Digital Commons Network^™

Influence Of Institutional Support And Organisational Culture On Hiv And Ncd Integration, David Njuguna, Caroline Kyalo, Eunice Muthoni, Daniel Mwai, Elvis Kirui, Wesley Rotich, Joy Mugambi, James Waweru, Nelson Muriu, Easter Olwanda

Population Health, East Africa

Background: The integration of services for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has gained increasing attention in recent years because of the overlapping prevalence and shared risk factors between these health conditions. However, successful integration requires more than just the alignment of clinical practices. The role of institutional support and organisational culture in promoting effective integration remains an underexplored area.

Aim: This study aims to fill this gap by examining how institutional structures and organisational values influence the integration of HIV and NCD care.

Setting: The study setting was Nakuru County in Kenya.

Methods: …

Gender Trends In Professional Advancement Among Academic Pediatric Neurologists., Juliet K. Knowles, Angela L. Hewitt, Prathyusha Teeyagura, Bren Botzheim, Derek Boothroyd, Ria Pal, Chrisoula Cheronis, Shermila Pia, Rebecca Macrae, Christine Shrock, Taelor Hancock, Rayann Solidum, Jaclyn Peraino, Amy Hill, Laura Owlett, Sara N. Moss, Catherine Tran, Daniel A. Castillo, Mark S. Wainwright, Renée A. Shellhaas, Nomazulu Dlamini, Mustafa Sahin, Rose N. Gelineau-Morel, Joshua L. Bonkowsky

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

No abstract provided.

“Contains: Gluten” And “Gluten Free”; Fda, It’S A No-Grainer!, Elizabeth Bulat

Cardozo Law Review

Reading food, drug, and cosmetic labels is a frequent practice for all individuals with allergies. However, unlike those who are allergic to peanuts, dairy, or another major food allergen, individuals with celiac disease (“celiac consumers”) are not offered a bold, capitalized statement clearly identifying the allergen they seek to avoid. Instead, celiac consumers are tasked with studying a list of ingredients and relying on their own ability to catch any sources of gluten. This Note considers the authority provided by Congress to the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remedy this rash regime. Then, this Note proposes that the …

Innovation Interrupted: Legal And Institutional Risks Of Undermining Public-Private Partnerships, Jennifer S. Fan, Xuan-Thao Nguyen

Articles

Part I traces the development of the Bayh–Dole Act and discusses public–private partnership collaboration. Part II focuses on intellectual property generation by universities, illustrating the benefits of public– private partnership. Then Part III highlights the Trump administration’s federal funding cuts to universities that jeopardize the established public–private partnerships. Finally, Part IV details the consequences of how federal funding cuts impact the venture capital sector and the legal architecture of innovation, eroding the United States’ standing in the innovation race.

Supporting Faculty Parents In Professional Development: Case Studies, Recommendations, And A Call For Inclusive Approaches, Anne Marie Gruber, Lindsay Doukopoulos

Faculty Publications

Educational development is often scheduled during academic breaks with the intent of allowing faculty participation; however, this can actually make it more difficult for faculty who are in parenting roles, particularly during summer and school breaks when childcare options are limited. This article provides case studies from two different institutions describing approaches to offering childcare support to faculty participants in professional development. Ultimately, although both cases were successful, they were limited solutions to what is actually a much larger cultural problem. Our discussion shares lessons learned, recommendations, and urges others to embrace inclusive and equity-focused endeavors in supporting faculty caregivers' …

The Behavior Assessment System For Children Third Edition (Basc-3)’S Classification Accuracy For Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd) In College Students, Angela Lucas, Luis E. Aguerrevere, Nina Harness

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that frequently persists symptoms into adolescence and adulthood. Diagnosing ADHD in college-aged individuals poses a challenge due to the lack of consistent strategies among clinicians for effectively evaluating adult ADHD. The purpose of this study was to determine the classification accuracy of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (Third Ed.; BASC-3) Inattention/Hyperactivity composite t-score in predicting the diagnosis of ADHD among college students. Results indicated that the BASC-3 Inattention/Hyperactivity composite demonstrated predictive power, high specificity (94%) and moderate-to-high sensitivity (70%), supporting its utility as a predictor of ADHD. Further analysis was conducted …

Toward A Nuanced Understanding Of Health And Human Services Students' Perceptions Of Autism, Leslie A. Meskin, Annemarie Connor, Sarah Fabrizi, Ann Tilman, Joanna Salapska-Gelleri, Noelle Balsamo

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

Continually increasing rates of autism necessitate research-informed preparation of pre-service professionals who will work with this population. This mixed-method study examined health and human services students’ autism knowledge, bias, and interaction to inform training and education needs. Results extend the extant literature suggesting autism knowledge and interaction are necessary but insufficient in mitigating bias. Specifically, the nature of prior interaction, positive or negative, shapes both bias and proclivity for additional interaction. Lastly, self-reflection was identified as a latent and potentially impactful factor in shaping a more nuanced and less biased understanding of autism. Recommendations for education and research are discussed.

Digital Learning And Healing: Impacts Of Ai In Art Therapy, Cassandra E. Buffington-Bates

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

Art therapy, a creative approach to mental and emotional healing, is evolving with digital technologies to improve accessibility and care. This paper explores how artificial intelligence (AI) enhances art therapy by fostering emotional intelligence, collaboration, and personalized interventions. It highlights AI’s potential to support therapy while addressing challenges like empathy, data privacy, and training gaps. Through a literature review, the study offers insights into integrating AI with human-centered practices, providing innovative solutions for emotional and cognitive well-being.

English-Spanish Bilingual Speech Language Pathologists’ Experiences Evaluating English Language Learner Students: Incorporating Conceptual Scoring, Barbara De Jesus Rivera, Raul Prezas

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

The number of multilingual/bilingual students has increased across schools in the United States. Assessment in both the native language and English is considered the standard for evaluating bilingual children referred for language testing. Conceptual Scoring is an evaluation approach for bilingual students that considers the students’ responses in both languages to obtain an overall language score; however, there is variability among practitioners on best practices for multilingual assessment.

Purpose: The current study (a) sought to explore the decision-making process of bilingual SLPs when evaluating bilingual students, (b) to gain a deeper understanding of how bilingual SLPs incorporate conceptual scoring in …

Wellness Newsletter (Wellness Connection) October 2025, Roger Williams University School Of Law

Life of the Law School (1993- )

No abstract provided.

An Animal Interest Approach Method As A Gateway To A One Health Educated Pipeline, Meghan C. Wulster-Radcliffe, Sarah A. Reed, James N. Macleod, Rebekah B. Epps, J. Scott Radcliffe, Robert J. Coleman, Steven A. Zinn

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Diversity And Biology Of Unique Giant Broad Host Range Bacteriophages In Natural Environments, Tannaz Mohammadi

Theses and Dissertations

Microbial interactions within the rhizosphere play a crucial role in shaping bacterial community diversity and function. To explore these dynamics, we isolated 21 bacterial strains from soil and plant root samples collected near Rocky Branch Creek on the University of South Carolina campus. Our findings revealed that a significant proportion of these bacteria are lysogenic for CbK-like phages belonging to the Dolichocephalovirinae subfamily. Additionally, we isolated free bacteriophages directly from the same soil samples and found them to be closely related to those harbored within lysogenic bacteria. Surprisingly, despite predictions of a narrow host range, most of these phages, both …

The Role Of Prelimbic Projections To The Rostromedial Tegmnetal Nucleus In Cue Discrimination, Emma Lane Carlson

Theses and Dissertations

Maladaptive decision-making, such as persistent reward seeking despite negative consequences, is a hallmark of substance use disorder (SUD) and related psychiatric conditions. These behaviors are thought to arise from impairments in aversive learning and disrupted neural signaling that normally supports behavioral inhibition. The prelimbic cortex (PL) plays a critical role in encoding cue–outcome associations and exerting top-down control over behavior, while the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) serves as a GABAergic inhibitor of midbrain dopamine neurons in response to aversive stimuli. Although both structures have been implicated in reward and avoidance processes, little is known about how direct PL-RMTg projections contribute …

Behind The Gens: A Bioarchaeological Study Of Kinship Structure And Social Change In Iron Age Latium, Italy, Andrea Noemí Acosta Caballero

Theses and Dissertations

The cemetery of Osteria dell’Osa is the only completely published Iron Age cemetery from Latium. Its research legacy continues as dietary, mobility, and biological affinity patterns were reconstructed through carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and strontium isotope analyses and biodistance analysis using bone and dental samples for this dissertation project. The main hypotheses tested are:

a) The diet of people buried at Osteria dell’Osa during the Iron Age likely consisted of mostly grains like wheat and barley, which may yield low carbon isotope signatures;

b) The protein consumption of the diet of people at Osteria dell’Osa was mainly composed of terrestrial protein …

A Comparative Analysis Of Two Symphonies By Robert Volkmann: Symphony No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 44, And Symphony No. 2 In B-Flat Major, Op. 53, Baha Lee

Theses and Dissertations

The 19th-century music scene boasts countless names, but some, like Robert Volkmann (1815–1883), have faded from the spotlight despite his prolific output as a composer, conductor, and educator. Volkmann’s music remains largely unknown and unperformed, waiting to be rediscovered. This lack of recognition provides a compelling opportunity to appreciate a talented composer and rekindle interest in his music. While scholarly inquiries into Volkmann are rare, delving into his major orchestral works, particularly his two symphonies, offers not only an understanding of his artistry but also a chance to revive interest in his captivating music.

Robert Volkmann composed only two symphonies …

Food Insecurity And Social Connection Of Nicaraguan Refugees And Asylum Seekers In Costa Rica: A Qualitative Study, Keren Herran

Theses and Dissertations

Background

Given the physical and mental health consequences of food insecurity, solutions should be evidence-based and seek to prioritize vulnerable populations. This qualitative study adds to limited literature on how refugees and asylum seekers use their social connections to mitigate food insecurity by investigating how Nicaraguan refugees and asylum seekers in Costa Rica foster social connections and use these connections to acquire and manage food.

Methods

In fall 2024, 35 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in San José, Costa Rica. Participants were recruited through six migrant-serving nonprofit organizations. For study inclusion, participants had to: 1) be 18 or older; 2) …

Application Of Machine Learning For Vascular System Analysis, Alireza Bagheri Rajeoni

Theses and Dissertations

The analysis of vascular structures is critical for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating vascular diseases such as aneurysms, stenosis, and vascular calcification. Traditional methods often rely on manual interpretation of imaging data, which is time-consuming, subjective, and not scalable. This work explores the application of advanced machine learning techniques to automate and enhance vascular system analysis. Our contributions include achieving state-of-the-art accuracy in vascular segmentation, developing a machine learning pipeline to automatically quantify vascular calcification in peripheral arterial disease, and designing a multi-stage machine learning system for abdominal aortic aneurysm analysis that identifies aneurysm boundaries and estimates aneurysm volume in a …

Identifying And Understanding The Barriers To Sexual Health Information Seeking Experienced By Young Adults (Ages 18-26) Using Social Media, Alexander Nicolas Vera

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation uses a qualitative, constructionist approach to examine the sociotechnical and cultural dynamics that shape digital sexual health-seeking practices of young adults. Guided by information practices and affordance theory, the research draws on semi-structured interviews and digital walkthroughs with 20 young adults (ages 18–26) from a convenience sample of young adults residing in South Carolina. Participants described how they use platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit not only to locate information but to assess its trustworthiness, inclusivity, and personal relevance in real time. Through in-depth accounts and screen-based demonstrations via digital walkthroughs, the study examines how participants engage in …

Recognizing The Unexpected: Deep Learning Across Complex Environments, Ge Song

Theses and Dissertations

Ensuring the security, trustworthiness, and operational integrity of modern autonomous and cyber-physical systems presents a critical challenge. While widely utilized in various engineering applications, such as intelligent transportation and industrial manufacturing, these systems require robust monitoring frameworks to identify unexpected anomalies in real-time, thereby maintaining operational safety and efficiency. This dissertation develops advanced deep learning methodologies for anomaly detection and health monitoring, with a particular emphasis on semisupervised reconstruction-based approaches that identify anomalies in complex environments using models trained only with normal operational patterns.

Building on this theme, the first study focuses on analyzing pedestrian behavior and detecting anomalies at …

Development Of A Strategy To Neutralize Ccl8 Activity And Ablate Ccl8 Cellular Targets, Bernardo Chavez

Theses and Dissertations

The chemokine CCL8 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-2) is a versatile signaling molecule involved in tumor progression, immune cell recruitment, and therapeutic resistance. Through activation of receptors including CCR1, CCR2B, and CCR5, CCL8 promotes leukocyte trafficking, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and the establishment of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. In breast cancer and inflammatory diseases, elevated CCL8 levels correlate with poor clinical outcomes, making it a promising therapeutic target.

A strategy was developed to block CCL8 activity and selectively ablate CCL8 receptor expressing cells. A neutralizing monoclonal antibody, 1G3E5, was identified from a panel of murine candidates based on high affinity CCL8 binding. Sequencing revealed two …

Multi-Layer Decision Making For Long-Term Autonomous Mission Based On Dual Process Theory, Shruti Jadhav

Theses and Dissertations

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used in precision agriculture, where extended autonomous operation is required for monitoring, intervention, and field management. However, achieving long-term autonomy remains challenging due to battery constraints, environmental uncertainty, and the need to balance exploration with event-driven tasks. To address these challenges, a multi-layer decision-making framework inspired by Dual Process Theory (DPT) is developed. The framework combines reactive return-tobase strategies, exploratory navigation, and directional bias from prior missions, with a conflict-monitoring mechanism that adapts system behavior based on real-time conditions. The approach is implemented in a simulated agricultural grid environment, demonstrating improved adaptability and coverage …

A Qualitative Study Of Middle School Teachers’ Experiences Integrating Computer Coding Into Mathematics Classrooms, George William Austin Iii

Theses and Dissertations

As computers become more accessible in schools nationwide, teachers are embracing them to impact achievement positively (Brudno, 2013; Cetin, 2016). As a result, computer coding instruction has gained attention as a strategy for providing students with skills that will serve them both pre and post-graduation (Burke & Kafai, 2013; Yadav et al., 2016; Ng, 2017). Computer coding is the process of providing instructions for a computer to follow. In 2017, the South Carolina State Board of Education approved Computer Science and Digital Literacy standards for all K-8 public schools in the state of South Carolina (South Carolina Department of Education, …

Stories Of Racism And Resistance: A Narrative Analysis Of Stories Told In The Uk Windrush Generation And Descendants Of The Windrush Generation, Jessica Blumsom, Jacqui Scott, Emma Karwatzki, Aishath Nasheeda, David Hernandez-Saca, Alyson Malach, Glenda Andrew

Faculty Publications

The Windrush Generation (WG) and their descendants continue to experience adversity in the UK, including racism and the Windrush Scandal, with such adversities absent from psychological research literature. Intergenerational trauma is a psychological concept explaining that adverse experiences can be transmitted from one generation to impact subsequent generations. There has been limited consideration of the ongoing impact of adverse experiences that span multiple generations, such as experiences of racism within Western Europe. This paper utilised a narrative research design to study the narratives of members of the WG and those of their descendants in the UK. Eight expert by experience …

Assessing India-Philippines Defence Engagement: Strategic Alignments And Future Trajectories, Arushi Anthal, Anu Sharma

Journal of Strategic Security

India and the Philippines signed the deal worth USD 375 million dollars for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles in 2022, and the first batch of missiles was delivered in April of 2024. The growing defence cooperation between both nations marks a strategic shift in India’s Act East Policy which was launched in 2014. Within the broader Indo-Pacific framework, this engagement offers mutual advantages in maritime security, counter-terrorism, and capacity building. This research paper explores and examines the strategic relevance of this partnership in lines with the rising assertiveness of China, assesses challenges and identifies potential areas of cooperation. It also …

Torts Mismatches, Ed Cheng, Ehud Guttel

Vanderbilt Law Review

In torts, the damages required for full compensation of the victim and optimal deterrence of the injurer are normally the same. This correspondence is perfectly natural: If the injurer fully compensates the victim, then the injurer will completely internalize his externalities. Yet sometimes full compensation and optimal deterrence do not align. A well-known example is punitive damages, in which victims are purposely overcompensated to optimally deter injurers. What the literature has failed to acknowledge is that these torts mismatcheswhen full compensation of victims and optimal deterrence of injurers are incompatibleoccur elsewhere and explain controversial and unresolved doctrinal areas of torts. …

Ursinus Magazine, Fall 2025, Gundolf Graml, Steve Thomas, Jennifer L. Post-Whisted, Alyssa Kratz, Brad Drexler, Connor Donohue, Michelle Yurko

Ursinus Magazine, 1995–Present

Introducing Interim President Gundolf Graml • Transfer agreement signed with DCCC • New Native American and Indigenous Studies minor • Students get front-row seat to optical innovation • Study abroad expands in Ireland • Alumna earns fellowship from French government • Softball roots, Phillies dreams • New Spirit Store now open • Ursinus' youngest student: Making headlines worldwide • Alumna earns Fulbright award • Ursinus, America250PA support PA scholars • Alumni join Ursinus Board of Trustees • When generosity meets vision • Ursinus named to Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll • Field hockey team explores South Africa • Rankings …

Examining Stress And Anxiety Levels Among Undergraduate Music Majors At The University Of South Carolina, Elise F. Halbig

Senior Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the stress and anxiety levels among undergraduate music majors at the University of South Carolina (USC) and identify potential stressors that might be unique or more prevalent among that specific population. To evaluate this, a questionnaire consisting of 42 questions was administered to participants. Most of the questions were carefully developed by the researcher; however, the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al, 1983) was used to examine participants' stress levels, and 13 selected questions from the Burns Anxiety Inventory (Burns, 1989) were used to examine their anxiety levels. A total of 45 …

Teaching While Stressed: How Mental Support Is Impacting The Teaching Experience In South Carolina, Olivia Striedl

Senior Theses

Teacher shortages are a widespread issue within both the United States and South Carolina. One cause of high numbers of teachers leaving their positions is low job-satisfaction and high stress levels. In this study of teacher mental health in South Carolina, eight teachers were interviewed regarding their experience with job-related stress and support offered to them. The interviews revealed that teachers experience high levels of stress, with many interviewees having stressors in common. Many participants had at least one experience in which stressors pushed them to leave or almost leave their position, showing the importance of mental health when considering …

Hungry Minds: Analyzing The Impact Of Food Insecurity And Food Assistance Programs On Neurocognitive Development And Childhood Mental Health, Kayla A. Davenport

Senior Theses

Introduction: Food insecurity affects millions of children in the United States and is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for poor nutritional intake and adverse health outcomes. However, less is known about how the experience of food insecurity disrupts healthy development and well-being, particularly among American youth. This thesis had two aims: (1) to examine the relationship between household food insecurity and children’s neurocognitive and mental health outcomes and (2) to evaluate how major food assistance programs address, or fail to address, these developmental risks.

Methods: This thesis uses a mixed-methods approach, integrating a narrative literature review, a cross-sectional …

Is It Enough? Investigating The Effectiveness Of Adhd Accommodations For College Students, Sreekavya Mekala

Senior Theses

This study explores the effectiveness of accommodations given by the University of South Carolina (USC) for students diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A total of 435 students completed a survey divided into three groups: those diagnosed with ADHD (n = 74), those not diagnosed but familiar with someone with ADHD (n = 321), and those not diagnosed and unfamiliar with ADHD (n = 40). Results showed that while most students with ADHD were aware of accommodations, far fewer used them, and many reported inconsistent faculty understanding and hesitation due to stigma. Students familiar with ADHD viewed accommodations as generally fair …