Digital Commons Network^™

What’S In A Name (Order): Linguistic And Extralinguistic Constraints In Fandom Ship Names, Glory Zhang , '26

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

No abstract provided.

Beyond Democracy: How A Free Press Supports The Rule Of Law, Erin C. Carroll

Cardozo Law Review

Widespread agreement has existed for centuries that a free press is essential to democracy. But legal scholars have spent almost no effort thinking about why else we might need a free press. This article attempts to widen the aperture. It argues that as the free press is essential to democracy, it is just as essential to a separate value: the rule of law. Recognizing and investigating the connections between the free press and the rule of law is essential right now. It can help us discern how the press can create friction against the erosion of both rule of law …

The Reality Of Reason: Fiction, Method, And Modernity In The Metaphysics Of Francisco Suárez, William Martin Nee Cox

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

In the Metaphysical Disputations (1597), Francisco Suárez asserts that the human intellect, because it is imperfect, must make use of determinate mental fictions in order to know “real being” (ens reale). In this dissertation, I reconstruct why and how this should be the case. I show that the supreme imperfection of our intellect implies our embodiment, which in turn implies our inability to know any being entirely as it is in itself. To compensate for this inability, we humans must make use of both “beings of reason” (entia rationis) and “nonbeings of reason” (non entia rationis). In the process of …

Interest In “Pumpkin Spice” Simmers Down In 2025, Social Media Analysis Finds, Jin-A Choi, Yi Lou, Bond Benton

College of Communication and Media Scholarship and Creative Works

The ingredients of pumpkin spice may only be a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves, however it has transcended the sum of its parts to become a cultural touchstone and important part of fall product branding for companies. Its ubiquity arguably began in 2003 with the introduction of “Pumpkin Spice Latte” at Starbucks (Nosowitz, 2022). From simple lattes to more absurd pumpkin spice offerings (including deodorant and bathroom tissue), the world has entered its second decade of pumpkin spice being top of mind at the arrival of autumn. 2025, however, presents potential challenges associated with trend continuation. Immediately …

Topical Themes And Sentiment Analysis Of Social Media Posts Surrounding Book Bans During Banned Books Week 2024-2025, Jin-A Choi, Lauren Nicosia, Bond Benton, Yi Lou

College of Communication and Media Scholarship and Creative Works

Every year, the American Library Association (ALA sponsors “Banned Books Week” as an opportunity to celebrate free expression and open access to information. In articulating the importance of the event, the ALA states the following:

Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. Held in the last week of September or first week of October, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers …

Navigating Towards Sustainability: The Case Of Ateneo De Manila University, Ma. Assunta C. Cuyegkeng, Abigail Marie T. Favis, Emmanuel D. Delocado

Reports

This case study shows how Ateneo de Manila, a private Philippine university, began its sustainability journey in 2008, maneuvered barriers to introduce collaborative academic programs in sustainability in 2015, and continues with its aspirations through committing to be a Laudato Si’ University in 2022. Stakeholder engagement and sustainability leadership were big factors in raising awareness, changing institutional practices, embedding sustainable technologies, and generating sustainability reports during the first seven years. The next seven years were influenced by increasing demand from industry to understand sustainability due to government requirements, which led to the introduction of new academic programs as well as …

Pleasure & Pain In Intellectual Property, Andrew Gilden

William & Mary Law Review

Intellectual property produces pleasure. IP laws incentivize investment in popular culture, helping to ensure the viability of entertainment industries and the steady production of our favorite shows, cherished brands, and beloved celebrities. Across IP-heavy industries, creators cite the joy of writing, composing, coding, and experimenting as a motivation for countless hours in the office, studio, or lab. Nonetheless, in a broad range of settings, and across several areas of IP, courts have responded with hostility to personal accounts of pleasure in IP disputes. When a defendant admits to using IP because they are fans of the plaintiff, or because they …

Easing The Limits Of The Statute Of Limitations: A Path To A More Equitable Idea, Sarah Shepley

William & Mary Law Review

Part I of this Note discusses the special education framework, outlining the rights and obligations of parents and school systems created by the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA). Part II evaluates the IDEA’s statute of limitations as the gatekeeping instrument of the due process complaint system and discusses the Third Circuit’s reconciliation of the seemingly conflicting statutory provisions of the IDEA in G.L. v. Ligonier Valley School District Authority. Part III situates the implications of the Ligonier decision within the broader special education landscape, discussing other courts’ adoption of or deviations from the Third Circuit’s interpretation, interpretations …

Harding Magazine Fall 2025 (Vol. 33, No. 1), Harding University

Harding Magazines

Publication distributed to alumni and friends of the community

Care As The Primary Motivation In Home Birthing Among Mothers In Panukulan, Quezon, Leslie A. Lopez, Marie Angelie Molina

Institute of Philippine Culture (IPC)

This qualitative study examines how women in Panukulan, Quezon, a GIDA municipality, make decisions regarding childbirth in light of national and municipal policies that promote institutional delivery and discourage home births. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior as an analytical framework, the study analyzes maternal intrapartum health-seeking behavior (HSB) through the following components: a) sociocultural and institutional context, b) intention formation based on attitudes toward facility and home birthing, perceptions of subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, and c) actual behavior. Findings reveal that while facility births are widely recognized for their clinical safety, women’s preferences for specific behaviors are …

Capitalizing On Teacher Retention: The Role Of Human, Social, Structural, And Positive Psychological Capital, Mary A. Hamner

PhD in Education

This study explored the influence of psychological, social, human, and structural capital on teacher retention within a large Florida school district, guided by Mason and Matas’s (2015) four-capital framework. Using a nonexperimental quantitative design, the research examines how demographic variables and perceptions of professional capital relate to educators’ decisions to remain in the profession. Findings revealed that most demographic factors—gender, age, years of service, and degree type—did not significantly affect perceptions of the four capitals, suggesting a relatively equitable distribution of organizational supports. However, educational degree status was associated with higher perceptions of social, human, and structural capital, indicating that …

Venezuelan Migrants In Prostitution: A Personal Decision?, Yazmin Maria Lucila Cadena Camargo, Izara Maite Mondragon Moreno, Isabela Osorio Jaramillo, Paula Angélica Suárez Álvarez, Andrés Duarte Osorio, Carlos Gómez-Restrepo

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

This paper explores the multifaceted experiences of Venezuelan migrant women engaged in prostitution, framed through three critical moments: the “decision to enter in prostitution,” the unique abuses faced, and the resultant consequences on mental, physical, and social health. The study highlights how socioeconomic vulnerabilities—exacerbated by migration and poverty—significantly influence the likelihood of entering prostitution. It also shows how traumatic experiences, particularly in childhood and adolescence, coupled with a lack of support networks, contribute to a heightened risk of exploitation. Eleven life stories were collected through a phenomenological approach, revealing a common narrative of abuse, poverty, and the search for survival …

Write Free Or Die: Vol. 12, No. 01, Unh Writing Programs

Writing Program Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Adipose Tissue Estrogen Receptor-Alpha Overexpression Ameliorates High-Fat Diet–Induced Adipose Tissue Inflammation, Marion C. Hope, Christian A. Unger, M Chase Kettering, Cassidy E. Socia, Ahmed K. Aladhami, Barton C. Rice, Darya S. Niamira, Ben P. Wiznitzer, Diego Altomare Ph.D., William E. Cotham, Reilly T. Enos

Faculty Publications

Context

We created an innovative mouse model that enables inducible overexpression of estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα), specifically in adipose tissue (Adipo-ERα↑). Objective

We aimed to investigate how elevated Adipo-ERα↑ influences the development of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in both male and female mice. Methods

Male and female Adipo-ERα↑ mice and littermate controls were fed a low-fat diet (LFD) or HFD for 13 weeks. Adipo-ERα↑ was induced at the initiation of dietary treatment. Body morphology and composition, hepatic lipid accumulation, glucose tolerance, fasting insulin concentrations, and adipose tissue mRNA profiling were assessed. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to determine circulating and adipose …

Covering The Care: Hospital Consolidations Lead To Higher Healthcare Costs, Kimberly Persson, Deborah Fournier

All Materials

No abstract provided.

Genetic Architecture Of Cerebral White Matter Hyperintensities In Diverse Hispanic/Latino Adults, Myriam Fornage, Rui Xia, Adriana Ordonez, Tamar Sofer, Carmen R Isasi, Richard B Lipton, Ariana M Stickel, Wassim Tarraf, Hector M Gonzalez, Charles S Decarli

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background and objectives: Cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on MRI are part of the spectrum of age-related brain vascular injury and are associated with increased risk of stroke and dementia. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) conducted mostly in populations of European ancestry have identified several genetic loci. Although Hispanic/Latino adults have a greater burden of WMHs than their non-Hispanic White counterparts, they are vastly underrepresented in genetic studies. We sought to characterize the genetic architecture of WMHs in a Hispanic/Latino cohort by investigating the transferability of known WMH genetic loci and by leveraging Hispanic/Latino genetic diversity to map novel loci.

Methods: …

Sensory Processing Education For Substance Use Prevention, Brenna Destefano

Occupational Therapy Student Scholarship

Capstone poster presentation from the The Minute Thesis Competition on Binghamton University Campus.

Graduate Studies Newsletter (Fall 2025), Csusb - Office Graduate Studies

Graduate Studies Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Portfolio And Appendix Chris M. Larson, Chris M. Larson

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

Abstract:

This is a collection of assignments and reflections of my work throughout the course of the Masters in Social Work program at the University of Montana. Included are assignments reflecting on the Indian Child Welfare Act, housing, barriers to care for Non-White and female veterans within the VA clinic, the quality of care in nursing homes, American Drug policy, confidentiality in the YWCA, training on interventions based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, cost benefit analysis of in home care programs, and a proposal for my practicum site Missoula Aging Services. It has reflections on the five elements of advanced practice, …

A Scoping Review Of Oral Feeding Skill Development In Typically Developing Children Part Ii: Exploring Variability In Oral Feeding Skill Descriptions, Amy Delaney, Anna Flatt, Hannah Koepp, Alissa Fial, Katherine C. Hustad

Speech Pathology and Audiology Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose:

This scoping review is the second in a two-part series that aims to synthesize the literature on oral feeding skills development and to create a classification system of observable skills. Building on the findings from Part 1, this article compiles and analyzes the types of feeding skills reported across studies and proposes a framework for standardizing terminology.

Method:

The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Of the 14 studies identified in Part 1 that focused on feeding skill development, 11 included unique skill descriptions. These skills were coded and …

2025 (Fall) Ensi Informer Magazine, Morehead State University. Engineering Sciences Department

ENSI Informer Magazine Archive

The ENSI Informer Magazine published in the fall of 2025.

Unravelling The Distinct Effects Of Vhl Mutations And Chromosome 3p Loss In Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Implications For Prognosis And Treatment, Xiang Wang, Jian-Rong Li, Naail Raed Chowdhury, Lang Wu, Cheng Chao

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Liver-Specific Expression Of Hiv-1 Viral Protein R Causes Hepatic Steatosis And Glucose Intolerance In Male Mice, Neeti Agarwal, Pradip Saha, Claudia E Ramirez Bustamante, Sean M Hartig, Mark A Herman, Ashok Balasubramanyam, Jordan E Lake

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly recognized in people with HIV (PWH), with both HIV and antiretroviral therapy contributing to liver damage and glucose intolerance. However, the role of viral proteins derived from reservoirs in this process remains unclear.

Methods: Adeno-associated virus (AAV) constructs encoding a control protein or HIV-1 viral protein R (Vpr) driven by the thyroxine-binding globulin promoter were administered to male mice (n = 5 per group) fed regular chow or a high-fat diet (HFD). Young adult mice underwent intraperitoneal glucose tolerance testing and magnetic resonance imaging, followed by euthanasia. Liver and adipose tissues …

Associations Of High Attenuation Area-Related Proteomic Biomarkers With Fibrotic Or Subpleural Interstitial Lung Abnormalities, John S Kim, Catherine L Debban, Daniel E Guzman, Riley T Hannan, Mary Salvatore, Claire Mcgroder, David Zhang, Anna J Podolanczuk, Daniel A Duprez, Shwu-Fan Ma, Yong Huang, Jeffrey M Sturek, Stephen S Rich, Jerome I Rotter, Rajat Deo, Ruth F Dubin, Janelle Vu Pugashetti, Jennifer M Wang, Meilan K Han, Justin M Oldham, Imre Noth, Prescott G Woodruff, Victor E Ortega, Julie C Fanburg-Smith, Edward B Stelow, Christopher A Moskaluk, Eric A Hoffman, Christine Kim Garcia, Russell P Bowler, Peter Ganz, R Graham Barr, Ani Manichaikul

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Covid-19 Booster Vaccine Messaging In Emergency Departments: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial, Melanie F Molina, Stephanie A Eucker, Kristin L Rising, Efrat R Kean, Zubaid Rafique, Heba Mesbah, David V Glidden, Mireya I Arreguin, Christopher Alvarez, Robert M Rodriguez

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Importance: Patient uptake of updated COVID-19 vaccines is crucial for reducing severe outcomes, yet national uptake remains low.

Objective: To determine if tailored messaging or simple inquiry about vaccine acceptance increases 30-day uptake of updated COVID-19 vaccines among emergency department (ED) patients.

Design, setting, and participants: This 3-arm, cluster randomized clinical trial conducted from January 29 to June 18, 2024, enrolled adult ED patients who had not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the prior 6 months across 6 EDs in San Francisco, California; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Houston, Texas; and Durham, North Carolina.

Interventions: Intervention M involved tailored messaging about updated COVID-19 …

Exploring Impacts Of Diversity Ideologies On Allyship (Intergroup Responsiveness), Fiona Nguyen

Dissertations and Theses

Colorblindness and multiculturalism are widely studied diversity ideologies that reflect prominent attitudes about how diversity should be understood and managed, as they can help predict individual behavior. Colorblindness proposes that distinct group identities should be ignored, and can be used to exclude minoritized groups and downplay racial minorities' experiences, whereas multiculturalism embraces and values group differences, can foster inclusive environments for minority groups, and leads to positive intergroup outcomes such as reduced prejudice. Despite much research dedicated to exploring the intergroup outcomes of diversity ideologies, few studies have examined their impacts on specific interpersonal interactions, particularly allyship. Research has defined …

A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Verbal Guidance Versus Verbal Guidance Supplemented By A Photographic Aid For Bystander Identification Of Intramuscular Tranexamic Acid Injection Sites In A Simulated Road Injury Scenario, Tim Nutbeam, Emily Foote, Lauren R. Rodgers, Jessica Thomas-Mourne, Rob Fenwick

Peninsula Medical School

Background: Non-compressible haemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable death following road injury. Tranexamic acid (TXA), when administered early, improves survival. Intramuscular (IM) administration offers a feasible route for early administration by lay bystanders. However, the ability of bystanders to correctly identify safe IM injection sites remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether verbal guidance supplemented by a photographic aid improves the accuracy of site identification in a simulated road injury scenario. Methods: In this randomised controlled trial, 64 lay participants were recruited on a university campus and randomised to receive either (1) verbal guidance alone or (2) verbal …

October 2025, Swosu Rural Health Center

RURAL ROCKS

• SWOSU Doctor in Community Health (DCH)

• Hospitals with highest price markups for elective surgeries have worse outcomes, researchers find

• HHS Final Rule Expands Real-Time Prescription Access, Eases Prior Authorization Burdens

• Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Update of the PTSD Repository Evidence Base

• Retail pharmacy is adapting to meet local needs

• IZ Express Sept 24, 2025

Protein Kinase Rock1 Activates Mitochondrial Fission Linking To Oxidative Stress And Muscle Atrophy, Meijun Si, Jihong Chen, Rizhen Yu, Hongchun Lin, Feng Li, Sungyun Jung, Sandhya S Thomas, Farhard R Danesh, Yanlin Wang, Hui Peng, Zhaoyong Hu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with protein-energy wasting, characterized by a reduction in muscle mass and strength. Although mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are implicated in the pathogenesis of muscle wasting, underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods: Here, we used transcriptomic analysis, metabolomics analyses, and mouse gene manipulation to investigate the effects of mitochondrial plasticity and oxidative stress on muscle wasting the subtotal nephrectomy mouse models of CKD. The mice with CKD were age- and sex-matched to sham-operated controls.

Results: Through these approaches, Rho-associated kinase ROCK1 emerged as a key molecule responsible for the observed mitochondrial fission and oxidative …

Germline Cancer Predisposition Results From The National Cancer Institute-Children's Oncology Group Pediatric Match Trial, Sarah Scollon, Sharon E Plon, Steven Joffe, Jaclyn A Biegel, Shashikant Kulkarni, George Miles, David R Patton, Brent Coffey, Cynthia L Winter, Gregory J Tsongalis, Mark J Routbort, Nilsa C Ramirez, Lauren Saguilig, Jin Piao, Todd A Alonzo, Stacey L Berg, Elizabeth Fox, Brenda Weigel, Douglas S Hawkins, Jeffrey S Abrams, Margaret Mooney, Naoko Takebe, James V Tricoli, Katherine A Janeway, Nita L Seibel, D Williams Parsons

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Purpose: Precision oncology trials have generally focused on tumor testing to identify actionable alterations. The National Cancer Institute-Children's Oncology Group Pediatric MATCH trial incorporated return of germline results to assess feasibility of reporting in a cooperative group setting and characterize germline cancer predisposition in patients with refractory cancers.

Patients and methods: Tumor and blood DNA from patients 1-21 years of age with treatment-refractory solid tumors, non-Hodgkin lymphomas, or histiocytic disorders underwent cancer gene panel sequencing. Clinical germline reports returned to 151 study sites included pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline variants found in 38 cancer predisposition genes (CPGs). European Society of Medical …