Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Applying Self-Regulated Learning Prompts On Academic Achievement In A Public Middle-School Science Classroom, Andrew Barham

Doctoral Dissertations

Student success in science courses is a critical focus for K–12 educators, particularly during the transition period of middle-school, where students face increasing academic and social demands. Self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies have been shown to enhance academic outcomes by fostering independent learning and metacognitive awareness. However, research on the implementation and effectiveness of SRL interventions in middle school science classrooms, particularly within the constraints of public school settings, remains limited.

This study investigated the effects of an SRL intervention on the academic achievement of eighth-grade students during a six-week astronomy unit. Students from a public middle school in the San …

Investigating The Effect Of Kcl Stress In Raphanus Sativus, Mason P. Oelke

ATU Honors Projects

Potassium is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development, yet excessive potassium fertilization can induce salt stress with detrimental consequences for crop productivity and nutritional quality. Despite its agricultural relevance, potassium chloride induced stress remains significantly understudied compared to classical sodium-based salinity. This thesis investigates the physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of Raphanus sativus to KCl stress using an integrated approach that combines germination assays, mineral profiling, and gene expression analysis.

Radish seeds were exposed to increasing KCl concentrations (0–400 mM) with or without melatonin, TEA, or EDTA. Germination percentage, fresh and dry biomass, and early seedling vigor were …

Evaluation Methods For Quality And Nutrition Of Recombinant Goose Liver Products, Liu Chang, Li Cuisi, Lin Wanling, Luo Donghui, Zheng Xinyi, Cui Xiaotong

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To analyse the quality evaluation methods for and nutrition evaluation of recombinant goose liver products. [Methods] Goose liver is used as the raw ingredient and combined with chicken breast, while tapioca starch, soybean protein isolate, and transglutaminase (TG) are added as auxiliary materials, to prepare recombinant goose livers.The CRITIC -grey correlation analysis is employed to comprehensively score the color, cooking loss, and texture characteristics of recombinant goose livers made with different formulas.Then, the best formula is screened for nutritional index observation and nutrition evaluation. [Results] The comprehensive score of recombinant goose livers is the highest at 208.93 with 15% …

The Moral Crisis Of Maternal Mortality In The Us, Jensen F. Ware

Honors Theses

This thesis argues that the US crisis of maternal mortality is not an unavoidable tragedy, but a moral and policy failure. I argue that maternal well‑being is one of the most important indicators of a society’s overall health. When mothers receive the care, respect, and support they need, it reflects the strength of healthcare systems, the culture, and our commitment to future generations. The continued loss of mothers from preventable deaths reveals a system that fails many women and their families, especially Black women, low‑income women, and those in rural communities. First, I introduce the issue of maternal mortality in …

Correlation Of Oncogenic Micrornas 21 And 22 Expression Level To The Different Grades Of Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Of Salivary Glands (Ex Vivo Study), Mariam Mohamed Zaki, Heba Ahmed Farag, Olfat Gamil Shaker, Heba Khaled Rizk, Sara Abd Elwahed

Dentistry

Background: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) counts among the most frequent types of malignant salivary gland neoplasms. Brandwein system classified MEC into low, intermediate and high grade as per histological pattern, but this classification lacks the correlation with the genetic basis such as MicroRNA profile. This study aims to assess the expression level of MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) and MicroRNA-22 (miR-22) in different grades of MEC. Material And Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks of MEC were obtained from Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University and General Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University within the period of (2014-2023). Reverse transcription polymerase …

Making Space For Learning: Textile Based Learning Resources For Material Reuse, Mary-Evelyn Mcconkie Howell

Instructional Psychology and Technology Graduate Student Projects

This paper outlines two textile-based learning resources that I created for Making Space Thrift (MST), a community-focused creative thrift store in Utah. MST expressed a need for instructional materials that promote intentional material use, support customer well-being, and strengthen ties with their community. To address these needs, I conducted interviews with stakeholders and local textile hobbyists to understand what learning resources would benefit MST. As a result, I created two projects. The first is called Making Peace with Materials, an interactive, decision-based digital experience housed on the MST website. This resource helps learners navigate the emotional, practical, and sustainable …

Toxic Behaviors In Higher Education Institutions: Examining Demographic Factors Affecting Faculty Perceptions, Patrice C. Elder

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study examined the relationship between demographic factors and faculty perceptions of organizational toxicity at four-year higher education institutions. Using the Perceived Organizational Toxicity Scale (POTS), data were collected from 131 faculty members across Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The study investigated four dimensions of toxic behaviors: narcissistic, aggressive, unethical, and rigid behaviors. Key findings revealed that unethical behaviors were the most prevalent form of organizational toxicity (M=2.59, SD=1.05), followed by narcissistic behaviors (M=2.32, SD=.93). Significant demographic differences emerged across academic rank and seniority. Assistant and associate professors reported significantly higher levels of …

The Role Of Toll-Like Receptors In Tributyltin, Dibutyltin, And Pentachlorophenol Stimulation Of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Production By Human Immune Cells, Latoya Michelle Daniel

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

Tributyltin (TBT), Dibutyltin (DBT), and Pentachlorophenol (PCP) are persistent environmental contaminants that have been shown to increase immune-cell production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and thus have the capacity to cause chronic inflammation and its associated pathologies such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and autoimmune conditions. TBT has been detected in human blood at concentrations up to 260 nM, DBT up to 0.3 µM, and PCP between 0.15 and 5 µM. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by immune cells in response to pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs/DAMPs) via Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Dysregulated TNF-α production contributes to chronic inflammatory …

A Fault Tolerant Honeybee Behaviour Load Balancing Algorithm, Charmaine Adegbite

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

Cloud computing enables flexible, scalable access to virtualised infrastructure but remains challenged by maintaining performance in fault-prone environments. Faults such as virtual machine failures can degrade task allocation and system reliability. However, traditional load balancing algorithms and bio-inspired strategies, including the Honeybee Behaviour Load Balancing algorithm, assume fault-free conditions. This thesis introduces a Fault-Tolerant Honeybee Behaviour Load Balancing algorithm that enhances the original Honeybee Behaviour Load Balancing algorithm by integrating fault detection. The proposed algorithm monitors the health of VMs and dynamically reallocates workloads when faults are detected which improves stability and reliability. The proposed fault tolerant algorithm was implemented …

Interactive Effects Of Warming And Nitrogen Fertilization On Soil Respiration And Microbial Community Function, Aviyan Pandey

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

Understanding the effects of multiple global change drivers, e.g., warming (W) and nitrogen (N) fertilization, is critical for accurately predicting ecosystem responses to climate change. This study investigates the main and interactive effects of soil warming and N fertilization on soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), microbial biomass, extracellular enzyme activities (EEAs), and soil respiration (Rs) in a switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) cropland located in Middle Tennessee, U.S. The field experiment employed a split-plot design with two levels of warming (ambient and heated) and two levels of N fertilization (zero and 168 kg N ha-1yr-1). Hourly measurements of Rs, soil …

Developing Four-In-One Genetic Engineering System To Improve Production Of Bioenergy In Sorghum, Oluchukwu Jecinta Onyemaobi

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is a C4 crop of significant agricultural and industrial importance, known for its high biomass yield, drought tolerance, and adaptability to marginal lands. However, the high lignocellulosic biomass content of sorghum, particularly its lignin component, poses a significant challenge for efficient biomass conversion. Genetic engineering offers a powerful approach to achieve such improvements by targeting the modification of lignin biosynthetic pathways. However, progress in sorghum genetic improvement has been hindered by the crop’s recalcitrance to genetic manipulation, transformation, and regeneration. To overcome these limitations, we developed a four-in-one genetic engineering technology for sorghum by establishing an …

Design And Development Of Rechargeable Cement-Based Batteries For Energy Storage Within Infrastructure, Dandan Yin

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presented the design, fabrication, and evaluation of rechargeable cement-based batteries (CBB) for energy storage within infrastructure. The study aimed to integrate electrochemical energy storage directly into cementitious materials, enabling multifunctional and sustainable building systems. Nickel–iron electrodes and cement-based solid electrolytes to form durable, solid-state systems. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests，along with microscopic testing and mechanical testing analyses, were conducted to assess battery performance. The carbon fiber mesh CBB achieved stable cycling over 100 cycles with quasi-reversible redox behavior and a maximum areal energy density of 7.6 Wh m⁻². Nickel foam electrodes, with their …

Exploring The Autofermented Cyanobacterial Crude Extract As Antimicrobial Animal Feed Additives., Mohana Krishnan Neelakrishnan

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

Overexploitation of antibiotics in the animal industry has driven the need for reduced usage, but this reduction has intensified the challenge posed by Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter jejuni to livestock systems and public health. This situation underlines the need for sustainable antimicrobial alternatives. Although cyanobacteria are promising in this respect, since they may produce a variety of bioactive metabolites, the amounts of these metabolites in their natural state are insufficient to elicit potent antibacterial action. In this study, autofermentation was investigated as a means of enhancing antibacterial efficacy in Fischerella ambigua and Nostoc muscorum by promoting the synthesis of organic …

Implementation And Evaluation Of A Wellness Program In A First-Year Medical Student Anatomy Course, Gina R. Lepore, Gavin Turner, Benjamin Abramoff, Daniel Depietro, Nicole Robinson

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Cadaveric dissection is a central component to anatomy education. However, for many students, dissection can be emotionally taxing, highlighting a potential area for increased support. This project evaluated the implementation of a wellness program within a dissection-based anatomy course.

Methods: Throughout a 12-week first-year medical student anatomy course, two teaching assistants (TAs) served as “Wellness TAs” and implemented a structured wellness program that included weekly office hours, supportive emails to students that addressed emotionally challenging coursework, and scheduled “wellness breakfasts/snack breaks.” An anonymous survey was distributed following the course. The survey assessed demographics, perceptions of the anatomical …

Mechanical Quality Of Hemp Fiber As Influenced By Tillage, Cover Crop, And Nitrogen Management In Regenerative Organic Systems, Parinaz Heydar, Alyssa Pierce, Gabriella Fioravanti, Ronald Kander

School of Design and Engineering Papers

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an emerging crop for renewable fiber materials. For farmers, finding a balance between agronomic performance and economic return is crucial, especially when targeting specific markets like the textile industry, which values not just fiber quantity, but overall quality. This field study, conducted at the Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, assessed the effects of tillage (till vs. no till), cover crop (with cover vs. no cover), and nitrogen (N) rate (0, 50, 100, 150 kg ha⁻¹) on hemp fiber yield, N concentrations in leaf and stalk, and mechanical performance under regenerative organic conditions. Fiber mechanical …

Preparation Of Pva-Silver Nanoparticle Composite Film And Application In Hericium Erinaceus Preservation, Zhang Xuesong, Hong Yi, Gu Rongrong, Gao Daxiang, Li Jiaxin

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To develop a novel packaging film to prolong the shelf life of fruits and vegetables and improve the utilization of enoki mushroom. [Methods] Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs ) were green -synthesized using enoki mushroom water extract as the reducing agent, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA ) as the dispersant, and silver nitrate solution as the silver source.A PVA -AgNP composite film with a hydrophobic surface was prepared and applied for the preservation of Hericium erinaceus. [Results] The optimal conditions for AgNP synthesis were pH 13, 2 g of enoki mushroom water extract, 2 g of PVA, 0.20% final concentration of silver nitrate …

Extraction , Structure , And Biological Activities Of Polysaccharides From Nostoc Sphaeroides Kützing : A Review, Li Shanyu, Fan Xinyu, She Xiangqian, He Qiuxing

Food and Machinery

Nostoc sphaeroides kützing is a freshwater wild blue algae that has gained significant attention due to its unique nutritional value and multiple biological activities.Nostoc sphaeroides kützing contains a variety of nutritional components, including polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and mineral elements.It has demonstrated antibacterial, anticancer, lipid -lowering, and antioxidant effects.This article systematically reviews the extraction methods, structural characteristics, biological activities, and applications of Nostoc sphaeroides kützing polysaccharides, and provides an outlook on its future research directions.

Educator Experiences With Implementing Every Student Succeeds Act Equity Mandates For Students With Autism, Jameelah S. Lewis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Educating students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in under resourced schools remains a persistent equity concern in the United States. This study addressed a gap in the existing research, as prior studies have examined special education policy and school-level implementation challenges, but few have explored the experiences of general education teachers implementing inclusion in low-socioeconomic public schools. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore the barriers general education teachers encounter in providing equitable education and their recommendations for improving inclusion. The study was guided by Ingram and Schneider’s (1993) social construction theory, which explains how marginalized groups …

Factors Affecting School Readiness And Level Of Distraction Among Black Children During Virtual Learning In The United States, Imani Barnes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated an shift to mandatory virtual learning (VL) for kindergarten through grade 12 students, disrupting educational systems globally and exposing systemic inequities. Although researchers had explored health and education disparities separately, they had not adequately examined the intersection of child health, specifically body mass index (BMI) and health-affected ability, with school readiness and level of distraction in VL environments. The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional study was to examine associations between BMI, health affected ability, school readiness, and distraction levels among U.S. Black children engaged in VL in the 2020 school year, controlling for gender, age, and …

Brain–Computer Interface Integration In Mental Health: Clinician Perspectives On Diagnostic Efficacy And Ethical Implications, Serena D. Sanders

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study explored the integration of brain–computer interface (BCI) technology into mental health care, focusing on clinicians' perceptions, ethical concerns, and the practical challenges associated with its adoption. As technological advancements in healthcare continue to reshape clinical practices, understanding how emerging technologies like BCI can be incorporated into therapeutic settings is essential. The purpose of this research was to examine clinician perspectives on the potential benefits of and barriers to BCI and to explore the ethical implications of its use in therapy. Guided by the technology acceptance model and the ethical decision-making framework, this qualitative study utilized semi structured interviews …

Tuning Switch Performance For Single Molecule Electronics, Elaina I. Grogg

Longwood Senior Theses

In the field of single molecule electronics, chemical principles can be used to design molecules that are incorporated into metal-molecule-metal electronic junctions. Computational chemistry has been used to investigate changes in the performance of a single molecule switch. Changes in the on/off ratio of photoswitches due to the addition of electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents were observed. In many cases, the electrodes and electrode-molecule coupling have a more pronounced effect on the performance of the junction than other modifications within the molecule at the core of the junction. Chemical modifications on the molecular switch are used to demonstrate the ability to …

Structural Basis Of Panx1 Permeation And Positive Modulation By Mefloquine, Yangyang Li, Zheng Ruan, Junuk Lee, Ian Orozco, Edward Zhou, Juan Du, Wei Lü

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

Purinergic signaling relies on ATP release through exocytosis and large-pore channels. Large-pore channels permeate both small anions like chloride and large signaling molecules like ATP, but how this broad cargo selectivity is structurally controlled remains elusive. Here we investigate PANX1, a prototypical large-pore channel, and uncover structural plasticity at the extracellular entrance formed by seven tryptophan (W74) residues. The W74 sidechains are flexible, sampling conformations that range from a constricted state permissive only to chloride to a dilated state compatible with ATP. These states are coupled to variable cation-π interactions between W74 and arginine 75 (R75), suggesting a mechanism for …

First-In-Child Phase I Trial Of P-Stat3 Inhibitor Wp1066 In Pediatric Brain Tumor Patients, Robert C Castellino, Hope L Mumme, Andrea T Franson, Bing Yu, M Hope Robinson, Kavita Dhodapkar, Dolly Aguilera, Matthew J Schniederjan, Rohali Keesari, Zhulin He, Manoj Bhasin, Waldemar Priebe, Amy B Heimberger, Tobey J Macdonald

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: WP1066 is an orally bioavailable, small molecule inhibitor of activated p-STAT3 that has demonstrated preclinical efficacy in pediatric brain tumor models.

Methods: In a first-in-child, single-center, single-arm 3+3 design Phase I clinical trial, ten patients were treated with WP1066 twice daily, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, for 14 days of each 28-day cycle to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD)/maximum feasible dose (MFD) of WP1066. Compassionate use treatment with WP1066 in three pediatric patients with H3.3 G34R/V-mutant high-grade glioma (HGG) is also described.

Results: There was no significant toxicity and the MFD was determined to be 8 mg/kg. Treatment-related adverse events were Grade …

Role Of Cellular Stress Responses In Innate Immune Defense Against Acute Respiratory Infections, Amit Sharma

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress sensor inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) is an important regulator of innate immune cells. However, its role in pulmonary innate host defenses remains poorly understood. This dissertation elucidates the dual, context-dependent role of IRE1α in host defense against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia. We demonstrate IRE1α’s function as both a detrimental mediator of acute pathology and an essential facilitator of innate immune memory. Our work revealed that acute IRE1α activation during primary MRSA infection is detrimental. In lungs and alveolar macrophages (AMs), IRE1α is activated in response to MRSA infection. Consequently, IRE1α activation triggers a hyperinflammatory …

Biosynthesis, Characterization Of Curcumin-Capped Zno-Cuo And Chitosan-Curcumin-Capped Zno-Cuo Based Omaterial As Antibacterial Agent Of Escherichia Coli, Ahmad Fatoni, Afnita Fatmawati Umli, Reza Agung Sriwijaya, Hilma Hilma, Nurlisa Hidayati

Chimica et Natura Acta

The biofabrication of the chitosan-curcumin-capped ZnO-CuO and curcumin-capped ZnO-CuO oparticles, as well as their ability to combat Escherichia coli bacteria, were the focus of this study. Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to examine the chitosan-curcumin-capped ZnO-CuO and curcumin-capped ZnO-CuO oparticles, respectively. Both were evaluated using the agar diffusion method as antibacterials against Escherichia coli. Results of analysis with FTIR, between 500 and 700 cm⁻¹, the functional group of Cu-O or Zn-O was seen at its highest point. The functional group of Cu-O and Zn-O in curcumin-capped ZnO-CuO was detected at wavenumber …

A Functional Mri Meta-Analysis Encoding In Alzheimer’S Disease, Joanne Ha

Master's Theses

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by episodic memory impairment. Numerous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have examined brain activity differences between individuals with AD and age-matched controls during memory encoding. However, small sample sizes and methodological variability across studies have limited the ability to draw meaningful conclusions regarding brain activity underlying encoding impairments. We conducted a meta-analysis to identify consistent patterns of hyperactivity and hypoactivity in AD during episodic memory encoding. Using PubMed to identify studies that met our inclusion criteria, 1,002 studies were screened; ultimately, seven studies were included in …

Atypical Spindle Cell Lipomatous Tumor: A Scoping Review Of Current Insights Into Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, And Management, Noor Chughtai, Jordan Shelestak, Cortland Brown, Jared Nichols

Student Publications

Atypical spindle cell/pleomorphic lipomatous tumor (ASPLT) is a recently recognized benign adipocytic neoplasm, distinguished by specific histopathological and immunohistochemical features. Although traditionally classified as a tumor of the limbs and limb girdles, emerging evidence suggests a broader anatomic distribution. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed to identify ASPLT case reports published within the past decade. Cases were included if they had a confirmed ASPLT diagnosis, while reports describing unrelated neoplasms or limited by language barriers were excluded. Thirteen cases met the inclusion criteria. Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, immunohistochemical profiles, and diagnostic methodologies were extracted …

Assessing The Association Between Covid-19 Vaccination And Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (Attest Study): Analyses Of English Data, 2020-2022, Jose Ordonez-Mena, Xinchun Gu, Mark Joy, Xuejuan Fan, Bernardo Meza-Torres, William Hinton, Rashmi Wimalaratna, Gavin Jamie, Anna Forbes, Debasish Kar, Rachel Byford, Sneha N. Anand, Filipa Ferreira, Lisa Mather, Andrew Lee, F. D. Richard Hobbs, Deborah Layton, Simon De Lusignan

Peninsula Medical School

ObjectiveCOVID-19 vaccine surveillance detected thrombotic thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), a rare combination of thrombosis and thrombocytopenia, after COVID-19 vaccination. We evaluated TTS risk within 28 days of AZD1222 and BNT162b2 exposure.MethodsMatched case-control (MCCS) and self-controlled case series (SCCS) studies used Oxford-Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Centre data linked to immunisation, hospitalisation and death data. English patient records extracted from 2/12/2020 to 31/10/2022 were used to identify TTS cases and age, sex, and practice matched controls. Conditional logistic regression and conditional Poisson regression were used for MCCS and SCCS analyses, respectively.ResultsOf 666 TTS events identified, >90% happened without AZD1222/BNT162b2 …

Core And Characteristic Oral Microorganisms In The Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda Melanoleuca) Suggested Plenty Of Antibiotic Resistance Prevalence: A Mini Review, Han Long, Haifeng Liu, Caiwu Li, Xiaoping Ma, Guangneng Peng, Zhijun Zhong, Chengdong Wang, Ziyao Zhou

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a world-recognized rare wildlife endemic to China. Oral microorganisms may cause dental and other systemic diseases. Additionally, antibiotic resistance in this cute mammal may spread widely to travelers. In this mini review, we illustrated the oral core microorganisms of the giant pandas and their characteristics, as well as their prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes. Although there is limited availability in panda sample collection, researchers have made great efforts to find the characteristics of the giant pandas’ oral microbiota, including Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococci, with antibiotic resistance genes optrA …

Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan Iii - One Of Muslim World's Most Visionary And Influential Leaders

University anniversary celebration materials

No abstract provided.