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Marine Ecosystem Services Disruption And Social Violence, Rafael Hurtado-Valdivieso

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Over the past century, human activities have profoundly altered ocean and coastal ecosystems, significantly impacting communities whose livelihoods depend on these environments. This dissertation explores how disruptions in marine ecosystem services contribute to the emergence of social violence in coastal communities, with a specific focus on the Colombian Caribbean. While prior research suggests a potential link between environmental degradation and conflict, empirical evidence remains limited and inconclusive. This study addresses that gap through a multi-method, interdisciplinary approach that integrates environmental science, political science, and computational modeling to examine the mechanisms linking ecosystem disruption to social violence.

The research follows a …

Interactions Of Anti-Viral Ceria Nanoparticles With An Enveloped Rna Virus, Muhammad Hassan Mehmood Kalyar

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

There is growing interest in developing durable and broad-spectrum antiviral nanomaterials for surface disinfection. Silver-modified ceria nanoparticles (AgCNPs) are regenerative materials capable of inactivating a wide range of viruses through generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We hypothesized that for enveloped RNA viruses, the lipid bilayer and viral spike glycoproteins are determinants of sensitivity to inactivation of infectivity by AgCNPs. This hypothesis was tested using Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV), a model enveloped negative-sense single strand RNA virus containing a single spike glycoprotein G. Five rounds of serial passage of VSV in the presence of suboptimal AgCNP concentrations led to the …

Exploring The Role Of Fatty Acid Signaling In Macrophages, Ayomide Ogunsanmi

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Dietary fatty acids play critical roles in both the gustatory and immune systems. In taste, they serve as the sapid molecules that underlie the ability to taste fat, whereas in the immune system, they serve as messengers that help facilitate the fuel-based reprogramming of macrophages (MΦ) that underlie optimal immune function. It has become clear in recent years that there is a functional interaction between the taste and immune system, and fatty acid signaling pathways serve as one focus of this overlap. Similar to taste receptor cells (TRCs), MΦ express G protein-coupled fatty acid receptors GPR120 and GPR84, and our …

Cnn's Portrayal Of The Build Back Better Act, Alexander J. Toj-Moody

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of CNNs representation of the Build Back Better Act and its failure to pass senate reconciliation during the fall of 2021. The Build Back Better Act was a piece of legislation that intended to fix America’s social infrastructure, such as investing in education, the environment, expanded healthcare, etc. The bill ultimately failed and its replacement, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, cut numerous benefits that were proposed within the Build Back Better Act. Examination of broadcast transcripts during this period of time find an operationally liberal framing, though the focus …

Sox2 Regulates Foregut Squamous Epithelial Homeostasis And Is Lost During Barrett’S Esophagus Development, Ramon U Jin, Yuanwei Xu, T Mamie Lih, Yang-Zhe Huang, Toni M Nittolo, Blake E Sells, Olivia M Dres, Jean S Wang, Qing K Li, Hui Zhang, Jason C Mills

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is increasingly prevalent and is thought to arise from Barrett's esophagus (BE), a metaplastic condition in which chronic acid and bile reflux transforms the esophageal squamous epithelium into a gastric-intestinal glandular mucosa. The molecular determinants driving this metaplasia are poorly understood. We developed a human BE organoid biobank that recapitulates BE's molecular heterogeneity. Bulk and single-cell transcriptomics, supported by patient tissue analysis, revealed that BE differentiation reflects a balance between SOX2 (foregut/esophageal) and CDX2 (hindgut/intestinal) transcription factors. Using squamous-specific inducible Sox2-KO (Krt5CreER/+ Sox2Δ/Δ ROSA26tdTomato/+) mice, we observed increased basal proliferation, reduced squamous differentiation, and expanded metaplastic glands at …

Nitrogen Fertilizer Equivalence Of Red Clover When Inter-Seeded Into Corn, Hannah R. Francis, Ting Fung Ma, Rodrigo Werle, Chelsea H. Zegler, Daniel H. Smith, Douglas J. Soldat, Erika Marin-Spiotta, Matthew D. Ruark

Faculty Publications

Inter-seeding red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) provides an alternative method toincorporate cover crops into continuous corn (Zea mays L.) in the Upper US Midwest. Red clover is a leguminous cover crop that can grow in low-radiation environments and is winter hardy. Systems with red clover have demonstrated improved corn yield and a fertilizer N equivalence but understanding these effects with inter-seeding war-rants further investigation. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of inter-seeding red clover on (i) plant-available N during and after red clover decomposition, (ii) optimum N rates for corn, and (iii) corn yields. The …

Nitrogen Fertilizer Equivalence Of Red Clover When Inter-Seeded Into Corn, Hannah R. Francis, Ting Fung Ma, Rodrigo Werle, Chelsea H. Zegler, Daniel H. Smith, Douglas J. Soldat, Erika Marin-Spiotta, Matthew D. Ruark

Faculty Publications

Inter-seeding red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) provides an alternative method to incorporate cover crops into continuous corn (Zea mays L.) in the Upper US Midwest. Red clover is a leguminous cover crop that can grow in low-radiation environments and is winter hardy. Systems with red clover have demonstrated improved corn yield and a fertilizer N equivalence but understanding these effects with inter-seeding warrants further investigation. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of inter-seeding red clover on (i) plant-available N during and after red clover decomposition, (ii) optimum N rates for corn, and (iii) corn …

Msw Portfolio, Karri Cossabone

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio provides a reflective account of the knowledge and skills I developed throughout my graduate social work education. Drawing from academic coursework, practicum placements, and professional experiences, I explore my growth in core areas such as ethical practice, cultural humility, clinical assessment and engagement, advocacy, and evidence-based interventions. I also cover my skills utilizing theory in practice, trauma-informed care, social justice frameworks, and the importance of self-awareness in effective client relationships. This paper also discusses challenges and learning opportunities and how they shaped my professional identity and prepared me to grow into a competent, compassionate, and culturally responsive practitioner.

Master Of Social Work Portfolio, Julia Volner

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Msw Professional Portfolio-Glue Players, Chelsea Lucille Solberg

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Estimation Of Paraoxonase-1 And Dipeptidyl Peptidase In Iraqi Prostatic Cancer With Hormones And Chemotherapy Drugs: A Cross-Sectional Study, Ammar H.Al-Qazzaz, Anwar F. Al-Taie

Baghdad Science Journal

Prostate cancer is a frequent masculine disease, especially when becoming older. Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is an enzyme present in the human body that plays an important function in preventing oxidative stress and inflammation. It is mostly linked to high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) is an enzyme regulating blood sugar levels. It is found on many cells surfaces: immune cells, epithelial cells, and pancreatic cells. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the biochemical role of PON-1 effect and DPP-4 enzymes with the anti-cancer ability of vitamin D. Research samples were collected from Iraqi prostate cancer patients (male aged …

Harmful Effects Of The Interaction Between Microplastic Container, Aluminuim Foil And Hot Water On Some Physiological Parameters Using Pigeon Model, Faten S Mounce, Nadheerah F Neamah, Manal N Alhayder

Baghdad Science Journal

Due to common used of disposable food containers cuurrently.This study evaluated the toxicity resulted from the interaction between the boiling tap water, microplastic container , aluminuim foil with or without microwave radiation on some physiological and histological parameters in Pigeons. Forty pigeons were classified into four groups. The birds in group 1 drink tap water without boiling placed in the usual drinking bowl. The birds in group 2 received tap water in thermoplastics containers previously boiled in microwave oven for 5 minutes, whereas in group3, the birds drink boiled tap water that put in thermoplastics containers for 5 min and …

Synthesis, Biological Activity And Molecular Docking Study Of Some New Chalcones, 5,6-Dihydropyrimidin-2-Ol And 5,6-Dihydropyrimidin-2-Thiol Derivatives Bearing 1,2,3- Triazoline, Hayder Raheem Ali, Ahmed Wahed Naser

Baghdad Science Journal

Many new chemicals, including chalcones, derivatives of 5,6-dihydropyrimidin-2-ol and 5,6-dihydropyrimidin-2-thiol, are synthesized in this work. The starting materials are substituted acetophenone derivatives involving 1,2,3-triazoline (1). Chalcone derivatives (2a-h) were obtained by condensing compound (1) with some substituted aromatic aldehydes in the presence of 40% potassium hydroxide KOH. The process of producing pyrimidin-2-ol derivatives (3a–e) by cyclizing produced chalcone derivatives (2a–e) urea in the presence of sodium hydroxide. Equivalent pyrimidin-2-thiol derivatives (4a-d) were produced when chalcone derivatives (2a-d) reacted with thiourea in the presence of sodium hydroxide. The …

Synthesis, Characterization, And Anticancer Evaluation Of Novel Nickel(Ii) And Copper(Ii) Complexes Derived From Isatin Thiosemicarbazones, Shahnaz Abdulhamid Hamad

Baghdad Science Journal

The complex of (2,2'-(7,7'-dimethyl-2,2'-dioxo-1,1',2,2'-tetrahydro-3H,3'H-5,5'-biindole-3,3'-diylidene) dihydrazinecarbo thioamide), denoted as L, was prepared by the reaction of o-tolidine with chloral hydrate and hydroxylamine hydrochloride in the presence of sodium sulfate and a co-solvent, absolute ethanol. The novel complexes of Ni(II) and Cu(II) with the ligand, L, have been synthesized from a reaction of one mole of L with two moles of NiCl₂ and CuCl₂ to produce complexes with the general formula [M₂LCl₂] [where M= Ni(II) or Cu(II)]. All three complexes are novel and have a square planar geometry. The metal ions in the two metal complexes …

Hydrothermal Synthesis Of High Surface Area Mesoporous Silica As An Efficient Adsorbent For Removal Of Crystal Violet Dye From Aqueous Solution, Inaam H. Ali, Ameera Hassan Hamed, Ennas Abdul Hussein, Saadiyah A. Dhahir

Baghdad Science Journal

In this work, a sample of mesoporous silica (MPS) with a high surface area was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis procedure. To investigate the properties of the prepared sample, it was characterized using different techniques like N₂ Adsorption-desorption, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Atomic Force microscopy (AFM). In order to evaluate the efficiency of the prepared MPS, adsorption study was carried to examine the ability of MPS to remove crystal violet dye (CV) from aqueous solution. The study was done in different conditions of initial concentration (25-60 mg/L) of dye, dosage of MPS (0.01-0.05 g) and temperature …

Genetic Analysis Of Spp1 Polymorphism In Samples Of Iraqi Colon Cancer Patients, Ghufran Kadhim Talal, Ahmed Younus Abed

Baghdad Science Journal

Cancer is a multistage defect and very complex disease. It is distinguished by particular genetic mutations that lead to a loss of management of cellular functions during uncontrolled growth of normal cells leading to malignant cells. CA18 occurs by the abnormal growth of cells in colon. SPP1 is multifunctional protein. The aim of this study is to study genetic polymorphism of SPP1gene in CA18 patients along with healthy individuals to find the relationship with CA18 and compare both globally. DNA was extracted and the genetic polymorphism of the SPP1gene was determined. Genetic analysis of SPP1 (in rs11730582 T/C region) polymorphism …

A Study Of Wear Measurement And Life Prediction Of Insert Chute Liner On Gold Ore Processing, Ferry Ardika Natanael, Nony Maulidya, Dedi Priadi

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

Chutes are critical materials handling assets to transport solid particles from one process step to another in mineral processing, coal mining and cement industries. The material transport, because of material characteristics, cause severe wear on internal lining of chutes or bins’ structure. The wear problem on internal lining of bins or chutes needs to be checked to keep production efficiency. Therefore, not checked wear rate causes liner replacement schedule becomes unpredictable. It leads to production loss and highly cost maintenance in industry. This study shows that condition-based maintenance through regular thickness measurement using Ultrasonic Transducer (UT) to predict life service …

Experiencing Race, Racism And Racialization In Transnational Contexts: Racial Literacies Of First-Year International Asian Students., Nasiba Norova

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

This research focused on exploring the racial literacies of first-year international East Asian (EA) students, specifically examining their perceptions of and experiences with race, racism, and racialized groups in various social and educational contexts in both their home countries and the United States. The study used critical ethnography to examine the perspectives of EA international students and composition faculty. It involved multiple semi-structured interviews, journal entries, racial literacy autobiographies, site document analysis, and class observations to understand how students perceived exposure to race, racism, and racialized groups and how faculty viewed the importance of racial education for international students in …

Analysis Of Leak Testing Planning For Carbon Dioxide Piping Systems In The Development Of Carbon Capture, Utilization, And Storage Facilities In The Bintuni Basin, Devi Sentiani, Akhmad Herman Yuwono Professor

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies have become a key strategic response to global efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions. This study presents a leak testing strategy designed for a carbon dioxide (CO₂) piping system as part of a Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) project in the Bintuni Basin, West Papua, Indonesia. This study aims to ensure the system is properly prepared before commissioning by designing a leak test plan that is both practical and technical, based on ASME B31.3, ASME PCC-2, and API STD 520 Part 1. We conducted the process, which involves identifying the system boundaries, …

Preparing For The Habitable Worlds Observatory: Spectropolarimetric Radiative Transfer Models Of Terrestrial (Exo)Planets, Kenneth E. Goodis Gordon

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The next major step for the exoplanet community lies in the characterization of terrestrial exoplanets, especially when it comes to identifying biosignatures and determining the habitability of these worlds. In response to this, NASA has proposed the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO), with the primary goal of searching for and characterizing Earth-sized planets in the habitable zones (HZ) of their stars. However, current characterization strategies that only rely on the unpolarized flux from the planets lose some of the informational content of the observed light and therefore suffer from degeneracies in the calculated planetary parameters. The sensitivity of polarization to the …

Effectiveness Of Leadership Rounding In Reducing Patient-Related Falls In A Medical-Surgical Unit, Elsie-Solange Mvoueng Nkoi-Mimba

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary In this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project, I evaluated whether the project site organization’s implementation of leadership rounding reduced patient falls within a medical-surgical unit. Despite established fall prevention strategies, the unit continued to experience ongoing incidents, prompting the implementation of structured leadership rounding. The practice-focused question assessed changes in fall rates over a 3-month postintervention period compared to the preceding 3 months. A retrospective chart review was conducted from December 2023 to June 2024, excluding March 2024 due to partial implementation. I used descriptive statistics to analyze trends. The average monthly fall rate remained stable at 2.67 …

Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial Of Oral Hymecromone In Adults With Pulmonary Hypertension, Kathryn Czepiel, Nadine Nagy, Tamera Panjalingam, Anissa Kalinowski, Adam R Frymoyer, Harry Karmouty-Quintana, Bo Gu, Haley Hedlin, Gernot Kaber, Sylvie Dobrota Lai, Joelle I Rosser, Paul L Bollyky, Vinicio De Jesus Perez, Roham T Zamanian

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive cardiopulmonary condition associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The extracellular matrix component hyaluronan (HA) is linked to vascular remodelling and interstitial fibrosis in PH. We hypothesised that inhibition of HA synthesis with hymecromone could serve as a reverse-remodelling therapy in PH.

Methods: We performed a proof-of-concept phase IIa randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension and PH associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD). Patients were randomised to a 5:3 ratio and stratified by PH group to receive oral hymecromone or placebo two times per day over 24 weeks. The primary …

Anatomy Of An Ai Arms Race: U.S. And China Technological Dispute For Ai Leadership, Denisse I. Rojas Maldonado

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

The history of societies and the emergence of powerful states have been marked by cycles of conflict and war, followed by periods of cooperation that foster international stability. Similarly, the Cold War era saw a significant rise in military and economic capabilities, which highlighted a security dilemma as the former USSR and the United States sought to protect their national interests. Currently, artificial intelligence has expanded the scope of invisible warfare beyond the atomic bomb. Some scholars like Paul Scharre advocate that there is no arms race in place, and others support the idea of a healthy competition and collaboration …

What Are The Predictors Of Malignancy In Inflammatory Bowel Disease?, Zülal İstemi̇han, Bi̇lger Çavuş, Ali̇ Emre Bardak, Ayşe Merve Kirkoğlu, Cansu Kiziltaş, Rüveyda Si̇lay, İbrahi̇m Volkan Şenkal, Zi̇ya İmanov, Kenan Nuri̇yev, Aynure Rüstemzade, Sezen Genç, Mi̇ne Güllüoğlu, Asli Çi̇fci̇başi Örmeci̇, Kadi̇r Demi̇r, Fati̇h Beşişik, Sabahatti̇n Kaymakoğlu, Fi̇li̇z Akyüz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aimː This study aims to investigate the prevalence of malignancy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) followed up in a tertiary reference center.

Materials and methodsː IBD patients with at least 6 months of follow-up from the gastroenterology clinic between 2000 and 2022 wereevaluated retrospectively in a tertiary center. Patient information was obtained from the patient registration system.

Resultsː There were 697 patients in the study, 320 (45.9%) of these were female. The mean age of the patients at IBD diagnosis was 33.4± 13.1 years. The mean follow-up time was 93.1 ± 64.8 (median 84, IQR (25–75) (36–144)) months. …

Different Local Anesthetic Volumes In Pericapsular Nerve Group Block For Hip Fracture Patients, Yusuf Özgüner, Savaş Altinsoy, Gökçen Kültüroğlu, Sevda Gökçe Gürpinar, Derya Özkan, Jüli̇de Ergi̇l, Erbi̇l Aydin

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block is an effective method for pain management in patients with hip fractures. In our study, we compared three different local anesthetic volumes of the PENG block in patients who underwent surgery for hip fracture.Materials and methodsː Patients who underwent surgery with spinal anesthesia for intertrochanteric femur fractures (60 patients) were divided into three groups based on the volume of local anesthetic administered: Group 1 (20 mL), Group 2 (30 mL), and Group 3 (40 mL). Postoperative patient-controlled analgesia was initiated. Postoperative tramadol consumption, rest and movement pain scores, and the duration of motor …

Factors Affecting Extremity Fracture Risk In Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Yüksel Sümeyra Naralan, Esra Demi̇rel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is increasingly recognized not only for its behavioural and cognitive challenges but also for its potential implications in physical health, particularly injury risk. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of extremity fractures among children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD and to evaluate the influence of demographic, clinical, and pharmacological variables—including ADHD subtypes and medication types—on fracture risk

Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 754 children and adolescents aged 6–18 years who were diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-5 criteria. Data were collected from electronic health records at a tertiary referral hospital. Variables …

Blood Group Profile Of Türkiye With Regional And Demographic Differences: A 23-Year Retrospective Study, Levent Sağdur, Azi̇z Karaca, Mustafa Nuri̇ Günçikan, Mustafa Yilmaz, Kerem Kinik

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aims to comprehensively analyze the distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups, as well as demographic characteristics and regional variations, using data from 9.5 million blood donors across Türkiye.

Materials and methods: In this multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study, data were collected from 9,587,592 healthy, voluntary donors who donated to the Turkish Red Crescent between 1998 and 2021. Donors met the criteria of being 18–70 years old, weighing over 50 kg, with hemoglobin levels above 13.5 g/dL for male and 12.5 g/dL for female. The data were evaluated based on age, gender, education level, and geographic region.

Results: …

Evaluation Of Teachers' Knowledge And Awareness About Autism Spectrum Disorder, Hami̇t Harun Bağci, Abi̇de Aksungur, Gülsüm Öztürk Emi̇ral, Erhan Şi̇mşek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Teachers play an essential role in the early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and associated difficulties in children. Increasing teachers’ knowledge of ASD can be helpful in identifying these children and making the necessary referrals. This study aimed to assess teachers’ knowledge and awareness of ASD and the factors affecting them.

Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among school counsellors. A total of 171 school counsellors were contacted; school visits were arranged by prior appointment, and the purpose of the study was explained. Data were collected using a questionnaire prepared by the researchers and the …

Comparison Of Novel Diard-Hbv Dna Qpcr Kit With The Artus Hbv Qs-Rgq Kit For Quantification Of Hbv Dna In Clinical Samples, Ülker Çuhaci, Hande Toptan, Bengül Durmaz, Mehmet Köroğlu, Riza Durmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) leads to widespread chronic infections that may result in long-term complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The use of sensitive molecular methods for HBV DNA quantitation has provided significant contributions for diagnosis and monitoring of disease. The current study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performances of a novel DiaRD HBV qPCR kit (novel kit) in comparison with the artus HBV QS-RGQ kit (comparator kit).

Materials and methods: A total of 288 plasma samples—105 HBV DNA-positive and 183 HBV DNA-negative—were tested using both kits. The diagnostic and quantitative results of the novel kit were compared …

The Benefits Of Establishing Attending Behavior Prior To The Discriminative Stimulus During Discrete-Trial Instruction: A Systematic Review, Ruben S. Pereira

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Discrete trial instruction (DTI) is one of the most effective and commonly used instructional strategies for teaching individuals with autism. Researchers and professionals have informally promoted the importance of establishing attending behavior prior to initiating discrete trials. However, some researchers have reported a lack of literature analyzing the effects of establishing attending behavior, prior to instruction, on skill acquisition. Therefore, the benefits of establishing attending as part of DTI remain unknown. The goal of the current thesis was to conduct a systematic review using PRISMA guidelines to search for published studies where attending behavior was a primary independent variable within …