Digital Commons Network^™

Lee Hedgepeth's Handwritten Notes On The Execution Of Joe Nathan James, Lee Hedgepeth

Execution Artifacts and Eyewitness Accounts

Handwritten notes by Lee Hedgepeth, journalist and witness to the Joe Nathan James execution.

Application In Medicine: Has Artificial Intelligence Stood The Test Of Time, Mir Ibrahim Sajid, Shaheer Ahmed, Usama Waqar, Javeria Tariq, Mohsin Chundrigar, Samira Shabbir Balouch, Sajid Abaidullah

Medical College Documents

Artificial intelligence (AI) has proven time and time again to be a game-changer innovation in every walk of life, including medicine. Introduced by Dr. Gunn in 1976 to accurately diagnose acute abdominal pain and list potential differentials, AI has since come a long way. In particular, AI has been aiding in radiological diagnoses with good sensitivity and specificity by using machine learning algorithms. With the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, AI has proven to be more than just a tool to facilitate healthcare workers in decision making and limiting physician-patient contact during the pandemic. It has guided governments and key policymakers …

Ewom Platforms As Productivity Catalyzers For Travel Agencies: A Two-Stage Double Bootstrap Data Envelopment Analysis, Tomas Saralegui

ITSA 2022 Gran Canaria - 9th Biennial Conference: Corporate Entrepreneurship and Global Tourism Strategies After Covid 19

The travel industry, and in particular travel agencies, face a severe challenge to increase productivity. In a fast-paced digitalization context, embracing ICTs to tackle this challenge should be part of COVID-19 recovery strategies. Electronic word of mouth (eWOM) could allow better learning processes, improve communication with customers, and serve as a remarkable diffusion channel. However, this channel is not yet fully embraced by the sector. This research, delimited to Spanish travel agencies in the period 2012-2019, applies a two-stage double bootstrap data envelopment analysis to assess whether eWOM and how firms manage eWOM, contributes to achieving higher levels of efficiency. …

Effect Of Corrosion Inhibitors On Copper Etching To Form Thick Copper Line Of Pcb In Acidic Etching Solution, Xiao-Li Wang, Wei He, Xian-Ming Chen, Hong Zeng, Yuan-Zhang Su, Chong Wang, Gao-Sheng Li, Ben-Xia Huang, Lei Feng, Gao Huang, Yuan-Ming Chen

Journal of Electrochemistry

The chemical compounds of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (2-MBT), benzotriazole (BTA) and phenoxyethanol (MSDS) as corrosion inhibitors were used to inhibit the copper etching to form the thick copper line of PCB in the acidic etching solution. The inhibition status was characterized with contact angle measurement, electrochemical test and etch factor calculation, while the corrosion morphology of copper surface was studied by scanning electron microscope. The adsorption mechanism of corrosion inhibitors on copper surface is analyzed by molecular dynamics and quantum chemistry calculations. The results indicated that the synergistic function of the two inhibitors could effectively promote their adsorption on the copper surface …

Research Progress In Electroless Cobalt Plating And The Bottom-Up Filling Of Electroless Plating, Yu Shen, Bing-Bing Li, Yi Ma, Zeng-Lin Wang

Journal of Electrochemistry

With the continuous improvement of semiconductor integration, the resistivity of copper interconnect lines increases rapidly. When the width of the interconnect line is close to 7 nm, the resistivity of copper becomes the same as that of cobalt. International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) and Advanced Semiconductor Incorporation (ASI) have used cobalt to replace copper as a next-generation interconnect material. However, the fabrication of the cobalt seed layer and the super filling of electroplating cobalt for the 7 nm via-holes have been still the large challenge. Electroless plating is a very simple method to form a seed layer on the surface …

Investigating Metformin & Syrosingopine's Synthetic Lethality In Pc3 & Thp-1 Cancer Cell Lines, Sophia V. Medeiros

The Plymouth Student Scientist

The oral antidiabetic, metformin, has been documented to have antineoplastic activity in various cancer cell lines, associated with the inhibition of mitochondrial complex I. However, pre-clinical studies have struggled to demonstrate such antineoplastic activity utilising metformin concentrations attainable with standard antidiabetic dosing. Research has revealed that metformin combined with the anti-hypertensive drug, syrosingopine, lowers metformin’s therapeutic threshold and sensitizes cancer cells to killing, by inhibiting monocarboxylate transporters (MCT)1/MCT4. The potent interaction between these drugs elicits a synthetic lethality, specific to transformed cells. This preliminary study aimed to investigate metformin’s antineoplastic effects and its synergistic relationship with syrosingopine by measuring cell …

Can We Improve Self-Esteem By Reducing Instagram Usage, Via A Novel Online Imagery Intervention?, Sabrina Ryan

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Self-esteem has far-reaching effects on our lives. Low self-esteem can cause negative body image and depression, and therefore it is vital for psychologists to find ways to improve individuals’ self-esteem. Recent research has shown that social media usage is negatively associated with self-esteem, prompting the theory that interventions which reduce individuals’ social media usage could result in higher levels of self-esteem. Our study aimed to test this theory by using a novel online imagery intervention, developed from Functional Imagery Training (FIT), to reduce Instagram usage in participants from Plymouth University. Results showed that the novel online imagery intervention was not …

Srad Director's Corner: Understanding North Korea And The Key To Security In East Asia, George Shatzer

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

In the third installment of the SRAD Director’s Corner, Colonel George Shatzer focuses on North Korea and the Kim family regime. He reviews Becoming Kim Jong Un: A Former CIA Officer’s Insights into North Korea’s Enigmatic Young Dictator by Jung H. Pak and Rationality in the North Korean Regime: Understanding the Kims’ Strategy of Provocation by David W. Shin and shows how these books might help readers better understand North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-Un and the implications of his actions for US foreign and military policy in the region. The books also provide insights for strategists attempting to plan for …

Partners With Lower Relationship Commitment Are More Likely To Use Technology During Couple Leisure Time, Justin Matthew, Brandon T. Mcdaniel Phd

Health Services and Informatics Research

The constant availability of digital devices can create opportunities for digital connection or distraction in couple relationships. Prior research has investigated the effects of personal technology use during shared couple time, but how the relational process of commitment may be tied to personal technology use during shared couple time is not yet fully understood. In the current study, we examined whether individuals’ level of relationship commitment would be associated with their likelihood of using technology while with their partner during shared leisure time in a sample of 1065 adult participants. Participants (Mean age = 35.73 years) from across the U.S. …

Construction Of Mega Individuals Competency Model In Business Environment: A Grounded Theory Approach, Beilei Huang, Jinhua Zhang, Xiyuan Li

Plymouth Business School

The purpose of this research is to explore the new practices derived from the influences of information technology among a certain group, i.e., “mega individuals”. Based on Grounded Theory and interviews from 53 companies, which consist of responses from 56 domestic and international founders, entrepreneurs, professional managers, partners and business elites, this study expounds that “mega individuals”, who constantly develop individual attainment and ability under the influence of business ecosystem evolution, have broken the traditional employment relationship. Through Grounded Theory, the following conclusion can be drawn: “mega individuals” are composed of three key traits: compound ability, collaboration ability and personal …

Income Earner Status And Couple Type And Its Impact On Marital Satisfaction, Yudiana Ratnasari, Fath Fatheya

Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia

The rise of opportunities for females to work outside household settings in Indonesia has changed the division of traditional roles and responsibilities among married couples and thus may affect the quality of marital relationships. This study aims to observe how income earner status (single or dual earner) within families and couple type play roles in marital satisfaction. The participants comprised 224 spousal couples who are analyzed individually and together to categorize couple types measured using the Relational Dimension Instrument and Couple Satisfaction Index. Results indicate that for income earner status, no significant predominant effect on marital satisfaction was observed. The …

Islamophobia Among Malaysian Non-Muslim Indian Undergraduate Students: A Focus Group Study, Poh Chua Siah, Sew Kim Low, Nurullashkeen Mohd Anis, Soon Aun Tan, Ting Ying Tan, Sarvarubini Nainee

Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia

Malaysia is often regarded as a multi-ethnic nation that inherited a few ethnic groups who were taken as homogeneous unions. Still, the rise of Islamophobia in Western countries has increased the same sentiment among Malaysian non-Muslim Indians, with the HIND RAF protest in 2007 demonstrating their deep concern for religious freedom. This study aims to understand the formation of Islamophobia among Malaysian non-Muslim Indians and their perceptions of Islam. This study employed the focus group method to collect data, thematic analysis to analyze data and purposive sampling to recruit 16 non-Muslim Indian undergraduate students. Intergroup contact theory was used as …

The Role Of Appearance Self-Schema In The Perceived Impact Of Fitspiration Images On The Self And Others: A Study On Body Image, Asharf Sadat Ahadzadeh, Mansour Amini, Shin Ling Wu, Zhou Haolin

Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia

Exposure to Instagram Fitspiration images creates negative perceptions toward one’s body. Drawing on third-person effect (TPE) theory, this study aims to explain such feelings among viewers and examine the effect of appearance self-schema as an underlying cause of negative body image and the perceived impact of Fitspiration images on the self and others. A total of 301 university students who were viewers of Fitspiration images were recruited to complete a survey on demographic characteristics, body image, appearance self-schema, and the perceived impact of Fitspiration images on the self and others. Results show that the perceived effect of Fitspiration is greater …

Leaving College Without A Degree: The Student Experience At An Urban Broad Access Institution, Andrea Marie Garrity

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis seeks to understand how students who leave college without a degree, or non-completers, experience broad access institutions in an effort to shift our thinking from the student characteristics that predict college dropout to how broad access institutions can better serve students and improve graduation rates. To answer this question, I conducted interviews with former students who had recently attended a broad access institution and left without a degree. Results show that participants expressed internalized views of the traditional college student archetype, which was reinforced through their college experience. Further, participants encountered significant bureaucratic challenges and barriers, and expressed …

The Lupus Susceptibility Allele Drb1*03:01 Encodes A Disease-Driving Epitope, Bruna Miglioranza Scavuzzi, Vincent Van Drongelen, Bhavneet Kaur, Jennifer Callahan Fox, Jianhua Liu, Raquel A Mesquita-Ferrari, J Michelle Kahlenberg, Evan A Farkash, Fernando Benavides, Frederick W Miller, Amr H Sawalha, Joseph Holoshitz

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The HLA-DRB1*03:01 allele is a major genetic risk factor in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the mechanistic basis of the association is unclear. Here we show that in the presence of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), a short DRB1*03:01-encoded allelic epitope activates a characteristic lupus transcriptome in mouse and human macrophages. It also triggers a cascade of SLE-associated cellular aberrations, including endoplasmic reticulum stress, unfolded protein response, mitochondrial dysfunction, necroptotic cell death, and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Parenteral administration of IFN-γ to naïve DRB1*03:01 transgenic mice causes increased serum levels of anti-double stranded DNA antibodies, glomerular immune complex deposition and histopathological renal …

The Intersections Of Migration And Identity In Young Adult Literature Of The French-Speaking World, Kaitlyn Waller

Department of Modern Languages and Literatures: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Both young adult literature and novels of migration frequently deal with the construction of identity, from coming-of-age stories to narratives of intercultural exploration and hybridization. Young adult narratives of migration, then, represent a fascinating intersection of two literary traditions for the exploration of questions of identity. However, young adult literature and its varied subgenres are often overlooked among the broader critical scholarship of migration narratives. Indeed, the genre is often critiqued as too simplistic or pedagogical to truly merit consideration among adult readers and academics. Through an in-depth analysis of nine novels, however, I explore questions of identity development in …

Closeness In Interethnic Friendship (Arabic, Javanese, Tionghoa): A Qualitative Study On Adolescents Living In Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia, Fadjri Kirana Anggarani, Avin Fadilla Helmi, Claudia Rosari Dewi

Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia

This study aims to describe the formation process of the closeness in interethnic friendship among adolescents living in Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia. A qualitative study using grounded theory method is employed. Study participants comprised five adolescent girls, aged 16–17 years, with the following interethnic friendships: Javanese–Arabic–Tionghoa, Javanese–Arabic, and Javanese–Tionghoa. Data on the formation process of closeness in interethnic friendship were collected using semi-structured interview referring to the Closeness Interethnic Friendship Guideline for Adolescents. Data were analyzed using initial coding, focused coding, axial coding, and theoretical coding. Results reveal seven composites of closeness in interethnic friendship: disclosure, comfort, compatibility, reappraisal of …

Analyzing Impact Of Aesthetic Visual Design On Usability Of E-Learning: An Emerging Economy Perspective, Akanksha Ghai, Urvashi Tandon

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to examine various dimensions of aesthetic visual design and their role in predicting usability in e-learning in higher education institutions of northern India. Using quantitative means of data collection, this research identified, ways and means to make learning content effectively usable, that is, attractive, interesting, motivating, and engaging for the learners.

Method: A survey questionnaire was developed through focused group discussions with field experts. Data were collected through online as well as offline modes. A Google form was created and its weblink was shared with the students pursuing degree courses in various state …

Role Of Angiotensin Ii Subtype 1 Receptor In Smooth Muscle Cells Apoptosis After Balloon Injury To Vessel, Geng Wang, Guo-Xiang He, Xiao-Hui Xu, Guo-Chao Wang

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

In order to investigate the mechanism of smooth muscle cells apoptosis after balloon injury to vessel, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) and immunohistochemistry were adopted to measure the percentage of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis and the expression of angiotensin II subtype 1 receptor (AT1 R).

Museum Review: Homestead-Workman Family Homestead Museum, Jose Castro

History in the Making

No abstract provided.

Museum Review: “Brave Hearts: A Virtual Exhibit” With Room To Grow, Michelle Curtis

History in the Making

No abstract provided.

Donald Rumsfeld (1932–2021), Devin Gillen, Levi Gonzalez

History in the Making

No abstract provided.

Bell Hooks (1952–2021), Cecelia Smith

History in the Making

No abstract provided.

Uprooted: Doorway Gardens And African Plant Cultivation In The Colonial Atlantic World, Brittany Mondragon

History in the Making

Approximately twelve million enslaved African people were uprooted from their homes and sent to the New World to work as free forced labor on plantation fields. Meanwhile, African plants also made their own triangular voyage across the Atlantic as slave ship captains gathered provisions for the seafaring journey or Africans stowed away food as they embarked on an unknown and horrifying journey. While attention on the transatlantic trade nexus often focuses on food and cash crops traveling between Europe and the Americas, several different produce of African origins were transplanted in America and often found in enslaved people’s provision gardens. …

Coping With Trauma: Evidence That Suggests The Ancient Egyptians Used Transpersonal Psychology To Cope With Birth-Related Trauma, Erika Kelley

History in the Making

Giving birth in the ancient world was very difficult, stressful, and dangerous with many mothers and children sadly not surviving the ordeal. To deal with this often-traumatic event, many ancient Egyptians used rituals, tools, and spells to ensure that their deities would be present during these difficult times and help either physically or mentally. For the ancient Egyptians, interacting with their gods was a way to ensure their survival, but in modernity, relying on religious or spiritual practices during stressful events correlates with psychology. Modern scholars have named this idea transpersonal psychology, and it is a subsection of humanistic psychology …

Alcatraz, A Pelican’S Brief, Cecelia Smith

History in the Making

Jutting out into the middle of San Francisco Bay is a large rocky formation known as Alcatraz Island, its name loosely translated from the Spanish word for “pelican.” Tourists leave from Pier thirty-three and travel to the island which has been designated as a National Park. It offers visitors the opportunity to experience history as the location was once a fortress and a prison. Many visitors, however, are unaware of the connection of Indigenous populations to the island thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. With the advent of settler colonialism, the impact of European colonial settlers on Indigenous …

Using Virtual Reality And Immersive Tech To Engage Online Students In Their Library, Victoria Raish, Seyilayo Olagbami

Distance Library Services Conference

No abstract provided.

Hydroponically Growing A Holistic Superfood Diet For Mars Exploration, Marianna Pezzella, Ruben A. Rosa Polonia

Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal

In “Hydroponically Growing a Holistic Superfood Diet for Mars Exploration,” Project H.O.M.E. members conducted an experiment to help determine ways to provide future astronauts with a complete, balanced diet on a planet that does not receive as much sunlight as Earth. Sending massive amounts of food into space is incredibly expensive, takes up valuable spacecraft area, and is, overall, not a feasible way to provide astronauts with sustenance. Project H.O.M.E. has thus developed a hydroponic system to evaluate the growth and yield of various superfoods - including Moringa Oleifera, goji berries, and kale - under simulated Mars lighting conditions. Data …

Virtual And Viral: Shifts In Signed Language Interpreter Education During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Mark A. Halley, Dawn M. Wessling, Stephanie N. Sargent

Journal of Interpretation

While online education has become more prevalent throughout the years, nothing prepared signed language interpreter educators for the likes of the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed educators in the United States and internationally to not only determine if practices had changed to keep up with the demands of the pandemic, but to learn how these practices were implemented. This study delves into the question of how interpreter educators adjusted their pedagogical approaches during the global pandemic. Responses showed a variety of adaptations to meet the needs of students, and a primary theme was the adeptness of educators in overcoming technology frustrations, …

Stratospheric Effects On Uv, Speed Of Sound, Pressure, And Temperature, Joshua V. Chis, Joana Diaz, Brianna E. Ortiz, Imani G. Robertson, Jelani A. Shadd

DePaul Discoveries

The atmosphere is composed of several layers, each with its own distinct environment varying in temperature, pressure, and levels of UV radiation. Quantifying these varying parameters proves to be useful in understanding atmospheric composition in greater detail. Variance in the composition of the atmosphere allows for the study of the evolution of physical phenomena at different altitudes. Our group quantified this variance using a high-altitude weather balloon and designed an experimental method to observe the nature of sound propagation through varying altitudes. The goal was to develop an altitude-dependent model of the speed of sound by using an open-air, microcontroller-based …