Digital Commons Network^™

An Applied Anthropological Study Of Conflict Reduction: Fostering A Culture Of Safety At A Homeless Service Organization In Portland, Or, Katelyn Champion

Dissertations and Theses

Hygiene 4 All's (H4A) hub of operation provides hygiene services and resources to houseless individuals in Portland, OR. H4A seeks to foster a culture of safety, sanctuary, and welcome. During an internship that took place between February and December, 2025, I studied the organization's policies and practices, with a focus on how their formal and informal processes worked to lessen moments of social friction, escalations, and violent incidents. I apply theory regarding organizational management, practice theory, design, symbolic interactionism, and trauma-informed care to contextualize the research. I employed ethnographic methods, including participant observation, interviews, and document analysis, to identify themes …

Exploring The Ethical And Practical Considerations Of Artificial Intelligence In Real-World Health Care Settings: Stakeholder Focus Group Study, Carmen Wendy Ulizio, Devika Dua, Naya Meenkashi Mukul, Santosh Areti, Kristin Kostick-Quenet, Vasiliki Nataly Rahimzadeh

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies continue to transform how we research human disease, diagnose and treat patients, and operate hospitals. However, emerging ethical dilemmas surrounding their design, use, and oversight demand both policy attention and empirical research.

Objective: This study aims to explore current AI development, integration, and use activities across the Texas Medical Center (TMC), the largest medical center in the world, and identify emerging ethical priorities.

Methods: We conducted a total of 3 qualitative focus groups via Zoom (Zoom Video Communications, Inc) between May and June 2025 to gauge the perspectives of 19 clinicians, developers, administrators, and patient …

Effects Of Static Ankle Stretching On Balance And Gait: The Roles Of Age And Parkinson's Disease, Taylor M. Gauss

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The focus of this dissertation involves the effects of static ankle stretching on balance and gait in adults of different ages and with Parkinson’s disease (PD). A brief introduction in Chapter 1 precedes a detailed literature review in Chapter 2, in which we identify gaps in research on balance and gait following ankle stretching and explain why ankle stretching may serve as a predominant strategy for improving motor performance in aging and PD populations. In Chapter 3, we present the first study identifying whether muscle group selection or stretch duration influences balance in young adults. Results showed that longer durations …

Exploring The Well-Being Of Students: Mental Health Symptoms And Help-Seeking In Students With And Without Disabilities, Delaney M. Havrylkoff

LSU Master's Theses

Students with learning-related disabilities (LRDs) are a growing population in schools worthy of more holistic attention. This vulnerable population often receives support for their academic needs, while their mental health needs tend to get overlooked or untreated. Students with LRDs often face more negative experiences (e.g., lower academic performance, bullying, and peer victimization) in school compared to their peers without disabilities. As a result, they may experience higher levels of mental health issues. The purpose of this study was to examine the mental health status and service utilization of students with LRDs in schools compared to their peers without disabilities. …

Nanog Proximity Proteomics Maps Neighborhood Hubs Linked To Mesenchymal Stem Cell Stemness And Chromatin Control, Kyoung-Jae Choi, Michail Tyryshkin, Harathi Jonnagaddala, Allan Chris M Ferreon, Marian Kalocsay, Josephine C Ferreon

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

NANOG overexpression has been reported to reverse aging-associated decline in mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) function, but the molecular machinery engaged by NANOG in MSCs remains incompletely defined. Here, we applied APEX proximity labeling coupled with quantitative mass spectrometry to define the NANOG proximity interactome (proxeome) in human MSCs. Of 1040 quantified proteins, 828 were significantly enriched in the APEX-NANOG (H2O2 labeling) samples, consistent with a broad NANOG-centered neighborhood rather than a single stoichiometric complex. Enriched proteins encompass RNA-processing pathways (including splicing/RNP factors and selected m6A-related proteins), transcriptional coactivation and elongation control (Mediator and 7SK/P-TEFb regulators), chromatin repression/poising modules (Polycomb and …

Quantitative Analysis Of Cholera Dynamics And The Impact Of Integrated Control Measures., Kazeem Abidoye Odeyemi, Mutairu Kayode Kolawole

Tanzania Journal of Science

A comprehensive mathematical evaluation of cholera dynamics, emphasizing the crucial role of optimal control strategies which include vaccination, treatment in endemic region and environmental hygiene in controlling the disease spread in Western and Mid-Eastern regions of African setting. Through analysis of the local and global stability of the model and assessing the reproduction number (��0), this research highlights how targeted interventions can influence transmission rates of cholera disease. Sensitivity analysis identifies key parameters driving cholera dynamics, underlining the urgency of timely and adequate intervention. Utilizing the innovative Homotopy Perturbation Method for the numerical simulation, the study explores the interplay between …

Theory And Applications Of Natural And Nature-Based Solutions In Estuarine Environments, Elizabeth L. Royer

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on the theory and application of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), through three unique case studies. This study explores how the broad and interdisciplinary NbS framework can be applied to mitigate common coastal hazards. This framework considers the environment, economics, and social wellbeing, equally in the design and implementation of a solution. The current paradigm, working against nature, which is commonly seen in more passive approaches to hazard mitigation, like grey infrastructure (e.g. a seawall to protect a shoreline against wave action) does not accommodate the extremely dynamic environment. As perspectives shift to “working with nature” NbS can be …

Depolymerizing F-Actin Accelerates The Exit From Pluripotency To Enhance Stem Cell-Derived Islet Differentiation, Nathaniel J Hogrebe, Mason D Schmidt, Punn Augsornworawat, Sarah E Gale, Mira Shunkarova, Jeffrey R Millman

2020-Current year OA Pubs

In this study, we demonstrate that cytoskeletal state at the onset of directed differentiation impacts the exit of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) from pluripotency and downstream lineage specification. In particular, depolymerizing F-actin with latrunculin A (latA) during the first 24 h of definitive endoderm formation facilitates efficient loss of pluripotency and alters Activin/Nodal, BMP, c-Jun, and WNT signaling dynamics. These signaling changes influence downstream patterning of the gut tube, leading to improved pancreatic progenitor identity and decreased expression of markers associated with other endodermal lineages. Continued differentiation generates islets containing a higher percentage of β cells that exhibit improved …

Locating Vehicles Within Parking Facilities, Daniel Adam

Defensive Publications Series

This document describes a computing device (e.g., processing service, mobile phone, wearable device, smart device, vehicle, etc.) that aids in vehicle retrieval by collecting inertial, visual, and environmental data to guide a user to a parked vehicle within complex, multi-level parking structures. For instance, the computing device may utilize a multi-sensor fusion approach to integrate data from mobile computing device components such as barometric sensors, tilt sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, cameras, etc., and data from additional computing devices such as cameras, vehicles, charging ports, barriers, etc., to determine parked locations of vehicles. Further, the computing device may utilize the multi-sensor fusion …

A Hybrid System For Multi-Stage Generation Of Contextual Translation Variants, Leonid Kuligin, Thomas Zettl

Defensive Publications Series

Some automated translation systems may be limited by producing a single, high-probability output, which can lack the linguistic diversity beneficial for certain applications. A hybrid, multi-stage workflow can generate multiple contextual translation variants by utilizing a probabilistic generative model, such as a large language model, to produce an initial set of translation candidates based on specified constraints. These candidates may then be programmatically refined, rated for quality, and deduplicated using deterministic and semantic techniques. By producing a curated list of distinct translation options instead of one output, this process can provide broader linguistic coverage to improve the performance of dependent …

System And Method For Network Infrastructure Asset Management And Supply Chain Orchestration, N/A

Defensive Publications Series

This publication describes systems and methods for managing supply chain operations and asset lifecycles within large-scale network infrastructures. The approach utilizes a layered software architecture to decouple supply chain planning from execution processes, enabling scalable and high-velocity hardware deployments. Hardware systems ordered as top-level assemblies are tracked and capitalized at the component level to facilitate accurate financial reporting, equipment upgrades, and decommissioning. Data from bill of materials services, procurement tracking platforms, and logistics proxies are aggregated to reconcile active network devices with their corresponding enterprise financial records.

Keywords: supply chain orchestration, asset management, network infrastructure, component reconciliation, top-level assemblies, …

Symmetry-Aware Optimization Framework For Network Topology And Collective Algorithm Co-Design, N/A

Defensive Publications Series

The technology relates to a software framework providing for the simultaneous co-design of network topologies and collective communication algorithms in distributed computing environments. The software framework utilizes a graph-theory-based model to represent computing nodes and physical communication links, encoding hardware and software parameters into a solver-readable mathematical formulation. By applying combinatorial optimization solvers, the software framework identifies highly efficient physical cabling schemas and corresponding algorithmic routing schedules. To handle highly complex search spaces, the approach leverages graph automorphisms and symmetries in collective operations to significantly reduce the combinatorial search space. This enables the generation of tailored interconnect architectures and message-passing …

System And Method For Dynamic Material Delivery Scheduling Via Asynchronous Constraint Resolution, N/A

Defensive Publications Series

This publication describes a technology for managing supply chain material delivery schedules through asynchronous constraint resolution. The system replaces static delivery dates with dynamic calculations based on real-time event signals. An event ingestion layer receives updates from non-logistics systems, such as site readiness tools and workforce management databases. A central logic engine evaluates these signals against a hierarchical priority logic to throttle warehouse execution at an individual line-item level. When constraints clear, the system automatically triggers a global re-optimization of the delivery schedule to synchronize material arrivals with available resources.

Keywords: dynamic scheduling, asynchronous constraint resolution, supply chain management, …

Systems And Methods For Repairability-Driven Error Detection And Mitigation, N/A

Defensive Publications Series

This publication discloses systems and methods for enhancing computing hardware reliability through repairability-driven error detection. Upper-layer software components select a minimum repair action to address hardware or low-level software errors. Each error type is associated with a tagged minimum repair action, which may be determined statically or dynamically at runtime. Machine learning models or expert inputs can be utilized to derive the tagged repair actions based on historical error logs and remediation probabilities. Additional environmental or diagnostic conditions may guide the selection of a specific repair action. The system evaluates both the execution time and the diagnostic time to select …

Embedded Components In Printed Circuit Board Cavities, Na

Defensive Publications Series

This publication details structural configurations for embedding components within printed circuit board cavities. As printed circuit boards are designed with increased thickness, incorporating recessed cavities allows for heterogeneous layers that accommodate components across multiple different levels. The described structures open possibilities for advanced cooling designs, improved signal integrity, reduced vertical height, and decreased material weight. For example, embedded cold plates can reside within these cavities to provide effective thermal management for components located on the opposite side of the board. Furthermore, vertical power modules or capacitors can be embedded into cavities directly opposite to an application-specific integrated circuit to shorten …

Hybrid Mesh-Grid Clock Design For Low Latency And Low On-Chip-Variation, N/A

Defensive Publications Series

The technology described in this paper relates to a hybrid spine-mesh clock distribution network configured to deliver high-frequency clock signals across a network-on-chip fabric in a system-on-chip architecture. The network minimizes clock latency, clock skew, and the overall impact of on-chip variation. The network combines spine-based distribution structures with a grid-like mesh topology. Main spines route the clock signal in a primary direction using upper metal layers while distributed trees or sub-grids branch orthogonally to deliver the clock signal to localized functional areas. A final stage mesh connects to local sequential elements, providing multiple propagation paths that average out localized …

Your Ai Is Bs, Jimmy Williams Msc, Cpe, Cbp, Bindi Shakya Cpe, Alex Raju Cpe

GIS/ValuationTechnologies Conference 2026

The valuation industry, like many others, has become captivated by the language of “innovation.” Terms such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Automation are thrown around at conferences, in white papers, and across vendor pitches as if they’re the magic keys to the future. Yet, too often these buzzwords create confusion rather than clarity—slowing real adoption, misrepresenting what’s actually being done, and inflating expectations beyond reality. This presentation challenges the hype. We argue that much of what is being marketed as “AI” is simply the natural evolution of computer science, data analytics, and Moore’s Law—tools improving in speed and efficiency, …

Photogrammetric Analysis Of Porites Lobata And Pocillopora Spp. Live Coral Cover At Devil's Crown, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Katherine Whitehouse, Preston Toutant

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Porites lobata and Pocillopora spp. are predominant scleractinian corals at Devil's Crown, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador that have been monitored for 48 years. Fluctuations in colony abundance and live tissue surface area of both taxa are associated with environmental variability driven by El Niño-Southern Oscillation. To better quantify colony number and live tissue cover of the two taxa, photogrammetry was utilized during a research expedition in May 2025. Two GoPro cameras were used during snorkel transects in the northwest (Porites) and northeast (Pocillopora) sectors of the shallow (2-3 m depth), elliptical submerged caldera to produce overlapping digital …

The Hidden Map Of Women's Health: Predictors And Protectors Across Our Lives, Tasfia Howlader

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Women's health has constantly been changing-from public health infrastructure to health policies, and even medical advancements. Yet, the struggles are persistent within the gaps present in women's health. The Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) explains interactions between different levels of relationships, which result in health outcomes that vary from individual factors to environmental factors. Applying the SEM to describe health disparities can help explain how the relationships an individual has influenced their health. This project serves to exemplify these different levels while discussing the tailoring of services to the needs and the importance of populations based on their experiences. Specifically, adhering to …

Judicial Legacy, Presidential Controversy: Ronald Reagan’S Appointment Of Sandra Day O’Connor, Katie Cassady

Helms School of Government Spring Public Policy Conference

No abstract provided.

The Mission Of America: A Reminder Of Who We Are And Where We Go From Here., Shannon Morlock

Helms School of Government Spring Public Policy Conference

No abstract provided.

Picking Sides: How Political Polarization Has Impacted The Understanding Of The Judicial Restraint Found In The Dobbs Decision., Ellie Shoemaker

Helms School of Government Spring Public Policy Conference

No abstract provided.

Energy, Computation, And The Nuclear Renaissance: Material Foundations Of The Data Economy, Apolo Fernandez

Helms School of Government Spring Public Policy Conference

No abstract provided.

Unsc At A Crossroads: Rethinking Power And Representation In A Multipolar World, Paul Aginnah

Helms School of Government Spring Public Policy Conference

No abstract provided.

Fostering Ubuntu In Countering The Spread Of Terrorist Ideologies In Africa: A Case Study Of The East African Community (Eac), Paul Aginnah

Helms School of Government Spring Public Policy Conference

No abstract provided.

China's Rise, Alethia Jones

Helms School of Government Spring Public Policy Conference

No abstract provided.

The Illicit Fentanyl Crisis In The United States: Root Causes, Federal Policy Responses, And State-Level Solutions, Lydia Courie

Helms School of Government Spring Public Policy Conference

No abstract provided.

Assisted Suicide And The Absolute: Autonomy Or God’S Word?, Venture Ciccarelli

Helms School of Government Spring Public Policy Conference

No abstract provided.

Beyond Therapy Culture: Solutions For Our Digital Hubris, Spiritual Bankruptcy, And The Moral Imperative Of Humility, Giancarlo Newsome, Andrew Bibb, Merrick Davis

Helms School of Government Spring Public Policy Conference

No abstract provided.

Health Care Policy, Luke Lee

Helms School of Government Spring Public Policy Conference

No abstract provided.