Digital Commons Network^™

Integration Of Fluorescence Imaging And Advanced Analytical Techniques For Reliable Contamination Detection, Mahsa Aliee

Theses and Dissertations

Effective surface contamination detection in food processing and healthcare environments is hindered by the limitations of visual inspection and ATP bioluminescence testing, both of which struggle to identify thin, transparent, or spatially irregular organic residues. These constraints contribute to inconsistent hygiene verification and create a need for objective, scalable, and real-time detection methods capable of operating under variable environmental conditions.

This dissertation develops an integrated framework that combines UV-induced fluorescence imaging with advanced analytical techniques to improve contamination detection reliability. A UV/UVC fluorescence imaging system was engineered with synchronized pulsed excitation (275 nm, 365 nm, 405 nm), adaptive exposure control, …

Seasonal Performance Of Mrms Qpe In Urban Hydrologic Modeling Using Epa-Swmm, Randall Kirk Bagwell

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate rainfall estimation is essential for effective hydrologic modeling, particularly in urban environments where infrastructure must withstand extreme precipitation. This study evaluates the EPA Storm Water Management Model (EPA-SWMM) using MRMS RadarOnly Quantitative Precipitation Estimation (QPE) 1-hour Accumulation as the primary rainfall input for a watershed in Little Rock, Arkansas. The region was selected due to its urban character and the limited availability of radar-based hydrologic studies in Arkansas. 21 storms were analyzed from 2022-2025: 10 in Winter, 7 in Spring, and 4 in Summer. Storms were selected due to their effect on flow. The model was calibrated using February …

Spaceflight Safety Regulations: The Case For Implementing Safety Management Systems In The Developing U.S. Commercial Human Spaceflight Industry, Carly Davidson

Theses and Dissertations

Accidents have historically accompanied the development of new transportation systems, often due to technical failures; but human factors – such as organizational culture and management decisions – are increasingly recognized as significant contributors. A strong safety culture, prioritizing safety at all organizational levels, effective management procedures, and open reporting of violations, is believed to improve outcomes by proactively reducing risk in highly technical organizations. These elements form the basis of Safety Management Systems (SMS), which include safety policy, risk management, assurance, and promotion. As commercial spaceflight expands public access to space, US regulators must develop flexible safety regulations that protect …

Dynamic Wellbore-Integrity Framework For Post-Blowout Capping Of Offshore Wells, Abdelhakim Khouissat

Theses and Dissertations

In the aftermath of a blowout, a well undergoes a period of unrestricted fluid discharge (de facto primary recovery) followed by pressure buildup after its shut-in, which can adversely impact wellbore integrity. The quintessential example is Union Oil’s 1969 “A-21” well blowout in California’s Santa Barbara Channel, where seafloor-broaching incidents (oil “boilups”) kept taking place from the sides of the well following several failed well-capping attempts, until reservoir depletion eventually allowed a successful shut-in.Analytical and numerical reservoir depletion models are coupled with near-wellbore geomechanics to quantify yardsticks related to the post-blowout discharge utilized to indicate dangers for underground blowouts, in …

Toward An Anthropological Ecocriticism, Grant Mcmillan

Theses and Dissertations

Environmental storytelling has increasingly reckoned with concepts and assumptions about (N/a)ture inherited from the Western intellectual tradition. The late 2010s and early 2020s in particular have seen an explosion of fiction that interrogates the limits of these past ideas. Relatedly, ecocriticism of this period has entered a self-reflexive mode that has sought to deal with its own limitations while offering insights that may prove generative for a more general audience of environmentally minded readers. This project adds to ongoing ecocritical discourse by tracing a series of implicit affinities between the broad traditions of anthropology and environmental fiction through their shared …

Methane Infusion Improved Oil Recovery In The Bakken Formation, Demetrius Maxey

Theses and Dissertations

This research establishes methane infusion improved oil recovery (MI IOR) as a technically viable and economically attractive early-stage intervention for unconventional reservoirs. Integrated multi-scale investigations included quantum molecular theory, nanoscale characterization, NMR experimentation, and field scale reservoir simulation. FEG-SEM analysis of core samples enabled development of a peer-reviewed pore size classification system informing MI operational design parameters. Integrated well logging quantified petrophysical properties across the Bakken stratigraphy. NMR relaxometry identified the lab-scale pore-level sweep efficiency of MI at 3,750 psi in Bakken core samples. Mobilization of hydrocarbons from Np1, Np2, and Np3 pores yielded recovery factors of 45-60%. Field-scale reservoir …

A Space Propulsion Concept Based On Inertial Confinement: Exploring Nuclear Fusion Utilizing Polywell Geometry, Preeti Nair

Theses and Dissertations

Nuclear fusion propulsion represents a promising solution for future interplanetarymissions due to its high energy density and potential for continuous power generation. However, existing fusion propulsion systems face significant limitations, particularly in achieving stable plasma confinement. The Polywell concept, introduced by physicist Robert Bussard in 1985, offers advantages through its compact, polyhedral geometry that is wellsuited for spacecraft applications where mass and volume constraints are critical. Despite these advantages, Polywell designs have encountered stability challenges in maintaining the electric potential well over time. Plasma instabilities induced by magnetic fields disrupt containment and reduce fusion efficiency, limiting overall performance and scalability …

Experimental And Computational Insights Into Reservoir Rock Mechanics And Petrophysical Properties, Prasad Pothana

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the influence of stress, mineralogy, and microstructure on the elastic and transport properties of reservoir rocks. A multi-scale framework integrating laboratory measurements, petrophysical inversion, and discrete-element simulations is developed to quantify the stress-dependent behavior of heterogeneous sedimentary formations relevant to hydrocarbon production and CO2 sequestration.

Core-scale experiments quantify velocity–effective stress and permeability–effective stress relationships in tight siliciclastic and mixed lithologies. Results demonstrate that pore-throat collapse and microcrack closure under confining stress cause systematic reductions in permeability and acoustic velocities. The derived empirical functions provide predictive capability for estimating in-situ stress effects on reservoir performance and time-lapse seismic …

Phylogenomics Of African Labeo (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) Emphasizing Central African Species, Tobit L.D. Liyandja, Brian T. Smith, S. Elizabeth Alter, Brian L. Sidlauskas, Melanie L.J. Stiassny

Biology, Agriculture and Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Labeo constitutes the largest genus within the cyprinid tribe Labeonini with over 110 recognized species in Africa and Asia. The clade comprises a major component of the herbivore/detritivore guild with considerable socio-economic importance to artisanal and commercial fisheries. A pan-African distribution and wide variety of habitat occupancy make the group a model to investigate diversification patterns, eco-phenotypic variation, and biogeographical events underpinning their radiation at a continental scale. However, previous attempts to elucidate Labeo systematics using either molecular or morphological data have failed to produce congruent and robust results, and much taxonomic and nomenclatural confusion remains. Here we present the …

Short-Lived Relief: The Racial Geography Of Rebounding Eviction Rates In Postmoratorium St. Louis, Anne Brown, Samuel H. Kye, Yi Wang

2020-Current year OA Pubs

No abstract provided.

Judge Platt Potter: Politics And Principle In Interbranch Conflict, Aaron-Andrew P. Bruhl

Faculty Publications

During the previous Congress, some commentators called on the Senate Judiciary Committee, then controlled by Democrats and chaired by Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, to demand the testimony of Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito over allegations of ethical breaches, securing their presence by subpoena if necessary. The Committee did not subpoena the Justices, with Durbin citing the likely lack of sufficient votes and worrying that the Senate would not be able to enforce the subpoenas anyway. During the same Congress, Durbin asked Chief Justice Roberts to testify about judicial ethics, an invitation that Roberts declined.

These incidents …

Taḥlīlu Al-Iḥtiyājāti At-Tawāṣuliyyati Limuwaẓẓafī Al-Ḥajji KaʾAsāsin LiʾIʿDādi Fīdiyū TaʿLīmiyyin Fī Al-Lughah Al-ʿArabiyyah As-Siyāqiyyah, Rizky Umi Nasihatus Sholihah, Agus Yasin, Desal Ramdhani Putri, Syakira Esa Rahimi Sari, Fahrina Rahmasari, Alif Cahya Setiyadi

Al-Arabi: Journal of Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language

Most Indonesian Hajj officers lack adequate Arabic language skills, hindering optimal service to pilgrims. This study aims to analyze their communicative needs as a basis for designing contextual Arabic learning videos. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed using need analysis. Informants were selected purposively from experienced Hajj officers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis, then analyzed thematically. The findings identified seven key communicative situations: (1) immigration process at the airport, (2) using transportation, (3) handling emergency conditions, (4) understanding instructions from local authorities, (5) using public facilities, (6) hotel communication, and (7) basic transactions. The proposed video …

Association Of Area Deprivation Index With Perinatal And Covid-19 Outcomes During The Early Pandemic: A Secondary Analysis Of A Prospective Cohort Study, Abigail Bell, Megan Foeller, Candice Woolfolk, Emily Diveley, Fan Zhang, Amy Scheffer, Ruizhi Huang, Daniel Jackson, Nandini Raghuraman, Ebony Carter, Indira U Mysorekar, Jeannie C Kelly

Center on Aging Staff Publications

Objective: We sought to evaluate the relationship between neighborhood-level deprivation and perinatal outcomes, particularly preterm birth, as well as COVID-19 outcomes among pregnant patients during the early pandemic.

Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of a prospective longitudinal cohort study that investigated the impact of prenatal COVID-19 exposure on perinatal outcomes. Pregnant patients were recruited 12/23/20-7/18/22 and serially assessed for COVID-19 exposure during pregnancy, with serum antibody testing, electronic medical record review, and patient report. For this secondary analysis, address at the time of delivery was used to categorize patients into low ADI (≤50th percentile Area Deprivation Index, indicating low …

Formative Assessment Of All Through Independent Curriculum-Based On Lks At Mts Miftahussa’Adah Mijen Semarang, Siti Rodliyah, Inayah Inayah, Pakuamudin Muhammad, Waesama-Ae Waemamu

Al-Arabi: Journal of Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language

This study examines the implementation of formative assessment in Arabic language learning and the role of Student Worksheets (LKS) as an evaluation tool that supports active learning at MTs Miftahussa'adah, Semarang City. The approach used is an explanatory qualitative. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews, questionnaires, and documentation with data analysis of the Miles and Huberman model. The results showed that formative assessment was implemented through collaborative activities, language skills practice (maharah), and immediate feedback. The worksheet is used as the main means of assessment. However, problems were still found in the aspects of language comprehensibility and appearance. Although 100% …

Strategy Management For Competitiveness In Arabic Language Learning Programs Via Instagram @Marhaban.Academy, Sabilla Setia Wida, Muassomah Muassomah, Nuril Mufidah

Al-Arabi: Journal of Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language

Management in the world of education is very important to support the quality of learning programs. Strategic management is the main key in increasing the competitiveness of educational institutions. By understanding the business environment, developing competitive advantages, innovation, and monitoring, institutions can maintain and increase their competitiveness. This research aims to analyze the strategic management implemented by @marhaban.academy in increasing the competitiveness of Arabic language learning programs via the Instagram platform. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, observation and documentation. The data analysis technique used goes through three stages, namely data …

Tahlil Maddah Kitab Al-'Arabiyyah Baina Yadaik Al-Mustawa Al-Awwal Min Manzhur Ats-Tsaqafah Al-Ijtima'iyyah, Azizah Cahyani, Azizah Noor Arildi, Fitratul Illmi, Muhammad Yusuf Salam

Al-Arabi: Journal of Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language

This study aims to analyze the principles of material development in Al-‘Arabiyyah Baina Yadaik Level One from a social-cultural perspective, considering the limited number of studies that focus on the integration of social and cultural values in Arabic language teaching materials for non-native speakers. The study examines how social and cultural concepts are embedded in the textbook content and the extent to which they address learners’ social contexts. A descriptive-analytical method was employed by analyzing the textbook content and classifying instructional elements that reflect social culture, including texts, dialogues, and learning activities. The results indicate that the textbook applies important …

Tathbīqu Ṭarīqati At-Ta‘Allumi Al-Mumti‘ Bi-Istikhdāmi Wasīlati Biṭāqāti Ad-Domīnū Fī Māddati Al-Lughah Al-‘Arabiyyah Li-Zīyādati Dāfi‘Iyyati Wa Fahmi Aṭ-Ṭullāb, Nur Imana Khofiyani Sasmi, Ainur Rofiq, Mohammad Baihaqi

Al-Arabi: Journal of Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language

This research aims to determine how effectively the joyful learning strategy, incorporating domino cards as a learning tool, enhances students’ motivation and understanding in Arabic language instruction. The study utilized a quantitative method with a quasi-experimental approach, specifically adopting a one-group pretest-posttest design, and involved 31 eighth-grade students from MTsN 2 in Surabaya. Data were obtained through both pretest and posttest evaluations, as well as through observation during the learning process. The statistical results demonstrated a marked improvement in student achievement, with the average score increasing from 29.42 in the pretest to 74.74 in the posttest. The Paired Sample T-Test …

Fa’Aliyat At-Tariqah Al-Istiqra’Iyah Biwasilah Nearpod Litarqiyah Itqon Al-Qowa’Id An-Nahwiyah Li Thullab As-Shof Al-‘Ashir Fi Al-Madrasah At-Tsanawiyah Al-Islamiyah Al-Hukumiyah Al-Ula Trenggalek, Alfika Syafa Annida, Muhammad Fathoni

Al-Arabi: Journal of Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language

القواعد النحوية مهمة لتجنب الأخطاء اللغوية كتابةً وشفاهةً . ولكن كان اتقانُ القواعد النحوية لدى الطلاب منخفضًا . من أسباب ذلك هي استخدام الطريقة التقليدية التي تركز على المعلم، وعدم استخدام الوسائل التعليمية مما يؤدي إلى شعور الطلاب بالملل . ولذلك ، استخدمت الباحثة الطريقة الاستقرائية مع وسيلة نيربود لأنها تركز على نشاط الطالب وتحسن نتائجه. والهدف هذ البحث لمعرفة فروق إتقان القواعد النحوية لدى الطلاب في الصف التجريبي بعد استخدام الطريقة الاستقرائية بوسيلة نيربود، ولمعرفة قيمة فعالية استخدام الطريقة الاستقرائية بوسيلة نيربود النحوية لدى الطلاب في الصف التجريبي والصف الضابط. استخدمت هذ البحث المدخل الكمي و تصميم شبه التجرب …

Rhetorical Move Analysis Of Research Methods In Arabic Scientific Articles: A Comparison Of Arabic And Indonesian Writers, Novica Aulia, Syihabuddin Syihabuddin, Rinaldi Supriadi, Mohamad Azwan Bin Kamarudin

Al-Arabi: Journal of Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language

This study analyzes the rhetorical structure of the method section in Arabic scientific articles written by Arabic and Indonesian speakers in the field of linguistics and education. Using the framework of Zhang and Wannaruk (2016), this study analyzed 80 articles to identify Move and Step patterns, as well as patterns of using tenses and diathesis (voice). The results showed that Move 2 (Explaining Data Collection Procedures) was the most dominant (56.9%), indicating that researchers focused more on data collection than on design aspects (Move 1: 19.5%) and data analysis (Move 3: 23.5%). Indonesian speakers put more emphasis on the procedural …

The Use Of Arabic, English, And Indonesian In Qira'ah Syamilah Learning At The Department Of Arabic Literature, State University Of Malang, Anastasya Revalina Dewi, Nurul Murtadho, Abdul Adzim, Zawawi Ismail

Al-Arabi: Journal of Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language

This research aims to determine the planning and implementation of Qira'ah Syamilah learning in the Department of Arabic Literature, as well as to find out student responses during Qira'ah Syamilah learning in the Department of Arabic Literature. The method used in the research is qualitative using descriptive analysis studies. In addition, data analysis through data reduction, data presentation, and inference-making. Respondents in this research were teachers and students of Arabic Language Education in semester III. The research results show that teachers have utilized the use of Arabic, English and Indonesian in learning Qira'ah Syamilah. It can be concluded that the …

Breaking The Silence With Routine Genitourinary Syndrome Of Menopause Screening: A Quality Improvement Project, Ashley R. Noel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Affecting upwards of 87% of women in post menopause, genitourinary syndrome of menopause is greatly under-diagnosed, and consequently, under-treated. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause refers to health conditions impacted by hypoestrogenic state experienced in menopause. Common symptoms of GSM include vaginal dryness, irritation, clitoral or labial atrophy, dyspareunia, decreased libido, anorgasmia, dysuria, recurrent UTI, urinary incontinence (Kaufman et al., 2025). Despite the burdensome consequences of GSM, women are unlikely to vocalize their symptoms and seek treatment. Additionally, societal beliefs of shame surrounding sexual health impede patients and clinicians from addressing GSM specifically (Mili et al., 2021). As a result, the North …

Enhancing Td Screening With The Aims Scale: A Quality Improvement Project, Dionne Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a persistent, often irreversible movement disorder associated with long-term use of dopamine receptor–blocking agents. Early identification is critical to prevent progression and minimize functional impairment; however, routine TD screening remains inconsistent in many clinical settings despite the availability of the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), the evidence-based gold-standard tool. This quality improvement project aimed to enhance TD screening in an outpatient psychiatric setting through an educational intervention designed to improve provider knowledge of risk factors, diagnostic criteria, and screening guidelines. Data were collected retrospectively and prospectively from patient encounters, with 33 pre-intervention and 35 post-interventions. AIMS …

A Narrative Review On Artificial Intelligence In Neurosurgery: Ethical Challenges And Implementation Considerations, Tirath Patel, Hamza Yousuf Ibrahim, Fathimathul Henna, Fatima Nasir, Abbas Hussain, Rahma Naveed, Aziz Ur Rehman, Syeda Ramish Zehra Kazmi, Bhum Daishik Patel, Nikhilesh Anand

School of Medicine Publications

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing neurosurgery by enhancing diagnostic precision, surgical planning, and postoperative management. However, its integration raises ethical concerns related to bias, privacy, accountability, and the potential dehumanization of healthcare. This review focuses on navigating these challenges while maximizing AI's potential in improving patient care.

Methodology: A narrative review was conducted by identifying studies from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. The search utilized the following keywords: "artificial intelligence," "neurosurgery," "machine learning," "data privacy," "robotic surgery," "ethics," and "bias." The review primarily focused on issues of dataset bias, data privacy, and the need for transparency and …

Exploring Bone Oncology In A Medically Underserved Area: A Retrospective Cohort Of Bone Metastases And Malignant Bone Neoplasia In The Rio Grande Valley, Blake C. Martin, Juan Carlos Lopez Alvarenga, Michael Sander

School of Medicine Publications

Objectives: The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is a developing clinical research region characterized by its distinctive demographic profile that offers an opportunity to investigate diverse health issues. This pilot investigation sought to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics linked to bone metastases and primary malignant bone neoplasms (PMBNs) in patients from the RGV and to compare the frequency of these conditions with the US general population.

Methods: This was a retrospective chart review in which data were gathered from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley UTHealth electronic database from January 1, 2018 to September 4, 2024. Various statistical analyses …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy In Postoperative Rehabilitation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Meta-Analysis, Maryam Salimi, Alireza Keshtkar, Seyedarad Mosalamiaghili, Walter Lowe, Aamir Ahmad, Arash Sharafatvaziri

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can be challenging. While standard rehabilitation helps restore knee function, many patients still face a slow or incomplete recovery. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has recently gained attention as a potential way to speed up healing and improve outcomes when added to traditional rehab.

Aim: To explore whether combining ESWT with standard postoperative rehabilitation truly leads to better recovery compared with rehab alone.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, evaluating participant status following ACL reconstruction with standard rehabilitation and without …

Table Of Contents (V. 34, No. 2)

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

No abstract provided.

Casebooks, Canons, And Constitutional Memory, Jack M. Balkin, Sanford Levinson

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

Casebooks on constitutional law take a lot of time and effort to prepare. What is the point of bothering to edit one? There are several possible reasons. First, you might want to make money from sales. For the vast majority of law professors, the financial return to the hours spent organizing and editing cases is simply not worth it. Second, you might be the sort of person who just likes to do things by yourself. If you are going through the bother of preparing your own materials, then why not publish them and possibly influence others as well? Most law …

Foreword: Casebooks And The Choices That Shape Constitutional Law, Sanford Levinson, Caroline Olsen

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

This collection of essays is the product of a conversation between the two co-authors of this Introduction. It occurred toward the conclusion of a very illuminating Symposium at William & Mary Law School in March 2024 on Jack Balkin’s latest book, Memory and Authority, on the role that memory plays in our notions of law. Caroline was the incoming Editor-in-Chief of the William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal, which had sponsored the Symposium. Sandy was a participant in the Symposium. Jack is a very close friend with whom he has coauthored at least two dozen articles and …

What Is The Measure Of Success For A Constitutional Law Casebook?, Erwin Chemerinsky

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

In this Essay, I want to address four topics: how I came to write my constitutional law casebook; my goals for my Constitutional Law class and how the book facilitates achieving them; the challenges in writing a constitutional law casebook; and thoughts about the future of constitutional law casebooks.

There are many different constitutional law casebooks on the market because there are countless different ways of teaching the subject. There is no right way or best way to teach this or any other subject in the law school curriculum. I am describing my approach to teaching a subject that is …

Coping With A Court One Disagrees With, Randy E. Barnett, Josh Blackman

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

Part I of this Essay focuses on our approach to teaching the constitutional canon. This part is adapted from the Preface to our constitutional law casebook. Part II traces the evolution of our casebook from the First Edition to the Fourth Edition, and the forthcoming Fifth Edition. We demonstrate that the constitutional canon has changed, but remains remarkably stable. Part III addresses how we, and other like-minded law professors, managed to teach decisions that we fundamentally disagreed with.

This abstract has been taken from the authors' introduction.