Digital Commons Network^™

The Bacon, April 24, 2026, Beacon Staff

The Beacon, 2025-2026

Women’s rights, jazz and film; Moral Fortitudes or Root Beer Floats?; NW welcomes non-reformed student; NW's first and only battle of the moonshines; Dordt dance team scandalizes GPAC; Promoting automobiles on campus

Carmen Manrique De Quintero: A Forgotten Legacy In Colombian Piano Music, Lina Maria Luisa Marín Diaz

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

This doctoral document investigates the life and piano works of Carmen Manrique de Quintero (1871–1931), a pivotal yet overlooked figure in Colombian music history. Positioned as a stylistic bridge between the nineteenth-century estética del salón [salon aesthetics] and the professionalization of the Colombian composer, Manrique de Quintero’s output represents a sophisticated synthesis of European forms and Colombian national rhythms. Despite her membership in the influential Garay artistic lineage and her prolific body of work, her legacy has suffered from editorial blurring, fragmented documentation, and systematic intellectual appropriation. Using a multidisciplinary approach of genealogical reconstruction and artistic archaeology, this study restores …

Humanoid Lidar–Rgb-D Calibration For Environment- Agnostic 3d Auto-Alignment, Howard Hua

Electrical and Systems Engineering Undergraduate Student Research

This paper presents an environment-agnostic automatic LiDAR-RGB-D calibration method for a Unitree G1 humanoid platform. The proposed pipeline reconstructs depth-camera observations into 3D point clouds and aligns them directly with LiDAR point clouds, avoiding the need for calibration targets or manual adjustment. The method applies explicit preprocessing, coarse simulated annealing, polish simulated annealing, a symmetric nearest-neighbor alignment objective, and final point-to-plane local refinement. Experimental results show that the coarse simulated annealing stage provides most of the calibration correction, while the polish stage and local refinement further improve convergence and alignment accuracy. Overall, this framework demonstrates a practical target-free approach for …

Toward Tandem Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes: Red/Green Devices And Zno Interface Engineering, Zhixu Zhang, Yiheng Zhang, Chuan Wang

Electrical and Systems Engineering Undergraduate Student Research

In this work, we focus on the development of red and green perovskite LEDs and investigate the role of ZnO nanoparticle layers as electron transport interfaces. Understanding these materials and interfaces is an important step toward more advanced device architectures, such as stacked and tandem LEDs for improved brightness and color control.

Worldview-Bench: A Benchmark For Evaluating Global Cultural Perspectives In Large Language Models, Abdullah Mushtaq, Imran Taj, Rafay Naeem, Ibrahim Ghaznavi, Junaid Qadir

All Works

Background: Large Language Models (LLMs) are predominantly trained and aligned in ways that reinforce Westerncentric epistemologies and socio-cultural norms, leading to cultural homogenization and limiting their ability to reflect global civilizational plurality. Existing benchmarking frameworks fail to adequately capture this bias, as they rely on rigid, closed-form assessments that overlook the complexity of cultural inclusivity. Objectives: To address this cultural bias problem, we introduce WorldView-Bench, a benchmark designed to evaluate Global Cultural Inclusivity (GCI) in LLMs by analyzing their ability to accommodate diverse worldviews. Methods: Our approach is grounded in the Multiplex Worldview proposed by Senturk et al., which distinguishes …

Repurposing An Old Pc Into A Self-Hosted Cloud And Media Server, Riley Biggins

Honors Theses

Commercial cloud platforms rely heavily on subscription models, so everyday users fall into a "cloud trap" summarized by perpetual fees, forfeited privacy, and a lack of true asset ownership. At the same time, functioning consumer electronics get discarded as e-waste when they fail to meet the hardware requirements of modern operating systems. This project presents a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to both issues by repurposing a 2017 HP Pavilion laptop into a personal cloud and media server.

Despite severe hardware constraints, my software architecture rivals the utility of paid services. By replacing Windows with a headless installation of Ubuntu Server, …

Price Dispersion In Online Markets Increases During Periods Of Higher Demand As Firms Use Dynamic Pricing Strategies To Maximize Revenue Under Demand Uncertainty., Brooke Stewart

Honors Theses

This study investigates the phenomenon of price dispersion in online retail markets during high-demand periods, focusing on the role of dynamic pricing under conditions of demand uncertainty. Although online markets operate in a transparent way, and consumers find it cheap to search them, the price dispersion phenomenon, when the same product is sold at varying prices by various vendors, persists. The study discusses the case of higher dispersion of prices in high-demand times like holidays, sales events, or shortages of goods when there is uncertainty about the future demand, causing dynamic pricing models. In analyzing the price of 25 the …

Molecular Cloning And Bioinformatic Analysis Of S. Aureus Surface Antigens For Chimera Vaccine Development, Jack Wood, Ruben Ferreira Paiva, Micah David, Juliette Tinker

2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Staphylococcus aureus is a primary cause of bovine mastitis, which has significant agricultural and economic implications, affecting the health of cattle and dairy production globally. As antibiotic resistance increases, providing a preventive vaccine is essential to alleviate the economic burden and improve herd health. The goal of our research is to identify and clone immunogenic S. aureus genes that can serve as components of a future cholera toxin chimera subunit vaccine targeting S. aureus infections. The target genes, which encode potential surface antigens, were amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and directionally ligated into a high-expression vector that will create …

Is Dpph A Candidate Molecule For Quantum Computing Research At Room Temp Via Esr Spectroscopy?, Amber Mcnaughton

2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Quantum computing is a rapidly developing field in physics with the potential to solve complex problems that are beyond the capabilities of classical computers. This advantage comes from the use of qubits, which can exist in multiple states rather than the fixed binary states of classical bits. A major challenge in quantum computing research, however, is that most experiments require extremely low temperatures — often near −270°C — to maintain quantum behavior. Achieving these temperatures demands expensive, specialized equipment, making such research difficult to access for many scientists.

The organic molecule diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) offers a promising solution to this limitation. …

Climate Controls On Glacier Snow Cover Variability In Western North America, Madelyn R. Woods, Ellyn M. Enderlin, Rainey Aberle

2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Mountain glaciers are sensitive indicators of climate variability and influence freshwater availability in alpine regions. This study examined climatic controls on glacier snow cover variability across 20 glacier sites in western North America. Glacier locations were selected using the Randolph Glacier Inventory (RGI), a global database of glacier outlines derived from satellite observations. Snowline upper and lower bounds were compiled from remotely sensed observations and summarized by year to identify minimum and maximum snowline elevations.

Climate variables including air temperature, precipitation, snowfall, and positive degree days (a proxy for melt) were extracted from the ERA5-Land dataset, a global atmospheric reanalysis …

Expression And Purification Of Mayaro Virus Nsp2 Protease, Emma Grace Tourville

Honors Capstone Projects and Theses

No abstract provided.

The Lived Experiences Of The Strong Black Woman Cultural Convention On Black Women Counselors’ Emotional Intelligence, Pranati Walker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a critical competency for counselors due to the relational and emotionally demanding nature of counseling. Although existing literature explored EI among Black women broadly, limited research examined the experiences of Black women counselors (BWCs). This descriptive phenomenological study was guided by the philosophy of phenomenology and explored the lived experiences and impact of the SBW cultural convention on the EI of BWCs. The researcher explored the lived experiences of BWCs regarding the SBW cultural convention and its impact on emotional intelligence. Participant data from eight semi-structured interviews were collected. The participants identified as female gender identity, …

Expanding Nbcot® Exam Readiness Resources In An Entry-Level Otd Program, Thahiyatul Sarah

Capstone Projects

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) exam is a critical requirement for entry-level occupational therapy (OT) practice in the United States; however, many students face challenges in effectively preparing for its clinical reasoning demands. This literature review examines existing research on NBCOT® exam preparation strategies to inform the development of a comprehensive exam content guide and resources tailored for OT graduate students. Existing barriers, including gaps in curriculum alignment, limited access to effective study tools, and high levels of student stress, highlight the need for more structured and accessible preparation methods. By examining key themes such as …

Simple Guide To Using Generative Artificial Intelligence Writing Tools In Research & Scholarship At Unh, Julie Simpson, Patricia Condon, Bonnie Brown, William C. Clyde, James J. Connell, Ramonda Kindle, Jennifer Miksis-Olds, Christopher Neefus, Jennifer O’Brien, Theresa Oehmke, Shantel Palacio, Allyson Ryder, Nathan A. Schwadron, John E. Sparrow, Xueting Sun, Engin Taze, May-Win Thein, Anita R. Tucker, Karen T. Van Gundy, James Wible

Integrity in Research and Scholarship

While Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have existed for years, the recent arrival of widespread generative AI writing tools such as ChatGPT has provoked varied reactions in the scholarly community worldwide. Undoubtedly easy access to such tools may help to level the scholarly playing field for certain groups, particularly those with limited writing skills or proficiency with English as the primary language for written and oral communication of research and scholarship. There are, however, concerns about these tools, including, but not limited to, the accuracy, consistency, and bias of the information generated, appropriate acknowledgement of source material, and the tools’ lack …

Volume Cxlv, Number 19, April 24, 2026, Lawrence University

The Lawrentian

No abstract provided.

Modeling Early Human Heart Development Using An Ipsc-Based 3d Bioprinted Model Of Embryonic Heart Tube, Linqi Jin, Christian Park, Sunder Neelakantan, Shweta Karnik, Arnab Dey, Sarah Fineman, Roshni Nandwani, Carmen J Gil, Boeun Hwang, Melissa A Cadena, Vani Sridhar, Jing Wang, Yuxiao Wu, Connor J Evans, Lan Li, Sarah Rezapourdamanab, Mehdi Salar Amoli, Martin L Tomov, Ryan K Roeder, Reza Avazmohammadi, Lakshmi Prasad Dasi, Hanjoong Jo, Eric Weeks, Holly D Bauser-Heaton, Sean M Wu, Vahid Serpooshan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Human heart development depends on tightly coordinated genetic programs and biomechanical cues, yet the underlying cell-microenvironment interactions remain poorly understood because the developing heart is difficult to study in utero and accurate experimental models are lacking. Recent advances in stem cell biology and three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting now allow the construction of human tissue analogues with defined structure and function. Here we show a perfusable 3D bioprinted model of the human embryonic heart tube composed of layered myocardium, cardiac jelly, and endocardium. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells are cultured under controlled flow conditions, producing constructs with high …

Engineering Function In Lung Biology: Integrating Imaging, Regenerative Constructs, And Functional Biodesign, Rene A Girard, Jamie Tran, Yuqing Cai, Mary C Farach-Carson, Hadi T Nia, Allison M Greaney, Laura E Niklason, Killian Hurley, Elvin Blanco, Sinem Koc-Günel, Harry Karmouty-Quintana

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The lung is a uniquely demanding target for regeneration because function depends on the coordinated integration of cellular diversity, three-dimensional architecture, cyclic mechanical forces, vascular perfusion, immune surveillance, and extracellular matrix remodeling. While single-cell and spatial profiling, lineage tracing, and iPSC-derived models have transformed our understanding of lung cell states and developmental potential, these descriptive approaches have also highlighted a central bottleneck: the field still lacks broadly adopted platforms to test whether engineered tissues and regenerative interventions restore function under physiologic load. In this review, we focus on emerging technologies that enable functional biodesign in lung biology by coupling engineered …

Interview No. 1818, Julianna Esparza

Combined Interviews

Julianna Esparza reflects on growing up in Segundo Barrio and how those experiences shaped her identity, activism and nonprofit work. This interview preserves personal memories and reflections about community transformation, education, and activism.

Navigating The Generative Ai Wave: Ai Literacy Instruction In Academic Libraries Today, Lili Li, Kay G. Coates

University Libraries: Faculty Presentations

No abstract provided.

Performance-Based Budgeting Implementation Strategies For Improving Financial Performance, Waleed Ibrahim Alsyaegh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The lack of effective strategies for allocating organizational financial resources can lead to adverse business outcomes. Business managers are concerned about the ineffective allocation of financial resources, as it can impede financial performance and sustainability.Grounded in stakeholder theory, the purpose of this qualitative single-case study was to explore the performance-based budgeting strategies that business managers use to sustain financial profitability. The participants were 10 business managers who oversee subsidiaries that successfully implemented performance-based budgeting.Data were collected through semistructured interviews and the review of organization documents. Through thematic analysis, four themes were identified: (a) traditional versus contemporary budgeting; (b) importance of …

Contra Continuous And Irresolute Maps Via M-Open Sets In N-Cylindrical Neutrosophic Topological Spaces, S. Anandhi, R. Vijayalakshmi, Shantha K. Lakshmi

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This paper introduces and investigates the concept of n-cylindrical neutrosophic contra M-continuous mappings within the framework of n-cylindrical neutrosophic topological spaces. Motivated by recent advances in neutrosophic contra continuous functions, irresolute mappings, and n-cylindrical fuzzy neutrosophic topological structures, the study establishes several fundamental properties of n-cylindrical neutrosophic contra M-irresolute mappings. The proposed mappings are analyzed in relation to existing classes of neutrosophic contra continuous and contra irresolute functions, highlighting their structural properties and interrelationships. The obtained results extend and generalize earlier studies in neutrosophic topology, thereby contributing to the theoretical development of neutrosophic topological spaces. Furthermore, this work provides a …

Advancing Common Fixed Point Theorems In Bipolar Fuzzy-2 Metric Space And Applications In Nonlinear Analysis, Rajesh Kumar Saini, Mukesh Kushwaha

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This study advances common fixed point theorems (CFPT) in bipolar fuzzy-2 metric space (BF2MS) and explores their applications in nonlinear analysis. BF2MS generalizes traditional metric and fuzzy metric spaces (FMS) by incorporating dualistic relationships, allowing the representation of both attraction and repulsion effects. We extend classical fixed point theorems (FPTs) to BF2MS, establishing conditions for the existence of common fixed points (CFPs). The study's applications span nonlinear analysis, stability analysis, control theory, and multi-criteria decision-making under uncertainty. Our findings refine existing results and provide practical real-world applications, supported by numerical examples, enhancing fuzzy mathematics and nonlinear systems modeling.

Design And Implementation Of A Monte Carlo Integrated Graphical User Interface For Rocketpy, An Open Source, Python-Based High-Power Rocketry Library, Elena Maria Dishman

Honors Capstone Projects and Theses

No abstract provided.

Comparative Phytochemical And Antioxidant Analysis Of Acalypha Wilkesiana Extracts Using Different Solvents, Tj Cataloni, Victor Chibuzor Johnson, Gabrielle Depowski

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Student Publications

Medicinal plants are a rich source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. Antioxidants play a critical role in combating oxidative stress associated with chronic diseases. The extration of these compounds depends on solvent polarity, affecting yield and composition. Acalypha wilkesiana provides an excellent model for such studies. This work presents an evaluation of phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of A. wilkesiana extracts obtained using solvents of varying polarity.

Thiocoumarin As A Photocaging Scaffold: Synthesis And Light- Triggered Release, Angelina Gaffey, Gabrielle Depowski, Victor Johnson

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Student Publications

Photocaging involves inhibiting a molecule’s function with a photolabile protecting group (PPG), allowing for precise spatiotemporal control and release of the molecule in vivo. Photocages which respond to UV light upon single photon irradiation have limited use in vivo due to cytotoxicity. Thiocoumarin is a promising photocage which absorbs in the visible light region and can cage multiple essential neurotransmitters, such as GABA and glutamate. In addition, thiocoumarin can be easily tracked through live cells due to its persistent fluorescence throughout the caging process. In this project, GABA was utilized to explore the properties of thiocoumarin as a light-triggered photocage.

Non-Isocyanate Polyurethanes From Kraft Lignin, Savannah Madairy, Ayden Weil, Eric Huynh, Elliott Bischof

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Student Publications

Adhesives from isocyanate polyurethanes have strong bonding properties yet pose serious health risks in both production and daily life. Kraft Lignin, a common organic waste, contains the functional groups that can make a renewable alternative and replace isocyanate’s role in adhesives. Our production plant will be placed in Rome, Georgia attached to an existing paper mill with competitive pricing of 26.47$/kg. Our three-step process proposes a sustainable approach to producing polyurethane adhesives without incorporating isocyanates.

Sustainable Ethanol Production From Agricultural Waste, Eva Shealy, Bre Venditti, Muath Alharbi, Jacob Dymock

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Student Publications

This project presents a commercial-scale process which converts waste corn stover into fuel grade ethanol through syngas fermentation. By integrating thermochemical conversion with microbial processing, the design explores an innovative pathway for ethanol production, resulting in a lower-impact alternative to traditional processes.

Photoswitchable Metal Chelators, Rhea Sharma

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Student Publications

Develop a light-responsive chelator that switches between OFF and ON metal-binding states, enabling spatiotemporal control of metal coordination.

Spacepnp, Khurram Valiyev, Sam Warner, Jabari Sterling, Samuel Kaguima

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Student Publications

Our mission is to eliminate design-to-procurement using a unified ecosystem that users can discover, validate, and preview components with confidence.

Interoperability For Human-Ai Teaming And Decision-Making In Extreme Contexts, Amber King

Psychology Student Publications

• Emergency response agencies are consistently challenged with communication breakdowns that limit coordination, where these interoperability failures contributed to the tragic loss of lives [11, 13].
• Human-AI teaming encompasses complexities, including shared knowledge, trust, interdependence, and effective communication that are essential for improvement of performance & decision-making, while poor integration of AI can create overreliance that hinders coordination [4, 7, 9, 10, 14]. 
• The current study aims to investigate how AI reliability & explainability affect decision accuracy and perceived team interoperability, while questioning how trust in AI can impact an individual’s decision.