Digital Commons Network^™

Visual Documentary Of Intimacy: Obama Presidency Through Pete Souza's Images, Yung Soo Kim

Iowa Journal of Communication

This study aims to provide a more in-depth analysis by exploring how images of President Obama successfully led the public to perceive him favorably. This qualitative visual analysis shows that the success of Mr. Souza’s coverage of President Obama stems from his documentary images of intimate moments of the president. Those intimate documentations might help some viewers embrace President Obama as trustworthy, at least for those who came to know him more via these images.

Teachers Do It All: A Cluster-Based Analysis Of Abbott Elementary, Peter Heryla

Iowa Journal of Communication

This study employs rhetorical criticism to analyze the television sitcom Abbott Elementary (2021). Through close examination of the episodes “Pilot,” “Development Day,” and “Egg Drop,” this analysis aims to uncover key ideas about the multifaceted roles and responsibilities educators are required to assume outside of their main job as “teacher.” Utilizing cluster criticism, the study shows that being a teacher is about more than educating, and that teachers are motivated by common themes when they act outside of their role. The study also focuses on the mediated representation of teachers and the harmful demographic tropes that have historically characterized them, …

The Future Of Mediation: Mcluhanisms For The Quantum Era, Erik Gustafson

Iowa Journal of Communication

The 21st century has been characterized as a time of expansive and rapid technological change, particularly regarding the internet, digital technologies, and now artificial intelligence. Both scholarly and popular conversations have rushed to make sense of the technological phenomenon as they occur. Now, the “second quantum revolution” and the race for “quantum supremacy” threaten to push technological knowledge and applications even further from public understanding. As such, the present article sought to provide a host of theoretical and practical tools that may aid the public and scholars alike in understanding and combatting the overwhelming features of technology that may come …

How Influencer Marketers Inspire Trust: The Case Of Sadaf Beauty, Maryam Amini

Iowa Journal of Communication

This article presents a qualitative case study of Iranian beauty influencer Sadaf Masaeli (Sadaf Beauty), focusing on how she has cultivated her followers’ trust on her Instagram account. Sadaf was identified as the second most influential beauty influencer of 2019 in the world by Forbes magazine (Caludet, 2019). Her example provides insight into how influencer marketing has become a popular way to increase brand awareness, find new customers and enhance purchase intention. In particular, her case highlights the effects of a contradiction shaping influencer marketing. On the one hand, influencers appear as authentic social media users, to attract followers whilst, …

Esg As A Test Case For The Convergence Thesis In Corporate Law: Notes From India, Rudresh Mandal

LL.M. Essays & Theses

This paper uses four concepts key to the ESG agenda – investor stewardship codes, corporate purpose, independent directors and ESG disclosures – to examine which way the corporate convergence pendulum is swinging in India. It finds that none of the aforesaid concepts are examples of perfect convergence or perfect divergence. Instead, they lie somewhere in the convergence-divergence matrix – India’s investor stewardship codes and framework on independent directors are examples of formal convergence but functional divergence, and her corporate law provisions on corporate purpose and ESG disclosure are functionally convergent, but formally divergent. The dichotomies in the analysis are explained …

Media Haze Classification In Retinal Images Using Deep Learning, Jonathan O'Berry

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Media Haze (MH) is a condition that affects an individual’s quality of life by affecting their eyes. Current practice is to detect MH by manually examining retinal fundus (retinal) images. The analysis of images being used as the prevalent technique for identifying the MH condition strongly suggests that automation of this process may be possible. In recent years, machine learning, specifically computer vision, has allowed for the automation of tasks relating to image analysis. This ability to automate has also recently been shown in the medical field for some eye conditions and diseases. This thesis centers around the problem of …

Assessing Unoccupied Aircraft And Ground-Based Methods For Detecting Differences In Intertidal Oyster (Crassostrea Virginica) Reef Structure, Alyah Bennett

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reefs provide critical ecosystem services, including shoreline stabilization, water filtration, and habitat for diverse marine species. However, these reef habitats are declining globally due to overharvesting, disease, and environmental change. This study evaluated the effectiveness of in-situ vs drone-based methods for detecting differences in oyster reef structure focusing on percent live cover and rugosity as key indicators. We also compared these methods in terms of cost, effort, and variability. Using data collected from Northeast Florida on a variety of reef types exposed to various disturbances, we developed generalized linear models to evaluate for differences …

The Challenges Of Decoding Russian Coercion, Cynthia A. Roberts

Publications and Research

This review essay critically examines cultural explanations of deterrence and coercion, focusing on Dmitry Adamsky’s The Russian Way of Deterrence as the most important recent effort to explain Russian strategic behavior through the lens of strategic culture. While recognizing the book’s considerable strengths in describing Russian concepts, terminology, and practices of deterrence and coercion, the essay questions how much explanatory leverage culture actually provides. It argues that cultural approaches risk over-complexifying the Russian case while under-specifying causal relationships, and asks why distinctive strategic cultures do not produce greater variation in coercive behavior and outcomes. The essay contrasts cultural interpretation with …

Evaluating The Impact Of Covid-19 On The Human Security Of Low-Income Migrant Workers’ In Singapore: Perspectives Among Policymakers, Community Stakeholders, And Academic Experts, Mukda Pratheepwatanawong, Rayner Kay Jin Tan, Waranya Jitpong

Asian Review

This research examines human security issues of low-income migrant workers in Singapore as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted stakeholder interviews and a review of secondary data, which were deductively analysed using themes adopted from a United Nations Development Programme human security framework. This research found that while several efforts by civil society and the government have been assessed to make a lasting, positive impact on human security, other areas may still have fallen short. We suggest that despite efforts to address the immediate needs of migrant workers, structural changes are needed to create a lasting impact on …

An Optimal Culture Medium For Laccase Production And Sugar Cane Vinasse Biotreatment With Trametes Villosa Using Plackett-Burman And Central Composite Designs, Rosa Elena Caballero, Víctor Jiménez, Mónica Miranda, Dalys Rovira, Guillermo Branda, Juana Ramos Chue De Pérez

Applied Environmental Research

The optimal conditions for laccase production and vinasse biotreatment with a native strain of Trametes villosa were determined by a screening-optimization approach. Eleven factors including nutrient concentration, vinasse dilution (%v/v), inoculum volume, carbon to nitrogen ratio and initial pH, were investigated for their effects on laccase activity applying the Plackett-Burman screening design. The selected factors were optimized using a central composite design, and then evaluated on a vinasse biotreatment experiment. The factors that contributed the most to the enzymatic activity were the concentrations of MgSO4∙7H2O (A), FeSO4∙7H2O (B) and CuSO4∙5H2O (C), alongside initial pH.  After 10 days, laccase activity was …

Green Retail Development For Plastic Waste Prevention – Regime Trajectories And Levers For Change In Thailand’S Socio-Technical System Of Single-Use Plastics, Siri Luther, Sujitra Vassanadumrongdee

Applied Environmental Research

Thailand faces significant plastic waste management challenges. Around 2018-2019, a growing number of green retail shops started emerging in Thailand, offering products and services that eliminate or reduce the consumption of single-use plastics (SUPs). This paper intends to explore green retail as a niche in the Thai socio-technical system of SUPs. It aims to understand the socio-technical system’s current state, identify niche dynamics and momentum, illustrate key regime trajectories, and highlight policy levers. The study uses secondary data from academic articles and policy documentation, along with primary data from interviews with 20 Thai green retail founders conducted between 2020 and …

Use Of Modified Blast Furnace Slag For Cadmium Removal In An Aqueous Medium, Toufik Chouchane, Mohamed Tayeb Abedghars, Sabiha Chouchane, Hazem Meradi, Atmane Boukari

Applied Environmental Research

In this work, blast furnace slag was converted to hydroxyapatite-zeolite (MS) through alkaline fusion and hydrothermal treatment, and then it was used to remove cadmium in solution by adsorption in batch mode. The process was accomplished under the influence of determining parameters, namely the contact time, mass of the adsorbent, stirring speed, pH of the medium, temperature of the solution, particle size of the slag, and initial concentration. MS consists mainly of sodium oxide, silica, alumina, lime, and phosphorus pentoxide. The Ca/P, Na/Al, and Si/Al ratios revealed that the converted slag is a hydroxyapatite-zeolite. Following the modification of the treated …

Simulated Microgravity, Indole-3-Acetyl Acid, And Cow Dung Influence On Zea Mays Plant Growth In Contaminated Soil, A. Ovenseri, A.O. Ogunkeyede, A.A. Adebayo, P. Tawari-Fufeyin, A.O. Orukpe, C. Udeochu Uche

Applied Environmental Research

This study investigated the effects of simulated microgravity, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and cow dung on Zea mays L. plants growing in soil contaminated with crude oil. Crude oil contamination affects plants negatively in morphology and physiology. For simulated microgravity exposure, IAA introduced and non-IAA introduced seeds of Zea mays L. were grown in a clinostat for 4days before taken to the nursery for planting. IAA was introduced to the seed by soaking in IAA solution for 90 minutes after which it was introduced to the microgravity stimulator (clinostat). After 14 days in the nursery, the seedlings were taken to the …

Alstonia Scholaris Fruit Biomass, A Novel Adsorbent For The Removal Of Lead From Aqueous Solution, Aasif Abdullah Baba, Ajit Kumar Das, Abhik Gupta

Applied Environmental Research

The biosorption of lead (Pb) ions on Alstonia scholaris fruit biomass was investigated in batch and column experiments in an aqueous solution, emphasising the possible binding mechanism of Pb ions on the fruit biomass. The adsorption process was found to be dependent on parameters like adsorbent dose, initial Pb ion concentration, contact time, and pH. No impact was found on Pb adsorption during competitive adsorption. The results suggested that the fruit biomass could remove more than 97% of Pb ions from the aqueous solution. The Freundlich isotherm model best explained the obtained results. The monolayer adsorption capacity of the A. …

Assessing The Relationship And Effect Of Air Pollution [Pm 2.5] On Child Respiratory Illness And Child Mortality In The Philippines, Roel F. Ceballos, Rachell C. Gallano, Lenard D. Visaya

Applied Environmental Research

Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the air, which can seriously impact human health and the environment. Among the air pollutants, fine particulate matter (PM) 2.5, being a microscopic particle, poses serious health risks since it can enter the blood circulation and go deep into the lungs. PM 2.5 has been linked to several health problems, such as early mortality, problems with children's development, and unfavorable birth outcomes. In this regard, the study aims to investigate the relationship and effect of PM 2.5 on child respi-ratory illness and child mortality in the Philippines. Data on child respiratory …

Screening, Isolation And Hydrocarbon Degradation Characteristics Of Yeasts From Mangrove Sediments Of Kerala, Vidya Pothayi, Sreedevi N Kutty, Sebastian Chempakassery Devasia

Applied Environmental Research

The aim of the present work was to examine the hydrocarbon degradation potential of yeasts isolated from the mangrove sediments. Mangrove sediments around the world were considered to be heavily polluted with oil contaminants and the microbes dwelling in them were believed to be highly active in metabolizing and detoxifying the oil fractions. In the present study, 70 yeast isolates were screened for their lipolytic activity qualitatively and 35 of them which showed comparatively higher lipolysis were tested for their crude oil degradation ability. Screening of hydro-carbon utilizing isolates was performed on Bushnell Haas agar media overlaid with 1% crude …

Smu Welcomes Two New Members To Its Board Of Trustees, Singapore Management University

SMU Press Releases and News

The Singapore Management University is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Trustees with effect from 12 January 2024. Their appointment will be for an initial term of three years. The new members are: (1) Dr Andrew David Hamilton – President Emeritus, New York University, (2) Mr Don Lam – Chief Executive Officer & Founding Partner, VinaCapital Group.

2024 Conference Program, Georgia Southern University

SoTL Commons Conference

Conference program for 2024

Protecting The Innocent: How To Prevent The Consequences Of Misidentification And Doxing By Volunteers Helping With Open Source Investigations, Leigh M. Dannhauser

Catholic University Journal of Law and Technology

Individuals performing open source investigations can misidentify alleged perpetrators and dox innocent parties online, which can subsequently lead to threats and harassment against innocent parties and their loved ones. For example, threats were made against Sunil Tripathi’s family after he was wrongly identified as one of the Boston Marathon bombers and doxed on Reddit and Twitter. In 2020, the Berkeley Protocol on Digital Open Source Investigations was published as a guide, and it includes a set of principles to govern open source investigations. However, the Berkeley Protocol is limited to open source investigations performed by those working for organizations. It …

Irreconcilable: Mcdonnell Douglas And Summary Judgment, Sandra F. Sperino

Faculty Publications

The McDonnell Douglas framework is the most important analytical structure in employment discrimination law. Scholars and judges have regularly criticized the three-part burden-shifting test. Despite decades of criticism, a central feature of the framework remains unexamined - its second step is incompatible with the summaryjudgment standard.

In employment discrimination cases courts often grant summaryjudgment in the employer's favor. Scholars have offered various accounts of why this happens, including docket pressures and published case law that focuses on grants of summary judgment. The second step of the inquiry has largely escaped scrutiny because it appears to be a quirky, but somewhat …

Individualized Ideological Enclosures: The Generative Ai Crisis And How Consumers Can Reclaim Their Feeds, Sydney Rose

Catholic University Journal of Law and Technology

No abstract provided.

From Private To Public: Lateral Transfer Student Experiences, Melissa P. Stough, Diane C. Elliott

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

The phenomenon of student movement between higher education institutions has received considerable attention due to its widespread occurrence and impact on academic trajectories. While extensive research has focused on vertical transfer, such as transitions from community colleges to four-year institutions, less scrutiny has been directed towards lateral transfer, involving shifts between institutions at similar academic levels. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the factors influencing lateral transfer, specifically from private four-year colleges to public four-year institutions. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened interest in this understudied area, with indications of increased lateral transfers in its aftermath. Leveraging data …

Investigation Of The Essential Oil Constituents Of Pimenta Racemosa Aerial Parts And Evaluation Of Its Antiviral Activity Against Hsv 1 And 2, Fathia S. Elshaarawy, Mohamed I. S. Abdelhady, Wafaa Hamdy, Haitham A. Ibrahim

Trends in advanced sciences and technology

Pimenta racemosa is a well-known plant used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments. Current pharmaceutical industries rely heavily on the discovery of secondary metabolites found in plants to aid in the development of novel drugs with potential biological activity. This study aimed to investigate the essential oil constituents of Pimenta racemose (Mill.) J. W. Moore aerial parts (leaves and small branches) and evaluate its antiviral activity. The essential oil was prepared by conventional hydro distillation method. The prepared oil was analyzed by GC/MS. Identification of the essential oil constituents was achieved by comparing retention indices (RI) relative to standard …

Examining U.S. National Trends In Adult Mental Illness And Naturalistic Psychedelic Drug Use, Daniel Grossman

All ETDs from UAB

Psychedelic drugs have gained prominent attention in recent years for their therapeutic potential in treating mental illness in clinical settings. Concurrently, population studies show increasing prevalence and notable demographic changes among naturalistic psychedelic users, as well as mixed associations between different types of naturalistic psychedelic use and mental health. However, despite this ongoing cultural shift, little is known about temporal changes in the mental health profiles of naturalistic psychedelic users at the population level. This thesis examined national trends in the association between past year naturalistic use of LSD, MDMA, and DMT/AMT/Foxy and past year mental illness among US adults, …

Does Ceo Education Matter? The Relationship Between Doctoral-Educated Hospital Ceos And Organizational Performance, Kofi Ali Cash

All ETDs from UAB

One of the most pressing issues in healthcare strategic leadership research is identifying which hospital chief executive officer (CEO) characteristics possess a significant and favorable relationship to organizational performance. However, little is known about the relationship between hospitals led by doctoral-educated CEOs and organizational performance. This study adds to our knowledge by examining the relationship between doctoral-educated hospital CEOs and selected financial and patient safety outcomes. UET served as the theoretical framework and guided the examination of the relationship between the selected dependent and independent variables. This study’s population included 509 acute-care hospitals across nine states, requiring a minimum four-year …

Crown Fatigue Resistance And Enamel Wear Of 3d Printed Resin Compared To Lithium Disilicate, Pranit Vasant Bora

All ETDs from UAB

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the wear characteristics and fatigue resistance of two dental crown materials: SprintRay Ceramic Crown, a 3D-printed resin material, and IPS™ e.Max CAD, a lithium disilicate material. Methods: This study evaluates wear and fatigue characteristics of dental crowns made from Ceramic Crown (SprintRay) and IPS e.max CAD LT (Ivoclar). For fatigue testing, custom fatigue devices were utilized to subject the crowns to cyclic loading, simulating occlusal forces. The specimens underwent 100,000 cycle intervals until 1.5 million cycles at a load of 40N of fatigue loading, with inspections conducted for signs of debonding, …

Predicting Maximum Concentric And Eccentric Squat Strength From Maximum Isometric Squat Strength, Michael A. Dunn

All ETDs from UAB

Resistive squat exercise is a well-established technique to enhance the strength of muscles and bone of the back in humans. Such type of exercise could prove highly beneficial for individuals with pathological condition of the back such as osteoporosis. Notably, the rehabilitation programs aimed at strengthening the muscles and bone of the back require the knowledge of the patient’s one repetition maximum (1RM). Finding the 1RM squat value could lead to injury due to the higher weights involved. In addition, testing for 1RM could be not feasible in older populations or young population with chronic back conditions The isometric squat …

A Thematic Analysis Of Health Literacy And Education Disparities Regarding Medical Needs For Transgender Individuals, Rachel Mcmullen

All ETDs from UAB

Transgender individuals experience many challenges within the healthcare system including discrimination, socioeconomic struggles, financial strains, a lack of educated healthcare providers, and a health system framework that makes it even more challenging for them to receive their medical needs (Korpaisarn and Safer). One contributing factor to this lack of education is that on average medical schools in the United States only spend approximately five hours total on the health needs related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals (Miller et al.). Another contributing factor is the stigma around LGBTQ individuals within the medical community. The stigma is concerning …

3d Microtissue Model Of The Aged Ovarian Tumor Microenvironment, Peyton Clark

All ETDs from UAB

Ovarian cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer deaths for women, primarily due to treatment resistant and/or recurrent disease. Most cases of ovarian cancer are not diagnosed until distant metastases have formed, which drastically reduces overall survival. The median age at diagnosis is 63 and most cases occur in patients who are peri- and post-menopausal. There is a critical gap between the clinical presentation of ovarian cancer and the preclinical models used to study the disease. Most preclinical in vivo investigations use mice who are between 6 and 12 weeks old, which corresponds to roughly a 20-year-old human. Therefore, …

Comparative Enzymatic Analysis Of Different Isoforms Of Group A Streptococcal Bacteriophage H4489a Hyaluronidase, Urvi Prakash Rawal

All ETDs from UAB

The Hyaluronate Lyase derived from Group A streptococcal bacteriophage H4489A gene (HylP) is known for cleaving the glycosidic bonds of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMWHA), a substance often overexpressed in certain types of cancer cells. This enzymatic action produces HA oligosaccharides. Previous research, conducted by our team, has demonstrated that these oligosaccharides play a significant role in reducing the invasion, migration, and proliferation of breast cancer cells. This effect occurs through the disruption of Erk1/2 activation and RhoA expression. This bacteriophage hyaluronate lyase (HylP), a 40kDa protein, possesses a unique collagen-like sequence, consisting of 30 amino acids in a …