Digital Commons Network^™

Senescent Fibroblasts In Aging And Pulmonary Fibrosis, Sara B. Palega, Aiwei Y. Borengasser, Yan Y. Sanders

Microbiology & Molecular Cell Biology Faculty Publications

Aging is a major risk factor for many chronic lung diseases, including Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a fatal and incurable disease characterized by progressive fibrotic remodeling. Age-associated structural alterations, impaired regenerative capacity, and dysregulated cellular signaling collectively create a pro-fibrotic microenvironment. A central driver of this pathological shift is the accumulation of senescent cells, which undergo irreversible growth arrest and develop a robust pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Emerging evidence identifies senescent lung fibroblasts as critical mediators of IPF pathogenesis. These cells promote excessive extracellular matrix deposition, myofibroblast differentiation, and tissue stiffening, while simultaneously impairing epithelial regeneration. Together, these effects …

Quadriceps And Ankle Weakness In Inclusion Body Myositis: Impact On Descending Balance Control And Rehabilitation Strategies - A Systematic Review, Woohyoung Jeon, Ashley Dalby, Melinda Hermanns, Manuel Lubinus

Nursing Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background

Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM), a progressive neuromuscular disorder, is characterized by quadriceps and ankle muscle weakness, leading to impaired balance control and increased fall risk during functional activities. Existing research highlights inconsistent evidence on fall risk reduction and a lack of standardized rehabilitation protocols, creating gaps in effective management. This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on the impact of muscle weakness on balance and fall risk and evaluate rehabilitation strategies, including task-specific interventions, to improve functional outcomes in IBM patients.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception …

Mepolizumab Improves Outcomes In Patients With Crswnp With One Or More Prior Nasal Polyp Surgeries, Joseph K. Han, Joaquim Mullol, Martin Wagenmann, Laura Walrave, Lingjiao Zhang, Ana R. Sousa, Peter Howarth, Claire Hopkins

Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) often undergo multiple nasal surgeries. The Phase III SYNAPSE study (GSK ID:205687; NCT0308579) demonstrated that mepolizumab reduces the need for repeat surgery. We explored whether outcomes differed based on the number of prior surgeries. METHODOLOGY: This post hoc analysis of SYNAPSE stratified patients by history of 1 or more than 1 prior surgery. Patients were randomised to receive mepolizumab or placebo every 4 weeks, alongside standard of care, for 52 weeks. Outcomes included change from baseline in endoscopic nasal polyp (NP) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for nasal obstruction, loss …

Press Release - Carol Anderson, Lewis & Clark Law School

MLK 2026 Event Information

No abstract provided.

Contemporary Issues In Economics And Finance: The View From China, Kenneth S. Bigel

Open Touro Created

2026

This collection of essays showcases original research crafted by exceptional young scholars—primarily high school students from China and North America—guided step-by-step from topic selection to final publication. Across diverse subjects in business and the social sciences, these emerging researchers demonstrate curiosity, discipline, and global awareness. Their work provides a rare window into the questions today’s youth are asking on both sides of the Pacific, offering fresh perspectives and a meaningful bridge between two world powers. Designed not only to inspire but also to instruct, this compendium fills a long-recognized gap in early research education: it presents accessible, real student …

Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases: A Concise Guide On The Fundamentals Of Infectious Disease In Podiatric Medical Education, Paramita Basu

Open Touro Created

2026

This Open Educational Resource (OER), Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, is a student-centered textbook designed to support pre-clinical podiatric medical students enrolled in PCLP 610 Infectious Diseases at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. The book is structured as a collection of concise “chapter briefs” or high‑yield notes that align closely with the course syllabus, lecture objectives, and student learning outcomes, while also reflecting the Microbiology learning objectives outlined in the AACPM Council of Faculties Curricular Guide.

The content covers core principles of medical microbiology and infectious diseases, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, host–pathogen interactions, antimicrobial therapy, resistance …

Application Of Asparaginase Enzyme In Reducing Acrylamide Formation In Roasted Coffee Beans, Zainab Funmilayo Abdussalam Muhyideen, Ku Madihah Binti Ku, Misnawi Jati, Zaibunnisa Abdul Haiyee

Baghdad Science Journal

Acrylamide is formed through the Maillard reaction between L-asparagine and reducing sugars during thermal processing. The enzyme L-asparaginase can effectively mitigate acrylamide formation by hydrolyzing asparagine into aspartic acid without affecting product quality. This study investigated the effect of asparaginase application methods, enzyme concentrations, and incubation temperatures on acrylamide reduction and pyrazine preservation in roasted Arabica coffee beans. Two enzyme application methods—soaking and spraying—were compared using 4000 U/g asparaginase. Soaking treatment achieved a greater acrylamide reduction (92.8%) compared to spraying (86.8%), and was therefore selected for optimization. Subsequently, enzyme concentrations (2000, 3000, and 5000 U/g) and incubation temperatures (40, 50, …

Effect Of Mycovirus Infection On The Hydrolytic Enzymes Activity Of Fusarium Oxysporum F. Sp. Cubense Tropical Race 4, The Causal Agent Of Banana Fusarium Wilt, Zhi-Qin Lai, Clement Kiing Fook Wong, Nor Ismaliza Binti Mohd Ismail, Ganesan Vadamalai

Baghdad Science Journal

Fusarium oxysporum f.sp cubense Tropical Race 4 also known as Fusarium odoratissimum (FO) is a fungal pathogen affecting banana (Musa spp.). It secretes plant cell-wall degrading enzymes (PCWDEs) to penetrate and colonize roots, resulting in wilting symptoms and host death. Mycovirus is a virus that infects fungus. It was discovered that mycovirus could be a biocontrol agent by causing hypovirulence in fungal pathogens, a typical symptom of suppressed pathogenicity of an infected host. Hypovirulence was also associated to reduced PCWDE activity in several plant fungal pathogens. To date, no hypovirulent mycovirus was reported in FO. Hence, this study …

Study Of Soil Erodibility In Its Relationship With Coffee Plant Productivity Based On Agroforestry In Silaen Sub-District, Toba Regency, Fitra Syawal Harahap, Rahmawaty Rahmawaty, Abdul Rauf, Rahmanta Rahmanta, Delvian Delvian, Badaruddin Badaruddin

Baghdad Science Journal

Coffee plants (Coffea sp.) are currently a plantation crop in great demand among farmers in Silaen Sub-district. However, the soil conditions in Silaen Sub-district are dominated by sandy soil, which can trigger soil sensitivity to high erosion potential. One of the efforts to mitigate the decline in coffee production can be done through estimating the soil erodibility index in Silaen Sub-district. This research aims to estimate the soil erodibility index and obtain its relationship with agroforestry-based coffee production in Silaen Sub-district, Toba Regency. The method for determining land boundaries using land map units (SPL) in the form of land …

Reinterpreting Stochastic Optimal Control Under Ecological Uncertainty: Inferring Decision Urgency From Vegetation Biomass Dynamics, Komi Mensah Agboka, Tobias Landmann, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Stochastic optimal control provides a rigorous framework for systems subject to uncertainty, yet its operational use in ecological crisis contexts remains limited by interpretability. We reinterpreted a stochastic control formulation in which selected parameters emerged as indicators of decision urgency rather than normative preferences. Vegetation biomass was modeled as a stochastic stock subject to nonlinear loss driven by feeding pressure (e.g., desert locust activity) and multiplicative noise, with uncertainty represented by a time-varying volatility term that integrated extreme rainfall anomalies and conflict-related disruption. Rather than prescribing an optimal policy, we inverted the closed-form solution of the control problem to infer …

This Land Is Our Land: Creating Abortion Safe-Havens In Federal Enclaves Using The Nondelegation Doctrine, Callie Fucarino

American University Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law

In a post-Dobbs world, the legal status of abortion care is in the hands of the states. Healthcare providers and people seeking abortion care must either take legal risks or betray their morals and oath to care for their patients to follow the law in certain restrictive states. What remains in flux is the status of abortion rights on federal lands. There is currently no federal law that criminalizes abortion, but many states prohibit it. Within some states that have restricted abortion, there lie federal enclaves—certain specified land that the United States government owns, where federal law controls. At first …

Assessing The Risk Of Exposure To Rift Valley Fever And Other Arboviruses To The Human Population In Nguruman, Kajiado County, Faith Cherop Faith Cherop

All Master’s Theses

For more than a century, Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and some arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever have posed serious challenges to both public health and animal health. Nguruman region of Kajiado County recorded its first RVF case during the 1997/1998 outbreak. Despite this history, no follow-up study has been carried out to monitor virus activity. This study specifically explored the mosquito abundance and diversity virus infection rates and their host blood-feeding patterns. It also sought to assess the seroprevalence of RVFV in the human population and circulation of arboviruses within the mosquito community. Cross-sectional monitoring of adult …

Ucf Center For Community Schools Research Citations, Ucf Center For Community Schools

Community Schools Research

This scholarship examines community school implementation, partnerships, student and family outcomes, organizational conditions, and the broader systems that support community-centered approaches to education. By connecting research with practice, UCF CCS seeks to deepen the evidence base and advance knowledge that can inform educators, practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders.

This collection provides an evolving resource for exploring the research behind community schools and the lessons emerging from their implementation across Florida and beyond.

Structural Design Of Macroporous Layered Double Hydroxide Catalysts: Alleviating Mass Transport Constraints In Bulkier Triglycerides, Nazrizawati Ahmad Tajuddin, Mohamad Hidayat Haider, Nazarudin Nazarudin

Baghdad Science Journal

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) serve as potential catalysts for biodiesel production through triglyceride (TAG) transesterification; nevertheless, mass transport limitations hinder their effectiveness, especially with larger TAG molecules. This study addresses this limitation by synthesizing macroporous MgAlLDH and ZnAlLDH using a polystyrene templating method. Thorough characterization reveals the successful formation of macroporous structures with significantly increased physicochemical properties and their structural design compared to conventional LDHs. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed the successful restoration of the LDH structure following calcination and rehydration, with enhanced crystallinity seen in the macroporous materials. The BET surface area analysis revealed a substantial increase (∼10x for MgAlLDH) …

Hematite/Nio/Graphene Composites: Enhancing Humidity Energy Harvesting Through Temperature Variations, Nurul Syafiqah Mohamed Mustakim, Dayana Kamaruzaman, Norfarariyanti Parimon, Mohd Khairul Ahmad, Suriani Abu Bakar, Mohamad Hafiz Mamat

Baghdad Science Journal

Harvesting energy from humidity is a new approach that has emerged as a potential renewable energy source. However, there are drawbacks to current humidity-based energy-harvesting technologies, such as the absence of a long-term conversion mechanism in hygroscopic materials. In this study, we developed hematite/nickel oxide/graphene (hematite/NiO/Gr) on a cellulose-based substrate as the hygroscopic material for humidity-to-energy applications. We successfully synthesized a novel hematite/NiO/Gr composite using a cost-effective sonicated solution immersion method at different synthesis temperatures. Results indicated that the prepared hygroscopic material is hydrophilic, with a water contact angle of 67.83°. The fabricated humidity-to-energy device utilizing these hygroscopic materials yielded …

Land Suitability For Seasonal Crops: Limiting Factors And Sdg-Aligned Management Strategies, Rahmawaty Rahmawaty, Abdul Rauf, T Alief Aththorick, R Hamdani Harahap, Christine Pepah, Rohani Simbolon, Minhajul Abidin, Nawang Wulan, Anggiat Hosea O Siregar, Mohd Hasmad Ismail, Seca Gandaseca

Baghdad Science Journal

A land evaluation study of Muara Batang Toru Sub-district is essential to determine its development prospects for seasonal crops. This study evaluates land suitability for six seasonal plants, including red chili, cucumber, shallot, tomato, eggplant, and bitter melon, in Muara Batang Toru Sub-district, South Tapanuli Regency. This study employs a survey method, integrating field observations and laboratory analysis with predetermined criteria based on a combination of internationally recognized standards and local conditions. Geographic information systems are used to map the actual and potential land suitability classes for vegetable crops. The findings indicate that most of the actual land suitability classes …

Patterns Of Antibiotic Resistance In Staphylococci Associated With Bovine Subclinical Mastitis, Intan Nurfarzana Mohd Safini, Muhammad Iqbal Hafiz Saad, Zuraifah Asrah Mohamad, Siti Khairiyah Mohd Hatta, Aziyah Abd. Aziz, Sophia Karen Bakon, Norashirene Mohamad Jamil

Baghdad Science Journal

Bovine mastitis, particularly subclinical mastitis (SCM), is a major concern in dairy cattle due to its asymptomatic nature and significant economic impact. In Asia, Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are key pathogens. The overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, posing risks to animal health and food safety. This study aimed to identify staphylococci associated with SCM and assess their antibiotic resistance (AR) profiles. Milk samples were collected from 20 cows at a dairy farm in Malacca, Malaysia, in August and October 2023. SCM was diagnosed using the California Mastitis Test (CMT), and bacterial …

Roasting-Dependent Changes In Antioxidant Activity And Metabolite Profiles Of Coffea Liberica: Unraveling Bioactive Compounds And Their Functional Properties, Nuratikah Abdullah, Lay Kek Teh, Mohd Zaki Salleh, Mohd Salleh Rofiee, Lay Jing Seow, Eleena Mohd Yusof, Ye Han Sam, Eng Keng Seow

Baghdad Science Journal

Coffea liberica, despite its high antioxidant activity reported in the green bean, has had limited research in the literature on changes in metabolite profiling across different roasting levels. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and metabolite profiling of the green beans and various roasting levels of Coffea liberica brew using multiple antioxidant assays namely (total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, 1,1-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power, 2,2’-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight (LC/MS-QTOF), respectively. Notably, light-roasted coffee brew retained the highest antioxidant activity …

Development Of 4-Vinylbenzyl Chloride (Vbc) Grafted Onto Branched Polyethylenimine (Pei) Onto Bacterial Cellulose Sheet By Gamma-Induced Irradiation Technique For Cu Ion Adsorption, Methinee Wongwai, Supitchaya Kulratkitiwong, Thitirat Rattanawongwiboon, Sarute Ummartyotin

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Bacterial cellulose extracted and purified from Nata de coco was employed as a platform for Cu2+ ion adsorption. 4-vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC) was successfully grafted at the hydroxyl position by using gamma irradiation. The optimum was typically related to VBC concentration of 2% (v/v) and a radiation dose of 50 kGy. FTIR significantly reported the functional group of C-Cl related to VBC. No change of crystallinity and morphology was observed. The thermal decomposition was stable up to 200℃. The modification of branched polyethylenimine (PEI) was prepared in order to change the functionality to N‒H stretching. This was expected to adsorb Cu2+ …

No Exception For Ultra Vires Discrimination, Rev. James Deboer

American University Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law

The Ministerial Exception (“the Exception”) is an affirmative defense that religious institutions may use to obtain dismissal of discrimination claims brought by current and former ministerial employees.The Exception rests on the seemingly straightforward premise that churches and other religious institutions must be free to select and remove their own ministers without interference from secular laws.  It applies with equal force to any kind of discrimination; extends to harassment and retaliation; and is not confined to forms of alleged discrimination motivated by religious belief.

The Supreme Court has only addressed the Exception twice. First, in 2012, through Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church …

The Ambiguity That Isn’T: Why Same-Sex Marriage Is Legal In American Samoa, Dante Cade Harootunian, Sammi Lawrence

American University Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law

After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that prohibitions on same-sex marriage violate the equal protection guarantees of the U.S. Constitution, several government officials in American Samoa issued statements claiming that the decision had no effect in American Samoa, and, to date, no same-sex couples have

applied for a marriage license in the territory. This Article analyzes the Obergefell decision in light of other federal and territorial court decisions that determined the applicability of constitutional rights to U.S. territories and concludes that, despite the statements of local officials, the Obergefell decision applies in American Samoa, and the …

Cedaw's General Recommendation No. 37: A Sweeping Reconceptualization Of Women’S Rights In The Climate Crisis And A Tool To Assess State’S Compliance With Them, Ingrid Nifosi-Sutton

American University Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law

INTRODUCTION: Climate change is one of the most formidable challenges of our time that threatens our way of life and the very existence of humankind. While climate change has negative impacts on all persons, it affects women and girls disproportionately. During floods and severe storms fueled by climate change, for example, women are more likely to die than men because they lack access to essential information on how to survive in these emergencies. In certain regions of the world—such as Sub-Saharan Africa—women smallholder farmers are bearing the brunt of climate change because, in the aftermath of droughts, these women have …

What Is “The Nation’S History And Tradition?”: Using History To Redefine “Liberty” And Applying A New Deeply Rooted Test To Transgender Rights, Kaori Kawaguchi

American University Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law

INTRODUCTION: “In a Constitution for a free people, there can be no doubt that the meaning of ‘liberty’ must be broad indeed.” In Roe v. Wade, the Court considered a woman’s liberty right to decide whether to continue a pregnancy or have an abortion and recognized the constitutional validity of a liberty right to abortion as part of the right to privacy. In Roe, the Court concluded, “[o]nly personal rights that can be deemed ‘fundamental’ or ‘implicit in the concept of ordered liberty’ are included in the guarantee of a right of personal privacy.” Liberty should be “left to …

Nonviolent Felony Offenders And The Second Amendment: Reexamining Categorical Disarmament Laws In Light Of Bruen And Rahimi, Nikolay Belardi

American University Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law

INTRODUCTION: The Second Amendment ensures that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” In a country with more civilian-owned firearms than people—and more gun dealers than McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, and Wendy’s locations combined—it is no surprise that Americans pride themselves on their right to bear arms. However, a majority of the American population favors stricter gun laws and regulations, a position that seems sensible given that mass shootings are an all-too-familiar occurrence in the United States. The enshrinement of the right to bear arms in the Constitution limits the laws and regulations …

Rogers Historical German Book Collection - Accession 1533, Jim Rogers

Manuscript Collection

This collection consists of printed monographs and illustrated volumes published primarily in Germany between 1879 and 1944 (bulk 1922-1944). The books focus on German and European art, architecture, cultural history, geography, music, and regional studies. Many volumes are richly illustrated and were intended for educational, scholarly, or general audiences.

The collection includes works on medieval and modern architecture, urban and regional studies of German cities and landscapes, art history surveys, music education, and biographies of prominent cultural figures such as Richard Wagner, Karl Friedrich Schinkel, and Matthias Grünewald. Several titles document historic buildings, churches, castles, and cultural landmarks across Germany …

Helen Ruth Chambers Papers - Accession 1748, Helen Ruth Chambers Wren

Manuscript Collection

The Helen Ruth Chambers Papers document the undergraduate experience of Helen Ruth Chambers Wren (1909–1985) during her years as a student at Winthrop College, from the late 1920s through her graduation in 1931 with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences. Helen was one of three sisters that graduated from Winthrop including Ella Margaret Chambers (Class of 1929) and Dorothy Chambers (Class of 1935). The collection consists primarily of student publications, academic work, and ephemera reflecting campus life, student organizations, and intellectual culture during this period.

Materials include a Winthrop College commencement announcement and program from 1929; student handbooks published by …

Assessing Attitudes Toward Ai Futures: Perceived Likelihood And Policy Preferences, David Chavanne

Economics Faculty Publications

The experiment presented in this paper uses vignettes to measure the perceived likelihood of different AI futures and assess how policy preferences change across these futures. One vignette varies the degree of future AI-driven job loss in a hypothetical scenario set five years into the future, while another vignette varies the degree of future AI autonomy across the same timeframe. Participants provide their perceived likelihood that the world will resemble the scenario in the vignette, and they also express their level of support for either universal basic income (UBI) or a jobs-guarantee program (JG) if the world in five years …

When The Why Is Greater Than The What: "Exploring School Deans' Discipline Decision Making: A Grounded Theory Investigation Into Disciplinary Practices & Policies At The School Level", Lashawn S. Russ-Porterfield

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This constructivist grounded theory study investigated how school deans interpret and enact disciplinary decision-making within the complex social, organizational, and policy environments of contemporary secondary schools. Despite increasing advocacy for restorative and non-exclusionary disciplinary approaches, exclusionary practices—such as out-of-school suspension—remain prevalent, often contributing to disproportionality and adverse student outcomes. The purpose of this study was to generate a grounded theory explaining how contextual, relational, and structural factors shape deans’ decisions when selecting between exclusionary and restorative responses to student behavior.

Twenty-one deans from secondary schools in north Florida participated in semi-structured interviews. Data collection and analysis followed Charmaz’s (2014) constructivist …

Suspended Futures: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Black Adult Males Affected By Exclusionary Discipline, Tamara Jones

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Black males continue to experience exclusionary discipline at disproportionately high rates in American schools, often resulting in academic disruption and long-term educational and social consequences. While existing research had extensively documented disciplinary disparities, less attention had been given to how Black males interpret and make meaning of these experiences over time. This hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of Black adult males who experienced exclusionary discipline during their secondary school years and examined how they now make sense of those experiences in adulthood. Grounded in Critical Race Theory and Social Cognitive Theory, the study focused on participants’ perceptions of …

Student And Faculty Outcomes And Experiences In High School Career And Technical Education: A Vocational Program Evaluation, Ayana E. Moore

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a comprehensive program evaluation of vocational schools in Duval County, with the goal of laying the groundwork for assessing effectiveness of vocational education. This study utilized exploratory mixed-methods approach, gathering quantitative and qualitative data about high school graduation rates, career readiness, college enrollment, experiences, and satisfaction levels from students and faculty at fully accredited vocational high schools. By synthesizing findings from existing literature and analyzing data, the study sought to elucidate the impact of vocational high school programs and offer insights into the benefits and areas for improvement in vocational programs. Ultimately, the research aims to inform …