Digital Commons Network^™

Speech-Language Pathology And Counseling: Confronting Communication And Swallowing Disorders At The End Of Life, Samuel Parker Wooten

Student Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study was conducted to gain a better understanding of how speech-language pathologists (SLP) prepare for and provide professional counseling to those at the end-of-life stage. Participants in this study consisted of SLPs from northeast Arkansas with at least three years of experience providing counseling in an English-speaking setting to individuals at the end-of-life stage. Interviews were conducted using Zoom software, where they were recorded and then transcribed via a speech-to-text transcription service. The data were then analyzed by the primary investigator to determine themes and attitudes regarding professional counseling at the end of life. The results of the …

Agricultural Farmers' Perceptions Of Farm-Related Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, Charlene Phillips

Student Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to assess Arkansas farmers’ hearing health, perceptions, and knowledge of noise-induced hearing loss and the use of hearing protection devices. Three questions were formed to outline the primary focus areas of the current study. The following questions are outlined: What is the hearing health of farmers in Arkansas? What are the attitudes of farmers in Arkansas toward noise-induced hearing loss and the use of hearing protection devices? What is the knowledge level of farmers in Arkansas regarding noise levels, noise exposure, and harmful effects of noise-induced hearing loss? Ninety-six Arkansas farmers electronically completed a thirty-question survey on …

The Caregiver Perspective Of The Speak Out!® Program, Caitlyn Marie Moore

Student Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological qualitative study aims to explore the perspectives of caregivers of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) participating in the SPEAK OUT!® program and to assess its potential to alleviate some aspects of caregiver burden. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with six caregivers. These results highlighted overarching themes of program benefits, caregiver challenges, and caregiver rewards while expressing challenges with the program. Caregivers mentioned that the participants had challenges with inconsistent practice and resistance to applying the skills they learned from the program daily. While caregivers did perceive benefits and no adverse changes due to the SPEAK OUT!® program, …

Above The Law? Reforming Prosecutorial Accountability Measures Through State Action, Laura Mcneal

Louisiana Law Review

No abstract provided.

It’S Hella Cool: Investigating The Properties Of Hella, Lydia Lee

Yale Working Papers in Grammatical Diversity

Hella is known as a strongly characteristic feature of Northern California, particularly the San Francisco Bay Area (Waksler 2000, Boboc 2016). Based on data collected from public Twitter posts from 2013–2020 and examples drawn from Boboc (2016) and Waksler (2000), this paper investigates the origin, syntactic properties, and sociolinguistic aspects of hella. This study also draws on 1,389 responses to sentences (1)–(3), adapted from Boboc (2016), which were included in the Yale Grammatical Diversity Project’s survey work conducted on Amazon Mechanical Turk in 2019.

1. This seat reclines hella!
   ‘This seat reclines a lot.’
2. I spoke Spanish today for the …

Differential Binding Of Host Cell Proteins By Vpr Mutant R77q Compared With Wild Type Vpr, Madison C. Wagley

Theses and Dissertations

HIV Viral protein R (Vpr) is a multifunctional accessory protein which plays a role in nuclear import of the pre-integration complex, transactivation of HIV LTR promoter, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis during HIV infection. R77Q is an HIV Vpr mutant which is associated with long-term non-progressor phenotypes, and which has previously been connected to higher levels of apoptosis compared to wild type Vpr in vitro. There are observable differences in host binding partners with HIV Vpr between wild type and R77Q strains as shown via coimmunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry. In one run R77Q samples showed binding to histone 1.2, 1.3, …

Development Of Raman Spectroscopic Methods To Analyze Chemical, Biological, And Physical Constituents For Food Safety And Quality, Hannah C. Broadbent

Theses and Dissertations

Ensuring food safety and quality is crucial for consumer health, satisfaction, and regulatory compliance. This study aims to develop rapid, reliable methods for detecting food constituents (i.e. lactose), pathogens (i.e. Listeria monocytogenes), and contaminants (i.e. micro- and nano-plastics) using Raman spectroscopy. With advantages like high specificity, minimal sample preparation, and fast analysis, Raman spectroscopy offers a promising alternative to traditional methods. This research explores its application in assessing chemical, biological, and physical properties of food to enhance safety and quality monitoring. Lactose-free products are increasingly popular due to the global prevalence of lactose intolerance, creating a need for effective verification …

Modeling Differential Expression In Scrna-Seq Data With A Difference Of Two Negative Binomial Distributions, Alicia Petrany

Theses and Dissertations

Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a powerful high throughput sequencing technology that quantifies the transcriptome at a single cell resolution. Differential expression (DE) analysis is a key scRNA-seq analysis task that identifies genes with statistically significant expression changes in response to biological stimuli. Existing DE methods inherently attempt to determine whether two sets of negative binomially distributed read counts are significantly different but lack exact testing strategies to do so. This work introduces a novel theoretical distribution, the Difference of Two Negative Binomial Distributions (DOTNB), and implements it within DEGage, an R package for DE analysis. Benchmarking DEGage against …

2025 Undergraduate Research Competition Program, Coastal Carolina University

Undergraduate Research Symposium Programs

16th Annual Undergraduate Research Competition, April 15-16, 2025.

The 2025 CCU Undergraduate Research Symposium included 168 oral and poster presentations (51 oral presentations and 117 poster presentations) and an additional 20 team pitch presentations composed of 57 students who participated in the inaugural year of the Wall College’s Chant’s Tank Pitch Competition.

Presentations at the Undergraduate Research Symposium were judged by over 80 faculty and staff, and prizes are awarded in three categories: Best Oral Presentation, Best Poster Presentation, and Best Chant’s Tank Pitch Presentation. Here are the following award winners in their respective categories:

Best Oral Presentation:

• 1st Place: …

Neural Patterns Of Self-Efficacy And Resulting Changes After Cognitive Rehabilitation In Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Emma N. Tribbey

Theses

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) often leads to cognitive impairments, which can significantly affect recovery outcomes. Although there are many different interventions available for individuals with mTBI, evidence-based research has indicated that cognitive rehabilitation programs can lead to significant improvement in psychological symptoms as well as psychosocial and vocational functioning in mTBI. Additionally, clinical research has identified a construct, self-efficacy, or the belief in one's capacity to achieve goals, that may play a critical role in further improving cognitive rehabilitation outcomes. Current research examining self-efficacy and cognitive rehabilitation in mTBI has found that higher self-efficacy is associated with greater treatment …

Animal-Assisted Therapy With Children In Hospitals And Schools: A Systematized Review, Tantine Kendig

LSU Master's Theses

It has been demonstrated that animals can offer humans significant health benefits. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a growing form of therapy used in various settings to enhance the health of children, encompassing both physical and mental wellness. The challenges of hospitalization and the school environment have been shown to pose different challenges for children, such as an increase in anxiety, stress, depression, and others that have the potential to affect their mental, physical, emotional, and social well-being. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy, specifically dog-assisted therapy, on children in hospital and school settings by conducting a …

Award-Winning Poet Victoria Chang To Speak On Campus Wednesday, Julia Perez

Press Releases 2020-2029

No abstract provided.

The Association Between Visit-To-Visit Variability In Risk Factors And Incident Cvd: A Post-Hoc Analysis Of The Multi-Ethnic Study Of Atherosclerosis, Abderrahim Oulhaj, Abubaker Suliman, Malak Bentaleb, Mohammed Abdulrahman, Rachid Bentoumi, Stephen J. Sharp, Harald Sourij

All Works

Our aim is to investigate the association between visit-to-visit variability of nine risk factors and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a large multi-ethnic population cohort study. We used the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) cohort. We included individuals with no previous history of CVD, with at least three repeated measurements on each risk factor including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, non-HDL, triglyceride, Chol/HDL ratio, Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Systolic Blood Pressure (DBP), and Body mass index (BMI). Visit-to-visit variability was estimated via the variability independent of the mean (VIM). A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the association between …

Masthead, Cleveland State Journal Of Law And Health

Journal of Law and Health

No abstract provided.

Amgen Enablement And Its Undue Burden On An Overburdened Biomedical Industry, Carter Chippi

Journal of Law and Health

This paper examines the Supreme Court decision in Amgen Inc. v. Sanofi and its profound impact on the patentability of biotechnology inventions, particularly biologic drugs. By virtually eliminating the possibility of claiming genera patents, the decision exacerbates existing challenges within the biologic sector, including high development costs and rigorous regulatory hurdles. The analysis sets forth the enablement requirement’s precedent, emphasizing historical case law and the unforeseen implications of setting a stringent standard for biotechnology patents. This paper further critiques suggested industry compromises, deeming them insufficient to address the ramifications of Amgen, and proposes legislative intervention. Options include granting biologics …

Splitting Equality: Access To Gender-Affirming Care In The Fourth Circuit, Gilbert D. Jones

Journal of Law and Health

This Note critically examines the evolving legal landscape surrounding transgender individuals' access to gender-affirming care in the United States, focusing on two pivotal cases before the Fourth Circuit: Kadel v. Folwell (North Carolina) and Fain v. Crouch (West Virginia). These cases present a constitutional and statutory challenge to the exclusion of medically necessary gender-affirming care from state health plans, under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The Note contextualizes these lawsuits within a broader historical trajectory of transgender rights, highlighting legal and cultural milestones that have shaped access …

April 21, 2025

The Gavel Gazette

No abstract provided.

Adapting To Climate Change In Semiarid Regions Via Conservation Measures: Climate-Smart Crop Rotations Of Food Legumes In Cool Seasons, Velibor Spalevic, Mohsen Janmohammadi, Naser Sabaghnia, Shuraik Kader

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The high potential of evapotranspiration, unsuitable soil conditions, irregular distribution of rainfall, and ineffective techniques of soil moisture conservation are among the limitations of semiarid regions of Central and West Asia and North Africa (CWANA), and they have intensified during recent decades with climate change. CWANA’s agroecosystems are fragile and highly vulnerable to the consequences of global warming and aggravation of water scarcity, and need to redefine agroclimatic zoning. Winter cereals are the predominant crops in the region of CWANA. The highest amount of cultivation is allocated to societies with dominant rainfed agriculture, which is often not economically profitable. The …

Postharvest Application Of 1-Methylcyclopropene And Modified Atmosphere Packaging Extends Shelf Life And Maintains Eating Quality Of Mango Fruit Cv. Sufaid Chaunsa, Hafiz Muhammad Usman, Sajid Hussain, Raheel Anwar, Ahmad Sattar Khan, Aman Ullah Malik, Muhammad Moaaz Ali, Khurram Ziaf, Arooba Abbas

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit is globally relished for its sweet taste, unique aromatic profile, and enriched nutritional value. However, its short postharvest life is a serious challenge for export to long-distance markets. 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is an ethylene inhibitor known to delay ripening in many fruits, including mango. However, comparative research suggesting an appropriate method to treat mangoes with 1-MCP is limited. In this study, mango fruit cv. Sufaid Chaunsa were fumigated with 0.25 ppm 1-MCP or treated aqueously with 1.2 ppm 1-MCP for 5 min and then packed in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The control fruits were not …

Opening The Outdoors: Experiences Of Black, Indigenous, And People Of Color (Bipoc) Adults In Outdoor Occupations To Support Mental Health, Jasmine Reynoso, Amy Lyons-Brown

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This mixed methods study explores the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) adults in exploring and engaging in outdoor occupations to support mental health. Through 15 survey responses and 2 semi-structured interviews, data was collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and reflective thematic analysis. The findings revealed three overarching themes: Barriers to Outdoor Occupations, Facilitators to Encourage Participation, and Personally Experienced Benefits. Participants explained how outdoor activities contribute to improved mental health, emotional regulation, and a sense of holistic well-being. By addressing the gap in research on nature-based occupations within BIPOC communities, this study highlights the need …

Exploring The Lived Experience Of Growing Up With A Neurodivergent Sibling, Madison Hall, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Neurotypical siblings of neurodivergent children often experience unique roles, responsibilities, and emotional challenges within their family systems, yet their needs are frequently overlooked in service delivery models. This mixed methods study explored the lived experiences of individuals who grew up with neurodivergent siblings, focusing on the occupations, routines, and play experiences that shaped their development. Four themes emerged through thematic analysis of survey responses and semi-structured interviews: (1) play as a reconstructed experience, (2) role imbalance in daily life, (3) environmental influences on occupational engagement, and (4) navigating emotional demands. Findings highlight the need for occupational therapists to include neurotypical …

Empowering Mississippi Schools: Training Staff And Students For Effective Integration Of Service Animals In K-6 Education., Micah C. Brouillette

Honors Theses

The purpose of this capstone is to explore the role of service animals in schools and to develop foundational training modules for educators and school staff. The presence of service animals in educational settings is a growing reality, yet many schools lack clear policies and staff training on how to effectively integrate them. This capstone reviews the legal protections surrounding service animals, including federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as well as Mississippi-specific regulations. It examines the benefits of service animals for students with disabilities, including their impact …

Facilitating Better Literacy Outcomes In First And Second-Grade At-Risk Readers At An After-School Program, Brooke Goldhammer

Student Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to examine the efficacy of literacy intervention in first and second-grade at-risk readers at an after-school program, CityYouth Ministries, in Jonesboro, AR. It was hypothesized that if children at risk for literacy difficulties receive literacy intervention at an after-school program, they would have better reading outcomes, narrowing the gap in academic achievement. If successful, it may resolve the need for long-term literacy support at school, which has been frequently observed with this population. The study utilized a quasi-experimental, within-group pretest-posttest design. Reading fluency and sight word knowledge were measured using DIBELS-8 Oral Reading Fluency passages and Dolch …

Culturally Responsive Teaching: A Qualitative Study Of Educator Perceptions Regarding Its Role And Significance In An Educational Setting, Clyde Eugene Hughley

Student Theses and Dissertations

A culturally-based pedagogy is an often cited and often neglected need in American schools. This neglect has contributed to academic failure and social distress in many of or minority youth, which affects communities throughout America. The problem addressed in this study was how to address the academic needs those students who are of a different social, cultural and ethnic consideration than that the “majority” of American school students. The researcher interviewed 11 secondary educators. Two research questions were explored: The first research question explored the perceptions and experiences of secondary educators regarding advantages and effective strategies for incorporating Culturally Responsive …

Representing Animals, Matthew Liebman

Maryland Law Review

No abstract provided.

Three’S Company: The Supreme Court Of Maryland Elevates Victims To Quasi-Party Status And Invites Them To Participate In The Merits Of The State’S Motion To Vacate A Faulty Conviction In Syed V. Lee, Mark Reichart

Maryland Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Great Writ Revived: A Contemporary Reimagining Of The Master’S Tools How 28 U.S.C. § 2241 Provides A Pathway To Relief For Vulnerable Classes Facing Inhumane Conditions Of Confinement, Corinne Noonan

Maryland Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Maryland Freedom To Read Act: Recognizing A New Right To Prevent School Library Book Exclusions In The Era Of Polarized School Boards, Rianna C. Mukherjee

Maryland Law Review

No abstract provided.

Balancing Parental Rights And Child Welfare In Custody Decisions Involving Mental Health, Colette Methling

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the evolving intersection of parental rights, child welfare, and mental health within the context of termination of parental rights proceedings. Historically, mental illness was often viewed as a categorical disqualifier for parenting, with courts relying on stigmatized assumptions rather than individualized evaluations. These early judicial approaches, influenced by eugenics and social biases, as exemplified by Buck v. Bell (1927), led to systemic injustices and overly broad state interventions into family life.

Through a doctrinal and historical legal analysis, this thesis traces how U.S. courts have gradually moved from rigid, diagnosis-based determinations toward more nuanced, evidence-based standards. It …

State Of Utah Plaintiff/ Appellee V. Alan Dudley Hamberlin Defendant/ Appellant : Reply Brief, Utah Court Of Appeals

Utah Court of Appeals Briefs (2020 –)

On appeal from the Sixth Judicial District Court, Kane County, Honorable Mandy Larsen, District Court No. 211600067

Natalie M. Edmundson, Derek Brown, Counsel for Appellee

Freyja Johnson, Rachel Phillips Ainscough, Counsel for Appellant