Digital Commons Network^™

Media Culture And The Triumph Of The Spectacle, Douglas Kellner

Fast Capitalism

No abstract provided.

Timescapes Of The Network Society, Robert Hassan

Fast Capitalism

Since the late ‘70s, the mutually reinforcing interaction between neoliberal economics and the revolution in information and communication technologies (ICTs) has transformed the world in many ways. “Globalization” is what we have come to call this process, and many aspects of its profound effect have been analyzed from a range of perspectives (e.g. Appadurai 1990; Robertson 1993; Omahe 1993; Waters 1995; Bauman 1998; Steger 2003). This paper discusses a central element of this change through globalization that has so far received relatively little attention—our relationship with time and how this is changing, in turn, the nature of power and politics. …

Speed: Through, Across, And In — The Landscapes Of Capital, Robert Goldman, Stephen Papson, Noah Kersey

Fast Capitalism

No abstract provided.

Full Issue, Fast Capitalism Editorial Team

Fast Capitalism

No abstract provided.

Cyberculture’S Abstract Utopia: Silicon Valley And Cleaner, Greener, Leaner Rules For A “New Economy”*, Timothy W. Luke

Fast Capitalism

This preliminary analysis connects the dilemmas of eco-pessimism and eco-optimism and links them to a number of core and peripheral thinkers in the US during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries who have sought an escape, or “an out,” from the deepening deterioration of both Nature and Society making many feel pessimistic about the environment. As New York City choked through eerie days cloaked by nearly impenetrable clouds of wood smoke in June 2023, the sky turned a Martian orange in the sunlight from dawn to dusk. At the same time, coastal homeowners along Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific beaches received notices …

Shut Your Cake Hole, You Over-Educated Whore: The Misogynistic Weaponization Of The Phd, Tara Brabazon

Fast Capitalism

The (higher) education of women is a pinball in the arcade game of contemporary masculinity. Andrew Tate, while often proclaiming the irrelevance of university degrees, has deployed their nomenclature through his Facebook page, titled the Tate University. One of his ‘courses’ was described as a PhD (Pimpin’ Hoes Degree). Why is the education of women discredited, yet the language of education summoned and activated to build the ‘alpha male’? This article does not (only) investigate Andrew Tate, alpha culture or the black pill ideology. It explores why the higher education of women – and university-educated women – is a focus …

Assessing The Impact Of Visitors On Airborne Particle Deposition In The Giant Gypsum Geode Of Pulpí (Se Spain), Ana Camila Mendoza, Ángel Fernández-Cortés, Fernando Gázquez, Jesús Morilla, Milagros Carretero, Jose Maria Calaforra, David Benavente

International Journal of Speleology

The Giant Geode of Pulpí is a unique mineralogical phenomenon worldwide, remarkable for its large selenite gypsum crystals. Its recent development as a tourist site and inclusion on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List, highlight the need to assess the impact of visits on its conservation. This study investigates airborne particle dynamics inside the Geode, focusing on tourist activity and natural ventilation. We measured deposition rates and composition of airborne particles using passive traps and a continuous laser-optical particle counter. Microenvironmental variables linked to ventilation, such as temperature and radon gas concentration (²²²Rn), were simultaneously monitored. Results show a predominance of …

Strategies To Reduce Safety Accidents In Chemical Facilities, Travon Eshawn Herriotte

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Chemical-industry accidents remain a persistent threat capable of injuring workers, damaging communities, and destabilizing organizations, despite decades of safety regulations and technological advancements. Chemical facility managers, workers’ families, emergency responders, local communities, and entire supply chains bear the burden of every preventable failure. Grounded in human capital theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic research project was to identify and explore effective strategies that managers use to reduce safety accidents in chemical facilities. The participants were six managers from chemical facilities in the eastern United States. Data were collected using semistructured and publicly available documents. Through reflexive thematic analysis, five …

The Relationship Between Cadet Strength And Musculoskeletal Injury During Basic Training And Physical Program Requirements, Gregory Hess

Doctorate in Kinesiology

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) are a leading cause of lost training time and reduced readiness in military populations. This study examined the relationship between muscular strength and MSKI prevalence among New Cadets (NCs) at the U.S. Military Academy during six weeks of Cadet Basic Training (CBT). Using self-reported survey data, muscular strength was assessed via the Army Fitness Test (AFT) three-repetition maximum deadlift (MDL), and injury status was determined from reported bone, muscle, joint, or tendon injuries. Analyses included paired t tests comparing pre- and during-CBT MDL performance, Welch’s t tests by injury status, and Spearman correlations with training behaviors and …

Primate Gut Microbiota Induce Evolutionarily Salient Changes In Mouse Neurodevelopment., Alex R Decasien, Jacob E Aronoff, Elizabeth K Mallott, Sahana Kuthyar, Sriram Chitta, Brian T Layden, Maria L Savo Sardaro, Stanton Gray, Lawrence E Williams, Emma R Liechty, Hyo M Lee, Won Lee, James P Curley, Christopher W Kuzawa, Katherine R Amato

Faculty Research 2026

Multiple primate species, including humans, evolved brains that are exceptionally large relative to their body sizes. These large brains coevolved with metabolic adaptations that enhance cerebral energy supply, including increased circulating glucose levels. While the gut microbiota (GM) is known to influence host metabolism, its potential role in primate brain evolution remains unclear. To investigate this, we inoculated germ-free mice with the GMs of primate species selected to separate the effects of brain size (encephalization) from phylogenetic relatedness: humans (large-brained, Catarrhini), macaques (smaller-brained, Catarrhini), and squirrel monkeys (large-brained, Platyrrhini). We first show that differences in brain gene expression between mice …

Screening For Combination And Quality Analysis Of Dominant Strains Of Traditional Kombucha, Meng Yuecheng, Zhang Tianqi, Chen Jie, Chen Xuliang, Li Yanhua

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To obtain the best strain combination for fermenting traditional kombucha by screening the bacterial strains. [Methods] The strains isolated from traditional kombucha are evaluated in terms of the production of acids and alcohols.Three strains of acetic acid bacteria and four strains of yeast screened out are combined to form 12 fermentation groups for the production of kombucha, which are analyzed by gas chromatography -mass spectrometry (GC-MS) combined with the physicochemical and microbiological assays and sensory evaluation of the products. [Results] The acidity of the fermentation groups M 6 (Komagataeibacter saccharivorans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and M 12 (Acetobacter and S.cerevisiae) …

Preparation And In Vitro Digestion Characteristics Of Lutein Nanoliposomes, You Tingting, Ma Yongqiang, Zhao Ruobing, Na Zhiguo

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the effects of lutein nanoliposome (LLip ) constructed by high-speed shear-ethanol hydration method on the stability of lutein and its digestion characteristics in vitro. [Methods] The preparation process of LLip is optimized by Box-Behnken design (BBD ), with characterization conducted. LLip stability under different light and temperature conditions within 28 days is evaluated. The simulated digestion characteristics in vitro of LLip are compared with those of free lutein (FL). [Results] The optimal preparation process for LLip is as follows:lutein addition amount of 21 mg, mphospholipid ∶mcholesterol of 5.5∶1, and shear speed of 18 000 r/min for 210 …

Preparation And Characterization Of Nanoemulsions Of Grape Seed Polyphenol-Loaded Camellia Oil, Han Ying, Liu Jiabao, Li Hang, Huang Zonghai, He Xinyi, Li Yun

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To develop a highly stable camellia oil nanoemulsion system for loading grape seed polyphenol (GSP) to enhance its antioxidant property and solubility stability. [Methods] The formula is optimized based on the pseudo -ternary phase diagram method (moil phase ∶msurfactant phase =8∶2, mTween 80∶mSpan 80=5∶5, absolute ethanol is used as the cosurfactant, and Km =4).The emulsion stability and water distribution are characterized by Zeta potential and low -field nuclear magnetic resonance, and its antioxidant activity is evaluated. [Results] The obtained W/O nanoemulsion has a particle size of (326.5±2.7) nm, an absolute value of Zeta potential of (46.4±0.2) mV, a polydispersity …

Shelf-Life Prediction Of Oil-Preserved Meat Based On Volatile Basic Nitrogen, He Li, Dan Li, Diao Shangpeng, Xing Yage, Yang Lulin, Liu Aiming

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To establish a shelf-life prediction model for oil-preserved meat based on total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N). [Methods] Under the storage conditions of 4, 25, and 37 ℃, changes in the following parameters of oil-preserved meat are determined: water activity, pH value, TVB-N value, thiobarbituric acid (TBARS value), peroxide value (POV value), and sensory quality. A comprehensive analysis is conducted using the first-order kinetic model and the Arrhenius equation. [Results] Storage temperature significantly affects the quality deterioration rate of oil-preserved meat. The TVB-N value is closely correlated with storage time (R2=0.992) and is therefore selected as the key indicator to …

Mixing Design And Quality Optimization Of High-Moisture Textured Vegetable Protein, Fan Jiong, Xu Yuanfang, Du Tongshen, Yan Jingxin, Zhang Huien, Chao Shaoqian, Yang Hua

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To optimize the overall quality of high-moisture textured vegetable protein products. [Methods] The addition levels of soybean protein isolate, pea protein, wheat protein, and flour were used as experimental factors, with hardness and sensory evaluation as response indices. A D-optimal mixture design was applied to optimize the plant-based raw material formulation. Based on the optimal formulation, the effects of twin-screw extrusion mechanical parameters on the protein textural characteristics of high-moisture textured vegetable protein were further investigated. [Results] The optimal mixture formulation consisted of 59% soybean protein isolate, 30% pea protein, 5% wheat protein, and 6% flour (based on powder …

Research Progress On The Molecular Mechanisms And Structure-Activity Relationships Of Morchella Esculenta Polysaccharides In Immune Regulation, Zhou Yangjie, Ming Jian, Rao Zhenan, He Ying, Lei Xiaojuan, Zhao Jichun

Food and Machinery

Morchella esculenta is a precious edible and medicinal fungus,rich in active substances such as polyphenols,polypeptides and polysaccharides. M.esculenta polysaccharides (MEP) are a class of carbohydrates formed by the polymerization of aldose or ketose through glycosidic bonds,exhibiting a variety of biological activities including immune regulation,hypolipidemic effects,and anti-fatigue properties. With the deepening of research,the market demand for MEP is constantly increasing,making it particularly important to optimize its extraction and purification processes. Immune regulation is a key process in living organisms,and as the main active ingredient,MEP has attracted significant attention for its immunoregulatory function. However,its specific mechanism of action and structure-activity relationships remain …

Research Progress On Immunomodulatory Effect Of Food-Derived Bioactive Peptides, Zhao Xinglu, Yang Xiongchao, Wang Yidan, Zhao Shenglan, Ma Yage

Food and Machinery

Immune system imbalance arises from a complex interplay of genetic,environmental,chronic disease, age, and emotional factors. It can lead to diseases including diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, and cancer, representing a critical threat to human health. Food-derived bioactive peptides possess immunomodulatory properties. As safe food resources, they are characterized by multi-targeting and high consumer acceptability. This review primarily focuses on the preparation technologies, structural analysis, structure-activity relationships, and mechanisms of bioactive peptides derived from food sources. Furthermore, current achievements are summarized in the field of immunomodulation by the peptides, while perspectives are offered.

Research Progress On Variation Laws Of Key Dough Components During Vacuum Dough Mixing Process And Application Of Vacuum Dough Mixing Technology In Flour Products, Lu Yuchang, Yi Cuiping, Wu Nana, Tan Bin

Food and Machinery

As an innovative method in flour product processing, vacuum dough mixing technology has attracted widespread attention in recent years for its ability to optimize the structure formation and quality characteristics of dough through the regulation of a low-pressure environment. The variation laws and underlying mechanisms of key dough components, including proteins, starch, and moisture, during the vacuum dough mixing process were systematically reviewed, and the application effects of this technology in various flour products were examined. Vacuum treatment significantly enhanced the rheological properties and freeze-thaw stability of dough by promoting gluten protein cross-linking, optimizing moisture distribution and state transitions, and …

Research Progress Of Anthocyanin-Loaded Aquatic Product Freshness Indicator Films, Zhao Zunle, Li Yun, Li Yu, Suo Jintie, Zhang Chun

Food and Machinery

Anthocyanin-loaded freshness indicator films can intuitively reflect the freshness of aquatic products through color changes. They are pH-sensitive and have characteristics such as natural safety and antioxidant properties. Although there have been a large number of studies on them, they still face huge challenges in aspects such as color development, stability, and sensitivity. This paper mainly summarizes the research on natural anthocyanins in pH-sensitive indicator films and their application in monitoring the freshness of aquatic products. The advantages of anthocyanins as indicators are analyzed, and measures to improve the performance of anthocyanin-loaded indicator films are further discussed. The focus is …

Research Progress Of Non-Thermal Food Processing Technologies, Wei Wenqiang, Bi Hanqing, Xiao Zhaoyin, Pang Guibing, Li Mingying, Zhang Hui

Food and Machinery

Non-thermal food processing technology, as an emerging technology in the food industry, has increasingly attracted attention and plays an important role in improving food nutrition, safety, and quality. This paper focuses on the working principles, mechanisms of action, and applications of non-thermal food processing technologies, including six mainstream methods, i.e., high-voltage electric field, magnetic field, ultra-high pressure, plasma, ultrasound, and radiation. It also discusses the current difficulties and challenges faced by non-thermal food processing technologies and analyzes their future development trends.

Research Progress On The Main Nutritional Active Components And Health Functions Of Hickory, Gao Junlong, Wang Chunxiao, Gao Fei, He Kan, Jin Chao, Wu Weijie, Deng Yangyong

Food and Machinery

Hickory is a natural, pollution-free wild nut that grows in specific natural environments. It is highly favored by consumers for its uniquely crisp and fluffy texture, rich nutritional value, and multiple health benefits. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the main nutritional and bioactive components of hickory, including proteins and amino acids, fats and fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, polyphenols, squalene, and phytosterols.These components are compared with those of commonly consumed nut products to clarify the content levels of the primary bioactive nutrients in hickory. It also focuses on the bioactivities and recent research progress related to hickory …

Feeding Performance And Survival Of Louisiana Poeciliid Fishes Exposed To Residential Wastewater Effluent, Jonathan Chapman

Masters Theses

Mosquitoes are a primary transmitter of vector-borne disease, and their larvae can thrive within shallow pools of stagnant water. Rainwater drainage ditches are a common sight in many communities, and in Louisiana, they are dually used as outlets for onsite residential wastewater discharge in neighborhoods disassociated from municipal sewage treatment. However, when discharge systems malfunction, the water becomes uninhabitable to mosquito predators, allowing mosquitoes to thrive. This research examines the predation performance of mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), sailfin mollies (Poecilia latipinna), and least killifish (Heterandria formosa), the primary biological control agents utilized to combat mosquitoes within ditch communities. Individuals were captured …

The Role Of Isotocin In Female Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) Reproductive Behavior And Its Implication For Intranasal Oxytocin Therapy In Humans, Katelynn M. Benge

Masters Theses

In the past several decades, oxytocin has been colloquially termed the “cuddle hormone,” due to its role in pair-bonding and monogamy (Carter et al., 1992). In addition to being used experimentally for psychological disorder, it has also been used in couple’s counseling settings (Anagnostou et al., 2014; Domes et al., 2016). The outcomes of this research reveal mixed results, creating a need for further research in the topic to understand the exact mechanisms by which oxytocin works in the brain to induce this prosocial response. This study sought to address this deficit through the zebrafish animal model. The zebrafish serves …

Faculty, Staff, And Counselor Awareness Of The Challenges Faced By Autistic Students: A Quantitative Descriptive Study Of Resources, Training, And Support For Autistic Student Success In Higher Education, Erika Rosario

Doctoral Dissertations

Higher education institutions should establish two essential measures to support students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): they need to implement standardized training for all personnel working on campus and create opportunities for hands-on experience through peer programs and collaborative educational events. The pursuit of equity in education demands nothing less. This study investigates the extent to which university faculty, staff, and counselors are aware of the challenges faced by autistic students, how knowledgeable they are about resources available to aid them, and the degree of their training, support, and collaboration in addressing students’ needs. By answering these research questions, the …

Optimized Photoemission From Organic Molecules In 2d Layered Halide Perovskites, Muhammad S. Muhammad, Dilruba A. Popy, Hamza Shoukat, John M. Lane, Neeraj Rai, Vojtěch Vaněček, Zdeněk Remeš, Romana Kučerková, Vladimir Babin, Chenjia Mi, Yitong Dong, Mark D. Smith, Novruz G. Akhmedov, Daniel T. Glatzhofer, Bayram Saparov

Faculty Publications

In recent years, hybrid organic–inorganic metal halides have been at the forefront of materials research. Typically, the functional (e.g., optoelectronic) properties of hybrid halides are derived from the inorganic structural part, whereas the organic structural units can add extra advantages in terms of stability, rigidity, and processability. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and characterization of two new hybrid materials in which the outstanding photophysical properties originate from the organic structural part. The new compounds, (C₁₅H16N)₂CdCl₄ and((Br)C₁₅H₁₅N)₂CdCl₄, have 2D layered Ruddlesden–Popper-type perovskite structures. These hybrids are blue-white …

Prevalence Of And Factors Associated With Nurse Burnout In The Us, Megha K. Shah, Nikhila Gandrakota, Jeannie P. Cimiotti, Neena Ghose, Miranda Moore, Mohammed K. Ali

Individual Articles

IMPORTANCE Clinician burnout is a major risk to the health of the US. Nurses make up most of the health care workforce, and estimating nursing burnout and associated factors is vital for addressing the causes of burnout.

OBJECTIVE To measure rates of nurse burnout and examine factors associated with leaving or considering leaving employment owing to burnout. DESIGN,

SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This secondary analysis used cross-sectional survey data collected from April 30 to October 12, 2018, in the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses in the US. All nurses who responded were included (N = 50 273). Data were analyzed …

The Food Ethics, Sustainability And Alternatives Course: A Mixed Assessment Of University Students’ Readiness For Change, Charles Feldman, Stephanie A. Navarro Silvera

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies Scholarship and Creative Works

Growing interest in food sustainability education aims to increase awareness of food distribution systems, environmental degradation, and the connectivity of sustainable and ethical food practices. However, recent scholarship has questioned whether such pedagogical efforts are meaningfully internalized by students or lead to sustained behavioral change. Prior studies document persistent gaps in students’ understanding of sustainability impacts and the limited effectiveness of existing instructional approaches in promoting transformative engagement. To address these concerns, the Food Ethics, Sustainability and Alternatives (FESA) course was implemented with 21 undergraduate and graduate students at Montclair State University (Montclair, NJ, USA). Course outcomes were evaluated using …

Environmental Degradations In Images: Analysis, Restoration, And Applications, Harsh Bhandari

Doctoral Theses

This thesis investigates computational models and methodologies for restoring images degraded by challenging environmental conditions such as haze and underwater environments. It further explores the analysis and estimation of particulate matter (PM) concentration from both day and night scenes under varying weather conditions, using degraded visual data as a primary input. Each environment introduces distinct forms of visual degradation, making image restoration a critical challenge that directly impacts applications including visibility enhancement, weather analysis, particulate concentration estimation, and object detection. By addressing these challenges, this thesis aims to develop adaptable, data-driven solutions that enhance image clarity and improve information extraction …

Disease Burden Of Asthma Patients Utilizing Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonist-Only Inhalers As Rescue In The United States, Njira Lugogo, Rena C. Moon, Yen Chung, Joy David, Omar Motawakel, Ning A. Rosenthal, Neil Skolnik

Department of Family & Community Medicine Faculty Papers

Purpose: We aimed to describe the disease burden of asthma and examine relationships between short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) use and asthma exacerbations. Patients and Methods: This retrospective cohort study used geographically diverse Premier Healthcare Database (PHD) and linked insurance claims (10/01/2021-09/30/2022) for US patients aged ≥18 years with a SABA-only prescription and a history of asthma exacerbation within 12 months before index date (the earliest SABA prescription date). Three asthma control groups were defined based on SABA usage: well controlled-low (0–1 prescriptions), not well controlled-medium (2–3 prescriptions), very poorly controlled-high (≥4 prescriptions). Four asthma severity groups were defined using asthma …

Regeneration Of Swimming Antennae After Partial Amputation In Long- And Short-Lived Daphnia, Charles Schumpert, Rekha C. Patel, Jeffry L. Dudycha

Faculty Publications

Regeneration, the ability of an animal to restart a developmental process and thus rebuild itself following injury or loss, is generally thought to be inversely related to aging, the progressive decline of organismal functions and fitness that occurs as adults get older. We sought to test whether recently evolved differences of aging in the crustacean Daphnia were accompanied by evolutionary divergence of regenerative ability. Using the short-lived D. pulex and the long-lived D. pulicaria, we conducted an assessment of regenerative ability in which we amputated part of the swimming antenna and observed subsequent regeneration. In four clones isolated from …