Digital Commons Network^™

A Comprehensive Review Of Photothermal Therapy: Tumor Responses, Safety, And Clinical Translation, Taniya Sood

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Cancer affects 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women in the United States. Traditional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery often lack selectivity, resulting in significant systemic side effects. Photothermal therapy (PTT) is an emerging modality that utilizes light-activated nanoparticles to generate localized heat, selectively destroying cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted utilizing PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science (2009–2024). Inclusion criteria included randomized controlled, cohort, and controlled trials involving adults (18+) with a confirmed cancer diagnosis. Studies were required to evaluate PTT using gold nanomaterials …

Barriers To Accessing Mental Healthcare Among Refugee Populations In Southern New Jersey, Paul Cardillo, Hijab Zaidi, Jacob Trainer, Alison Mancuso Do, Facofp

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This project examines barriers to accessing mental healthcare among refugee populations in Southern New Jersey, with a focus on individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). Using a narrative review of peer reviewed studies and government reports, key challenges were identified, including language barriers, cultural stigma, and limited familiarity with the U.S. healthcare system. Findings show that refugee populations experience significantly higher rates of mental health disorders, including PTSD and depression, driven by trauma, structural inequities, and social disadvantage. Effective interventions emphasize culturally competent care, integration of bicultural staff, and community based approaches. Addressing these barriers is essential to improving equitable …

Assessing The Utilization Of Emergency Departments For Primary Care Services In Southern New Jersey, Joshua James Novello, Sheila Joazile, Mohammad Isa

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Primary care (PC) is essential to proactive, comprehensive, and preventative care that can improve patient outcomes. One-third of emergency department (ED) visits are for non-emergency care that can be appropriately treated by a PC provider. In New Jersey, more than $400 million is spent annually on avoidable ED visits. Decreasing the total PC treatable ED visits per year will improve the quality of care and decrease costs. New Jersey’s PC spending, based on total health spending, is one of the lowest in the country. Demographic and socioeconomic factors in the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) examine potentially preventable ED …

A Quasi-Experimental Study To Examine The Food Bucks Rx Program For Food Insecure Patients With Chronic Conditions In A Hospital Outpatient Setting, Nicole A. Vaughn, Robert E. Post, Charlampos Papachristou, Maikel Mansour, April Schetler, Gwen Ockenlaender, Julia Koprak, Elise Mitchell, Benjamin Topiel, Melanie Ernest, Nadine Nugent, Carmen Byker Shanks

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Objective: Primary purpose of this study was to determine the potential impact of FBRx versus standard of care (SoC) on dietary intake and health outcomes. Design: Quasi-experimental 2-group design, with pre- and post- data using the EHR to capture biometrics, food insecurity, and dietary behavior from participants over the intervention. Setting: Hospital-based food pantry program connected community resources Participants: 587 enrolled participants, 304 in intervention group and 283 in SoC group. Inclusion criteria: screened positive for food insecurity and at least 1 documented chronic condition.  Intervention: FBRx participants received $30 per month in produce vouchers for …

De-Epithelialization Versus Pedicle De-Skinning In Reduction Mammoplasty: Comparative Outcomes From The Literature, Samantha Fry, Karina Vizzoni

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background- Reduction mammoplasty treats symptomatic macromastia. A key step involves pedicle preparation before breast mound reconstruction. Two main techniques include: De-epithelialization: Removes epidermis, preserves dermis, De-skinning: Excises both epidermal and dermal layers. Evidence comparing surgical outcomes between these techniques is limited.

Hypothesis- De-epithelialization will result in fewer vascular complications but longer operative times than de-skinning; thus, superiority depends on case selection.

Methods- A literature review identified studies on skin removal techniques in breast reduction mammoplasty.

Results- De-skinning was faster than de-epithelialization, though energy-assisted modalities were fastest. Nipple–areola complex (NAC) ischemia and necrosis rates were low across all methods. Superficial de-epithelialization …

Hormonal Contraceptives And Menstrual Symptom Severity Among Women With Elevated Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Global And Daily Assessment, Maria Cox, Danielle Arigo, Gabrielle M. Salvatore

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Hormonal contraceptive (HC) use is primarily for pregnancy prevention and may reduce menstrual symptoms in some individuals, though evidence is inconsistent. The aim of the study was to examine differences in symptom presence and severity among 64 menstruating women with ≥1 CVD risk factor (e.g., hypertension), including HC users (20.63%) and non-users (79.37%; sample M_age= 31.88 ± 9.89, M_bmi= 31.79 ± 7.6). Participants completed the global Premenstrual Screening Tool at baseline and then reported the presence and severity of 16 menstrual symptoms (1=Not Present to 4 = Severe) in end-of-day surveys over 45 days. In a …

Do International Alumni Give Differently? A Study On The Alumni Philanthropic Perspective Of Trust And Key Relational Factors Affecting Attitude Towards Giving, John Held

Dissertations

Philanthropy plays a key role in the funding of institutions of higher education. Previous research has focused on domestic populations, exploring the antecedents and elements of philanthropy in higher education. The literature has yet to examine differences in these elements between domestic and international, or distance extremes, amongst alumni populations. This study investigates the perceptions and motivating factors influencing alumni who experience significant geographic separation from their Higher Education Institution (HEI) and their philanthropic support for their alma mater. The conceptual model includes factors at the organization-to-organization, person-to-organization, and person-to-person levels and their moderating effects on the relationship between trust …

Understanding Communication In Green Infrastructure Project Teams In Rochester Ny Region: Coordination, Negotiation, And Constraints, Hayden Berner

Theses

This study explores how communication is perceived and used within multidisciplinary green infrastructure (GI) project teams. As GI continues to grow in the United States, projects increasingly rely on collaboration between professionals from different fields, making communication a critical factor in project success. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals working on GI projects in the Greater Rochester, New York region. The data were analyzed using an inductive, grounded theory approach to identify key themes related to communication practices, challenges, and outcomes. Results show that communication is not just a tool for sharing information, but a …

2026-05-06 So You Want To Be An Influencer?, Hadia Noor Ahmed

The Spectator Online

No abstract provided.

Genetic Analysis Of Triplicated Genes Affecting Sex-Specific Skeletal Deficits In Down Syndrome Model Mice, Kourtney Sloan, Kristina M. Piner, Pathum Randunu Nawarathna Kandedura Arachchige, Charles R. Goodlett, Yann Herault, Gayla R. Olbricht, Joseph M. Wallace, Randall J. Roper

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

Down syndrome (DS) is caused by the triplication of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), resulting in skeletal insufficiency (low bone mineral density) and altered bone development. DS mouse models recapitulate these deficits, including sexual dimorphism in long bone alterations. Historically, Ts65Dn mice provided much of the insight behind DS-related skeletal deficits with ∼100 trisomic orthologous genes, but there are concerns about the genetic fidelity in this model due to the included triplication of genes not homologous to Hsa21. A new DS model, Ts66Yah, subtracted the non-Hsa21 homologous trisomic genes from Ts65Dn but has not been evaluated for long bone deficits. Comparing …

Somewhere Between Tool And Teammate:A Construct-Level Framework For Ai-Assisted Coding Reliability, Amanda N. Moeller, Abi K. Leyden, Joey Welles, Isaac J. Moelter, Erin E. Johnson, Samuel Hunter, Gina Scott Ligon

Reports, Projects, and Research

Federal Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives have increasingly emphasized accelerating AI adoption across government operations while maintaining appropriate governance and oversight mechanisms (Office of Management and Budget [OMB], 2025; The White House, 2025). AI systems are increasingly being integrated into research and operational workflows to support the large-scale analysis of unstructured information. Across high-impact environments, AI-enabled systems are being used to accelerate document review, organize information repositories, extract structured indicators, and support operational and analytic decisionmaking. However, despite rapid adoption, many organizations still lack practical frameworks for determining when AI-generated outputs are sufficiently reliable to support operational use and when human …

The Implementation Of A Validated Csec Screening Tool For Youth Age 11 - 17 In A Pediatric Emergency Room, Julie Clark, Josie Doss Phd, Rnc-Ob, Afn-C, Sane-A, Krystal Canady Dnp, Msn, Aprn, Fnp-C, Yameika Head Md, Faap

The Corinthian

Abstract

Youth are a vulnerable population due to their age, developmental level, and dependability on others. Child abuse is a public health issue that addresses a broad range of inflicted harm ranging from neglect to physical and sexual maltreatment. A severe form of child sexual abuse is the Commercial Exploitation of Children (CSEC), also known as Child Sex Trafficking (CST), and Human Minor Sex Trafficking (HMST). For purposes of this paper, CSEC is used for CSEC, CST, and HMST. Commercial sexual exploitation of children includes sexual crimes involving children and adolescents for gain. Due to the child being less than …

Defining Success In Collegiate Recovery Programs: A Systematic Review, Brooke Trogdon, John B. Moore

The Corinthian

Background: The transition to higher education is a critical period for emerging adults. Often marked by increased substance use experimentation due to a variety of internal and external factors. This group faces a heightened risk of developing substance-related health issues, necessitating targeted intervention and prevention efforts. Purpose: To systematically review and define key indicators of success for collegiate recovery programs (CRPs) that support students in recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs). Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted using GALILEO and Google Scholar databases. Articles were appraised using the JBI critical appraisal tools. Results: CRPs provide a supportive …

A Retrospective Chart Review: Screening Patients With Type 2 Diabetes For Depression, Jennifer Sheldon, Glynnis Haley, Monica Ketchie

The Corinthian

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is defined as an impaired production of insulin resulting in elevated blood glucose levels (Brutsaert E., 2020). Globally, approximately 8% to 9% of adults have diabetes mellitus, the majority of which (95%) have Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, equating to between 624 million to 702 million people (WHO, 2020). Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus represents the seventh leading cause of death, with approximately 1.5 million new cases diagnosed annually in the United States (CDC, 2020).

Depression is clinically defined as a mental health disorder that presents with a continually depressed mood or a loss of interest in daily …

The Proper Role Of Religion In Hegel's Philosophy Of Statecraft, Hunter Coates

The Corinthian

In section three of Elements of the Philosophy of Right, Hegel lays out a theory of statecraft that comprises what he deems to be the ethical state. The ethical state is the political state that has secured the rights of its citizens through the union of state power, civil society, and absolute spirit. This paper will investigate the relationship that religion has to the ethical state in Hegel’s philosophy. First, it will be important to explain what Hegel deems absolute spirit in the Science of Logic and Encyclopedia of Philosophical Sciences, Volume 3. Next, we will briefly apply …

Growing Up, Going Abroad: A Thematic Analysis Of Cultural Upbringing, Tolerance For Uncertainty, And In-Group/Out-Group Communication, Kristiana Krasteva

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study examines Study Abroad as a process shaped by students’ responses to uncertainty, rather than as an inherently transformative experience. Drawing on Identity Negotiation Theory, Social Identity Theory, and Uncertainty Reduction Theory, it explores how cultural socialization influences students’ tolerance for uncertainty and, in turn, their patterns of communication and social engagement abroad. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 students who had recently completed a semester abroad, and data were analyzed through a thematic analysis. Findings indicate that students tend to reproduce or extend pre-existing patterns of socialization, rather than fundamentally change them. In-group reliance emerged as a strategic …

Road To Brexit: History Of Euroscepticism In The United Kingdom, Jake M. Flowers

2026 Spring Honors Capstones Projects

Scholars in recent years have attempted to understand why citizens of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in 2016, with many taking interest in the history of Euroscepticism in the country. Previous research on the topic has considered the impacts of geopolitical trends after World War II, Eurosceptical political activity in the 1980s, and longer-term historical attitudes. This paper examines the long history of Brexit to consider these events as a whole instead of as separate parts. As this is a history research project, the primary methodology is an analysis of speeches and primary sources from across …

Mass Spectrometry-Based Spatial Imaging Of The Cochlea, Roberto A. Ribas, Qun Tang, Scarlett I. Caffee, Cameron J. Shedlock, Tara R. Hawkinson, Abigail K. Dragich, Borhane E.C. Ziani, Franca Bucco Paolasso, Alyson P. Black, Xin Ma, Harshitha C. Kota, Li Chen, Gregory I. Frolenkov, Derek B. Allison, Matthew S. Gentry, Ramon C. Sun, Craig W. Vander Kooi

Physiology Faculty Publications

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI) is transforming spatial molecular studies. However, applying MALDI-MSI to small, anatomically complex tissues remains challenging. One such structure is the cochlea, the auditory part of the inner ear that is critical for hearing. To address these challenges, we developed and implemented a streamlined workflow for sample preparation and processing to obtain MALDI-MSI data on mouse cochlea. Sample acquisition was optimized to minimize time and processing steps, allowing use of flash-frozen neonatal mouse heads. This workflow enabled high spatial resolution metabolomic and lipidomic imaging of the sagittally cryosectioned mouse cochlea using N-(1-naphthyl) ethylenediamine dihydrochloride …

The Parthenon, May 06, 2026, Baylee Parsons, Kaitlyn Fleming, Abby Ayes, Ella Hatfield, Davina Synder, Scott Price, Trista Honaker, Tally Mamula

The Parthenon

No abstract provided.

Purdue University Archives And Special Collections, Neal Harmeyer, Purdue University Office Of Research

University Research Core Facility Boilerplate Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Lindenwood Digest, May 6, 2026, Lindenwood University

Lindenwood Digest

Event & Date: The 2026 Lindenwood Showcase was held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. 

Geographic Grounding: The event occurred at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. 

Key Honorees/Awards: Student winners included Reghan Gacki and Luisa Gonzalez for Original Research Project, Aidan Brynes for Creative Project, Lauren Roberts, Brendan Finnery, and Judah Davis for Exploratory Project, Chloe Ceballos for Proposal Project, and Allison Schrumf and Eleri Tye for Civic Engagement Project; Kimberly Sanchez received the Alpha Chi People's Choice Award; Oral presentation winners included Ava Bilton, Stephanie Greenhalgh, Kadence Berry, Taylor Bertubin, and Piper Colantone. 

Institutional Context: The showcase highlights diverse …

Stability Of Sufentanil Sublingual Microtablets (Dzuveo) In Extreme Cold Weather Conditions: An Experimental Study, David Mcconnell, Hayley Manners, Paul Sutton, Nicola Gawman, Tim Parham, Jonathon Lowe

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Introduction Extreme cold weather environments are challenging for medication storage and delivery, particularly for injectable analgesics vulnerable to freezing and device failure. These risks may compromise pain management in austere or operational settings where temperature control cannot be maintained. Sufentanil sublingual microtablets (sold in the UK as Dzuveo) provide an oral analgesic option with manufacturer-reported sub-zero stability. Evidence describing the effects of sustained extreme cold exposure and repeated freeze–thaw cycling on chemical stability and delivery system function is limited.Methods We conducted a laboratory study assessing the effect of sustained freezing and repeated freeze–thaw exposure on sufentanil sublingual microtablets (30 µg …

Toward The Salmon Prize: A Computational Certificate For The M5, M6, And M9 Equation Families Of Σ4(P3 × P3 × P3), John Trevino

Theatre Faculty Publications

We present a computational certificate for three families of explicit polyno- mial equations whose zero locus contains the fourth secant variety σ4(P3×P3×P3) inside P63. The three families are: 192 degree-5 Strassen commutation equa- tions (M5); 160 degree-6 equations lifted from the Bates–Oeding generators of σ4(P2 × P2 × P3) via the Landsberg–Manivel–Friedland theorem (M6); and 64 degree-9 Ottaviani 9 × 9 determinant equations (M9). All 416 generators are explicit polynomials in the coordinate ring Z[Zijk | i, j, k ∈ {0, 1, 2, 3}]. We verify by exact integer arithmetic that every generator vanishes on rank-4 test tensors (six independent …

Trauma, Memory, And Decision-Making: How Covid-19 Shaped Autobiographical Memories And Risky Decision-Making In Young Adults, Rachel Seo

Student Theses

Autobiographical memory is a critical component of the memory process that guides future behaviors by relying on past personal experiences connected to major public events. This decision-making process is heavily influenced by trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, as they may guide individuals to riskier behaviors. The COVID-19 pandemic represents a global traumatic stressor that contributed to shifts in behavioral outcomes post-pandemic. Despite research showing associations between memory accessibility, traumatic symptoms, and decision-making, there is limited research on health-related behaviors and post-pandemic behavioral outcomes in individuals with high trauma exposure specifically from the pandemic. The present study investigates …

Predicting And Decoding Allosteric Binding Sites Using Protein Language Models And Structure-Based Machine Learning: An Energy Landscape-Guided Explainable Ai Framework, Kamila Riedlová, Vít Skrhák, William G. Gatlin, Max Ludwick, Lucas Turano, Marian Novotný, David Hoksza, Gennady M. Verkhivker

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Computational prediction of allosteric binding sites in protein structures remains a persistent challenge, as these regulatory pockets evade detection by both sequence-based and structure-based algorithms. Both computational and physical origins of this predictive asymmetry remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we systematically examine the determinants of binding site predictability using a dual framework that integrates a fine-tuned protein language model and the structure-based method P2Rank as complementary tools probing a diverse data set of 453 human kinases, together with a physics-based interpretability layer derived from energy landscape frustration analysis. Both predictors exhibit a sharp and reproducible dichotomy on protein kinases, …

Transforming Experience Into Practice: A Portfolio Of Growth, Identity, And Leadership, Ana I. Loli

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This professional portfolio documents the integration of my academic learning, practicum experience, and personal transformation throughout the Master of Social Work program at the University of Montana. Drawing from trauma‑informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive frameworks, I demonstrate competency across micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice, with particular emphasis on ethical decision-making, ADEI engagement, community assessment, policy analysis, research-informed practice, and collaborative leadership. Through narrative reflections and applied artifacts—including case analyses, simulated clinical sessions, community-based research, organizational evaluation, and leadership implementation—I illustrate how meaning, context, power, history, and possibility shape my approach to social work. This portfolio highlights my development …

Small Business Management Decision Making In Department Of Defense Information System Services Markets, Robert T. Noonan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Ventilator Weaning Protocol, Manpreet Mahal

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

The Moderating Effects Of Body-Mind-Spirit Well-Being On The Relationship Between Diabetes Self-Efficacy And Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management, Carly Snodgrass

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Staff Education On The Administration Of Long-Acting Antipsychotic Injections And Its Effect On Outcomes, Matilda Che

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.