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Front Matter

Impact: A Journal of Community and Cultural Inquiry in Education

No abstract provided.

List Of Published Articles, Volumes One - Seventeen

McNair Scholars Research Journal

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between Female Pelvic Dimensions, Birth Weight, And Number Of Live Births, Allison P. Sears

McNair Scholars Research Journal

This study investigates the relationship between birth weight, female pelvic dimensions, and number of live births. Pelvic inlet and outlet dimensions were recorded using three dimensional models from a sample of 30 females from the New Mexico Decedent Image Database (NMDID). By taking an approach closely informed by pre-existing anthropological and obstetrical literature, this study examines the potential relationship between female individuals’ birth weight and reproductive characteristics in adulthood, as well as the influence of these variables on the number of live births these females delivered during the course of their lives. The results suggest that there is a weak …

The Mediating Role Of Emotion Regulation Between Parent-Child-Relationship Quality And Psychological Health Of Adolescent Girls, Ethan M. Rick

McNair Scholars Research Journal

Emotion regulation plays a crucial role in adolescent psychological health and is influenced by the quality of parent-child relationships. Prior research suggests that supportive relationships foster adaptive emotion regulation, while conflict-ridden relationships contribute to emotion regulation difficulties, leading to negative psychological outcomes. This study examines the mediating role of emotion regulation difficulties in the association between mother-daughter relationship quality and adolescent psychological maladjustment, including anxiety, depression, and disordered eating. A sample of 106 adolescent girls (ages 11–21) in the United States completed self-report measures assessing relationship closeness and discord, emotion regulation difficulties, and psychological distress. Results indicated that relationship discord …

Zero-Tolerance Discipline In American Schools: Racial Injustice In The Age Of Youth Disposability, Trinity J. Perkins

McNair Scholars Research Journal

This study critically examines how neoliberal social controls and school-based criminalization efforts emerged in response to a series of moral panics surrounding perceived increases in school violence and mass shootings. Largely, this response manifested in the form of rigid zero-tolerance disciplinary policies focused on deterrence and retribution. However, research reveals the application of these policies produce racial and income-based disparities in how school discipline is administered, which contributes to the school-to-prison pipeline (i.e., a pathway for youth to be funneled out of education and into incarceration). As such, it is believed that racial threat dynamics may be contributing to the …

Mental Health Implications Of Substance Use Among Queer College Students, Samia L. Neeley

McNair Scholars Research Journal

Studies reveal that sexual minorities are at greater risk for tobacco and nicotine use (Harlow et al., 2023). In addition, experiences with discrimination and harassment are related to substance use in queer adults (Blackwell & López Castillo, 2020). Building on previous research, this study aims to investigate the relationship between substance use, mental health, and sexual/gender identity among queer college students. We asked undergraduate students (anticipated N = 100) to report their alcohol, e-cigarette, and cannabis use as well as depression and anxiety symptoms. We anticipate that queer students will report greater substance use and greater mental health challenges than …

The Energy Consumption Of Artificial Intelligence And Sustainable Strategies For Reducing Its Environmental Impact, Haley M. Johnson

McNair Scholars Research Journal

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is swiftly transforming the world, yet its environmental impact is often unknown. Training AI models, deploying AI models, and storing large volumes of AI’s data in data centers all contribute to both positive and negative environmental outcomes. While many studies highlight the benefits of AI, there are also a few that address how AI’s widespread use results in unsustainable environmental impacts. This literature review investigates the negative environmental impacts of AI, including environmental degradation, increased energy consumption, and carbon emissions. From the rise of unpredictable weather and natural disasters, to the melting of icebergs, the impact of …

Differential Effects Of Amiloride And Benzamil On Salt Taste Physiology And Behavior: The Case For Phasic Responses In The Generation Of Sodium Appetite, Amyra M. Issa

McNair Scholars Research Journal

The current experiment aims to investigate the relationship between the early phasic portion of salt taste transduction and sodium appetite. Prior research has identified two salt transduction pathways: a sodium-selective pathway, which is inhibited by amiloride or benzamil, and a non-selective pathway, which is insensitive to these blockers (Breslin & Spector, 2008). When presented with sodium solutions, sodium-depleted mice exhibit a behavior termed the “sodium appetite,” which results in voracious sodium consumption. The prevailing theory is that this behavior depends on neural activity of sodium-selective neurons (Breza & Contreras, 2012; Roitman & Bernstein, 1999). While previous studies have demonstrated that …

Contrasting Disparities Between Desi Populations And The Michigan Healthcare System In The Metro Detroit Atrea, Ramin Areeb

McNair Scholars Research Journal

This study investigated the healthcare disparities experienced by the Desi population (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Nepali, etc.), ages 18 and higher, in the Metro Detroit area. Despite the ever-growing population of South Asian communities in the United States, research on their interactions with Michigan healthcare remained very limited. The lack of consistent reports, population-specific studies, and overall popularity of the discussion proves this. Using a survey-based methodology, this study collected accounts from participants regarding their healthcare experiences, perceived inequities, and barriers to accessing high-quality medical services. The data then underwent a thematic review to identify recurring patterns, including issues …

Introduction, Kimberly J. Brown Ph.D., Brandie Bentley, Ph.D., Msw

McNair Scholars Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Front Materials

McNair Scholars Research Journal

No abstract provided.

A Smart Contract Framework For Project Financing In Gold Mining Operations: Implications For Improved Financial Forecasting, Silvia Lydia Priskilla, Mohammed Ali Berawi, Mustika Sari Dr.

Smart City

Gold mining projects are characterized by high capital intensity and significant operational variability, making financial forecasting particularly sensitive to the quality and timing of cash-flow data. In practice, conventional financing systems rely on multi-stage administrative processes that create delays between work completion and payment realization, reducing the reliability of financial records used for investment evaluation.

This study aims to develop a smart contract-based financing framework to improve the accuracy of profitability projections in gold mining projects. A case study approach is employed using operational and financial data from a mining project in Sumatra over the period 2023–2026. The analysis combines …

Long-Term Monitoring Of The Optical Performance Of The Primary Mirrors At The Coihueco And Loma Amarilla Sites Of The Pierre Auger Observatory, A. Abdul Halim, P. Abreu, M. Aglietta, M. Ahmed, I. Allekotte, K. Almeida Cheminant, B. Fick, K. Nguyen, D. Nitz, Et Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

This paper presents the results of an optical performance monitoring campaign for the primary mirrors installed in fluorescence telescopes at the Coihueco and Loma Amarilla sites at the Pierre Auger Observatory in Argentina. Since the end of 2003, this effort has developed into a unique long-term dataset that addresses the performance of the primary mirrors. We have focused on the scattering characteristics and specular reflectance of mirror segments, as well as their evolution over several years of operation. Despite being housed in climate-controlled buildings, dust accumulation, impurities, and natural aging — such as oxidation or other chemical or physical degradation …

Health Management Practices In Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review Protocol, Davina Sharma, Shané J. Gill, Lizbeth Goodman, Amanda Rabinowitz, Louis N. Hunter, Reinhard Schaler, Kirby L. Wycoff

College of Health Professions Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury is increasingly recognized as a chronic condition requiring long-term rehabilitation and coordinated care beyond the acute phase. Across Europe, substantial variation exists in healthcare system organization, funding structures, and service delivery models, which may influence access to rehabilitation and long-term functional outcomes for adults with chronic moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. The objective of this scoping review protocol is to systematically characterize systemic factors and management practices that shape rehabilitation access, continuity of care, and recovery outcomes across European healthcare systems. This review will map published evidence on health management practices influencing chronic traumatic brain injury rehabilitation …

Biologists Study Ways To Increase Food Production For Growing World, Clara Turnage

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – With the world population expected to approach 10 billion by 2050, scientists are searching for ways to feed that many people with fewer resources. A new review outlines scientific advances that could help make food production more sustainable and resilient.

Envisioning Munster Technological University As A Trauma-Sensitive University, Marie Singleton Ms, Margaret Linehan Prof, Judith Butler

Irish Journal of Academic Practice

Universities seeking to provide effective support to students should incorporate trauma-sensitive approaches to ensure services are delivered with empathy and compassion while reducing the risk of re-traumatisation. The main objective of this study was to investigate what it means to be a trauma-sensitive university and what steps are required to achieve this. The study focused on Munster Technological University (MTU) as a qualitative case study and identifies what is required to make MTU the first trauma-sensitive university in Ireland. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff across the university's six campuses. Given the limited research examining how trauma-sensitive principles can be …

Effect Of Cupc Film Thickness Prepared By Thermal Evaporation On The Performance Of An Optical Detector, Zainab Hazim Abdul Raheem, Sameer Khudhur Yaseen, Mohammed K. Khalaf

Baghdad Science Journal

Copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) is a semiconductor that is chemically very stable, highly optically absorbing of visible light, and possesses good charge transport properties, so it is a promising material for optoelectronic devices and photodetectors. In this study, CuPc thin films with thickness range 146.4–632.4 nm were grown on ultrasonically cleaned glass substrates by thermal evaporation at a pressure of 2.2 × 10^-5 torr. Structure, morphology, and optical properties were analyzed to study the effect of thickness on photoconductive response. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the films were polycrystalline monoclinic with preferred (312) orientation. AFM images showed increase in grain …

Studying The Physisorption And Reaction Between In9Sno15 Pyramid Nanocluster With Water Molecule Via Transition State Theory, Nisreen A. Fejer, Asmaa H. Mohammed, Mohammed T. Hussein

Baghdad Science Journal

This study investigates two binary semiconductors, Sn₁₀O₁₅ and In₁₀O₁₅, to form a ternary In₉SnO₁₅, a potential indium tin oxide (ITO) pyramid nanocluster for a humidity sensor, using density functional theory and transition-state theory. B3LYP hybrid functional was applied with the 6-311G** basis set for light elements (H, O) and (SDD) basis set for heavy elements (In, Sn). Steady-state geometrical structures were obtained using a complementary program, Gaussian View 05, and the corresponding electronic properties. HOMO and LUMO were calculated via the Gaussian 09W software program …

Modeling And Performance Analysis Of Two-Dimensional Vcsel Using Finite Element Simulation, Rand Mahdi Khudair, Shaimaa S. Mahdi

Baghdad Science Journal

Vertical cavity surface emission lasers (VCSELs) are considered to be an integral component of short-range optical communication. Compact structure, low threshold current, and high modulation capability are the reasons why these communication systems are used. efficiency. This study presents a two-dimensional numerical simulation of a VCSEL structure at a wavelength of 850 nm using the finite element method (FEM) via Laser MOD software to investigate the effect of using two different quantum well materials (QW) GaAs, and AlGaAs on the optical performance of the device. All of the above were done within the same cavity and DBR structure to provide …

Comparative Study Of Green Synthesis To Prepare Tio2 Nanoparticles From Plant Shard Leaves Extract By Using Microwave Irradiation And Microjet Plasma, Zainab Fakhri Merzah, Zainab J Shanan, Tayser Sumer Gaaz

Baghdad Science Journal

Plant extracts have been widely investigated as a safer alternative for the green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles. This study presents a green synthesis approach using shard leaf extract assisted by microwave irradiation and microjet plasma for the preparation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs). The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and zeta potential (ZP) analysis. XRD results confirmed the formation of the anatase phase of TiO₂ without detectable brookite or rutile peaks, indicating high phase purity. The crystal structure was …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Zinc Oxide (Zno) Nanoparticles: From Chemical To Green Synthesis, Kawa S. Sulaiman, Ayoub S. Karim

Baghdad Science Journal

The present research focuses on the synthesis and comparative analysis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) produced through two distinct methodologies: a traditional sol-gel procedure and a sustainable green synthesis route. The green synthesis approach utilized Laurus Nobilis leaf extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical synthesis. To evaluate the structural, optical, and morphological properties of the resulting nanoparticles, both sets of samples were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), FTIR, and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The XRD patterns confirmed the successful formation of a hexagonal wurtzite …

Coefficient Bounds For A New Subclass Of Meromorphic Multivalent Functions With Higher Derivatives Obtained From Bessel Function, Ali Musaddak Delphi

Baghdad Science Journal

The goal of this paper is to introduce a new subclass of meromorphic multivalent functions with higher derivatives inside a punctured open unit disk U*, by generalizing the Bessel function. The method used to derive the new findings on this topic is stated in section two of this paper. The product theorem between two functions and neighborhood properties was obtained using the recently discovered coefficient bounds for the new subclass. In addition, this paper attempted to address an important research gap in the subject of geometric function theory, which is the computational tools for coefficient bounds through the use …

Quasi-Mixing C0-Semigroups And Their Relations With Recurrent C0-Semigroups, Mansooreh Moosapoor, Otmane Benchiheb

Baghdad Science Journal

This article presents and investigates the concept of the quasi-mixing C₀-semigroups. It is proved that the quasi-mixing of an invertible C₀-semigroup is equivalent to the quasi-mixing of its inverse. The quasi-mixing vectors are defined and they are used to prove a sufficient condition for the quasi-mixing. It is established that the quasi-mixing of a C₀-semigroup is equivalent to the quasi-mixing of any of its discretizations. The quasi-mixing of a C₀-semigroup ( T_t )_{t ≥ 0}, as it is demonstrated by this study, implies the quasi-mixing for each operator T …

Approximation In S-Normed Orlicz Spaces, Zainab Abdulmunim Sharba, Hawraa Abbas Almurieb, Samah Alhashemi

Baghdad Science Journal

Orlicz spaces generalize conventional Lebesgue spaces, providing a more flexible framework for analyzing functions. They are essential to functional analysis and related fields, particularly in approximation theory. This paper defines an Orlicz normed space equipped with an S-norm, where S is an outer function that satisfies certain conditions. Introducing norms via the outer function S is a general method that encompasses many cases of norms in Orlicz spaces. The relationship between S-norm and other norms on Orlicz spaces is established through several equivalences. Moreover, moduli of smoothness are of great interest in approximation theory, as they provide criteria …

Post & Lintel, 2025-2026 Edition, Preservation Eastern

Post & Lintel

No abstract provided.

High Densities Of Large Herbivores Rapidly Disrupt Ecosystem Integrity, Jennifer A Krumins

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Human-induced high densities of large wild herbivores may pose a threat to natural ecosystems, modifying biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Although the negative impacts on individual taxa and processes are well documented, a comprehensive understanding of how ecosystem integrity responds to high herbivore densities remains limited. This study addresses this gap through an extensive herbivore-density manipulation experiment conducted in two Mediterranean woodlands. We established two scenarios of high red deer (Cervus elaphus) density, representative of some protected areas (similar to 30 individuals.km(2)) and intensively managed hunting estates (similar to 90 individuals.km(2)). We monitored 38 metrics encompassing a broad spectrum of biodiversity …

An Evaluation Of The Leader In Me Program’S Influence On Time And Project Management In Secondary Pbl Classrooms, Tiffany L. Brandenburg

Education Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods evaluation examined the implementation of the Leader in Me (LIM) framework and its relationship to secondary students’ time and project management skills within project-based learning (PBL) environments. Conducted across Grades 6–12 in a public charter school district, the study analyzed teacher surveys, student reflections, classroom observations, and Measurable Results Assessment (MRA) data to evaluate perceptions and implementation patterns related to student self-management practices. Findings indicated variability in LIM implementation across classrooms and inconsistencies in how leadership and organizational practices were integrated into daily instruction. Teachers frequently reported challenges related to students’ planning, prioritization, and task management skills, while …

Cmsi Translations #31: Joint Air And Missile Defense Operations In The Maritime Domain Must Emphasize And Strengthen The “Four Joint Functions”, Nan Xiang, Xie Lu, Zhi Xi

CMSI Translations

With a focus on missions directed toward the maritime, and closely aligning with the objectives of the “Three Major Strategic Capabilities,” this article outlines four critical functions to enhance joint air and missile defense capabilities: strengthening joint situational awareness through multi-domain integration and all-domain reconnaissance and surveillance; optimizing command structures and integrating systems to enhance joint command and control (C2); leveraging systemic strengths and deploying forces methodically to strengthen joint defense and countermeasures; and ensuring flexibility, agility, and efficiency to strengthen joint support. These efforts aim to achieve defense against incoming threats as early as possible and as far away …

Millennials Will Pay The Price: Demographic Imbalance And Reform Inertia In Canada’S And Spain’S Pension Systems, Javier E. Burgos Oliva

Journal of New Finance

This paper examines how demographic imbalance and policy inertia undermine intergenerational equity in Canada’s partially funded and Spain’s pay-as-you-go pension systems. Despite structural differences, both nations transfer financial risks to Millennials and Gen Z due to aging populations, low fertility, and political resistance to reform. Using a comparative political economy framework and a stylized hyperbolic discounting model, the study shows institutional design alone cannot prevent unsustainability when incentives favor short-term gains. Policy recommendations include automatic adjustment mechanisms, independent fiscal councils, and private pension incentives.

The Other Side Of Peruvian Private Pension System, Paolo Daniel Jara

Journal of New Finance

Between 2020 and 2025, Peru's Congress authorized eight extraordinary withdrawal rounds from the Private Pension System (SPP), liquidating USD 38 billion. This paper argues that the trajectory is the empirical convergence of two analytically distinct failures. The first, from below, reflects the mismatch between the system's behavioral assumptions and a heterogeneous, predominantly informal workforce. The second, from above, reflects short-cycle electoral incentives, institutional asymmetry between Congress and the regulator, and slippery-slope dynamics. The paper proposes a reform combining free disposal of pension funds with individual fiscal responsibility, mediated by a binding waiver of the state-funded solidarity pension.