Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Exercise Training In A Novel Full-Body Compression Garment On Anaerobic Performance In Healthy Men, Benjamin W. Cunningham, Mikayla M. Reese, Jesse M. Jansen, Benjamin S. Minier, Curtis A. Cornell, Faith C. Benedict, Joshua T. Mayne, Justin A. O'Dell, Gabriel M. Lysak, James R. Sackett

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 836-851, 2025. Although acutely donning compression garments improves several markers of athletic performance, the effects of training in compression garments remains largely unexplored. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of exercise training while donning a novel full-body compression garment on multiple measures of anaerobic performance. Sixteen sedentary males (age: 21±3 y; BMI: 25±3 kg/m²) completed 4 weeks of training with (CG; n=8) or without (CON; n=8) a novel full-body compression garment. Subjects performed a 40m sprint (time and velocity), a 5-repetition maximum barbell back squat (barbell weight and serratus anterior …

Change In Free-Living Daily Steps Does Not Affect Vo2max Adaptation In Response To A Supervised Aerobic Walking Program In Females Ages 18-45, Catherine L. Jarrett, Brandon J. Sawyer, Wesley Tucker, Dharini M. Bhammar, Justin R. Ryder, Siddhartha Angadi, Glenn A. Gaesser

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 852-863, 2025. We hypothesized that an increase in nonexercise physical activity (NEPA), assessed by daily steps outside of steps accrued during supervised exercise training sessions, would be positively correlated with the change in VO_2max. Females ages 18-45 yr (n = 44; 30 ± 7 yr; 67.7 ± 18.3 kg; 24.9 ± 6.4 kg/m²) completed 36 supervised training sessions on a motorized treadmill (3 sessions/week, 30 min/session) over 12 weeks, at 70% VO_2max (80% max heart rate). VO_2max was assessed at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, and …

Potential Pitfalls In Visual Models Of Tipping Points - And How To Fix Them, Jonathan Dechert, Svetlana Gurevich, Stefan Heusler

Northeast Journal of Complex Systems (NEJCS)

Visual models play a crucial role in both science and science communication. However, the distinction between mere analogies and mathematically sound graphical representations is not easy and can be misunderstood not only by laypeople but also within academic literature itself. Moreover, even when the graphical representation exactly corresponds to the mathematical model, its interpretation is often far from obvious. In this paper we discuss the potential landscape visualization commonly used for tipping points in the context of nonlinear dynamics and reveal potential pitfalls, in particular when distinguishing bifurcation induced tipping (B-tipping) from noise-induced tipping (N-tipping).

We propose new visualization techniques …

Synthesis Of Some New Sulfonamide Derivatives From Acetanilide And Amino Acids And Confirmation Of Their Structures By Spectroscopic Techniques, Ayman Ahmad Ramadan

Al-Farahidi Expert Systems Journal

A convenient, mild, eco-friendly, economical and efficient one-step synthesis of new sulfonamides derived from acetanilide by Hinsberg's reaction between p-acetamido benzene sulfonyl chloride (resulted by chlorosulfonation of acetanilide) and some amino acids (Glycine, Alanine, Phenylalanine, Valine) is described in the presence of sodium carbonate as an acid scavenger and water as a solvent at room temperature. The intermediate compound (of p-acetamido benzene sulfonyl chloride) was initially prepared in a yield of 83.1% by reacting chlorosulfonic acid with acetanilide. Four new sulfonamides were then prepared: the first compound was 2-(4′-acetamidophenyl sulfonamido) Acetic acid in a yield of 89.7% by …

Intelligent Control Of Wind Turbines: A Neural-Fuzzy Controller For Pitch And Yaw Angle Regulation Under Variable Wind Conditions, Salah Ali Daoud, Samir Ali Amin, Salah Sabeeh Abed Al Kareem

Al-Farahidi Expert Systems Journal

By modifying the pitch and yaw angles of the blades, the study presents a hybrid neural-fuzzy controller for wind turbines that enhances performance in variable wind conditions. The suggested system integrates fuzzy logic (for decision-making) and artificial neural networks (for learning), unlike conventional PID and fuzzy PID controllers, which have trouble with nonlinear dynamics. It employs two stages of control: pitch control at high wind speeds and yaw control at low wind speeds. The hybrid controller performs noticeably better than PID-based techniques, according to MATLAB/Simulink simulations, lowering pitch control error by 40%, stabilizing the system in 0.1 seconds instead of …

Harmonizing Technological Advancement With Ethical And Safe Ai Deployment By Bridging The Innovation–Regulation Divide, Majd A. Ali, Wadii Ali, Hussein Abbas Hameed

Al-Farahidi Expert Systems Journal

The development of technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), has revolutionized various fields like business, healthcare, and even security. Unfortunately, examining the ethical and legal ramifications associated with such sophisticated technology is often left behind. This paper delves into the most pressing issues related to AI and its innovation; specifically, it covers issues such as governance frameworks, the legal gap of coordination, international relations, and ethical problems like discrimination by algorithms, lack of clarity on who is being held responsible, and transparency deficiency. The study focuses on the global strategies for AI governance, from the stringent AI regulations of the European …

Study Of The Phenolic Content Of Methanolic Extracts Of Eryngium Maritimum Plant Parts In Lattakia City, Syria, Using Hplc Technique, Ahmad Kara Ali, Yaser Hammad, Hazem Krawi, Yamam Mouhammd

Al-Farahidi Expert Systems Journal

This study aimed to determine the total content of phenolic compounds in different parts of the Eryngium maritimum plant (Sea Holly), which grows on sandy and rocky beaches of the Sports City shore in Lattakia, Syria, during the autumn season. The phenolic content of each plant part was quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The total percentage of polyphenols ranged from 3.44% to 17.69%. The results revealed that the roots contained the highest content of phenolic compounds in the methanol extracts compared to other parts of the Sea Holly plant, followed by fruits, leaves, seeds, and stems. Chlorogenic acid was …

Determination Of The Chemical Composition Of The Essential Oil Extracted From The Caper Berry Using Techniques Of Gas Chromatography (Gc/Ms) And Hplc, Imad Hwijeh, Muhannad Khalil, Ahmad Kara Ali

Al-Farahidi Expert Systems Journal

A sample of the caper plant (Capparis spinosa) was collected from an area in the countryside of Jableh in Lattakia Governorate in Syria, located at an altitude of 350 meters above sea level. The essential oil was extracted from the caper plant using the Clevenger device, where the weight percentage of the extracted essential oil reached 0.08%. The chemical composition of the essential oils was determined using the GC/MS device, gas chromatography associated with mass spectrometry, and HPLC. Three compounds were identified as a result of the HPLC analysis: caffeic acid 15.5%, vanillin 5.5%, and chlorogenic acid 15%. 31 compounds …

Emotional Armor: An Exploration Of Emotion Regulation On Race-Related Stress And Well-Being, Jibri Khalia Parker

Doctoral Dissertations

Scholars have examined at length the impact of stress on well-being. However, people of color experience an additional stressor called racism. Increased experiences with chronic discrimination and racism have been associated with increased hypertension, heart disease, anxiety and depression to name a few (Williams, 2018). Chronic experiences with racism leads to a phenomenon called race-related stress (Utsey & Ponterotto, 1996). The research has shown the impact of race-related stress on physical and mental health outcomes, particularly on individuals from an ethnic background (Williams, 2018). However, not much research has focused on potential moderators in this relationship. This study poses emotion …

Blenderized Tube Feeding Formulas: Attitudes, Barriers, And Clinical Benefits As Perceived By Registered Dietitians In Pediatric Care, Savannah Smiley Keeler

Master's Theses

Blenderized tube feeding formulas (BTFF) are increasingly recognized as a viable alternative to conventional commercial tube feeding formulas (CTFF) for pediatric patients requiring enteral nutrition. This cross-sectional, exploratory study aimed to assess the experiences, attitudes, and perceived clinical benefits of BTFF use among Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) working with gastrostomy-tube-dependent pediatric populations in the United States. A total of 146 RDNs completed a 45-item online survey, which gathered quantitative and qualitative data on BTFF familiarity, feasibility, clinical outcomes, caregiver factors, and institutional barriers. Findings revealed that while BTFF use remains variable across clinical settings, 55.8% of RDNs reported increased utilization …

Eating Habits, Eating Behavior Mediators, Body Composition And Physical Fitness Among Rotc Cadets, Kaitlin Renee Hanks

Master's Theses

The physical and mental demands of the military and the requirement to maintain body composition standards make healthful eating essential to military service. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets are a unique subgroup of the United States military, and the combined demands of their military training and educational pursuits may increase their susceptibility to unhealthy eating patterns. The purpose of this study is to describe the relationship between eating habits, eating behavior mediators, body composition, and physical fitness among ROTC cadets. This study used a cross-sectional design that included an online survey, an inperson body composition assessment, and carotenoid measurements …

Analyzing The Relationship Between Diabetes Duration And Self-Management In Adults With Diabetes, Caroline Noel Stroo

Master's Theses

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease that affects 14.7% of adults in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). Prevalence of diabetes increases with age, with rates for adults aged 65 and older reaching 29.2% (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). Factors such as age, race, obesity, physical activity level, and genetics strongly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, 2016). Diabetes requires complex and comprehensive management to reduce the risk of developing comorbidities (Al-Shabeeb et al., 2021). Factors such as education, familial support, …

Personality, Self-Compassion, And Alcohol Use In College Students, Kristen Kay Ridgdell

Doctoral Dissertations

Substance use has been occurring throughout history, and most individuals have been impacted by substance use in one way or another (Durrant & Thakker, 2003). The individual using substances is not the only one who faces the consequences of their usage. Their families and communities also pay a price (Lander et al., 2013; McLellan, 2017). College students are in a unique role in their lives where they are fighting for autonomy, trying to fit in with their peers, and facing new stressors they have never experienced before. Previous research has demonstrated that certain personality traits, including conscientiousness and agreeableness, are …

Lactation Management Training In Graduate Nutrition And Dietetics Programs: A Preliminary Report, Laura Ashton Gillin

Master's Theses

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding (BF) for the first six months and continued breastfeeding for at least two years with complementary food. Despite this recommendation, only 24.9% of infants in the United States are exclusively breastfed at six months (Breastfeeding Report Card 2022). Breastfeeding support and lactation management are critical to promoting a successful breastfeeding experience. Specifically, qualified support from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is recommended, yet graduate students in Nutrition and Dietetics do not receive adequate training regarding breastfeeding intervention. This study aimed to evaluate graduate Nutrition and Dietetic programs to determine the amount of …

Sleep, Emotion Regulation, And Relationship Satisfaction: A Moderation Analysis, Lakyn Boone

Doctoral Dissertations

Sleep plays a pivotal role in overall health and well-being, influencing mental health, cognitive abilities, memory, emotional balance, and physical well-being (Luyster et al., 2012; Mukherjee et al., 2015). Emotions constitute a natural and indispensable element of human existence but necessitate proper regulation, as any disruption in emotion control has been associated with various mental health disorders (Gross & Jazaieri, 2014; Kring & Gordon, 1998; Phelps, 2006). Furthermore, human connections and relationships are fundamental aspects of the human experience, contributing to emotional support, personal growth, a sense of belonging, and even influencing one's physical health outcomes (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; …

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Confidence, Perspectives, And Practices Among Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, Avery Miller Adams

Master's Theses

Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in the United States, occurring in 20% of adults aged 60 and above (Andres et al., 2004). Veterans are susceptible to B12 deficiency due to tobacco product usage, alcohol consumption, and poor diet quality. Megaloblastic anemia is the second most prevalent vitamin deficiency disorder recorded in military personnel from 1997 to 2015 (Knapik et al., 2021). This exploratory, analytic research aims to assess registered dietitian RDN nutritionists’ (RDN) knowledge, perceptions, and intentions regarding treating vitamin B12 deficiency in a clinical setting. Due to population prevalence differences, responses from VA and non-VA practicing registered dietitian-nutritionists (RDNs) …

Is There An Association Between Food Literacy And Diet Quality In Young Adult College Men?, Morgan Claire Mayeux

Master's Theses

Food literacy skills can improve dietary intake in young adults as it provides them with the tools they need to make healthier food-related decisions. The benefits of improving food literacy includes the reduction in the risk of prevalent, preventable dietrelated diseases such as obesity, T2DM, heart disease, and other chronic diseases that plague the Unites States today. Previous literature reports primarily on college female samples. Because a large proportion of the samples in the available studies are female, the current literature may not reflect young adult men’s food literacy and its comparison to their overall diet quality. The purpose of …

The Effect Of Education Policy On Crime: An Intergenerational Perspective, Ulrika Ahrsjö, Costas Meghir, Mårten Palme, Marieke Schnabel

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

We examine the intergenerational effect of education policy on crime. Using administrative data that links outcomes across generations with crime records, we show that the Swedish comprehensive school reform, gradually implemented between 1949 and 1962, reduced conviction rates for both the generation directly affected by the reform and their sons. The reduction in conviction rates occurred in several types of crime. Mediation analysis suggests that key channels include increased parental educational attainment and household income, as well as reduced criminal behavior among fathers.

Comparing Ordinary Least Squares And Quantile Regression: A Causal-Comparative Approach To Modeling Conditional Relationships, Samuel Nnorom

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression has traditionally been the preferred quantitative method for estimating linear relationships. However, it assumes that the effect of a predictor variable remains constant across the entire outcome distribution, which can miss important insights when data are heterogeneous. Quantile Regression (QR), on the other hand, offers a more detailed analysis by focusing on the full response variable distribution, thereby revealing different relationship patterns at various quantiles within the outcome. This study compares how OLS and QR perform in modeling conditional relationships within a causal-comparative framework based on ex post facto research. Using the mortality data from …

The Covid-19 Pandemic As An Environmental Jolt And Its Impact On Firms And Essential Workers, Kimberly Kay Hyett Nehls

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Environmental jolts are sudden, large-scale disruptions that challenge organizational and societal stability and demand new ways of understanding adaptation across individuals and firms. This two-paper dissertation explores the human and organizational dimensions of such jolts through the empirical context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Paper 1 examines how global tourism firms navigated the crisis, introducing the constructs of global stakeholder interconnectedness and stakeholder prioritization fluidity to refine stakeholder theory. The findings show how international exposure shaped communication strategies under duress. Paper 2 turns to the lived experiences of low-wage essential workers, extending sensemaking theory through the concept of constrained sensemaking, highlighting …

Does Green Stem Photosynthesis Affect Plant Drought Tolerance And Recovery In Avocado?, Nadia A. Valverdi, Paula Guzmán-Delgado, Gregory R. Goldsmith, Eleinis Ávila-Lovera

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Woody plants with green stems may have advantages over non-green-stemmed plants in that extra photosynthetic carbon gain has the potential to improve plant drought tolerance and aid drought recovery. However, most studies relating to green stem photosynthesis and drought tolerance have been conducted on non-horticultural plants under natural growing conditions. We investigated whether avocado green stem photosynthesis enhances drought tolerance and recovery. We applied light exclusion and drought treatments to 3-year-old potted trees of cultivars ‘Hass’ and ‘Fuerte’. Measurements of soil moisture, midday stem water potential, stem photosynthesis, bark chlorophyll concentration, concentration of sugars + starch and stem hydraulic conductivity …

The Safety Of Abiraterone Acetate In Patients With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: An Individual-Participant Data Meta-Analysis Based On 14 Randomized Clinical Trials, Amy L Shaver, Nikita Nikita, Swapnil Sharma, Scott W. Keith, Kevin K. Zarrabi, Wm. Kevin Kelly, Grace Lu-Yao

Kimmel Cancer Center Papers, Presentations, and Grand Rounds

Background/objectives: Multiple systemic treatments are available for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), with unclear safety profiles. This study seeks to describe the safety determined in randomized clinical trials of a systemic treatment for mCRPC and whether safety differs by age. Methods: We utilized individual patient data from industry-funded phase 2/3 trials in mCRPC on abiraterone acetate (AA). Vivli, a clinical trial repository site, was used. One investigator independently performed screening. Relative effects of treatment were assessed with frequencies and odds of serious adverse events (SAEs). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guideline was used. Subgroup analysis measured …

A Clinical Pathway For Differential Diagnosis Of Adhd Vs Trauma: Early Childhood Recognition And Intervention, Maria Neiers

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Distinguishing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) from Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) presents significant diagnostic challenges due to overlapping symptom presentations, shared neurobiological impacts, and frequent comorbidities. This paper explores the nuanced clinical differentiation between ADHD and C-PTSD, and other trauma disorders, in pediatric populations, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed assessment, early identification, and integrative clinical reasoning. The discussion highlights how structured diagnostic reasoning can reduce uncertainty, enhance diagnostic clarity, and support effective treatment planning. As a central contribution, this paper introduces an original clinical reasoning flowchart and a case conceptualization to illustrate its practical application in real-world diagnostic dilemmas. The need …

Proposed Theoretical Model Of Pediatric Onset Multiple Sclerosis And Restrictive Eating Behaviors, Anna L. Smith

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic, demyelinating, autoimmune disease that causes an array of physical and cognitive symptomatology, is commonly diagnosed in adulthood. Pediatric Onset Multiple Sclerosis (POMS) is characterized by diagnosis of the disease before age 18 and accounts for about 5% of MS cases. While there is a growing body of literature examining the impact of adult-onset multiple sclerosis on psychosocial functioning, research specifically addressing POMS remains limited. Moreover, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding the risk of eating disorders among individuals with POMS. This paper will explore a constellation of potential risk factors that may …

Chronic Pain: An Exploration Of The Experience Of Chronic Pain, Andrea Alzalde

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Chronic pain is a pervasive public health issue within Western society today and amongst humans worldwide. Although chronic pain is something that many people have or will experience sometime in their life, it is a complex experience that does not have a simple universal solution or immediate cure. The causes of pain can be a multitude of things and the treatments that work for some may not work for others. The current research seeks to explore the experience of chronic pain to help fill gaps in the wider research of pain. This study pursues answers to two research questions including; …

Placental Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (Pah) Levels Are Associated With Spontaneous Preterm Birth, Gwendolynn Hummel, Sohini Banerjee, Vasanta Putluri, Inaara Malick, Grace Johnson, Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal, Chandra Shekar R Ambati, Nagireddy Putluri, Lori Showalter, Cynthia D Shope, Joseph Hagan, Kjersti M Aagaard, Bhagavatula Moorthy, Melissa A Suter

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

While the cause of preterm birth (PTB) (i.e., delivery before 37 weeks of gestation) is likely multifactorial, ambient exposure to environmental chemicals has been postulated to play a role in its etiology. Our prior studies of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in pregnancy have shown an increased level of placental PAH-induced bulky DNA adducts with increasing levels of PAH exposures. In this investigation, we hypothesized that higher levels of placental PAHs would be associated with an increased risk of PTB. Using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), we measured levels of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF) and dibenz(a,h)anthracene (DBA) from …

Targeting Sting To Disrupt Macrophage-Mediated Adhesion In Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis, Juan Sun, Yuxiang Sun, Dandan Guo, Huolin Ye, Qiang Huang, Hu Zhou, Canming Li, Mei Liao, Yujia You, Hongli Shang, Pan Zhou, Dongxuan Wu, Janusz Witowski, Zhaoyong Hu, Hui Peng

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a life-threatening fibrotic condition characterized by severe abdominal adhesions, chronic inflammation, and significant morbidity. The lack of effective treatments for EPS stems from a limited understanding of its underlying mechanisms. In this study, we developed a modified mouse model of PD-induced EPS and investigated the role of the STING signaling pathway in disease progression. Our findings reveal that STING activation in peritoneal mesothelial cells significantly increases the secretion of the macrophage chemokine CCL2, leading to enhanced macrophage infiltration and the formation of pathological adhesions. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of STING using the inhibitor H151 effectively reduced …

Centrosomal And Non-Centrosomal Microtubule Networks Coordinate To Drive Nuclear Dynamics In Developing Epithelium, Rashmi Budhathoki

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The morphogenesis of developing tissues relies on extensive cellular rearrangements in shape, position, and identity. A key process in reshaping tissues is cell intercalation-driven elongation, where epithelial cells align and intercalate along a common axis. Typically, analyses focus on how peripheral cortical forces influence cell shape changes. Less attention is given to how inhomogeneities in internal structures, particularly the nucleus, impact cell shaping. Here, we examine how pulsed contractile and extension dynamics interact with the nucleus in elongating Drosophila embryos. Our data show that tightly packed nuclei in apical layers hinder tissue remodeling/oscillatory behaviors. We identify two mechanisms for resolving …

Role Of Nucleic Acids As Chaperones In Protein Folding, Zijue Huang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many proteins have slow folding times in vitro that are physiologically untenable. To combat this challenge, ATP-dependent chaperonins are thought to possess the unique ability to catalyze protein folding. Performing quantitative model selection using protein folding and unfolding data, we here show that short nucleic acids containing Gquadruplex (G4) structure can also catalyze protein folding. Performing the experiments as a function of temperature demonstrates that the G4 reshapes the underlying driving forces of protein folding. To understand the structural basis of this catalytic activity, we introduce NMR method to solve the structures, at base-level resolution, of a multiconformer G4 with …

Influence Of Obesity On Knee Joint Mechanics: A Subject-Specific Musculoskeletal Modeling Approach, Ryan C. Knowles

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Obesity has been consistently linked to knee osteoarthritis (KOA), a debilitating joint disease. While prior work has shown that obese individuals often walk with altered biomechanics compared to normal-weight (NW) individuals, which may accelerate KOA progression, less is known about how these mechanics affect load distribution between the medial and lateral tibiofemoral (TF) compartments, particularly during higher-demand activities. This study developed subject-specific musculoskeletal models of five obese and five NW individuals, incorporating CT-based bone measurements and individualized joint contact points. Simulations were driven by six degree-of-freedom (6DOF) kinematics obtained from high-speed stereo radiography (HSSR) to predict TF loading and associated …