Digital Commons Network^™

An Exploration Of Attention And Breathing In Functional Voice Disorders, Kiley Hazelton Herr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

In functional voice disorders (FVD), voice dysfunction exists in excess or the absence of organic voice pathology. Modern etiologic frameworks emphasize cognitive, emotional, and autonomic processes in the onset and maintenance of symptoms, encapsulating FVD as a subtype of functional neurologic movement disorders (mFND). Despite extensive investigation into emotional aspects of FVD, cognitive aspects, notably attention, remain underexplored. Consequently, the mechanisms which catalyze predisposing factors into physical symptoms are incompletely understood. This multimodal study investigated whether individuals with FVD demonstrated differences in attentional processing and related physiological processes (i.e., breathing and autonomic regulation) compared to individuals with social anxiety (SA) …

Mental Health And Sexual Victimization Among Incarcerated Populations: A Literature Review On Types, Prevalence, And Services Provided, Brianna Cerda, Laura King

2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Incarcerated individuals have a high risk of developing a mental illness and experiencing sexual victimization due to a variety of individual and system risk factors. There is extensive research on the prevalence of mental illness and sexual victimization among the incarcerated population, but research on mental health and victim-support services offered during incarceration is limited. This review examines the prevalence of mental illness and sexual victimization among the incarcerated population, the relationship between mental illness and sexual victimization, and the mental health and victim-support services provided during incarceration. Overall, findings indicate that 66.1% of individuals in prisons and 44.3% of …

Ud In The News April 18-24, University Of Dayton

News Releases

UD faculty and staff contributed their expertise to Axios, The Journal of College Admission, The Columbus Dispatch and WLW-AM in Cincinnati while Spectrum News 1 Ohio highlighted the D.C. Flyers program.

A Continuous Viral Vaccine Biomanufacturing Platform Utilizing Multiple Bioreactor Configurations, Justin Sargunas, Bradley Priem, Dylan Carman, Taravat Sarvari, Natalie Nold, Vaishali Sharma, Andrew Pekosz, Caryn Heldt, Michael Betenbaugh

Michigan Tech Publications

Scalable, continuous biomanufacturing processes have grown in importance to meet demand for smaller bioreactor sizes, lowered production costs, and improved quality attribute consistency. The Sf9/recombinant baculovirus (rBV) expression system demonstrates promise for virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine and gene therapy production. Here, we present a continuous rBV platform integrating an infection plug flow reactor (PFR) between stirred tank growth (gCSTR) and production (pCSTR) bioreactors. Cell expansion in the gCSTR included a ramp-up stage followed by continuous growth, reaching a steady state of 5×10 cells/mL and >90% viability. Péclet number-fit tracer studies confirmed near-ideal plug flow in the PFR, yielding a 10 …

From Bench To Bedside: Unraveling The Role Of Sarm1 In Chronic Human Neurodegenerative Disease, Caitlin Dingwall

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Axon degeneration (AxD) is an early and often causative event in many neurodegenerative diseases, yet no treatments exist to halt the breakdown of axons. In healthy axons, the axon survival factor NMNAT2 inhibits SARM1, the central executioner of programmed axon degeneration. NMNAT2 is a highly labile protein produced in the soma and trafficked into the axon. Nerve injury blocks axonal transport and leads to rapid depletion of axonal NMNAT2, causing NMN buildup and NAD+ loss. Recent breakthroughs led to the discovery that SARM1 is activated by an increase in the NMN to NAD+ ratio. While the SARM1 axon degeneration pathway …

Age, Income, And The Discounting Of Delayed And Probabilistic Rewards: The Roles Of Financial Resources And Attribute Salience, Haoran Wan

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Many everyday decisions involve outcomes that are both delayed and probabilistic. Although previous research has reported inconsistent age-related effects on discounting, few studies have taken into account the multi-attribute nature of real-world choices or the moderating role of financial resources. Accordingly, the present research examined the interactive effects of age, income, and multi-attribute contexts to test how resource constraints and task dimensionality moderate attribute salience. Across two studies (total N = 600), stratified samples of younger (35-45) and older (62-72) adults with lower (<$60,000) and higher (>$100,000) annual household incomes completed standard and multi-attribute adjusting-amount discounting tasks. In Study 1 (Delay Discounting), …

How Pollinator Populations Can Impact Chronic Disease Risk, Kylee Cubbison

Honors Projects

This project investigates how pollinator populations can impact chronic disease risk. Pollinator populations are declining, which can have serious implications for human health. Declining pollinator populations can limit healthy food production and affordability. Poor nutrition is a major risk factor for most chronic diseases. Less healthy food available for people to consume can negatively impact diets and increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. This project aims to address a potential gap in research existing on this specific topic regarding pollinator populations and human chronic disease risk. A brochure targeted towards educating the general public on this topic was created …

Swosu Standing Committees 2025-2026, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

University Standing Committees

2025 – 2026 SWOSU Standing Committees

Presumed Guilty By Proximity: How Geofence Warrants Undermine The Fourteenth Amendment, Radha Patel

University of Miami Race & Social Justice Law Review

Geofence warrants are utilized as a surveillance tool to gather location data on every user within a specific area and are being integrated into policing without a stable legal framework. This integration threatens individual rights and disproportionately impacts people and communities of color. While these warrants are often scrutinized under the Fourth Amendment, this note argues that they significantly undermine the Fourteenth Amendment by granting law enforcement excessive discretion. This unchecked discretion allows systemic bias and racial profiling to influence criminal investigations, creating the potential for wrongful convictions. The analysis in this note details the three-step execution process of geofence …

On The “Storied” History And Sustained Impact Of A Thriving Social Justice Journal, Mario L. Barnes

University of Miami Race & Social Justice Law Review

No abstract provided.

Mental Health Crisis Among Icu Nurses: A Global Study Across 65 Countries During Covid-19, Amal Mobarki, Hillary J. Dutton, Allison Squires

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed heavy demands on ICU nurses, who provided patient care while facing emotional exhaustion, staffing shortages, and limited resources(Boluarte et al., 2020; Shen et al., 2020). Evidence shows that working in critical care during pandemics greatly increases psychological distress among healthcare professionals (Azoulay et al., 2020). Given the significant differences in healthcare systems across countries, cross-national research is crucial for addressing the mental health of ICU nurses.

Aim: This study examines the prevalence of mental health symptoms and evaluates organizational supports provided to intensive care unit nurses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic across multiple international healthcare settings. …

Intrinsic Motivation And Academic Achievement In College Students, Amaia Taylor, Cindy Khan-Jordan, Patrick J. Cooper

Student Publications and Presentations

This study examines how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation relate to academic achievement among college students. Intrinsic motivation, which is driven by curiosity and personal growth, is often associated with positive outcomes such as higher grades and "ownership" over one's education. The link between extrinsic motivation (being motivated by external rewards or pressure) and these outcomes is less clear. The research also explores how mental health factors, (e.g., depression, anxiety, and stress) and international student status (domestic students vs. international students) may affect these relationships. Data will be collected from Lynn University students using online surveys and objective reports of academic …

Development Of A Preclinical Model That Can Be Used To Test Novel Therapeutics For The Treatment Of Mild And Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury, Hayden Anderson

Honors Theses

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when a foreign object induces damage to the skull and brain through a forceful blow or whiplash. It is one of the most frequent injuries in the United States, with approximately 250,000 cases of different levels occurring annually. It is well known that severe TBIs can result in persistent physical, cognitive, and socioeconomic consequences and the timing of treatment following this injury can play a critical role in the ultimate outcome. It would be beneficial to develop a safe therapeutic that could be administered rapidly after impact and improve the recovery of the patient. However, …

Animal-Assisted Therapy, Stress Regulation, And Mental Awareness, Kimberly Montenegro, Brandy Whitford

Student Publications and Presentations

Mental awareness refers to a person's ability to focus, regulate emotions, and respond to stress. When these capacities weaken, daily functioning can become more difficult. They depend on the body’s stress response system, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and brain regions such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. When chronic stress disrupts these systems, individuals often experience reduced attentional control and emotional instability. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has gained attention as a possible approach to reducing stress. Research on human-animal interaction shows that spending time with animals can lower cortisol levels and increase oxytocin, both of which influence stress responses. Studies …

Nurse Education On Nonpharmacological Management Of Knee Osteoarthritis, Toyin Mary Ajayi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aims to fill the gaps in the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in adults aged 40 to 75 years in a primary care practice. Knee OA is a common chronic disease that significantly impacts pain, mobility, and quality of life. Although there is empirical evidence that nonpharmacological interventions, including exercise, weight control, and self-management education, are effective, these methods are not consistently used in clinical practice, and pharmacologic treatment continues to be used. The project was designed to inform healthcare personnel about evidence-based nonpharmacological strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce reliance on …

29th Annual Women's, Gender, And Sexuality Studies Symposium Program, 2026, Illinois State University, Women's, Gender, And Sexuality Studies Program

WGSS Student Research Symposium

Program from the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Symposium

Impacts On Knee And Ankle Joint Stiffness During Walk And Stair Negotiation For Individuals With Acl-R And Oa, Genavieve J. Golightly, Nicholas L. Hunt, Tyler N. Brown

2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Knee injuries, including those requiring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), are associated with numerous degenerative outcomes, including the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Although reconstructive surgery and physical therapy are available treatment options, OA progression following knee joint injury continues to leave many individuals facing premature joint degeneration. Increased joint stiffness is a common consequence of knee joint injury and is seen in many patients who have undergone ACLR, and may be a contributing factor in the acceleration of OA by creating an environment of concentrated stress on knee cartilage, thereby promoting joint degeneration. It is unclear whether knee injuries alter …

The Impact Of Glyphosate On Parkinson’S Pathology In A Mouse Model, Katie Hettel, Kaitlyn Carver, Sabrina Wilson, Trevor Walker, Tyra Naymik, Sydney Boutros

2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive loss of dopamine neurons in the brain, leading to symptoms such as tremors, poor balance and bradykinesia. PD has a unique pathology: Lewy bodies, which are primarily comprised of phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (p-Syn), spread through synaptic connections. Yet, it is unclear how the first Lewy body starts. Recently, evidence suggests that environmental influences such as pesticides and herbicides might initiate PD pathology. The most widely-used herbicide is glyphosate, the main chemical in products such as RoundUp. Thus, we tested if glyphosate in water could lead to PD-like pathology in a mouse model. A …

Usa V. Jacob Montague

2026 Decisions

USDC for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

An Analysis Of Surface-Level Macro And Microplastics Along Western Central Leyte, Philippines, Graham B. Morrison-Plumley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With the pervasive use of plastics worldwide, their environmental effects can reach even the most remote ecosystems. This study examines both macro and microplastic pollution in the Greater Baybay region in western Leyte, Philippines. Samples from 10 separate sites within Baybay and its adjacent communities represent the unique environmental and geologic diversity of the central Visayan region of the Philippines. At each of the 10 sampling sites, 3 excavations were conducted, yielding 30 samples. Macroplastics were collected in the field, immediately around microplastic digs. Microplastic samples were analyzed in Florida Atlantic University’s Environmental Change Lab. It was determined that spatial …

Community-Based A1c Screening Initiative To Improve Diabetes Risk Identification Among People Experiencing Homelessness, Rebecca Drake, Deedee Long, Mariita Carter

Student Works

Abstract

Purpose: People experiencing homelessness (PEH) experience high rates of undiagnosed diabetes yet face significant barriers to preventive screening. This quality improvement project aimed to improve access to diabetes screening for PEH through on-site hemoglobin A1C (A1C) testing in a trusted community setting.

Methods: On-site A1C screening was implemented at the Utah County Food and Care Coalition (F&CC) using a low-barrier, community-based approach. Screening was conducted during routine service hours and integrated into existing workflows. Process, outcome, and balancing measures were used to evaluate feasibility, reach, and unintended effects.

Results: The intervention primarily supported identification of diabetes risk and referral …

Multifocal Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma With Ret P.V804m, Eml4-Alk Fusion, And Braf V600e Positivity, Jacob Beiriger, Leonard Estephan, Lubna Zuberi, Stacey Gargano, Elizabeth Cottrill

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

Multifocal papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) can arise from independent primaries with discordant drivers in parallel clonal evolution rather than a single-clone pattern. We present a 31-year-old female with multifocal PTC harboring 3 distinct oncogenic alterations: a germline RET p.V804M mutation, low-frequency EML4-ALK fusion, and BRAF V600E mutation. The RET and ALK alterations were identified in a midpole nodule, whereas BRAF positivity was seen in a separate lower pole tumor. Ultrasound revealed multiple right-lobe thyroid nodules; the dominant 2.1-cm lesion was hypoechoic with calcifications. Fine needle aspiration revealed Bethesda III cytology, prompting thyroid lobectomy and an ipsilateral central neck dissection was …

Milk Matters: Milk Fat Impact On Phthalate Exposure, Vivika Arocho, Tanya Pach, Erika L. Doctor

Student Publications and Presentations

Phthalates are plasticizers added to plastics to improve flexibility. Research has shown that phthalates impact human health through endocrine disruption as well as posing a risk of cancer. Food packaging made of plastics has the potential to cause an increased risk of exposure. Milk packaged in plastic has previously been found to have contamination with phthalates due to the extended contact with the packaging material. However, the amount of phthalate leeching has not been addressed for variation in milk fat. Other packaging components such as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have shown variation in leeching based on the amount of fat in …

From Resilience To Risk Reduction: The Role Of Cognitive Reframing In Problematic Drinking, Brandon Li, Melissa Lehman, Patrick J. Cooper

Student Publications and Presentations

Prior research suggests that resilience is associated with the use of adaptive emotion regulation strategies, such as cognitive reappraisal, and that these strategies are linked to lower levels of problematic drinking. However, it remains unclear whether resilience is related to problematic drinking directly or indirectly through specific emotion regulation processes. This study examines associations amongst resilience, cognitive reappraisal, and problematic drinking in a sample of 188 college students. Correlational analyses indicate that resilience is not significantly associated with problematic drinking. In contrast, resilience is positively associated with cognitive reappraisal, and cognitive reappraisal is negatively associated with problematic drinking. A mediation …

Apoe Ε2 Potential Protection Against Long-Term Consequences Of Traumatic Brain Injury, Rebecca Faith Mesidort, Kimberly Rowland

Student Publications and Presentations

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can alter the quality of life, often resulting in cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, or death. There have been no biological advances to resolve the long-term consequences of TBI. The APOE ε2 gene is widely known as a neuroprotectant for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. However, the biological mechanisms of how APOE ε2 protects the against neurodegeneration is unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate APOE ε 2’s response to an environmental stimulus that leads to neurodegeneration, TBI and further investigate APOE ε2’s biological mechanisms. After inflicting blunt force trauma to our model organism …

The Effect Of Forever Chemicals From Paper Cups On Planarians, Sara Miller, Erika L. Doctor

Student Publications and Presentations

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals added to products like paper cups, Teflon pans, and muffin tins to make them water-resistant and durable. PFAS have been a growing concern for the human health and the environment due to their migration into the beverages and foods we consume. PFAS have been linked to various health issues such as cancer, immunotoxicity, and thyroid disturbances. The purpose of this study is to determine the amount of PFAS leaking from paper cups into water and their impact on planarians through three different experiments: optimization of PFAS detection, determination of leaching PFAS from …

Resilience And Emotional Eating: Gender Differences In Undereating, Tinei Nyakuyedzwa, Patrick J. Cooper

Student Publications and Presentations

Emotional eating refers to eating in response to emotional states as opposed to hunger and is linked to stress, which is important for college students who experience unique stressors (e.g., academic, social, and interpersonal) in their college experience. It is also often found to be more prevalent in women, but not always. During the COVID-19 pandemic, females and males reported similar levels of emotional eating, but for different reasons: female emotional eating was linked to isolation and/or extra care-giving responsibilities, whereas male emotional eating was linked to reward seeking behaviors. The purpose of this study is to examine whether there …

Optimizing Glycerin Concentration For Xerostomia Treatment Via Refractive Index Measurements, Angelina Pologeorgis, Khalique Ahmed

Student Publications and Presentations

Xerostomia is also commonly referred to as dry mouth, this is a condition that is characterized by a reduced salivary flow that can negatively impact things like overall oral health, swallowing, or even speaking. The current artificial saliva substitutes vary widely in their composition, physical chemical properties, and effectiveness, many or the products available now as treatment do not disclose the concentrations included in their ingredients. Glycerin is a known saliva substitute that is frequently used due to its abilities to retain moisture. The optimal concentration of glycerin is required in order to best mimic natural saliva. The purpose of …

Autonomous Motivation And Campus Mental Health Services Utilization, Vishwa Shukla, Brandy Whitford

Student Publications and Presentations

Mental health services are available across U.S. universities, yet many Generation Z students experiencing psychological distress do not make use of them. Researchers have identified stigma, limited mental health literacy, concerns about confidentiality, and negative past experiences as possible explanations for low engagement. Students move through several stages when using services, including initiating help-seeking, attending appointments, and continuing over time. Existing models tend to focus primarily on external barriers, giving less attention to internal motivational factors that influence whether students decide to engage at all. Self-determination theory offers a framework for examining this issue. When students do not see help-seeking …

Virtual Reality Rehabilitation And Visual Recognition Recovery After Stroke, Ivy Westfall, Brandy Whitford

Student Publications and Presentations

Every year, many stroke survivors experience challenges that go beyond movement. In addition to physical weakness, changes in thinking and vision can last long after the stroke. Most rehabilitation programs focus first on balance and motor skills. As a result, problems with visual recognition and interpretation can go unnoticed. When the temporal lobe is damaged, a person may not be able to recognize familiar faces, everyday objects, or even well-known places, even when they can see. Virtual reality (VR) has become a growing tool in stroke recovery. By immersing patients in interactive, goal-directed visual environments, VR may engage neuroplastic mechanisms …