Digital Commons Network^™

Tax Trends, Nicholas J. Fiore

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Watching Out For The Tra ’S Employee Benefits Changes, David D. Green

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Benefits Of A Blended Diet: Secondary Analysis Of The Impact Of Diet Type On Feeding Tube Weaning Success, Kristina Nash, Dana Bakula, Rachel Graham, Brenda Fetter, Sarah Bullard, April Escobar, Julianne Brogren, Amy Ricketts, Ryan Thompson, Lori A. Erickson, Sarah Edwards

Research Showcase

Background: Enteral feeding tubes are often required to support growth and nutrition in children with pediatric feeding disorder. When children are medically ready, feeding tube weaning can improve patient and family satisfaction, reduce health care costs, and enhance mealtime experiences. Many children receive traditional formulas, other families prefer diets made from foods that resemble a typical oral diet. Blended tube feeding provides this option and may improve feeding tolerance and gastrointestinal symptoms which can support improved oral intake and successful tube weaning.

Objectives/Goal: This study aimed to compare whether children receiving blended diets achieved a successful tube wean faster than …

Measuring School Anxiety In Pediatric Chronic Pain: Initial Investigation Of The Psychometric Properties Of The School Anxiety Inventory For Chronic Pain (Sai-Cp), Caitlyn Maye, Robert C. Gibler, Kristen E. Jastrowski Mano, Dustin Wallace, Cara M. Hoffart, Jenny Scheurich

Research Showcase

Introduction: School anxiety is common among adolescents with chronic pain and often impacts academic and social functioning. Existing anxiety measures lack specificity for capturing the unique sources and symptoms of school-related anxiety in this population. To address this gap, a bank of new potential measure items (the School Anxiety Inventory for Chronic Pain [SAI-CP]), was developed based on the original School Anxiety Inventory (SAI), qualitative interviews with adolescents with chronic pain, and expert clinician input. The objective of this study was to evaluate the construct validity and internal consistency of the SAI-CP and identify avenues for future measure refinement.

Method: …

Exploring How Parental Involvement Impacts Police Encounters And Delinquent Behavior Among Black Adolescent Girls, Danielle V. Porter, Elizabeth Otto, Dyamon Brown, Jasmine Alli, Robyn Douglas, Noni Gaylord-Harden

Research Showcase

Adolescents’ contact with police is a complex outcome that is influenced by both individual behavior and the broader social context. Specifically, while delinquent behavior can lead to more police contact (Crutchfield et al., 2012), hyper-surveillance often occurs in marginalized communities, increasing unjustified police contact for youth of color (Campos-Manzo et al., 2020; Geller, 2021). Indeed, racial disparities in police contact during adolescence persist even after accounting for delinquent behavior (Campos-Manzo et al., 2020; Crutchfield et al., 2012). Thus, it is important to identify factors that may protect Black youth from contact with police. Parental involvement refers to parents’ active and …

Early Prediction Of Ssri Treatment Response In Adolescents With Depression Using Multimodal Machine Learning, Addison Pritchett Ms, Catherine Koertje Md, George Quaye Ms, Phd, Andrea Manlove Bsn, Whitney Sparks Ms, Brooke Fridley Ms, Phd, J Steven Leeder Pharmd, Phd

Research Showcase

Background:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescents is commonly treated with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Treatment response is typically assessed every 4-6 weeks after initiating pharmacotherapy, and medication adjustments may be made if the initial regimen is ineffective. This standard-of-care delay can prolong or exacerbate symptom burden and functional impairment. Early prediction of treatment response could support more timely and personalized medication management in adolescents with MDD.

Objectives/Goal:

To develop and evaluate multimodal machine-learning models for early prediction of SSRI treatment response in adolescents with MDD, assessing the predictive value of clinical, wearable, and proteomic features both individually and …

Tax Clinic, Norman R. Milefsky

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Isolation Of Essential Oils From Oregano Leaves Via Steam Distillation And Extraction, Alyssa Brasko, Madison Fauntleroy, Sophia Bordone

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Organum vulgare, also known as Oregano, is a fragrant herb in the mint family widely used in culinary and medical applications. The essential oil of oregano contains various compounds, with carvacrol and thymol being the primary constituents responsible for the herb’s distinctive aroma and antimicrobial properties. Carvacrol, a chemical compound found in oregano oils, has a molecular formula of C₁₀H₁₄O, with carvacrol presenting a phenolic structure that contributes to its biological activity. Additionally, the compound has three double bonds giving the compound four units of unsaturation. Due to its properties, oregano oil has historically been used …

Effect Of Vehicular Electrification On Air Quality In Florida, Shreya Sapkota Dhakal

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Vehicular emissions from fuel-based passenger cars emit an array of gases and particles that are detrimental for human health and the environment. In that regard, electric vehicles (EVs) present a viable, sustainable solution. This study investigates the impact of electrification of passenger cars on air quality in Florida, in five major urban counties namely Miami-Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, Orange, and Leon. Between 2018 and 2022, these counties experienced a significant increase of 217.68% ± 52.11% in EV adoption, coupled with a 11.56% ± 6.23% decrease in fuel-based vehicle usage. Herein, we characterize five pollutants primarily generated from fuel-based passenger vehicles- carbon …

Uncrewed Aerial Applications Of Precision Agriculture, Sriram Rajamani

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This capstone project will encompass the use of uncrewed aerial vehicles to detect pathogens and diseases at an early stage and taking corrective measures avoiding losses. Precision agriculture integrates technology to promote sustainable farming, with crop monitoring providing agricultural researchers and engineers reliable insights into crop health and damage. The purpose of this research is to show efficient crop health monitoring with the use of autonomous technology, in this case an uncrewed aircraft with an RGB (red-green-blue) camera as the payload. To tell whether plants are infected with such diseases, physical discrepancies like holes can be shown easily from the …

Hypersonic Propulsion System Design, Gus Gatti, Nico Guido

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

A propulsion system featuring two mixed-flow low-bypass turbofan engines (LBTF) and one ramjet engine was designed to satisfy a specified mission, which included a supersonic cruise at Mach 2.5 and a hypersonic dash at Mach 5 under ramjet power. A preliminary constraint and mission analysis was performed to determine each of the engine's performance characteristics and define the thermal cycle. Subsonic and supersonic inlets were designed, and the diffuser flow health was validated using Sovran and Klomp plots for both engines. Nozzles were designed for both engines, and viscous, angularity, and pressure losses were considered. Compressor and turbine stages were …

“Keep Them Flying” - A Work Analysis Of A Usaf Logistics Ssgt And Associated Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, Donald Seeterlin

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This case study analyzed ergonomic concerns within the field of logistics in the United States Air Force using Alberto, a 27-year-old Staff Sergeant. Alberto is a physically fit individual who experiences consistent lumbar and knee pain resulting from his job duties. A work analysis included a hierarchical task analysis, the Body Part Discomfort Survey, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), the Moore-Garg Strain Index (MGSI), and a Psychosocial Factors Analysis. Analysis revealed an extremely poor working environment which is conducive to Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) and burnout. Based on these findings and current literature the following recommendations were made: The …

Ergonomic Risk Assessment Of Drywall Installer, Holden Campbell

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This research explores the ergonomic risks associated with drywall installation, focusing on Bill Campbell, a retired drywall installer who developed bursitis in his shoulder due to repetitive lifting, awkward bending and overhead work. His occupation required carrying heavy drywall panels, climbing ladders and maintaining uncomfortable postures for extended periods of time. Using two ergonomic risk assessment tools: the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and the NIOSH Lifting Equation. A score of 12 on the REBA analysis indicated a strong likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to extreme posture and heavy lifting. Furthermore, the NIOSH Lifting Equation revealed a lifting index …

The Global Consequences Of Illegal Trafficking In East Africa, Kaitlynn Baker

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Illegal wildlife trafficking poses significant threats to health, economies, and ecosystems worldwide. Currently, illegal wildlife trafficking holds a strong occurrence in the East African region. The region's biodiversity is increasingly endangered by poaching and illicit trade for elephant ivory, rhino horns, and other animals. This not only depletes wildlife populations but raises the risk of zoonotic diseases that can spread and hurt human health. This project aims to explore and further understand the horrific implications illegal wildlife trafficking, specifically in East Africa, can have on the United States’ national security by focusing on the areas of health, the economy, and …

Enhanced Water Safety Device, Lucia Westgate

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Watercraft-related accidents, particularly kayaking incidents, contribute significantly to injuries and fatalities worldwide. Capsizing poses a critical risk, often leaving individuals unable to call for help due to isolation or disorientation. This research presents the development of an Enhanced Water Safety Device (EWSD), a compact, autonomous distress detection and alert system designed to improve kayaker safety. Utilizing an embedded accelerometer, the device detects sudden, unplanned motion indicative of a capsize event and triggers an immediate emergency response. The system activates an audible and visual alarm, releases the mounting system, and transmits real-time GPS location data to nearby volunteers via radio transmission. …

Uas Remote Sensing In Urban Areas Critical Analysis Briefing, Christopher Chandler, John Glorieux

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are revolutionizing the world one field of work at a time. Urban remote sensing is a key area where these tools are making significant advancements. This briefing examines the current state of UAS remote sensing in urban environments, assessing technological capabilities, ever-evolving regulatory frameworks, and operational challenges. A detailed literature review was conducted to establish the current state of the field, providing a foundation for forecasting its evolution over the next two to three years and beyond. Through this comprehensive review, the briefing provides a forward-looking perspective on the role of UAS remote sensing in shaping …

Dual-Layer Dielectric Self-Healing Pressure Sensor For Monitoring Bone Health In Microgravity, Rutveek Ingawale

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

In recent years, pressure sensing technologies have improved a lot in the aerospace industry, leading to many new applications. Accurate pressure sensing is crucial in space, where even subtle changes in force distribution can provide valuable insights into astronaut health and equipment performance. Prolonged exposure to microgravity during space missions significantly impacts astronauts' musculoskeletal health, particularly bone density, leading to spaceflight osteopenia. Prolonged space travel weakens bones, increasing the risk of fractures. Thus, it is necessitating innovative solutions for monitoring and mitigating bone density loss. This study explores a novel approach to astronaut health monitoring by integrating self-healing polymer (SHP) …

Multi-Modal Atmospheric Data Collection Using Low-Cost Particulate Matter Sensors, Kaleb Nails

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This paper presents design and test results from a multi-modal research effort to understand airborne Particulate Matter (PM) distribution. The multi-modal nature includes (a) 1D stationary ground-based measurements, (b) 2D mobile ground-based measurements, and (c) 3D airborne measurements using small Uncrewed Aircraft (sUA). The goal is to improve understanding of particulate matter distribution by extending PM measurements to all three spatial dimensions. Reference Monitors with high accuracy PM measurements are typically heavier and larger than small uncrewed aircraft can carry for extended sampling periods. This drives the use of small, lightweight, low cost, and low power PM sensors. The results …

Steam Distillation: Extraction Of (R)-(-)-Carvone From Spearmint Leaves, Zachary Readdick, Allen Qiu

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Carvone (C10H14O) is the major component found in spearmint leaves (Mentha spicata). Spearmint is native to Europe and southern temperate Asia but is now grown everywhere due to commercial production of essential oils. Spearmint is rich in antioxidants and is said to have many health benefits to include minor pain relief, cognitive improvements, and hormone regulation. Limonene, eucalyptol, and carveol are some of the other components within spearmint but less abundant. Carvone forms two enantiomers: R-(-) and S-(+). R-(-) produces a semisweet minty aroma like in spearmint and S-(+) produces a spicy aroma with hints of rye like in caraway …

Biosensors For Spaceflight Neuro-Ocular Syndrome, Natalie Brattain, Ashley Lunt

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This project aims to develop miniaturized devices using nanotechnology and advanced materials like graphene and carbon nanotubes to continuously monitor physiological pressures, particularly intraocular pressure (IOP). Elevated IOP is a key marker in the diagnosis and treatment of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome, which is recognized as a health risk for NASA astronauts. Our approach involves designing a contact lens tonometer embedded with graphene carbon nanotube nanocomposite films, which offer heightened sensitivity and real-time, non invasive monitoring of IOP. Methods include the synthesis and fabrication of nanocomposite films, characterization of their mechanical and electrical properties, and integration into flexible contact lenses. …

Lemongrass Organic Compounds, Wesley Flewelling, Cooper Davis

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Lemongrass is known for its distinctive fragrance, which arises from a combination of four key compounds: limonene, geranial, geraniol, and beta-myrcene. While aromatic compounds were historically classified by their scent, modern classification is based on the presence of a benzene ring, meaning not all fragrant compounds are technically aromatic. Among the four compounds in lemongrass, only limonene meets this structural definition. This study explores the chemical composition of lemongrass oil and its extraction process. To extract the organic compounds the creation of a hydrosol from the lemongrass plant is needed. This process involves steam distillation followed by separation of organic …

Galactic Cosmic Radiation And Microgravity-Induced Changes Of Murine T Cell [email protected], Astrid Senko, Graema Grainger, Angela Cebula

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Astronauts on long-duration space missions are exposed to significant environmental stressors, including microgravity and various forms of ionizing radiation. These stressors can cause physiological and cellular adaptations which can lead to significant implications on immune function. Understanding how these spaceflight conditions alter immune response is essential, particularly in the context of immune cell structure and function. This study examines whether spaceflight stressors alter T cell phenotypes in mice which can result in disrupted immune homeostasis, resulting in the potential for increased susceptibility to infections and persistent inflammation. To simulate spaceflight conditions, male and female, 24-week old, C57BL/6J mice were exposed …

Evaluating Hydrogen Peroxide As A Soil Remediation Strategy For Martian Agriculture, Hannah Lyons, Astrid Senko, Matthew Zito, Ryan Paulson, Ryan F. Rednick, Rubi Vera, Meliah Martin, Parisse Goutier, Annabelle Augustine

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The potential for plant growth in Martian soil is a critical consideration for future space exploration and colonization. Martian regolith presents numerous challenges for plant development, including low organic content and high oxidative stress. Similarly, airport soil on Earth is often contaminated due to aircraft exhaust and vehicle compaction. This study investigates the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on the growth of rye (Secale cereale) in both simulated Martian soil (MGS-1), which contains 10.6% ferrous iron (FeO), and soil collected from the Full Throttle Point from Runway 25R at Daytona Beach International Airport (KDAB). Hydrogen peroxide may enhance plant growth …

Project Cor, Bret Grebiner

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Yale Medicine Online reports that 3,500 individuals in the United States currently await heart transplants, many relying on artificial hearts that offer limited longevity and prohibitive costs. A reliable, affordable artificial heart could significantly improve quality of life and accessibility. This project evaluates whether a compliant silicone artificial heart can generate pressures comparable to physiological heart function, validating its potential as an affordable and durable alternative. Planned developments include incorporating conductive filament to enable controlled chamber contractions, closely replicating natural cardiac activity. Preliminary results show promise in affordability and performance. Successful integration of conductive filaments for contraction could further improve …

Building Capacity And Inspiring Change: The Impact Of Louisiana’S Ucedd Across The Lifespan, Alicia Kowitz, Constance Alphonse, Phil Wilson, Maria Blanco

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Human Development Center (HDC), as the state’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), serves as a catalyst for inclusive systems change through interdisciplinary training, community engagement, and evidence-based service delivery. This manuscript highlights the breadth and impact of HDC’s initiatives across early childhood, education, transition, and community inclusion. Through programs such as Inclusive Practices in Early Childhood, PAYCheck, and LEND, HDC builds capacity among professionals, empowers individuals with disabilities and their families, and strengthens systems to be more responsive and equitable. The stories and outcomes shared illustrate how intentional, collaborative efforts …

Working With The Immune System To Fight Infection: An Innovative Alternative To Chemical Antifungal Treatment, Riley Dienna, Astrid Senko

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Immune dysfunction is a feature of spaceflight, resulting in the immune system being more susceptible to infections caused by pathogens such as Candida albicans. One of the most common clinical treatments for candidiasis is amphotericin B, however this treatment also targets somatic cells, making this a highly toxic and aggressive therapy. Novel treatments are required to fight fungal infections while minimizing damage to host cells. Therefore, this project has developed a novel treatment against C. albicans by utilizing an AAVS1 plasmid vector to knock-in endo-alpha-mannosidase, an enzyme produced by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, to regulates the growth of C. albicans in macrophage-like …

Assessment Of Fecal Indicator Bacteria And Vibrio Species In Daytona Beach Shores, Marina Vaden, Ryan F. Rednick, Mariposa C. Magee

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Coastal water quality is a critical public health concern, particularly in recreational areas where exposure to microbial contaminants can pose risks to human health. This study aimed to assess the presence of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and potential sewage contamination in the waters of Daytona Beach Shores. Specifically, we analyzed levels of enterococci and fecal coliforms, alongside key physico-chemical parameters such as salinity and pH, to evaluate water quality and contamination trends. A total of 15 water samples were randomly collected from coastal sites and analyzed using traditional culture-based techniques and chromogenic assays to detect fecal contamination. Additionally, samples were …

Reviews Of 2025-26 Great Lakes Great Books Award Winners And Honor Books, Leah Van Belle

Michigan Reading Journal

No abstract provided.

Great Lakes Great Books: An Invitation To Read Books That Matter To Kids, Leah Van Belle

Michigan Reading Journal

No abstract provided.

Mindfulness Practices In The School Setting: Research, Strategies, And Student Voices, Katie Lewis

Michigan Reading Journal

This article explores the role of mindfulness practices in elementary school settings, drawing from current research, practical classroom strategies, and student reflections from a school-based mindfulness yoga pilot. While children enter school with an innate capacity for presence, the structure and demands of formal education can unintentionally diminish their natural ability to regulate attention and emotion. Grounded in research connecting mindfulness to improvements in executive functioning, including working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and sustained attention, this article argues that intentionally teaching mindfulness can strengthen both behavioral and academic outcomes.

A review of empirical studies highlights correlations between mindfulness-based interventions …