Digital Commons Network^™

Threads Of Connection: An Offering To Re-Tangle Humanity And Nature With The Patterns Of Our World, Emily Shelton

Graduate Theses

In our world there are patterns of self-similarity that serve as evidence of the interconnectedness between humankind and the rest of the natural world. They are reflected in our bodies, behaviors, and environments, both natural and manmade, and can be found throughout systems at every scale, micro through macro. These organic, linear motifs branch into smaller iterations that seem to shape our existence on this planet as we gravitate towards experiences that echo these patterns. During everyday acts like shopping in a grocery store or a crowd at a concert, we unconsciously participate in self-similar collective movements as we navigate …

Preparing Students For Adulthood: Comparing The Experiences Of Degree And Non-Degree Seeking Graduates, Lacee R. Boschetto, Brian K. Warnick

Applied Sciences, Technology and Education Faculty Publications

The role of secondary education is critical to preparing graduates for adulthood. This study explored the transition experiences of high school graduates and factors that impacted their preparation for adulthood. This descriptive study focused on the experiences of degree and non-degree-seeking graduates. Surveys were distributed to students enrolled in a general education course at a state university and marketing research participants not enrolled in post-secondary programs. The survey sought to identify overall preparedness, responsibilities deemed necessary to teach in high school, and influence factors that prepared them for adulthood. The overall findings displayed that graduates seeking degrees felt more prepared …

Tailoring Treatment Approaches With Supplemental Screening: Homeostatic Model Assessment Of Insulin Resistance (Homa-Ir) In An Obese Population, Christine Ruvaclaba

Cohort XII

Background: This quality improvement project, conducted in the Texas-Mexico border region with high obesity rates, aimed to explore the utility of the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) as a screening tool for insulin resistance (IR) among overweight and obese individuals. The study focused on patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 25 who exhibited normal blood sugar levels or Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels less than 5.7%.

Aim/Methods: The aim is to identify early intervention strategies for metabolic disorders, particularly in obese populations. Obesity is often the precursor to comorbid conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. …

The Effects Of Implementing Movement Breaks In Elementary Classrooms, Laura Ford

Master's Theses

This action research project investigated the implementation of movement breaks in a third-grade classroom to enhance academic performance and behavior. The short study aimed to assess whether integrating regular movement breaks into the classroom routine would lead to significant improvements in academic outcomes and behavior, particularly those students diagnosed with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Over a designated period, movement breaks were introduced at a specific interval during the school day. Data was collected through observations, surveys, and behavior tracking. Surprisingly, the findings revealed that despite the incorporation of movement breaks, there was no significant difference observed in overall academics or behavior …

Ultraconserved Elements Based Phylogeny Of The New Zealand Mite Harvester Genus Rakaia, Zade Alafranji

Biology Honors Projects

New Zealand is home to a remarkable number of endemic taxa, some of which existed on the archipelago before the breakup of Gondwana. The mite harvesters (suborder Cyphophthalmi), tiny arachnids which dwell in forest leaf litter and caves, are one such group. The mite harvester family Pettalidae exhibits a classic Gondwanan distribution, informative for describing ancient patterns of diversification. Within New Zealand, there are three genera of pettalids; our research focuses on the phylogeny of the most widespread and diverse of these: Rakaia. Through phylogenetic analysis, we provide a window into patterns of ancient diversification and infer historical biogeographic trends. …

Beneath The Beauty: A Mixed Method Approach To Examining Identity Negotiation Among Asian Transracial Adoptees, Noel H. Mcguire

Communication (PhD) Dissertations

Making sense of one’s identity is an integral part of the human experience. This study examines identity negotiation and sense-making processes among individuals who have particularly complex identities: Asian transracial adoptees. In the past six decades, more than 280,000 infants and children in Asian countries were abandoned or surrendered to social welfare institutes and were subsequently adopted by American families, making Asian transracial adoptees (ATRAs) a substantial, if frequently overlooked, proportion of the Asian American community. Prior research indicates that identity negotiation is a particularly daunting task for this demographic due to ever-present paradoxical feelings toward their identity, as they …

Comparison Of Embodied Carbon Footprint Of A Mass Timber Building Structure With A Steel Equivalent, Mahboobeh Hemmati, Tahar Messadi, Hongmei Gu, Jacob Seddelmeyer, Moein Hemmati

Architecture Faculty Publications and Presentations

The main purpose of this study is to quantify and compare the embodied carbon (EC) from the materials used or designed to build the Adohi Hall, a residence building located on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville, AR. It has been constructed as a mass timber structure. It is compared to the same building design with a steel frame for this study. Based on the defined goal and scope of the project, all materials used in the building structure are compared for their global warming potential (GWP) impact by applying a life cycle assessment (LCA) using a cradle-to-construction site …

Determination Of The Microbial Population Prevalent In The Prisma Health Ambulance Service System And The Assessment Of Disinfection Practices For Their Effective Eradication, Sophia Vernieri

Honors College Theses

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are significant causes of morbidity and mortality across the United States. These infections may occur due to microbial contamination of ambulatory surfaces, such as door handles and stretchers, and cross-transmission of microorganisms by emergency medical service (EMS) personnel. In this study, we aim to identify the microbial population prevalent in Prisma Health's Ambulance Service System and work to develop efficient and cost-effective disinfection practices that would minimize the transmission of HAIs. To accomplish these objectives, effective protocols were developed to collect surface samples and extract DNA for 16S sequence analysis. For initial process optimization, DNA extraction was …

The Utilization Of Mg-63 Osteosarcoma Cells As A Biocompatibility Model For Bone Regeneration In Manufactured Scaffolds, Grace Martin

University Honors College

When a bone is broken beyond traditional repairs, medical advancements have created a new pathway for bone transplants that involves manufactured scaffolds. These scaffolds can be 3Dprinted to any size, and donated bone cells can be placed onto scaffolding, and regeneration of the bone will occur. This is due to the scaffold mimicking tissue structures that are naturally found in the body acting as an anchor for the bone cells. The choice of the scaffold material is important to consider in order to help the tissue heal properly while also being able to withstand damages that come with daily life. …

Foster Children Facing Communication Disorders, Ashlyn Carter

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The foster care system is alarmingly overpopulated, which leads to many foster children experiencing neglect of care in many issues they face, whether medical, speech, or mental conditions; which is unacceptable. These children already face so many trials and difficulties throughout life and deserve to receive care and treatment in these situations the same as any other child. The purpose of this research is to work to make sure children who are dealing with speech and communication disorders are having those issues recognized, being taken to treatment, and being given the opportunity to fix these things, thus helping to avoid …

An Exploration Of Procedural Methods In Game Level Design, Hector Salinas

Computer Science and Computer Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Video games offer players immersive experiences within intricately crafted worlds, and the integration of procedural methods in game level designs extends this potential by introducing dynamic, algorithmically generated content that could stand on par with handcrafted environments. This research highlights the potential to provide players with engaging experiences through procedural level generation, while potentially reducing development time for game developers.

Through a focused exploration on two-dimensional cave generation techniques, this paper aims to provide efficient solutions tailored to this specific environment. This exploration encompasses several procedural generation methods, including Midpoint Displacement, Random Walk, Cellular Automata, Perlin Worms, and Binary Space …

Commencement Program 2024, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

1 | Message from the President

3 | 2024 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

6 | Institutional Administration

7 | Board of Trustees

8 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 | University History Highlights

11 | Criteria for Institutional Awards

13 | Loma Linda University Health and Loma Linda University Honorees

| The Program, The School Honorees, and The Speakers

• School of Medicine, 23
• School of Pharmacy, 42
• School of Dentistry, 55
• School of Public Health, 73
• San Manuel Gateway College, 87
• School of Allied Health Professions—Allied Health Studies, Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Clinical Laboratory Science, Communication Sciences …

Use Of Space By Urban Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius Ludovicianus) As A Window Into Habitat Suitability, Katie A. Maddox, Christopher E. Hill

Biology

Wild animals in urban environments face new challenges that may change how they use space and, at the same time, how they use space provides clues to suitability of habitat: bird territories in desirable areas tend to be smaller and populations denser. Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus), historically associated with shortgrass habitats such as pasture and shrub steppe, occur widely in urban areas of the southeastern United States. For a complete picture of shrike use of space in urban spaces, we present three measures for a population inhabiting urban areas of Horry County, South Carolina: population density, home range size, and …

Effects Of Climate Change On The Agricultural Supply Chain In The American Northeast, Brian Villanueva

Honors Projects in Global Supply Chain Management

The purpose of this project is to investigate the effects that climate change will have on the agricultural supply chain in the Northeast United States. The goal is to provide risk mitigation methods to farmers and supply chain professionals for how to combat the rapidly changing environmental status quo. This was investigated by surveying 21 farmers about their opinions about the current state of farming and their optimism or pessimism on the future of farming. The findings reflected a great concern for the future of farming despite many alarming signals about the increasing intensity of storms. The conclusion was that …

Contributors, Honorable Mentions, Sponsors

The Oval

No abstract provided.

We Who Are Not As Others: Costuming The Godspell Ensemble As Historical Circus Performers, Anderson Palmer

Theatre Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper examines the Bible as well as circus history and American history to determine the most effective way to design costumes for the musical Godspell by John-Michael Tebelak for a modern audience. The aim of all of this research is to re-center Tebelak’s original inspiration: The Feast of Fools by Harvey Gallagher Cox. Over the years since the premiere of Godspell in 1970, it has become heavily associated with hippies rather than clowns, despite the importance of clowns and clowning to the play’s inception.

Taking inspiration from primary research of circus performers, religious iconography, and early 20^th century …

West Coast Rock Lobster Resource Harvest Strategy, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Management Papers

Harvest strategies for Western Australia’s (WA) aquatic resources are formal documents developed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD, the Department) to support decision-making processes that ensure the outcomes are consistent with the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD; Fletcher 2002a) and Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management (EBFM; Fletcher et al. 2012). Harvest strategies are a key component of all contemporary fishery management systems and a requirement for certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The objectives of ESD are reflected in the objectives of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 (FRMA) and the Aquatic Resources Management Act …

The Casnr L.I.N.K.S. Newsletter: Learning Innovation Network For K-12 Schools, Volume 3, Edition 5, May 2024, Bailey Feit, Tammy Mittelstet

CASNR L.I.N.K.S. Newsletter

The purpose of this L.I.N.K.S. newsletter is to provide a monthly update of opportunities and resources for K-12 schools to connect with the University of Nebraska's CASNR Food, Energy, Water, and Societal Systems (FEWS²) programs and partners.

Included in this edition:

Upcoming events

2024 Discovery Days + Farmers Market

Summer Discovery Day camp, Morrill Hall

June 9-14 Big Red Camps-East Campus

June 13-Wheat Variety Field Day-High Plains Lab-Sydney, NE

July 8-12 NAYI Conference-East Campus

July 16-18-SSI-Lincoln/North Platte

August 6-Forage Field Day-Haskell Ag Lab- Concord, NE

August 7-Family Field Day-Haskell Ab Lab- Concord, NE

August 13 - Building Connections Among Nitrogen …

Isolation Of Aged Mouse Primary Microglia As A Model System For Alzheimer’S Disease Research, Michael Landis

Biology Honors Papers

Microglia and their role as the immune cells of the central nervous system are an emerging area of interest within Alzheimer’s research, particularly as they have shown in a benevolent and malevolent cellular context. Models of Alzheimer’s disease are very light in studying microglia, so in this study a model of microglia isolated from aged mice is established in order to study the phagocytic activity and protein expression of microglia in response to Amyloid Beta. The cells were isolated from aged mice and cultured before being used to confirm cellular identity, as well as to measure phagocytic activity. This study …

High-Altitude Ballooning And Payload Design, Matthew Smith

Honors College Theses

The Icarus project began in 2017 where a team performs high-altitude balloon (HAB) launches to conduct atmospheric and payload design research. The project involves sending a data-collecting payload containing recording equipment to high altitudes (~100,000 feet). This paper outlines the Icarus project as well as the efforts to design a payload that will remain stable throughout flight while also protecting the equipment housed within the payload shell. SOLIDWORKS computer-aided design (CAD) software was used to design a unique payload system. The payload parts were manufactured with PLA filament using a Prusa MK4 3D printer. The secondary goal of this thesis …

Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes May 2024, Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Role Of Pain On Physical Activity Among Youth With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Using The Biopsychosocial Model, Anna Van Asselt, Renee Gilbert, Meghan Tokala, Jacee Weber, Meredith Dreyer, Robert C. Gibler, Carolyn R. Bates

Research at Children's Mercy Month 2024

Introduction: Engaging in physical activity (PA) during cancer treatment benefits a child’s physical and mental well-being (McLaughlin et al., 2021). However, engaging in PA may be challenging due to treatment and disease-related pain (Uhl et al., 2020). Pediatric cancer research has primarily focused on management of procedural and chronic pain, with fewer studies examining how pain may interfere with PA during treatment (Clews et al., 2022). The current study qualitatively investigated the impact of pain on PA using a biopsychosocial framework in a sample of youth with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Method: Caregivers (N=17) of a child diagnosed with ALL …

Easter Island's Painkiller: How A Soil Bacteria Could Relieve Chronic Pain, Marko Krtinic

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

No abstract provided.

Go Green Or Go Viral?, Kimberly Silva-Nash

Supply Chain Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Our society has been altered by the proliferation of social media. Viral marketing and influencer marketing have increased the amount of products that dramatically increase in popularity, in other words - go viral. These trend cycles have led to the consumption of businesses that are not as moral as they seem. Has society replaced the priority of buying from good-willed businesses with buying from businesses that give them that new trendiest item? Has society lost its morality in purchasing concerning these trends?

Sustainable Service Trends In Restaurants, Suruchi Bhatt

School of Business

Being Sustainable is an essential milestone in the food industry. Companies form and fall because of consumers' reactions to the industry. The food industry and restaurants account for some of the highest Food Waste and Pollution, approximately 34% of the Global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, including food production, processing, distribution, and consumption. (Crippa et al., 2021) In a sector like this, ensuring a complete understanding of sustainability in the industry is of utmost importance. However, the sheer relationship between the sustainable image, the prospect of sustainability, and the reality of implementing it may be far from reality. (Yuying-Huang, 2022)

Exploring The Influence Of Integrating Soft Skills Training Into The Undergraduate Stem Curriculum On The Stem Identity Of Students, Candace King

Dissertations

One of the major issues that STEM graduates face is overcoming Imposter Syndrome, and there is a consensus amongst STEM graduates and job recruiters that the current higher education system is missing some elements that could better prepare students for a successful STEM career. A solution to this issue results from recent research on the importance of “soft skills.” In general, “soft skills” or non-technical skills, include communication, critical thinking, and self-motivation. These skills complement “hard skills,” or technical skills, such as skills needed for performing laboratory experiments, like pipetting and Western blotting. The lack of soft skills among recent …

Evaluating The Sustainability Of The Portraits Of Progress Event Using The Meter Method To Achieve More Sustainable Small-Scale Events, Anna Switzer

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Global warming and climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions are causing society to re-evaluate how our actions affect the environment. This can be seen in many people’s professional and personal lives (Roy & Verplanken, 2016). The event management industry is no exception to this change of mindset. The purpose of this study is to measure the environmental impact of the Portraits of Progress Event on September 9, 2022, using the Measuring Events Through Environmental Research (METER) Method and provide recommendations to improve the sustainability of the event.

“Embracing Existence: Exploring Mexican-American Identity, Agency, And Resistance”, Daisy Alcantar

Sociology Honors Projects

Abstract:

This research investigates Mexican-American identity, agency, and resistance, contextualizing them within the socio-political landscape of the United States. Drawing from existing scholarship, the study employs qualitative interviews to explore how Mexican-American college students assert their ethnic identities as resistance against societal pressures to assimilate and institutions that marginalize them. The findings reveal the pervasive influence of racialization and marginalization experienced by Mexican-Americans, shaping their sense of belonging and connection to their Mexican heritage. Drawing upon Telles and Sue's (2019) concept of the "ethnic core," participants deepen their ties to their Mexican identities through familial and social networks, cultural practices, …

Key Regulators Of Syncytiotrophoblast Cell Lineage Development In Human Placentation, Ashley Howard, Keisuke Kozai, Boryana Koseva, Michael J. Soares, Elin Grundberg, Kaela Varberg

Research at Children's Mercy Month 2024

In human placentation, cytotrophoblast cells fuse to form a continuous epithelial cell layer of syncytiotrophoblast (ST). Multinucleated ST cover the villus surface and provide critical structural and biochemical barriers for the developing fetus. ST also produce hormones and growth factors to support pregnancy and promote fetal growth. Despite these critical functions, key transcription factors (TF) and signaling pathways involved in ST differentiation are not fully understood. To identify regulators of ST differentiation, we integrated transcriptomic and genome-wide epigenomic approaches in human trophoblast stem (TS) cells. Human TS cells were maintained in a proliferative stem state or differentiated into ST following …

Clinical And Gene Expression Data Reveal Subtypes Of Pediatric T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Meghana Bhumireddy, Irina Pushel, Lisa A. Lansdon, Byunggil Yoo, Midhat S. Farooqi, Keith August

Research at Children's Mercy Month 2024

Background

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a rapidly progressive cancer characterized by excessive immature leukocytes, which transform into leukemic cells and proliferate uncontrollably into lymphoblasts, blocking the production of normal cells. T-ALL constitutes 10–15% of pediatric ALL cases. Unlike B-ALL, T-ALL lacks clinically defined molecular subtypes, hindering risk assessment and treatment determination.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to identify connections between clinical findings and gene expression in pediatric T-ALL to move towards defining more clinically meaningful subtypes of pediatric T-ALL.

Design/Method

We analyzed clinical and gene expression (bulk and single-cell RNAseq) data from eight pediatric T-ALL patients from the …