Digital Commons Network^™

Striking At The Root: A Categorization Of Dns Clients, Tyler Dean

Theses and Dissertations

The Domain Name System (DNS) root servers have provided a useful look into the DNS and internet ecosystems for decades. We present a categorization of clients querying DNS root servers. Using two clustering algorithms on DNS traffic sampled in 2020, we can predict the structure and volume of queries originating from different types of clients. Previous research has used unsupervised techniques to better understand DNS traffic patterns, but none have, to our knowledge, considered clients beyond those driven by queries from end users. By performing clustering on IP addresses rather than on individual queries, we are able to examine the …

The Role Of Food Ordering Systems In The Efficiency Of Food Distribution Through Food Banks: A Case Study, Turner Kamm

Theses

Introduction: Food banks face pressure to support an increasing number of food-insecure individuals, and to increase operational efficiency. This study reviewed the role of ordering systems in a food bank through a literature review and analysis of past ordering data. Methods: A literature review was conducted on the role of food ordering systems on efficient food delivery. Order data were categorized by month, county, and product category to assess transaction patterns. Analyses involved total pounds of food received by each county and a formula to calculate the percent of food insecure individuals served by county. Additional analyses compared items that …

The Significant Role Of Amino Acid Metabolic Reprogramming In Cancer, Xiaohong Liu, Bo Ren, Jie Ren, Minzhi Gu, Lei You, Yupei Zhao

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Amino acid metabolism plays a pivotal role in tumor microenvironment, influencing various aspects of cancer progression. The metabolic reprogramming of amino acids in tumor cells is intricately linked to protein synthesis, nucleotide synthesis, modulation of signaling pathways, regulation of tumor cell metabolism, maintenance of oxidative stress homeostasis, and epigenetic modifications. Furthermore, the dysregulation of amino acid metabolism also impacts tumor microenvironment and tumor immunity. Amino acids can act as signaling molecules that modulate immune cell function and immune tolerance within the tumor microenvironment, reshaping the anti-tumor immune response and promoting immune evasion by cancer cells. Moreover, amino acid metabolism can …

From Vision To Venture: Investigating Small Business Entrepreneurship, Lindsey N. Lapinta

Honors Projects

This research explores the challenges and opportunities faced by small business startups, focusing on the critical factors contributing to their success or failure. More than two-thirds of small business startups fail to deliver a positive return to investors, often discouraging aspiring entrepreneurs. Through an in-depth analysis of existing literature, interviews with successful entrepreneurs, and case studies, this research identifies common patterns and underlying reasons for these failures. Key insights from Tom Eisenmann’s book "Why Start-ups Fail" and Eric Ries’ book "The Lean Startup'' highlight the importance of validated learning, strategic stakeholder management, and the need for startups to pivot or …

Empirical Algorithms For Estimating Downwelling Light Attenuation At Λ=490 Nm From Sentinel-2 In A Narrow Optically Complex Bay, Plymouth Sound, United Kingdom, Louis J. Thornton

The Plymouth Student Scientist

This study investigates the potential of reflectance band ratios, modelled on Sentinel-2’s MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI) bands 10m resolution to estimate the downwelling attenuation coefficient for planar irradiance, Kd(λ), at 490nm (Kd(490)) in Plymouth Sound. Kd(λ) is vital for characterising subsurface light climate, strongly influencing physical and biogeochemical processes in coastal and oceanic waters. In temperate shelf seas, human activities have led to loss in vitality and spatial extent of structurally complex seabed, emphasizing the need for enhanced monitoring. Satellite-based remote sensing (RS) offers spatial and temporal advantages to conventional in situ methods. There are, however two main inadequacies that persist …

The Wellbeing Benefits Of Exposure To Nature: The Difference Between Environment Types On Different Wellbeing Types, Lily-Mae Petherick

The Plymouth Student Scientist

The world is facing a mental health crisis, thus implementing measures to improve wellbeing is a global priority. One way of combating this worldwide issue is through the well-known wellbeing benefits of nature. However, natural environments include more than just the well-known green spaces, and wellbeing encompasses multiple components. Consequently, this study compares the wellbeing outcomes of virtual exposure to a green space, blue space, and urban environment on both hedonic (pleasure) and eudaimonic wellbeing (meaningfulness). A factorial design was employed in which 96 University of Plymouth students watched one stressor video and then one of three environment videos (green, …

"It Shouldn't Be Just Hush-Hush": A Qualitative Community-Based Study Of Menstrual Health Communication Among Women In Philadelphia, Allison R. Casola, Lynette Medley, Brianna C. Kunes, Nya Mcglone, Alexis Silverio

Department of Family & Community Medicine Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Although menstruation is a natural biological process, many people feel embarrassed of their menses and struggle to discuss it. To mitigate menstrual communication stigma, it is necessary to first elucidate communication experiences and perceptions. Thus, we qualitatively explore menstrual communication among cisgender women who menstruate and their family, friends, healthcare providers, and community.

METHODOLOGY: In partnership with No More Secrets (NMS), a Philadelphia menstrual health non-profit, we conducted a community-based participatory research (CBPR) project in Fall 2020. Cisgender, menstruating individuals ages 18-45 recruited from NMS' catchment in Philadelphia participated in semi-structured interviews about their menstrual experiences and communication (N …

Villagran, Gilbert Joseph, San Jose State University

Emeritus and Retired Faculty Biographies

San Jose State University, Social Work, 1976 MSW

San Jose State University, Community College Teaching Credential, 1973

San Jose State University, Philosophy, 1971 BA

Addressing Student Mental Health During Covid-19: The Incredible Endeavors Of One Group Of Urban Elementary School Teachers, Caitlin Ferguson

LMU Theses and Dissertations

This case study investigated one urban school district’s efforts to address the mental health of its students during COVID-19. Specifically, I examined the protocols established by the district and the daily implementation of social-emotional learning and culturally relevant practices during the 2020–21 school year, focusing on the instructors’ perspective. Utilizing a semi-structured qualitative interview approach, I collected data from five teachers and one district personnel and corroborated it with district survey results and the Learning Continuity Plan. Findings indicate that despite teachers not explicitly understanding social-emotional learning (SEL) before COVID-19, they relied on a strong network of support and personal …

Impacts Of Social Media Use On The Wellbeing Of Older Adults : Evidence From China During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Xuying Dong

Lingnan Theses (Doctoral degree)

Given the trend of increasing use of information and communication technologies among Chinese elder population, more attention should be drawn on the relationship between social media use and wellbeing of older adults. This research explores the social media use situation among older adults in mainland China as well as its influences on their wellbeing, and employs a mixed approach including quantitative questionnaire distributed via WeChat social media platform and qualitative interview among Chinese older adults who are over 60 years of age in Jingzhou, Hubei Province. Generally speaking, social media use can improve the wellbeing of Chinese older adults, more …

The Post-Covid-19 Pandemic Study Abroad Intentions Of Chinese Undergraduate Students : A Case Study Of Shenzhen, Zhipeng Xiao

Lingnan Theses (Doctoral degree)

China has the largest potential outward international student population of any country in the world. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic impeded the international mobility of Chinese students. In 2023, China’s government lifted the restrictions that had been put in place to control the pandemic. Consequently, it is imperative to understand the aspirations of students regarding studying abroad in the post-pandemic era. This study explored changes in the motivations and intentions of Shenzhen undergraduates regarding studying abroad. A qualitative research methodology was adopted for this study. This research lies in its use of in-depth interviews with Shenzhen undergraduates with …

Depression Screenings In Older Adult Primary Care Patients: A Pilot Study, Karissa A. Rodriguez

Dissertations

Depression is a profound problem among people of all ages, but it is especially prevalent in older adults aged 65 and older. Identification and diagnosis of depression are obtained through screenings.

This project aimed to increase the frequency of depression screenings at all primary care office visits and analyze the agreement between the depression screening tools, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) or the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), when assessing depression in older adult primary care patients ages 65 and older. Theoretical Framework: The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle is a problem-solving model used to create change and adapt to a project's needs. …

Teachings From The Hogan Floor: Preserving Culture And Language Through Museum Collections, Nonabah B. Sam

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

In 2021, we faced the unexpected impacts of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, especially on the Navajo Nation. There were many things to realize, but one that hits hardest is the loss we suffered with many traditional practitioners passing from this illness. The purpose of this study was to examine linguistic and cultural contributions that Knowledge Keepers might consider making for the future of our Navajo Nation and Diné College. Drawing on my cultural teachings and knowledge, I conducted semi-structured interviews in Navajo and English with 10 participants, including leaders, alumni, staff, and traditional practitioners; I also utilized a circling back …

A Quantitative Study On Restorative Justice Programs And Socioeconomic Status On Gun Violence Prevention In Urban Schools, Debra Kaye Long

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A gun violence epidemic had been a topic of conversation in America's schools in the form of mass shootings, homicides, nonfatal attacks, accidental discharges, and weapon suicides. The significance of this issue lies in its effects on student safety, well-being, and educational outcomes. A logistic regression model was used to assess the impact of free or reduced-price lunch (SES) and the adoption of restorative justice practices on the likelihood of firearm incidents in schools. Using social learning theory and trauma-informed care, this quantitative study used surveys from 7,290 individuals to analyze these correlations. The findings revealed significant reductions in gun-related …

Sitting With The Data: Experimenting With Meditative Thematic Analysis, Steve Haberlin

The Qualitative Report

While qualitative researchers have turned to non-traditional forms and methods to collect and analyze data, including contemplative and mindfulness approaches to inquiry relatively little has been written in the professional literature about how to specifically use meditation techniques as a qualitative data analysis method. In this article, I describe how I engaged in meditation and used mindfulness to code data and derive thematic patterns during the completion of my dissertation at the University of South Florida. I explore the notion of practicing meditation to foster a creative silence, which may encourage insights and thematic findings to emerge more spontaneously.

Eric Bieber '81 Joins Iwu Board Of Trustees, Julia Perez

News and Events (Discontinued Series)

No abstract provided.

“We Have The Potential”––Math As A Racialized Barrier: Counter-Narratives Of Black And Latinx Working-Class California Community College Stem Students, Erika Knox

LMU Theses and Dissertations

Within the CCC system, mathematics has been identified as the most considerable barrier to persistence, transfer, and degree completion (Cooper et al., 2022). Recent research corroborated the notion that mathematics serves as a gatekeeper for Black and Latinx students; historically, this subject has impeded students of color from accessing educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM; Joseph et al., 2021). Consequently, mathematics has evolved into a racialized impediment for students and, by extension, STEM graduates. Recognizing mathematics’ critical role in shaping students’ future prospects, the state legislature introduced California Assembly Bill 705 (AB 705; California Assembly Bill 705 …

Analyzing The Relationship Between Dose And Geometric Agreement Metrics For Auto-Contouring In Head And Neck Normal Tissues, Barbara Marquez, Zachary T Wooten, Ramon M Salazar, Christine B Peterson, David T Fuentes, T J Whitaker, Anuja Jhingran, Julianne Pollard-Larkin, Surendra Prajapati, Beth Beadle, Carlos E Cardenas, Tucker J Netherton, Laurence E Court

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This study aimed to determine the relationship between geometric and dosimetric agreement metrics in head and neck (H&N) cancer radiotherapy plans. A total 287 plans were retrospectively analyzed, comparing auto-contoured and clinically used contours using a Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), surface DSC (sDSC), and Hausdorff distance (HD). Organs-at-risk (OARs) with ≥200 cGy dose differences from the clinical contour in terms of Dmax (D0.01cc) and Dmean were further examined against proximity to the planning target volume (PTV). A secondary set of 91 plans from multiple institutions validated these findings. For 4995 contour pairs across 19 OARs, 90% had a DSC, sDSC, …

Cap-And-Trade Carbon Pricing In Utah: Challenges And Potential Impact, Katherine Michaels, Kendall Becker, Alexi Elizabeth Lamm, Scott Hotaling

All Current Publications

Cap-and-trade programs are a market-based form of carbon pricing that allows companies to trade with each other using carbon credits. Carbon credits function as permission slips to emit a certain amount of carbon. The “cap” establishes the number of carbon credits an industry or region has available for trading. Companies are incentivized to emit less because they can sell their excess carbon credits to other companies. Several cap-and-trade programs exist in the United States, and these programs are effectively reducing carbon emissions while creating net economic benefits for their regions. A cap-and-trade program could help Utah reduce carbon emissions in …

Innovative Nursing Education Pedagogy Connecting Population Health, Policy, And Finance, Carolyn Kleman, Lisa Anne Bove, Yvonne M. Smith

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Presenters will share study results about learning activities that helped students become more comfortable and knowledgeable about population health, finance, and policy. If nurses are knowledgeable about and comfortable with the interconnectedness between population health, finance, and policy, they can effectively advocate for themselves and others, both locally and globally.

The Relationship Between Physical Activity, Acculturative Stress, And Cognitive Function In South-Asian Immigrants, Suchana Das Bandhan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although previous research has indicated that acculturative stress and lack of physical activity may contribute to age-related cognitive decline in older immigrants, previous research has not investigated the combined influence of acculturative stress and physical activity on cognitive function in a population of older immigrants. This quantitative correlational study aimed to investigate this relationship among older South-Asian immigrants using acculturation theory to guide the research. Acculturative stress was measured using the Social, Attitudinal, Familial, Environment Acculturative Stress Scale. Physical activity was measured using the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors. Cognitive functioning was measured using the Trail-Making test, Stroop …

Relationship Of Enterprise Risk Management To The Success Of Micro-, Small-, And Medium-Sized Enterprises, Gary Francis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) account for over 95% of businesses and 80% of the workforce in Jamaica. Jamaican government and business leaders are concerned that MSMEs’ meager success rate will continue to hinder economic growth. Grounded in the four pillars of enterprise risk management and rent theory, the purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between ERM and the business success of MSMEs. The participants were 85 owners or managers of registered MSMEs who operate in the Kingston metropolitan area of Jamaica, have been in operation for at least three years, and completed a …

Cerebellar Nuclei Cells Produce Distinct Pathogenic Spike Signatures In Mouse Models Of Ataxia, Dystonia, And Tremor, Meike E Van Der Heijden, Amanda M Brown, Dominic J Kizek, Roy V Sillitoe

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

The cerebellum contributes to a diverse array of motor conditions, including ataxia, dystonia, and tremor. The neural substrates that encode this diversity are unclear. Here, we tested whether the neural spike activity of cerebellar output neurons is distinct between movement disorders with different impairments, generalizable across movement disorders with similar impairments, and capable of causing distinct movement impairments. Using in vivo awake recordings as input data, we trained a supervised classifier model to differentiate the spike parameters between mouse models for ataxia, dystonia, and tremor. The classifier model correctly assigned mouse phenotypes based on single-neuron signatures. Spike signatures were shared …

Veritac-2: A Phase Iii Study Of Vepdegestrant, A Protac Er Degrader, Versus Fulvestrant In Er+/Her2- Advanced Breast Cancer, Erika P Hamilton, Cynthia Ma, Michelino De Laurentiis, Hiroji Iwata, Sara A Hurvitz, Seth A Wander, Michael Danso, Dongrui R Lu, Julia Perkins Smith, Yuan Liu, Lana Tran, Sibyl Anderson, Mario Campone

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Vepdegestrant (ARV-471) is an oral PROTAC ER degrader that binds an E3 ubiquitin ligase and ER to directly trigger ubiquitination of ER and its subsequent proteasomal degradation. In a first-in-human Phase I/II study, vepdegestrant monotherapy was well tolerated with clinical activity in pretreated patients with ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer. The global, randomized Phase III VERITAC-2 study compares efficacy and safety of vepdegestrant versus fulvestrant in adults with ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer after treatment with a CDK4/6 inhibitor plus endocrine therapy. Progression-free survival by blinded independent central review (primary end point) will be assessed in the intention-to-treat population and

Iron And Cardiovascular Health: A Review, Diana Othon, Osiris Fernandez, Barbara Malaga-Espinoza, Maria E. Torres, Everardo Cobos, Cesar Gutierrez

School of Medicine Publications

Iron is an essential element for the biological processes of living organisms, including the production of crucial oxygen-carrying proteins, formation of heme enzymes, and playing roles in electron transfer and oxidation–reduction reactions. It plays a significant role in various cardiovascular functions, including bioenergetics, electrical activity, and programmed cell death. Minor deficiencies of iron have been found to have negative impact on cardiovascular function in patients with heart failure (HF). The contractility of human cardiomyocytes is impaired by iron deficiency (ID), which results in reduced mitochondrial function and lower energy production, ultimately leading to cardiac function impairment, contributing to significant morbidity …

Quantitative Proteomics Reveals Serum Proteome Alterations During Metastatic Disease Progression In Breast Cancer Patients, Jaspreet Kaur, Sung Yun Jung, Marie Austdal, Aaditya Krishna Arun, Thomas Helland, Gunnar Mellgren, Tone Hoel Lende, Emiel A M Janssen, Håvard Søiland, Ritu Aneja

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Tumor recurrence and metastatic progression remains the leading cause for breast cancer related mortalities. However, the proteomes of patient- matched primary breast cancer (BC) and metastatic lesions have not yet been identified, due to the lack of clinically annotated longitudinal samples. In this study, we evaluated the global-proteomic landscape of BC patients with and without distant metastasis as well as compared the proteome of distant metastatic disease with its corresponding primary BC, within the same patient.

METHODS: We performed mass spectrometry-based proteome profiling of 73 serum samples from 51 BC patients. Among the 51 patients with BC, 29 remained …

Signs And Symptoms Of Serious Illness In Infants Aged Up To 6 Months: Rapid Review Of Clinical Guidelines, Inocencio Daniel Cortes Maramba, Emma Lim, Julie Christine Menzies, Ruud Nijman, Shang-Ming Zhou, Jos M Latour

School of Nursing and Midwifery

BACKGROUND: There is a need to empower parents and carers of young infants to recognise signs of serious illness and to act on these appropriately. Compiling the signs and symptoms of serious illness in infants found in clinical guidelines will support the evidence-based update of the 30+-year-old content of the Baby Check App to empower parents and carers.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review clinical guidelines for signs and symptoms related to serious illness in infants aged 6 months and below.

METHODS: A rapid review was carried out by searching PubMed, CINAHL, NICE, Cochrane and Embase for clinical guidelines reporting signs and …

Balancing Local Community Interest And International Responsibilities In The Context Of The Expulsion Of Rohingya Refugees In Aceh, Muhammad Havez, Ninin Ernawati, Diva Pitaloka, Ahmad Rosidi, Joko Jumadi

Indonesian Journal of International Law

At the end of 2023, a group of refugees that came to the Aceh region committed several acts of misconduct that shocked Indonesia. Such acts included throwing away rice that was given to them by the Acehnese residents, who did so as an act of kindness. However, the refugees disappointed the Acehnese residents with their response. Due to this, the Acehnese residents insist on expelling the refugees from their area, but the local government needed clarification in order to determine their position. On one hand, it is important to take note of the concerns of the Indonesian people, however, there …

Climate Change Refugees: Striving For An Established Definition For Broader And Better Management, Ayub Torry Satriyo Kusumo, Anugerah Adiastuti

Indonesian Journal of International Law

According to the Inter-governmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) 2021, The increase in global warming has accelerated the pace at which glaciers melt, thereby leading to a mass migration of people. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that approximately 21.5 million people migrated to more decent places due to climate or geographical conditions. This category of people are often called climate refugees and when the apply for international refugee status, it is declined due to the inability to meet the established criteria outlined by the International Refugees Convention. Unfortunately, the phenomena associated with climate refugee have not …

'Othering' Of Refugees: An Anti-Thesis To Right Against Discrimination, Jasmeet Gulati

Indonesian Journal of International Law

The process of ‘othering’ and the basis of ‘otherness’ separates marginal from the mainstream and is generally construed as discrimination amongst different social groups. The paper discusses the concept of ‘othering’ with specific reference to the rights of refugees, their plight in the country of refuge, and the attitude of national governments while dealing with the rights of refugees in compliance of international obligations. The process of characterizing refugees as ‘others’ in the host country directly affects their basic rights, which would otherwise be granted to them being refugees under international refugee law. Thus, discrimination stems from the very perspective …