Digital Commons Network^™

Centralizing Pharmaceutical Innovation, Sapna Kumar

Articles

The United States has a mostly decentralized system for promoting new medicine development. By offering patents and regulatory exclusivities, the government incentivizes pharmaceutical companies to invent and bring to market new medicines. Although this development model offers benefits for promoting innovation, it comes at a cost: Market-based incentives lead companies to prioritize research and development (“R&D”) for medicines that offer a safe path to profitability, as opposed to those that offer the greatest social benefit. In particular, pharmaceutical companies are reluctant to invest in R&D for critically-needed antibiotics and infectious disease vaccines—both of which are difficult to develop and provide …

The Influence Of The Spanish Legal System And Socialist Legal Systems On Cuban Civil Law, María Elena Cobas Cobiella

FIU Law Review

The essay “The influence of the Spanish legal system and socialist legal systems on Cuban civil law” fulfills an old desire to analyze how the current Cuban civil law has been shaped. The work addresses the influence of the law of the former socialist countries and Spanish law in the configuration of current Cuban civil law.

Granting Rights To Rivers In The Shadow Of Extractivism, Helena Alviar Garcia

FIU Law Review

In Colombia, the Atrato River, situated in the region of Chocó, was granted rights in a 2016 ruling. More than ten other rivers have been granted rights in the following years. This judicial intervention has been influenced by other jurisdictions where rights have been granted to rivers like New Zealand and India. The article situates itself within this trend by providing a more granular, local context. In particular, the goal is to foreground the structural characteristics—specifically the historical, economic, and social centrality of extractivism—within which granting rights to nature takes place. The final objective will be to explore the possibilities …

Media Art Community Festival Based On Local Culture In Indonesia : An Ethno-Pedagogy Perspective, Jeong Ok Jeon, Juju Masunah, Tri Karyono

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This study reviews the Indonesian government-led Festival Komunitas Seni Media (FKSM) or Media Art Community Festival in English from an ethno-pedagogical perspective to uncover its strategies for enhancing local cultural values. Using descriptive and historical approaches, data were collected through literature studies, participatory observation, document studies, and personal reflection, and analyzed thematically. The findings are: First, FKSM provides artists with opportunities to learn about the local host city’s culture as their creative inspiration (value of locality). Second, FKSM facilitates knowledge sharing between curators and local management for future festivals (value of continuity). Third, FKSM promotes inclusiveness by selecting host cities …

The Complex Protein Analysis Of Purified Extracellular Vesicles In The Study Of Colorectal Cancer, Renee Boone, Cecilia Osthoff

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Proteomics, the study of complex protein mixtures in which liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is used to analyze peptide sequences, is commonly utilized to study the double membrane, cell-derived vesicles known as exosomes. Exosomes are double membrane, cell-derived vesicles that contain cell components such as DNA, lipids, and proteins. They function to transport proteins and cellular materials between cells and are involved in the progression and metastasis of cancer. The impact of these extracellular vesicles on cancer spread can be analyzed using proteomics, through the purification of the proteins isolated from the vesicles. The purpose of our research is to analyze …

Examining The Synergy Of Curcumin And Cisplatin In Osteosarcoma Cells, Ellis Stafford

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that is especially difficult to treat due to its ability to rapidly metastasize, with an average survival rate of 70% if caught before metastasis but 30% after metastasis. The current standard of treatment, if caught before metastasis, is surgery. However, after metastasis, cisplatin is the chemotherapy of choice, which is often ineffective. This study aims to improve treatment strategies by combining a chemotherapy, cisplatin, with curcumin. The supplement used for this study is curcumin, which is a biologically active ingredient in turmeric. Curcumin has shown promising effects in cancer treatment through its ability …

Effects Of Pugnac Treatment On Lysosomal And Mitochondrial Function In N27a Neurons, Mariam M. Salib, Emily A. Tadros

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Sanfilippo Syndrome (MPS III) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder. This disease is prevalent in children at a young age. The gene that affects Sanfilippo is the HGSNAT gene which normally breaks down and recycles heparan sulfate, a large sugar molecule. Heparan sulfate accumulates and causes damage to the cells of the body, particularly in the brain and spinal cord by blocking normal lysosomal function. The buildup of heparan sulfate in brain and spinal cord cells leads to progressive neurological symptoms, including cognitive decline, movement disorders, and behavioral issues.

Previous work done in our lab showed that when we …

How Do Different Amounts Of Limestone Affect Plant Growth Of Radishes On A Green Roof?, Lauren A. Merrill, Chloe E. Sebaugh, Tytionne C. Bellamy, Madison L. Keller

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Limestone has been known to stimulate vegetative growth by neutralizing acidic soils and raising pH. In hopes of preserving plants that hold nutritional, cultural, and medicinal significance, such as radishes, green roofs are also becoming increasingly important resources. To maximize plant growth and space efficiency, this study examined the effects of varying amounts of limestone on radishes grown in a green roof environment. Radish seeds were planted in a variety of limestone conditions including 0 grams, 90.718 grams, 181.437 grams, and 272.156 grams of limestone. After two months, radishes were harvested and weighed to check for growth. The results suggest …

Analyzing The Belowground Biomass Of The Camp Wilkes Living Shoreline​, Ally Matheny, Wei Wu Dr., Makenzie Holifield

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

By utilizing natural materials, living shorelines contribute to coastal resilience. While traditional concrete seawalls stabilize the land and reduce erosion, living shorelines do so too while also providing a variety of species with a place to live, maintaining or enhancing habitats, and improving the quality and flow of water. Living shorelines are made up of naturally occurring materials like plants, sand, shells and rocks. The Camp Wilkes’ Living Shoreline project entails building 150 linear feet of breakwater along Camp Wilkes’ south facing shoreline in the Back Bay of Biloxi, northwest in the city of Biloxi, Mississippi.

Advancing Genomics To Improve Health Equity, Ebony B. Madden, Lucia Hindorff, Vence Bonham, Tabia Akintobi, Esteban Gonzalez Burchard, Kellen E. Baker, Rene L. Begay, John D. Carpten, Nancy J. Cox, Valentina Di Francesco, Denise Dillard, Faith Fletcher, S. Malia Fullerton, Nanibaa' Garrison, Catherine Hammack-Aviran, Vanessa Hiratsuka, James E.K. Hildreth, Carol Horowitz, Chanita A. Hughes-Halbert, Michael Inouye, Amber Jackson, Latrice Landry, Rick Kittles, Jeff T. Leek, Nita A. Limdi, Nicole Lockhart, Elizabeth Ofili, Eliseo Perez-Stable, Maya Sabatello, Lorjetta Schools, Jennifer Troyer, Ben Wilfond, Genevieve Wojcik, Judy Cho, Sandra Soo-Jin Lee, Eric Green

Law Faculty Scholarship

This perspective article examines the relationship between human genomics research and health equity, highlighting persistent disparities in the design, participation, and implementation of genomic science. Although genomics has substantial potential to improve disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, the benefits of genomic advances have not been equitably distributed across populations. Historically, genomic research has disproportionately relied on datasets derived from individuals of European ancestry, resulting in limited generalizability of findings and the risk of exacerbating existing health disparities. Drawing on insights from a National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) workshop and a targeted literature review, the authors identify key challenges and …

A Woman's Right To Change Her Mind: The Abortion Pill Reversal Debate, Kelsey Perault

Belmont Law Review

This Note examines the legal, medical, and ethical controversy surrounding abortion pill reversal (APR), a protocol involving the administration of progesterone after ingestion of mifepristone in an attempt to counteract a medication abortion. After outlining the scientific and regulatory history of mifepristone, misoprostol, and progesterone, the Note surveys emerging state legislation that either mandates disclosure of APR as part of informed consent or prohibits the practice altogether. It analyzes the debate within the frameworks of off-label prescribing, medical malpractice, informed consent doctrine, and right-to-try laws. The Note argues that if abortion is legally protected as an exercise of reproductive autonomy, …

Synthesis Of Cu-Cy Nanoparticles For Treating Pfas In Water, Ligang Wang

Physics Theses - Archive

This work aims to address the cumulative harm caused by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water to human health and the ecological environment around the world. Reducing or removing PFAS pollution is an urgent need. Cu-Cy nanoparticles are photosensitizers, which were developed for photodynamic therapy of cancer in the first place. In this work, we use Cu-Cy for the catalytic degradation of PFAS. Synthesis of Cu-Cy nanoparticles in deionized water at 90 degrees Celsius is a low-cost and efficient method. We demonstrated the detailed process of synthesizing Cu-Cy nanoparticles. Under ultraviolet illumination, the synthesized Cu-Cy nanoparticles turned yellow as …

Next-Generation Alpha Irradiation Platform: Design, Development, And Applications In Radiobiological Research, Harsh Arya

Physics Dissertations - Archive

This dissertation unveils the innovative design, development, and application of a next-generation alpha irradiation platform, specifically crafted for pre-clinical and university-level radiobiological research. Driven by the quest to overcome the inherent limitations of existing alpha particle irradiators, this study explores the profound therapeutic potential of alpha particles in cancer treatment. Known for their exceptional high linear energy transfer (LET), alpha particles exhibit a unique prowess in inducing clustered DNA damage, sparking intriguing possibilities for highly targeted cancer therapies. Yet, their application has been historically constrained by their limited range of biological tissues and the absence of precise delivery systems.

Our …

The Death Of Slim Shady: Eminem’S Lyrical Life Course Trajectory, Anthony Raul Rosales, Anthony R. Rosales

Criminology & Criminal Justice Theses - Archive

Eminem's lyrical life course trajectory helps provide insight into hip-hop and rap music's arguably criminal social stigma. Previous studies have examined Eminem's songs, but these topics focused on singular songs and themes rather than a lyrical life course. This study fills the gap by providing a content analysis of Eminem's solo studio albums, where it identifies themes and patterns that appear in the album's lyrics. The purpose of this study was to use research questions based on theory and previous research to examine Eminem's lyrics and personas. Using Eminem's thirteen solo studio albums consisting of two-hundred-nine songs, this study focused …

A Wearable Sensing System For High-Speed Interface Of Wide Range Electrochemical Sensor Array, Shanthala Lakshminarayana

Electrical Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Electrochemical sensing systems have emerged as indispensable tools in various fields due to their remarkable sensitivity, selectivity, and versatility. They play a pivotal role in modern research, industry, environmental monitoring, and healthcare devices. In environmental monitoring, these systems are deployed for detecting pollutants, heavy metals, and toxic gases, facilitating real-time monitoring, and ensuring environmental safety. Whereas, in the biomedical field, electrochemical sensing systems play a crucial role in diagnosing diseases, monitoring biomarkers etc, thereby revolutionizing healthcare practices.

Cost-effective wearable electrochemical sensing devices are significant for democratizing healthcare and improving public health outcomes. These devices enable continuous monitoring of physiological parameters, …

When Brain Meets Artificial Intelligence, Lu Zhang

Computer Science and Engineering Dissertations - Archive

When we review the history of development of artificial intelligence (AI), we will find that brain science plays a pivotal role in fostering breakthroughs in AI, such as artificial neural networks (ANNs). Today, AI has made remarkable strides, particularly with the emergence of large language models (LLMs), surpassing expectations and achieving human-level performance in certain tasks. Nonetheless, an insurmountable gap remains between AI and human intelligence. It is urgent to establish a bridge between brain science and AI, promoting their mutual enhancement and collaborations. This involve establishing connections from brain science to AI (brain-inspired AI), and reversely, from AI to …

Performance Analysis And Improvements In Diffusion Model Which Predicts 3d Shapes From 2d Microscopy Images, Aarushi Jain

Computer Science and Engineering Theses - Archive

This study focuses on the performance analysis of a diffusion model utilized for generating realistic three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions from two-dimensional (2D) microscopy data. The research aims to assess and enhance the model's efficacy in predicting various features such as volume, surface area, curvature, and surface roughness of the reconstructed shapes. Drawing inspiration from previous work on Transformer architectures, modifications are proposed to optimize the training stability of the diffusion model. Specifically, two methods are implemented and evaluated to improve the model's performance in predicting 3D shapes from 2D microscopy images. This study focuses on the performance analysis of a diffusion …

Natural Language Generation From Large-Scale Open-Domain Knowledge Graphs, Xiao Shi

Computer Science and Engineering Dissertations - Archive

This dissertation delves into the realm of natural language generation (NLG) from expansive open-domain knowledge graphs, aiming to bridge the gap between existing methods primarily tested on limited datasets and the demands of real-world large-scale, diverse graph structures. Prior works in NLG often relied on small-scale or restricted datasets, neglecting the complexities of broader knowledge graphs. To address this, we introduce a new dataset called GraphNarrative, designed to encompass a wide range of graph structures and enhance the realism of NLG tasks.

The core contribution of this research lies in devising a novel approach to mitigating information hallucination, a common …

Development And Application Of Guided Mode Resonance Biosensor Platforms For Highly Sensitive And Real-Time Cell Killing Assays, Seyedmohsen Vaziri

Electrical Engineering Dissertations - Archive

In this work, we developed and investigated the cancer cell killing efficacy of different instances using real-time high-sensitivity measurements facilitated by Guided-Mode Resonance (GMR) sensors. The GMR biosensor technology detects shifts in the spectral peak caused by changes in the refractive index of the surrounding medium, offering a label-free method for monitoring cellular events.

A549 cell line wild type and HER2 knockout (lung cancer cells) were exposed to different concentrations of Triton X-100 and ADC (Herceptin with αHFc-CL-DMDM). The GMR-based cell killing assay demonstrated exceptional sensitivity and specificity, with shifts in wavelength exhibiting a robust correlation with cell viability and …

Step Squad Bundle In Older Adults With Multiple Myeloma Hospitalized For An Autologous Stem Cell Transplant, Nadya Panjwani

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy with demographic disparities. MM is a debilitating cancer mainly affecting older adults, with 66% over the age of 70. Additionally, 33% of older patients with MM are frail with weakness, fatigue, slow gait, weight loss, and malnutrition.

PICOTS: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing (DNP) scholarly project is to implement an evidence-based practice (EBP) change consisting of a Step Squad Bundle that will identify frailty in older patients with MM hospitalized for an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) to reduce morbidity and mortality and increase the chances of a quality of …

The Influence Of Intracellular Photosymbiosis On The Evolution And Function Of Cnidarian Immunity, Madison A. Emery

Biology Dissertations - Archive

Intracellular photosymbiosis with Symbiodiniaceae is facilitated by cnidarian immunity as it is required for symbiont recognition and is subsequently suppressed to maintain stable intracellular symbiosis. To date, it is unclear how the cnidarian-Symbiodiniaceae symbiosis influences immune gene repertoires, immune gene expression, and disease pathology across its independent evolutions. To address these knowledge gaps, my dissertation approaches studying the cnidarian-Symbiodiniaceae symbiosis through a comparative lens to determine how it shapes immune gene evolution and immune responses in divergent symbiotic cnidarian species. In chapter two I survey eight non-symbiotic and seven symbiotic cnidarians proteomes for four families of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) …

The Morphological Evolution Of The Inner Ear In Lacertoidea (Squamata), Cristian Hernandez

Biology Dissertations - Archive

The popularization of high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT) has produced a revolution in the field of comparative anatomy. This technology allows us to reach a level of morphological detail in our observations that has never been possible previously. Now we can perform digital dissections isolating structures of interest such as individual bones, soft tissue organs, and even generate 3D models of body cavities (endocasts) such as the braincase and inner ear. Encompassed with the progress of the HRCT, 3D geometric morphometrics have emerged as a common tool to address morphological questions in a statistical context that outperforms the traditional 2D geometric morphometrics. …

Outpatient Fall Prevention In Ambulatory Adults 65 Years Old And Over, Dorothy L. Osborne-White

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: In the United States (U.S.), falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and over, resulting in 36 million falls yearly (Moreland et al., 2020). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023), one in four older adults experiences a fall each year. Falls are the world's second most prominent cause of accidental deaths (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults (Moreland et al., 2020).

Methods: A quality improvement project that included a fall bundle was implemented in a primary clinic. A …

New Methods In Electrical Source Imaging Based On Eeg And Post-Mortem Pathology Data, Julio Cesar Enciso Alva

Mathematics Dissertations - Archive

A central task for Neuroscience is to determine the location of electrical activity of neural origin inside the brain. Electrical signals can be recorded at a high resolution in time but low resolution in space, thus making it difficult to locate their source unambiguously. Electrical Source Imaging (ESI) is a particular framework for neural electrical source location; it is possible by modeling any additional information we may have about the electrical sources. For instance, minimal-norm estimators assume that the most plausible estimation is that with a lower norm. However, these estimators possess a low resolution in space.

In this work, …

Development Of Vacuum-Assisted Headspace High-Capacity Solid-Phase Microextraction For The Determination Of Semi-Volatile Compounds From Samples At Lower Temperatures, Shannon L. Thomas, Kevin A. Schug, Colton Myers, Jason S. Herrington, Reagan L. Miller, Anush Pabley, Frank W. Foss

Chemistry & Biochemistry Dissertations - Archive

Vacuum-assisted headspace solid-phase microextraction (Vac-HS-SPME) is a method used to increase solid-phase microextraction sampling of semi-volatile organic compounds. Three studies were conducted using Vac-HS-SPME via gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods for analysis of various sample types. First, a study was performed using Vac- HS-SPME combined with a high-capacity (HC) SPME Arrow to determine the operational fundamentals and workflow necessary to achieve optimal extraction of semi-volatile compounds from a model solid matrix (Ottawa sand). The fundamentals investigated included the seals necessary to create a leak-free sampling vial under vacuum conditions; the magnitude of the vacuum exerted, and the time …

Gender Associations Of American Band Instruments: Exploring And Comparing The Perceptions Of Three Age Groups, Kevin R. Merkel

Music Theses - Archive

This collection of three related studies explored the current gender-related perceptions of American band instruments. The first study investigated adults’ perceptions, as they were asked to rank instrument preferences for their hypothetical son and daughter. The second study examined the perceptions of seventh- and eighth-grade band students by allowing them to rate band instruments based on their gender perceptions. The third study investigated the perceptions and experiences of university band students related to gender norms and instruments utilizing a survey and interview process. The results provided evidence that instrument gender perceptions and stereotypes can change, and they suggest that intentional …

“Criticize The Way You Fly”: Negotiations Of Femininity And Motherhood Among Young Disabled Women, Alicia Leon Luna

Sociology & Anthropology Theses - Archive

Disabled women are often excluded from the reproductive rights movement based on the wrongful assumption that women’s disability makes them unfit for motherhood. The social proscription of parenting by disabled women creates reproduction rights issues as it blocks pathways to parenthood while simultaneously ignoring the ever present influence mothering ideology (i.e., the motherhood mandate) has on the gender identity of these women. Research on disabled motherhood is sparse; thus, this study seeks to add to it by examining the intersection of disability, femininity, and motherhood through the lens of young childless disabled women. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 disabled …

Quantifying Non-Primary Dna Formations Through Mechanical And Geometric Models, Sonia E. Teodorescu

Undergraduate Journal of Mathematical Modeling: One + Two

In this article, mechanical and geometric models for DNA strains (regarded as a helical structure in 3 dimensions, embedded into surfaces of various shapes (straight or curved cylinders, spheres, or projected into planes), are analyzed in order to obtain parameter estimates for DNA characteristics which can be used to detect the formation of secondary and tertiary formations in the presence of disorder. The models allow for the explicit representation of the DNA shape on constrained geometries and can therefore be implemented directly into {\it{ab initio}} or synthetic simulation studies.

The Brussels Effect And The Extraterritoriality Of Delaware Corporate Law, William J. Moon

Faculty Scholarship

This essay explores possible shareholder claims in the United States that may arise  if and when member states of the European Union implement the proposed Directive  on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence. As a doctrinal matter, legal compliance  obligations for corporations incorporated in Delaware extend beyond the borders of  the United States. Under Delaware law, shareholders can bring viable fiduciary suits  against directors and officers when corporations violate applicable “positive law.”  This jurisprudence, principally aimed at ascertaining whether directors and officers  betrayed shareholders by engaging in or facilitating lawbreaking, is not limited to  complying with American law. As Delaware corporations expand …

Bulletin: General Catalog Issue 2024-2025, Portland State University

Bulletin & Curriculum Change Documents

No abstract provided.