Digital Commons Network^™

Nat10 Stabilizes Immune Response Factors Aiding With Cellular Immune Response To Zika Virus Infection, Shawn Gianola

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Zika virus (ZIKV) remains a significant public health concern due to major gaps in our understanding of its infection mechanisms and immune evasion strategies. Despite its link to severe complications such as microcephaly and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), no vaccine or targeted antiviral therapies exist. Compounding this concern is the expanding habitat of ZIKV-carrying mosquito vectors, driven by climate change, which increases the risk of future outbreaks in previously unaffected regions.

One promising area of investigation involves post-transcriptional modifications (PTMs) chemical alterations to RNA that influence its stability, translation, and function. Although over 170 PTMs have been identified, their roles remain …

Exploring Automatic And Reflective Nudges For Smishing, Morgan E. Edwards

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Phishing has been a common problem in the world of cybersecurity for over a decade, leading to significant monetary and privacy losses. Phishing attacks commonly occur via email, but there has been a rise in a new form of phishing known as SMiShing. This attack vector occurs similarly to email phishing, except the malicious message is received via SMS text. While ways to mitigate phishing via email have been widely studied, there is a lack of research on SMiShing and ways to mitigate this problem from a human-centered approach. Interventions such as digital nudges have been successfully applied to …

Psychophysiological Responses To An Objectified Environment In College-Aged Females, Urska Dobersek, Richard A. Bennett, Sarah E. Siebers, Laurel A. Standiford Reyes

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

Objectification and its associated negative psychological consequences of self-objectification are well-established. Specifically, internalization of an observer’s perspective can lead to habitual body monitoring, negative psychological consequences, and mental health risks. Nevertheless, comparatively few studies examined physiological responses to an objectified environment. To remedy this gap, we explored the effects of an objectified environment on stress levels assessed via salivary cortisol in a single-blind experimental study of 34 undergraduate female students (M_age = 18.62, SD = 0.74). State self-objectification was manipulated by participants wearing tight, revealing exercise clothing (experimental condition; n =16) or baggy exercise attire (control condition; …

Maternal Incarceration, Adolescent Delinquency, And Siblings, Tracey L. Woodard

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

Researchers have estimated that approximately 2.7 million children in the United States have a parent in jail or prison. Since 1991, the number of children with a father in prison grew by 77%, while the number of children with a mother in prison more than doubled (131%). In examining the consequences of maternal incarceration on children, many researchers have found an association between negative child outcomes and maternal incarceration. However, not all research has produced the same conclusions, thus yielding heterogeneous findings. It is essential to understand the factors that may explain the variation in outcomes of children experiencing maternal …

Meme Wars As Socially Situated Learning: Learning In Online Communities Of Hate, Conspiracy, And Insurgency, Kevin M. Clark

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

Learning is important in a pluralistic democracy, to enable citizens to make informed decisions. However, with the rise of the internet and social media, we need more than ever to understand how learning is shaped by social context and intertwined with issues of identity and belonging. One theoretical framework that addresses these social aspects of learning comes from the work of Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger on socially situated learning in communities of practice. This article focuses on what many would consider to be the darker side of learning—the rise of hate, disinformation/conspiracy, and insurgency in online communities. Specifically, it …

Organizational Factors That May Contribute To Physician Burnout, Joseph Neric

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

Burnout is pervasive in the healthcare industry and is disproportionately affecting physicians. Burnout is defined as a psychological response to chronic workplace stress that is manifested as physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced self-efficacy. Even though there is comprehensive research on physician burnout—particularly physician driven—this research aims to highlight the importance of how healthcare organizations negatively contribute to physician’s workplace stress.

The Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) was used to measure the presence of burnout. The Areas of Worklife Survey (AWS) was used to measure the incongruence between the job and the person. Results (n=198) from the OLBI indicated 37.4% …

Pandemics And Partisanship: The Impact Of Political Identity On Public Health Responses, Andy Tuholski

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

This literature review examines the intersection of political partisanship and public health responses during pandemics, with a focus on the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Historically, pandemics such as the Venetian plague (1575-1577) and the Great Plague of London (1665-1666) have elicited responses driven by socioeconomic and health factors. In contrast, the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. was distinctly shaped by pre-existing political affiliations, particularly between conservative and liberal factions. Applying Social Identity Theory (SIT), this review explores how group identity and partisanship influenced pandemic-related behaviors and attitudes. Empirical evidence indicates that Republican-leaning states experienced higher COVID-19 mortality rates, …

Self-Efficacy And Stem Education: A Study Of Family And Consumer Science Teachers In Pennsylvania, Charlene Smith, Philip A. Reed

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Faculty Publications

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education has become widely promoted. Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) uses science to improve home life while reinforcing technology, engineering, and mathematics principles. However, FCS is not usually recognized as a STEM subject. The purpose of this study was to determine what factors may affect FCS teachers’ level of self-efficacy in teaching STEM to provide supports that improve teaching practices. This quantitative study surveyed secondary FCS teachers in Pennsylvania using the T‐STEM Survey for Elementary Teachers. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive …

A Multi-Variate Rotating Machinery Fault Optimization And Recognition Framework, Ahmed M. Abdelrahman, Amira Y. Haikal, Mahmoud M. Saafan

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and forecasting of a machine's time-to-failure are crucial through the massive, profound monitoring parameters and expeditiously is essential to assist in the preservation of reliability and life remaining for the machine increase by recommending an appropriate decision to diminish the occurrence of ruinous malfunction and substantial financial losses proactively. Artificial intelligence is considered significantly crucial to specialists in diagnosing various faults. But all research, although have great accuracy, still till now have a lack on the number of considering parameters to achieve the diagnosis or prognosis.in addition to, it depends on repeat the processing for sensor reading …

Optimal Design Of An Off-Grid Hybrid Renewable Systems With Battery Storage For Rural Electrification Of Academic Community In Ibogun Campus, Nigeria, Ayodeji Akinsoji Okubanjo, Alexander Okandeji, Ignatius Kema Okakwu, Benjamin Akinloye, Abisola Olayiwola

Mansoura Engineering Journal

In an era where the debate on climate action has evolved from mere awareness to urgent implementation, energy-efficient management strategies are crucial. The energy mix, combined with optimal design of hybrid renewable energy systems, is a potential option to limit the increase in demand for fossil fuels and the climate issue. As a result, this study proposes an optimal design of hybrid renewable systems using technoeconomic criteria to meet load demand in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Olabisi Onabanjo University. The model combines an off-grid energy alternative with a battery storage system. The primary goal is to …

Relative Seat Height Effects On Knee Joint Kinematics In Older Adults, Sadie N. Zimmerman

Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Editorial, Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske, Miriam Marmontel [email protected]

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Dr. Eric Angel Ramos - A Shooting Star That Inspired Marine Mammalogists And Beyond (1987 – 2024), Laura J. May-Collado, Jeremy J. Kiszka, Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez, Beth Brady, G. Rieucau, Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske, Renata Sousa-Lima, Diana Reiss, Macelo Magnasco, Roderic Mast, Wayne Sentman, Joy S. Reidenberg

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Predation Of A Sperm Whale (Physeter Macrocephalus) By Killer Whales (Orcinus Orca) In Guanaja, Honduras, Gaby M. Ochoa, Eric Angel Ramos, Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Sustainable Hospitals Lighting Design Optimization To Enhance Patient Well-Being, Merna R. Ashac, Rania F. Ismail, Nasreen Fathy Abdelsalam

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This research investigates the critical role of lighting design in hospitals environments, focusing on its impact on patient outcomes and environmental sustainability. By integrating energy-efficient LEDs and natural light, the study aims to enhance patient well-being and staff performance. To achieve this, the research explores aligning artificial lighting with circadian rhythms to improve both patient outcomes and staff performance. Using mixed-methods approach, the research includes a literature review, case studies, and analysis using DIALux simulation software. The literature review achieves a framework for sustainable, human-centric lighting, while case studies provide practical insights into effective designs in patient rooms. DIALux simulations …

Eros And The Sublime: Tools For Reaching Toward An Altered Ecological Consciousness, Aineka Carlson

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

This thesis explores connections between the Kantian sublime and Anne Carson’s ideas regarding “eros.” Since Kant’s Critique of Judgement was published in 1790, the Kantian sublime has grown in popularity and been utilized by theorists and creative writers alike. While the Kantian sublime is often associated with nature in popular culture, there are certain egocentric and phallocentric elements of this mode of thinking that might inhibit a biocentric mindset. Through a character study of Oryx from Margaret Atwood’s novel Oryx and Crake, this thesis draws relations between the subjugation of women, nature, and the ways in which the popularized …

The Filament, Elena Skibicki

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

The Filament weaves together the results of a neurodivergent person exploring their universe, in all its harrowing beauty and familiar tragedy. The speaker traverses oceans and thunderstorms, wades through the swampy shallows of their high school, participates in a pharmaceutical supply chain and its subsequent ransacking, floats through altered mental states, and retells legends, spanning many styles while still using the lyric “I”. Scrying into a nebulous future, the speaker returns with stories of the planet and its people, and the kind of world they want to build.

The speaker exposes their ghosts throughout the collection, hoping that the adage, …

Perceived Ostracism And Fathers’ Experiences Of Grief And Trauma After Miscarriage, Eric D. Wesselmann, Jordan A. Arellanes, Leandra Parris

Faculty Publications – Psychology

Miscarriage can be a traumatic experience with serious mental health implications for parents. However, fathers’ experiences and outcomes post-miscarriage are understudied compared to those of mothers. Previous research focused on mothers’ experiences found that perceived ostracism correlated with grief intensity and posttraumatic stress symptoms, predicting unique variance in symptoms beyond grief intensity factors. We replicate several of these research findings in a sample of fathers and demonstrate that their perceived ostracism correlated positively with posttraumatic stress symptoms and negatively with grief reality (i.e. the pregnancy did not feel real to them). Perceived ostracism also explained additional variance in posttraumatic stress …

Autism Is Black Too! Intersectional Experiences With Service Provision For Black Autistic Individuals And Their Families, Brea M. Banks, Tyra Jackson, Randi Goodwin, Raven Moore

Faculty Publications – Psychology

We aimed to address a gap in the literature surrounding the experiences of Black autistic individuals and their families, specific to their engagement in the diagnostic process and service provision broadly. Our study was theoretically oriented in critical theories, as we aimed to push back against the dominant narrative about autism. We used qualitative methods and conducted interviews with Black autistic people (n = 2) and parents of Black autistic people (n = 9) to learn about their experiences. We employed an inductive approach to interpretation of data and used MAXQDA to engage in analysis. Results demonstrated that …

A Holistic Approach To Treatment Of Rosacea During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review, Emily Garelick, Margaret Hurley, Lauren Noto-Bell, Stefanie Cubelli

PCOM Scholarly Works

Background: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is commonly exacerbated during pregnancy. Many patients suffer from emotional distress as a result of their rosacea, but the standard treatment options can cause harm to a developing fetus.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted on PubMed and EMBASE using the keywords “rosacea,” “pregnancy,” “treatment,” “holistic,” “edema, and “osteopathic manipulative treatment” (OMT). 113 papers were extracted and screened to determine eligibility based on inclusion criteria: primary sources, rosacea diagnosis, and documented treatment. Those that did not meet criteria were excluded and 20 papers remained for this review.

Results: The 20 included …

Multiple Myeloma Inhibitory Effects Of Natural Compounds: Enhancement Through Nanoparticle Carriers., Erica Wong, Anna Staskiewicz, Joshua Pruner, Jean Lee, Michael Tucker, Barkley Smith, Lanerica Rogers, Ganiat Asuni, Xinyu Wang

PCOM Scholarly Works

Natural compounds have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for treating cancers such as multiple myeloma (MM). However, poor bioavailability, low stability, and suboptimal targeting often limit their clinical efficacy. Recent advances in nanotechnology have addressed these limitations by utilizing nanoparticle (NP) carriers to enhance the therapeutic potential of natural compounds through improved solubility, stability, and selective delivery to cancer cells. This review explores the inhibitory effects of key natural compounds on MM cells, including 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO) and its derivatives, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and its derivatives, xanthohumol (XN) and its derivatives, resveratrol (RSV) and its derivatives, curcumin (CUR), …

Parenteral Nutritional Support In Surgical Patients: Expert Consensus Statements Regarding Intravenous Lipid Emulsions Containing Omega-3 Fatty Acids., Robert G Martindale, David C Evans, Dan Waitzberg, Malissa Warren, Manpreet S Mundi, Stanislaw Klek, Paul E Wischmeyer, Martin D Rosenthal

Surgery Articles

OBJECTIVES: The International Lipids in Parenteral Nutrition (PN) Summit was convened to offer practical guidance and expert consensus opinion regarding the use of intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) in various clinical settings. Herein, we briefly review aspects from this summit that are of particular importance for surgical/hospitalized patients.

METHODS: Summit participants identified and discussed new evidence, data, and analyses, that potentially influence the benefits and risks of ILEs in PN or their use in clinical practice. The summit meeting consisted of expert presentations that assessed recent clinical data and best practice, followed by periodic panel discussions to formulate consensus statements. Consensus …

Enhancing Safety: Multi-Institutional Fmea And Fta On 177 Lu-Based Radio-Pharmaceutical Therapy, Siju C George, Santiago Aguirre, Nichole M Maughan, Ranjini Tolakanahalli, E James Jebaseelan Samuel, Sven L Gallo, Jacqueline E Zoberi, Yongsook C Lee

2020-Current year OA Pubs

PURPOSE: This study investigates potential failure modes and conducts failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and fault tree analysis (FTA) on the administration of

METHODS: We reviewed the literature to investigate the administration of Pluvicto and Lutathera, focusing on prospective procedural failures and potential failure modes (PFMs) and their outcomes. We distributed an FMEA survey to multiple experienced centers in

RESULTS: The findings from the literature review and survey responses on the prospective study have identified several critical areas at risk of failure. These areas include non-optimized treatment delivery, inadequate patient monitoring, and lack of safety training, leading to radiation …

Association Of Item-Level Responses To Cognitive Function Index With Tau Pathology And Hippocampal Volume In The A4 Study, Idris Demirsoy, Elham Ghanbarian, Babak Khorsand, Bhargav T Nallapu, Kellen K Petersen, Richard B Lipton, S Ahmad Sajjadi, Laura A Rabin, Ali Ezzati

2020-Current year OA Pubs

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD) has a long preclinical phase in which individuals may accumulate amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau pathology without noticeable cognitive impairment. Subjective cognitive impairment reports can provide early insights into cognitive decline.

METHODS: In the A4 Study, 339 cognitively unimpaired, Aβ-positive individuals underwent tau positron emission tomography imaging. Tau status was classified based on medial temporal lobe tau standardized uptake value ratios (tau

RESULTS: Higher tau

DISCUSSION: These findings support the utility of participant- and study partner-reported concerns as early indicators of preclinical AD pathology, with potential value for early detection and trial enrichment strategies.

HIGHLIGHTS: Higher …

Detection Of Radiosensitive Subpopulations Ex-Vivo With Raman Microspectroscopy, Aidan D. Meade, Adrian Maguire, Jane Bryant, Daniel Cullen, Dinesh Medipally, Lisa White, John Armstrong, Mary Dunne, Emma Noone, Shirley Bradshaw, Marie Finn, Aoife M. Shannon, Orla L. Howe, Fiona M. Lyng

Articles

Although significant advances in understanding the molecular drivers of acquired and inherited radiosensitivity have occurred in recent decades, a single analytical method which can detect and classify radiosensitivity remains elusive. Raman microspectroscopy has demonstrated capabilities in the objective classification of various diseases, and more recently in the detection and modelling of radiobiological effect. In this study, Raman spectroscopy is presented as a potential tool for the detection of radiosensitivity subpopulations represented by four lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from individuals with ataxia telangiectasia (2 lines), non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and Turner's syndrome. These are classified with respect to a population with mixed radiosensitivity, …

Varying Vulnerabilities: Seagrass Species Under Threat From Prolonged Ocean Warming, Marnie L. Campbell, Chi T.U. Le

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Understanding the response of various seagrass species to prolonged elevated water temperatures is crucial for effective management and seagrass species restoration amid increasing climate change-induced ocean warming and marine heat waves. This is especially important in intertidal seagrass meadows, where heat can penetrate substrate depths of up to 50 cm. We assessed and contrasted the responses of five intertidal species—Zostera muelleri Irmisch ex Asch, Halophila ovalis (R.Br.) Hook f., Halodule uninervis (Forssk.) Asch, Halophila decipiens Ostenf., and Halophila spinulosa (R.Br.) Asch—over a month of elevated temperatures by examining rhizome growth, number of living shoots, root development, and sprig survival. While …

Establishment Of Reference Intervals For Serum Immunoglobulin G N-Glycosylation Features In Healthy Chinese Adults: A Nationwide Survey In The Framework Of Predictive, Preventive, And Personalized Medicine, Changyu Liu, Yinghao Wang, Xingang Li, Xiaojia Xu, Ruirui Xu, Cuihong Tian, Zhixian Chen, Xinxia Lu, Yuejin Li, Meng Wang, Zhaoyang Tang, Xueyu Chen, Guoyong Ding, Xuerui Tan, Dong Li, Haifeng Hou, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycosylation plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, and viral infections. While various models of serum IgG N-glycosylation have been developed to identify individuals at high risk for relevant diseases, reference intervals (RIs) for the levels of IgG N-glycans have not been established yet. Identifying RIs for serum IgG N-glycans closely associated with biological aging and disease risk contributes to predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM), which results in improvement of patients’ outcomes, enhancement of healthcare efficiency, and in reducing burden of chronic diseases. This study is aimed at defining the …

Exercise Parameters To Consider For Achilles Tendinopathy: A Modified Delphi Study With International Experts, Yoann Demangeot, Seth O’Neill, Francis Degache, Amandine Rapin, Umer Asgher, Hakan Alfredson, Rachel Chester, Ruth L. Chimenti, Robert Jan De Vos, Adrian Escriche-Escuder, Kenneth Farnqvist, Bas Habets, Nicola Maffulli, Stig Peter Magnusson, Peter Malliaras, Myles C. Murphy, Craig R. Purdam, Jonathan D. Rees, Ebonie K. Rio, Igor Sancho, Alex Scott, Karin Gravare Silbernagel, Vincent Gremeaux, Francois C. Boyer, Redha Taiar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

To assess the level of agreement among experts on the heel raise exercise parameters that influence midportion and insertional Achilles tendinopathy (AT) rehabilitation outcomes. An international expert panel in AT rehabilitation was invited to complete a three-round Delphi survey. In the first two rounds, experts were asked to review a pregenerated list of exercise parameters (based on the heel raise exercise) and rate their perceived influence on rehabilitation outcome, using a 5-point Likert scale. For each parameter, consensus criteria for major influence on rehabilitation were (a) median≥4, (b) ≥75% of scoring 4 or 5 and (c) IQR≤1. The third round …

Implementing Gross National Happiness In Bhutan As A Development Model And Governance Tool – Perspectives Of Policy Influencers, Tashi Dorji, Angus Morrison-Saunders, David Blake

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Bhutan’s development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) prioritises the collective wellbeing of its people over economic growth through a multidimensional index that informs policy. While GNH has received global recognition, persistent challenges in conceptual clarity and practical implementation are argued and debated. This qualitative study examines the role and utility of GNH as a development model and its implementation as a multifaceted governance tool in Bhutan. The findings reveal that GNH is conceptualised in diverse ways, ranging from personal happiness to a more generic communal philosophy. While its strengths lie in its culturally grounded framework, key limitations include a …

A Scoping Review Of Randomised Controlled Trials Of Vaccines That Recruited Care Home Residents: Lessons For Future Trials, Selvarani Selvarani Subbarayan, Imogen Smith-Dodd, Gabriel Nicolson, Jennifer Kirsty Burton, Janet T. Scott, Seshadri S. Vasan, Susan D. Shenkin, Roy L. Soiza

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Older care home (CH) residents are particularly vulnerable to infections and often experience adverse outcomes. Despite this group being frequently prioritised for vaccinations, trials of vaccines rarely recruit CH residents. Given that the social and biological characteristics of CH residents may influence vaccine effectiveness, it is crucial to test vaccines in this population.

Methods: The Widening Access to Trials in Care Homes project was established to develop best practice guidance on designing and conducting vaccine trials in the CH population. As part of this project, a scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology was conducted to identify vaccine trials …