Digital Commons Network^™

Bad Faith Disregard Of Benefits And Science In Federal Environmental Deregulation, Michael B. Gerrard

Faculty Scholarship

Since the beginning of the Reagan administration in 1981, federal agencies have used cost-benefit analysis when making important policy decisions, especially when issuing regulations. In the years since then the methodologies have been refined and enshrined in White House guidance. The second Trump administration has upended these practices by often ignoring the benefits of regulations and only considering the costs. In doing so it often claims that there are such uncertainties about the benefits that they should be disregarded. It uses these claims in support of repealing or softening regulations that prior administrations found would save thousands of human lives.

Fatigue Survival And Biomechanical Behavior Of Two-Piece Titanium And Zirconia Dental Implants

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Titanium implants are considered the gold standard for oral rehabilitation; however, zirconia implants have emerged as a metal-free alternative with promising esthetic and biological properties. Despite these advantages, limited evidence is available regarding their long-term fatigue behavior and fracture resistance.

Material and methods: In this in vitro experimental study conducted at São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil, forty implants were divided into two groups (n = 20): zirconia implants (ZZ) and titanium implants (TZ) (4.1 × 10 mm). Implants were embedded in polyurethane blocks according to ISO 14801:2016 specifications. Monolithic zirconia crowns were fabricated using CAD/CAM technology and cemented …

2026 April, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Morehead State Press Release Archive, 1961 to the Present

Press releases for April of 2026.

The Magazine, Spring 2026, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Morehead State Alumni Association Publications

The Magazine of Morehead State University from spring of 2026.

Examining The Relationship Of Work Stressors And Resilience Among Inpatient Oncology Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study:, Blanca Melida Vasquez-Clarfield

Theses & Dissertations

Burnout among inpatient oncology nurses remains a concern in a specialty marked by high patient acuity, complex care regimens, emotional intensity, and repeated exposure to suffering and death. Resilience is often discussed as a protective resource in nursing, yet less is known about how personal resilience and work resilience relate to work stress and burnout within inpatient oncology practice. This study examined the relationships among perceived work stress, personal resilience, work resilience, and burnout among registered nurses working in inpatient oncology units. It also explored whether selected nurse characteristics were associated with these variables and how nurses described workplace stressors, …

Redefining Retention: Analyzing The Experiences Of Black Men In Higher Education Through The Lens Of Race, Masculinity, And Strength-Based Approaches, Roderick Waters

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Black male students have continued to face systemic challenges in higher education, particularly at historically White institutions (HWIs), where they experience lower retention and graduation rates compared to their peers. Although enrollment numbers have increased, institutional barriers, racialized campus environments, and deficit-based narratives have continued to contribute to disparities in academic success. Much of the existing research has focused on the challenges Black male students encounter rather than the strategies, relationships, and institutional conditions that support their persistence. This study sought to shift that focus by exploring the lived experiences of Black men who persisted at an HWI through an …

Beyond The Script: A Qualitative Study Exploring Drama Teachers’ Experiences Using Improvisation In Chicago Public Schools, Nicole Theresa Minardi

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Scripted and standardized curricula remain prevalent in American classrooms. Relying on an authoritarian view of education, in which the teacher imparts knowledge to students, scripted curricula can delegitimize the teaching profession, stifle dialogue, and limit student engagement. Conversely, decentering the teacher can create space for more collaborative and engaged learning. This basic interpretive qualitative study explored how Chicago Public Schools drama teachers described their experiences incorporating improvisation into their instruction. Grounded in critical pedagogy and a social constructivist epistemology, this study examined how drama teachers currently use improvisation in their classrooms, as well as the benefits and challenges they encounter …

Leadership Approaches In Music Administration: Intra And Interconnections Of Adaptive, Servant, And Transformational Leadership In Music Educators Transitioning To Administrative Roles, Joel Raynald Defayette

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Music educators who transitioned into administrative leadership roles brought a distinct set of pedagogical, interpersonal, and artistic leadership practices; however, these approaches were not always fully recognized or understood within broader educational leadership contexts. As leadership theory expanded across disciplines, a need emerged to examine how music educators’ leadership identities evolved as they moved from classroom instruction to administrative positions. This study addressed how leadership styles—particularly adaptive, servant, and transformational leadership—were experienced, interpreted, and enacted by music professionals who advanced into educational leadership roles. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore whether a dominant leadership style emerged …

Does One Size Fit All? A Lifespan Perspective On The Relationship Between Work Design And Mental Health, Christina Ju

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

As the global workforce ages, traditional work design models that assume job resources are universally beneficial require re-evaluation. Drawing upon lifespan development and socioemotional selectivity theory, this longitudinal study examined how chronological age moderates the effects of skill discretion and coworker support on job-related mental health over a 20-year period. Data from three waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) survey (N = 3,890) were analyzed using linear mixed models to separate within-person changes from between-person differences. Results indicated that skill discretion and coworker support were positively associated with job-related mental health overall. The hypothesis that the benefits …

The Moderating Effect Of Gender And Humor On Leader Evaluation, Russell John Marshall

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

There has been much discourse in the popular press, political, and professional spheres about the humor used by leaders and aspiring leaders. Although humor is seen as mostly positive in the workplace, there have been significant findings that humor’s impact is influenced by gender/sex. Male humor use is often seen as functional, while female humor use is seen as disruptive (Evans et al., 2019). This study examines how humor and gender/sex affects likeability and professional respect for leaders. It was predicted that humor use would increase male leaders likeability and professional respect while decreasing these rating for female leaders. Participants …

The Perceptions Of Early Adolescents: Academic Stressors Within Under-Resourced Schools, Problem Solving, And Important Adults, Aliyah White

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Early adolescence is marked by increasing academic demands and the growing need for effective coping strategies. The present study examined early adolescents’ perceptions of academic stressors, use of primary control coping mechanisms, and identification of important related and unrelated adults within their lives. Participants included 96 youth ages 10-14 recruited from Chicago Public Schools in under-resourced South Side communities. Results indicated that youth reported substantial exposure to academic stressors, including teachers yelling, difficulties understanding coursework, and pressure to perform well academically. Findings revealed a significant decrease in the use of primary control coping strategies over time, despite increasing academic stress. …

The Impact Of Social Support On Somatic Health Symptoms In Emerging Adults: Examining The Role Of Cortisol And Cytokines, Autumn Sharon Rajcevich Schwer

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

There is a wealth of previous research demonstrating that increased levels of social support are associated with mental health benefits, with several potential pathways supported, including social support leading to increased emotional comfort and resilience (Mohan et al., 2024). However, research also demonstrates that increased social support is associated with numerous physical health benefits as well, including lowered risk of chronic disease development and longer lifespans (Hale et al., 2005). But there seems to be a gap in research regarding how social support creates this positive physiological effect. The present study aimed to address this gap and investigate the potential …

Factors Associated With Objective Neuropsychological Performance In Individuals With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Kailyn Marie Bare

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Adults are expected to recover from cognitive symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) within three months; however, a subset report persistent symptoms. Previous meta-analyses have found that these symptoms are due to factors aside from the mTBI itself, and additional research is needed to determine what factors may contribute to objective cognitive functioning in the chronic stage of mTBI. This review examined biopsychosocial and injury-related correlates of objective cognitive functioning in adults with a history of mTBI. A systematic search was conducted in APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus to identify studies published since 2015 examining associations …

Small Jellyfish, Large Consequences: The Overlooked Predatory Role Of Hydromedusae In Subtropical Estuarine Ecosystems, Guilherme M. Von Montfort, Kelly R. Sutherland, Sean Colin, John H. Costello, Renato M. Nagata

Arts & Sciences Faculty Publications

Hydromedusae are often overlooked in pelagic trophic ecology compared to large scyphozoans. We investigated the diet, prey selectivity, ingestion rates, digestion times, and predation impacts of the native Liriope tetraphylla and non-indigenous species Cnidostoma fallax and Moerisia inkermanica in a subtropical estuary of the southwestern Atlantic. While all three species predominantly consumed copepods, L. tetraphylla exhibited the broadest diet and highest number of preys in gut content (up to 13). Digestion time for L. tetraphylla decreased significantly with increasing temperature, from 94 min at 18°C to 64 min at 28°C, with Q10 values showing that digestion rates roughly double with …

Doctor, Teacher, Terrorist: The Life And Legacy Of Al-Qaeda Leader Ayman Al-Zawahiri. By Sajjan M. Gohel. Oxford University Press, 2023., Naveen Khan

Journal of Strategic Security

No abstract provided.

Redbird Scholar, Vol. 11, No. 2 (Spring 2026), Illinois State University, Office Of The Vice President For Research And Graduate Studies

Redbird Scholar

No abstract provided.

Qualitative And Quantitative Analysis Of The Sk-3 I398 Interval In Neurospora Crassa, Tapasvi Bhatt

Senior Theses – Biological Sciences

Spore killer-3 (Sk-3) is a selfish genetic element on Chromosome III of Neurospora that biases its own transmission by killing meiotic products that fail to inherit the element. Although the resistance component of Sk-3 is known, the killer has not been identified. Previous deletion mapping confined the candidate killer region to a small block of DNA near interval i350 and suggested that the nearby 178 bp interval i398 might show different behavior in qualitative versus quantitative assays. The goal of this thesis was to construct and analyze an Sk-3 i398Δ strain and determine whether deletion of i398 …

Bodies As Vessels: (Re)Production, Consumption, And Female Identity In The Handmaid’S Tale And Dawn, Shelby Clark

Honors Theses

This honors thesis examines how reproduction and food are used to signify power and impact female identity in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid's Tale and Octavia Butler’s Dawn. Both feminist dystopian novels portray societies that secure futurity through the commodification and management of women's domestic labor. The protagonist of each novel, Offred in The Handmaid's Tale and Lilith in Dawn, is responsible for ensuring the survival of humanity through forced reproduction and is additionally expected to produce or manage food. In this thesis, I argue that in both novels, female identity is reclaimed and affirmed as separate from a commodified state …

Evaluating A Research Experience For Teachers: Benefits And Challenges For Summer Stem Professional Development, Mark T. Felts, Darcy Tessman, Emily Simpson, Mark Nanny

The Rural Educator

This focus group study examined the participant motivation for and potential impact of the Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program on rural STEM educators. Due to geographic isolation and low wages in rural areas, STEM teachers often engage in summer work, which provides practical, real-world applications of STEM principles and enhances instructional methods during the school year. By fostering university partnerships and providing summer research opportunities, RET aligns with the National Rural Research Agenda’s (NREA) priorities of enhancing community relationships and bolstering teacher preparation, recruitment, and retention. Findings indicate that participation in RET boosts teachers’ curricular skills, professional networks, and …

Intracranial Mesenchymal Tumor, Fet::Creb Fusion-Positive: An Integrative Analysis Of 81 Cases, Sharika Rajan, Robert Schmidt, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Intracranial mesenchymal tumors, FET::CREB fusion-positive (ICMT), show fusions involving FET RNA-binding protein family genes (EWSR1 or FUS) and CREB family of transcription factors (ATF1, CREB1, or CREM). The methylation signature(s), gene expression characteristics, and clinical behavior of this important tumor type require further characterization.

METHODS: We study the methylation profiles of 81 ICMT cases (61 newly profiled cases and 20 cases from publicly available sources). Clinicopathologic and genomic data were recorded for each case when available.

RESULTS: ICMT showed a relatively distinct methylation signature compared to related tumors. Among the 65 cases where fusion types were documented, the identified …

Mechano Responsiveness Of Neuroimmune Cross-Talk In Bone And Joints: A Narrative Review With Implications For Force-Based Manipulations, Karl J Lewis, Jennifer Bent, Per Gunnar Brolinson, Damian Keter, Ellen Lumpkin, Jan Mundo, Vitaly Napadow, William R Reed, Brent S Russell, Simon Y Tang, Mary F Barbe

2020-Current year OA Pubs

INTRODUCTION: Recent advances in osteoimmunology have illuminated the significant role of neuroimmune interactions in bone and joint health. The neuroimmune system critically regulates bone cell function through a complex network of molecular mediators - including signals from the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, cortisol and other hormones, and growth factors. These mediators interact within a nonlinear network where each component can influence others reciprocally, with the brain serving as a central coordinator.

AIM: Our goal in this narrative review is to: 1) Provide an overview of roles the neuroimmune system is involved in bone and joint …

Exosome-Mediated Decay Of Unstable Long Extended Precursors Of Human Telomerase Rna Is Dependent On 5'-Cap Trimethylation, Aniruddha Samajdar, Roberta Amato, Seongmoon Jo, Ethan Cordes, Albert Tai, Grazia Daniela Raffa, Luis F Z Batista

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Mutations that impact maturation of human telomerase RNA (hTR) are common in telomere biology disorders. Here, we describe sequential posttranscriptional modifications that coordinate hTR biogenesis and decay. Initially, TGS1-mediated 5'-cap trimethylation targets long genomically extended hTR precursors for degradation. Prevention of 5'-cap trimethylation results in accumulation of nucleolar 3'-end extended precursors, evading MTR4 recognition and degradation by the exosome. In a second step, 3'-end oligoadenylation by PAPD5 promotes degradation of mature hTR, a process that remains dependent on 5'-cap modifications, as prevention of trimethylation inhibits decay of heavily 3'-end oligoadenylated molecules. Combined inhibition of 5'-cap trimethylation and 3'-end oligoadenylation synergistically …

“I Should’Ve Listened!”: Lived Experiences Of Postsecondary Transitions Among Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders From Non-Traditional High Schools, Kristen De Rose

Dissertations

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of former students with EBD who attended a non-traditional high school. Eight semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to understand how students experienced emotional and academic supports during high school and throughout the transition into adulthood. Results revealed that participants appreciated attending a non-traditional school for its school connectedness, emotional and instructional supports, and school-based counseling. Additionally, findings suggest the school did not prepare them for the transition to post-secondary life. These findings suggest that emotional and academic support for students with EBD in non-traditional high school settings positively affected students’ sense of success …

The Intersection Of Social Desirability And Cultural Competence In Counselors: Broaching Sexual Topics With Sexually Minoritized (Lgb) Clients, Jareb Kinney

Dissertations

Mental health counselors increasingly work with sexually minoritized clients, yet limited understanding exists regarding how social desirability shapes counselors' perceived cultural competence and their willingness to broach sensitive sexual topics in therapeutic settings. This gap can obscure the subtle ways personal conditioning and professional performance pressures influence clinical practice. This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore how social desirability influences mental health counselors' experiences and perceived cultural competence when discussing sex-related topics with sexually minoritized clients. Guided by symbolic interactionism, the study employed a purposive and snowball sampling strategy to recruit ten mental health counselors with direct clinical experience serving …

Unpacking Faculty Perceptions: Disability Critical Race Theory & Adaptive Equity-Oriented Pedagogical In Teaching Practices, Courtney D. Gipson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Students with disabilities (SWD) encounter barriers in higher education despite federal legislation intended for equitable access. Community colleges enroll in a significant number of SWDs, who outstandingly are positioned to support different learners. However, the implementation of instructional practices and accommodations are shaped by false beliefs, inadequate training, and inequitable structures. Historically, research on disability and higher education have been analyzed from a deficit and ableist perspective, ignoring the intersectional experiences of SWDs and the important role faculty play in creating inclusive learning environments. This study addresses these gaps by examining community college faculty members' perceptions, beliefs, and pedagogical practices. …

Prevalence And Correlates Of Dietary Behaviors And Association With Metabolic Syndrome Among Adult Childhood Cancer Survivors, Lindsey Corder

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Background: Adult childhood cancer survivors (CCS) face an elevated risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS), contributing to adverse long-term cardiovascular outcomes. Dietary behaviors are modifiable risk factors for MetS, yet investigations remain limited in this at-risk population. Notably, gaps persist in evidence regarding how overall adherence to preventive dietary behaviors and sex differences relate to MetS within the context of social determinants of health (SDOH). Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study analyzed baseline data from adult CCS enrolled in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort. Dietary adherence was assessed using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), derived from a validated block food frequency …

Writing And Singing The Self: Gendered Expression In The Songcraft Of Trans And Bisexual Singer-Songwriters In Memphis, Kara Leann Stewart Meredith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

This dissertation contains four case studies of trans and/or bisexual singer-songwriters in the Memphis, Tennessee area. Trans and bisexual people break down the gender binary through sexual attraction or through gender identity, and must constantly “come out” to maintain visibility. The artists interviewed for this project are W1ND0W (she/they), also known as Jill Johnson, a mostly-sapphic bisexual and nonbinary singer-songwriter of hyperemo, electronic, and improvisational performance music; Suroor (she/her), a trans woman singer-songwriter of hyperpop music; Alex da Ponte (he/him), a trans man solo singer-songwriter of pop and indie rock; and Maggie Trisler of the band Mystic Light Casino (she/her), …

Modeling Of Stochastic Dynamics Of Particles In Gaseous Environments: From Reactive Collisions To Rotational Brownian Motion, Mrittika Roy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Understanding the dynamics of charged and neutral particles in gaseous environments is important to a wide range of physical, chemical, and atmospheric processes. In this work, I present two complementary computational studies: one focused on Mutual Neutralization (MN) reactions, and the other on the rotational Brownian motion of aerosol particles with arbitrary shapes. Both efforts emphasize high-fidelity physical modeling through rigorous numerical and theoretical approaches. In the first study, the rate constants of mutual neutralization (MN) reactions are calculated self-consistently by incorporating the electron transfer probability, using Landau-Zener state transition theory with inputs derived from ab initio quantum chemistry calculations, …

American Studies Apr 2025 Self-Study Report & Documents, Unm Academic Program Review

UNM Academic Program Review

American Studies APR self-study report, review team report, response report, and initial action plan for AY2025, fulfilling requirements of the Higher Learning Commission.

Sharksrx Newsletter Spring 2026, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Sharks Rx

No abstract provided.