Digital Commons Network^™

Characterization Of Lactobacilli-Containing Catheter Segments Developed By Using Selective Laser Sintered Mold., Caden Maners

Master of Engineering Theses

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a major healthcare burden with current prevention strategies offering limited success. This study presents a novel, self-coating biomaterial approach using a silicone-based bioink embedded with thermally sensitive probiotic strains (L. crispatus, L. rhamnosus, and L. reuteri). Catheter segments were fabricated via bio-injection molding using 3D-printed CAD molds. These Lactobacilli, selected for their probiotic and antimicrobial potential, serve as a non- antibiotic strategy to reduce infection risk. These segments were evaluated for mechanical strength (Shore A hardness), thermal stability (TGA/DSC), porosity and bacterial presence (SEM), biofilm formation (crystal-violet assay), as well as mass retention in …

Chapter 3. Moroccan Arabic-Spanish Bilinguals’ Linguistic Profile And Their Perspectives And Experiences On Learning Standard Arabic, Ramsés Ortín, Pilar Garrido

Writing and Language Studies Faculty Publications

We surveyed a group of Moroccan Arabic-Spanish speakers in the Region of Murcia, Spain, to examine their linguistic profiles, their attitudes towards their native Arabic dialect, their motivations to learn Standard Arabic and their learning experience with Standard Arabic. We found varying degrees of dominance in this group along with fluctuating patterns of dominance, proficiency and language use according to age and onset of acquisition of Spanish. This group displayed generally positive attitudes towards their own dialect and their motivation to learn Arabic was related to their religious and cultural connections. Most of them indicated that they had engaged in …

The Impact Of Instructional School Design: The 6–12 School Model As A Strategic Response To Increase Black Boys Self-Efficacy, Xavier E. Edwards

Education Doctoral

This dissertation investigated the impact of the 6–12 instructional school design on the self-efficacy of Black boys, utilizing the theoretical frameworks of Bandura's self-efficacy model and Yosso's community cultural wealth model. The research explored how this specialized school structure supports Black boys' academic achievement, aspirations, and resilience—addressing longstanding disparities in educational and social outcomes. Through qualitative interviews with Black male alumni of 6–12 school models, the study identified factors within the design that positively influence self-efficacy both within and beyond the classroom. Findings indicated that sustained relationships with supportive teachers, a keen sense of brotherhood among peers, and consistent engagement …

Dlsu Monthly Report Of The Philippine Economy (July 2025 Report), Jesus Felipe, Mariel Monica Sauler, Gerome Vedeja, Clarence Gabriel Romero Fernandez

Angelo King Institute for Economic and Business Studies (AKI)

No abstract provided.

Histopathological Features Of Gastrointestinal And Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: An 11-Year Retrospective Study From A Tertiary Center In Saudi Arabia, Rana Y. Bokhary

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the clinicopathological features of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) over 11 years at a single tertiary institution in Saudi Arabia. Methods: In a retrospective review, data from 71 patients diagnosed with GEP-NEN, at a tertiary academic center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between January 2014 to December 2024, were analyzed for demographics, clinical presentation, tumor location, size, pathology, grade, and immunohistochemistry. The statistical analyses included Chi-square, Mann-Whitney-U, and Spearman’s correlation tests. Results: The cohort had a mean age of 54.9±15.1 years and comprised 62% males. Most tumors originated in the foregut (62.0%) and were unifocal (83.1%). Abdominal pain …

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Perceptions Of Developmental Dysplasia Of The Hip Among Pregnant Women In Jordan

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To assess the awareness of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) among pregnant women in Jordan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among pregnant females, aged 18 years and above, who had visited 3 hospitals in Jordan. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, and responses were recorded using a Google form by the researchers. Results: A total of 605 women completed the questionnaire. Most participants correctly reported DDH as the cause of ambulation problems (n=531, 87.6%), and approximately 60% reported it as painful. The majority agreed that DDH is diagnosed using x-ray imaging (80.5%), usually in the …

Spiritual Practices In Survivor Care: A Qualitative Analysis Of Christian Faith-Based Shelters And Survivor Well-Being, Jeanne L. Allert

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

Christian faith-based organizations constituted a significant proportion of shelter programs for survivors of sex trafficking in the United States, with an estimated 63% identifying as Christian-affiliated (Institute for Survivor Care, 2024). Despite their prevalence, such programs often elicited skepticism due to the rise of secularism (Pew Research, 2022) and concerns that spiritual programming might retraumatize survivors (Ahrens et al., 2010; Hodge, 2020). However, Ahrens et al. (2010) and Hodge (2020) also found that religious practices can be helpful. This qualitative study employed a trauma-informed, descriptive survey design to explore the experiences of 158 trafficking survivors, who had either resided in …

Ihpp 2024 Annual Report, Institute For Health Policy And Practice

All Materials

No abstract provided.

Two Essays In Finance: Can Machines Better Predict Insider Trading? And Csr And Firm Value Following Dividend Cuts: International Evidence, Solmaz Batebi

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation consists of two essays. In the first paper, I find that machine learning (ML) models predict the likelihood and magnitude of insider trading significantly better than linear models such as OLS and logistic regression. I use ML models, including LASSO, Random Forest, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting, optimizing model parameters through Bayesian hyperparameter tuning to identify the best configuration. Additionally, I apply SHAP values to better understand the determinants of insider trading. I also use Gaussian Thompson Sampling (GTS) to explore the sources of insiders’ market-timing capabilities. I find that ML models can boost the R² for models predicting …

Electrocatalytic Degradation Of Methylene Blue Using Graphene Oxide, Antimony Oxide, And Graphene Oxide-Supported Antimony Oxide Ink-Based Electrodes, Maria Irene Myers Armas

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the electrocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) using copper mesh electrodes coated with graphene oxide (GO), antimony oxide (Sb₂O₃), and their composite (GO/Sb₂O₃). These materials were evaluated across a pH range of 2 to 8 using sodium sulfate as the supporting electrolyte. UV-Vis spectroscopy at 665 nm confirmed dye degradation, with removal efficiencies reaching up to 95% at pH 2. However, degradation decreased at higher pH, with 40 – 60% removal at pH 8, depending on the electrode. Kinetic analyses revealed optimum performance under acidic conditions. GO/Sb₂O₃ electrodes demonstrated the most consistent and effective performance across all …

Foxo Factors’ Ability In Binding To And Inducing Tcf7 In Glioblastoma Cells, Stephanie Oyervides

Theses and Dissertations

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive astrocytoma tumor type with a poor prognosis and limited immunotherapeutic options for those inflicted. Stem gene expression of this cancer indicates a direct relationship with the transcription factors, Forkhead box subfamily O (FOXO-1, -3 and - 4). These transcription factors are evolutionarily conserved, partially redundant. They are involved in diverse and fundamental biological processes such as cell survival, stem cell homeostasis, cell fate determination, cell cycle maintenance, metabolism, and apoptosis. Increasing evidence suggests interconnectivity between the WNT Pathway and FOXO transcription factors; however, the mechanism and full extent to which these interactions play a …

Sequential Data Modeling Of Influenza A Via Traditional, Dwt-Gpr Hybrid, And Deep Learning Architectures, Edmund Fosu Agyemang

Theses and Dissertations

Influenza A is responsible for 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths a year, though this estimate is an improvement from years past due to improved sanitation, healthcare practices, and vaccination programs. In this study, we perform a comparative analysis of traditional, deep-learning and discrete wavelet (DWT)-Gaussian Process (GP) hybrid models to predict Influenza A outbreaks. Using historical data from January 2009 to December 2023, we compared the performance of traditional ARIMA and ETS models, four variants of DWT-GPR models and six distinct deep learning architectures: Simple RNN, LSTM, GRU, BiLSTM, BiGRU and Transformer. The results reveal a clear superiority of all …

Contributions Of Citizen Science Data To Butterflies Of The Lower Rio Grande Valley, Akane Jazmyn Benitez

Theses and Dissertations

Citizen science-provided insect data inherently exhibits variability in accuracy. In the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV), butterfly occurrence reporting is predominantly reliant on citizen science contributions. My research compared fieldwork conducted monthly over a year to occurrence records submitted by visitors at the National Butterfly Center and in Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas. I hypothesized that butterfly occurrences at the Center would be maximized during the fall and minimized during winter and summer months. My research findings revealed that butterfly taxa richness is contingent upon the following factors: 1) the impact of citizen science submitting reports, and 2) monthly butterfly activity …

Oxytocin As A Possible Vegf Inhibitor For Treatment Of Diabetic Retinopathy, Daira Yepez

Theses and Dissertations

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major complication of diabetes and a leading cause of vision loss largely driven by the overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which promotes neovascularization and vascular permeability in the retina. Current treatments, primarily anti-VEGF injections, inhibit the effects of VEGF once it has been secreted but can be ineffective in a certain subset of patients. Recent studies suggest that oxytocin (OXT), a neuropeptide mainly known for its roles in reproduction and social bonding, may downregulate VEGF expression. This study aimed to investigate whether OXT influences VEGF secretion in the human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) …

Returning To Nature: A Virtue-Based Approach To Urban Sustainability, Liam A. L. Cormack

Cities and the Environment (CATE)

This paper advocates for a pragmatic and virtue-ethics-based approach to urban sustainability initiatives that prioritizes the consideration of moral responsibility. Looking at literature on rewilding, this paper argues that the principle of ecophronesis, and the larger discipline of ecopracticology, offers a compelling framework for integrating diverse opinions on the future of conservation from different disciplines and ecological stakeholders. Ultimately, an ecophronetic approach to urban sustainability initiatives facilitates a sense of conceptual rewilding that disregards the nature-culture dualism paradigm limiting Western environmental thought and may help address the perceived alienation from nature characterized by nature-deficit disorder.

Profile Of Trna-Derived Short Non-Coding Rnas During Monocyte Differentiation And Their Role In Macrophage Survival, Anahita Jayaram, Sanjeev Galande, Soroush Sharbati, Deepak A. Deshpande, Phd, Kamlesh Pawar

Center for Translational Medicine Faculty Papers

Monocytes, a type of leukocytes, are key players in immune responses, transitioning to macrophages at infection sites. Differentiation, which is crucial for macrophage survival and resistance to apoptosis, is a tightly regulated process. Based on our earlier findings implicating the 5'-fragment of tRNAHisGUG (5'-HisGUG) in macrophage biology, we specifically focused on these fragments to investigate its regulation during monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation and its role in macrophage survival. We performed small RNA sequencing during monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation using THP-1 cells and identified 5'-HisGUG as a prominently regulated tDR. Notably, transfection of 5'-HisGUG in macrophages decreased survival under apoptotic stress. We propose that 5'-HisGUG …

A Comprehensive Study Of Library-Led Textbook Affordability Initiatives In The United States, Mitchell Scott, Rachel E. Scott

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

This study presents findings from a survey and interviews investigating library-led textbook affordability initiatives in the United States. The results document diverse considerations and divergences in workflows, challenges librarians face in establishing and maintaining textbook affordability programs, and the intersection of these initiatives with library and institutional strategies. Findings suggest that these programs have grown in number and scale over the past few years, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, and are sustained—even without permanent, designated funding—due to consistently positive perceptions about their impact on student success, just-in-time delivery, and alignment with library and institutional goals.

Benjamin Ferencz In The Cold War, Noah Weisbord

Cardozo International & Comparative Law Review

The article explores Benjamin Ferencz's advocacy for international law and his role in shaping the legal frameworks of the post-World War II era, particularly his efforts to define aggression and establish the International Criminal Court. It contrasts Ferencz's idealism with the pragmatic approaches of Henry Kissinger and the diplomatic strategies of Dag Hammarskjold, highlighting the challenges of the Cold War international order and its failure to address individual threats, exemplified by A.Q. Khan's nuclear proliferation.

Furthering The Legacy Of Benjamin B. Ferencz: Amending The Rome Statute’S Jurisdiction Over The Crime Of Aggression, Jennifer Trahan

Cardozo International & Comparative Law Review

The article advocates for amending the Rome Statute to strengthen the International Criminal Court's (ICC) jurisdiction over the crime of aggression. It argues that the current jurisdictional regime, established by the 2010 Kampala amendments, is too limited, creating double standards and undermining the rule of law. The author calls for harmonizing the ICC's jurisdiction over the crime of aggression with its jurisdiction over other crimes, such as genocide and war crimes, to ensure consistent and universal accountability.

The Unique Function Of The Crime Against Humanity Of Other Inhumane Acts In The Progressive Development And Codification Of International Criminal Law, David Donat Cattin

Cardozo International & Comparative Law Review

The article explores the evolution and role of "other inhumane acts" as a residual category within the definition of crimes against humanity, tracing its development from the Nuremberg trials through the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). It highlights the potential of this category to adapt to new forms of atrocities and discusses the challenges and opportunities in aligning future treaty developments with existing legal frameworks.

Exceptions To The International Customary Law Rule On Head Of State Immunity Under International Criminal Law, Daniel D. Ntanda Nsereko

Cardozo International & Comparative Law Review

The article examines the tension between head of state immunity and the pursuit of justice in international criminal law. It argues that while some nations and regional bodies, like the African Union, assert immunity for heads of state, international institutions such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) reject this principle, emphasizing the rule of law and accountability. The ICC's jurisdiction, particularly through UN Security Council referrals, overrides state consent, challenging traditional notions of immunity. The article posits that states must adhere to their treaty obligations, such as the Rome Statute, and cannot unilaterally opt out for political expediency, reinforcing the …

No More Mixed Message, Missing Money: Revisiting The Birth Of Icl’S Victim Restoration-Reparations Regime To Conceptualize Its Modern Reform, Gregory S. Gordon

Cardozo International & Comparative Law Review

The article argues that the International Criminal Court's (ICC) system for victim reparations is fundamentally flawed due to mission dissonance between its punitive and restorative goals, insufficient funding, and procedural limitations. It proposes the creation of an independent Atrocity Victim Reparations Tribunal (AVRT) under the UN to address these issues, ensuring more effective and victim-centered reparations.

Secure Query On Encrypted Data By Using Fully Homomorphic Encryption, Mrinmoy Bera

Master’s Dissertations

Cloud service providers typically store user data in an encrypted form (data at rest). However, when a user performs a query, the server first decrypts the data, processes the query on plaintext, and then sends the result back to the user (data in transit). This process exposes a critical vulnerability—if the cloud server is ever compromised, the decrypted data becomes accessible to the attacker. To address this security gap, we design a secure query protocol that eliminates the need to decrypt data on the server side. Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) offers a groundbreaking solution by enabling arbitrary computations directly on …

Federated Learning Using Fully Homomorphic Encryption, Sk Golam Kuddus

Master’s Dissertations

Traditional machine learning approaches require centralizing data for training, which raises significant privacy concerns when dealing with sensitive information. Federated learning (FL) addresses this by keeping data local and enabling multiple users to collaboratively train a shared machine learning model. In spite of this, FL remains vulnerable to inference attacks, as sensitive information can still be extracted from the model’s learned parameters. While traditional privacy-enhancing techniques such as di!erential privacy introduce noise to model updates to obscure individual data points, they often present a fundamental trade-o! between privacy and utility. Furthermore, these approaches still carry risks of data leakage if …

From Our Faculty Advisors

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

No abstract provided.

Triptyx, Pranav Police

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement "The inspiration for 'TriptyX' comes from triptych art, where three pieces are displayed side by side with shared features. In 'TriptyX', I aimed to blend my atmospheric melodies with bouncy drums while maintaining consistent sonic elements across the tracks. I believe this project best represents my musical style at this stage. The meaning behind the pieces is open to interpretation, reflecting my current understanding of what defines my sound."

Exploring The Role Of Hepcidin And Some Biochemical Indicators In Β-Thalassemia Major Patients With Negative And Positive Entamoeba Histolytica, Jafar Jamal Abdullah, Mohammed Mezher Hussain, Abdul Rasool Kh. Saeed

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Thalassemia syndromes encompass a wide range of hemoglobin disorders characterized by either the absence or diminished production of normal globin chains. Hepcidin, a peptide produced by the liver with antimicrobial properties, is mainly synthesized by hepatocytes situated near the portal veins, which are responsible for transporting dietary iron, as well as by Kupffer cells. Before blood transfusions, increased erythropoietic activity leads to a reduction in hepcidin, resulting in lower hepcidin levels that enhance the absorption of dietary iron. Parasite protozoa depend on iron for their survival, as it plays a crucial role in the growth and enzymatic functions of E. …

Full Issue

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

No abstract provided.

Florals, Iksita C. Nallapaneni

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement

"Many artworks mimic the artist or the life they have led, and the same can be said for this one. 'Florals' depicts my growth and change over the past two transformative years. I have learned that the sun continues to rise and set regardless of life's circumstances, and sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to stop and enjoy the flowers. Life moves too quickly to not be present in the moment, and I hope this piece inspires others to do the same."

The Artists Is A Sadist, Brianna Calderon

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement

"'The Artist Is A Sadist' explores the intersection of artistic creation, suffering, and control. As someone balancing a rigorous science curriculum, research demands, and external expectations, I grew frustrated when art was dismissed as a ‘break’ or an ‘easier’ pursuit. Cause in reality, creativity is difficult—creation is painful, even cruel, but it’s a necessary cruelty. This piece depicts a girl stabbing herself in the abdomen like a martyr while maintaining composure, ready for an audience that underestimates the discipline and depth of art. Through this work, I wanted to confront the uncomfortable truth of being a student torn …