Digital Commons Network^™

Circadian Regulation Of Viral Replication And Immune Responses: Implications For Covid-19 And Other Viral Infections, Carolina Santa Cruz, Saanvi Dhala, Raneen Daoud, Arianna Skevington-Olivera, Ruhani Dashmesh, Arjun Tummala

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Circadian rhythms are 24-hour biological cycles regulating sleep, metabolism, and immune activity. Recent research shows circadian clock genes can influence immune responses. Studies on SARS-CoV-2 and influenza show clock genes regulate viral entry, replication, and immune signaling. However, their role in infection risk, immune defense, replication dynamics, and disease outcomes remains undefined. This study evaluates how circadian rhythms regulate viral replication and immune responses in COVID-19 and other viral infections. This review utilized PubMed to identify articles from the past five years using the terms “(immunity) AND (circadian) AND (viruses OR virus OR viral).”After reviewing 149 abstracts, 44 peer-reviewed articles …

The (P)Ppgpp Conundrum: Bacterial Gamblers And Bet-Hedgers Cash Out On Antibiotic Resistance, Jacob M. Hard, Oscar Colin-Castruita

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, contributing to an estimated 4.95 million deaths associated with bacterial AMR in 2019. A key regulator of bacteria’s stringent stress response is the alarmone phosphorylated guanosines (p)ppGpp which shuts down most cell processes preserving survival. Firstly, bacteria exposed to DNA-damaging antibiotics undergo SOS (Save Our Soul) response promoting the formation of a “gambler” sub-population. Recent work suggests that (p)ppGpp binding to RNA polymerase influences SOS signaling in these gambler cells which initiate error-prone DNA repair to promote mutations to evolve and survive DNA damaging stress. Secondly, upon exposure to lethal doses …

Effectiveness Of Mindfulness-Based Interventions In Treating Behavioral Addictions, Arjun Tummala, Eshal Farhan, Tina Zhang, Ayesha Menon, Harshini Janapaty

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Behavioral addictions are non-substance compulsive disorders creating urges to engage with actions such as gambling and internet gaming disorder (IGD). Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) use conscious awareness of the present to improve both mental and physical health. However, their long-term effectiveness remains unclear compared to other therapies. This literature review explores how the use of MBIs, compared to other therapeutic techniques, help adults and adolescents struggling with behavioral addictions. A systematic screening of peer-reviewed articles was conducted using PubMed. Of 135 articles published from 2021-2026, “mindfulness”/“meditation”, “behavioral addiction”/”gambling”/“gaming disorder”/“internet”, and “long-term”/“relapse”, only studies that explored MBIs for behavioral addiction with experimental …

Gender Differences In The Diagnosis Of Narcissistic Personality Disorder: The Role Of Vulnerable Narcissism And Clinical Judgment, Shreya Patel, Marvel Abdelmalak, Madison Dumerlin, Deeley Nice, Forat Waleed, Arjun Tummala, Amanda Janner

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental health condition categorized into grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Current guidelines used to evaluate NPD include the ICD-11 and DSM, however, the accuracy of their results is arguable. NPD presents differently in males vs. females which may lead to misdiagnosis. This study reviews how clinician judgements are influenced by the gender-based differences in the presentation of narcissistic traits while using current diagnostic guidelines, aiming to understand the misdiagnosis of NPD when the traits are less grandiose. A literature review was conducted through PubMed using the search terms: (“Narcissistic Personality Disorder” OR narcissism) AND (“gender differences” …

Examining The Effects Of Music Rhythm And Harmony On Emotional Arousal, Rebecca Nieves, Ioana Vasilescu, Srigopika Vibhavari Adiraju, Jakab Kabai, Chandler Castillon

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Music has long been acknowledged for its influence on the mind, most notably in its capacity to elicit measurable changes in emotional arousal. A stimulus will induce emotional arousal, or activation, that can be assessed through physiological measures (e.g., heart rate and brain activity) or self-reported emotional levels. While music’s emotional effects are established, the roles of features such as rhythm and harmony remain unclear. Harmony is created when sounds are united together, and rhythm is the pattern of music over time. This review examines how these influence emotional arousal, which may have relevance in music therapy development. The study …

Adherence To Mediterranean Diet Vs. Western Diet And Its Effects On Gut Microbiota And Inflammatory Bowel Disease Outcomes, Sarah K. Ziegler, James T. Oh, Lukas Farley, Dawid Boc, Marolina Binyamen

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition resulting from genetics, gut microbiome, and environment. Diet plays a key role in IBD with research linking the Western Diet (WD), high in saturated fats and refined sugars, to rising IBD cases, and the Mediterranean Diet (MD), rich in fiber and antioxidants, to reduced patient symptoms. This review compares the WD and MD to assess how dietary patterns affect the gut microbiota and IBD patients. An organized literature search was conducted across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the Web of Science to determine the effects each diet has on the gut microbiota and IBD …

Benefits Of Community Paramedicine In Reducing Health Disparities In Underserved Populations, Ahmi Z. Santiago-Turner, Rhod'ann Belizaire, Mirjam Almasi, Dorothy Estrada, Inioluwa Fatimilehin, Lucrecia Sanchez-Perez, Tinashe Sandy, Tracy Chen, Savannah Woods

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

The implementation of EMS in the U.S. has improved access to healthcare, but led to an increasing reliance on emergency services. To combat this, Community Paramedicine has been implemented to expand the capabilities of paramedics and to improve care for underserved populations.

A systematic review examined the potential benefits of Community Paramedicine Programs on underserved communities with the hypothesis that it would lead to a reduction in EMS utilization. Using Rayyan’s software, 698 articles were screened. 5 articles were selected using search strings, and 5 were found through related article links.

Despite heterogeneous study designs, Community Paramedicine showed mixed but …

Ai-Enabled Food As Medicine In Hospitality: Children’S Wellness Menus, Guest Perceptions, And Service Design, Isabella Fonte

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Dietary management plays a crucial role in alleviating symptoms of chronic health conditions, yet accessible, credible resources remain underutilized. This project focuses on collecting and standardizing online recipes designed to support individuals managing ailments through nutrition, emphasizing that these recipes provide foundational dietary guidance rather than curative solutions. For instance, recipes targeting heart disease consistently prioritize whole grains, low-fat proteins, and vegetables, offering structured starting points for those navigating dietary changes. Our methodology involves identifying credible sources that meet specific criteria: nutrition information, dietary tags, serving sizes, preparation and cooking times, and detailed instructions to name a few. Selected recipes …

Differential Effects Of Testosterone And Estrogen On Inflammation And Disease Severity In Asthma And Copd, Samyslandine B. Eugene, Prisha Gupta, Srimayi Yeedara, Abdulwahab Eddib, Tanya Joseph, Tanmayee Maddineni

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, and airflow obstruction, while Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition characterized by irreversible airflow limitation. Although previous research has examined hormonal influence, the specific effects of sex hormones in asthma and COPD remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate how testosterone and estrogen influence inflammation, disease severity and exacerbation frequency in adults with asthma and COPD. A comprehensive literature review using PubMed with keywords (asthma OR COPD) AND (sex hormones OR estrogen OR testosterone) AND (inflammation OR disease severity OR exacerbations) yielded 145 articles. After screening …

The Differential Impacts Of State Surface Acting And Between-Person Expressive Suppression On Daily Emotional Experiences, Arin Singh, Laraib Farooq, Kerri Bump

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Surface acting is a form of emotional labor involving the modification of external emotional expression without changing internal feelings. While consistently linked to negative psychological outcomes, less is known about how momentary changes in surface acting influence daily life or how these influences interact with between-person differences in emotion regulation. The current study used an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) design to examine how within-person variability and between-person differences in both surface acting and expressive suppression predict subsequent positive and negative affect. Participants (N = 70) provided momentary reports over the course of five days. Using multilevel modeling to disaggregate within-person …

Cardiometabolic Diseases And Immune-Responsive Metabolic Enzymes: Roles Of Lipoxygenases (5, 12, 15), Cyclooxygenases (1, 2), And Cytochrome P450, Shayla Pham

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) encompass interrelated disorders involving cardiovascular dysfunction and metabolic dysregulation. Lipoxygenase (5-, 12/15-LOX), cyclooxygenase (COX-1/2), and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes regulate fatty acid metabolism and inflammatory signaling, significantly contributing to CMD pathogenesis. This review synthesizes recent evidence on LOX, COX, and CYP450 pathway crosstalk and evaluates their therapeutic and biomarker relevance in clinical cardiometabolic disease. A comprehensive PubMed literature search identified studies examining LOX, COX, and CYP450 enzymes inflammatory and metabolic pathways linked to CMD. Inclusion criteria were limited to human and animal studies published from 2010 to 2025, focusing on cardiac function, enzyme activity, or clinical outcome. …

Neurodegenerative Disease Risk After Cancer Recovery, Racquel F. Driedger, Maria Koddus, Carla Atteih, Lalitha Jayanth, Sarah Mckenzie, Irene Avila, Aishwarya Aggarwal

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Cancer and neurodegenerative diseases are two prevalent health issues with high rates of mortality in modern society; cancer involves rapid cell growth, while neurodegenerative diseases involve progressive cell death, suggesting an inverse relationship between the two where certain types of cancer show lower rates of neurodegenerative disorders. Although the exact pathways resulting in this relationship are not fully understood, research in this area continues to grow, aiding the creation of predictive models and therapeutic treatments. The purpose of this literature review is to explore and identify trends within this growing area of research, focusing on the strength of the inverse …

Occupational Copd: Emerging Risks And Preventive Strategies In High-Risk Work Environments, Stacy N. Rodriguez, Matthew Lim, Oluwabusayo Michael-Asalu, Anish Punukollu

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease marked by persistent airflow limitation, intensified by occupational exposure to dust, chemicals, fumes, and airborne hazards. Healthcare workers and first responders operate in complex environments that may contribute to COPD development. This review evaluates occupational risk factors and prevention strategies relevant to high-risk workers. A PubMed search using the terms “COPD” and “occupational” identified 130 articles, of which 40 peer-reviewed studies were selected following relevance-based screening. The literature showed that long-term exposure to gases, fumes, vapors, and dust significantly increases COPD risk and is associated with chronic respiratory symptoms, reduced …

Coaching Approach Behavior And Leading By Modeling (Calm) Program For Treating Early Childhood Anxiety: A Case Study, Dana G. John

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Anxiety disorders onset earlier than most mental health conditions, with preschool-age children showing prevalence rates comparable to children ages 5–17 years. Yet, there are limited treatment options suitable for preschool-age children that account for still-developing abstract thinking and metacognition. The Coaching Approach Behavior and Leading by Modeling (CALM) Protocol was adapted from Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to target a broad range of anxiety disorders in children ages 3-8 years. This case study outlines the implementation of a 10-session CALM treatment protocol for a 5-year- old female presenting with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Post-intervention assessments revealed significantly improved anxiety symptoms measured …

Sleep Restriction And Its Affects On Mood, April M. Rummery Lamb

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

Sleep plays a fundamental role in the human body being able to function effectively, in particular it plays an essential role in mood regulation. Previous research on sleep and mood has found that there is a correlation between receiving an inadequate amount of sleep and having a negative mood. However, the current field has mostly looked at the relationship between disordered sleep and mood disorders as opposed to everyday sleep patterns and daily mood. The present study aims to look at how sleep restrictions which occur naturally (not caused by sleep disorders such as insomnia) effect daily mood. To conduct …

Status And Characteristics Of Artisanal Fisheries In The Gulf Of Aqaba, Red Sea, Egypt, Ahmed M. El-Sadek, Abdel-Kader M. Hassan, Hussein A. El-Naggar, Hassan M. M. Khalaf-Allah, Azza A. El Ganainy

Blue Economy

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the artisanal fisheries operating in the Egyptian sector of the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, with emphasis on fishing practices, gear characteristics, species composition, and landing trends. Field surveys and fisher interviews conducted across the main landing sites Nabq, Dahab, Nuweiba, and Taba revealed a predominantly small-scale fishery dependent on traditional gears such as trammel nets, gillnets, hooks and lines, and traps. A total of 130 vessels currently operate in the region, although only 40 hold valid licenses. Species composition analysis showed dominance of emperors (Lethrinidae, 27.85%), groupers (Epinephelidae, 14.19%), …

Corrigendum To " Urban Transportation Strategy As Urban Sustainable Indicator Frameworks Study Of Masdar City, Abu Dhabi", Rania Badawy Shokry

Mansoura Engineering Journal

No abstract is required for this article.

Proof Of Finetuning Data, Bing-Jyue Chen, Mohammad Mohsen Minaei Bidgoli, Duc Le

Defensive Publications Series

Methods and systems for training or fine-tuning machine learning models (e.g., diffusion models) and generating zero-knowledge proofs are disclosed.  Such zero-knowledge proofs can demonstrate that a machine learning model was trained or fine-tuned using specified data elements (e.g., provided by a client).  A computer system (e.g., a server computer) can receive a request from a client computer to train a machine learning model using specified data elements.  The server computer can use a hash function to generate noise corresponding to the specified data elements, which can be bound to the specified data elements.  The computer system can train or fine-tune …

Focused Retention: Goal-Conditioned Switched Decay As An Active Anti-Decay Force In Agent Memory (Loci), Arko Sanyal

Defensive Publications Series

Memory systems decay passively: strength falls with time, lifted only by rehearsal. We propose a memory spectrum in which decay is goal-conditioned: while a commitment is open, the item decays with a very long half-life (it holds, though it is not frozen); the moment the commitment resolves, decay switches to fast and the trace collapses. Focus, on this account, is not slower forgetting but a regime switch controlled by the fate of a goal. The model contributes: (1) a switched-decay retention law; (2) a release taxonomy — fulfilled, re-clamped, relinquished, nullified, abandoned — in which rejection is a choice node, …

Reflection-On-Action: Label-Free Learning From Behavioral Outcomes In Interactive Agents (Loci E+R), Arko Sanyal

Defensive Publications Series

Most systems that adapt to a user learn from labels: explicit ratings, reward signals, or annotated targets. We describe and evaluate a mechanism that learns from behavior alone, with no labels of any kind. The system acts, observes what the user does next, and updates its model in proportion to how surprising that behavior was — treating the user's own subsequent behavior as the only training signal. We call this reflection-on-action (e+r): act, then learn from the behavioral outcome. We formalize the label-free update (behavioral surprise as the sole learning signal, with the target always the externally produced behavior so …

Bridging Solidarity: Mapping Pittsburgh’S Strikes In A Digital And Inclusive Context, Glenna Van Dyke

Graduate Student Research Symposium

Bridging Solidarity is a digital map that fosters exploration of Pittsburgh’s long labor history. This project introduces audiences to fourteen strikes or strike-related conflicts across Allegheny County from the early nineteenth century to today, by combining secondary literature, newspapers, digital and physical archival material, visual media, and historic maps. Hosted in the platform HistoryPin, Bridging Solidarity promotes engagement with strikes across time and space, inspires an appreciation for local places, and highlights many diverging experiences within Pittsburgh’s labor movement. This essay contextualizes my work within three historic subfields: digital humanities, place-based public labor history, and diverse local labor history. First, …

Beyond Self-Defense: A Critical Analysis Of The Biden Administration’S Application Of ‘Just War’ Theory In The Israel-Hamas War, Thomas Elias

Graduate Student Research Symposium

Abstract

The Israel-Hamas war has ignited critical questions regarding the justification for violence, particularly the right to self-defense. Harm to Palestinian noncombatants and the conflict’s prolonged duration has contributed to critiques and doubts about Israel’s military operations and the Biden administration’s substantial military aid post-October 7th. The war’s extensive destruction and dehumanization creates a stark tension with the Biden administration’s invocation of just war theory. This paper critically analyzes the Biden administration’s use of just war theory in supporting the Israel-Hamas war, investigating how Christian theological ethics on just war and self-defense have been utilized and misapplied since October 2023. …

Best Practices For Classroom Seating Arrangements: A Narrative Literature Review, Sophia M. Williams

Graduate Student Research Symposium

Every K-12 classroom has a unique dynamic produced by students and managed by its teachers. The relationships between peers, as well as the relationships between students and their teacher play an integral role in how students work and behave each day. An important aspect of the classroom dynamic that teachers’ control is seating arrangements. Indeed, extant research has debated on the best practice for seating arrangements in classrooms to create optimal learning environments that benefit both pupil and teacher. Some studies suggest that students work better when they are working with people that they have positive relationships with. Contrarily, others …

A Phenomenological Study Of Parent Experiences During Transition From Early Intervention To School-Based Services, Kelly F. Gregoire, Halie Mayfield, Jeryl D. Benson, Johnna Estep

Graduate Student Research Symposium

Abstract

Importance: Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners and members of the Early Intervention (EI) to school-based transition should understand the barriers to a successful transition to better advocate for their clients and tailor their involvement in the transition process.

Objective: To explore the lived experience of parents of young children participating in the transition process.

Participants: Fourteen parents of young children (ages 2.5-6 years) with a developmental disability.

Outcomes and Measures: Semi-structured interviews focusing on parent and family experiences with the transition process.

Results: Seven resulting themes emerged from the data representing parent perceptions related to their experience of the system. …

Development And Characterization Of Mycelium-Based Biocomposites From Ganoderma Lucidum Using Spent Yerba Mate And Residual Sunflower Oil For Sustainable Insulation In Construction, Paula V. Alfieri, Guadalupe Canosa

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The construction industry urgently requires sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based insulation materials such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) and mineral wool. Mycelium-based biocomposites offer a promising solution by valorizing agricultural waste while delivering competitive thermal and acoustic performance. In this study, developed and characterized biocomposites using Ganoderma lucidum mycelium combined with spent yerba mate and residual sunflower oil (70 g/30 mL), both commonly generated as waste in Argentine institutions. Two formulations were evaluated: high density (HD: 280 ± 5 kg/m³) and low density (LD: 185 ± 5 kg/m³). Samples were cultivated for 90 days at 28 °C and 65% relative humidity and …

Groundwater Quality Mapping And Physicochemical Analysis In Badra District, Wasit Governorate, Iraq, Abbas J. Kadhem, Zahraa Zahrow, Muwafaq H. Al Lami, Moayed N. Muslim

Engineering and Technology Journal

The scarcity of water is a pressing issue in the semi-arid zone, largely due to climate change and the limited water resources available in the country. Groundwater is one of the subsurface sources of water during the arid seasons in Iraq. This study aims to evaluate the quality of groundwater in the Badra district, Wasit governorate. Twenty-four wells were selected, and three methods were used to analyze the water quality. Starting with the water quality index, which is a test of four subindices (salinity hazard, permeability risk, ion toxicity, and miscellaneous effects on sensitive groups). Then, the spatial distribution map …

Electroceuticals In Neuromodulation: Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, And Future Directions, Albashir Tahir, Nura Bello

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Electroceuticals have emerged as an innovative therapeutic approach that employs targeted electrical stimulation to modulate neural circuits and restore physiological balance. Unlike conventional pharmacological treatments, which act through systemic biochemical pathways, electroceuticals enable precise spatial and temporal control of neural activity. The rapid proliferation of electroceutical devices across clinical and investigational settings, combined with accelerating advances in artificial intelligence, closed-loop engineering, and bioelectronic interface design, has generated an urgent need for rigorous, critically appraised synthesis to guide evidence-based clinical adoption and inform future research priorities. This review addresses the rapidly expanding field of bioelectronic medicine by providing a critical synthesis …

Systemic Infection Of Beauveria Bassiana In A Stranded Endangered Green Turtle Chelonia Mydas: A Case Report, Ming-An Tsai, I-Chun Chen, Tsung-Hsien Li

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is the most frequently encountered marine turtle species in Taiwan. This study describes the postmortem findings of a juvenile green turtle with injuries to the right foreflipper that was rescued off the Taiwan coast and died after 3 months in rehabilitation. Necropsy revealed large, yellow, multifocal caseous lesions involving the right foreflipper, spleen, liver, kidneys, and lungs. Fungal infection of Beauveria bassiana was confirmed by culture, morphological and molecular characterization, phylogenetic analysis, and histopathological examination. This report provides evidence that B. bassiana is associated with a systemic fungal infection which can be fatal …

Information Exposure, Communication Channels, And Ssgi 2024 Data Utilization In Health Bureaucracy, Fachrudin Ali Ahmad, Tetrian Widyanto, Leny Wulandari, Ully Adhie Mulyani, Evi Suryani, Grace Lovita Tewu, Herianti Herianti

Jurnal Vokasi Indonesia

This study aims to analyze the influence of information exposure frequency and communication channel choice on the utilization of SSGI 2024 data. This study used mixed methods, quantitative and qualitative. Data were collected through a survey of 153 respondents, predominantly government officials, and in-depth interviews with 7 key informants. Analysis was conducted using the Chi-Square test and source triangulation. The frequency of information exposure was shown to have a significant effect on data utilization (p=0.001), where high exposure increased the likelihood of data utilization by 1.7 times. In contrast, the type of communication channel (formal vs. informal) did not have …

Selenoprotein P And Selenium As Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers For Breast Cancer Patients, Farah A. Rashid, Rawaa A. Ali, Hanaa A. Ali

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Breast cancer incidence increases in last decade. Oxidative stress increases during cancer development causes consuming of antioxidants. Selenium and its transporting protein, selenoprotein P have an important role in redox homeostasis. This study aims to investigate whether or not selenium and selenoprotein P could be diagnostic biomarkers for breast cancer patients. This study was included 30 individuals in control group who is age- and BMI-matched with 60 breast cancer patients. Selenium was measured by colorimetric assay kit and selenoprotein P was determined by Sandwich ELISA kits. The results indicate significant decrease (p < 0.0001) of serum selenium and selenoprotein P in breast cancer patients compared to control. A positive significant correlation (r = 0.6214, p < 0.0001) was found between selenium and selenoprotein P in breast cancer patients. Selenium has an excellent diagnostic accuracy with area under curve 0.9831, sensitivity 95% and specificity 100% at cut-off less than 3.54 mmol/L. Furthermore, selenoprotein P has also an excellent area under curve 0.9958 with sensitivity 96.77% and specificity 100% at cut-off less than 4.15 ng/ml. These exploratory findings appear that selenium and selenoprotein P could be potential diagnostic biomarkers for breast cancer patients. Further investigations in large-multicenter populations are needed to confirm results.