Digital Commons Network^™

Two-Factor Authentication Software For Bluetooth Pairing Between Mobile And Pc Operating Systems, Sundos A. Hameed Alazawi, Abbas A. Abdulhameed, Mostafa Abdulghafoor Mohammed, Thekra Abbas

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

Bluetooth devices actively broadcast software when pairing to connect. Even during the connection process, the connection can be monitored to view information about the transmission. Using this information, anyone can hijack your existing connection and steal data. Bluetooth connections can be single or multiple. Thus, while connecting to a device, the same device could be simultaneously connected to another device. To avoid this problem, a new software is proposed to support the ID-based authentication process for paired devices by integrating an authentication method based on the biometric features of the device owner. The proposed two-factor security authentication system for pairing …

A Deep Learning Framework For Early Autism Detection Using Eeg Signals, Maha M. Hamzeh, Ali Y. Al-Sultan, Salah Al-Obaidi

Journal of Intelligent Informatics, Networking, and Cybersecurity

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complicated neurodevelopmental illness, affecting social interaction, communication, and cognitive function. To lower healthcare costs and facilitate prompt intervention, early and accurate detection is crucial. However, behavioral assessments—which are inherently subjective and can lead to delayed diagnoses—are a significant component of traditional diagnostic procedures. This paper presents a convolutional neural network (CNN) and time-frequency analysis-based early ASD screening using EEG signals. EEG data undergoes a preprocessing step to remove noise and power interference. After that, the signals were divided into 5-, 10-, and 20-second time frames. Each EEG time frame segment is represented in the …

Goal-Oriented Aesthetic Treatment (Goat): A Systematic Framework For Three-Dimensional Facial Aesthetic Assessment — Part 2: Sagittal Dimension, Heng-Ming Chang, Yu-Chun Su, Min-Hsun Hsu, Yu-Ting Lin, Chih-Wei Wang

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Facial aesthetics is a multidimensional concept that requires an integrative assessment of the sagittal, vertical, and transverse planes to achieve balance and harmony. Following the evaluation of the vertical dimension in Part I, this review focuses on the sagittal plane, which plays a pivotal role in facial profile balance and anteroposterior skeletal relationships. The Goal-Oriented Aesthetic Treatment (GOAT) framework provides a structured methodology for diagnosing and addressing sagittal discrepancies, incorporating clinical reference lines, chin morphology, incisor inclination, and anchorage considerations. A comprehensive assessment of the sagittal dimension involves the use of key diagnostic tools such as the Barcelona Line (BL), …

Predicting Stability And Relapse In Class Iii Patients: The Role Of The Mandibular Plane Angle In Bimaxillary Surgery, Jason Jyun-Cheng Kuo, Min-Chi Chen, Yu-Chih Wang, Ellen Wen-Ching Ko

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Purpose: Skeletal stability after orthognathic surgery remains challenging in Class III malocclusion. This study examined how preoperative mandibular plane angle (FMA) and its surgical changes affect postoperative outcomes.

Patients and Methods: Sixty adult Taiwanese patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion treated by bimaxillary surgery without genioplasty were retrospectively analyzed. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) at preoperative (T0), immediate postoperative (T1), and orthodontic debonding, ≥ 1-year postoperative (T2) stages was used to measure sagittal (Pog-CP), vertical (Me-FH), and transverse (Go–Go) changes. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed.

Results: Smaller preoperative FMA and larger increased intraoperative FMA increases were significantly associated …

The Indiana Statesman, September 11, 2025, Indiana State University

Student Newspaper

Terre Haute in rememberance of 9/11; JCPenney Suit-Up Event: Q&A with Darby Scism

Vivian Pinn, Vivian W. Pinn M.D.

We Are NIH Oral History Project

No abstract provided.

Kenyon Collegian - September 11, 2025

The Kenyon Collegian

No abstract provided.

From Model To Behavior: Methodological Challenges In Using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps To Represent Mental Models, Catherine Elizabeth Moore

Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation examines the use of Fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) as representations of mental models and how these representations connect to individual behavior. Fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) are semi-quantitative models that encode cause-and-effect structures as directed graphs. They are frequently used to represent individuals' knowledge structures/mental models and should in theory correlate to actions and decisions of individuals; however, this correlation has yet to be explored in a systematic manner. This dissertation represents the first step in experimental research on the connection between FCMs and individual behavior. It examines two theories of how humans use mental models, one based on …

Probiotic Biogeography In The Neonatal Intestine, Sierra Hansen

All ETDs from UAB

Neonatal infection remains a leading cause of both neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in preterm infants. Probiotic bacteria have been demonstrated to protect against the development of neonatal intestinal dysbiosis, however, formulations and efficacy vary substantially, highlighting a critical gap in the current understanding of the mechanisms governing probiotic efficacy in this population. This gap is exacerbated by regulatory standards which favor economic expansion over scientific rigor. Furthermore, current studies on probiotic efficacy largely rely on indirect or relative readouts of intestinal bacterial burden. Herein, we directly quantify the probiotic effects of Ligilactobacillus murinus V10 and Escherichia coli Nissle …

Lineage-Associated Zinc Metalloprotease B And Its Impact On Cardiac Damage Elicited During Invasive Pneumococcal Disease, Jennifer Nichelle Luck

All ETDs from UAB

During invasive disease, certain strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) can invade the myocardium, damaging cardiomyocytes and predisposing patients to life-threatening cardiac complications. To identify genetic loci involved in pneumococcal cardio-virulence, we performed a bacterial genome-wide association study using 825 genomes corresponding to 17 distinct Spn lineages associated with varying rates of cardiac complications during hospitalization for pneumonia. This led to the identification of an allele of zmpB, the gene encoding Zinc metalloprotease B (ZmpB). Infection of mice with a ZmpB deficient mutant, i.e., TIGR4ΔzmpB, found that ZmpB was required to form foci of infection in the heart, i.e., cardiac microlesions. …

2025 September 11 - Tennessee Weekly Drought Summary, Tennessee Climate Office, East Tennessee State University

Tennessee Climate Office Weekly Drought Summaries

No abstract provided.

Health On The Rocks: Geohealth In Kentucky, Rachel L. Washburn

Special Publication--KGS

Geohealth bridges the earth and life sciences, revealing how Kentucky’s unique geology directly shapes public health risks, clinical outcomes, and opportunities for innovation. This factsheet highlights the critical intersections between geologic processes and human health across the Commonwealth—from landslides, floods, and tornadoes to radon, mine drainage, and microbial contamination. It outlines how natural and anthropogenic forces influence respiratory illness, cancer, trauma, and infectious disease, and how bedrock and weather extremes define local exposure pathways. Beyond risk, it also showcases Kentucky’s leadership in developing geoscience-informed health solutions: bioremediation, microbial drug discovery, and geologic-health monitoring networks that strengthen preparedness and resilience. Understanding …

Investigating Temperature Influences On Shell Growth And Microstructural Variations In Bay Scallops: Insights From Multiscale Microscopy, Benazir Khurshid, Arnaud Benchetrite, Lise Guichaoua, Nicolas Brodusch, Bryce D. Stewart, Roland Kröger, Raynald Gauvin, Martin Mallet, Réjean Tremblay, Natalie Reznikov

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Scallops (order Pectinida) are well-known for their robust and beautiful calcitic shells that protect them from external impacts and predators. Scallops respond to environmental conditions, including water temperature, salinity, and food supply, which are reflected in the shell growth rates and patterning. The bay scallop (Argopecten irradians) is a species of high ecological and aquacultural value in North America, and its habitat may expand towards higher latitudes with inevitable global warming. To investigate the effect of water temperature on the accretion rate and the polycrystalline microstructure of the Bay scallop shell, we conducted a controlled growth experiment on juveniles, 4 …

Comprehensive Assessment Of Gpm-Imerg And Era5 Precipitation Products Across Ireland, Safa Mohammed, Ahmed Nasr, Mohammed Mahmoud

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

No abstract provided.

Iodinated Disinfection Byproduct Formation From Iohexol In Sunlit And Chlorinated Urban Wastewaters, Reagan Patton Witt, Marcelo I. Guzman

Chemistry Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Probiotic Lactobacilli On Streptococcus Mutans: Implications For Early Childhood Caries, Walaa Al-Turki

All ETDs from UAB

Effects of Probiotic Lactobacilli on Streptococcus mutans: Implications for Early Childhood Caries WALAA MOHIEDEN AL TURKI DENTISTRY ABSTRACT Purpose: Probiotic Lactobacillus species have been shown to have beneficial effects against early childhood caries (ECC) by inhibiting the growth of cariogenic bacteria. However, the acidogenicity of Lactobacillus spp. could have potential carcinogenic effect. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of probiotic lactobacilli and cariogenic lactobacilli on the growth, biofilm formation, and acid production of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Methods: Growth competition between probiotic L. rhamnosus GG (L-GG) or caries-associated L. rhamnosus M72-26 (L-M72) and S. mutans UA159 …

Bayesian Survival Analysis For High-Dimensional Compositional Data, Zhenying Ding

All ETDs from UAB

Survival analysis integrating microbiome and clinical data offers powerful insights into human health. The microbiome influences immunity, inflammation, and cancer outcomes. Combining microbial profiles with clinical factors like tumor stage, treatment, and demographics enhances understanding of how host-microbe interactions affect survival. To analyze these complex datasets, advanced statistical methods, including Bayesian models, penalized Cox proportional hazards models, and machine learning techniques are employed. These approaches can uncover novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets, leading to personalized treatment strategies that optimize patient survival. However, challenges arise due to the compositionality, high-dimensionality, and phylogenetic relation between taxa in microbiome data. In this dissertation, …

Identifying Functional Regional Changes In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease And Freezing Of Gait, Taylor Robin Davis

All ETDs from UAB

Freezing of gait (FOG) affects anywhere from 20-80% of those with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) with the prevalence increasing with disease severity and length. This detrimental symptom is unpredictable and poorly characterized, which adds to the negative experience of FOG as it is difficult to treat. Using resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI), we set out to determine the functional changes in those with PD-FOG and map onto regions of the brain where signal power, measured using fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF), synchronicity, as measured by regional homogeneity (ReHo), and strength and direction of intra-network connections as measured by static effective connectivity, are …

Bayesian Mediation Analyses For Zero-Inflated Data, Jinhong Cui

All ETDs from UAB

Mediation analysis is a fundamental tool in causal inference, enabling researchers to disentangle the pathways through which an exposure affects an outcome via intermediate variables (mediators). It has been widely applied in social sciences, psychology, and healthcare-related studies. Traditionally, mediation analysis has been conducted within the linear structural equation modeling (LSEM) framework. However, recent advances have shifted attention toward the counterfactual framework due to its flexibility in defining causal effects and its capacity to accommodate non-linear relationships, parametric and non-parametric models. Building on this foundation, methodological developments in mediation analysis have expanded to address more complex data structures, such as …

Water Absorption, Surface Roughness And Flexural Strength Assessment Of Peek With And Without Aging., Pranjal Ramchandra Daundakr

All ETDs from UAB

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) has been the primary material for complete denture bases since its introduction in 1936 due to its esthetics, affordability, and ease of processing. However, PMMA demonstrates well-documented shortcomings, including relatively low flexural strength, high water absorption, and susceptibility to surface wear. These limitations lead to fractures, loss of occlusal vertical dimension (OVD), frequent relines, and compromised esthetics. Even advanced formats such as CAD-CAM milled and 3D printed PMMA remain prone to dimensional instability, microbial colonization, and long-term degradation. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a high-performance thermoplastic originally used in orthopedic and spinal implants, has recently been introduced into dentistry as …

In-Vitro Antimicrobial Activity, Demineralization Inhibition Potential, And Staining Effects Of Three Silver Fluoride Materials, Quiesly Torres

All ETDs from UAB

Background: Dental caries is a worldwide preventable public health problem. It affects any individuals regardless of their gender, age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been extensively used for preventing cavities, but it has side effects; therefore, some other biocompatible antimicrobial and remineralization-inducing alternative materials have been developed. Purpose: This study aims to assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity, demineralization inhibition potential, and staining effect of SDF, Nano Silver Fluoride (NSF), and silver fluoride + potassium iodide (SF/KI). Methods: Three silver diamine fluoride-based materials were tested: SDF 38% (Advantage Arrest®, Elevate Oral Care, USA), 1500 ppm NSF …

Racial/Ethnic Heterogeneity In Women’S Aging Experiences Over Time: A Latent Transition Analysis, Joshua Christian Julian Lewis

All ETDs from UAB

U.S. population aging and unprecedented racial/ethnic diversity will affect the types of social and healthcare services older adults need. These projections have renewed attention to healthy aging, which refers to the physiological/functional, psychological, and social capacity to maintain well-being. Extant research finds that most are aging unwell and through binary and biomedical operationalizations—which do not account for patterns of chronic conditions, disability, intersecting race / ethnic and gender inequality, socioculturally developed resources, and social relations—reifies the exceptions, typically men and non-Hispanic Whites, as the “aging well” benchmark. Integrating theoretical considerations of the life course, cumulative inequality, stress process, and limitations …

Voices From Two Secondary Newcomer Programs In Alabama: A Multiple Case Study, Carl Anthony Floyd Jr

All ETDs from UAB

This multiple case study investigates the design, implementation, and impact of two secondary newcomer programs in Alabama, with a focus on Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) and non-SLIFE English Learner (EL) newcomers. Grounded in Esteban-Guitart et al.’s (2023) framework of community funds of knowledge and identity, the study explores how these programs function as community educational ecosystems. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and document reviews across two school districts and analyzed using ethnographic and thematic methods. Findings reveal that when newcomer programs are intentionally designed to leverage community assets and cultural identities, they provide meaningful academic, …

Parenting And Parental Well-Being As Risk And Resilience Factors For Mental Well-Being In Adolescents With And Without Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Wanqin Yu

All ETDs from UAB

Parenting practices and caregiver well-being are widely recognized as key determinants of adolescent mental health. However, few studies have examined how these factors operate in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), particularly through a risk and resilience framework. This study investigated how positive and negative parenting practices, caregiver well-being, and parenting stress relate to adolescents’ emotional well-being and internalizing problems. It also explored whether these variables differed between adolescents with and without NDDs. Participants included 105 adolescents aged 11–14 years (61.9% female; 52.4% diagnosed with an NDD) and their caregivers, drawn from a larger study on adolescent socio-emotional competencies. Caregivers …

03. Equilibrium Thermodynamics Iii: Free Energies, Gerhard Müller

Equilibrium Statistical Physics

Part three of course materials for Statistical Physics I: PHY525, taught by Gerhard Müller at the University of Rhode Island. Documents will be updated periodically as more entries become presentable.

Updated with version 2 on 1/8/2026.

Modeling Musculoskeletal Combat Casualty Care: Nato Trauma System Performance In Large Scale Combat Operations, Mark P. Cote, Kaitlyn E. Holly, Roman J. Schoenfeld, Matthew R. Bryan, Malina O. Hatton, Mitchel B. Harris, Tracey P. Koehlmoos, Andrew J. Schoenfeld

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether the current North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) trauma system will be effective in the setting of Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO). We sought to model the efficacy of the NATO trauma system in the setting of LSCO. We also intended to model novel scenarios that could better adapt the current system to LSCO.

METHODS: We developed a discrete-event simulation model for patients with combat musculoskeletal injuries treated within the standard NATO system. The primary outcome of the model was survival. The model's health states were characterized as stable, hypovolemia, sepsis, shock, or death. The model simulated …

The Hidden Link Between Hiv And Cardiomyopathy: Unraveling Hiv's Impact On The Heart, Toluwalase Awoyemi, Oluwaremilekun Zeth Tolu-Akinnawo, Andrew Greek, Oluwakemi Adenuga, Chukwuebuka Asogwa, Isaac Ekundayo, Olamide Odusola, Oyinlola O. Fasehun, Mercy Ajayi, Onyinye Ugoala

School of Medicine Publications

This comprehensive review examines the complex relationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cardiomyopathy, focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies. It highlights the significant global health burden posed by HIV and its potential to cause long-term cardiovascular complications. The review investigates the pathogenesis of HIV-associated cardiomyopathy. It elucidates the intricate cellular and molecular pathways involved, including the actions of neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes in cardiac inflammation. Key signaling pathways such as TNF-NF-κB and the caspase-1 inflammasome are detailed, as they contribute to cardiac infection and injury. The clinical manifestations of HIV-associated cardiomyopathy …

Advice For Improving The Experience Of Web-Based Patient Portals: Qualitative Interviews With Caregiver-Adolescent Dyads, Rachel E Granberg, Jessica M Goldberg, Alison L Antes, Christine Bereitschaft, Fabienne Bourgeois, James Dubois, Bryan A Sisk

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Web-based patient portals can benefit adolescents and their caregivers by increasing access and providing greater understanding of one's health information, enhancing communication with clinicians, and supporting caregiver influence. Despite these benefits, adolescent uptake has been low with high attrition rates. Feedback from adolescents and caregivers is essential to improve the uptake and usability of the web-based patient portal.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to identify advice for medical informatics administrators and clinicians directed at improving the adolescent and caregiver experience with the web-based patient portal.

METHODS: Caregivers completed a demographic survey followed by separate qualitative, semistructured interviews …

September 2025 Graduate Council Minutes, University Of Nebraska At Kearney Graduate Council

Graduate Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

The Meaning Of Christian Suffering In Aquinas, Pedro Cardoso Figueiredo Santiago

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This thesis investigates the theological meaning of Christian suffering in the thought of Thomas Aquinas. While much attention has been given to Aquinas’s treatment of the problem of evil, little has been written on the positive and salvific meaning of suffering as it appears in his Christology, sacramental theology, and moral theology. This study aims to demonstrate that for Aquinas, suffering—when united to Christ—acquires a redemptive value that transforms human pain into a means of configuration to the crucified and risen Lord.

The first chapter develops the Christological foundation of Christian suffering. Drawing primarily from Summa Theologiae III, q. 69, …