Digital Commons Network^™

Lipoprotein(A) And Incident Peripheral Artery Disease The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities Study, Kaleb Lema, Emma K. Stapp, Minghao Kou, Shoshana H. Ballew, Ning Ding, Ron C. Hoogeveen, Christie M. Ballantyne, Maya J. Salameh, Kunihiro Matushita, Melinda C. Power

GW Research Showcase 2021-2026

No abstract provided.

Analyzing Antibody Immune Response In Α1,3galt-Ko Mice After Intranasal Vaccination Of Α-Gal Virus-Like Particle, Faith Brown

Honors Theses

In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity of intranasal immunization with α-Gal-conjugated virus-like particles (VLPs) in an α1,3-galactosyltransferase-knockout (α1,3GalT-KO) mouse model that mimics the human immune response to the α-Gal epitope. The carbohydrate epitope galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) is expressed on the cell surface of several pathogens, including Leishmania species. This molecule is absent in humans and has emerged as a promising immunogenic vaccine target. α1,3GalT-KO mice were intranasally immunized with 10 μg either Qβ-α-Gal or Qβ per nostril and boosted twice prior to sample collection. Blood and lung lavage samples were used to evaluate the antibody response. The Qβ-α-Gal group developed …

Effects Of “Zero Sugar” Energy Drinks On Microbial Proliferation In Relation To The Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Madison Hines

Honors Theses

Energy drinks have rapidly increased in popularity and availability in recent years. With the rise of high-caffeine beverages, complications due to caffeine consumption have become more common in younger populations. The aim of this study was to use controlled laboratory methods to determine the effect of energy drinks on a variety of organisms commonly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The diverse and dynamic nature of microbes in the gut makes conditions of the GI tract difficult to replicate in a laboratory setting. As an alternative, isolates of bacteria commonly found as normal flora in the GI tract were plated …

An Operational Framework For Integrating Content, Cognition And Language Into Planning For Aen Mathematics Learners Within A Clil Context, Máire Ní Ríordáin, Craig Neville

The Mathematics Enthusiast

The growing diversity in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) classrooms, particularly the inclusion of Additional Educational Needs (AEN) learners, highlights an urgent need for research addressing their unique challenges. These students often face compounded difficulties, navigating the dual demands of mastering subject content and developing proficiency in the instructional language, with limited frameworks to support their needs. This article presents an operational framework for integrating content, cognition, and language into planning mathematics education for AEN learners. Grounded in theoretical approaches such as communicative competence, CAPA, and pluriliteracies, the framework addresses key challenges in developing mathematical literacy. The framework provides …

Bridging Theory And Practice: A Criminal Justice Course Collection, Penny Geyer

Open Educational Resources

Dr. Penny Geyer compiled a full reading list, course calendar, set of weekly discussion questions, in-class experiential exercises, a death penalty case-study module, and a final paper assignment into a single, organized course packet that can be easily accessed, revised and remixed by other instructors teaching theory-to-practice criminal justice courses.

Nigella Sativa Oil-Loaded Treated Dentin Matrix Hydrogel As An Alternative Biomaterial For Direct Pulp Capping: A Systematic Review, Alfin R. Cahyadi, Ayu Annafi, Malika Q. Rahmalia, Adelisa D. Ryani, Tania Saskianti, Harly Prabowo, Nadia Kartikasari, Abil Kurdi, Agus Dahlan

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science

Objective: To assess evidence on Treated Dentin Matrix Hydrogel (TDMH) and Nigella sativa oil (NSO), individually or combined, as biomaterials for direct pulp capping (DPC) and their reparative dentin promotion ability. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, and Wiley (January 1, 2018–December 31, 2023) was conducted using MeSH-based terms associated with ``treated dentin matrix hydrogel,'' ``Nigella sativa oil,'' and ``direct pulp capping.'' Eligible studies included in vitro, in vivo, and clinical research evaluating TDMH or NSO for DPC; studies with no outcome data were excluded. Risk-of-bias assessment was performed using ROB2 (clinical) and SYRCLE (animal). Because of …

Caries Risk Assessment As The Strongest Predictor Of Oral Health–Related Quality Of Life: A Cross-Sectional Multivariate Study Of Adolescent Students, Fadil Abdillah Arifin, Mila Febriany, Husnah Husein, Eva Novawaty

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science

Objective: This study aimed to determine the factors associated with oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adolescent students, with a particular focus on identifying the strongest predictor using a multivariate analytical approach.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study with 249 adolescent students in Sekolah Menengah Pertama Negeri 54 Makassar, Indonesia, was conducted. Clinical examinations were performed to assess dental caries experience using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth index (DMF-T), oral hygiene status using the Oral Hygiene Index–Simplified (OHI-S), Body Mass Index (BMI), sex, and caries risk level using the Caries Risk Assessment (CRA) tool, categorized into low, medium, …

Comparative Evaluation Of Mechanical And Chemo-Mechanical Methods Of Caries Excavation In Permanent Teeth: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Rahul Rao, Neha Pol, Ashish Jain, Pooja Shah, Amit Patil, Sanpreet S. Sachdev

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science

Objective: To compare excavation efficacy and pain perception among air-rotor (carbide bur), polymer bur, and chemo-mechanical excavation (Carie-Care™)  in adult permanent posterior teeth as a confirmatory, population-specific evaluation.

Materials and Methods: A single-center, single-blind, randomized split-mouth clinical trial was conducted in 29 adults with three permanent posterior teeth each (total = 87 teeth) presenting with occlusal caries and an ICDAS score of 4 or 5. The trial was registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI Ref No.: REF/2025/07/109637). Each participant received all three interventions in the same session under standardized conditions. Excavation efficacy was assessed using a caries …

Euphorbia Tirucalli L. Accelerates Mandibular Bone Healing: Analysis Of Pmns, Fibroblasts, Osteoblasts, And Osteoclasts In Wistar Rats, Florence Meliawaty, Juni Handajani, Heni Susilowati, Poerwati Soetji Rahajoe, Euis Reni Yuslianti, Rahmadaniah Khaerunnisa, Kertamaya Sundawan, Adzra Farah Fajrina, Lorintan Sitepu

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science

Objective: The present study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic potential of Euphorbia tirucalli L. stem extract in accelerating mandibular bone defect healing through the modulation of inflammatory and regenerative cellular responses, including polymorphonuclear cells, fibroblasts, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts in Wistar rats.

Material and Methods: A laboratory-based experimental study with a randomized post-test only control group design was conducted using 40 male Wistar rats. Standardized mandibular defects were created in the symphysis region utilizing a low-speed round bur. The animals were randomly assigned into four groups, including a negative control and three treatment groups receiving topical Euphorbia tirucalli L. stem extract …

Effects Of Ethanol On Opg Expression, Osteoclasts, And Osteoblasts During Orthodontic Tooth Movement In Wistar Rats: An Experimental Study, Nadia Setiawati Widjaja, Ardiansyah S. Pawinru, Nasyrah Hidayati, Eddy Heriyanto Habar, Eka Erwansyah, Baharuddin M. Ranggang, Ita Purnama Alwi

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science

Objective: This research sought to assess how ethanol influences the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and the number of osteoclasts and osteoblasts during alveolar bone remodeling associated with orthodontic tooth movement.

Materials and Methods: A laboratory-based experimental study was conducted using 30 male Wistar rats. Palatal movement of the maxillary incisors was induced using a nickel–titanium (NiTi) closed coil spring applied to the maxillary arch. Rats were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (CG) receiving orthodontic force only, and an experimental group (EG) receiving both orthodontic force and ethanol administration. Observations were conducted on days 0, 3, and 14. …

Why Complex Risks Demand Multidisciplinary Action, Lisa Ng, Benny Chew, Julian Lai, Siti Naqiah Amrun

Asian Management Insights

The A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs offers a model for how organisations can move from ad-hoc crisis response to sustained, shared preparedness.

The Impact Of Pp1Β Cancer-Associated Polymorphisms On Pp1Β Protein Abundance And Cell Survival In Humanized Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Kaylee Martinez

Honors Theses

PP1β is an understudied protein phosphatase that affects the cell’s ability to reproduce. It has been known to be an important part of the cell cycle. Mutations within PP1β have been found to affect that process and influence the development of cancer and disease. In this thesis, different PP1β cancer and disease associated polymorphisms are investigated through the use of humanized yeast. PP1β yeast variants are tested by using Live/Dead cell assay and western blot techniques. Live/Dead analysis was conducted on different strains grown at permissible temperature (room temperature) and non-permissible temperature (37°C) over the course of 6 or 48 …

Growing South Dakota (Spring 2026), College Of Agriculture, Food, And Environmental Sciences

Growing South Dakota (Publication of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences)

[Page] 2 National heritage, statewide research, local impact
[Page] 7 About the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Stations
[Page] 14 Managing the mooo-ment: How SDSU researchers are looking to improve cow health during the Transition Period
[Page] 18 Discovering strength in science: How education through undergraduate research prepares students for the future
[Page] 20 From India to Brookings: One grad student’s path to make a world of difference in virology
[Page] 22 Solving a billion-dollar problem: Identifying disease-resistent wheat genes
[Page] 24 Unlocking manure’s potential: SDSU leads multistate study on the power of swine manure in growing better crops
[Page] 28 …

Synthesis Of Piperidine Heterocycles With Specific Functional Groups Via Sn2 Reactions, Teyanna Monroe

Honors Theses

Piperidine is a heavily utilized nitrogen containing heterocycle found in numerous pharmaceutical agents, solidifying its importance as a building block in drug development. The focus of this research is to investigate different mechanisms of action for adding and replacing various functional groups utilizing readily available lab materials. These findings would lead to determining the overall influence of substitution patterns and functional groups have on stereochemistry, reactivity, and overall conformation of the piperidine ring. The synthetic approach involves the formation of 3-bromo-5-methoxy-tosylpiperidine intermediate through acid promoted cyclization, followed by nucleophilic substitution reactions to introduce various functional groups. Reaction progress and product …

Women Leading In Higher Education: Exploring The Experiences Of Women Leaders In Student Affairs, Amelia Lindsay

Honors Theses

Student affairs is a field within higher education that works to support students’ out-of-classroom needs and provide them with a college experience that promotes holistic growth. This study examines the experiences of women leaders in student affairs at a mid-sized university in the southeastern United States and the opportunities and barriers they encountered in their pathways to their careers. Through in-depth, qualitative interviews, clear themes emerged regarding both facilitators of and challenges to their progression to leadership. Data show that their early life characteristics, self-perceptions, collegiate involvement, and mentorship were the largest catalysts in their career trajectories while the challenge …

Developing A Range Prediction For The Imperiled Florida Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex Badius) Using Species Distribution Modeling, Noah Williamson

Honors Theses

The Florida Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex badius) was once widespread and commonplace throughout the sandhills of the Southeastern United States, providing key ecosystem services, such as seed dispersal and soil aeration. Over recent decades, however, Florida Harvester Ant populations have declined in some areas. Current literature postulates that Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA), and the insecticides used to manage them, as well as further human encroachment onto their habitat, all likely contributed to Florida Harvester Ant population declines. Thus, to better protect these organisms, pursue data-driven conservation efforts, and guide management practices, more information about their nest site selection, as well …

Taphonomy And Fossil Record Of Eufistulana Mumia In The Owl Creek Formation Of The Mississippi Embayment, Riley Rilette

Honors Theses

This study examines the taphonomy and preservation of Eufistulana mumia, a boring bivalve, within the Owl Creek Formation of northeastern Mississippi. The formation was deposited in a shallow marine environment of Maastrichtian age within the Mississippi Embayment. A total of 66 specimens were collected from exposures within the formation and analyzed to evaluate morphometric variation and orientation patterns. Field measurements of trend and plunge of each specimen were recorded in situ using a geological compass, and specimens were later prepared and measured in the laboratory with digital calipers. Morphometric results show consistent tube morphology, with basal widths larger than distal …

The Influence Of Older Age On Rbc Transfusion Decisions In Icu Patients, Caroline Schaap, Jorinde Raasveld, Florian Reizine, Boillot Corentin, Jimmy Schenk, Sanne De Bruin, Merijn Reuland, Claudia Van Den Oord,, Andrew Flint, Marcus Lance

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Objectives: RBC transfusions are common in the ICU. Recent studies suggest that a restrictive transfusion policy is noninferior or superior to a liberal policy. However, few studies focus on the influence of age in transfusion. In elderly ICU patients, reduced physiologic reserves may shift the perceived risk-benefit balance of transfusion, potentially leading to different transfusion practices. This study examines whether transfusion practices in ICU patients differ across patient age.

Design: This is a substudy of the International Point Prevalence Study of ICU Transfusion Practices (InPUT), a global, multicenter, prospective observational cohort study.

Setting: ICUs from 233 centers …

Physical And Behavioral Health Diagnoses And Comorbidities Associated With Transition From Military Health System To Veterans Health Care Among Post-­ 9/11 Veterans, Nikki R. Wooten, Megan E. Amaun, Madeline Meyers, Prince Nii Ossah Addo, Jeffery Bowers, Felicia R. Carey, Rudolph P. Rull, Edward J. Boyko, Nathaniel Bell, Ana Defede-Lopéz, Mary Jo V. Pugh

Faculty and Staff Publications

Objective

To identify factors associated with transitioning from Military Health System (MHS) to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) care in post-9/11 veterans.

Study Setting and Design

Retrospective cohort study from the Long-Term Impact of Military-Relevant Brain Injury Consortium Phenotype Study.

Data Sources and Analytic Sample

Population-level data were analyzed from MHS and VHA electronic health data (FY2000-2020). Participants received ≥ 3 years of MHS care and separated from the military before October 1, 2016. The primary outcome was transition from MHS to VHA care after military separation. Covariates included demographic, military, and deployment characteristics at military separation; physical, mental, and substance …

Abundance Of Microplastics In The Water And Stream Fish Of Big Walnut Creek, David J. Hartman

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Microplastics are a major threat to both ecosystem and human health. In this study, I investigated the abundance of microplastics at five sites along Big Walnut Creek, Ohio including sites upstream, downstream, and within urban development. Samples were taken from the stream surface water and fish at each site. Microplastics were detected in the surface water and fish at all five sites with a total of 383 microplastic particles found in the 157 fish collected for this study. The mean concentration for all sites was 80.8 particles/m3 in the surface water and 2.4 particles per fish. Microplastics were almost entirely …

Global Epidemiology Of Cephalopina Titillator Infestation In Camels: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis (1980–2025), Temesgen Mohammed, Aboma Zewude, Tsegaye Shamebo, Layaly Hamdan, Atef Oreiby, Hazim O. Khalifa, Gobena Ameni, Bojan Gajic

All Works

Background – Cephalopina titillator (C. titillator) is the causative agent of camel nasopharyngeal myiasis and is widespread in camel-rearing regions worldwide, causing impaired health, reduced productivity, and economic losses. However, despite the veterinary importance of C. titillator, global epidemiological evidence remains limited and fragmented, and no comprehensive synthesis of prevalence data across camel-rearing regions has previously been conducted. The objective of this review was to estimate the global pooled prevalence of C. titillator infestation in camels. In addition, subgroup analyses were made to assess the effect of camel species, geographic region, and study period on the pooled prevalence of C. …

Endocrine Roles Of Vitamin D In Female Reproduction: Mechanisms And Clinical Implications, Azza Alsuwaidi, Fatme Alanouti, Dimitrios Papandreou

All Works

Vitamin D a fat-soluble steroid hormone signals through Vitamin D Receptors (VDRs) located throughout the ovaries, uterus, placenta, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland, influencing immune regulation and female reproductive physiology. This review of studies from 2013-2025 found consistent associations between low vitamin D status and various disorders in women of childbearing age. In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), deficiency correlates with higher symptom severity, and evidence shows that supplementation significantly reduces total PMS scores, particularly improving mood-related domains. For uterine pathologies such as fibroids, endometriosis, and adenomyosis, low vitamin D status is linked to increased risk and severity. Repletion trials suggest antifibrotic and …

Navigating Inclusive Education In The United Arab Emirates: Perspectives From School Leaders And Teachers, Daisy Loyd, Rhoda Myra Garces-Bacsal, Zachary Walker, Najwa Mohamed Alhosani, Hala Elhoweris, Osha Almuhairy, Ahmed Mohamed, Rachel Alison Takriti, Sana Butti Al Maktoum, Amani Mohamed, Hamdah Jibar Alhashmi

All Works

Inclusive education in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been promoted through ambitious policies. These have included a mandated change in nomenclature alongside strengthening the infrastructure and professional development to support inclusive education in mainstream schools. Perspectives from school leaders and teachers across the country about these changes and their implementation have not been captured. This research used a qualitative methodology to explore school leaders' and teachers' perspectives of inclusive education policy and practice. Participants included 22 school leaders and 57 teachers from public and private schools across the seven Emirates of the UAE. Data were collected through group and …

A Critical Narrative Review Appraisal Of The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines: Scientific Strengths, Conceptual Gaps, And Overlooked Dimensions Of Sustainability And Health Equity, Dimitrios Papandreou, Azza Alsuwaidi, Zainab Taha, Constantinos Giaginis, Georgios K. Vasios, Eleni P. Andreou

All Works

The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines introduce an important shift in public health nutrition, emphasizing minimally processed foods, higher protein intake, greater inclusion of full-fat dairy, and a food-based advice centered on “real food” consumption. While several of these recommendations align with accumulating evidence, particularly the discouragement of ultra-processed foods and added sugars, substantial concerns remain regarding their internal coherence, population-level applicability, risk of misinterpretation, as well as environmental footprint. This critical narrative review evaluates whether the scope, emphasis, and framing of the new guideline components are proportionate to the strength, consistency, and context of the underlying evidence. Using a novel framework …

Psychology Lecturer Confronts Ai, Attendance Decline, And Future Of Student Learning, Valerie Reynolds

Digital Edition

No abstract provided.

Electronic Resource Updates - 2026 Q1, Brigitte Galauner, Gregg Harris

Electronic Resources Quarterly Updates

No abstract provided.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles And Chitosan Exhibited Synergistic Protection Against Diabetic Nephropathy In Mice Model, Abdulkader M Shaikh Omar, Zainab M Al Aamri, Salim M El Hamidy, Muhamed A. El Nobey

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Meteorology, Environment and Arid Land Agriculture

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a progressive complication of diabetes mellitus characterized by oxidative stress, impaired glucose metabolism, and renal dysfunction. This study explored the protective effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), chitosan, and their synergism on renal function disorders, oxidative stress, and histopathological alterations in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice model. Mice treated with STZ exhibited marked hyperglycemia (284.08 ± 0.76 mg/dL), elevated HbA1c (17.35 ± 0.13%), and reduced insulin levels (3.09 ± 1.00 μI/mL), along with increased levels of renal biomarkers: urea (46.01 ± 0.28 mg/dL), uric acid (8.09 ± 0.19 mg/dL), and creatinine (1.79 ± 0.06 mg/dL). …

Herblens: A Multilingual Retrieval-Augmented Generation (Rag) Framework Integrating Cross-Cultural Herbal And Nutritional Knowledge Bases, Lilly Shaw, Benjamin Wilson, Hana Mossaddad, Daniel Tehrani, Dezhao Fu, Ali Rahnavard

GW Research Showcase 2021-2026

No abstract provided.

The Missing Lynx: Investigating Passive And Active Rewilding With The Eurasian Lynx, Isaiah Charles, Tatiana Flores, Isabella Lopez

Conservation Biology

The Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx) is a wild cat native to the boreal forests, mountains and grasslands of Europe and Asia (Bhattacharyya, 2025). The Eurasian lynx keep ungulate populations in check which allow for forests to recover from overgrazing, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance. However, the Eurasian lynx had become locally extinct across Europe by the 1900s due to habitat loss, hunting by farmers in retaliation for predation of livestock and the illegal fur trade. Conservation and ecological restoration efforts to rebuild the lynx population have been underway. Rewilding is a form of ecological restoration involving the reintroduction of a …

Commencement Program: 2026, Governors State University

Commencement Documents and Videos

Lincoln Laureate: Jonathan Cooper

May 17, 2025
10 a.m.

Student Speaker: Journey Mae Manuel

College of Education and Human Development
College of Health and Human Services

May 17, 2025
4 p.m.

Student Speaker: Victoria Gómez

College of Business
College of Arts and Sciences