Digital Commons Network^™

Thermodynamic Modeling Of Ph Impacts On Subsurface Microbial Consortia, Jackfin K C

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Underground hydrogen storage is affected by microbial consumption, and the different minerals present in the subsurface. However, most studies consider either biotic or abiotic factors in isolation and hence, the conditions that drive a self-sustaining storage remain poorly understood. This thesis uses a genome-informed thermodynamic model developed by Kharel et al. (2026) in which pH is the central variable coupling hydrogenotrophic microbial metabolism, inter-species competition, and carbonate mineral buffering. The model includes four hydrogen-consuming species: methanogen (Methanobacterium), acetogen (Acetoanaerobium), aerobic acetate oxidizer (Pseudomonas stutzeri), and sulfate reducer (Nitratidesulfovibrio) by conditioning each organism's …

Investigation Of Warfarin–Human Serum Albumin Binding By Ultrafast Affinity Extraction Using Single- And Dual-Column Affinity Microcolumn Systems, Samiul Alim

Department of Chemistry: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This dissertation examined the interaction of warfarin with human serum albumin (HSA) by using affinity chromatography, with particular emphasis on ultrafast affinity extraction (UAE) and affinity microcolumns. HSA affinity supports were prepared by immobilizing HSA onto diol-bonded silica via Schiff base chemistry and used to prepare affinity microcolumns for chromatographic studies under physiological-like conditions at pH 7.4 and 37.0 °C. UAE studies were performed to investigate the effects of residence time, flow rate, and column configuration on the measured apparent free fraction of warfarin and on the calculated apparent binding parameters. The results showed that the measured apparent free fraction …

Computational Modeling To Evaluate Bipolar Flexible Electrode Designs For Use In Sciatic Nerve Stimulation, Krystyna S. Allman

Master's Theses

Peripheral nerve stimulation is clinically used to manage pain, rehabilitate motor function, and promote nerve regeneration. The sciatic nerve is often studied for stimulation due to its accessibility and clinical relevance. A conventional nerve cuff electrode is the least invasive method for nerve stimulation, but the mismatch of mechanical properties of the electrode with the nerve tissue can cause damage to the nerve and the electrode itself. This study investigated a novel bipolar, gold nanowire-based cuff electrode design and its ability to selectively activate fibers in the rat sciatic nerve at varying interelectrode spacings. In COMSOL, A finite element model …

Thermodynamics Of Binding Between Adeno-Associated Viruses And Heparin In Bulk And At Interfaces Via Isothermal Titration Calorimetry, Elizabeth Adeogun, Jude C. Obijiaku, Ronny Horax, Kayla E. Daugherty, Joshua Sakon, Xianghong Qian, Barbara Knutson, Stephen E. Rankin, Karthik Nayani

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have emerged as promising vectors for gene therapy due to their non-pathogenic nature and ability to transduce various cell types efficiently. In recent years, there has been an increasing effort to optimize the production and purification of AAV to support clinical applications; however, challenges exist in affinity ligand design, synthesis, and characterization. Understanding the binding interactions of these viruses with functional molecules is pivotal for the development of affinity-based separation methods of AAVs. Classical methods to measure thermodynamic parameters such as Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) are challenging to employ in these scenarios, as the concentrations of the …

Ecological Support For Stem International Doctoral Student Success, Emily A. Crider

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

International doctoral students enrich U.S. institutions but often encounter challenges that affect belonging and academic success. This qualitative study examined the social, cultural, and institutional challenges faced by international STEM doctoral students and the role of faculty advisor relationships in their adaptation. Guided by ecological systems theory, interviews with eight participants revealed five major challenges: language barriers, cultural differences, building social networks, financial challenges, and navigating institutional processes. Positive faculty mentorship was critical, with effective advisors demonstrating empathy, adaptability, responsiveness, guidance, and trust while supporting professional development, funding, and networking. Microsystem and mesosystem interactions were most influential. Findings emphasize the …

Use Of Function Diagrams In Physiology Education, Thad E. Wilson, Brian A. Jackson, B. Peter Sawaya

Physiology Faculty Publications

Function diagrams focus on physiological concepts rather than associated structures and can serve as elaboration tools and mnemonic aids. A function diagram prototype of the gastrointestinal system was recently described (Wilson TE, Barrett KE. Adv Physiol Educ 45: 264-268, 2021). In this article, a functional diagram of the glomerulus, nephron, urinary system, and bladder is proposed. Colloquially named "Nessie the Nephron" to loosely capture the looping structure and elusive understanding of renal blood flow, glomerular filtration, and epithelial transport for the student, not to mention the nearly mythical countercurrent multiplier. "Navigating the Lochs" references Nessie's possible habitat and more importantly …

Towards Efficient And High-Fidelity Generative Models, Paribesh Regmi

Theses

Generative models aim to learn the underlying data distribution and synthesize realistic samples such as images, videos, and audio. Deep learning has brought remarkable success to this field, enabling models to capture complex, high-dimensional structures and produce highly realistic outputs. However, a fundamental challenge remains — achieving both computational efficiency and high-quality generation simultaneously. Among modern approaches, diffusion-based generative models stand out for their exceptional sample fidelity but require hundreds of iterative denoising steps, making them computationally expensive and slow. To improve efficiency, recent work trains diffusion models in the low-dimensional latent space of a pretrained Variational Autoencoder (VAE), where …

Spatial Transcriptomic Profiling Of Decalcified Murine Musculoskeletal Samples Via Xenium Prime 5k, Lindsey Lammlin, Huong X Tran, Aanya Mohan, Michael D Newton, Scarlet C Howser, Stephen J Redding, Christina A Capobianco, Kurt D Hankenson, Alexander J Knights, Tristan Maerz

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Successful generation of high-quality spatial transcriptomics data from murine musculoskeletal tissues has been impeded by the challenge of preserving RNA integrity through the harsh tissue processing steps required for histological sectioning. In particular, the need to thoroughly fix and decalcify mineralized tissues has proven problematic. We detail a comprehensive sample processing pipeline for 3 common murine musculoskeletal tissue samples, enabling high-quality transcript detection via imaging-based spatial transcriptomics using the Xenium Prime 5K platform from 10x Genomics. Our protocol outlines methodological details for transcardiac perfusion, fixation, decalcification, paraffin processing, and a sample co-embedding strategy facilitating anatomically consistent and simultaneous sectioning of …

Owning Geothermal Energy, Gabriel Eckstein

Faculty Scholarship

Geothermal energy holds vast potential for decarbonizing the U.S. energy system, yet the sector remains significantly underdeveloped, supplying only 0.4% of the nation's electricity. A principal barrier to growth is the fragmented and ambiguous legal landscape currently governing ownership of geothermal resources: thirty-three states lack any clear statutory or common-law framework identifying who owns subsurface thermal energy. This Article examines the physical characteristics of geothermal energy, recent developments in the U.S. geothermal sector, and the principal doctrinal approaches that might govern ownership of subsurface heat, including the ad coelum doctrine, common-pool and open-access frameworks, the rule of capture, and public …

Skip The Grid: Bringing Solar Energy To The Navajo Nation, Makaela L. Zavala

Construction Management

Skip the Grid is an interdisciplinary service project in which California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) students partner with Heart of America and SOLV Energy to install off-grid solar systems for families in the Navajo Nation and Hopi Reservation. The project aims to address energy inequity by providing reliable electricity for lighting, refrigeration, and essential daily needs. This paper focuses on the communications and logistics planning required to support a large-scale service project involving over twenty students and multiple partner organizations. The methodology included coordinating travel, organizing team assignments, managing documentation, and maintaining communication throughout the trip. The project resulted …

Disability Employment In Côte D’Ivoire: Human Resources Managers’ Experiences And Challenges, Kinanpy Vanessa Toure

Dissertations

This study examined the critical role of human resource (HR) managers in promoting workforce integration and addressing the persistent barriers faced by people with disabilities (PWDs) in Côte d'Ivoire. Focusing on the perspectives, challenges, and lived experiences of HR managers, the research explored how inclusive workplace practices were developed and implemented within the Ivorian context. Employing a qualitative case study design, the study utilized semi-structured, scenario-based interviews and analyzed allowable public documents, specifically the Ivorian Labor Code, a relevant NGO publication addressing disability inclusion in Côte d’Ivoire, and the publicly available websites of participating organizations. This approach was intended to …

Long-Covid And Cognition, Mychael Bruce

Dissertations

COVID-19 is an evolving virus that can harm the body’s respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Directly related to COVID-19 are individuals who do not recover from their initial infection, making them long haulers. Long-COVID is transitioning from a range of isolated phenomena to higher prevalence rates in patients who contracted COVID-19. Many individuals report issues with cognitive function, referred to as ‘brain fog’, that affect memory, attention, and even language skills. This literature review addresses the available research on Long-COVID and how persistent infection correlates with cognitive difficulties. It aims to explain the neurobiology of Long-COVID and how Long-COVID interacts within …

Holding Space: How Caregivers Narrate Support, Stress, And School Partnership, Celia D. Davenport

Dissertations

This qualitative dissertation examined how caregivers of students with low-incidence disabilities experienced and interpreted school support within the context of daily family life. Grounded in the social model of disability, the study was designed to explore the nature of meaningful school-based support, the limitations caregivers encountered, and the ways school-family relationships shaped these experiences over time. The overarching research question asked how caregivers of students with low-incidence disabilities perceived the school’s role in supporting their families. A qualitative research design was selected to center caregiver voice and allow for in-depth exploration of lived experience. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews …

The Impact Of Reliable Backup Childcare Services On Work-Life Balance And Stress Levels Among Working Parents, Christiana Arhin

Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between access to reliable backup childcare services, work-life balance, and stress levels among working parents. Building on Arhin’s (2025) research, this study seeks to address limitations in sample diversity and incorporate qualitative methods to gain deeper insight into these variables. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study will examine how access to backup childcare services influences work-life balance and stress levels, with a focus on capturing both quantitative trends and qualitative perspectives of working parents. By exploring these relationships, the study aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the role …

Artificial Personhood: The Implications Of Recognizing The Legal Personhood Of Artificialintelligence, Daniel C. Borges

Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment & Technology Law

Artificial intelligence (AI) is here in a big way. As society grapples with the implications of this profound new technology, the question of whether AI entities should be granted independent legal recognition, akin to human personhood, has emerged as a pivotal topic in jurisprudence. This Article explores the foundations, evolution, and implications of AI personhood, addressing philosophical perspectives, the development of personhood as a legal fiction (with specific emphasis on corporate personhood), and the need for AI personhood to counter the risks posed by rapidly developing AI technology. It defines the "AI person" as one whose legal recognition furthers a …

Provider And Patient Perspectives On The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Alzheimer's Disease, Philippe Amouyel, Sandrine Andrieu, Angela Bradshaw, Ralph C. Carmona, Magali Dumont, Lea Tenenholz Grinberg, Takeshi Iwatsubo, Oskar Hansson, Clifford R. Jack, Gregory A. Jicha, Simin Mahinrad, Eric Mcdade, Catherine J. Mummery, Ronald C. Petersen, Shelagh Robinson, Julie A. Schneider, Lenny Shellcross, Amanda G. Smith, Heather M. Snyder, Beth Tapply, Charlotte Teunissen, Wiesje M. Van Der Flier, Bruno Vellas, David Wallon, Jeff D. Williamson, Donna Wilcock, Maria C. Carrillo

Neurology Faculty Publications

Since 2016, the Alzheimer's Association and the Fondation Alzheimer have hosted Global Alzheimer's Leadership Series (GoALS) global think tanks, with world-leading experts for innovative discussions to advance Alzheimer's disease (AD) research and care. The second GoALS think tank, held in June 2024 in Paris, focused on the relationship between biological changes and clinical manifestations of AD in the context of the evolving therapeutic landscape. Discussions spanned real-world experiences of providers, patients, and their families, theoretical considerations, and health system challenges. The lived experience perspective was central to these discussions. The importance of shared decision-making, clear and transparent communication, and the …

Redesign And Flow Characterization Of Microcapsules Through Hollow 3d-Printed Microneedles, Ryan Lang

Bioengineering Master's Theses

Traditional bulk cavity microneedles suffer from stagnant zones and internal wall collisions that damage suspended cell carriers. This research computationally optimized and experimentally validated a novel multi-planar, branched hollow microneedle chamber to minimize dead volume and protect sensitive payloads. By replacing the traditional bulk cavity with a symmetric six-peripheral nozzle architecture, COMSOL simulations confirmed the elimination of central stagnation zones. Low fluid velocities (0.05 m/s) maintained streamline alignment, while higher velocities (0.32 m/s) induced wall impacts, a drift completely mitigated by high-viscosity fluids.

Arrays fabricated via SLA 3D printing demonstrated consistent cross-unit nozzle diameters, despite a 27.8% average print shrinkage. …

Increasing Lead (Pb) Screening Participation Rates In The Pediatric Patient Population At The Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine Lancaster Avenue Community Healthcare Center, Jacob Varrato

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

Elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) are an ongoing public health crisis predominantly affecting children under six in low-income communities located in major cities across the United States (Zartarian et al. 2024). Chronic lead exposure due to outdated housing, polluted water, and contaminated soil is especially harmful in early childhood. Frequent hand to mouth contact at this age increases the risk of ingesting particulate matter containing lead (CDC). EBLLs can predispose children to neurocognitive deficits, cardiovascular disease, and epigenetic modifications to gene expression patterns (Collin et al. 2022). While precautionary measures and timely screening protocols greatly reduce the risk of developing …

Effects Of Mitoquinone On Doxorubicin-Induced Cytotoxicity In H9c2 Cardiac Myoblasts And 22rv1 Prostate Cancer Cells, Tia Patrick

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

Introduction:

Although Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely prescribed chemotherapeutic agent, its clinical use is limited by cardiotoxicity (DIC) caused by oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cardiac apoptosis. Dexrazoxane (DEX) is the only FDA-approved cardioprotective agent to prevent DIC. However, DEX may induce secondary malignancy. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants (MTAs), such as mitoquinone (MitoQ) and 10-(6′-plastoquinonyl) decyltriphenylphosphonium (SKQ1), selectively accumulate within mitochondria to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) at their primary site of production. Our previous findings demonstrated that MitoQ and SKQ1 prevented the reduction in cell viability caused by DOX treatment in H9c2 myoblasts. However, it remains unclear whether MitoQ can selectively …

Recent Advances In The Juvenile-To-Adult Phase Transition, Yifei Liao, Mingli Xu

Faculty Publications

The transition from the juvenile to adult vegetative phase in Arabidopsis thaliana is a fundamental developmental process that integrates morphological and physiological maturation. Despite extensive study, how vegetative phase change is regulated and how this phase transition is coordinated with plant physiology remain incompletely understood. This review synthesizes recent advances in the molecular regulation and physiological functions of vegetative phase change. We summarize how developmental traits—such as leaf shape, trichome distribution, and margin serration—are controlled through distinct downstream targets of the age-dependent miR156–SPL pathway. We further highlight emerging insights into how epigenetic factors dynamically modify chromatin states of key regulatory …

Sex-Based Disparities In Health Care Access And Utilization Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation, Ji Mei May Wong, Peter R. Kowey

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

IMPORTANCE: Females with atrial fibrillation (AF) experience a higher risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality than males with AF. Theories suggest that sex-based differences in hormonal, structural, and electrophysiologic factors are associated with this imbalance; we hypothesized that sex-based differences in health care access and utilization (HCAU) are also underlying factors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether sex-based disparities in HCAU barriers exist among individuals with AF.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional study used data on patients with AF in the All of Us Research Program Registered Tier dataset (version 8), which contains integrated data from the electronic health record …

Forensic Analysis Of Temporary Tattoo Markers And Inks, Daniel J. G. Chasse Jr

Student Theses

As tattoos rise in popularity, some marker manufacturers have created temporary tattoo markers so that children and adults can experience tattoos without the permanence of a regular tattoo. These new products are marketed explicitly as ‘temporary tattoo markers’ and intended for direct application to the skin. This research aims to scientifically evaluate the inks from these temporary tattoo markers to elucidate their physical and chemical properties using wet chemistry, visual examination, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV/Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR), thin layer chromatography (TLC), and diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS) to analyze temporary tattoo markers and …

Investigating The Detection Ability Of Presumptive Bloodstain Testing Through Concealment Obstacles, Skye E. Lehr

Student Theses

Bloodstain detection can provide valuable information on the ability of presumptive tests. When perpetrators seek to alter the scene of violent crimes to interfere with investigations or flee from justice, crime scene investigation becomes more complex. In this analysis, scenarios where bloodstain evidence is attempted to be removed by household cleaners and covered up by acrylic or oil-based paint, are tested using luminol and Kastle-Meyer direct testing. These bloodstains have been altered by bleach, dish soap or all-purpose cleaner and covered under multiple layers of acrylic or oil-based paint. Evidence is documented both photographically and visually to simulate crime scene …

A Qualitative And Quantitative Comparative Analysis Of Ballistic Bone Trauma From Frangible And Full Metal Jacket Projectiles, Hajar S. Hassan

Student Theses

Ballistic bone research is essential as 90% of homicides with the use of a firearm include injuries to bone. Forensic anthropologists use ballistic bone trauma to gather details and reconstruct an event, but ballistic bone trauma depends on many intrinsic and extrinsic factors. These factors include the type of bone, the type of firearm, and the type of ammunition. As new ammunition and firearms emerge, the literature on ballistic bone trauma remains limited. This novel study compares the bone trauma from the most common projectile, the full metal jacket, to a frangible projectile which is made to break upon impact. …

Enhancing Soil Security In Brazilian Cerrado: Composted Sewage Sludge As A Sustainable Conservation Agriculture Strategy, Raimunda Eliane Nascimento Do Nascimento, Nathércia Castro Elias, Philippe Solano Toledo Silva, Rodrigo Silva Alves, Aline Renée Coscione, Jussara Borges Regitano, Wanderley José, Cassio Hamilton Abreu-Junior, Gian Franco Capra, Arun Dilipkumar Jani, Thiago Assis Rodrigues Nogueira

Biology, Agriculture and Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Oxisols in the Brazilian Cerrado are intensively cultivated due to their strategic importance in producing a range of commodities exported worldwide. To achieve high productivity, a large amount of conventional mineral fertilizer (CMF) must be used, which raises multiple concerns. Composted sewage sludge (CSS) is a promising organic fertilizer that enhances soil health while increasing agricultural sustainability. The objective of this study was to monitor soil chemical quality at two depths (0–0.1 m and 0.1–0.2 m) after CSS applications over three agricultural years under a no-tillage system. The experiment was conducted under field conditions by applying and evaluating five rates …

The Other Within: Stigmatization And Marginalization Of Hui Muslims In The Novel Musilin De Zangli (Muslim Funeral), Flávio Fraga Da Silva

Perspectives in the Arts and Humanities Asia

This article offers a case study of the protagonist of the novel Musilin de Zangli by Huo Da, as a representation of the stigmatization and marginalization of the Hui Muslim community in Beijing in the early 1960s. Drawing on this portrayal, the novel’s subliminal and allegorical dimensions, and an examination of the mechanisms of “domestic othering” operative in Maoist China, the study discusses how the text advances a veiled critique of the abuses and excesses experienced by this community in the period leading up to, and including, the Cultural Revolution. By situating the text within its broader sociocultural and historical …

A Simple Guide To Responsible Management And Sharing Of Research Data At Unh, Julie Simpson, Patricia Condon, Bonnie Brown, William C. Clyde, James J. Connell, Ramonda Kindle, Nathan A. Schwadron, John E. Sparrow, Xueting Sun, Engin Taze, May-Win Thein, Anita R. Tucker, Karen T. Vangundy, James Wible

Integrity in Research and Scholarship

We developed this simple guide to help researchers navigate the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Policy on Ownership, Management, and Sharing of Research Data (“UNH research data policy”). It can be challenging for researchers to translate policy into workflows, and we recognize a need for more actionable and user-friendly guidance to help researchers apply the policy in their everyday work. The UNH research data policy outlines institutional responsibilities related to data ownership, retention, recording, and sharing, as well as roles and responsibilities of principal investigators and students. This resource was adapted from a training module intended to translate the UNH …

Evaluating Species At Risk In Data-Limited Fisheries: A Productivity–Susceptibility Analysis For Marine Aquarium Fish, Gabrielle A. Baillargeon, Alice A. Wynn, Jemelyn Grace P. Baldisimo, Michael F. Tlusty, Andrew L. Rhyne

Arts & Sciences Faculty Publications

The marine aquarium trade (MAT) is a significant global industry harvesting millions of wild-caught, live coral reef fishes for public and private aquaria markets in the United States and Europe annually, while supporting fisher livelihoods in the Indo-Pacific. This diverse and species-rich trade is considered data-limited, creating barriers to quantifying the current and future socio-ecological sustainability of the fishery. We present a revised and expanded productivity–susceptibility analysis (PSA) that serves as a holistic risk assessment to estimate the vulnerability of marine aquarium fish to overfishing. Our global analysis includes 306 species that are actively in trade. Improvements to the PSA …

Coral Larvae Have Unique Transcriptomic Responses To Pathogenic And Probiotic Bacteria, Erin M. Borbee, Isabella V. Changsut, Kira Bernabe, Alicia Schickle, David Nelson, Koty H. Sharp, Lauren E. Fuess

Arts & Sciences Faculty Publications

The growing prevalence of coral disease and other stressors threatens coral reefs, and evidence suggests these stressors not only affect adult corals but may also have impacts on early life stages. Yet, our understanding of coral larval physiology, including immunological function, is significantly limited. Here, we leverage the temperate coral experimental system Astrangia poculata to investigate the transcript-level response of A. poculata to exposure to pathogenic and probiotic bacteria. The bacteria tested in the experiment were the known coral pathogen (Vibrio coralliilyticus RE22) and a probiont (Phaeobacter inhibens S4) previously demonstrated to inhibit the pathogen’s growth. In this study, we …

The Educational Disconnect: How Much Do Parents Understand About The Special Education Process?, Marisa Anne Aiello Michalowski

Theses & Dissertations

People with disabilities constitute the largest minority group in the United States. Yet, they face significant barriers that often lead to lowered academic outcomes. Federal and state K-12 educational policies emphasize family engagement as a core component of student success. The problem is that parents are not always fully informed of the special education process or their role on the Committee on Special Education (CSE), which in New York State is a team of educators, specialists, and parents that help determine appropriate special education services and placements. The purpose of this phenomenological research study was to explore the knowledge that …