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Daughter Of A Lost Bird, Susan J. Schwidde

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

A Critical Juncture: The Convergence Of Natural Resource Management And Tribal Sovereignty, Anna Aleta Butterfield

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio reflects the work I’ve done in my four years as a dual degree student, pursuing a Master of Science in Environmental Studies and a juris doctorate degree, and focuses on policies and laws surrounding natural resource management. It touches on how those policies relate to and expand or constrict the exercise of sovereignty by indigenous populations.

This piece first considers the effects of plastic on salmon populations and those indigenous groups that rely on salmon for subsistence and cultural purposes. The remaining three pieces focus on various aspects of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes - Montana Water …

Phosphodiesterases (Pdes) As Potential Targets For Disrupting The Life Cycle Of Nematodes Using Molecular And Chemical Agents, Kranti Galande

Doctoral Dissertations

There are nearly 4,100 species of plant-parasitic nematodes that pose a serious threat toglobal food security, and it is estimated that about $100 billion of crops are damaged annually due to these plant parasitic nematodes. Also, animal-parasitic nematodes pose a major global health challenge, impacting approximately 3.5 billion individuals annually, particularly in tropical and developing areas. PDEs are significant determinants of cellular levels of cyclic nucleotides because the process of lowering active intracellular cyclic nucleotide second messengers (cAMP and cGMP) in cells is mediated through PDEs. Nematode behavior and lifecycle depend on cyclic nucleotide signaling. However, at present, there is …

Viscosity Stratified Turbulence: Insights From Direct Numerical Simulations, Quasilinear Reduction And Resolvent Analysis, Pulkit Kumar Dubey

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on wall-bounded shear-driven turbulence with temperature-dependentviscosity. Direct numerical simulations and quasilinear reduction have been used to establish the asymmetric variation of turbulent statistics in the wall-normal direction. A comparison of energy spectra in the cold and hot halves of the channel reveals that large scale motions are amplified in the more viscous half while small scale motions are amplified in the less viscous half. Interestingly, the threshold wavenumber distinguishing these scales remains independent of stratification. This observation has been verified via a low-order reconstruction of the turbulent kinetic energy profile using resolvent analysis. Fourier modes that selectively …

Uncovering Graduate Student Achievement At Virginia Commonwealth University: An Exploration Of Academic Advising & Administrative Processes, Kenzel Hill, Elizabeth Howley, Madeline Schutt, Michelle Blackwell

Doctor of Education Capstones

Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) Graduate School submitted a Request for Partnership, with the problem being a lack of consistency and formal advising standards for graduate students across various academic units at VCU. As a result, the Graduate School observed an impact on student success, including retention and graduation of graduate students. A capstone team was constructed to determine, through focus group interviews, surveying, and document analysis what the best practices for graduate student advising are and what the administrative processes and challenges that program directors, support staff, and faculty face in administering their graduate programs and advising. Findings suggest that …

Innovative Secondary School Scheduling Practices To Positively Impact Student Outcomes In West Point Public Schools, Jessica Burdette, Sydney B. Lilly, Mark A. Strickler

Doctor of Education Capstones

Utilizing the principles of improvement science through a critical pragmatic approach, this study aimed to promote West Point Public School (WPPS) student success through researching secondary school scheduling practices. The primary theory of change for this study stated that if instructional time is maximized, all WPPS students will be given the opportunity to experience academic success and increase achievement. Three key research questions emerged as we analyzed the problem of practice: How can WPPS structure a secondary school day schedule to ensure every student has the best opportunity to succeed within the system? How can WPPS incorporate research-based strategies for …

Senior Living Guide: Strategies For Aging In Place In Chesterfield County, Emma E. Tilley

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

The Senior Living Guide: Strategies for Aging in Place in Chesterfield County provides a comprehensive framework to support the county's growing older adult population in maintaining independence and quality of life within their homes and communities while aging in place. This plan outlines demographic trends, housing conditions, and the needs of older residents, and offers actionable planning strategies to make Chesterfield County a supportive locality for those aging in place. Emphasizing universal design, accessible infrastructure, and integrated support services, this plan promotes a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure that aging in place is a viable and equitable option for all residents. …

Small Mammal Population Dynamics And Torpor Use In A Changing Subnivean Environment, Derik Butts

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Despite global temperature increases, winter soil surface temperatures in some northern regions might actually be getting colder due to diminishing snowpacks exposing the soil surface to ambient winter conditions. Small mammal species in northern temperate areas often utilize a microclimate beneath the snow, known as the subnivium, to escape harsh winter conditions. Exposure to winter conditions without the subnivium as a buffer could cause small mammals to experience physiological stress and population declines. In this thesis, I explore the impacts of a declining subnivium from two complementary perspectives. In chapter 1, we used a structural equation model (SEM) to test …

Two-Year Changes Of Macular Choroidal Thickness In Response To 0.01% Atropine Eye Drops: Results From The Myopia Outcome Study Of Atropine In Children (Mosaic) Clinical Trial, Emmanuel Kobia-Acquah, Gareth Lingham, Daniel Ian Flitcroft, James Loughman

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Purpose: To investigate 2-year changes in macular choroidal thickness (ChT) in children receiving 0.01% atropine eyedrops and its relationship with spherical equivalent refraction (SER) progression and axial length (AL) elongation. Methods: A total of 250 myopic children aged 6–16 years (167%–0.01% atropine, 83-placebo) were enrolled in the MOSAIC (ISRCTN36732601) clinical trial. Participants with complete 2-year ChT (Topcon Triton Swept-Source OCT), SER, and AL data were included in this study. Changes in macular ChT at 2 years and associations with changes in SER and AL elongation were analysed using linear mixed models. Results: A total of 187 children (126%–0.01% atropine, 61-placebo) …

A Comprehensive Labeling Framework For Artificial Intelligence (Ai)/Machine Learning (Ml)-Based Medical Devices: From Ai Facts Labels To A Front-Of-Package Ai Labeling System — Lessons Learned From Food Labeling, Sara Gerke

Emory Law Journal

Medical Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already authorized the marketing of over one thousand AI/Machine Learning (ML)-based medical devices, and many more products are in the development pipeline. However, despite this fast development, the regulatory framework for AI/ML-based medical devices could be improved. This Article focuses on the labeling for AI/ML-based medical devices, a crucial topic that needs to receive more attention in the legal literature and from regulators like the FDA. The current lack of labeling standards tailored explicitly to AI/ML-based medical devices is an obstacle to transparency in …

Uri Undergraduate And Graduate Course Catalog 2025-2026, University Of Rhode Island

URI Course Catalogs Archive

This is a downloadable PDF version of the University of Rhode Island course catalog.

Interpersonal Theory Of Suicide In A Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Sample, Janelle Wee

Clinical Psychology Dissertations

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is associated with cognitive and emotional changes that may increase suicide risk. This study, grounded in the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS), examined whether premorbid functioning moderates the relationship between cognitive functioning (working memory and processing speed) and suicidal desire (thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness) in individuals with mTBI. Participants (n = 54) were drawn from a clinical neuropsychological sample and completed the WAIS-IV, TOPF, BDI-II, and Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ). Hierarchical moderated regression analyses were conducted across 100 multiply imputed datasets. Depressive symptoms were included as a covariate. Results showed that depressive symptoms …

Integrated Pest Management: State Infrastructure Status After 50 Yr Of Federal Support (1973 To 2023), Daren S. Mueller, Laura C. Iles, Carol L. Pilcher, Adam J. Sisson, Roger Magarey, Ryan Adams, Wanda I. Almodovar, Diane Alston, Patrick Beauzay, Ricardo Bessin, Mandy Bish, Mary Burrows, Alejandro Calixto, Rakesh Chandran, Jed B. Colquhoun, Mary Concklin, Amy J. Dreves, Peter C. Ellsworth, Paul D. Esker, James J. Farrar, Alfred Fournier, Daniel Frank, Kelly Hamby, George Hamilton, Anthony Hanson, Ann Hazelrigg, Natalie Hein-Ferris, David Held, James Jasinski, Heather M. Kelly, David Kerns, Miranda Kersten, Lauren Kerzicnik, Janet Knodel, Glen Koehler, Heidi Kratsch, Christian H. Krupke, Norman C. Leppla, Erin Lizotte, Casey Matney, Rebecca A. Melanson, Frannie Miller, Marion Murray, David Owens, Diane Plewa, Francis P. F. Reay-Jones, Silvia I. Rondon, Tom A. Royer, Philip A. Rozeboom, Hilary A. Sandler, Scott P. Schell, Marissa Schuh, Timothy Seipel, Danesha Seth Carley, Ashfaq Sial, Raghuwinder Singh, Damon L. Smith, Tim Stock, Glenn Studebaker, Adrianna Szczepaniec, Lisa Tewksbury, John Tooker, Adam J. Varenhorst, Amber Vinchesi-Vahl, Doug Walsh, Desiree Wickwar, Robert J, Wright, Simon Zebelo

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Integrated pest management uses a variety of tools coupled with historical, current, and projected information for economical pest protection of crops and other resources while accounting for risk to humans and the environment. Following the 1972 US Federal IPM Policy, funding for integrated pest management programming has continued for 50+ years. However, multifaceted changes during this time have significantly affected state-level integrated pest management infrastructure, prompting a comprehensive survey to assess conditions, limitations, and growth potential of US integrated pest management programs. A survey was sent to 50 US states and 3 territories with integrated pest management programs in November …

Cutaneous Cytomegalovirus In Mixed Serostatus Kidney Transplant Patient, Dominic Finan, Vaibhav Garg, Lucjan Lang, Tricia Royer, Katherine Belden, Sherry Yang

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

Cutaneous cytomegalovirus infection is a rare but serious complication in solid organ transplant recipients. We present a 47-year-old male kidney transplant recipient with a chronic, nonhealing right lower extremity ulcer. Initial biopsies revealed septic vasculopathy, leading to treatment with sodium thiosulfate and antibiotics for suspected calciphylaxis. Despite regular wound care, the ulcer continued to worsen. After completing 6 months of cytomegalovirus prophylaxis, surveillance viral levels remained undetectable, but the ulcer progressed considerably. Worsening severity prompted hospitalization, during which cytomegalovirus viremia was detected, and an ulcer biopsy confirmed cytomegalovirus inclusion bodies. Antiviral therapy was reinitiated, resulting in rapid and sustained wound …

Reconciling Jekyll And Hyde: The Future Of Masculinity Research Within The Domestic Violent Extremism Context, Sam T. Hunter, Brett H. Neely, Carter Welch, Amanda N. Moeller

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Violence among young men in the United States has escalated in recent years, leading to two contrasting perspectives of young men—either as (a) agentic aggressors or (b) by-products of societal shifts that have caused disadvantage. The first perspective characterizes men as entitled and reactionary, prone to aggression when their societal expectations are unmet. This view aligns with the frustration-aggression hypothesis in which unmet desires lead to hostile behaviors, particularly among individuals who perceive a loss of status and significance. Conversely, the second perspective views men as victims of rapid societal changes, such as job displacement, educational disparities, and shifting gender …

Immunohistochemical Evaluation Of Cd10 In Ameloblastoma And Dentigerous Cyst, Mennatalla M. Abougamila, Mona M. A. Ibrahim, Lawahez El. M. Ismail

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: Expression of CD10 in Ameloblastoma and Dentigerous cyst via immunohistochemistry. Material and methods: The current work was carried out on thirty-one tissues embedded in paraffin and treated with formalin of Ameloblastoma and fourteen cases of Dentigerous cyst (DC) were taken from the Faculty of Dentistry's Oral Pathology Department's archives, Mansoura University. Immunohistochemical reagents: Cluster of differentiation (CD10) (Autostainer Link 48) Clone 56C6 Ready-to-use monoclonal mouse antibody. The area percentage of stained cells from five randomly selected fields was examined under ×400 magnification in order to determine the tissue immunoreactivity for CD10. Results: In the present study, we revealed a …

Socket Preservation Using Autogenous Particulate Dentin In Combination With Liquid Platelet-Rich Fibrin Versus Bone Allografts After Surgical Extraction Of Impacted Lower Third Molar, Ali Mahmoud Mohamed Ali Elshafei, Wael Mohamed Ahmed Said Ahmed, Ziad Amr Elmissiry

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objectives To evaluate and compare the efficacy of sticky tooth graft versus bone allografts used for socket preservation after the surgical extraction of horizontally impacted lower third molars. Materials and Methods Thirty patients with horizontally impacted lower third molars were randomly and equally divided into two groups; group I: 15 patients received dentin granules mixed with Liquid PRF (sticky tooth) in the socket after extraction, group II: 15 patients received bone allograft after extraction. Postoperative pain, edema and bone resorption were assessed. Bone resorption was evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) over a three-month period. Results There were statistically significant …

Effect Of Naringenin Cisplatin Combination On Apoptosis Of Human Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line, Nahed Atef, Nancy Hussein, Mohamed Grawesh, Mohamed Anees

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Aim and Objectives: This research was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a combination treatment comprising the natural compound Naringenin (NAR) and the chemotherapeutic agent Cisplatin (CP) regarding the reduction of cell viability and the induction of apoptosis in human TSCC (HNO-97) and normal oral epithelial cell (NOEC) lines. Material and Methods: The cytotoxicity and IC50 of NAR, CP, and their combinations were evaluated using the MTT assay. The expression levels of the apoptotic marker genes p53 and caspase-3 were assessed using RT-PCR. Western blot analysis was carried out to assess the protein expression levels of the apoptotic markers Bax …

Evaluation Of Two- Implant Assisted Mandibular Overdentures Of Cobalt Chromium Vs. Peek Combined Denture Bases Regarding Occlusion And Patient Satisfaction: A Within-Subject Study, Khaled M. Diaa, Noha H. El-Shaheed, May A. Hagag, Fatma A. El-Waseef

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objectives The purpose of this within-patient study was to compare two implant-assisted overdentures (IAOs) reinforced either with polyether-ether ketone (PEEK) or cobaltchromium (CO-CR) regarding the percentage of occlusal contact using a digital occlusion analysis system (Occlusense) and to assess patient satisfaction and Oral Health–Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). Subjects and methods Ten complete edentulous subjects were eligible. All patients were delivered two mandibular implant-assisted overdentures with two reinforcement materials, CO-CR (group I) and PEEK (group II).The mandibular overdentures were retained to the underlying implant fixtures by ball and socket attachments. Patients were evaluated three months after each overdenture use. For …

Assessment Of Sox2 Expression As A Tumor Stem Cell Marker In Ameloblastoma And Dentigerous Cyst, Haneen Mahmoud Zeen El-Abdeen, Noha Ahmed Mansour, Sherif Yousef Elnagdy, Mohamed Abdel-Monem Tawfik

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective: The pathogenesis of odontogenic lesions remains unclear; however, a probable explanation could mean the presence of tumor stem cells (TSCs). The preservation of stem cells during early dental development is governed by many transcription factors, including sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box 2 (SOX-2). Numerous studies observed the increased expression of SOX2 in various benign and malignant tumors as its impact on tumorigenesis varies according to tumor type. This research aims to determine the predictive importance of the SOX2 stem cell marker by evaluating its immunoexpression in ameloblastoma (Ab) and dentigerous cyst (DC). Materials and Methods: Twenty-Four samples were part of …

Comparative Clinical Evaluation Of Healing Of Surgically Depigmented Gingiva By Application Of Human Placental Extract And Hyaluronic Acid, Hanaa Ibrahim Mostafa Sedeek, Islam Hussien Anwar Abdelfattah Kandil, Mohamed Mahmoud Anees, Mohammed Mostafa El Shennawi

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective The goal of the present research was to assess the outcomes of the adjunctive application of human placental extracts (HPE) and hyaluronic acid (HA) on the healing of gingival tissue following surgical depigmentation. Patients and methods Thirty patients complaining from gingival hyperpigmentation were divided to one positive control and two study (HA & HPE) groups. The three groups underwent surgical depigmentation by scraping and application of non-eugenol periodontal packs. In addition HA and HPE were applied after surgical depigmentation to the twice study sets respectively. Visual analog scale (VAS) was recorded at 24 & 72 hours, 10, 20 & …

Assessment Of Serum And Salivary Levels Of Synuclein-Γ As A Diagnostic Biomarker In Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients, Aya Yasser, Shadi Awny, Shaimaa R. Hendawy, Mohamed M. Anees

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective: The objective of the current study was to assess the serum and salivary levels of Synuclein-γ (SNCG) in Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cases. Materials and Methods This study was conducted on 60 subjects (30 patients with OSCC and 30 subjects served as healthy controls (HCs)). Serum and salivary levels of Synuclein-γ using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was determined for all participants and the study group was compared versus the healthy control. Results The serum and salivary levels of Synuclein-γ were significantly increased in cases with OSCC than in HCs p-values (

Digital Versus Functional Pick-Up Techniques For Two-Implant Retained Mandibular Overdentures: A Crossover Study, Aya E. Elnagar, Khaled M. Zahran, Heba Abo-Elfetouh Elsheikh, Fatma Ahmad El Waseef

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective: To evaluate two pick-up techniques—digital and functional—for two-implant retained mandibular overdentures with respect to occlusal force distribution using the digital occlusal analysis system (Occlusense®). Patients and Methods: Twenty completely edentulous, healthy patients were selected from the Prosthodontics Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University. Conventional complete dentures were first constructed, followed by placement of two implants in the mandibular canine regions using a guided surgical approach and a delayed loading protocol. For each patient, two sets of digitally fabricated mandibular overdentures were constructed. Patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups: Group I received digital complete overdentures with digitally created …

Greenhouse Management For The Smaller Structure--Educational And Hobby, Stacy A. Adams

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Greenhouses used for teaching or by hobbyist are smaller than those used for commercial production or found in the retail environment. Structural materials, covering, mechanical equipment, and control systems often are packaged as a kit made available through greenhouse suppliers. Supplier construction services may not be available, in which buyers must use local contractors to complete the installation. Greenhouses are unique structures that differ greatly from sheds or other outbuildings. They have coverings that allow maximum light transmittance, protected from UV degradation, and can handle wide inside to outside temperature extremes. This extension circular provides valuable information on the character, …

Terrarium- An Ecosystem In A Jar, Stacy A. Adams

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

STEM education is supported through hand's-on activities in the classroom. Content understanding and reaffirmation of knowledge is supported through this informative STEM-Quick card that teachers or extension educators can distribute to participants for reference. Terrariums provide an example of a closed ecosystem where water and carbon cycling is demonstrated and plant growth can be observed. This card presents the steps to building and caring for an easy to create terrarium.

Distribution And Ecology Of The Cedar Keys Mole Skink (Plestiodon Egregius Insularis), Kevin M. Enge, Louis A. Somma, Paul E. Moler, Travis M. Thomas, Matthew T. Fedler, John M. Matter, Dennis C. Haney

Papers in Herpetology

We conducted surveys for the Cedar Keys Mole Skink, Plestiodon egregius insularis (Mount), during 1989– 1999 and 2015–2024, examined museum vouchers, and compiled personal observations from others to determine the status and distribution of this subspecies, which has the smallest geographic distribution of the five subspecies and is being considered for federal listing. We observed Cedar Keys Mole Skinks on Airstrip Island, Atsena Otie, Cedar Point, Deer Island, North Key, Scale Key, Seahorse Key, Snake Key, and possibly Dog Island. We have anecdotal reports of Mole Skinks on Way Key, which contains the most potential habitat and is the main …

Transport Of Nutrients By Overland Flow On Sites Containing Beef Cattle Manure, John E. Gilley, Ryan P. Mcgehee, Kenneth M. Wacha

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

In an inductive metastudy, we investigated the effects of varying rates of overland sheet flow on the transport of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) from sites containing beef cattle manure. The analyzed data were collected during previously reported field rainfall simulation investigations conducted on cropland sites and a beef cattle feedlot in the US state of Nebraska. During the experiments, inflow was incrementally added to the top of the experimental plots to simulate runoff rates occurring at greater downslope distances. Runoff rates on the experimental plots ranged from 2.9 to 22.9 Lmin⁻¹, and the maximum equivalent downslope distances …

Crop2cloud Platform: Real-Time Data Integration For Agricultural Water Monitoring, Bryan Nsoh, Abia Katimbo, Kendall Dejonge, Wei-Zhen Liang, Hongzhi N. Guo, Yufeng Ge, Derek M. Heeren, Yeyin Shi, Xin Qiao, Daran R. Rudnick, Hope Njuki Nakabuye, Birru Girma, Isa Kabenge, Joshua Wanyama

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Efficient water management is vital for sustainable agriculture, yet integrating real-time data for precise irrigation remains a challenge. This study designed the Crop2Cloud (C2C) platform, a system that leverages advanced sensors using Internet of Things (IoT), edge and cloud computing techniques, and computed Water Stress Indices (WSIs) and machine learning models (i.e., fuzzy logic), to provide scalable and real-time irrigation decisions. The C2C platform aggregates several data including Volumetric Water Content (VWC) from TDR sensors (Acclima Inc., US) installed at four multiple depths, canopy temperatures (Tc) measured by Infrared Radiometers (IRTs) (Apogee Instruments, US), as well as weather information and …

Behavioral Insights Impacting Preweaning Mortality, Md Towfiqur Rahman, G. A. Rohrer, S. R. Sharma, Y. Shi, S. M. Leonard, Tami M. Brown-Bandl

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Conclusions

This study investigated the average time spent on posture behaviors (lying, kneeling, sitting, standing) of sows by analyzing the effects of time segments, farrowing crate types, parity, heat lamp configurations, and mortality groups. Sow posture behaviors were significantly influenced by mortality, parity, crate type, heat lamps, and day category. High mortality sows spent less time lying and more time standing events. Parity 1, 2, 3 sows were more active, spending more time kneeling in transitions, lying, and sitting events. Sows in TSL crate had longer lateral right lying and standing events, while ESCSL crates sows had longer sitting events. …

Firelog: An Open-Source, Low-Cost System For Temperature Logging During Wildland Fires With High Spatial And Temporal Resolution, Nipuna Chamara, Yufeng Ge, Sabrina E. Russo

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Measuring flame, air, and soil temperatures during wildland fires, including wildfires and controlled burns in land management contexts, is crucial for research and applications in fire ecology, safety, and management in a wide array of ecosystems, from grasslands to forests. However, open-source and commercial systems are needed for measuring and logging flame and air temperatures that are user-friendly, economical, modular, and customizable. This paper details the design, development, and validation of the FireLog system. Laboratory validation experiments demonstrated high measurement accuracy, with a minimum coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.98 and the highest observed root mean square error (RMSE) of …