a holistic, theoretical framework of purpose in life, the purpose in life system, developed from an integration of existing motivational theories and models. Based on our framework, we constructed the 12-item Multidimensional Measure of Purpose in Life (MMOP) and tested its psychometric properties across two studies. In Study 1 (N = 238), confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-factor higher-order model of purpose in life (present-oriented purpose in life, future-oriented purpose in life, purpose congruence across time), …

Age-Related Increase In Plasma P-Tau217 In Amyloid-Beta–Negative Cognitively Unimpaired Individuals Affects Diagnostic Interpretation, Anna E. Mammel, Fernando Gonzalez-Ortiz, Ali Mousavi, Kelsey Hallett, Mary Encarnacion, Don Biehl, Pradip Gill, Sazan Ismael, Christopher Fowler, James D. Doecke, Larry Ward, Hans Frykman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: The extent to which non-pathological aging influences plasma biomarkers remains unclear. Here, we investigate factors influencing plasma p-tau217 levels in cognitively unimpaired (CU), amyloid-beta–negative (Aβ-) individuals. Methods: Plasma p-tau217 was measured in CU Aβ- positron emission tomography–negative (PET-) participants using two immunoassays (ALZpath n = 360 and LUMIPULSE G1200 n = 73). Associations between p-tau217 and age groups (60–69, 70–79, and 80+ years), apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, and gender were evaluated. Results: ALZpath plasma p-tau217 showed a non-pathological age-related increase (p < 0.001), and increased percentage within the intermediate zone with age. Lumipulse p-tau217 showed an increase in the percentage of subjects with positive results with age, however, this trend was not significant (p > 0.05). Men had higher levels of p-tau217 only with the ALZpath assay (p = 0.02; Lumipulse: p = …

Assessing Shifts In Research Priority Areas From The Neurological Community Before And After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Leah Dempsey, Travis Cruickshank, Mitchell Turner, Manja Laws, Danielle Bartlett, Barby Singer, Onno Van Der Groen, Moira Sim, Mandy Stanley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: People living with a neurological condition face many difficulties in daily life, impacting their function and quality of life (QoL). There is currently no cure to many neurological conditions, therefore identifying interventions to improve QoL is of high importance. COVID-19 changed society in many ways and understanding the research priorities from the neurological community post pandemic is urgently needed to ensure resources are used efficiently and aligned with the needs and priorities of the community. To better understand the priority areas, it is essential for individuals with lived experience to have input into priority areas for research. Therefore, the …

Beyond Weight Loss: Effects Of Trx Suspension Training Combined With Caloric Restriction On Thyroid Function And Mental Well-Being In Obese Hypothyroid Women, Siavash Naddafha, Christopher B. Taber

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The rate of metabolism decreases in hypothyroid patients; hypothyroidism is associated with body mass increases; due to this and other factors, depression, anxiety, and stress increase, which, alongside the disease state and psychological problems, causes the quality of life to suffer. Objectives: The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of caloric restriction along with TRX exercise on body mass, thyroid hormones, and psychological measures in obese and overweight women with hypothyroidism. Methods: 34 women aged 18–50 with hypothyroidism and a body mass index above 25 participated in this study. They were divided into three groups: a …

Evidence For Direct And Sleep-Moderated Relationships Between Aquaporin-4 Genetic Variants And Alzheimer's Disease Phenotypes, Tenielle Porter, Ayeisha Milligan Armstrong, Eleanor K. O'Brien, Vincent Doré, Pierrick Bourgeat, Mitchell Turner, Paul Maruff, Christopher C. Rowe, Belinda M. Brown, Victor L. Villemagne, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Simon M. Laws

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Variants in the aquaporin-4 gene (AQP4) have been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis, cognition, and brain amyloid beta (Aβ) and may affect the sleep and Aβ relationship. Their association with other AD-related phenotypes/disease progression remain largely unknown. Methods: Associations between AQP4 variants, self-reported sleep measures, and AD-related phenotypes in cognitively unimpaired individuals with evidence of Aβ accumulation were examined using data from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle study. Results: AQP4 variants were directly associated with regional brain volumes, atrophy, and cognition. They were also associated with differences in regional brain volumes and atrophy in interaction with sleep …

Global, Regional And National Burden Of Maternal Haemorrhage (2000–2021) And Projections To 2050 In 204 Countries And Territories, Mulat Ayele, Bereket Duko, Tenaw Tiruye, Paul R. Ward, Lillian Mwanri, Gavin Pereira, Tegene Atamenta Kitaw, Biruk Beletew Abate, Eyob Shitie Lake, Abebaw Alamrew, Aynalem Yetwale, Gizachew Yilak, Befkad Derese Tilahun, Chalie Mulugeta, Tadele Emagneneh, Amanuel Tesfay Gebremedhin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To estimate the global, regional and national burden of maternal haemorrhage (2000–2021) and its 2050 projections in 204 countries and territories. Design: This study systematic analysis of the burden of maternal haemorrhage sourced data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study. We estimated the incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs) and years of life lost (YLLs) due to maternal haemorrhage. Changes in the burden from 2000 to 2021 were computed using AAPC. To detect statistically notable changes in the trends of maternal haemorrhage metrics between 2000 and 2021, Joinpoint regression analysis using …

Peripheral Neuromuscular Fatigue Responses Of The Knee Extensors To Distinct Concurrent Training Protocols: A Preliminary Study, Tomás T. Freitas, Elena Marín-Cascales, Cristian Marín-Pagán, Linda H. Chung, Antonio Martínez-Serrano, Nicola A. Maffiuletti, Anthony J. Blazevich, Pedro E. Alcaraz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: This study aimed to investigate the extent and time course of peripheral neuromuscular fatigue of the knee extensors following different concurrent training protocols in recreationally active men. Methods: In a randomized, counterbalanced, crossover design, ten participants completed one exercise session of three concurrent exercise protocols in consecutive weeks and in similar resting conditions: traditional concurrent training (TCT), sprint interval training (SIT), and high-intensity resistance circuit training (HRC). Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and electrically evoked tetanic force of the knee extensors were assessed before, immediately after, and at 24 and 48 h following each exercise session. Linear mixed models …

Recruitment And Retention Of Rural-Dwelling Young Adults Into A Digital Healthy Eating Intervention: Lessons Learned From A Randomized Controlled Trial Of The Veg4me Study, Katherine M. Livingstone, Stephanie R. Partridge, Jonathan C. Rawstorn, Kathleen M. Dullaghan, Yuxin Zhang, Stephanie L. Godrich, Sarah A. Mcnaughton, Gilly A. Hendrie, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Ralph Maddison, John C. Mathers, Laura Alston

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background/objectives: The study aimed to identify the key methodological challenges and solutions related to recruitment and retention of rural-dwelling young adults into a randomized controlled trial that tests the feasibility of a digital healthy eating intervention (Veg4Me). Methods: Digital registration for a 12-week study was set up as a one-step process without researcher involvement. Participant registrations and recruitment rates were monitored daily using predetermined online preventative measures to identify fraudulent responses and to amend the digital registration process where necessary. Retention rates were monitored daily to identify any necessary amendments to the follow-up protocol. Results: During data collection, n = …

Spatiotemporal Dynamics Of Riparian Land-Cover Change And Impervious-Cover Expansion In A Rapidly Urbanising Himalayan Capital City, Karma Jamtsho, Tashi Dorji, David Blake, Mark A. Lund, Eddie Van Etten

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Urbanisation and impervious-cover expansion are reshaping riparian landscapes, particularly in mountain cities where steep terrain concentrates development along valley floors. This study examined spatiotemporal land-cover change within the regulated riparian corridors of Thimphu City, Bhutan, over a 25-year period from 1997 to 2022 using Landsat imagery, Random Forest classification and Google Earth Engine. Results show substantial transformation of riparian land cover, with impervious cover increasing from 26.14% to 32.63%, equivalent to an overall increase of 24.83%, while agriculture/barren/low-vegetation declined from 30.59% to 26.01%, equivalent to an overall decrease of 14.98%. A modest increase in detectable vegetation cover was also observed, …

Sporadic Appetites: Unearthing The Fungal Diets Of Two Mycophagous Mammals Across An Australian Climate Gradient, Rebecca J. Quah, Saul J. Cowen, Robert A. Davis, Harriet R. Mills, Anna J.M. Hopkins

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Translocating threatened ecosystem engineers may offer the dual benefit of contributing to species conservation and ecosystem restoration. Boodies (burrowing bettong; Bettongia lesueur) and woylies (brush-tailed bettong; Bettongia ogilbyi) are threatened mycophagous marsupials known for their crucial role in ecosystem health through fungal dispersal and bioturbation. As part of restoration efforts across Australia, these bettong species are frequently targeted for translocations, where a better understanding of their fungal dietary requirements is essential for ensuring their resource requirements are met and in predicting their ecological contributions to recipient ecosystems. Here, we used DNA metabarcoding to study the fungal diets of boodies and …

The Effect Of Boosting Dietary Lactobacillus And Phytochemical Rich Foods On Biomarkers Of Longevity—A Phase Ii Randomised Placebo Controlled Trial, Robert J. Thomas, Madeleine Williams, Jeffrey W.F. Aldous, Stacey A. Kenfield, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

As men age, systemic inflammation increases, whereas grip strength (GS) and testosterone levels tend to fall. This rate of decline is known to be influenced by gut microbial health, lifestyle and diet but the role for interventions to slow this decline are less well established. This double-blind randomised controlled trial evaluated the impact, and explored the synergistic potential, of boosting phytochemical rich foods and Lactobacillus probiotics on these physical and biological markers. Two hundred and eight men with untreated early prostate cancer managed with observation only (average age 74 years) received a phytochemical rich supplement (PRS) containing concentrated broccoli, green …

The Life Study: A Cross-Sectional Study Protocol For Lifestyle Risk Factors For Chronic Disease Across The Stages Of Reproductive Ageing, Laura E. Pernoud, Jamie L. Noll, Paul A. Gardiner, Melinda Dean, Kathryn M. Broadhouse, Meegan Anne Walker, Hattie H. Wright, Anthony Villani, Joseph Scott, Alexandra P. Metse, Mia A. Schaumberg

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: The dynamic physiological and hormonal changes through the menopause transition predispose women to an increased risk of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, depression and dementia. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear, yet it is thought that chronic systemic inflammation and changes to lifestyle behaviours play important roles. The LIfestyle risk Factors for chronic disease across the stagEs of reproductive ageing (LIFE study) is a cross-sectional study aimed to characterise how hormonal and lifestyle (physical activity, diet and sleep) differences across pre, peri and postmenopause influence chronic systemic inflammation, visceral adiposity, cognitive function and sleep health. Methods and analysis: …

Fenfluramine Use As Treatment For Refractory Seizures In Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Marlizeth Castaneda Hernandez, Evelyn Williams, Sarah Ml Wilson Md

Summer Research Program Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Detection And Evaluation Of Hazardous Mercury Contamination In Various Biological Samples, Krish Italiya

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Mercury is a toxic environmental pollutant that threatens ecosystems and human health. This study investigates mercury contamination in Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and selected fish species, including tuna and salmon, focusing on plant responses and the limitations of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. In a controlled experiment, lettuce plants were exposed to mercury to evaluate uptake and toxicity, and XRF spectroscopy was used for quick, non-destructive elemental analysis. Results confirmed mercury accumulation in lettuce, along with visible stress symptoms such as leaf yellowing, purple pigmentation, and tissue damage. Mercury was not detected in tuna and salmon samples, likely due to concentrations below …

Screening Tools For Maternal Mental Health In Africa: A Systematic Review, Joyce Jebet, Irene Mageto, Benard Mutwiri, Abednego Ongeso, Ruth Wagathu, Rose Maina, Denis Munene, Kawira Kithuci, Peter Gatiti

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background:

Maternal health during pregnancy and the postnatal period encompasses mental health, which is a key aspect in enhancing a positive outcome. Despite screening for other possible complications during pregnancy and the postnatal period, very little attention has been paid to screening for mental health. Screening is a key tool in early diagnosis and, eventually, timely diagnosis and management in cases where complications arise.

Aim:

This study aimed to assess the available maternal mental health screening tools and compare the outcome on their utilization during pregnancy and postnatal periods in the African continent.

Methodology:

This was a …

Perceived Risk Of Substance Use And Associations With Early Experimentation: A Latent Profile Analysis Using Abcd Study Data, Alejandra Fernandez, Deanna M. Barch, Micah E. Johnson, Hugh Garavan, Alexandra S. Potter, Sarahjane L. Dube, Nicholas Allgaier, Ethan T. Hunt, Miguel Ángel Cano, Sandra Estrada Gonzalez

Psychological Science Faculty Publications

Objective: The current study aims to determine heterogenous latent profiles of substance use perceived harm and examine the concurrent associations between profiles and substance use experimentation.

Methods: We used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSM Study (5.1 data release) 1-year follow up. Participants (N = 11184) were 52.2% male between the ages of 9 and 14 (M age = 10.48, SD = 0.65). Latent profile analysis was used with 11 perceived harm indicators. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the association between profile membership and substance use experimentation (i.e., alcohol sipping, tobacco puffing, and cannabis puffing).

Results: …

The Fellowship Of Christ's Sufferings: Toward A Practical Philosophy Of Worship For Missions In The Latin American Church, Moriah Hope Joseph

Senior Honors Theses

Within Latin America, evil and suffering are ever-present realities that cannot be concealed, and the Hispanic society is aching for relief. Liberation Theology and the prosperity gospel – and their accompanying worship practices – have been offered as tools to help alleviate the experience of suffering. But these theological perspectives and practices have accomplished little in edifying the Church by way of truth. Thus, the call for the modern missionary is to instead preach worship that is a response to the incarnate Christ in suffering. The missionary must advocate for worship practices that provide space for biblical lament, reveal a …

Impact Of Institutional Expected Practice Guidelines On Oral And Long-Acting Intravenous Antibiotic Use For Serious Bacterial Infections, William Bradford

ETDs from 2020-2029

Expected practice interventions are a type of antimicrobial stewardship intervention in which local guidelines regarding antimicrobial prescribing are developed and released at an institutional level to establish an institutional standard of care. An expected practice intervention to encourage use of oral and long-acting IV (PO/LAIV) antibiotics for serious infections was performed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospitals in November of 2022. We conducted a quasi-experimental pre/post study using a difference in differences approach to evaluate the effect of these guidelines on a primary outcome of length of stay (LOS) and secondary outcomes of inpatient antibiotic days, 3-month readmission, …

Mapping Structural Mistrust In Medicine, Ashleigh Allgood

ETDs from 2020-2029

Much of the existing literature treats mistrust as resistance or noncompliance. A structural perspective reverses that logic. It views mistrust as a reflection of institutional behavior rather than individual belief. When systems repeatedly fail to protect or repair harm, withdrawal becomes a reasonable and protective response. Structural mistrust represents both an adaptation to inequality and a cumulative record of institutional unreliability. This dissertation develops and tests a theory of structural mistrust as a collective orientation that links institutional design to individual behavior and perceived health. It makes three contributions. First, it conceptualizes structural mistrust as a product of state institutions …

Investigating The Effects Of Increased O-Glcnaylation On Pathology In Alzheimer’S Disease, Melissa Louise Garcia

ETDs from 2020-2029

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is currently the 7th leading cause of death, with few treatment options. It is known that AD pathology begins 20-30 years before clinical symptoms manifest. Some of the earliest pathological changes occur in glial cells of the hippocampus, causing them to become chronically reactive, as well as the accumulation of Amyloid-β (Aβ) in the hippocampus and hyperphosphorylated Tau (pTau) in the locus coeruleus, resulting in dysfunction of the noradrenergic (NA) system. Preclinical studies have shown promise in the abilities of the post-translational modification O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc). O-GlcNAc is a tightly regulated reversible enzymatic modification controlled by the …

The Impact Of Economic Stability On Diagnostic Timing Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Children, Leslie Box Simms

ETDs from 2020-2029

Diagnosis of neurodevelopmental delays in children, including autism spectrum disorder, is an often lengthy and burdensome process, potentially placing children with economic instability at risk for diagnostic delay. The first aim of this dissertation was to explore the impact of economic stability on diagnostic timing of autism spectrum disorder via a scoping review of the literature. Papers were summarized by study design, data sourcing, handling of variables, statistical methodology, and the effect of economic stability factors on diagnostic timing of autism. Income and healthcare insurance were the most frequently employed measures of economic stability, with transportation, housing, and food security …

Aging Like A Pro: Altering Health Behavior Motivation Through Community Education Programs, Susan Eva Fox-Rosellini

ETDs from 2020-2029

ABSTRACT Population aging presents significant public health challenges, particularly in preventing cognitive decline and maintaining functional independence among older adults. Today in the United States, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that about 40% of people aged 65 or older have age-associated memory issues. That number is expected to more than double by 2060. Community-based education programs can represent a scalable strategy to influence behavior modification that may be linked to successful cognitive aging. This dissertation evaluated the Aging Like A Pro (ALP) community education program that focused on key aspects of health: sleep, mindfulness, nutrition, and fitness, encouraging …

Elucidating The Role Of The Rnf20 Histone Modifier In Pancreatic Beta Cells, Tanya Hans Pierre

ETDs from 2020-2029

Diabetes is defined as a loss of functional beta cell mass. It is classically categorized into Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), immune-mediated beta cell destruction and Type 2 Diabetes, which is characterized by whole body insulin resistance alongside beta cell dysregulation. The incidence of diabetes worldwide has risen annually. Despite the presence of therapeutic interventions, diabetes’ heterogeneity can prompt ineffective glycemic control and the development of diabetes-associated comorbidities. For that reason, new approaches to glycemic control for individuals with diabetes are required. One approach to restore glucose homeostasis is beta cell replacement therapy, in which stem cells are programmed into beta-like …

Exploring Medical Mistrust In A Higher Education Context: A Mixed Methods Study, Kiera Denise Walker

ETDs from 2020-2029

Medical mistrust, a type of institutional distrust, has been identified as a social determinant of health and a barrier to utilization of healthcare services. It has been negatively associated with preventive disease screenings, vaccine hesitancy, medication adherence, organ donation, research participation, and overall lower healthcare satisfaction. This can result in a widening of health disparities, an increase in prevalence of preventable diseases, and negative health outcomes despite accessibility to healthcare. The purpose of this study is to assess how medical mistrust manifests across the higher education context and explore what factors contribute to its existence among this population. An explanatory …

Characterizing The Role Of The Paraventricular Nucleus Of The Thalamus D2r+ Neurons In Interoceptive Predictions, Briana Machen

ETDs from 2020-2029

Interoceptive predictions are internal models through which the brain anticipates future bodily states based on past experiences and environmental cues. Under healthy conditions, these predictions allow organisms to anticipate physiological needs and proactively adjust behavior to maintain homeostasis. When these processes become dysregulated, however, environmental cues can trigger maladaptive physiological responses. Although interoceptive prediction is increasingly recognized as a key mechanism underlying adaptive behavior, the neuronal circuits responsible for generating these predictions remain poorly understood. The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) receives convergent inputs from brain regions involved in processing both interoceptive signals and exteroceptive cues, positioning it to …

The Association Of Motherhood And Maternal-Related Life Events And Cardiovascular-Related Health, Disease Events, And Mortality, Taishayla Mckitt

ETDs from 2020-2029

More than 40% of U.S. women have cardiovascular disease (CVD), and nearly half have at least one major risk factor. Sparse evidence exists related to the role of childrearing (regardless of prior pregnancy) on CVD. A recent literature review highlighted the influence of reproduction on CVD and health and identified opportunities for advancement. At present, it has yet to be discovered from prospective epidemiologic studies the extent to which parenting and maternal events have influence on cardiovascular health and clinical events. It has been demonstrated that parous women have greater prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., short sleep duration and …

Balancing Act: How Graduate Student Mothers Navigate Dual Roles, Jessica Seymour

ETDs from 2020-2029

Graduate student mothers represent a growing but often overlooked population within higher education. While research has examined the experiences of undergraduate student parents, significantly less attention has been given to graduate students who balance academic responsibilities with motherhood. This study explores the experiences of graduate student mothers enrolled at public four-year institutions, focusing on the institutional, financial, and social barriers that shape their academic success and participation in campus life. Using a phenomenological approach, this research seeks to understand how graduate student mothers navigate the dual roles of parenting and pursuing advanced degrees. The study employs a Borderland Theoretical Framework …