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Reinforcement Learning For Team Based Air Combat Maneuvering Decisions With Directed Energy Weaponry, Joshua D. Combs

Theses and Dissertations

Leveraging the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM) we investigate the use of reinforcement learning (RL) techniques for imbuing AUCAV agents with high-quality behaviors for the within-visual-range air combat maneuvering problem (ACMP). We formulate the 2v2 WVR ACMP as a Markov decision process wherein friendly AUCAVs are equipped with DEW capabilities and operate with 6 degrees of freedom. We utilize the Double Deep Q-Network RL algorithm, which centrally trains two friendly AUCAVs and employ a phased learning approach, initially exposing the AUCAVs to a dense reward environment for early training, followed by a sparse reward environment to encourage …

Ethanol Leaf Extracts Of Anogeissus Leiocarpus In Antioxidants And Hepatotoxic Effects Of Escherichia Coli Infected Swiss Mice, Fred Coolborn Akharaiyi, Chioma Bertha Ehis-Eriakha, Peter Taiwo Olagbemide, Stephen Eromosele Akemu

BioMedicine

Introduction: Diseases caused by bacteria can be managed with medicinal plants with rightful dosage that will not affect body physiology and organs.

Aim: This research aimed to evaluate the antioxidants and the effects of Anogeisus leiocarpus on liver function.

Materials and Methods: Ethanol leaf extracts were processed for antioxidants and hepatotoxic effects using animal models. Group one (negative control) was given access to water and regular feed, group two (positive control) was dosed with 107 CFU/ml of Escherichia coli O157:H7, and groups 3-6 were dosed with 107 E. coli O157:H7 for 3 days and treated with extract concentrations of 12, …

Steminism: Analyzing Factors That Improve Retention Of Women In Stem, Kira Carter, Jane Kelley, Jason Vasser-Elong, Rc Patterson

Dissertations

Our co-authored research ‘Steminism: Analyzing Factors That Improve Retention for Women as STEM Majors’ analyzed factors that contributed to the retention of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs at Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T). Women make up half of the US population, and while careers in (STEM) are an integral part of the US economy, women are underrepresented in these career fields. The purpose of our dissertation is to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM majors. Our methodology included homogeneous sampling to collect qualitative data. More specifically, we consulted with academic advisors and …

Copper−Cystine Biohybrid-Embedded Nanofiber Aerogels Show Antibacterial And Angiogenic Properties, Anik Karan, Navatha S. Polavaram, Margarita Darder, Yajuan Su, Syed Muntazir Andrabi, S M Shatil Shahriar, Johnson V. John, Zeyu Luo, Mark A. Decoster, Yu Shrike Zhang, Jingwei Xie

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

Copper−cystine-based high aspect ratio structures (CuHARS) possess exceptional physical and chemical properties and exhibit remarkable biodegradability in human physiological conditions. Extensive testing has confirmed the biocompatibility and biodegradability of CuHARS under diverse biological conditions, making them a viable source of essential Cu²⁺. These ions are vital for catalyzing the production of nitric oxide (NO) from the decomposition of Snitrosothiols (RSNOs) found in human blood. The ability of CuHARS to act as a Cu²⁺ donor under specific concentrations has been demonstrated in this study, resulting in the generation of elevated levels of NO. Consequently, this dual function makes …

Bars Are Not Fluid: Gender Identity And Women's Rights In Correctional Facilities, Camilla Juliana Gonzalez

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Leadership

The evolving demographic landscape of the American criminal justice system, with increasing numbers of transgender individuals incarcerated, challenges traditional binary classifications and necessitates revisions in correctional evaluation methods. Balancing the specific needs of transgender inmates with the protection of women's rights and their safety is critical. This research evaluates ethical frameworks within correctional institutions, proposing a compassionate approach to prevent policy manipulation.

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted action plan, including establishing a task force, gender assessment protocols, comprehensive policies, and educational initiatives, all supported by ethical accountability. Three key policies—gender affirmation, zero-tolerance, and religious rights—are examined for their potential …

A Multi-Year Longitudinal Study Exploring The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Students’ Familiarity And Perceptions Of Active Learning, Briana Craig, Jeremy L. Hsu

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

The COVID-19 pandemic caused nearly ubiquitous emergency remote teaching in both secondary and post-secondary education. While there has been a plethora of work examining how instructors adjusted classes to incorporate active learning during emergency remote teaching, there has only been minimal work examining how such emergency remote teaching may have influenced students’ perceptions of active learning. Here, we conduct a longitudinal multi-cohort study at one institution across nine semesters before, during, and after emergency remote teaching due to the pandemic to explore how college students’ familiarity and perceptions of active learning have shifted over time because of the pandemic. Our …

Cwu Faculty Senate Minutes 2/07/24, Janet Shields

Faculty Senate Minutes

These are the official Central Washington University Faculty Senate minutes for the February 7, 2024, regular meeting.

Revolutionizing Psoriasis Topical Treatment: Enhanced Efficacy Through Ceramide/Phospholipid Composite Cerosomes Co-Delivery Of Cyclosporine And Dithranol: In-Vitro, Ex-Vivo, And In-Vivo Studies, Sammar F. Elhabal, Nashwa Abdelaal, Saeed A.S. Al-Zuhairy, Mohamed F. Mohamed Elrefai, Mohamed M. Khalifa, Mohammad A. Khasawneh, Ahmed M. Elsaid Hamdan, Passant M. Mohie, Rania A. Gad, Soad L. Kabil, Mohamed K. El-Ashery, Bhaskara R. Jasti, Nahla A. Elzohairy, Nehal Elfar, Tayseer Elnawawy, Fatma E. Hassan, Mohamed A. El-Nabarawi

Pacific Faculty Work

Purpose: Improving the treatment of psoriasis is a serious challenge today. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated skin condition affecting 125 million people worldwide. It is commonly treated with cyclosporine-A (CsA) and dithranol (DTH). CsA suppresses the activation of T-cells, immune cells involved in forming psoriatic lesions. Meanwhile, DTH is a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative drug that effectively reduces the severity of psoriasis symptoms such as redness, scaling, and skin thickness. CsA and DTH belong to BCS class II with limited oral bioavailability. We aim to develop a drug delivery system for topical co-delivery of CsA and DTH, exploring its therapeutic potential. …

Enhancing Workplace Neuro Health And Productivity: The Synergy Of Wearable Technology With Biophilic And Oxygenation Strategies, Piper Hutson, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

In the contemporary workplace, where a staggering 62% of employees reported experiencing burnout in 2023 according to a Medium article, the integration of wearable technology with biophilic and oxygenation strategies emerges as a vital Neurohemal initiative. This approach is particularly relevant for supporting neurodivergent individuals, as well as those recovering from stroke and long-COVID, in the context of return-to-office mandates. The article underscores the significance of research on increased hydrostatic pressure in circulation, particularly its impact on spinal and spinal cord blood flow during water immersion. This insight lays the groundwork for innovations like non-wet water massage devices, which could …

Exploring The Role Of Sex In The Association Of Late Chronotype On Cardiorespiratory Fitness, J. Matthew Thomas, Philip A. Kern, Heather M. Bush, Sarah J. Robbins, W. Scott Black, Julie S. Pendergast, Jody L. Clasey

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Circadian rhythms differ between young adult males and females. For example, males tend to be later chronotypes, preferring later timing of sleep and activity, than females. Likewise, there are sex differences in body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness. Few studies have investigated the association between circadian rhythms, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition. We sought to determine whether chronotype and circadian phase were associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and anthropometric measures in sedentary males and females. Fifty-nine adults participated in the study. Circadian phase and chronotype were measured using dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) and the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) score. We …

Metabolism, Fibrosis, And Apoptosis: The Effect Of Lipids And Their Derivatives On Keloid Formation, Chen-Yu Li, Ru-Xin Xie, Shi-Wei Zhang, Jiao Yun, Ai Zhong, Ying Cen, Jun-Jie Chen

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Keloids, pathological scars resulting from skin trauma, have traditionally posed significant clinical management challenges due to their persistence and high recurrence rates. Our research elucidates the pivotal roles of lipids and their derivatives in keloid development, driven by underlying mechanisms of abnormal cell proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix deposition. Key findings suggest that abnormalities in arachidonic acid (AA) synthesis and non-essential fatty acid synthesis are integral to keloid formation. Further, a complex interplay exists between lipid derivatives, notably butyric acid (BA), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), and the regulation of hyperfibrosis. Additionally, combinations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with BA …

Etiology Of Drug-Induced Edema: A Review Of Dihydropyridine, Thiazolidinedione, And Other Medications Causing Edema, Evan S. Sinnathamby, Bretton T. Urban, Robert A. Clark, Logan T. Roberts, Audrey J. De Witt, Danielle M. Wenger, Aya Mouhaffel, Olga Willett, Shahab Ahmadzadeh, Sahar Shekoohi, Alan D. Kaye, Giustino Varrassi

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Edema is an accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues that affects millions of Americans yearly. It can affect multiple body parts, for example, the brain or eyes, but often occurs in the periphery, including the feet and legs. Medications, such as dihydropyridine and thiazolidinediones (TZDs), can be the etiology of edema. Edema can develop in association with problems in the vasculature or lymphatic flow. In recent years, a better understanding of these drug-induced mechanisms has been appreciated. Specifically, dihydropyridines can increase hydrostatic pressure and cause selective pre-capillary vessel vasodilation. TZDs can cause edema through increased vascular permeability and increased …

Circadian Immunity From Bench To Bedside: A Practical Guide, Huram Mok, Elaine Ostendorf, Alex Ganninger, Avi J. Adler, Guy Hazan, Jeffrey A. Haspel

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The immune system is built to counteract unpredictable threats, yet it relies on predictable cycles of activity to function properly. Daily rhythms in immune function are an expanding area of study, and many originate from a genetically based timekeeping mechanism known as the circadian clock. The challenge is how to harness these biological rhythms to improve medical interventions. Here, we review recent literature documenting how circadian clocks organize fundamental innate and adaptive immune activities, the immunologic consequences of circadian rhythm and sleep disruption, and persisting knowledge gaps in the field. We then consider the evidence linking circadian rhythms to vaccination, …

Memory As A Foundation For Learning, Manuel Vicuna, Juan Manuel Vicuna

Undergraduate Research Symposium

The object of this research is to emphasize the importance of memory in the professional environment and to suggest a change in the direction of educational plans to endow students with a powerful cognitive tool – memory - for the rest of their lives. Presently, memory is a fundamental human function that the educational process dismisses, making learning more difficult. Memory and professional intuition – both the result of knowledge and experience - should be a natural adjunct to any training and not a sudden source of inspiration as intuition, in particular, needs conscious and subconscious cultivation. In both subjects, …

Relationship Between Abo Blood Type And Clinical–Pathological Characteristics With Prostate Cancer Patients In Khartoum State, Khartoum, Sudan, Wafa Mobarak Ahmed Ali, Asim Alaaedin Osman, Gad Allah Modawe

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated the association between ABO blood group and prostate cancer (PC), as well as the various factors associated with PC, including age, family history, ethnicity, and certain viruses. Aim: To demonstrate the association between ABO blood groups and PC and to correlate it with the demographic and clinical features of our studied population. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted at the Radiation and Isotopes Center—Khartoum (RICK) in Khartoum state from April 2018 to April 2019. From a study population of 389 PC patients (RICK), a total of 101 were selected. Data was analyzed using …

Synthetic Oct-A Blood Vessel Maps Using Fundus Images And Generative Adversarial Networks, Ashanul Haque, Mohd Wajid Ali Khan, Khalaf M Alenezi, Raoudha Soury, Muhammad S Khan, Shahzaib Ahamad, Md Mushtaque, Dinesh Gupta

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The design and development of new small-molecule glycation inhibitors are essential for preventing various chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, immunoinflammation, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. 4-Thiazolidinone or thiazolidine-4-one is a well-known heterocyclic compound with the potential to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products. In the present work, we report the synthesis and characterization of four new 5-arylidene 3-cyclopropyl-2-(phenylimino)thiazolidin-4-one (1–4) compounds and their human serum albumin glycation inhibitory activity. One of the compounds 5-(2H-1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethylidene)-3-cyclopropyl-2-(phenylimino)-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one (3) showed potent inhibition in the synthesis of initial, intermediary, and final products of glycation reactions. Besides, conformational …

A Road Map For The Treatment Of Pediatric Diffuse Midline Glioma, Carl Koschmann, Wajd N Al-Holou, Marta M Alonso, Jamie Anastas, Pratiti Bandopadhayay, Tara Barron, Oren Becher, Rodrigo Cartaxo, Maria G Castro, Chan Chung, Madison Clausen, Derek Dang, Robert Doherty, Ryan Duchatel, Matthew Dun, Mariella Filbin, Andrea Franson, Stefanie Galban, Marc Garcia Moure, Hugh Garton, Pruthvi Gowda, Joana Graca Marques, Cynthia Hawkins, Allison Heath, Esther Hulleman, Sunjong Ji, Chris Jones, Lindsay Kilburn, Cassie Kline, Michael A Koldobskiy, Daniel Lim, Pedro R Lowenstein, Q Richard Lu, Joanna Lum, Stephen Mack, Suresh Magge, Bernard Marini, Donna Martin, Neena Marupudi, Dana Messinger, Rajen Mody, Meredith Morgan, Mateus Mota, Karin Muraszko, Sabine Mueller, Siva Kumar Natarajan, Javad Nazarian, Michael Niculcea, Nicholas Nuechterlein, Hideho Okada, Valerie Opipari, Manjunath P Pai, Sharmistha Pal, Erik Peterson, Timothy Phoenix, John R Prensner, Matthew Pun, G Praveen Raju, Zachary J Reitman, Adam Resnick, David Rogawski, Amanda Saratsis, Stefanie G Sbergio, Mark Souweidane, James M Stafford, Theophilos Tzaridis, Sujatha Venkataraman, Orazio Vittorio, Jack Wadden, Daniel Wahl, Robert J Wechsler-Reya, Viveka Nand Yadav, Xu Zhang, Qiang Zhang, Sriram Venneti

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Recent clinical trials for H3K27-altered diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) have shown much promise. We present a consensus roadmap and identify three major barriers: (1) refinement of experimental models to include immune and brain-specific components; (2) collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and industry to integrate patient-derived data through sharing, transparency, and regulatory considerations; and (3) streamlining clinical efforts including biopsy, CNS-drug delivery, endpoint determination, and response monitoring. We highlight the importance of comprehensive collaboration to advance the understanding, diagnostics, and therapeutics for DMGs.

Experimental Environmental Profiles And Sloshing Dynamics Aboard Zero-G Aircraft, Pedro J. Llanos, Sathya Gangadharan, Kevin Crosby

Publications

This study presents the results of a parabolic flight experiment to study the sloshing dynamics of the magneto-active propellant management device experiment. This device utilizes a magnetoactive membrane and magnets located external to the tank to effectively damp the liquid free surface motion. This research work establishes a benchmark with sloshing analytical formulation and sensor calibration methods that can be used to characterize future research parabolic flights while providing important environmental profiles measured during flight, such as accelerations, pitch angle, velocity, temperature, total volatile content, carbon dioxide, relative humidity, magnetic field, and radiation. Correlation between these flight variables and the …

Identification Of Faulty Sensor Nodes In Wban Using Genetically Linked Artificial Neural Network, Haider Rasheed Abdulshaheed, Mayasa M. Abdulrahman, Israa Ibraheem Al_Barazanchi, Jamal Fadhil Tawfeq

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) have risen as a promising innovation for checking human physiological parameters in real time. Be that as it may, the unwavering quality and precision of WBANs depend on the right working of sensor hubs. The distinguishing proof of defective sensor hubs is vital for guaranteeing the quality of information collected by WBANs. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to recognizing faulty sensor hubs in WBAN employing a hereditarily linked artificial neural organize (GLANN). The GLANN is preparedto employa crossbreedfuzzy-genetic calculation to optimize its execution in distinguishing defective sensor hubs. The proposed approach is …

Central Washington University 2024-2025 University Catalog, Central Washington University

Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Proprioception And Regulating Cognitive Load In Neurodiverse Populations Through Biometric Monitoring With Wearable Technologies, James Hutson, Piper Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

This paper considers the realm of wearable technologies and their prospective applications for individuals with neurodivergent conditions, specifically Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). The study undertakes a multifaceted analysis that encompasses biomarker sensing technologies, AI-driven biofeedback mechanisms, and haptic devices, focusing on their implications for enhancing proprioception and social interaction among neurodivergent populations. While wearables offer a range of opportunities for societal advancement, a discernable gap remains: a scarcity of consumer-oriented applications tailored to the unique physiological and psychological needs of these individuals. Key takeaways underscore the emergent promise of tailored auditory stimuli in workplace dynamics and the efficacy of haptic …

Logos-Sophia, Elliott Norman, Donald Wayne Viney, Keith Elliott Perkins, Addyson Kay Campbell, Hunter Hinds, Scott Squires

LOGOS-SOPHIA: The Journal of the PSU Philosophical Society

Logos-Sophia, Volume 17, Spring 2024. The Journal of the Pittsburg State University Philosophical Society has largely been a student publication with occasional faculty contribution

Profound Hypothyroidism And New Onset Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report, Savannah Grunhard, Rebecca A. Taylor, Osman Perez

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2024

No abstract provided.

An Expository Analysis Of Textbook Usage In Classical Settings For High School Biology, Kristen Bissontz

Master of Arts in Classical Studies

AN EXPOSITORY ANALYSIS OF TEXTBOOK USAGE IN CLASSICAL SETTINGS FOR HIGH SCHOOL BIOLOGY

Kristen Bissontz

Southeastern University, Lakeland FL

The classical model of education has reemerged as a viable alternative to the modern education system. Many of the disciplines taught in a classical school, program or home education scenario appear to align with the classical philosophy with the exception of the sciences. This paper serves to uncover if textbooks are the primary source in classical settings, what resources are utilized, and offers suggestions to better align with the classical pedagogy.

A small sample of classical schools and programs in a …

Sleep, Sebastian Mark

Theses & ETDs

This thesis delves into the realm of sleep issues and disorders, probing the intricacies of optimal sleep patterns and the factors influencing them. At the core of this inquiry lies the persistent question: “If sleep is paramount, why do some people struggle to attain it?” The research goal is to identify the biological and environmental elements that impede a person’s ability to obtain sufficient rest. I collected data about myself every day from January 4th to May 5th, from diary entries and a wristband that tracks physical activity and sleep metrics throughout the day and night. Using statistical analysis and …

Enzyme Kinetic Characterization And Quantitation Of 2-Hydroxyglutarate Production By C.Elegans Isocitrate Dehydrogenase-1 Enzymes: Wild-Type Idh-1 And Mutant Enzymes G98n And R133h., Melissa Bouchard

Theses & ETDs

The metabolic enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH-1) is the C. elegans ortholog of human cytosolic IDH1. The mechanism for both the human and the C. elegans IDH1 enzymes reversibly convert the substrate isocitrate (ICT) to α-ketoglutarate (αKG). The IDH-1 enzyme is particularly interesting due to the association of certain IDH1 mutations to human cancers. The mutations that are associated with oncogenesis are shown to inhibit the activity of IDH1 by introducing a neomorphic activity that converts αKG to α-hydroxyglutaric acid, also called 2- hydroxyglutarate (2HG).To determine if IDH-1 may be a reliable model system to explore the cellular abnormalities produced by …

Gonzaga University Factbook 2024-25, Institutional Research, Gonzaga University

Institutional Research

The Gonzaga University Factbook contains information on student enrollments, demographic profiles, admissions statistics, majors, retention and graduation rates, degree completions, faculty information, and more. It is updated annually with the most current and commonly-needed information about Gonzaga University.

Platform-Independent Estimation Of Human Physiological Time From Single Blood Samples, Yitong Huang, Rosemary Braun

Mathematics Sciences: Faculty Publications

Abundant epidemiological evidence links circadian rhythms to human health, from heart disease to neurodegeneration. Accurate determination of an individual's circadian phase is critical for precision diagnostics and personalized timing of therapeutic interventions. To date, however, we still lack an assay for physiological time that is accurate, minimally burdensome to the patient, and readily generalizable to new data. Here, we present TimeMachine, an algorithm to predict the human circadian phase using gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a single blood draw. Once trained on data from a single study, we validated the trained predictor against four independent datasets with …

Understanding Health-Seeking Decision-Making Process And Behavior Among Haitian Immigrants: A Grounded Theory Approach, Shelleta Ladonice

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

Black people in the U.S. die at younger ages, have significantly higher rates of death from treatable medical conditions, are more likely to have late-stage breast and colon cancer diagnoses and more likely to die from these cancers, and are at higher risk for chronic illnesses compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Accessing healthcare is crucial to health and well-being; however, U.S. immigrants' use of healthcare services is far less than native-born Americans. Haitian immigrants experience health disparities at the highest rate compared to other Black immigrants in the U.S. Given their unique history, culture, and immigration experience, it …

Utilizing Internet Memes In Senior High School Biology To Improve Gen Z’S Academic Achievement, Attitude, And Self-Efficacy, Alyanna Nicole Carlos, Emmanuel D. Delocado

Biology Faculty Publications

Generation Z learners’ short attention span challenges educators to design engaging teaching methods that capture their interest. This quantitative study investigates the effect of memes, which are popular internet media, on non-STEM Gen Z high school students’ academic achievement, attitude, and self-efficacy in biology. Two groups of Grade 11 participants (n=243) were taught cellular division and genetics lessons through two different approaches. The results demonstrate that the experimental group which was taught using meme-infused materials had statistically significantly higher post-test scores (21.46 ± 4.41 out of 30; independent t-test = 0.00) than students who were taught with materials with no …