Digital Commons Network^™

Fighting For The Right To Learn: Exploring The Impact Of Discipline Policies On Black Female Students, Amyre E. Smith

Masters Projects

This study investigates the systemic biases and stereotypes that disproportionately affect Black female students in K-12 educational settings. The research aims to analyze how implicit biases and societal norms contribute to the unfair policing and mistreatment of Black girls in schools. Utilizing a combination of literature review, case studies, and interviews, the study explores the intersectionality of race and gender and its impact on disciplinary actions. Findings reveal that Black girls are often disciplined for subjective offenses, such as defiance and disrespect, rooted in implicit biases held by school personnel. The study also evaluates the effectiveness of restorative practices and …

Integration Of Machine Learning And Quantum Mechanical Calculations For De Novo Drug Design, Ayesh Madushanka Mahamada Kalapuwage

Chemistry Theses and Dissertations

The drug designing process is an intricate and resource-intensive endeavor, spanning approximately 12 years to transform a lead compound into a functional drug. Computer-aided drug design (CADD) plays a fundamental role in this process, mitigating the risk of failures in the later stage and saving valuable time and money. In the last decade, Artificial intelligence (AI) has provided remarkable alternatives for practical challenges, including drug design. Simultaneously, advanced QM calculations have achieved near-experimental accuracy in simulating drug-target interactions. However, introducing QM and AI-based techniques into drug discovery presents considerable challenges. AI techniques require high- quality data and often struggle with …

The Use Of Spirituality To Enhance The Well-Being In Individuals Who Are Homeless, Alexis Annette Dula

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Background: Homelessness significantly impacts emotional, physical, and social well-being, often stripping individuals of their sense of purpose and damaging their relationships. This quality improvement project explored the use of spiritual interventions to address these multidimensional challenges among homeless populations. Methodology: A faith-based tool- kit was created and implemented to integrate lessons, resources, and hands-on activities centered on emotional, physical, sense of purpose, and fostering positive relationships. Women aged 25 to 60 at the Light House Shelter participated in a 1-2 hour group session that included a lesson, educational handouts, and a hands-on activity. Each group session at the Lighthouse was …

Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry Applications For Metabolomics, Darcy Cochran, Robert Powers

Robert Powers Publications

Metabolomics is an interdisciplinary field that aims to study all metabolites < 1500 Da that are ubiquitously found within all organisms. Metabolomics is experiencing exponential growth and commonly relies on high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) is a form of HRMS that is particularly well suited for metabolomics research due to its exceptionally high resolution (10⁵–10⁶) and sensitivity with a mass accuracy in parts per billion (ppb). In this regard, FT-ICR-MS can provide valuable insights into the metabolomics analysis of complex biological systems due to unique capabilities such as the easy separation of isobaric and isomeric species, isotopic fine structure analysis, spatial resolution of metabolites in cells and tissues, and a high confidence (error) in metabolite identification. Alternatively, the large and complex data sets, long acquisition times, high cost, and limited access mainly through national mass spectrometry facilities may impede the …

Effects Of E-Cigarettes On The Lung And Systemic Metabolome In People With Hiv, Aline Zaparte, Courtney J. Christopher, Connie Arnold, Lauren Richey, Adairre Castille, Kyle Mistretta, Christopher M. Taylor, Huiyi Lin, Steve Nelson, John P. Kirwan, John W. Apolzan, Shawn R. Campagna, David A. Welsh

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

The popularity of e-cigarettes (vaping) has soared, creating a public health crisis among teens and young adults. Chronic vaping can induce gut inflammation and reduce intestinal barrier function through the production of the proinflammatory molecule hydrogen sulfide (H2S). This is particularly concerning for people with HIV (PWH) as they already face impaired immune function and are at a higher risk for metabolic dysregulation, diabetes, and chronic liver disease. Furthermore, PWH experience unhealthy behaviors, making it crucial to understand the systemic metabolic dysregulation and pathophysiological mechanisms associated with vaping in this population. Here, we employed liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics to …

Spring-Loaded Device For Eliciting Deep Tendon Reflexes, Kevin Chao Hong

USF Patents

A deep tendon reflex-eliciting device actuated by pressure against a patient's skin, which releases a spring-loaded mass that delivers an impulse through a fully-enclosed housing. This device includes a weight contained within the casings, and a mainspring in communication with the weight. The mainspring has a bias toward expansion. In the compressed position, the mainspring is also compressed, and the weight is pushed backwards into the rear casing. The weight is released to be driven forward by the mainspring. The weight strikes the inside of the forward casing, delivering an impulse to a surface against which the device is pressed. …

Electrochemical Cells For Harvesting And Storing Energy And Devices Including The Same, Arash Takshi, Belqasem Aljafari, Manoj Ram

USF Patents

Electrochemical cells that include composite gel positioned between the first electrode and second electrode, where the composite gel comprises an electrolyte, a polyaryl amine, and an oxidant. The utilized composite gels are easy to produce at a low-cost, which makes them suitable in a number of different applications electrochromic devices, supercapacitors, solar cells, and hybrid photoactive supercapacitors.

Corporate Philanthropy: Catalyst For Sustainable Alignment Or Mere Gesture? Unveiling The Impact On People, Planet, And Profits, Cameron L. Cleveland

Masters Projects

Corporate philanthropy and sustainability initiatives have become pivotal components of modern business strategies, underscoring the increasing importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR). As businesses face mounting pressure to address global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, their commitment to CSR reflects a broader recognition of their role in fostering sustainable development. This research paper conducts an in-depth examination of the philanthropic and sustainability efforts of several major corporations, including Chevron, Steelcase, MillerKnoll, Ikea, Sherwin Williams, Whirlpool Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Stryker Corporation, General Motors Company, and Kellogg Company. These companies were selected for this research study …

Pharmacy Professor Selected For Health Policy Fellowship, Natalie Ehrhardt

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the National Academy of Medicine have named University of Mississippi pharmacy professor Sujith Ramachandran as one of only seven RWJF Health Policy Fellows.

Effect Of Cigarette Smoking And Carbonated Beverages On The Surface Roughness And Color Change Of Two Single-Shade Resin Composite: In-Vitro Study, Shadwa Kabil, Mohamed M. Zayed, Hatem Mohamed, Hadeel Farouk

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Fragility Analysis And Systematic Review Of Patellar Resurfacing Versus Non-Patellar Resurfacing In Total Knee Arthroplasty, Teja Polisetty, Alexandra L. Hohmann, Eric Didomenico, Jess H. Lonner

Rothman Institute Papers

INTRODUCTION: Fragility analysis is a method of further characterising the robustness of statistical outcomes. This study evaluates the statistical fragility of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing patellar resurfacing versus non-patellar surfacing in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for RCTs comparing outcomes in TKA based on patellar resurfacing. Fragility index (FI) and reverse FI (collectively, "FI") were calculated for dichotomous outcomes as the number of outcome reversals needed to change statistical significance. Fragility quotient (FQ) was calculated by dividing the FI by the sample size for that outcome. Median FI and FQ were calculated for …

Comparative Plan Analysis: Helical Tomotherapy Vs. Linac Vmat For Lower Extremity Sarcomas, Marie E. Dibona

Masters Projects

Abstract

Introduction

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) affect about 13,500 people annually in the United States, and those in the lower extremities present unique challenges in radiation therapy due to the wide variability in tumor sizes, sometimes exceeding 30cm. Traditional treatment involves C-Arm linear accelerators using Volumetric Modulated Radiation Therapy (VMAT), which provides precise targeting while sparing nearby organs. Helical Tomotherapy (HT) is another option, delivering radiation in a helical pattern with a binary MLC for a uniform dose distribution. However, no studies have compared VMAT and HT for lower extremity sarcomas of different sizes. This study aims to compare these …

Navigating The Academic Labyrinth: Describing The Landscape Of Women Faculty In Hospitality Higher Education, Kelly A. Way, Clarissa Mason, Betsy Garrison

Human Development and Family Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to describe faculty women’s perspectives of the workplace environment in hospitality higher education. Design/methodology/approach

Female faculty members in hospitality (n = ∼50) completed an online survey about their beliefs about women’s experiences, advancement characteristics the glass ceiling and gender equity. Findings

Respondents concurred that being self-directed, assertive and a risk-taker were essential; leadership is the most important characteristic for advancement and the glass ceiling is prevalent and prominent. It may be assumed that the milieu of academia would be free or freer of the glass ceiling, but research, including this study, suggests otherwise. …

Atlantic Richfield Company Discharge System 2023 Data Quality Assessment Berkeley Pit And Discharge Pilot Project Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Npl Site Butte Mine Flooding Operable Unit, Wsp Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Stress Granule Formation Helps To Mitigate Neurodegeneration, M. Rebecca Glineburg, Evrim Yildirim, Nicolas Gomez, Genesis Rodriguez, Jaclyn Pak, Xingli Li, Christopher Altheim, Jacob Waksmacki, Gerald M. Mcinerney, Sami J. Barmada, Peter K. Todd

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Cellular stress pathways that inhibit translation initiation lead to transient formation of cytoplasmic RNA/protein complexes known as stress granules. Many of the proteins found within stress granules and the dynamics of stress granule formation and dissolution are implicated in neurodegenerative disease. Whether stress granule formation is protective or harmful in neurodegenerative conditions is not known. To address this, we took advantage of the alphavirus protein nsP3, which selectively binds dimers of the central stress granule nucleator protein G3BP and markedly reduces stress granule formation without directly impacting the protein translational inhibitory pathways that trigger stress granule formation. In Drosophila and …

Development Of A Nephelometer For Characterization Of Calcium Oxalate Crystal Concentrations Within Solution, Conrad Small

Electrical Engineering Theses and Dissertations

The prevalence of kidney stones has been steadily increasing over the last 30 years, affecting both men and women across all age groups. This rise is largely attributed to lifestyle changes associated with technological advancements, such as more sedentary lifestyles, dietary shifts towards more processed foods, and an increased incidence of metabolic diseases like diabetes. Despite the growing prevalence of kidney stones, the methods for early detection have remained relatively unchanged. Current testing involves collecting urine samples over a 24-hour period and sending them to a lab for microscopic and dipstick analysis. This process provides a comprehensive overview of urine …

Predictive And Prescriptive Analytics For Minimizing The Cost Of Recidivism, Adreana Julander

Operations Research and Engineering Management Theses and Dissertations

A problem faced by the United States is the ever increasing prison population. There are inmates serving long sentences, new inmates being sentenced for the first time, and those who have previously served prison sentences that reoffend. The third group and the reduction of recidivism are the focus this dissertation. It is estimated that over 80% of inmates released from prison will reoffend within the next ten years. Is there an optimal sentence length that reduces that chance of an ex-convict reoffending? Are there programs or opportunities that some inmates have while incarcerated that reduce the probability they will return …

Bayesian Variational Inference In Keyword Identification And Multiple Instance Classification, Yaofang Hu

Statistical Science Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates (1) Variational Bayesian Semi-supervised Keyword Extraction and (2) Variational Bayesian Multimodal Multiple Instance Classification.

The expansion of textual data, stemming from various sources such as online product reviews and scholarly publications on scientific discoveries, has created a demand for the extraction of succinct yet comprehensive information. As a result, in recent years, efforts have been spent in developing novel methodologies for keyword extraction. Although many methods have been proposed to automatically extract keywords in the contexts of both unsupervised and fully supervised learning, how to effectively use partially observed keywords, such as author-specified keywords, remains an under-explored …

Comparing Cadaveric And 3d-Printed Laryngeal Models In Transcutaneous Injection Laryngoplasty, Megha Chandna, Sana Siddiqui, Dylan Bertoni, Marah Sakkal, Sara Belko, Maurits Boon, Joseph Spiegel

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: There is increasing focus on the development of high-quality simulation models for medical education. Cadaveric models, although considered more realistic, may be difficult to obtain and costly. The advent of three-dimensional (3D) printing has offered a low-cost, reliable, and reproducible alternative. This study sought to compare the utility of 3D-printed to cadaveric models for training in transcutaneous injection laryngoplasty (TIL).

METHODS: A simulation course with a cross-over design was employed. Video laryngoscopes were utilized for both the 3D and cadaveric models to assess the accuracy of injection into the vocal fold. Pre-procedure and post-procedure surveys were administered to evaluate …

A Stepwise Evaluation Of Pairing, Shaping, And Nonremoval Of The Spoon For Children With Autism And Feeding Difficulties, Nicole C. Demchuk

Theses & Dissertations

Feeding difficulties are pervasive for children with autism. The present study investigated the effects of a pairing intervention on cooperation with demands/acceptance of new foods, inappropriate behaviors, proximity to therapist, and indices of happiness for three children with autism and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder. When the pairing intervention alone was not effective to decrease inappropriate behaviors and increase acceptance of new foods, we implemented shaping procedures. Shaping was effective to increase acceptance of four new foods for two participants. For the third participant, we ultimately implemented nonremoval of the spoon procedures to decrease inappropriate behaviors and increase acceptance of …

Stories About The David Rowlands Family Of Ellensburg, Washington, Joy Main Smith

Works by Local Authors

Including David's upbringing in Montgomeryshire Wales, his brother Robert's coming to America first, his siblings who stayed in the United Kingdom, and his 32 years with the Northern Pacific Railroad in Ellensburg.

Severe Polyarticular Gout Flare Inducing Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Case Report, John Rovig, Jose Lazarte Loayza, Sana Gurz, Jessica Chung, Winn Chatham

School of Medicine Faculty Research

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious condition that is triggered by multiple stressors, including processes linked to inflammation. Gout is an inflammatory process that has not been directly linked to DKA, but it affects similar pathways, affecting glycemic control. This case illustrates the link between DKA and gout flares with emphasis on the nuanced management of gout in the setting of DKA.

Enhancing Clinical Relevance Of Pretrained Language Models Through Integration Of External Knowledge: Case Study On Cardiovascular Diagnosis From Electronic Health Records, Qiuhao Lu, Andrew Wen, Thien Nguyen, Hongfang Liu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Despite their growing use in health care, pretrained language models (PLMs) often lack clinical relevance due to insufficient domain expertise and poor interpretability. A key strategy to overcome these challenges is integrating external knowledge into PLMs, enhancing their adaptability and clinical usefulness. Current biomedical knowledge graphs like UMLS (Unified Medical Language System), SNOMED CT (Systematized Medical Nomenclature for Medicine-Clinical Terminology), and HPO (Human Phenotype Ontology), while comprehensive, fail to effectively connect general biomedical knowledge with physician insights. There is an equally important need for a model that integrates diverse knowledge in a way that is both unified and compartmentalized. …

(Re)Framing Sustainable Careers: Toward A Conceptual Model And Future Research Agenda, William E. Donald, Beatrice I.J.M. Van Der Heijden, Graham Manville

All Works

Purpose: By adopting a Social Exchange Theory (SET) lens, this paper aims to integrate the often-fragmented literature streams of Vocational Behavior (VB), Career Development (CD), and Human Resource Management (HRM) to offer a conceptual model for framing sustainable careers. Design/methodology/approach: A conceptual approach is taken whereby eight propositions are developed to integrate the fragmented literature streams of VB, CD, and HRM. Findings: We posit that external factors and career counseling moderate the positive relationship between employability capital and self-perceived employability. We also argue that self-perceived employability is positively associated with career success and that career crafting moderates this relationship. Finally, …

Investigation Of The Prevalence Of Fentanyl Analogs In A Drug Testing Population Using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (Lc-Ms-Ms), Ivan Cordova

Student Theses

This study serves to determine the prevalence of novel fentanyl analogs that are present within a drug testing population in New York State. Samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to qualitatively determine the presence of various possible fentanyl analogs. The sample preparation of this assay consisted of a simple dilute and shoot. This method of sample preparation can be quicker, eliminating sample preparation times as well as being less financially strenuous to clinical laboratories as it eliminates the need for various solvents and solid/liquid phase cartridges. The assay was aimed to see if analytes can be …

I. Degradable Polymers And Networks Based On Furan-Maleimide Diels-Alder Reactions Of Silyl Ether Derivatives And Maleimides, And Ii. The Michael Addition Of Amines To 1,3,5-Triacryloylhexahydro-1,3,5-Triazine (Tat) As A Synthetic Route To Novel Chelating Agents, Reyad Alkhazalah

Chemistry Theses and Dissertations

Degradable Polymers and Networks Based on Furan-Maleimide Diels-Alder Reactions of Silyl Ether Derivatives and Maleimides. I.

I. Part 1. Two groups of silyl ether monomers, A and B, were synthesized, each containing four different monomers. The monomers of group A were obtained by reacting furfuryl alcohol with four dichlorosilanes with varying siloxane spacers. The monomers of group B were obtained by reacting n-(2-hydroxyethyl)maleimide (HEMI-1c) with the same four dichlorosilanes. Each monomer from group A was individually reacted with each monomer from group B via a Diels-Alder reaction to produce a series of sixteen degradable linear polymers with a variety …

Modeling Advancement In Spacefaring Through Deep Learning, Peng-Hung Tsai

Theses and Dissertations

Predicting advancement in space exploration technology allows space agencies and companies to strategically allocate resources, prioritize missions, and explore collaborations on complex projects. This foresight acts as a roadmap for future exploration, making the best use of valuable resources. The present study employs spacecraft lifetimes as an exemplar of technological progress and proposes a novel forecasting model based on Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks. Existing research often suggests an increasing exponential relationship between technology performance and time (the generalized Moore's Law). However, applying this model directly to spacecraft lifetimes has a limitation. Spacecraft lifespans are unknown at launch, and recent …

Closing The Gap: Using The Echo Model To Improve Access To Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment And Genetic Counseling In The Rural Setting, Stephanie Sharp, Linda Steinmark, Emily Edelman, Kate Reed, Kelly Barnes, Susan Miesfeldt

MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

Background There is underutilization of colorectal (CRC)-related cancer genetic counseling services nationally, especially in underserved regions. Novel models of cancer genetic care in rural states like Maine are needed to narrow the practice gap, reflected in an improvement in the percentage of individuals meeting genetic testing guidelines referred for cancer genetic counseling. Goal To lower the CRC cancer genetic counseling practice gap within a Maine-based integrated health system by build ing clinician capacity to identify hereditary CRC risk and facilitate provision of genetic counseling and testing services via the Project ECHO® hub-and-spoke telementoring model. Intervention MaineHealth (MH) and The Jackson …

Immediate Vs Delayed Feedback In A Progressive Musculoskeletal E-Module Case For Clinical Reasoning Development, Megan Frazee, Krista Gipson, Elizabeth Lyden, Stephanie Langel

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Introduction: Clinical reasoning (CR) skills are essential when preparing healthcare students to transition to clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of feedback timing within a case-based learning (CBL) e-module. The secondary aim was to examine the longitudinal impact on student performance within a standardized patient (SP) simulation and their overall course grade at the end of the semester.

Review of Literature: Feedback is a powerful teaching method to improve student learning. However, there are highly conflicting results regarding the best frequency and timing of feedback. This may be influenced by the level of the …

Unmc Quick Checks: An “Opt-Out” Model For Health Profession Student Appointments With Mental Health Counseling Services, Hannah K. Tandon Md, Taylor J. Kratochvil Md, Ms, Katherine L. Keiser Ms, Limhp, Nicole J. Kent Bs, Kaitlyn E. Schultis Bs, Jeffrey W. Knapp Msw, Jeffrey P. Gold

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Background: Health professions trainees experience high rates of anxiety and depression but are often reluctant to seek help. Institutional outreach during pre-clinical training may identify vulnerable students, improve resource awareness, and destigmatize psychological counseling. The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Quick Check program is a novel opt-out program connecting health professions students to mental health counselors.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate student perceptions and utilization of mental health resources after participation in the UNMC Quick Check program.

Methods: For this limited pilot study, second-year pharmacy students were assigned to UNMC Quick Check appointments with UNMC …