Digital Commons Network^™

Beyond The Ban: Chhaupadi Abolition And The Governance Of Menstrual Autonomy In Western Nepal, Nikita Paudel

Master in Public Policy Theses

This thesis examines how two decades of efforts to abolish chhaupadi have shaped the everyday conditions under which women and girls experience menstruation in western Nepal. Chhaupadi, commonly understood as menstrual seclusion, has been addressed through Supreme Court directives, national policy, criminal law, municipal implementation instruments, hut demolition campaigns, public health programming, and rights-based advocacy. Yet the practice has persisted, adapted, and in some cases moved into less visible spaces. Rather than treating this as a simple gap between law and practice, this thesis asks how abolition efforts themselves have become part of the regulatory regime through which menstruation is …

Design And Analysis Of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powered Aircraft Using Wuads Design Code, Baiming Zhang, Duyen Nguyen, Mike Kiely, Ramesh Agarwal

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Independent Study

This report presents the application and validation of the Washington University Aircraft Design Software (WUADS) using the Dornier 228 as a representative short- to mediumrange aircraft case study. The objective of this work is to improve the reliability of the WUADS model by testing its ability to reproduce the geometry, weight, aerodynamic performance, stability characteristics, and mission behavior of an existing aircraft with known design and performance data. The Dornier 228 was selected because of its regional aircraft configuration and its relevance to future hydrogen fuel-cell aircraft studies. In this work, key aircraft parameters, including fuselage dimensions, wing geometry, passenger …

Dna Strand Breaks By Small Molecules: From Genomic Hazard To Therapeutic Strategy, Clerin John

Honors Scholar Theses

DNA strand breaks are among the most critical forms of genomic damage, arising from endogenous metabolic activity, environmental stress, radiation, and diverse chemical agents. Single-strand breaks and double-strand breaks contribute to genome instability, mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Cells rely on DNA repair pathways to detect these breaks and initiate repair. In this review, we conducted a comprehensive literature review to systematically compile and examine the mechanisms underlying small-molecule-induced DNA strand breaks. This review highlights the underlying mechanisms by which these molecules interact with DNA and trigger damage. We further discussed the current methods used for detection and quantification of …

Depth-Dependent Suppression Of Bipolar Degradation In 4h-Sic Diodes Via Proton Implantation And Evaluation Of Safe Operating Current Density Range, Atsushi Shimbori, Ryota Wada, Nobuhiro Tokoro, Takashi Kuroi, Hiu Yung Wong, Alex Q. Huang

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

This work explores the role of implantation depth in suppressing bipolar degradation of 4H-SiC PiN diodes through proton implantation. Targeting depths aligned with active basal plane dislocations (BPDs) effectively reduces stacking-fault expansion, as confirmed by electroluminescence imaging [1,2]. From these observations, we quantified the effective range of suppression in both depth and safe operating current density. Room-temperature proton implantation (170keV, 1×10¹⁶ cm^-2) into the buffer reduced forward-voltage drift ΔVF by 97% at 600A/cm² . The implanted diode extended the safe operating current range to 1300A/cm², ~200A/cm² higher than the reference, confirming effective suppression …

Usa V. Julius Postell

2026 Decisions

USDC for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Breaking Down Barriers To Pediatric Respite Care Use, Michelle Montanez

Group: Northern Arizona University School of Nursing, DNP Doctoral Papers

Parents of children with a life-limiting illness provide constant, around-the-clock care, often leaving little time for their well-being. This responsibility is emotionally, mentally, and physically demanding, and without proper support, parents face increased risk of depression, burnout, and deteriorating health. Respite services offer relief by providing a much-needed break and allowing parents the opportunity for self-care and improved well-being. Though the benefits of respite are well documented, these services remain underutilized due to barriers such as limited provider awareness, lack of access, and emotional challenges the parents face. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aims to address these barriers …

Pfas Toxicity: What’S True, What’S Not, And What Really Matters, Jamie C. Dewitt, Ian T. Cousins, Gretta Goldenman, Dorte Herzke, Rainer Lohmann, Mark Miller, Carla A. Ng, Martin Scheringer, Xenia Trier, Zhanyun Wang

Graduate School of Oceanography Faculty Publications

A substantial body of evidence exists demonstrating that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) poses a risk to human health. Data from epidemiological studies of those exposed occupationally or environmentally demonstrate adverse health risks, and these health effects are concordant with data from toxicological studies. Systematic reviews, conducted by agencies, organizations, and independent scientists that synthesize and integrate these data streams, have concluded that a range of health risks arise from PFAS exposure, including different types of cancer, especially kidney and testicular cancer, metabolic alterations such as increased liver enzymes and increased cholesterol, immune dysfunction such as reduced vaccination …

Discharge Preparedness Assessment Using The Path-S Tool With Stroke Patient Caregivers, Sue B. Pugh

Group: Samford University Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing

Background of Project:

• Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States.
• Caregivers are a vital component to successful discharge.
• Inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF) are designed to prepare individuals and their caregivers for the transition to home.
• IRF’s measure their success using post discharge surveys.
• The IRF involved in this project measured discharge preparedness against a benchmark score.
• A low score of 3.03/5.0 with a benchmark of 3.4/5.0 resulted in the creation of a key performance initiative regarding discharge preparedness. 

The purpose of this project is to utilize an evidence-based tool in the assessment of stroke caregiver preparedness …

Models, Agency, And Expectations: A Mixed-Methods Study Of How Character Develops In Middle School, Aaron J. Schwindt

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study investigated how character develops among middle school students at an international school recognized as a "National School of Character." Despite significant investment in character education (CE), a lack of formal evaluation exists, particularly regarding the process of development during the critical middle school years, a period of intense neurological and social change. Grounded in Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), this study aimed to (1) understand how character develops, (2) compare development before and after program enhancements, and (3) assess the program's impact on discipline. Phase 1 collected Character Growth Index (CGI) survey data from students …

A Practical Survival Guide For New Faculty, Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Spiritual Proficiency

This guide was written for faculty who are new to academic life — or who sometimes feel like they are drowning in it. You will not find technical jargon here. What you will find are honest descriptions of the traps most academics fall into, and clear, practical suggestions for getting out of them. Everything here is based on real research with real faculty — but you do not need to know the research to use the advice. Treat it as a menu: try what sounds useful, skip what does not fit your situation, and come back to it as your …

Eruptive Flux Drives Atmospheric Lightning Rates And Submarine Hydroacoustic Signals During The 2021 Fukutoku-Oka-No-Ba Eruption, Kathleen F. Mckee, Kristen E. Fauria, Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, Jelle D. Assink, Mikkel Louis, Tushar Mittal, Fukashi Maeno, Mie Ichihara, Dirk Metz, Chris Vagasky

Michigan Tech Publications

The August 2021 eruption of Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba (FOB) volcano in Japan was a remarkable VEI 4 shallow submarine eruption, partly because it generated a 16-km water-rich atmospheric plume, new islands, and a large pumice raft. Recent studies provide complementary summaries of the atmospheric and oceanic surface expressions of the 2021 FOB eruption, including analyses of regional infrasound and Himawari-8 geostationary satellite data. The hydroacoustic record has also been published. Following these studies, we examine how the processes occurring beneath the sea surface correlate with the intensity of the atmospheric portion of the 2021 FOB eruption. We compare multiple data sets, specifically …

Serum-Derived Albumin As A Cryoprotective Agent For The Long-Term Storage Of Red Blood Cells: A Preliminary Examination, Thomas Bailey-Schmidt, Christine V Saunders, Chloë E George, Thomas G Scorer, Lynn M R Mccallum, Tracey E Madgett

School of Biomedical Sciences

BACKGROUND: Cryopreservation extends the shelf life of red blood cells (RBC) from weeks to years, offering major advantages for blood banking logistics, especially in remote environments. However, current glycerol-based methods, though effective, are limited in scope due to complex post-thaw washing and incompatibility with routine clinical workflows. This study evaluated plasma-derived albumin as a potential alternative cryoprotective agent (CPA) for human RBC.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Donor-derived RBC were suspended in 25% w/v bovine serum albumin (BSA) prepared in various diluents and tested for biocompatibility and cryoprotective efficacy under rapid freezing (immersion in liquid nitrogen) and gradual freezing with storage …

Supported Storytelling Through The ‘Life Threads’ Approach For Family Members After Traumatic Brain Injury: “We've Been Through All Of This Trauma, And You're Giving Me Some String?, Alyson Norman

School of Psychology

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) brings inevitable and significant changes for family members, yet there is little to relieve their trauma, resolve their grief, or prevent ongoingsuffering. The aim of this qualitative pre-feasibility study was to understand theclinical potential of storytelling for families after TBI using the ‘Life Threads’ approach(LTA). An in-depth inductive qualitative design was adopted within an interpretivist paradigm. Following informed consent, participants took part in an online focusgroup, then engaged with the LTA over four weeks before completing an unstructured, in-person interview. A final focus group explored participants’ reflections on theLTA. A purposive sample of 20 family members …

Unquaint Pigs’ Stakeholder Perspectives On Wild Swine In Central Western Florida, Tyler Koerner

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Anthropocene presents important questions for how to address the continuous transferal of new species into new spaces and the cascading impacts of environmental transformations. Novel ecosystems present one such outline for conservation that acknowledges the modification of historic ecosystems and the social entanglements that arrive with new species. I argue that novel ecosystems can benefit from further anthropological integrations that aid in describing the entanglements of introduced species and the pursuit of best managerial outcomes. For wild swine in Florida, the adoption of a novel approach is especially relevant because of entanglements with historic and modern Floridian stakeholders and …

The Heterogeneous Response Of Astrocytes In Different Brain Regions Under Metabolic Stress, Pawan Kumar Thapaliya

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Astrocytes play a central role in maintaining ionic homeostasis, neurotransmitter clearance, and brain en-ergy metabolism. Their excitability, reflected in activity-evoked intracellular sodium (Na+, [Na+]i) and calcium (Ca2+,[Ca+]i) dynamics, is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of neuronal function and vulnerability, particularly under metabolic stress. Despite their importance, the mechanisms underlying astrocytic ionic signaling and its regional heterogeneity remain incompletely understood. In this thesis, I developed detailed computational and biophysical models to investigate astrocytic Na+ and Ca2+ dynamics, their bioenergetic consequences, and the roles of key ion transporters under physiological and metabolically stressed conditions, validating the models against experi- mental data. …

Draft Final 2024 Unreclaimed Sites Sampling: Ur-21 Site Evaluation Summary Report, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Optimization And Energy Efficiency Analysis Of An Automatic Feed Mixer With A Rotating Drum Mechanism, Kris Witono, Talifatim Machfuroh, Nurlia Pramita Sari, Lisa Agustriyana, Aini Lostari

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Energy-efficient feed mixer machines are important for improving the productivity and sustainability of small and medium-scale livestock farms. Previous studies primarily focused on either structural performance or mixing efficiency, with limited studies integrating both aspects. Therefore, this study evaluated an automatic rotating-drum feed mixer by combining Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis and energy modeling. The study used FEM simulations for different materials, namely A36 steel alloy, stainless steel 304, aluminium 6061, and galvanized steel, with thicknesses of 3 mm and 4 mm, as well as different drum systems. The FEM results showed that all evaluated materials met the minimum safety …

Design And Implementation Of Error Estimators For Finite Element Eigenvalue Problems, Gabriel Esteban Pinochet Soto

Dissertations and Theses

We present three publications, all encompassed under the umbrella of a posteriori error estimation theory for eigenvalue problems for finite element discretizations. The central objective of the research is the development of a general framework for the study of reliable estimation of eigenvalues and eigenspaces. We introduce applications to problems of theoretical interest as well as problems arising in real-life scenarios, such as optical fibers. The first paper focuses on the implementation of a dual-weighted residual error estimator for a nonselfadjoint eigenvalue problems arising from the study of leaky modes in optical fibers---Maxwell's equations, Perfectly Matched Layers, and a conforming …

Improving Explainability And Interpretability Of Neural Networks Via Hyperparameter-Extended Influence Functions, William Breslin

Dissertations and Theses

Understanding how model predictions and training outcomes vary with changes in data, features, and modeling choices is central to explainable artificial intelligence. This dissertation introduces a unified framework for explainability by generalizing classical influence functions to encompass user-defined hyperparameters embedded in the training loss, model architecture, or data representation. By extending influence functions in this way, the framework broadens their applicability and integrates multiple explainability techniques into a single, coherent approach. It provides a common mathematical foundation linking data impact, feature importance, and model design analysis, and supports a broad class of additional explainability analyses beyond these settings. The demonstrated …

Biodegradable Pcl–Plga Electrospun Nanofibers For Localized Cancer Therapy, Rahul Tiwari, Pranav, Joel Delossantos, Eswara N.H.K. Ghali, Luis Chavez, Vishal Sharad Chaudhari, Songyang Han, Subhash Chauhan, Murali Yallapu

School of Medicine Publications

Localized chemotherapy offers a promising strategy to improve therapeutic efficacy while minimizing the systemic toxicity of conventional cancer treatment, particularly following tumor resection. Electrospun nanofibers are well suited for this purpose due to their high porosity, extracellular matrix-mimicking architecture, and capacity for localized drug release. In this study, electrospun nanofibers based on PCL and PLGA were developed for localized cancer therapy. Three distinct nanofibrous architectures were fabricated: PCL nanofibers, PCL−PLGA blended nanofibers, and PCL−PLGA multilayered (tetra-layered) nanofibers, and their encapsulation efficiency was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Scanning electron microscopy confirmed uniform, bead-free nanofibrous morphologies, while Fourier transform infrared …

Spontaneous Isolated Celiac Artery Dissection - A Case Report, Marina Takawy, Yousef Waly, Mohanad Shehadeh, Mostafa Najim, Richard Alweis

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Introduction: Spontaneous isolated celiac artery dissection (SICAD) is a rare condition, with an unpredictable natural history. It typically affects middle aged men with risk factors including hypertension and smoking. It can remain asymptomatic, and for many patients is detected as an incidental finding. The increasing number of reported cases over the past decade has been attributed to advances in imaging modalities. Management strategies vary depending on presentation. Case presentation: We describe a case of SICAD with atypical demographics. A 77-year-old female with no smoking history presented with progressively worsening abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed an isolated celiac artery dissection. She …

Ultrasound-Guided Epidural Caudal Block For Lumbar Spinal Stenosis In A Patient With Severe Scoliosis: A Case Report, Theresia Chandra Tania Novy, Daniel Hadimartana, Maria Jessica Yaputri

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Background: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common degenerative condition in the elderly characterized by narrowing of the spinal canal that leads to neural compression and symptoms such as low back pain, neurogenic claudication, and sensory disturbances. LSS may coexist with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS), which can further complicate clinical presentation and management. While surgical treatment is often considered for severe cases, nonsurgical interventions remain important treatment options, particularly for elderly patients with comorbidities. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 69-year-old male presenting with chronic low back pain for more than two years, accompanied by radiating pain, numbness, …

Appendiceal Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Case Report, Daniel Zipfel, Thomas Russo, Mathew Devine

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare neoplasms that most commonly occur in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and pancreas but may arise anywhere where there are neuroendocrine cells within the body. When neuroendocrine tumors metastasize to the liver, patients present with carcinoid syndrome, a group of symptoms characterized by flushing, diarrhea, and right-sided heart disease. However, many NETs do not cause carcinoid syndrome, sometimes leading to a unique clinical presentation. Patients may present with symptoms of appendicitis, ovarian torsion, or be completely asymptomatic. We report a case of a 25-year-old male with a Grade 1 neuroendocrine tumor of the appendix, who underwent …

A Case Of Reversible Acute Kidney Injury And Life-Threatening Gastrointestinal Bleed With Colitis In A Patient Receiving Tucatinib For Her2-Positive Breast Cancer, Geetha Keshav, Shanzae Naeem, Jalila Jafri

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

This case report describes the complex clinical course of a 73-year-old female with HER2-positive breast cancer enrolled in the CompassHER2 RD trial who developed acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring emergent hemodialysis shortly after initiation of tucatinib. In addition to severe renal dysfunction, the patient experienced a life-threatening lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleed in the setting of suspected drug-induced colitis and profound thrombocytopenia while receiving combination therapy with trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1). Although tucatinib has demonstrated promising efficacy in improving outcomes for patients with high-risk HER2-positive disease, serious renal and gastrointestinal complications remain uncommon and underreported. This case underscores the importance of early …

Decoupled Dependency Management Architecture, Aman Singh, Kenny Maclean

Defensive Publications Series

This paper describes a technique for physically segregating machine-generated dependency metadata from human-authored build logic using a "Sidecar Architecture" within a build system environment. The system includes an automated sidecar module containing a structured data dictionary, a primary human-maintained build configuration that imports this dictionary, and an integration logic macro that merges these external components with user-defined components to construct a final dependency graph.

Gci-312 — Adaptive Agricultural Microclimate Conditioning System For Arid Environments, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

GCI‑312 is an open‑source, prototype‑ready adaptive agricultural microclimate conditioning system integrating electrostatic‑assisted droplet deposition, vortex atomization, pulsed evaporative cooling, environmental telemetry, and root‑zone thermal stabilization to experimentally reduce convective moisture loss and crop heat stress in arid environments. This disclosure provides full build and test specifications so a reader can assemble a 10×10 ft test cell and begin staged experiments immediately. The project targets substantial irrigation demand reductions under arid heat‑stress conditions (experimental targets: 20–30% irrigation reduction; exploratory upper target if all subsystems validate: up to 30–50% reduction) and documents clear hypotheses, test metrics, kill criteria, pivot paths, energy accounting, …

Paired-Satellite Coordinated Laser Ablation For Torque-Cancelled Deorbit Of Uncontrolled Orbital Debris, Daniel Austin Harbison

Defensive Publications Series

A method is disclosed for active orbital debris removal in which two satellites operate in coordinated formation on opposite sides of a target debris object and direct continuous-wave or pulsed laser ablation beams onto opposing faces of the target. The bilateral geometry provides three simultaneous effects: (1) surface ablation gradually weakens the structural integrity of degraded fasteners, adhesives, and thermal blankets on the debris exterior; (2) symmetric ablation plumes produce opposing reaction-torque components that cancel each other, suppressing the spin-up that would otherwise destabilize a single-beam ablation push; and (3) the combined photon pressure and plume-thrust components add as decelerating …

Magneto-Taurus-Energy, Alexander C. Roszko

Defensive Publications Series

TECHNICAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: PRIOR ART RECORD

TITLE OF INVENTION: The Magneto Taurus Energy Engine INVENTOR: Alexander Charles Roszko LEGAL STATUS: Open Source / Public Domain Hardware / Defensive Publication APPLICABLE PATENT EXAMINER SEARCH CLASS: Electric Propulsion; Mechanical Flywheel Energy Storage; Magnetic Levitation Assemblies.

I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The current industrial paradigm is deeply saturated with and reliant upon toxic petrochemical polymers, fluoropolymer coatings (PFAS), and non-biodegradable synthetic resins. Even inside modern manufacturing and digital fabrication toolsets, users are forced to utilize toxic photopolymer resins or cut plastics that generate dangerous airborne microplastics. Furthermore, conventional electromagnetic propulsion and power-generation systems …

Bilateral Beam-Assisted Rock Fracturing For Low-Gravity And Terrestrial Drilling Operations, Daniel Austin Harbison

Defensive Publications Series

A method is described for pre-fracturing rock using two or more counter-propagating millimeter-wave or microwave beams aimed at the same target volume from opposite sides. Standing-wave interference and overlapping absorption produce interior thermal-stress concentrations that initiate cracks at much lower bulk energy density than vaporization-based drilling, while the symmetric geometry largely cancels the net momentum imparted to the rock face. The architecture is intended primarily for low-gravity surface drilling on the Moon, Mars, and asteroids — where reaction-force budgets are extremely limited — and as a pre-conditioning step for terrestrial mechanical drills. The disclosure covers the baseline two-beam geometry at …

Modular Skid-Mounted Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment, Cavitation Conditioning, And Hazard Stream Isolation System For Variable-Feed Industrial Brines And Contaminated Process Water, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure presents a modular skid-mounted industrial wastewater treatment system designed for variable and contaminated aqueous industrial streams. The system integrates staged flow equalization, hydrocyclone separation, hydrodynamic cavitation conditioning, electrochemical or precipitation-based treatment, and modular adsorption/ion exchange capture stages, followed by final polishing filtration. Outputs are separated into reusable water, concentrated recovery streams, and a stabilized hazardous residual stream for immobilization. The system is designed for pilot-scale evaluation under real industrial feed conditions with emphasis on fouling reduction, operational stability, and selective contaminant concentration performance.