Digital Commons Network^™

Navigating The Transition: Experiences Of Former Collegiate Softball Athletes, Breanna Alleen Bryant

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to explore the different ways former female collegiate athletes transitioned out of playing their sport. Through qualitative interviews, the research aimed to understand the challenges these athletes faced, such as loss of identity, emotional distress, the absence of structure and support after leaving their teams. It also examined how unprepared these athletes were while going through the transition. The participants in this research study are all former division three college softball players who have just graduated college or have been out for a maximum of ten years. The most significant findings were these …

Mechanisms Underlying Estrous Cycle-Dependent Changes In Incubated Cocaine Craving, Erin Elizabeth Wannen

Theses and Dissertations

Cues associated with cocaine use are one of the most common relapse triggers and understanding what promotes cue-induced cocaine craving and relapse is a critical question in the field. Human studies have shown that these measures are impacted by fluctuations in ovarian hormone levels, as higher levels of estradiol promote cue-induced cocaine craving in women while higher levels of progesterone reduce craving in both sexes. Enhanced or incubated cue-induced cocaine seeking or craving also changes across the rodent reproductive (estrous) cycle as levels of estradiol and progesterone fluctuate, with enhanced seeking behavior observed during the estrus stage of the cycle. …

Se Quema: Burnout In Undergraduate Latiné Students, Shirley Victoria Celi-Landeo

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past five years, Latiné students have contributed most of the nation’s increase in college degrees earned. But even with more people enrolling in college, undergraduate retention remains a concern, raising critical questions about equity in higher education (The Pell Institute, 2023). This thesis examines burnout among Latiné undergraduates, who face financial strain, familial responsibilities, and lack of representation in resources, contributing to their underrepresentation in graduation rates. The study emphasizes the need to understand and address these stressors to support the success of Latiné students, who are under-represented in graduation rates compared to their counterparts (Excelencia in Education, …

Engineered Peptide Biomaterials And Synthetic Transmembrane Receptors For Native And Programmable Cell Interactions, Matthias Recktenwald

Theses and Dissertations

Peptide-functionalized biomaterials enable cell-material interactions through peptide-induced activation of native and synthetic receptors. This dissertation expands the clinical potential of biomaterials by harnessing native and synthetic receptor-peptide interactions. Key advancements include: (1) developing a novel method to functionalize rigid biomaterials with peptides, (2) designing antimicrobial peptide-modified hydrogels and plastics, (3) functionalizing hydrogels with N-cadherin peptides to improve stem cell manufacturing, and (4) engineering synthetic mammalian transmembrane receptors that initiate non-native intracellular responses to peptide-ligands. Using thiol-norbornene click chemistry, we functionalized rigid plastics and soft hydrogels using therapeutic peptides with spatial and temporal control. While advances in synthetic biology have enabled …

Adolescent Scoliosis In Autism Spectrum Disorder: Is It Idiopathic Or Syndromic??, Ravi Rajendra, Matthew B. Bratton, Claudia Leonardi, R. Carter Clement

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Purpose: Minimal data exists on whether adolescents with both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and scoliosis exhibit distinct curve types or require varying surgical management compared to neurotypical adolescents. Our study at a high-volume scoliosis center compares patterns of scoliosis in ASD patients with those of neurotypical patients. We hypothesized adolescents with ASD would present with atypical scoliosis curve characteristics compared to neurotypical adolescents. Methods: Using ICD-10 codes, we constructed an electronic database of adolescents aged 10 to 18 with diagnoses of both scoliosis and ASD. To avoid confounding with syndromic conditions, adolescents with a syndrome independently associated with scoliosis were …

Childhood Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Comprehensive Review Of Disease, Diagnosis, And Therapeutic Management, Daniyal Raza, Farhan Mohiuddin, Muhammad Haris Khan, Maheen Fawad, Syed Musa Raza

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects both adults and children, although the symptoms differ significantly between these groups. While adults typically experience heartburn and regurgitation, children may present with more subtle signs, such as failure to thrive, chronic cough, wheezing, and Sandifer syndrome. Diagnosing GERD in children necessitates a multifaceted approach due to the diverse symptomatology and challenges in communication. Clinical assessment serves as the cornerstone of diagnosis, supported by tools like pH monitoring, esophageal impedance testing, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Imaging studies, such as barium swallow, can also provide valuable insights into anatomical abnormalities and the extent of reflux. Treatment …

Critical Race Theory And Higher Education In Ireland: An Exploration Of The Experiences Of Black Minority Ethnic Social Care Students, Margaret Fingleton

Irish Journal of Academic Practice

This paper examines the experiences of Black Minority Ethnic students studying in higher education in Ireland, contextualizing them by key global events that occurred over the last decade. The research was underpinned by the core principles of Critical Race Theory (CRT) with a particular focus on the tenets of storytelling and intersectionality. Based on a qualitative approach, a participatory research methodology informed all phases of the study. Using a combined semi-structured interview/storytelling method, twenty-one female social care students in five higher education institutions participated in the study. In collaboration with a participatory advisory group, reflective thematic analysis was utilised to …

Couples And Pornography: A Dyadic Latent Profile Analysis Of Romantic Partners And Pornography Use, Michelle E. Haddock Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

Research on the outcomes of pornography use for romantic couples has been extensive yet inconclusive. Studies have examined pornography use in a wide variety of contexts, leading to a wide variety of outcomes and well-being. The current study uses latent profile analysis to account for many contextual factors at once, dyadic data to examine the perspective of both partners simultaneously, and a range of individual and relational well-being outcomes to understand how different relational pornography use patterns lead to well-being. Results provided evidence for six unique profiles of couples based on pornography use patterns (personal use frequency, perceived partner use …

New Student Orientation Programs: Understanding The Perceptions And Experiences Of First-Generation Community College Students, April J. Catching

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines first-generation community college students' perceptions of New Student Orientation programs. The research questions focus on specific aspects of students' experiences and transitions to gain an understanding of their perspectives. The objective is to see if there is a connection between what researchers ascertain are the most valuable experiences for new students and what students feel and perceive while enrolled in their first semester of college. Qualitative data was collected to provide targeted insights for improving orientation programs and practices. The research questions focused on understanding specific aspects of students’ orientation experiences and their impact on their college …

Can Social And Emotional Lessons Improve Student Behavior In A First Grade Classroom? A Program Evaluation, Tara Freeman Mozee

Theses and Dissertations

This program evaluation discusses how using a social and emotional (SEL) curriculum taught first-grade students how to manage and regulate their behavior in a first-grade classroom. The purpose of this program evaluation was to evaluate if the SEL curriculum helped first-grade students manage and regulate their behavior in the classroom so the teacher would create fewer behavior management plans and spend more time on classroom instruction. The methodology used in this program evaluation was a logic model. This model presented the inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes of the program evaluation. The implications of this program evaluation are based on the …

Enhancing Gpr Reliability For Concrete Infrastructure: Integrating Signal Processing And Deep Learning For Defect And Corrosion Assessment, Priyam Chowdhury

Theses and Dissertations

This research addresses the critical issue of deteriorating civil infrastructure by utilizing GPR integrated with advanced signal processing and machine learning. Employing the Conquest 100 system, four concrete slab configurations were tested: multi-layer rebar with defects, single- and double-layer rebar setups, varied rebar spacing, and pre-corroded rebars (0–30% mass loss). GPR B-scans collected over 3–60 days demonstrated that detection accuracy varied significantly with curing time, structural complexity, and moisture levels. A custom-developed Python script surpassed EKKO_Project software in rebar localization, achieving lower position errors (0.4–0.7 inches compared to 0.5–1.25 inches). Notably, the amplitude of GPR signals unexpectedly increased with corrosion …

Voluntary Contractions Underestimate Peak Muscle Activity In Drop Jumps, David Alan Phillips, Skylar Paletta, Michael R. Perlet

Department of Kinesiology Scholarship and Creative Works

Maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) are a common method to normalize electromyographic amplitude into standardized units of %MVIC. However, in 60% of drop jump research using an MVIC in 2018–2023, supramaximal activation or activation greater than 100% MVIC occurred. Therefore, MVICs may not be representative of peak muscle activation, leading to erroneous interpretation of muscle activation. The purpose of this study is to quantify EMG normalization difference in drop jump landings. Sixteen (10 M, 6F) participants were recruited for the study. MVICs were recorded from nine lower extremity muscles and this activation compared to the maximal activation recorded from 10 …

Sea Cucumbers Could Hold Key To Stopping Cancer Spread, Clara Turnage

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – Sea cucumbers are the ocean's janitors, cleaning the seabed and recycling nutrients back into the water. But this humble marine invertebrate could also hold the key to stopping the spread of cancer.

Effect Of Olympic Weightlifting Training On Power Output And Landing Forces In Adolescent Female Athletes: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Emily Neff

Doctorate in Kinesiology

To examine whether a periodized, eight-week strength and conditioning (S&C) program incorporating Olympic Weightlifting (OWL) improves vertical jump height and reduces peak landing forces in adolescent female athletes. Despite the proven benefits of neuromuscular training (NMT), (Nessler et al., 2017; Mattu et al., 2022), access to high-skill S&C remains limited for this population (Sommi et al., 2018; Parsons et al., 2021). Twenty-four adolescent female athletes were divided into a training group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 9). The training group completed two one-hour sessions weekly for eight weeks. Pre- and post- intervention testing assessed vertical jump …

Cultural Continuity And Identity Preservation In Diaspora: The Role Of African Pentecostal Churches In Maintaining Traditions Within African Communities In The United States, Olamide T. Awoyemi

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the role of African Pentecostal churches in preserving cultural traditions andshaping identities among African diaspora communities in the United States, focusing specifically on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) and Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) in Tampa, Florida. Through detailed participant observation and in-depth qualitative interviews, this thesis examines how rituals, religious practices, and community engagement within these churches facilitate cultural continuity and identity negotiation among Nigerian and Ghanaian immigrants. Findings reveal that these religious institutions serve as critical sites for resisting cultural erasure, navigating the complex tensions between maintaining African heritage and adapting to American society, and providing …

Identifying The Drivers Behind The Decline Of Douglas-Fir And True Fir Species In Sw Oregon, Alexander Bryant Bentley

Dissertations and Theses

Increased levels of Pseudotsuga menziesii (DF) and Abies species (TF) decline throughout dry forests in the Klamath Mountains and Western Cascades ecoregions have been recorded in recent years, with preliminary evidence suggesting that factors influenced by changing climatic conditions and encroachment from fire suppression policies are primarily to blame. Yet, the physiological and environmental mechanisms of drought-driven tree decline are poorly understood across biophysical and spatial gradients. Given the complex relations that drive decline, determining the degree of influence of specific drivers is difficult, creating unique challenges for modern forest management. To elucidate the most important factors driving DF and …

Unsettling Home: Traces Of An Unrepaired Settler-Colonial Past In "Redding, California," 1846-1924, Celeste Hegy

University Honors Theses

This thesis critically reads primary documents from the settler-colonial past of "Redding, California," my hometown. In this paper, I sketch out a series of moments of historical trauma which continue to cry out for repair. Through a series of episodes from the mid-nineteenth through the early-twentieth centuries, I examine how original settler thirst for land wrought a contested hegemony in principally genocidal flows of power between the settler-state and its settler inhabitants and the pre-existing local Indigenous nations and peoples. In the first chapter, I argue for an understanding of the dispossession of the northern valley as genocidal. In the …

Competition In The Global Law Market: Offshore Development Of The Statutory "Rule In Hastings-Bass", Andrew P. Morriss

Minnesota Journal of International Law, Vols. 28:2 onward (2019-present)

This Article examines the competitive dynamics in the global law market through the lens of the statutory evolution of the Rule in Hastings-Bass across various International Financial Centers (IFCs). Following the UK Supreme Court’s 2013 decision in Pitt v Holt and Futter v Futter, which significantly restricted the judiciary’s ability to void trustee decisions under the Rule, seven IFCs (Jersey, Bermuda, The Bahamas, the Dubai International Financial Center, the Cayman Islands, and the British Virgin Islands) enacted statutes to preserve and clarify the Rule within their jurisdictions. These legislative actions highlight the strategic adaptations by IFCs to enhance their legal …

Establishing A "Duty To Not Destroy": Using Fiduciary Duty To Hold Settler-Colonial States Responsible For Cultural And Linguistic Harms Committed Against Indigenous Students At Government-Run Boarding Schools, Kristina Mclaughlin

Minnesota Journal of International Law, Vols. 28:2 onward (2019-present)

No abstract provided.

And They Would Have Gotten Away With It, If Not For Those Meddling Federales: Examining State Responses To Transnational Organized Crime And Developing A Policy Framework, Aaron Lutz

Minnesota Journal of International Law, Vols. 28:2 onward (2019-present)

Transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) have begun expanding their enterprise into criminal gold mining in South America. This is causing widespread harm from human trafficking, pollution, and disease. These groups exploit vulnerable artisanal miners (ASMs) to provide a foothold in the gold mining industry and avoid the reach of states. This note examines the policy responses that South American countries have taken to this phenomenon and develops a policy framework for state actors moving against TCOs.

Influence Of Filler Content And Polishing On Candida And Streptococci Biofilm Formation In Resin-Based Composites: An In Vitro Evaluation, Zahra Zareshahrabadi, Sarina Sahmeddini, Marzieh Meimandinezhad, Afsoon Tondari, Kamiar Zomorodian

Pacific Faculty Work

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of filler content and polishing of resin-based composites on in vitro biofilm formation of Candida and Streptococci species. Materials and Methods: Specimens of four commercially available resin-based composites including Z100, P60, Z250, and Z350, with different filler amounts and volumes, were prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Each group was divided into polished and unpolished specimens, which were then placed in a 24-well tissue culture plate with microbial suspension and incubated. The XTT technique was used to evaluate biofilm formation. Results: Z250 resin-based composites, which had the highest percentage …

Support Beyond Services: Examining The Role Of Neighbor Relationships, Housing Staff, And Place In Mental Health Recovery, Kenna Estell Dickard

Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation explores the role of non-clinical support for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). Through three interconnected manuscripts, this dissertation highlights the importance of housing staff support, places in the community, and neighbor relationships in fostering recovery for individuals with SMI. The first manuscript analyzes how housing staff support influences residents' well-being through an ecological lens. This study found that staff support is associated with reduced loneliness, higher residential satisfaction, and increased sense of community. This study also considers the role of self-determination as a moderator, demonstrating the importance of resident agency in maximizing well-being outcomes. The second manuscript …

Reproductive Rights At Work: The Role Of Organizations In Menstrual Support, Emily Julia Ready

Dissertations and Theses

Painful menstrual symptoms affect up to 90% of people with uteruses globally. These symptoms can result in lost productivity at work and absenteeism for working individuals. Normative work structures have not been designed with accessibility and inclusivity for those with uteruses in mind. Therefore, women and those with uteruses have often had to work through barriers with no accommodations or systematic change. Currently, there is no published research in the United States on the nuances of the relationship between menstruation and work with the intention of exploring effective solutions. There has been discussion related to menstrual supportive policies, but there …

Community Perspectives On Cancer And Cancer Research: Findings From Listening Sessions With Diverse Groups In Philadelphia, Karen Glanz, Emma A. Soliva, Krista Scheffey, Yawei Song, Charnita Zeigler-Johnson, Evelyn T. González, Thierry Fortune, Nilsa Graciani, Amy E. Leader

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Listening sessions are useful for understanding community perspectives on cancer disparities. The Philadelphia Communities Conquering Cancer (PC3) coalition conducted listening sessions to identify community priorities for cancer prevention and control research among diverse communities in Philadelphia.

METHODS: Guided by a Stakeholder Advisory Committee, PC3 partnered with community-based organizations to conduct 8 listening sessions with diverse communities (including Black, Hispanic, Asian, Russian, LGBTQ + , and veterans) to learn about perceptions of cancer, research priorities, and training and communication preferences. Sessions were facilitated by community members or PC3 members in the primary language of participants. Sessions were audio recorded, transcribed, …

Incorporating Propensity Score Weighting And Nonresposne Adjustments Into Complex Survey Data With Survival Outcomes, Xinrui Shi

Theses and Dissertations

Propensity score weighting (PSW) plays a key role in minimizing confounding in observational research, especially when estimating treatment effects for time-to-event outcomes. However, its integration into survey data with complex design – particularly data with multiple stage sampling and censoring – remains underexplored. One significant challenge in such settings is the presence of nonresponse, which can introduce additional bias and complicate the use of standard weight adjustments. Moreover, there has been limited study on how PS weights can be effectively combined with nonresponse weighting adjustments in complex survey data that include survival outcomes. This dissertation aims to extend current methodologies …

Case Report On Acute Hemorrhagic Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (Adem) Following Parvovirus B19 Infection In An Immunocompetent Child, Akash Dnyandeo Sarkate, Sushma Save, Alpana Kondekar, Raja Rajan

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare, immune-mediated demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system, often triggered by viral infections. Parvovirus B19 has been implicated in various haematological and neurological manifestations; however, its association with acute hemorrhagic ADEM remains rare. Here, we report a case of a 5-year-old male immunocompetent child who developed ADEM following parvovirus B19 infection, emphasising the rarity of such presentations and the importance of early recognition and management.

Targeting Detoxifying Enzymes In The Lymphatic Filariasis Vector: An In Silico Study On Curcumin, Camphor, And Menthol, Rizal Subahar, Rawina Winita, Surya Dwira, Gulshan Fahmi El Bayani

Indonesian Journal of Medical Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Vector control remains a critical component in the prevention of lymphatic filariasis, a disease transmitted by insect vectors. Natural compounds such as curcumin, camphor, and menthol are being explored for their bio-insecticidal properties due to their potential to inhibit key detoxification and neurological enzymes in insects, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and cytochrome P450 oxidases (CYP450). A molecular docking study using SwissDock was conducted to evaluate the interaction of curcumin, camphor, and menthol with AChE, GST, and CYP450 enzymes. Binding affinity (ΔG), hydrogen bonding, and active site interactions were analyzed to assess the inhibitory potential of each compound. Curcumin …

Role Of Interventional Pulmonology In Intensive Care Units: A Scoping Review, Abdul Rahman R Halawa, Saad Farooq, Mohammad Asim Amjad, Pushan P Jani, Sujith V Cherian

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Interventional pulmonology (IP) represents a rapidly growing and developing subspecialty within pulmonary medicine. To the intensivist, given the elaborate undertakings with respect to airway, lung and pleural disease management-IP has shown an increasing presence and remain a major ally in the care of these patients. Thus, an understanding of the different roles that IP could offer to the intensivist is of prime importance in the multi-disciplinary care of the complex patients within the intensive care units, particularly in relation to lung, airway and pleural diseases. This review article will explore the different intersections of IP in critical care and discuss …

Longitudinal Plasma Amino Acids During Pregnancy And Neonatal Anthropometry: Findings From The Nichd Fetal Growth Studies-Singleton Cohort, Claire Guivarch, Jing Wu, Ruijin Lu, Jagteshwar Grewal, Guoqi Yu, Ling-Jun Li, Jiaxi Yang, Wei Wei Pang, Dong D Wang, Natalie L Weir, Zhen Chen, Michael Y Tsai, Cuilin Zhang

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Amino acids (AAs) during pregnancy are crucial for fetal growth. Prior studies measured AA concentrations at single time points in pregnancy, despite their fluctuations throughout pregnancy. We measured plasma AA profiles in blood samples longitudinally collected from early through late pregnancy and evaluated their associations with neonatal anthropometry.

METHODS: Concentrations of plasma aromatic AAs, branched-chain AAs, and AAs involved in one-carbon metabolism were assessed at 10-14, 15-26, 23-31, and 33-39 gestational weeks (GW) among 321 women from a case-control study from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Fetal Growth Studies-Singleton Cohort. Associations …

Draft Final 2025 Residential Metals Abatement Program (Rmap) Quality Assurance Project Plan (Qapp) Annual Update (Residential Parcels), Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.