Digital Commons Network^™

Methods For The Discovery Of Antibodies Toward Junin Virus Utilizing Yeast Surface Display, Jonathon E. Corral

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The importance of this study is to perform antibody discovery as a means to derive novel preventative and therapeutic antibody countermeasures against the Junín virus, to alleviate the potential risk of a global pandemic. The purpose of this methodological study was to develop a protocol that utilizes yeast surface display to discover antibodies, from naïve human antibody libraries, that can bind the Junín Virus antigen. The methodology of yeast surface display employs the galactose-inducible GAL1 promoter to synthesize and express antibody proteins bound to the Aga2p and Aga1p and anchored to the cell wall by glycosyl phosphatidylinositol motif (GPI). The …

The Lived Experience Of Students With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities And Smartphones For Higher Learning, Eric F. Sandstrom

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe the lived experiences of college students with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) using smartphones for online learning during historic levels of both enrollment of students with NDDs and smartphone use in education. The guiding framework is Bandura's (1986) social cognitive theory, which explains how learning occurs in a social context that includes interpersonal, behavioral, and environmental factors. This study asks: What are the lived experiences of students with NDDs in college using smartphones for online learning? The study seeks to understand how smartphones influence students’ perceptions of disability accommodations, internal locus of control, …

From Theology To Practice: A Faith-Based Financial Literacy Program For Church Leaders And Congregants, Jacklyn Morrison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This Dissertation-in-Praxis addresses the pressing need for financial literacy within church communities by developing a faith-based financial education program tailored for Reignited Worship Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite the abundance of biblical teachings on stewardship, many churches and their members experience chronic financial instability, limiting ministry effectiveness and personal well-being. The praxis project identifies a gap between theological understanding and practical financial management among African American congregants, exacerbated by systemic economic challenges and limited educational resources. Guided by biblical principles and a holistic ministry approach, this study proposes a comprehensive program integrating scriptural stewardship with practical financial tools. The …

Brainspotting And The Strong Black Woman Schema: A Pretest–Posttest Study On Psychological Wellness, Iiesha Lasha Ricks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Black women in the United States experience disproportionate health disparities resulting from the intersecting effects of racism and sexism. Although researchers widely acknowledge these disparities, they have given less attention to how race- and gender-based oppression affect mental health outcomes. Brainspotting (BSP) is a trauma-informed approach emphasizing clinician attunement and a nonjudgmental space for processing distress. While BSP has shown promise with diverse populations, few studies have specifically examined its use with adult Black American women. This quantitative pretest–posttest study investigated the efficacy of BSP in improving psychological wellness among Black women and whether endorsement of the Strong Black Woman …

Predicting The Attitudes Towards Mathematical Modeling Of Primary Math Teachers: The Role Of Self-Efficacy And Motivation, Brenden Rawls

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this non-experimental quantitative predictive correlational study was to investigate the extent to which efficacy for pedagogy in mathematics, efficacy for teaching mathematics content, effectance motivation in mathematics, years of experience, and access to statistics, data science, or mathematical modeling courses predict attitudes toward constructivist practices in mathematical modeling of Virginia primary school mathematics teachers. The goal of the research was to understand what affective characteristics support effective adoption Virginia's mathematics curriculum change. Higher levels of mathematics teacher self-efficacy have been associated with constructivist instructional practices and higher levels of student achievement. The sample included kindergarten through fifth-grade …

Workplace Violence: A Paradigm Shift, Ann Marie Hutchens

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Workplace violence (WPV) has reached epidemic proportions. WPV poses devastating results on the healthcare industry: affecting quality of care and patient outcomes, contribute to the development of physical and psychological conditions for nurses, and reduce the healthcare teams’ level of job satisfaction and organizational commitment. The United States is already facing a nursing shortage due to baby boomers retiring and an increase chronic disease and the elder population. Although strongly prevalent, WPV is significantly underreported. It is believed that the low rate of reporting is a consequence of apathy that violence is an occupational hazard, and that nothing will change. …

The Impact Of Street Medicine Programs On Addressing Poor Health Outcomes In Unhoused Populations, Lori R. Kelley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the problem of poor health among unhoused populations based on the perspectives of outreach workers and shelter staff. This study was conducted in Monroe County, Indiana. The theory guiding this study was social ecological theory by Urie Bronfenbrenner. Social ecological theory was used to understand how social ecological layers impact poor health in unhoused populations. Hermeneutic phenomenology was used with purposive maximum variation sampling to gather seven study participants with lived experience of working with unhoused populations. Data collection included one-on-one interviews, observation, and documentation review. After data collection was completed, …

A Quantitative, Predictive Correlational Design Study Examining The Relationship Between School Principal’S Transformational, Transactional, And Laissez-Faire Leadership Style And School Culture In A Public High School, Michelle Andrews

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational design study is to examine how well the school principal's transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership style predicts school culture among public high schools in eastern Maryland. This study is important because a principal’s leadership style can have a direct impact on school culture, and understanding that relationship could influence student achievement, teacher satisfaction, and overall school effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to add to the literature regarding the impact of a principal’s leadership. The study uses a convenience sample of 73 teachers from traditional public high schools in the eastern region …

Leveraging Technology To Enhance Caregiver Competency In Aba Treatment: Reducing Barriers To Learning Through Qr Codes & Inquiry, Edward Bonacci

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative multiple‑case study is to explore how linking quick‑response (QR) codes (IV) to parent‑focused digital resources shapes caregivers’ experiences and perceived competence (DV) in implementing compassionate applied behavior analytic (ABA) procedures for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in various settings. Anchored in a constructivist paradigm and pragmatic theory, the study aimed to understand how immediate, technology‑based instructional supports aided skill acquisition and independent engagement during parent training. The central research question aims to understand how parents and caregivers construct meaning around the use of a streamlined platform while learning and applying ABA strategies, perceived accessibility, …

A Collaborative Leadership Development Model For Classical Christian School Consortiums, Lisa Diane Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Over 55% of young adults in the United States have experienced some form of leadership development; however, their leadership skills are not being used within the church. Nearly 60% of those who regularly attended church during their youth are distancing themselves from it (Barna, 2023). Nonetheless, the same report suggested a link between youth who were well-integrated into a youth ministry and those who stayed active in the church. This Praxis program partnered with Redeemer Classical Academy to implement a Christ-centered leadership development initiative for its high school students. The argument supporting the Praxis program indicates that grounding students' leadership …

Exploring Biostimulant Efficacy For Onion Cultivation Under Limited Water And Nitrogen In Utah, Prakriti Nepal, Dan Drost, Youping Sun, Milena Oliveira

All Current Publications

This fact sheet provides information on using biostimulants to address the challenges of growing onions in Utah's semi-arid climate. It covers the role of biostimulants, Utah State University Extension case studies in Utah, harvest, and provides suggestions to mitigate nitrogen and water stress in onion production.

Prevalence And Factors Associated With Regular Fast-Food Consumption Among Adults In The Uae: A Cross-Sectional Study, Ala Al Rajabi, Rafiq Hijazi, Lynne Alexandra Kennedy

All Works

Objectives: To assess the prevalence and identify sociodemographic predictors of regular fast-food consumption (R-FFC) among United Arab Emirates (UAE) adults to inform public health nutrition responses to growing diet-related ill health in the region. Design: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study using purposive, convenience sampling. Data were collected using an online survey adapted from two validated surveys and distributed via social media platforms. R-FFC was defined as visiting a fast-food restaurant to eat ≥ 2 times/week. Pearson’s χ ² tests and multiple binary logistic regression models were used to investigate prevalence and predictors of R-FFC. All statistical significance was considered …

Emotion Regulation Differences Between Gender And Sexuality Groups: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Jake Camp, Emma Blundell, Patrick Smith, Katharine Rimes

School of Psychology

Gender and sexual minority (GSM) people are at increased risk of mental health difficulties compared to their cisgender-heterosexual peers. This is likely because of exposure to minority stressors. Emotion regulation difficulties have been proposed as an important mechanism for mental health disparities in GSM populations. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether GSM groups differ from cisgender and heterosexual groups in global and specific aspects of emotion regulation (e.g., emotion awareness, strategies, impulse control, cognitive appraisal, and emotion suppression), and whether emotion dysregulation mediated the relationship between GSM identity and mental health outcomes. We identified 40 eligible studies, of which …

Ucc Minutes 12-16-25, Angela Brock

UCC Agendas/Minutes

No abstract provided.

Icc Agenda 12-16-25, Angela Brock

Individual Course Committee (ICC)

No abstract provided.

Approved Courses 12-16-25, Angela Brock

Individual Course Committee (ICC)

No abstract provided.

Governance & Guardrails: Artificial Intelligence And Low-Wage Workers, Seema N. Patel

Maryland Law Review

No abstract provided.

Social Murder And The Antisocial Contract, Marissa Jackson Sow

Maryland Law Review

No abstract provided.

Caste And American Citizenship In The Trump Era, Carol Nackenoff

Maryland Law Review

No abstract provided.

How Ai Reinforces Caste: Creating And Amplifying Systematic Inequality, Catherine Powell

Maryland Law Review

No abstract provided.

No Return: Caste And The End Of The Liberal Debate Over U.S. Antidiscrimination Law, Julie Novkov

Maryland Law Review

No abstract provided.

Attitudes Driving Regional Differences In Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotic Utilization For Schizophrenia Among Healthcare Professionals, Patients, And Caregivers (Advance): Results From A Multinational Survey Study, Martha Sajatovic

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics improve adherence and reduce schizophrenia relapse rates vs oral antipsychotics (OAs) but remain underused. The ADVANCE study explored country-level differences in LAI use among healthcare professionals (HCPs), patients, and caregivers, to identify drivers of LAI use. Study Design: ADVANCE included participants from Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Israel, South Korea, Spain, and the United States. Eligible HCPs spent ≥25% of their time in direct patient care, managed an adult population of whom ≥10% have schizophrenia, and treated patients prescribed LAIs. Patients aged ≥18 years and caregivers of adults living with schizophrenia who had tried/been offered an …

Clinical Practice Variation Among Pediatric Rheumatologists Treating Kawasaki Disease: Results Of A North American Survey, Daniel Ibanez, Bianca Lang, Julia Shalen, Ali Yalcindag, Linda Wagner-Weiner, Kenneth N Schikler, Shoghik Akoghlanian, Hulya Bukulmez, Kristen Hayward, Laura Berbert, Sivia Lapidus, Andrea A Ramirez, Cagri Yildirim-Toruner

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: The best treatment for children with KD who fail to respond to the first dose of IVIG (refractory KD) is currently unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine treatment practices of pediatric rheumatologists in North America who manage IVIG-refractory KD.

Methods: A 34-item web-based survey was sent to 102 randomly selected members of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA). The anonymous survey addressed the use of primary intensification as well as the treatment of IVIG-refractory KD.

Results: The response rate was 82%; 56% (all pediatric rheumatologists) completed the survey. Primary intensification was …

Target Consumers For Beef Jerky, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward

All Current Publications

This fact sheet describes the target market (consumer group) for packaged beef jerky, based on survey data collected from a Utah State University study in the fall of 2024. It includes details of the study and recommendations for beef jerky producers and retailers.

Mbnl Loss Of Function In Smooth Muscle As A Model For Myotonic Dystrophy Associated Gastrointestinal Dysmotility, Janel A M Peterson, Jesus A Frias, Andrew N Miller, Krishnakant G Soni, Yi Zhang, Zheng Xia, John W Day, Geoffrey A Preidis, Thomas A Cooper

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common adult-onset muscular dystrophy and severely affects multiple organ systems, including the brain, heart, skeletal muscle, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Despite 80% of individuals with DM1 experiencing GI dysfunction that affects their daily life, the mechanisms of GI dysmotility in DM1 remain an understudied aspect of the disease. DM1 is caused by a CTG repeat expansion in the DMPK gene that, when expressed as an expanded CUG repeat RNA, sequesters and reduces the activity of the muscleblind-like (MBNL) RNA-binding protein family. We developed a mouse line with conditional, smooth muscle-specific knockout of …

Neuropathic Pain And Related Depression In Mice: The Effect Of A Terpene And A Minor Cannabinoid In Combination, Jose Rios, Mohammed Alnoud, Mohammad Hussain, Zayd Ayas, Emmanuel Franco, Justin D. Mills, Joshua Nwose, Maria Sophia Malbas, Hiram L. Garcia, Manish Kumar Tripathi, Khalid Benamar

School of Medicine Publications

Background/Objectives: Neuropathic pain is one of the most severe types of chronic pain. Although it is difficult to manage, it often co-occurs with depression. Yet, no medication addresses the neuropathic pain and depression comorbidity. Therefore, developing integrated treatment strategies that address both pain and depression is a major public health priority and an unmet need affecting millions. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of combining a terpene, Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP), and cannabidiol (CBD) on neuropathic pain and associated depression. We employed a chronic constriction injury (CCI) neuropathic pain model and a series of behavioral tests to evaluate …

Molecular Effects Of Glucose On Mir503hg-Regulated Genes In Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Victoria Reid, Barbara Yang, Kyle Russo, Melina J. Sedano, Ramesh Choudhari, Enrique I. Ramos, Shrikanth S. Gadad

School of Medicine Publications

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype, characterized by a lack of key hormone receptors in tumor cells. As there are limited treatment options for these patients, it is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms by which TNBC constantly evolves and evades treatments. In this regard, the pervasive nature of transcription provides a potential reservoir of transcripts, including both coding and noncoding, that TNBC leverages to sustain a proliferative advantage and support tumor growth. TNBC is affected by energy sources such as glucose, which can have a profound impact on gene expression regulation mediated by various …

"I Like The Idea In Theory": Experiencing The Imperial Matrix Through Legal Gender Marker Changes And Nonbinary Disidentifications, Wynn Strange

Dissertations and Theses

Since 2018 twenty-two states and the District of Columbia have implemented administrative changes that provide a third gender option on at least one state identification document allowing nonbinary and intersex people the opportunity to select a gender marker that reflects their gender identity. This study draws from 28 interviews with agender or otherwise nonbinary people living in Maryland and California. I use queer of color and critical trans theory to consider the implications of legal gender marker changes. This research explores how social, historical, and geographical location can influence ones' awareness of, experiences with, and relation to real and imagined …

Robotic Anatomical Left Hepatectomy With Enbloc Caudate Resection For Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma, Bhavya Bansal, Parisa Yazdankhah-Kenary, Sharona Ross, Iswanto Sucandy

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Introduction: Minimally invasive robotic technique is gaining popularity due to its technical advantages when compared with conventional laparoscopy. Major hepatic lobectomy, however, remains a technically demanding procedure and requires extensive training to ensure safety and efficacy, especially when undertaken using minimally invasive approach.^1–4 With focus on robotic surgery techniques, in this video we describe our standardized technical approach of robotic anatomical left hepatectomy with enbloc caudate lobe resection. Methods: A 78-year-old man presented with a caudate lobe cholangiocarcinoma infiltrating the caudate lobe and dorsal aspect of segment 4 with a very close proximity to the base of umbilical fissure. …

Coordinated, Heterogeneous Model Composition Under A Shared Governance And Audit Layer, Joseph Jm Walker

Defensive Publications Series

This paper introduces the Modular Artificial Specialized Intelligence (MASI) framework, a distributed cognitive architecture designed to address the safety, transparency, and governability limitations of monolithic foundation models. MASI decouples reasoning into four canonical, independently operational roles—Wisdom, Foresight, Empathy, and Precision—coordinated through a standardized communication layer known as the MASI Bus. The framework enforces a Consult-Before-Execute (CBE) protocol, requiring multi-perspective verification, drift detection, and ethical arbitration prior to any system output or tool execution. This deliberative process is quantified via the MASI Trust Score ($T_{masi}$), a dynamic metric integrating fairness, logic, and uncertainty into a verifiable audit artifact. Additionally, the …