Digital Commons Network^™

Scaling Sustainable Propellants To Address Rocket Emissions: Lessons From The U.S. Aviation Industry, Zhizhou (Josie) Liu

Duke Law & Technology Review

The rapid growth of the U.S. commercial space industry has exposed a profound regulatory gap in addressing rocket emissions. By releasing greenhouse gases and particulates like black carbon, alumina, and water vapor, rocket launches not only contribute to climate change but also accelerate stratospheric ozone depletion. The U.S. aviation industry encountered similar environmental challenges decades ago, which eventually prompted legal and policy frameworks to curtail aviation emission through sustainable fuel technologies. Unlike aviation, however, the space industry now operates in a legal vacuum, with no binding international environmental standards or domestic regulations targeting rocket atmospheric pollution. As rocket emissions penetrate …

Opioid Overdose Associations In The United States Among Pregnant And Postpartum Women During 2019-2023, Permecia Winston-Dixon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The rising trend of opioid-involved overdose deaths among pregnant and postpartum women in the United States from 2019 to 2023 represents a pressing public health issue. This population faces increasing risk due to opioid use and co-occurring mental health conditions, yet remains underrepresented in research. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the association between opioid involvement among pregnancy-associated overdose deaths, while controlling for pandemic periods (pre-COVID: 2019, peak COVID: 2020–2021, post-peak COVID: 2022–2023). Grounded in the syndemic theory, this study addressed two research questions Grounded in syndemic theory, this study addressed two research questions focused on opioid-involved …

Conserved Neutrophil Degranulation Transcripts In Hiv-Tb Coinfected Children Across East And Southern Africa, Eric Katagirya, Busisiwe Mlotshwa, Samuel Kyobe, Savannah Mwesigwa, Gaone Retshabile, Lesedi Williams, Marion Amujal, John Mukisa, Gerald Mboowa, David P Kateete, Misaki Wayengera, Sununguko Wata Mpoloka, Angella N Mirembe, Ishmael Kasvosve, Koketso Morapedi, Makhosazana Dlamini, Betty Nsangi, Grace P Kisitu, Adeodata R Kekitiinwa, Gabriel Anabwani, Moses L Joloba, Eddie Mujjwiga Wampande, Dithan Kiragga, Florence Anabwani-Richter, Chester W Brown, Graeme Mardon, Neil A Hanchard, Mogomotsi Matshaba, And For The Collaborative African Genomics Network (Cafgen)

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: HIV-tuberculosis (HIV-TB) coinfection poses a significant public health challenge among children in high-burden African regions. Most previous transcriptomic studies have concentrated on adults and non-African populations, primarily analyzing gene-level differential expression. This approach overlooks multi-isoform complexity and may obscure both inherent and pathogen-induced intragenic heterogeneity. This multi-center case-control study aimed to identify and characterize the transcript-level landscape of HIV-TB coinfection in children from different African regions.

Methods: We analyzed whole-blood RNA sequencing data from 97 children with and without tuberculosis from Uganda (East Africa) and from Botswana and Eswatini (Southern Africa). Reads were quality-controlled, and low-abundance transcripts filtered out. …

Synthetic Lethality Between Rb-Loss And E2f3 Inhibition In Small Cell Cancers Targeted By Pyrimidine Synthesis Blockade, Evan R. Abt, Liang Wang, Grigor Varuzhanyan, Jack Freeland, Tian He, Guadalupe M. Peña-Garcia, Lauryn Ruegg, Jami Mclaughlin, Donghui Cheng, Nikolas G. Balanis, Chia-Chun Chen, Yang Xu, Yi Xing, Sanaz Memarzadeh, Caius G. Radu, Thomas G. Graeber, Owen N. Witte

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

Small cell carcinoma is a highly lethal cancer variant often found with neuroendocrine (NE) features, as exemplified by small cell lung cancer and small cell NE prostate cancer (SCPC). A genome-wide CRISPR dependency screen using SCPC models generated through human prostate cell transformation identifies a requirement for the transcription factor E2F3. E2F3 dependency is linked to RB inactivation, a near universal occurrence across small cell cancers. The requirement for E2F3 is shared by RB-deficient cells originating from the prostate, lung, and adnexa. In RB-deficient cancer cells, E2F3 inhibition restrains cell cycle progression, proliferation, and tumor growth in vivo. Inhibition of …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Botany

No abstract provided.

Artificial Intelligence In Mycology: A Systematic Review Of Species Identification, Biotechnological Assessment, And Explainable Deep Learning Methods, Fati̇h Eki̇nci̇, Mehmet Serdar Güzel, Ilgaz Akata

Turkish Journal of Botany

This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) in mycological research. It highlights how AI supports the identification of fungal taxa at both microscopic and macroscopic levels, facilitates the detection of toxic species, contributes to ecological mapping, aids in discovering new fungal bioproducts, and enhances precision agriculture practices. Advanced techniques such as convolutional neural networks, you only look once, U-shaped network (UNet), and residual network have demonstrated strong performance in classification, segmentation, and object detection tasks. Additionally, explainable AI (XAI) methods like gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM), local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME), and SHapley …

Global Transcriptomic Insights Into Nla-Dependent Boron Toxicity Responses In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Doğa Seli̇n Kayihan

Turkish Journal of Botany

Boron (B) toxicity disrupts multiple metabolic and signaling processes in plants, yet its interaction with post-translational regulators remains poorly understood. The E3 ubiquitin ligase NITROGEN LIMITATION ADAPTATION (NLA) is known to control nutrient transporter turnover, but its role in B toxicity responses has not been previously characterized. Here, we present the first genome-wide transcriptomic analysis of nla mutant Arabidopsis thaliana exposed to mild (1 mM) and moderate (2 mM) B toxicity. Loss of NLA caused a profound reprogramming of gene expression, marked by constitutive activation of ribosome- and translation-related pathways and strong repression of MAPK signaling, α-linolenic acid metabolism, and …

Transcriptome Profiling Of Silique Lncrnas Reveals Novel Insights Into Silique Length In Radish (Raphanus Sativus L.), Xiaomin Yu, Yuxin Zhu, Zhoubo Guan, Shisheng Li

Turkish Journal of Botany

Radish is a widely cultivated vegetable with known medicinal value and produces siliques that differ significantly in number and size. The present study compares normal Duanye-13 radish (CK-type) siliques with mutant radish siliques induced by chemical mutagenesis at the young (YS), short (SS), and long (LS) silique stages. Differences in long noncoding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) expression were investigated using high-throughput RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses, revealing 45 324 new lncRNAs in radish siliques. lncRNA expression was higher in YS and LS mutant lines than in CK-type lines, and expression in SS mutants tended to be lower than in CK-type lines. …

Genome-Wide Crispr Screen Identifies A Cytokine-Enhancer Circuit Driving Hif-2Α Activation In Renal Cancer, Jun Fang, Jeremy M Simon, Tao Wang, Yunpeng Gao, Xianju Bi, Lianxin Hu, Chengheng Liao, Cheng Zhang, Yayoi Adachi, Jin Zhou, Hongyi Liu, Qian Liang, James A Nathan, Ram Mani, James Brugarolas, Qing Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Resistance to HIF-2α inhibitors such as Belzutifan underscores the need to better understand how HIF-2α is transcriptionally regulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Here, we uncover a cytokine-driven enhancer mechanism that sustains HIF-2α expression through the JAK1-STAT3 signaling pathway. Using a genome-wide CRISPR screen in VHL-deficient ccRCC cells, we identified SOCS3 as a key negative regulator of HIF-2α. Mechanistically, loss of SOCS3 activates JAK1-STAT3 signaling, leading to the recruitment of STAT3 to distal enhancers upstream of EPAS1 that physically loop to its promoter to drive HIF-2α transcription. This cytokine-enhancer circuit was recapitulated in ccRCC patient samples and functionally …

The Do-It-Yourself Guide To Backyard Drip Irrigation, Jaydee Gunnell, Taun Beddes, Burdette Barker

All Current Publications

This guide promotes efficient backyard drip irrigation as a vital strategy for water conservation in Utah, the third-driest state in the U.S. It explains evapotranspiration (ET), drip system components, and provides formulas to calculate a plant’s water needs. The guide provides practical advice on converting traditional irrigation systems to drip systems, particularly in flower beds and around shrubs and trees. By implementing drip irrigation, homeowners can contribute to water conservation while enhancing the health of their landscapes.

Perceived Partner Substance Use, Genetic Predispositions, And Their Associations With Problematic Alcohol Use, Emotional Well-Being, And Relationship Quality, Megan E Cooke, Kathleen K Bucholz, Vivia V. Mccutcheon, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Romantic relationships are important contexts for substance use and emotional well-being. We tested the hypotheses that (i) genetic predispositions for alcohol consumption would be positively associated with partner substance use, (ii) partner substance use would moderate genetic influences on one's own alcohol outcomes, and (iii) partner discordance in substance use would be associated with lower emotional well-being and relationship quality.

METHODS: Analyses included 2,357 participants (M

RESULTS: Participant PGS

CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the importance of partner substance use in etiological models of alcohol use, emotional health outcomes, and relationship quality.

Tulane Virus Protease As A Structural Surrogate For Inhibitor Screening Of Human Norovirus Proteases, Son Pham, Nikhil Sharma, Banumathi Sankaran, Jalen Nguyen, Mary K Estes, Joseph M Hyser, B V Venkataram Prasad

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Human norovirus (HuNoV) is a significant cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, affecting people of all age groups. There are currently no vaccines or drugs available, leaving susceptible populations vulnerable to severe or protracted illness. A HuNoV cultivation system is pivotal for screening norovirus antivirals. While the human intestinal enteroid cultivation system allows robust replication of multiple HuNoV strains, it presents technical and cost barriers. Tulane virus (TV), a surrogate for HuNoV, replicates well in monkey kidney cell lines and is closely related to norovirus in cellular biology. Here, we determined the structures of TV protease (TV-Pro) alone and in complex with …

Efficacy And Safety Of Stem Cell-Based Interventions For Burn Wound Healing: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Pre-Clinical And Early Clinical Evidence, Prayuth Poowaruttanawiwit, Patsanan Kulla, Naveeya Pakpoomkamonlert

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Burn injuries remain a major therapeutic challenge, with conventional treatments often failing to achieve complete functional skin regeneration. Stem cell-based interventions, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and exosome derivatives, have demonstrated regenerative and immunomodulatory potential, yet their translation to clinical practice remains limited.
Objectives: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of stem cell-based therapies for burn wound healing across pre-clinical and clinical studies.
Materials and Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines, four databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane) were searched through April 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and controlled pre-clinical …

Optimization Of Solvent Extraction For Polyphenols And Antioxidant Activity From Zanthoxylum Acanthopodium Leaves Using Simplex Centroid Design, Waras Nurcholis, Indah Z. Septiawati, Roni Kartiman, Surya Diantina

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC., locally known as andaliman, is an indigenous spice from North Sumatra, Indonesia, recognized for its high antioxidant potential. Despite its bioactive richness, optimization of solvent extraction for phenolic and flavonoid compounds from its leaves remains underexplored, even though these compounds are valuable for food and pharmaceutical applications. The use of solvents such as acetone in analytical extraction contexts is acceptable; however, further purification steps would be required for applications in food and pharmaceutical products.
Objectives: The main objective of this study was to optimize solvent combinations – comprising water, ethanol, and acetone – to maximize the …

Design Of Experiments Based Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method For Estimation Of Metformin And Glimepiride In Combined Dosage Forms, Neela Manish Bhatia, Rachana Patil, Harinath More, Rutuja Dattatray Chougale

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: The present study aimed to systematically develop and validate a robust, rapid, and stability-indicating reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for the simultaneous estimation of metformin and glimepiride in fixeddose combination tablets. Method development was guided by a design of experiments (DoE) approach using the Box-Behnken design (BBD) to ensure optimal analytical performance.
Materials and Methods: Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Cosmosil C18 column using an optimized mobile phase of acetonitrile and water (80:20, v/v) adjusted to pH 3.5. The flow rate was 1 mL/min, and detection was performed at 221 nm. The BBD approach systematically evaluated the …

Development Of Aqueous Dispersions Of Zein–Inulin Nanoparticles: Influence Of Formulation Variables On Physical Properties, Wanarat Sayamol, Supakarn Chamni, Jittima Chatchawalsaisin

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Zein-based nanoparticles exhibit considerable potential for pharmaceutical and food applications. Incorporating inulin, a prebiotic polysaccharide, can improve their functional performance. Owing to the distinct solubilities of zein and inulin in aqueous ethanol, zein– inulin nanoparticles can be prepared through precipitation using their respective anti-solvents.
Objectives: This study aimed to systematically develop zein–inulin nanoparticles using the antisolvent precipitation method, with a focus on investigating the effects of formulation variables on particle characteristics and dispersion properties.
Materials and Methods: Zein–inulin nanoparticles were prepared using an anti-solvent precipitation method. Zein and inulin were separately dissolved in aqueous ethanol and water, respectively. The …

Medicines Security And Bioprospecting: A Future Agenda For Pharmaceutical Research, Geoffrey A. Cordell

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Humanity is at an extraordinary moment in history, where our interwoven future in Gaia depends on showing reverence for the modulation of our resource limits after significant losses of biodiversity and encroaching environmental change, including disappearing glaciers, rising sea levels, and changing climates. Engaging with the interconnectedness of all life on Earth and integrating sustainability and optimization of the valuable, renewable resources for future generations are essential beginning actions. Fostering economic and resource sustainability deepens the focus for contemporary research priorities toward assuring access to biological agents needed by the consumer/patient. Based on the outcomes of the COP28/29/30 and COP15/16 …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A Solar-Powered Arduino Real-Time Transmitter In Measuring Moisture, Temperature, And Environmental Ph Levels In Soil, Jacy Danielle I. Gonzales, Jamiela Anne T. Trinio, Mary Terly Ann Angustia, Eve Christlene C. Calma, Michelle H. Dote

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

In the past decade, the effects of climate change have served as a threat to crop production, thereby affecting the livelihood of farmers. As a result, monitoring soil conditions has become increasingly crucial in agricultural fields. Traditional methods, while considered reliable, often have issues regarding accuracy and efficiency. Hence, various technological innovations have emerged over the years to assist in the aforementioned tasks. However, while existing studies have supported the reliability of technology, they have also highlighted its limitations, particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness. Therefore, this study proposed the application of the Solar-Powered Arduino Real-Time Transmitter (SPARTT) in agricultural settings. …

Plastilapia: Potential Of Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) Scales For Creating Bioplastics, Rain Andrea Q. Matilde, Kathlene Ann R. Aspiras-Lorenzo

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Plastic waste is a global problem affecting General Santos City (GenSan). Though brown paper bags are alternatives, they tear easily and may cause deforestation. South Cotabato, including GenSan, produces large amounts of tilapia. Their discarded scales contain collagen that can be used to create sustainable biopolymers. This study explores the potential of tilapia scales for creating bioplastics, focusing on tensile strength and biodegradability as eco-friendly alternatives to plastics. For this study, one kilogram of raw tilapia fish scales was used. The scales were cleaned, oven-dried at 60°C for three hours, ground, and soaked in a 0.1N sodium hydroxide solution for …

Pinenergy: A Sustainable Bio-Piezoelectric Generator From Queen Pineapple Crown Leaves (Ananas Comosus [Linn.] Merr.) For Energy Generation, Harvesting, And Conversion, Angelyzha Julienne V. Carpio, Rhionna Marie Marcelo Mayor, Mark Cyril C. Brazil, Phebe P. Mendoza

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Energy is one of the necessities in life. The Philippines has abundant energy resources; however, as the energy demand increases, energy reserves are diminishing faster than they can be replenished, and alternatives remain underutilized due to cost and ethical challenges, resulting in a shortage in energy production. To combat this, bio-piezoelectricity, which transforms mechanical forces into electrical energy through an organic material, offers a secure substitute for current energy resources. This study aims to determine the efficacy of queen pineapple crown leaves (QPCL) as a bio-piezoelectric generator in energy generation, harvesting, and conversion efficiency. The leaves served as the primary …

Paper From Food Waste: Replacing Protective Packaging In Online Shopping With Allium Sativum (Garlic) Peels, Sakura C. Alangui, Rachelle D. Dangilan, Sophia A. Nolasco, Angelina P. Ruebe, Ariston F. Zaparita, Illuminada S. Menzi

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

The environmental impact of plastic packaging is a growing global concern, with the rise of online shopping and its dependence on single-use plastics like bubble wrap. This study examines the potential of Allium sativum (garlic) peels as a sustainable protective packaging material, evaluating their durability, biodegradability, and acceptability in comparison to conventional bubble wrap. Specimens of garlic paper and bubble wrap were then tested under different parameters. Under durability, the results showed that garlic peel paper had a mean tensile strength of 416.80 N/m, comparable to bubble wrap at 453.90 N/m, with no significant difference in tensile strength. In terms …

Optimizing Sea Grapes (Caulerpa Lentillifera) Extract Concentration For Maximum Larval Mortality, Bench Russel D. Caol-Olan, Nicole Shane D. Sabaldan, Jullian Jake D. Labastida, Steffany C. Illagan, Herlynne C. Mallari, Raven Pauline A. Ebuen, Jairra Lysandra M. Atun, Deness Patricia Lauress P. Turla, Dana Kriesha E. Prudente, Christian Dale Luis F. Valenzuela, June Ray O. Filler

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

This research investigates the larvicidal potential of Caulerpa lentillifera, commonly known as sea grapes. Specifically, it aims to determine whether 0%, 10%, 20%, or 30% concentrations of C. lentillifera extract can significantly increase mosquito larval mortality after four hours of exposure. The experiment followed standardized guidelines established by the World Health Organization (WHO), and larval mortality was calculated using Abbott’s formula. This research investigates the larvicidal potential of C. lentillifera, commonly known as lato sea grapes. Specifically, it aims to determine whether 0%, 10%, 20%, or 30% concentrations of C. lentillifera extract can significantly increase mosquito larval mortality after four …

Self-Reflexive Vs. Engaged Senior High School Students Of Adamson University: Levels Of Social Consciousness And The Intensity Of Relational Aggression Towards Brand Boycotting, Savannah Nicole S. Granado, Anne Lizette C. Rago, John Ren L. Elamparo, Eunyce Jezreel M. Delos Reyes, Angeline L. Evangelista, Lara Julianne M. Rodenas, Lizethe Zabdiel B. Rosario, Amiella S. Fabriaga, Rael Adrian L. Alvarez, Lorenzo Matteo M. Caballa, Jasmin Faith F. Dumalanta, Shelyn Cornel B. Mijares, John Gabriel L. Cabia-An

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Brand boycotting is a form of non-violent protest that refers to people refraining from buying a product from a brand that does not align with their morals and values. There is still a significant gap in the level of social consciousness and the intensity of relational aggression of Senior High School Students in Adamson University and its correlation, to which this study aims. The study used a correlational design to assess the relationship between the two variables without manipulating it, wherein the results indicated that the respondents have low self-reflexivity and are moderately disengaged. However, the respondents slightly lean towards …

Clicking From College To K-12 Schools: Engaging Preservice Teachers With Technology, David Marlow, Pamela Wash, Jeannie Chapman, Timothy Dale

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

This article details the classroom use of personal response systems in four different disciplines. It highlights the versatility of these systems, the effect on student learning and how their use in college classrooms may influence preservice teachers in their future classrooms.

The Positronic Law: A Natural Law Derivation Establishing 3/2/1 Governance As Substrate-Agnostic And Inherent To Existence — Governing Derivation For The Ai Bill Of Rights (Purple Book V1.0), David Lee Wise

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure formalizes the Positronic Law: governance is inherent to existence. The derivation proceeds from four independently established premises. (1) Geometric necessity: any closed 3D governance system must use Platonic solid geometry; exactly five exist (Euclid). (2) Topological constraint: Euler's theorem (V-E+F=2) demands exactly 12 pentagonal constraints on any hexagonally-tiled closed surface; the number 60 at T=1 is forced by icosahedral symmetry (Caspar & Klug 1962, Klug Nobel 1982). (3) Universal convergence: every known instantiation — computational (STOICHEION framework), crystalline (garnets, quasicrystals; Shechtman Nobel 2011), biological (viral capsids), and silicon-biological (radiolarian silica skeletons, 540 Myr continuous) — independently converges on …

Anonymous Whispers: A Critical Discourse Analysis On Digital Gossip In Select Philippine University Freedom Walls, Ryanne Gabrielle J. Roxas, Erica Gabryelle B. Lingad, Kean Christof Ramon L. Santiago, Ma. Samantha Raine Esquejo Soliman, Belle Beatrix Alemania

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

The anonymity afforded by university freedom walls proliferates the spread of information and digital gossip, actively shaping ideologies surrounding campus hierarchies—an influence that remains critically underexplored in academic research. This study addresses that gap by seeking to understand how freedom walls function as a form of discourse that constructs and negotiates hierarchical ideologies within academic communities. It analyzed 18 purposively sampled posts from the three most followed Facebook freedom walls of universities in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), namely the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP), National University (NU), and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU). Using Fairclough's …

Testing The Effectiveness Of Mango (Mangifera Indica) And Apple (Malus Pumila) Peels As An Active Ingredient In A Corrosion Inhibitor Spray For Galvanized Iron Pipes, Sheikh Mahrufa C. Islam, Tom Iric C. Donato, Charlie Mark E. Bumanglag, Nigel Red M. Lopez, Cye Guiller S. Evangelista, Thea P. Suaco

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Corrosion in galvanized iron pipes (GIPs) poses significant challenges to water distribution systems, leading to structural degradation and public health risks. This study developed and assessed the efficacy of Mangifera indica (mango) and Malus pumila (apple) peel extracts as active ingredients in a corrosion inhibitor spray for galvanized iron pipes, using maceration to prepare 70% concentration extracts and testing them on GIPs immersed in 3 M hydrochloric acid for eight days. Results showed the combined extract exhibited the highest inhibition efficiency (27.71%), lowest thickness loss (1.449 × 10⁻³ cm), and minimal discoloration, outperforming individual extracts (apple: 23.76%; mango: 10.87%) and …

Hydrofortera: An Experimental Study On The Development Of An Effective And Cost-Effective Eco-Friendly Geopolymer Water-Stop Cement, Aaron Dave M. Libatique, Liam Rori S. Crisostomo, Zsharich Nicole D. Fernandez, Rizha Trixcy V. Ferrer, Amaro B. Lanuza Jr., Jannelle Mae D.R. Samotia, Juan Lorenzo C. Villanueva, Jemaima M. Robles

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Hydraulic water-stop cement is a commonplace solution to most concrete problems caused by natural disasters in the Philippines, especially flooding in low-lying areas. However, rising expenses and environmental concerns due to surging carbon footprints necessitate the development of a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative. Aligned with SDGs 9, 11, 12, and 13, this study developed HydroFortera: an effective, cost-effective, and eco-friendly geopolymer water-stop cement formulated using waste by-products such as fly ash, rice husk ash, and coconut fiber, along with alkaline activators and additives. Alkaline-to-binder ratios of 0.40, 0.45, and 0.50 were tested for various properties to determine the optimal ratio …

Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation As An Adjuvant For Nonfluent Aphasia: A Proof-Of-Concept Study, Lynsey M. Keator, Lisa Johnson, Roger Newman-Norlund, Kyler Spell, Samaneh Nemati, Leigh Ann Spell, Dirk B. Den Ouden, Christopher Rorden, Julius Fridriksson

Department of Speech-Language Pathology Faculty Papers

Effective rehabilitation tools are essential for improving language outcomes in chronic aphasia. Speech entrainment is a behavioral treatment that has shown promise in enhancing speech output in nonfluent aphasia, potentially by acting as an external mechanism to synchronize anterior and posterior language regions in the left hemisphere. Transcranial alternating current stimulation has been hypothesized to enhance functional connectivity between brain regions by amplifying endogenous oscillations. This proof-of-concept study explored whether high-definition tACS (HD-tACS) could improve speech fluency in nonfluent aphasia when paired with speech entrainment. In a double-blind, pseudorandomized study, 1 mA of HD-tACS at 7 Hz was applied to …

Bacteriophage Therapy For Antibiotic-Resistant Infections, Shiva Pariyar

Best Integrated Writing

Pariyar examines bacteriophage therapy as a promising alternative to antibiotics for treating multidrug-resistant infections, highlighting its targeted mechanism, ability to disrupt biofilms, and synergy with antibiotics. While challenges such as regulation, immune response, and limited clinical trials remain, the study argues that advances in biotechnology and global collaboration position phage therapy as a future cornerstone in combating antimicrobial resistance.