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Hemispheric Processing Of Conspiracy Theories: The Role Of Inference Constraint And Individual Differences, Abigail Van Nuland

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

This study explored how textual constraint and individual differences influence the hemispheric processing of inferences as individuals read about conspiracy theories. In Study 1, participants judged the likelihood of a conspiracy after reading either a clear cause (i.e., strongly constrained text), a vague cause (i.e., weakly constrained text), or neutral text about a historical event. In addition, several individual difference measures were administered to participants. It was found that participants were more likely to report that official explanations were not accurate (i.e., indicating a possible conspiracy) after reading a vague text compared to a clear text. However, participants who scored …

Mapping The Landscape Of Occupational Health Psychology Research On Immigrant Workers: A Systematic Review, Himali Bhandari

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Research on immigrant populations covers a wide range of topics including immigrationpatterns, demographics, working conditions, and occupational health. Nevertheless, studies specifically on immigrant workers within occupational health psychology (OHP) are scattered. To address this inconsistency, this systematic review analyzed OHP research focusing on immigrant workers, highlighting key immigrant characteristics and the psychological theories and frameworks used to explain why and how immigrant workers face high occupational health and safety risks. Peer-reviewed empirical articles were retrieved from APA PsycINFO, APA PsycArticles, and Academic Search Complete using a predefined set of search terms. Qualitative analysis of the included studies (N = 44), …

The Youth Multidimensional Group Fidelity Scale (Y-Mgfs): Psychometric Properties And Implementation Determinants And Outcomes, Paulina Paredes Cienega

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Youth mental health intervention outcomes in school settings can be improved via feasible and psychometrically sound program fidelity measures. Client self-report measures offer a practical, cost-effective approach, and multidimensional measures of program fidelity are needed to better delineate components of effective program delivery. The present study evaluated the structure and validity of the Youth Multidimensional Group Fidelity Scale (Y-MGFS) and examined implementation determinants and outcomes associated with program fidelity. Participants included 1,352 predominantly ethnic minority youth (Mage = 11.9; SD = 1.2; 62.1% female) across 282 therapy groups from 116 Chicago Public Schools, whose providers delivered a manualized video-guided coping …

Youth Perspectives On A Community Program For Children With Special Healthcare Needs: A Qualitative Study Assessing Program Acceptability, Brittany Ricart

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Objective. A significant number of families have youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN). CYSHCN experience dysfunction across multiple life domains, however CYSHCN have also demonstrated significant resilience. Protective factors include social support which can be strengthened through mentoring-based interventions. Team IMPACT is a non-profit organization that matches CYSHCN with college sports teams and includes crucial components, such as social support and mentorship, in a team-sport and community setting. The current study aimed to better understand the acceptability and influence of the Team IMPACT program on youth participants and their health-related behaviors. Methods. Twenty-five participants (mean age = 11.32) completed virtual …

Factors Associated With Objective Neuropsychological Performance In Individuals With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Kailyn Marie Bare

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Adults are expected to recover from cognitive symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) within three months; however, a subset report persistent symptoms. Previous meta-analyses have found that these symptoms are due to factors aside from the mTBI itself, and additional research is needed to determine what factors may contribute to objective cognitive functioning in the chronic stage of mTBI. This review examined biopsychosocial and injury-related correlates of objective cognitive functioning in adults with a history of mTBI. A systematic search was conducted in APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus to identify studies published since 2015 examining associations …

Mentoring Relationship Quality: An Evaluation Of Environmental Risk And Protective Factor Predictors For Urban Black Youth, Brittanie Nicole Gage

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Mentoring programs are an important intervention promoting positive developmental outcomes among youth exposed to chronic environmental stressors, particularly Black youth living in underinvested communities. Research has demonstrated moderate positive effects of mentoring on youth outcomes however, less is known about factors influencing mentoring effectiveness. Mentoring relationship quality (MRQ) has emerged as a key component of mentoring effectiveness, suggesting that perceived closeness and support within the relationship can enhance youth outcomes. Less is known regarding the environmental risks and protective factors shaping youths’ ability to engage meaningfully in mentoring relationships. Parent–child relationship quality, exposure to violent stressors, and adaptive and maladaptive …

Shadowrunning The Human: Harebrained Schemes' Shadowrun Series And Transhumanism, Alexander P. Orelup

English Theses & Dissertations

I argue that Harebrained Schemes’ video game series Shadowrun critiques transhumanism in three distinct yet related ways: in terms of religion, political control, and identity capitalism. In doing so, Shadowrun attempts to counter claims that video games are an inherently transhumanist medium and provides an opportunity for players to resist a potential transhuman future. This further elucidates the trends and perceptions of transhumanism within American culture around the time period. I utilize a variety of methodologies in my argument, ranging from cultural studies, narratology, ludology, and close reading in order to grasp all of the audio-visual and gameplay elements that …

Consumer Insights About Art Workshop And Art Boutique Preferences, Lucia M. Johnson, Richard Kaminski, Megan E. Marlin, Craig B. Joyner

AMTP Proceedings 2026

This research explores customer preferences, the effects of local demographics, purchasing habits, and the impact of social media platforms in driving customer engagement and loyalty. By surveying consumers, the study identifies the key qualities necessary to further engage potential and return customers, including pricing, location, and accessibility. The findings suggest a deep appreciation for creating artwork rather than buying artwork, distinct social media opportunities through the utilization of apps such as Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, as well as focusing their current offerings while broadening and segmenting their marketing initiatives. However, the study also notes limitations such as a convenience-based sample …

Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Plexiform Neurofibromas: Integrating Treatment Across Pediatric And Adult Populations, Amy E Armstrong, Andrea M Gross, Laura J Klesse, Steven D Rhodes, Shivani Ahlawat, Verena Staedtke, Camilo A Molina, Angela C Hirbe

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) are a hallmark of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), affecting ∼50% of individuals with the condition. Originating from Schwann cells and other peripheral nerve sheath components, these tumors can cause significant morbidity, including functional impairment, diminished health-related quality of life, chronic pain, and malignant transformation. Managing NF1-PNs is challenging because of disease variability, differing growth rates, and age-related differences in clinical presentation and treatment tolerability. This review examines current therapeutic strategies, including surgery, medical therapies, and emerging treatments, emphasizing individualized care. Highlighted here is the need for age-specific treatment planning, particularly as disease progression, comorbidities, and side-effect profiles …

Dna Methylation Of Slc6a4 And Nr3c1 In Term And Preterm Infants: A Pilot Study Of Nicu-Associated Stress, Kathryn J. Malin, Yvette P. Conley, Aleigha Barry, Rosemary White-Traut

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background: Preterm infants requiring prolonged hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are often exposed to early-life stress, which may contribute to long-term health consequences. Epigenetic markers, particularly DNA methylation (DNAm) of stress-related genes such as SLC6A4 and NR3C1, have been identified as potential biomarkers of early-life stress. Limited research has compared DNAm patterns between term and preterm infants or examined associations between NICU-related stress and DNAm in preterm populations. Objectives: This pilot study aimed to (1) compare DNAm patterns between preterm and term infants, (2) examine relationships between NICU-related stress and DNAm alterations in preterm infants, and …

Predictors Of Opioid Misuse And Abuse Among Pregnant Women In The Us, Henry Ofori Duah, Diane Von Ah, Ethan Morgan

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

Opioid misuse and abuse during pregnancy can adversely affect maternal and infant outcomes. Factors that drive the burden of opioid misuse and abuse are multifaceted and understudied. This study sought to explore predictors of opioid misuse and abuse among pregnant women in the United States.

Methods

Secondary data analysis of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data from 2015-2019 was performed. The primary outcomes were past-year opioid misuse, past-month misuse, and past-year opioid abuse. Data analysis included weight-adjusted univariate, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The pooled weighted sample comprised 2,258,599 pregnant women. The prevalence of …

A Descriptive Survey Of Reef Fish Biodiversity At The Erojacks Artificial Reef, Dania Beach, Florida, Daniella Michelle Acosta Reyes

Undergraduate Student Symposium

South Florida has one of the highest biodiversity's of reef-associated fish species in the United States. Reef systems play a crucial role in sustaining regional biodiversity. Ongoing declines in natural coral reef systems caused by climate change, coastal development, and other anthropogenic factors have increased the reliance on artificial reefs as alternative structures for coral and fish communities to aggregate. Artificial reefs play an important role in maintaining marine biodiversity and provide habitat for reef-associated fishes. The Erojacks Reef, an artificial reef system located off the coast of Dania Beach, South Florida acts as a gathering site for reef fishes. …

A Review Of Reproductive Cycling In Batoid Dentition Morphology With New Data On Two Dasyatid Stingrays From The Western North Atlantic, Lacey Adamik

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Elasmobranchs continuously replace their teeth throughout their lifespan, allowing changes in tooth morphology associated with feeding and reproduction to occur. In many batoid species, males will bite females during pre-copulatory behavior, placing male dentition under selective pressure to meet the demands of both diet and grasping of females. Previous research has documented sexual dimorphism and seasonal dentition changes in several species of batoids, suggesting that this phenomenon is widespread. Much of this research is observation-based, and quantitative studies of dentition are limited, particularly in pelagic species. Pelagic Stingray (Pteroplatytrygon violacea) specimens were previously collected by commercial fishermen, and …

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation For Substance Use Disorder, Sarah Defrant

Undergraduate Student Symposium

This review evaluates transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a supplemental intervention for decreasing substance use disorder (SUD) relapse rates by synthesizing understandings of neurobiological mechanisms and clinical outcomes. TMS stimulates the activity of neural cells in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a small portion of the prefrontal cortex that houses impulse control and decision-making skills. This leads to improved neuroplasticity and dopamine regulation, both of which are disrupted by unregulated substance use. Although TMS is not FDA-approved for substance use disorder, the neurobiological similarities between SUD and its comorbidities like major depressive disorder or anxiety highlight TMS's theoretical potential to …

Disease-Modifying Therapies Targeting Neuroinflammation In Alzheimer's Disease: Evaluation Of Ongoing Clinical Trials, Shree Diora, Reagan Colavita, Christa Torchia

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and behavioral changes. While traditionally associated with amyloid-β plaques and tau tangles, growing evidence implicates neuroinflammation as a key driver of disease progression. Microglial, astrocytic, and mast cell activation, along with elevated pro-inflammatory mediators, contribute to synaptic dysfunction and neuronal loss. Targeting these pathways offers promising therapeutic avenues beyond amyloid and tau-centric strategies. This study evaluates the emerging disease-modifying therapies in clinical trials that target neuroinflammation in AD, focusing on mechanisms, trial phases, and emerging clinical findings. The clinical trial website was accessed to find drug therapies under …

Bone Mineral Density, Mechanical Loading, And Mediterranean Diet Adherence In University Runners: A Pilot Study, Sathvi Gandra, Kiana Medina, Auston Hsieh

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Bone mineral density (BMD) is influenced by both mechanical loading and dietary patterns and is a determinant of skeletal health in distance runners. This exploratory study examined descriptive relationships among Mediterranean diet adherence, running biomechanics, and BMD in a pilot sample of competitive distance runners. Seven university runners, (18-21 years; 5 female, 2 male) completed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to assess total and segmental BMD, and a running biomechanical analysis on an instrumented treadmill. Biomechanical variables included peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF), hip and knee joint reaction forces (JRF), ground contact time (GCT), and vertical stiffness(kvert). Dietary patterns …

Time-Lapse Microscopy To Characterize Astrocyte Precursor Cells Migration Using A Double Reporter Mouse Line, Megan Hilliard, Sravika Chirla, Maria Ramirez

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Astrocytes, the most abundant non-neuronal cell type in the brain, are a diverse population of cells that play a central role in regulating synaptic activity, supporting neuronal energy demands, and modulating interactions among neurons, glia, and blood vessels. Astrocytes originate from astrocyte precursor cells (APCs) in the subventricular zone, from where they migrate to the cortex postnatally. Once in the cortex, APCs continue to proliferate and then undergo morphological and functional maturation. Using a double reporter mouse line engineered to express enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the control of the entire glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1) gene and tdTomato (tdT) …

Epigenetic Upregulation Of P21 Via Mdm2 And Dnmt Inhibition Induces Cell Death In Neuroblastoma Cells, Helen Le, Sruthika Talanki, Shyam Jaganathan, Umamaheswari Natarajan

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer that primarily impacts children, mostly under five years of age, that originates from neuroblast cells. It's located in the adrenal glands, neck, or thorax. Experimental evidence indicates that epigenetic modifications influencing cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death (PCD), including apoptosis, may provide an effective treatment strategy for enhancing neuroblastoma that is resistant to conventional therapies. This study explored MDM2 and DNMT pathways that might suppress DNA methylation leading to the upregulation of TET enzymes and p21, which trigger cell cycle arrest and apoptotic in IMR-32 cells were treated with RG-7388, CM-272, and SGI-1027 for …

Does A Competitive Season Alter Elastic Bounce Mechanics In University Distance Runners?, Marcus Marek Tortorella

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The spring-mass model (SMM) describes the body's center of mass oscillation during running as a bouncing system, where energy is absorbed and released, producing two asymmetries that represent muscle-tendon elastic function: (1) landing-takeoff (LTO; % relative difference propulsion to braking time), and (2) rebound (REB; % relative difference effective aerial to contact time). Additional SMM-derived variables, such as vertical stiffness(kvert) and step frequency (SF) may provide insight into the influence of a competitive season on running elastic bounce mechanics in university distance runners. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a competitive cross-country season …

Genetic Diversity Of Invasive Grey-Headed Swamphens In Florida Compared To Native Gallinules, Monica Maurer

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Invasive species outcompete native ones and threaten ecosystem stability. The grey-headed swamphen (Porphyrio poliocephalus), established in southeast Florida since 1996, continues to expand into the northern Everglades and Lake Okeechobee despite prior eradication attempts. This study is comparing the genetic diversity of invasive grey-headed swamphens to the genetic diversity of native purple (P. martinica) and common (Gallinula galeata) gallinules to better understand invasion history, competitive potential, and ecosystem impacts. Muscle tissue samples of P. porphyrio collected by the Florida Museum of Natural History from 1999-2023 and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) …

Implementing Video Analysis And Titleist Performance Institute Level 1 Screening To Assess Sway In Collegiate Golfers, Sydney Mazur

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Golf swing mechanics are fundamental for proper performance and sustainability in the sport. Understanding the complexities of the golf swing as well are crucial in proper performance and prevent injury. Sway is a common swing fault that occurs in golfers because of improper swing fundamental mechanics. The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Level 1 screen is used in conjunction with video analyses to better understand swing mechanics. The purpose of this study is to better understand these specific components of the golf swing mechanics to prevent injury and improve performance for collegiate golfers. A total of 16 National Collegiate Athletic Association …

What Genograms Can Tell Us About Family Dynamics That Quantitative Data Cannot, Connor Mccarville, Jessica Frye, Maegan Mcdonough

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Genograms are an important clinical tool that is used to visually represent family relationships and their dynamics, but their effectiveness in empirical research remains limited. This mix-methods study examined the alignment between qualitative genogram visualizations and quantitative assessments of family dysfunctionality among individuals who exhibited high levels of risky sexual behavior. Based on preliminary data, currently with seven individuals with a high level of risky sexual behavior, we created genograms through interviews with young adult participants who described the emotional quality of each family relationship. Quantitative data on risky sexual behavior and whole family functioning were collected using the Family …

Tissue-Specific Stable Isotope Fractionation In Subarctic Pinniped Species, Morgan Michalek

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Stable carbon (δ¹³C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) isotope ratios are widely used to evaluate marine mammal diet, trophic position, and nutrient assimilation. However, interpretation is often confounded by tissue-specific isotopic discrimination, which alters isotope ratios during nutrient assimilation and tissue synthesis. Quantifying these offsets is essential for ensuring accurate trophic reconstructions across multiple tissues with different biochemical compositions. This study measured δ¹³ and δ¹⁵N values in muscle, blood, blubber, brain, collagen, kidney, liver, skin, fur, and vibrissae of Steller sea lions (Eumentopias jubatus), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and northern fur …

Is Left Ventricular Dysfunction Associated With Increased Risk Of Alzheimer's Disease Independent Of Classical Vascular Dementia Pathways?, Priyanshi Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

This poster examines the potential connection between left ventricular dysfunction and the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults. Studies suggest that reduced heart function may affect brain health by limiting blood flow to the brain, increasing inflammation, and interfering with the brain's ability to clear harmful proteins such as amyloid-β and tau. These processes resemble changes commonly seen in Alzheimer's disease. In population-based studies, individuals with heart failure or structural abnormalities of the left ventricle appear to have a higher risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, even after accounting for major risk factors such as hypertension and clinical …

Analysis Of Conserved Domains In Promoters Of Differentially Expressed Genes In Rice, Mahalaxmi Some, Eimaan Ahmad, Emalynn Tobias

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Plant responses to stress involve changes in gene expression, and understanding these changes is key to improving crop resilience. A critical step in this process is identifying "conserved domains" in the promoters of Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs), as these domains often provide binding sites for transcription factors. In this study, we aim to identify the Cis-Regulatory Elements (CREs) in the promoters of DEGs associated with heat stress. Previously, we identified 149 DEGs from transcriptomic analyses of two rice varieties, Cypress (heat-tolerant) and LaGrue (heat-sensitive), both exposed to high night temperatures (HNT; 82.4 ± 1°F or 28 ± 1°C). We hypothesize …

Effects Of Renin-Angiotensin System Targeting Drugs On Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy And Related Neuropathology, Anna Maria Weber, Ariana Hernandez, Chana Vogel, Victoria Pulido-Correa, Maria Agustina Paiz, Shaina Binu, Sonakshi Kose, Aayush Doshi, Dylan Kuni, Sylvia Yousef

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a common cerebrovascular disease characterized by beta-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation in the cerebral vasculature, resulting in vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) along with other neuropathologies such as inflammation. Given that medications approved to treat CAA currently do not exist, this highlights that there is a pressing need for more innovative approaches to drug discovery. In this study, classical renin-angiotensin system (RAS)-inhibiting antihypertensive drugs were repurposed to investigate their efficacy for mitigating CAA-associated neuropathology and cognitive decline, while additionally evaluating for sex-specific outcomes. Male and female Tg-SwDI mice were treated for 4 months with non-hypotensive doses …

Colon Cancer Findings And A Community Solution, Brintia Wright

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Colorectal cancer remains a significant public health concern due to its high incidence, mortality, and persistent demographic disparities. The primary goal of this project was to develop an evidence-based community resource guide for the South Florida region to support early detection and equitable screening for colon cancer. The resource guide was informed by a structured review of current screening guidelines, peer-reviewed literature, and population-level data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. SEER incidence, stage at diagnosis, and survival data for individuals aged 25-84 years diagnosed with colon cancer between 2000 and 2022 were synthesized to identify high-risk …

The Impact Of Social Determinants Of Health On The Emotional Well-Being Of Lgbtq Young Adults, Bridget J. Mantooth-Urso

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

The current study examined whether neighborhood-based social determinants of health (SDOH) were associated with emotional health outcomes among sexual minority young adults ages 18–29, and whether perceived social support mediated this relationship. SDOH refers to the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, live, work, and age, including neighborhood and built environment characteristics that shape access to resources, safety, and well-being. Emotional health in this study was operationalized through self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, while social support represented perceived availability and quality of interpersonal resources that may buffer the impact of structural disadvantage. This study utilized a non-experimental, cross-sectional …

The Digital Radical: Online Extremism, Propagation, And Terror By Design's Strategic Implications For Homeland Security, Hunter Lacroix, Shevach Berkovits

Journal of Strategic Security

The 'lone wolf' figure has long been central to counterterrorism analysis, representing the trajectory from non-participant to self-directed actor aligned with extremist causes. Traditional frameworks emphasizing in-person networks or online exposure, however, fail to capture the transformation of radicalization in the algorithmic age. The Arab Spring demonstrated the mobilizing power of digital platforms, yet movements like ISIS later weaponized these networks to provide ideology, belonging, and identity to dislocated populations. This article introduces the concept of the Digital Radical—an individual who transitions from passive consumer to active propagator of extremist narratives, sustaining and expanding radical ecosystems in a symbiotic …

Doctor, Teacher, Terrorist: The Life And Legacy Of Al-Qaeda Leader Ayman Al-Zawahiri. By Sajjan M. Gohel. Oxford University Press, 2023., Naveen Khan

Journal of Strategic Security

No abstract provided.