Digital Commons Network^™

Epigenetic Profiling Of Cell-Free Dna In Cerebrospinal Fluid: A Novel Biomarker Approach For Metabolic Brain Diseases, Kyle Sporn, Rahul Kumar, Kiran Marla, Puja Ravi, Swapna Vaja, Phani Paladugu, Nasif Zaman, Alireza Tavakkoli

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

Due to their clinical heterogeneity, nonspecific symptoms, and the limitations of existing biomarkers and imaging modalities, metabolic brain diseases (MBDs), such as mitochondrial encephalopathies, lysosomal storage disorders, and glucose metabolism syndromes, pose significant diagnostic challenges. This review examines the growing potential of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) derived from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) epigenetic profiling as a dynamic, cell-type-specific, minimally invasive biomarker approach for MBD diagnosis and monitoring. We review important technological platforms and their use in identifying CNS-specific DNA methylation patterns indicative of neuronal injury, neuroinflammation, and metabolic reprogramming, including cfMeDIP-seq, enzymatic methyl sequencing (EM-seq), and targeted bisulfite sequencing. By synthesizing current …

Intrinsic Motivation Teaching Experiences Of Middle School Educators 4 Years After The Pandemic, Carmy Aristor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the educational landscape, significantly impacting middle school educators’ intrinsic motivation to teach. While research has extensively addressed the immediate impacts of the pandemic on education, there remains a gap in understanding how middle school educators make sense of their intrinsic motivation teaching experiences 4 years after the pandemic. Grounded in intrinsic motivation as the conceptual framework supported by the self-determination theory (SDT), the purpose of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding of the intrinsic motivation teaching experiences of middle school educators 4 years after the pandemic. The central research question examined the lived …

African American Women’S Lived Experiences Of Adultification Bias And Emotional Well-Being, Carolyn Lovette Lanier

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

While existing studies have explored the manifestations of adultification bias in various contexts, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding research on the emotional well-being of African American women who have navigated this bias. The purpose of this study was to understand how adultification bias manifests in the lives of African American women, to illuminate the nuances of how adultification bias unfolds in the lives of African American women, and to examine its presence within their emotional realms. The theoretical frameworks of adultification bias and emotional well-being ground the study. The key research questions centered on the specific …

Relationship Between Participation In Employee Wellness Programs And Health-Related Quality Of Life Among Health Care Workers, Ana Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Employee wellness programs are available in many health care organizations but remain underutilized by health care workers. Low employee participation in these wellness programs can negatively impact employees’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which, in turn, may adversely influence patient care and overall health outcomes. Despite this, little is known about which factors, such as perceived barriers and benefits, job category, or work shift, are associated with participation. This study addressed that gap by exploring how these variables relate to employee engagement in wellness programs and their potential impact on HRQoL. Guided by the health belief model, this study examined …

The Relationship Between Hand Grip Strength And Cognitive Function In Middle-Aged And Elderly People In China: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Based On Charls Data, Haiwei Li, Jing Zhang, Peipei Cheng, Liwei Guo, Xuemei Sui M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

This study explores the relationship between hand grip strength (HGS) and cognitive function in China’s middle-aged and elderly population. We employed a cross-sectional design using data from 4535 participants aged ≥ 45 years from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study national dataset. The relationships between HGS and various dimensions of cognitive function, as well as the association between HGS and cognitive impairment, were investigated using ordinary least squares regression models and logistic regression models. Dose–response relationships between HGS and cognitive impairment were modeled using restricted cubic spline curves. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness …

Enhancement Of Ultrasonic Welding Of Bulk Carbon Nanotube-Metallic And Graphene-Metallic Conductors, Daniel L. Broderick

Theses

Nanostructured carbon sheets comprising carbon nanotube (CNT) or graphene are appealing for electrode and antenna applications. Physical connection to metal conductors requires enhanced mechanical strength, electrical performance, and thermal capability. Ultrasonic welding is a viable technique to fabricate stable and robust bonds but requires methods to further reduce electrical resistance and improve mechanical strength. The present dissertation has advanced ultrasonic welding between bulk CNT electrodes and Cu foil by utilizing chemically doped junctions at the bond interface. Specifically, a selective doping strategy using KAuBr4 at the bonding regions between bulk CNT electrodes and Cu lowers the electrical contact resistance measured …

The Effect Of Training Exercises Using An Innovative Device On Developing Skill Performance Among Female Foil Fencers, Fatimah Abed Malih, Rimah Mohammed Zuwair, Noor Hatem Al-Haddad, Ardo Okilanda

Modern Sport

The researchers turned to modern technology and artificial intelligence by integrating equipment into the training process. This integration aimed to optimize time and reduce boredom and physical strain in both the instructional and training processes of fencing, through the development of exercises utilizing a device designed to regulate the distance between the feet during advance and retreat movements, with the goal of reaching higher levels of skill performance. This led to the following research question: Does training with the aid of an innovative device positively influence the development of skill performance? The researchers employed the experimental method due to its …

Scouting Motivational Traits And Their Relationship With Leadership Behaviour Among Scout Team Leaders In The Directorate Of Education, Baghdad Al-Karkh Iii Sector, Hasan Abdul Kareem Hanoun Hussein Al-Maliki, Ahmed Maad Salman Al-Harbi, Hadeer Falah Abd Al-Sahib, Abdul Kareem Hanoun Hussein Ubaid Al-Maliki

Modern Sport

This study explored motivational traits and leadership behaviour within the context of Scouting, aiming to deepen understanding of the relationship between these two pivotal variables in shaping effective Scout leaders. The research sought to assess the levels of motivational traits among Scout troop leaders and to analyze the dimensions of their leadership behaviour, with a particular focus on identifying the nature and extent of the correlation between them. To achieve these objectives, the researchers adopted a descriptive survey methodology deemed suitable for the nature of the study. A sample of 75 Scout leaders was selected from the Directorate of Education …

The Impact Of Designing An Instructional Tool On Teaching The Forehand And Backhand Topspin Strokes In Tennis For Players Aged 12–14 Years, Hasan Raed Haseeb, Niaam Riyadh Haseeb, Suhad Haseeb Abdul-Hameed

Modern Sport

The importance of using instructional tools in tennis lies in the fact that proper skill acquisition depends on employing the most effective devices, tools, and modern technologies. These resources facilitate the learning of skills across varying movement paths and types, as they contribute to saving both time and effort for learners and instructors. This allows the instructional focus to remain solely on the skill itself, eliminating unnecessary movements. Given the complexity of executing tennis skills-particularly for beginners-there is often a noticeable difficulty in performing them correctly. Mastery of these skills requires considerable effort and sustained practice. As one of the …

Cognitive Representation And Its Relationship With The Performance Of The Side Kick And Back Kick Skills Among Taekwondo Juniors Aged 12–14 Years, Hind Basim Eidan, Intisar Awaid Ali

Modern Sport

Taekwondo is considered one of the athletic activities that contribute significantly to the holistic development of the individual by fostering the acquisition of knowledge and experience. Contrary to the common misconception that it is merely a form of combat or physical confrontation; taekwondo involves movements that engage both physical and mental activity. This interplay supports the balanced and comprehensive development of the practitioner, thereby enhancing individual efficiency and performance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between cognitive representation and the performance of the side kick and back kick skills among junior taekwondo athletes aged 12 …

An Analytical Study On The Performance Of The Video Assistant Referee (Var) System In The Iraq Stars Football League, Mais Mahmoud Salman Al-Azzawi, Raghda Hassan Ibrahim Al-Azzawi, Félix Arbinaga, Maryam Abdul Jabbar Khudhur

Modern Sport

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is a technology designed to review on-field decisions through video footage in order to correct clear and critical refereeing errors. It enables the replay of key moments in slow motion to determine the correct final decision, with communication between the video officials and the referee conducted via headset. The system operates under the principle of "minimal interference, maximum benefit," intervening only in essential situations. This study aimed to assess the current implementation of VAR in the Iraq Stars Football League during the 2023--2024 season. To achieve this objective, the researchers employed a descriptive survey method …

The Effect Of Specialized Water-Based Exercises Accompanied By Music On Learning Freestyle Swimming Skills Among Female Students, Mawaheb Hameed Al-Jubouri, Odai Tareq Hassan

Modern Sport

The present study aimed to design specialized water-based exercises accompanied by music for teaching freestyle swimming skills to first-year female students at the College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences for Women, and to examine the impact of these exercises on learning outcomes. The research problem centers on the need to enhance the learning process by adopting modern instructional methods that lead to more efficient and engaging learning in less time and with less effort. To address this, the researchers proposed using a novel approach involving aquatic exercises synchronized with music, noting the need to make swimming lessons more engaging …

False Confidence And Behavioral-Psychological Balance And Their Relationship With Rational And Irrational Thoughts Among Futsal Players, Sherin Laibi Manati, Aseel Naji Fahd, Sundus Burhan Adham

Modern Sport

This study aimed to examine the levels of false confidence, behavioural psychological balance, and rational and irrational thoughts, as well as to investigate the relationships among these variables in futsal players. To achieve this objective, the researchers developed scales for measuring false confidence and behavioural psychological balance, while the standardized scale for rational and irrational thoughts, developed by Aseel Naji, was adopted for use in the current research. The researchers employed the descriptive method using a correlational approach, as it was deemed the most appropriate for the nature and objectives of the study. The research population consisted of players from …

The Impact Of An Ai-Supported Smart Hiit Program On Cardiovascular Fitness And Physical Performance, Maysaa Redha Ghanem

Modern Sport

In recent years, there has been growing interest in training programs that enhance physical fitness and overall health. Among the most prominent is High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), which has demonstrated effectiveness in improving cardiovascular efficiency and boosting physical performance within a relatively short period. With rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), it has become possible to develop smart training solutions that rely on the analysis of biometric and physiological data to deliver personalized programs tailored to individual needs. AI algorithms can analyze users' biological and physical data and generate training regimens based on physiological responses, opening new avenues for improving …

The Effect Of An Electronic Refereeing Program On Selected Officiating Cases In Basketball Among Female Students, Mariam Luwaa Abdel Fattah, Marwa Luwaa Abdel Fattah, Marwa Saadi Mahmoud, Luma Sameer Hamoudi

Modern Sport

The researchers proposed the use of a ready-made electronic program that includes refereeing scenarios designed to engage students in enhancing officiating performance, in an effort to guide them toward correct officiating. The study incorporated refereeing cases drawn from the fourth-year college curriculum. Accordingly, the research problem centres on whether modern technologies influence the development of officiating performance among students. The aim of the study was to utilize an electronic program that illustrates violations, infractions, and refereeing signals in basketball, and examine its effect on improving performance. The researchers employed the experimental method using two groups---experimental and control---on a sample of …

Designing A Model Of Essential Motor And Physical Abilities As An Indicator For Selecting Track And Field Athletes Specialized In Jumping (Ages 13–15), Marouj Tahseen Jaed

Modern Sport

The significance of this study lies in designing a model for evaluating motor and physical determinants as a scientific tool to assist coaches and experts in selecting young athletes aged 13-15 years according to precise criteria aligned with the demands of jumping and leaping events. The current research aims to develop an evaluative model that contributes to establishing quantitative and qualitative standards that can be relied upon in guiding selection and training processes, thereby enhancing the early development of athletic talent. The study specifically sought to design a model targeting the most critical motor and physical abilities as indicators for …

Design And Standardization Of A Test To Measure Defensive Movement Speed Endurance Within Half-Court For Basketball Players Aged 10–12 Years, Abdul Hassan Raheema Mashkoor, Jalal Abdul Zahra Kanaan

Modern Sport

The significance of this research lies in the development of a standardized and scientifically validated test, providing coaches with a tool to assess players' speed endurance within the half-court area of a basketball game, with the aim of continually evaluating it during training sessions and official competitions. The research problem stems from the necessity of constructing a test that accurately measures speed endurance during defensive movement within the half-court under conditions that closely simulate competitive environments. Given the scarcity of such crucial tests for assessing and evaluating players, this gap constituted a research problem that needed to be addressed. Consequently, …

From Feedback To Framework: Improving Mentorship Through Resident Insights In Scholarly Activity, Eleni Mastrokalos, Angela Colistra Lpc, Phd, Ms

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

[Excerpt From] Harmony By Design: Navigating Work And Life In Healthcare, Sharon M. Weinstein, Marla J. Vannucci, Katie Boston-Leary

Sigma Publications: Book Excerpts

Harmony by Design: Navigating Work and Life in Healthcare reimagines how we approach well-being in a fast-paced, high-pressure world. Rather than striving for a rigid sense of balance, this book introduces a more flexible and fulfilling concept: harmony. It's about aligning your values, goals, and daily actions to create a life that feels whole and sustainable.

Authors Sharon M. Weinstein, Marla J. Vannucci, and Katie Boston-Leary blend practical tools with thoughtful reflection, drawing from the latest nursing competencies and real-world challenges to help readers manage stress, lead with empathy, and build meaningful careers without sacrificing personal well-being.

What sets this …

Coach’S Eye Program For Providing Immediate Feedback And Its Role In Developing Dribbling Skills With Directional Changes In Basketball, Hanaa Abbas Abdullah, Sarah Hikmat, Liqaa Abdullah

Modern Sport

The significant advancements in learning, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) applications, have led to noticeable improvements in the educational process. AI is considered one of the most prominent modern technologies employed, especially in the field of physical education. The research problem emerges from the researchers' practical experience as instructors at the College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences. Through their teaching of basketball, they observed that the learning process struggles to keep pace with modern advancements-particularly in providing feedback to learners. Delays in delivering feedback negatively impact students' performance and their development of the dribbling with direction change …

Classroom Enrichment-Based Energy-Exhaustion Games And Their Impact On Developing Selected Social Skills And Physical Attributes And Reducing Hyperactivity And Attention Deficit In Gifted Students, Nihad Mohammed Alwan, Ali Sadiq Dhiyab, Doaa Muhib Al-Din Ahmed, Farah Alaa Jafar

Modern Sport

The significance of this research lies in exploring the impact of energy-exhausting games through enrichment classroom activities on the development of specific social skills and physical attributes, as well as reducing hyperactivity and attention deficit among gifted students aged 13. The research problem emerged from the question: To what extent can energy-exhausting games, when implemented through enrichment classroom programs, contribute to enhancing selected social and physical traits and minimizing hyperactivity and attention deficit? This study aimed to (a) identify the levels of specific social skills in the sample, (b) identify the values of specific physical attributes in the sample, (c) …

The Effect Of Proposed Exercises On Developing Motor Reaction Speed In Foil Fencers Aged 10–12 Years, Muna Ehsan Mohammed Baqr, Lubna Abdul Rasool Shakir, Thaera Abdul Jabbar Saleh

Modern Sport

The significance of this research lies in the use of targeted and varied exercises aimed at developing specific motor abilities, particularly reaction speed. Enhancing this ability contributes directly to improving skill performance in the sport of fencing. This is especially important during this developmental stage, as it marks a critical period for the maturation of both the body and the nervous system. At this age, physical and motor capabilities begin to reach full development. Moreover, the refinement of such abilities requires a well-functioning nervous system, which must be trained through carefully timed and appropriately designed exercises. These exercises should incorporate …

The Effect Of Specialized Exercises Using An Innovative Assistive Device For Motor Balance And Learning The Tucked Forward Roll On The Balance Beam, Zahra Shihab Ahmed, Hasnaa Sattar Jabbar, Saja Fadhil Shakir, Zahra Haidar Raji

Modern Sport

The science of women's artistic gymnastics is continuously evolving, driven by a constant pursuit of excellence and a commitment to surpassing physical boundaries. The sport has witnessed significant and notable advancements in the level of technical performance, leading to an overall improvement in artistic execution. This progress is directly attributed to scientific and technological developments in apparatus design, supportive tools, and methods for teaching and developing skills. The objective of this study was to design specialized exercises and examine the impact of these exercises, using an innovative supporting device, on motor balance and the acquisition of the tucked forward roll …

Analysis Of Consistent Self-Care And Mobility Scoring Across The Inpatient Continuum, Makenzie Epting, Kasey Hutter Ms, Ccc-Slp, Michael Pechulis Dpt, Christopher Johns Pt, Dpt, Ocs, Cert. Mdt

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Fabrication, Calibration, And Deployment Of A Home-Made Radiometer, Callum Flowerday, Ryan Thalman, Jaron Hansen

ScholarsArchive Data

Subfolders and Contents:

Chamber Characterization: Contains emission spectrum measured from inside the chamber with converted spectra to power and photon flux.

LED Calibration: (Each calibration file contains folders of data from each LED used in calibration)

• Cone
• Cone 2
• Dome 2
• Flat Top
• Quartz Rod
• Uniform Dome

Outside:

• Cone 2 front porch
• Cone 2 roof
• Flat top

(Arise) Achievements In Research, Inquiry And Scholarship Exhibition 2025, Office Of Undergraduate Research

(ARISE) Achievements in Research, Inquiry and Scholarship Exhibition

Conference held at John A. Delaney Student Union on July 25, 2025

Qualitative Thematic Analysis Of Crisis Communications From The Digital Pulpits Of Megachurches During Covid-19, Ralph Dustin Henderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative thematic analysis multi-case study was to explore how secular crisis communication theories were adopted and modified by theological themes in U.S. megachurches during the first six weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic related lockdowns. Image Repair Theory (IRT), Discourse Renewal Theory (DRT), and Rhetorical Arena Theory (RAT) were examined alongside Christian themes (Theodicy, Radical Love, Physical Care, and Nontraditional Stakeholder Scope). Thematic analysis of sermon transcripts from 18 megachurches showed that IRT modified: high-attribution tactics were minimal; denial (via IMRA theodicy) defended the Church Universal (CU); evasion justified Church Local (CL)actions; and offensiveness reduction (esp. Transcendence) …

Theory And Engineering Practice Of Coal-Water Coordinated Mining Based On Constraints Of Formation Bearing Capacity, Pang Zhenzhong, Zeng Yifan, Han Keyao, Wu Qiang, Liu Shouqiang, Hua Zhaolai, Zhao Gangyi, Zhang Shuai, Yang Huxiong, Wang Xuejun, Li Feifan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The high-intensity mining of coal resources in the Yushen mining area has caused negative environmental effects and water disasters on coal seam roofs, seriously restricting the sustainable development of the area.Methods and Results Based on a summary of previous research results on the mitigation of the impacts of coal mining on groundwater resources and surface ecosystem, this study analyzed the contradiction between coal mining and the protection of the fragile ecosystem in the Yushen mining area in Shaanxi Province through theoretical analysis, field investigation, and data statistics. Then, it systematically illustrated the concept of the formation bearing capacity …

Impacts Of Boundary Conditions And Parameter Heterogeneity On The Simulation And Prediction Of Water Inflow In Coal Mines, Ji Qiang, Wu Zhenjiang, Yao Yingying

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Accurate prediction of water inflow in coal mines is essential for ensuring safe mining operations. Three-dimensional (3D) groundwater numerical models can be used to characterize hydrogeological conditions in mining areas and simulate the dynamic processes of water inflow, providing a theoretical basis for scientifically predicting mining-induced water inflow. However, there is a lack of a clear understanding of the impacts of the boundary conditions with surface water-groundwater interactions and the heterogeneity of aquifer permeability coefficients (K) on the simulation and prediction of water inflow during coal mining. Methods This study developed a 3D transient groundwater numerical model …

An Experimental Study On The Seepage Characteristics Of Sandstones With Different Numbers Of Fractures Before And After Grouting, Chen Juntao, Zhou Haoyu, Yu Junjian, Li Guo, Fan Mingjin, Li Lu, Wang Yunhao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Grouting in surrounding rocks serves as a conventional approach to controlling disasters in coal mine roadways. The developmental degree of fractures significantly influences the reinforcement and sealing effects of grouting. Methods To determine the changes in the impermeability of fractured surrounding rocks before and after grouting, this study investigated sandstones—the most common sedimentary rocks in coal mines. Using laboratory experiments and numerical simulations, this study explored the permeability variations of sandstone specimens with varying fracture numbers under different confining pressures and assessed the impact of grouting on their seepage performance. Through triaxial compression-seepage experiments using a Rock Top multi-field …