Digital Commons Network^™

Life After Prison: Exploring Gendered Differences In The Impact Of Social Support On The Ease Of Reintegration For Previously Incarcerated Men And Women, Joy Ferdinand

Theses and Dissertations

Successful reintegration into society remains a significant challenge for formerly incarcerated individuals, particularly in securing stable housing and employment. This study examines the gendered impact of social support on reintegration outcomes, specifically assessing how peer instrumental support, familial instrumental support, and familial emotional support influence housing stability and employment within three months of release. Using data from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI), this study employs logistic regression models to explore whether gender moderates the relationship between social support and reentry success. Findings indicate that peer instrumental support significantly affects housing stability, but its impact varies by gender. …

Trypanosoma Cruzi Infection-Induced Changes In Cardiac Microvascular Endothelial Cell Morphology And Function, Lyndsey N. Gisclair, Douglas A. Johnston

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Introduction. Six to seven million individuals are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. With 12,000 deaths annually, chronic Chagas disease remains a significant global health challenge due to persistent vector transmission, increasing non-vector transmission and limited therapeutic options. Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.Gap Statement. Since its initial description more than 100 years ago, research efforts into the cardiomyopathy found in chronic Chagas disease have primarily focused on the contributions of immune cells, cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts, leaving a significant gap in understanding the …

Experiences And Training Of Early Childhood Education Directors, Rochelle Elaine Nadeau

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In Colorado, early childhood education (ECE) directors are often not fully prepared to lead and develop high-quality teaching teams, which is integral to offering high-quality programming to children and families in the early years of development. Framed by transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore Colorado ECE directors' experiences with training and support, and the resources needed to develop ECE directors to lead high-quality programming . Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 13 Colorado ECE directors from center-based programs that serve children from birth to 8 years. Thematic analysis using open coding yielded …

Design, Optimization, And Development Of Ripk1 Degraders With Improved Pharmacokinetic And Pharmacodynamic Properties, Dong Lu, Xin Yu, Hanfeng Lin, Ran Cheng, Bin Yang, Min Zhang, Jingjing Chen, Feng Li, Xiaoli Qi, Jin Wang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Pharmacological degradation of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) offers a compelling therapeutic strategy to overcome its scaffolding role in tumor resistance and to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies. In this study, we report the discovery of a novel RIPK1 degrader, LD5097(24b), developed through systematic optimization of its precursor compound, LD4172—specifically refining the linker, RIPK1 warhead exit vector, and VHL ligand components. LD5097(24b) exhibits potent and selective RIPK1 degradation, triggering rapid and efficient downregulation of RIPK1 and significantly enhancing TNFα-mediated apoptosis in Jurkat cells. Compared to LD4172, LD5097(24b) demonstrates markedly improved metabolic stability and pharmacokinetic properties. In …

Culture-Independent Meta-Pangenomics Enabled By Long-Read Metagenomics Reveals Associations With Pediatric Undernutrition, Jeremiah J Minich, Nicholas Allsing, M Omar Din, Michael J Tisza, Kenneth Maleta, Daniel Mcdonald, Nolan Hartwick, Allen Mamerto, Caitriona Brennan, Lauren Hansen, Justin Shaffer, Emily R Murray, Tiffany Duong, Rob Knight, Kevin Stephenson, Mark J Manary, Todd P Michael

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The human gut microbiome is linked to child malnutrition, yet traditional microbiome approaches lack resolution. We hypothesized that complete metagenome-assembled genomes (cMAGs), recovered through long-read (LR) DNA sequencing, would enable pangenome and microbial genome-wide association study (GWAS) analyses to identify microbial genetic associations with child linear growth. LR methods produced 44-64× more cMAGs per gigabase pair (Gbp) than short-read methods, with PacBio (PB) yielding the most accurate and cost-effective assemblies. In a Malawian longitudinal pediatric cohort, we generated 986 cMAGs (839 circular) from 47 samples and applied this database to an expanded set of 210 samples. Machine learning identified species …

Genetic And Embryonic Transcriptome Analyses Reveal The Molecular And Developmental Basis Of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome, Na Chen, Xi Cheng, Sen Zhao, Hengqiang Zhao, Chenglu Qin, Yaru Zhang, Xijuan Lin, Qing Li, Yuan Wang, Jia Kang, Jing Yu, Jianbin Guo, Qianqian Gao, Jiali Duan, Yuchen Niu, Jianzhong Su, Zhihong Wu, Terry Jianguo Zhang, Wanlu Liu, Pengfei Liu, Shan Deng, Nan Wu, Lan Zhu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKHS) is characterised by aplasia of the uterus, cervix and upper part of the vagina. The genetic aetiology remains incompletely understood.

Methods: We performed gene-level and gene set-level burden analyses based on exome sequencing/genome sequencing data from 727 probands with MRKHS and 2504 female control individuals. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed on human and mouse embryonic metanephros at different developmental stages. Genetic and transcriptomic data were integrated to prioritise suboptimal genetic signals, identify relevant cell types and determine key developmental stages. Potential digenic inheritance was assessed and prioritised using coexpression patterns from scRNA-seq data.

Results: We …

The American Dermatological Association And The Story Of American Dermatology, Thomas N. Helm, Lawrence C. Parish, Amy S. Paller, David M. Pariser

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

The Unfolded Protein Response-Novel Mechanisms, Challenges, And Key Considerations For Therapeutic Intervention, P M Quan Mai, Tam-Anh Truong, Sai Kumar Samala, Bhoomika Muruvekere Lakshmisha, Prapannajeet Biswal, Khadijeh Koushki, Prudhvi Chand Mallepaddi, Geraldine Vijay, Sunil Krishnan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an evolutionarily conserved, synchronized, and orchestrated process triggered by eukaryotic cells in response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. UPR restores the ER's capacity to handle large protein loads within it, and still fold and process these proteins accurately. Many recent studies have documented the non-canonical roles of the UPR, outside of protein quality control, in the context of lipid metabolism and the immune system in cancer. Cancer cells have been known to hijack the UPR to promote survival and evade immune surveillance. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Objectives: Here, we critically …

Primary Intramedullary Spinal Melanocytomas: Case Report And Review Of Clinical Features, Diagnosis, And Management, Gil Kimchi, Samantha Varela, Juan Pablo Zuluaga-Garcia, Francisco Call-Orellana, Esteban Ramirez Ferrer, Romulo Augusto Andrade De Almeida, Maria A Gubbiotti, Isabella C Glitza, Andrew J Bishop, Jonathan D Grant, Robert Y North, Christopher A Alvarez-Breckenridge, Laurence D Rhines, Claudio E Tatsui

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: Intramedullary melanocytomas are extremely rare spinal cord tumors with distinct histopathological and imaging characteristics. This report reviews the literature on this pathology and presents a representative case study, highlighting aspects of diagnosis and management.

Methods: A scoping review of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases was conducted to identify reports on intramedullary melanocytomas, focusing on clinical presentation, imaging features, histopathology, treatment, and outcomes. Case reports and case series were included due to the rarity of these tumors.

Results: Twelve manuscripts met the inclusion criteria, including 15 patients. In the majority of patients, intramedullary melanocytomas present with progressive myelopathy …

Effect Of Chronic Heat Stress On Duodenal Epithelial Barrier Integrity In Low- And High-Water-Efficient Broiler Chickens, Lulu Liu, Elizabeth S. Greene, Brooklee Roach, Sara Orlowski, Sami Dridi

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Heat stress (HS) has long posed a significant challenge to the poultry industry due to its adverse effects, such as depressed feed intake, decreased growth performance, and increased water consumption. Water efficiency (WE, conversion of water intake into body weight gain), although often neglected, is a key economic and production trait that is significantly affected by HS. Recently, we selected two broiler lines for high WE (HWE) and low WE (LWE) and showed a differential hypothalamic expression of genes involved in water homeostasis regulation. As the gut also plays a significant role in water absorption, the present study aimed to …

Fusion Transcriptome Landscape In Glioblastoma: Incidence And Therapeutic Implications, Manmeet Ahluwalia

All Publications

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) lacks effective therapies for recurrent disease. Unlike cancers with successful fusion-targeted treatments (eg BCR-ABL1 in CML), the incidence and therapeutic potential of gene fusions in GBM remain unclear. We analyzed a large genomic database to define fusion frequency and molecular associations.

Methods: 4800 IDH-wildtype GBM samples (WHO 2021) underwent NextGen DNA sequencing (592-gene panel/whole exome) and Whole Transcriptome Sequencing for fusions at Caris Life Sciences. Fisher-Exact/Chi-Square tests, adjusted by Benjamini-Hochberg (q < 0.05), assessed significance.

Results: Pathogenic fusions occurred in 428 (8.9%) samples, primarily FGFR3 (37%, n = 159; FGFR3: TACC3, n = 134), MET (21%, n …

Divine Intervention: The Effects Of Repairing Attachment Insecurities With God On Ptsd Symptomology In Adult Survivors Of Childhood Trauma, Erica M. Duckworth

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Childhood trauma occurs when an individual under the age of 18 survives a perceived life-threatening event. To circumvent future danger, numerous developmental changes occur in response to fear, manifesting in a multitude of symptoms. A culmination of symptoms results in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a debilitating condition that arises from the hypervigilance of the brain and body to environmental stimuli. A recurring state of fear can lead to isolation, negatively affecting social interactions. Expectations of relationships, also known as attachment styles, reflect the bonds created between a child and a parent or caregiver. The quality of this foundational relationship can …

Understanding Firefighter Culture And Mental Health, Alyssa G. Chirillo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study, using a grounded theory approach, explores the lived experiences of firefighters, the cultural dynamics within the firefighting profession, and the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among this group. Drawing on previous research, the study examines how exposure to vicarious trauma, the roles and responsibilities of firefighters, and the inherent risks of the profession shape attitudes toward mental health treatment. The research investigates explicitly whether firefighter culture and lived experiences influence the pursuit of mental health support. Participants from the Summerville Fire Department in Summerville, South Carolina, were recruited voluntarily. Data were collected through …

A Phenomenological Study On The Influence Of Teacher Perceptions On Play-Based Learning, Courtney Simpson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of implementing play-based learning for teachers at early childhood settings in Georgia. The theory guiding this study was Jon Dewey’s theory of experiential learning, as it addressed the significance of children learning through play. The Central Research Question was: What are the experiences of teachers implementing play-based learning in early childhood settings in Georgia? A qualitative methodology approach utilizing transcendental phenomenology was taken to describe the lived experiences of 13 teachers implementing play-based learning. The setting included early learning centers and schools in Georgia. A combination of snowball …

Training Christian Men To Effectively Lead Their Families While Deployed To Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Using An 8-Step Family Leadership Deployment Plan, Lucas Arthur Baker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project examined the result of the author’s 8-Step Family Leadership Deployment Plan on the effective leadership of ten Christian husbands and fathers deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The project’s goals were to mitigate family stress during separation and warfighter reintegration, to prevent role reversal within the family, and to prevent a pause in the headship and leadership roles of husbands and fathers. The project extrapolated eight principles from Ephesians 5:22–6:4 and was designed to fill an identified resource gap within the United States Military, particularly at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. It guided participants in creating their own personalized family …

Male Post-Secondary Students’ Experiences With Social Isolation Enrolled In Online Classes: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Patrick Ide

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of male post-secondary students enrolled in a large university in the western part of the United States who have felt socially isolated while participating in an online learning environment. At this stage of the research, social isolation was defined as the state of being distant or disconnected from others with limited or no in-person connections. The central research question is: What are the lived experiences of male post-secondary students enrolled in online academic programs who have experienced social isolation? Sub-questions addressed the level of connectedness and how …

Racism In The American Education System: A Hermeneutical Phenomenology Of The Lived Experiences Of Black And White K-12 Educators, Jude Eliassaint

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of Black and White K-12 educators with educational racism and its influence on their well-being, self-efficacy, and cross-racial empathy in American schools. Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory was used to frame this study theoretically, as social cognitive theory focuses on providing a path for a more equalitarian pedagogical system for societal and global betterment. Data collection, conducted through semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and a qualitative questionnaire, involved 12 Black and White educators recruited through purposeful sampling from a Southern state school district. A thematic analysis was conducted …

African American Women Employed In The Education Sector Who Have Biological Children With Mental Health Or Behavioral Problems: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Cynthia Henderson Porter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study is purposed to identify and describe the lived experiences of African American mothers employed in a pre-K-12 public school district in Virginia who have biological children with mental health or behavioral problems. The study was qualitative, as this method allowed challenges to be explored personally and humanistically. The theory guiding this study is social constructivism, as it relates to African American mothers’ views of their experiences in the work setting; the assumed perception of colleagues, administrators, and others; and challenges at work pertaining to limitations in functioning, performance, and interpersonal stressors that mothers may encounter. The central …

A Phenomenological Exploration Of Respiratory Therapists’ Perceptions On Potential Degree Requirements, John Wayne Lindsey Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of respiratory therapists (RTs) regarding the proposed transition from an associate’s degree (ASRT) to a bachelor’s degree (BSRT) as the minimum entry-level credential for the respiratory therapy profession. The respiratory therapy profession faces significant educational challenges due to the increasingly advanced requirements for evidence-based practice (EBP) and teamwork across multiple healthcare disciplines. The theoretical framework for this study was based on three interrelated theories: Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory, and Benner’s Novice to Expert Model. Together, these theories established solid groundwork for exploring how RTs …

Ministerial Perspectives On Approaches To Caring For A Traumatized Congregant To Enhance Spiritual Development, Tonya B. Perry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe experienced Christian Ministers’ experiences caring for a traumatized congregant from various countries worldwide. The criterion for participation was an experienced minister with 15 years of experience, at least 40 years old, and who ministered to three types of traumas. The two main theories guiding this study were Bowlby’s (1969, 1982) attachment theory and Fowler’s (1981) development of faith with references to Erickson’s (1958/1962) psychosocial development, Maslow’s (1954) Hierarchy, and cognitive behavior theory (Beck, 1952; Ellis, 1962). The three main research questions were: How does an experienced Christian minister describe their experiences …

Divine Intervention Emphasized In Ptsd Treatment Strategies, Zachary R. Kuster

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined how theological concepts might enhance PTSD treatment outcomes by challenging existing paradigms within evidence-based interventions. While some therapeutic models acknowledge the value of integrating theological concepts within treatment, little empirical evidence explains how emphasizing the theological concepts that may already exist within evidence-based strategies may enhance the overall efficacy of treatment. In this study, an experimental group received strategies emphasizing grace, hope, and forgiveness, while a control group received strategies without these emphases. The PCL-5 psychometric assessment tool was used to measure changes across two 4-week PTSD programs that incorporated 48 strategies from the same four therapeutic …

Mental Illness In African American Women: A Transcendental Phenomenology On Self-Efficacy And The Treatment-Seeking Behavior Of Secondary And Post-Secondary Educators, Sasha N. Gordon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological research shows the influence of mental health treatment on the self-efficacy of African American women who are secondary or post-secondary educators in Northern Illinois. For African American women educators, taking care of their mental well- being and being aware of mental health conditions are crucial. Sharing personal stories and experiences can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Promoting awareness and understanding of mental health issues are vital in our communities, and access to resources and support are necessary. Using self-identity theory can aid in comprehending motivations and behaviors, leading to greater satisfaction and fulfillment and the …

A Case Study Exploring Lecanemab Antibody Infusion And Reminiscence Therapy For Early Alzheimer’S Disease, Martina Masry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This case study examined whether a 12-month combined therapy (RT-L), which includes reminiscence therapy and lecanemab monoclonal antibody infusion therapy, will clear beta amyloid accumulation in the brain, slow cognitive decline, decrease depression, reduce anxiety, and increase the quality of life in a participant with mild cognitive impairment due to early Alzheimer’s dementia. The sample included one White female (age = 68) with mild cognitive impairment due to early Alzheimer’s disease who is currently being treated by a geriatrician at a facility in the Midwest. The outpatient treatment included a lecanemab antibody infusion of 10mg/kg every two weeks for 12 …

Grief Disrupted: A Phenomenological Study Of How African Americans Experienced Grief Without Traditional Rituals During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jacqueline Williamson-Webb

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In recent times, the dominant psychological understanding of grief is as an emotion (Gravesen & Birkelund, 2021; Meiselman, 2021). However, grief is also socially constructed, meaning that the emotions and behaviors labeled as grief have their beginning in the social space. Grief, then, is a performative act shaped by cultural traditions and public rituals (Murrell et al., 2023). Consequently, the purpose of this interpretative phenomenological study is to understand the lived grief experiences of African Americans (AAs) living in New Jersey who experienced a personal loss through the death of another person during the COVID-19 pandemic. Erving Goffman’s dramaturgy guides …

Exploring The Intersection Of Spiritual Principles And Mental Health Counseling: Mitigating The Risks Of Spiritual Bypass Through Critical Analysis, Norma Y. Galván-Téllez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological research's objective was to show how spiritual bypass (SB) phenomenon occurs in individuals in the context of trauma avoidance. The research focused on investigating the underlying dynamics of how religion and spirituality may be used to bypass emotional healing and how specific religious and spiritual practices can be joined into mental health counseling (MHC) to enrich therapeutic outcomes. By investigating these frameworks, the research attempted to offer new discoveries into the challenging dynamics between SB and effects of mental health interventions. The theoretical groundwork of this study was transpersonal psychology, developed by Stanislav Grof—an area of psychology that …

Retrospective Adult Bullying Role Trend Analysis With Correlational Investigation Between The Victim Role And Stigma-Based Demographic Information, Shilowe A. Ensminger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A longstanding social construct that has negatively impacted large numbers of individuals throughout generations is bullying. Despite anti-bullying programs and policies, current literature indicates that bullying is an ongoing concern throughout schools and in the workplace. The consequences of bullying have been shown to impact the mental and physical health of those involved with potentially severe outcomes. Current literature focuses on analysis of childhood bullying experiences, leaving a gap in the research investigating adult reflective bullying trends. The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental survey, and causal-comparative study was to address this gap by recruiting adult participants for a reflective analysis …

Training Timothy: An Analysis Of Discipleship And Leadership Development In Multicultural Churches, Philip Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As America’s social and cultural landscape continues to diversify, churches face the challenge of fostering contextually relevant, biblically grounded communities characterized by unity in Christ. Church leaders play a crucial role in this process by articulating a shared mission that transcends humanistic cultural differences and working towards a unifying biblical culture, based on a common understanding and vocabulary. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine how church leaders were selected, developed, and mobilized in Protestant multicultural churches in America to create a unifying biblical culture through biblical discipleship in a multicultural context. For this study, discipleship was …

Ancient Astronaut Theory And Christian Belief Among Evangelical Millennials: A Quantitative Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study, Richard Barry Bazzell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, exploratory, non-experimental, cross-sectional study was to explore the possible influence of the Ancient Astronaut Theory upon Evangelical Christian millennials in the aspects of their biblical worldview, belief in the triune God, and Christian praxis. The researcher structured the study upon four pillars: (a) Evangelical millennials, (b) Evangelical theology, (c) Lev Vygotsky’s social constructivism, and (d) Eric Von Däniken’s Ancient Astronaut Theory. The study population was Evangelical millennials in the state of Texas. The study’s instrumentation was a researcher-designed 5-point Likert scale survey titled Ancient Astronaut Theory–Evangelical Christian Millennials (AAT–ECM). Because the respondents were fewer in …

Mental Well-Being, Belonging, And Chronic Absenteeism: A Correlational Study, Crystal D. Woodall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Chronic absenteeism (CA) is an overwhelming issue facing schools in the United States. A lack of a student’s sense of belonging or signs of emotional symptoms are often red flags that can forecast future absenteeism problems with students. CA has been found to have a positive correlation with a student’s sense of belonging and emotional symptoms. Some CA interventions are geared toward increasing a student’s sense of belonging at school and or improvements in overall mental well-being. The purpose of this predictive correlational study was to examine the relationship between students’ self-reported levels of peer relationship problems and emotional symptoms, …

Comparing Machine Learning, Deep Learning, And Reinforcement Learning Performance In Culex Pipiens Predictive Modeling, Wei Yin, Sanad H. Ragab, Michael G. Tyshenko, Teresa Patricia Feria-Arroyo, Tamer Oraby

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Several machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) methods have been used to predict the presence of species in classification problems. Another set of methods, called reinforcement learning (RL), has been used in training agents to perform various tasks, but not in predicting species distribution. Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae), commonly known as the common house mosquito, is a globally distributed species prevalent in temperate and subtropical regions. They serve as a primary vector for West Nile Virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne pathogen that affects humans and other animals. The study objective is to compare the performance of logistic regression, random forest …