Digital Commons Network^™

Ms Environmental Biology Capstone Project, Joseph W. Farace

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Coral reefs are some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet (Knowlton el al., 2010). As they are home to millions of aquatic species, it is important for humanity to take diligent care of them both for their intrinsic and extrinsic qualities (Knowlton, 2001). Corals thrive by utilizing symbiotic algae cells called zooxanthellae to aid in obtaining energy (G. D., 2003). Living in the coral's polyps, the zooxanthellae are offered extra protection from predators (Wooldridge, 2010). This paper discusses the relationship between the zooxanthellae and the corals as well as the potential power dynamics between the two organisms. There …

Continuous Space Theory And The Viability Of An Epistemic Response To The Sorites, Grace Poortenga

Bouwsma Paper Contest

If space-time is not discrete then epistemicism implies infinitely indeterministic cut-offs. In this paper, I will explore what sharp cut-offs in a Sorites series are and what they imply, and I will demonstrate that to go in for sharp cut-offs one should go in for discrete space. One might hold epistemicism to be true even while suggesting that space is continuous rather than discrete: there is a cut-off, and it is infinitely indeterminate. This is a possible reply, but the trouble in it is that one of the strong desires in accepting epistemicism as the reply to the Sorites is …

Ms Environmental Biology Capstone Project, Emily A. Patton

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This is a masters Thesis for MS in Environmental Biology containing four chapters including a literature review, grant proposal, journal manuscript, and stakeholders report on a current environmental issue. (1) Noise Pollution and Avian Communication in Urban Ecosystems: When the Natural World Struggles to Hear Itself. Urban noise masks essential bird vocalizations, which harms avian fitness. Most species are displaced, and those few urban birds which counteract this noise with song adaptations likely experience trade-offs. America's noise policy remains undeveloped, threatening the health of both humans and avian wildlife (2) Application of Noise Barrier Technology for the Restoration of Urban …

Galoistheory And The Arithmetic-Geometric Series, Daniel Vargas

HMC Senior Theses

Motivated by classical works of Gauss and Euler on the AGM, Ono and his

collaborators Griffin et al. (2023); McSpirit and Ono (2023) have investigated

the union of AGM sequences over finite fields 𝔽𝑞, where 𝑞 ≡3 mod 4. A

recent preprint Kayath et al. (2024) extends some of their results to all finite

fields with odd characteristic. We refine these works when 𝑞≡5 mod 8. In

particular, we explicitly determine the components of these graphs and their

total population. We also use Galois-theoretic results to make progress in

the search for cycles over finite fields with odd characteristic.

Annual Report Of The Town Of Carroll Year Ending December 31, 2024, Carroll Town Representatives

Carroll, NH Annual Reports

This is an annual report containing vital statistics for a town/city in the state of New Hampshire.

2024-2025 Common Data Set, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Common Data Sets

This document contains data compiled by the SWOSU Office of Institutional Research for the 2024-2025 academic year.

We Need To Talk, Joanmarie Davoli

Catholic University Journal of Law and Technology

[Writing] will introduce forgetfulness into the soul of those who learn it: they will not practice using their memory because they will put their trust in writing, which is external and depends on signs that belong to others, instead of trying to remember from the inside, completely on their own. You have not discovered a potion for remembering, but for reminding; you provide your students with the appearance of wisdom, not with its reality. Your invention [of written language] will enable them to hear many things without being properly taught, and they will imagine that they have come to know …

Approach To Documenting Weight Loss Efforts And Lifestyle Modifications Within Hca Florida Oak Hill Family Care, Daisy Gandhi, Jenna Latona, Cheyenne Pirrello, Taylor Butts

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Dual Diagnosis Of Acute Appendicitis And Chronic Calculous Cholecystitis: Unraveling A Rare Clinical Conundrum, Wilfredo Jhoel Javier-Rojas, Carlos Montero, Yizhi Lin

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Are You Sick Of Arsenic? Heavy Metal Poisoning In A Masonry Contractor Presenting With Atypical Neurologic Symptoms, Trent Percy, Lisa Flaherty

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Navigating Institutional Apathy: Resisting The Co-Optation Of Decolonial And Liberatory Frameworks In Higher Education, Louise Yang

Sociology Honors Projects

Amidst nationwide challenges to DEI programs, frameworks of decolonization and liberation have been simultaneously employed and depoliticized by institutions of higher education to falsely build a progressive façade while dismissing the values associated with these terms. To explain this dynamic, I introduce institutional apathy, which I define as the tendency of colleges to reproduce the status quo, denying the potential of an ongoing commitment to decolonial and liberatory values. Using interviews with staff and faculty at a liberal arts college, I explore how actors in the institution resist co-optation using foundations of solidarity, community partnerships, and incorporations of incremental change.

An Evaluation Of Nhmrc Funded Dementia And Diabetes Research, Etienne Vignola-Gagné Phd, Dmitrii Malkov, Elisabeth Browning, Jörg Hellwig Phd, Luigi Rocco Phd, Henrique Pinheiro, Alexandre Bédard-Vallée

Public Reports

This report, commissioned by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), provides comprehensive insights into the research outputs, outcomes, and impacts of NHMRC-funded health and medical research in the areas of dementia and diabetes to support NHMRC's mission of ‘building a healthy Australia.’

Examining The Role Of Religiosity In Dissociation Among Individuals With Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Emma Claire Sbarge

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

Recognized as a severe and pervasive disorder resulting from repeated, prolonged, and inescapable trauma, complex posttraumatic stress disorder (c-PTSD) is often characterized by fundamental alterations in consciousness and a loss of systems of meaning. This study sought to explore the mechanisms through which religiosity, as a system of meaning, might impact dissociation severity and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in those with c-PTSD. Participants included a non-clinical sample of 266 adults from a wide range of religious/spiritual backgrounds who endorsed some form of childhood maltreatment. Results demonstrated that c-PTSD severity significantly predicted greater dissociation severity, and was also positively associated with religiosity, …

Cost-Effectiveness Of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Versus Standard Of Care For Patients With Treatment-Resistant Depression, Yosr Ziadi

Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: Patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) experience high relapse rates and a relentless cycle of ineffective treatments, significantly impairing their quality of life and burdening healthcare resources. Psilocybin has emerged as a promising alternative, offering rapid and sustained symptom relief. However, its cost-effectiveness remains unexplored. This study conducted a pioneering cost-effectiveness analysis of psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) versus standard care (SoC) for individuals with TRD using a Markov model from a U.S. healthcare perspective. Methods: The model, parameterized by randomized trial efficacy data and a micro-costing approach, simulated patient transitions every six-week cycle, consistent with American Psychiatric Association guidelines. Outcomes focused …

The Moderating Effect Of Age Group On Patterns Of Change In Ptsd Symptom Clusters During Trauma-Focused Cognitivebehavioral Therapy, Alyssa Nicole Williamson

Theses and Dissertations

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—5th Edition (DSM-V) includes four symptom clusters that compose Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)-- Re-Experiencing, Avoidance, Negative Alterations in Cognitions and Mood ("Cognitive Mood"), and Hyperarousal (American Psychological Association, 2013). In response to findings that PTSD often presents differently in children and adolescents than in adults, the DSM-V now includes developmental considerations for diagnosis (e.g., Cohen et al., 2010; Scheeringa et al., 2012). As research on pediatric PTSD has grown, Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT; Cohen et al., 2016) has emerged as the most empirically supported intervention for reducing PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and behavioral …

Exploring School Characteristics And Physical Learning Environment As Predictors Of Self-Efficacy Among Teachers In Vietnam, Giavanna Varuzzi

Theses and Dissertations

Limited data suggests that contextual factors such as school characteristics and physical learning environment have an effect on teachers’ self-efficacy. The present study aims to examine the relationship between these contextual factors and how they affect self-efficacy in a sample of 1,961 teachers in Vietnam who taught Pre-K-12th grade. Self-reported measures were derived from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) measure, and the Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale – Short Form (TSES-SF). We evaluated the effects of contextual factors including: grade level, years of teaching experience, school sector (e.g., public school)/school location (e.g., urban), and physical learning environment …

Moderation Of Collectivistic Ambivalence And Psychological Distress By Spiritual Well Being Among Asian Indian Americans, Monson Kuriakose Varghese

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the moderating role of spiritual well-being in the relationship between collectivistic ambivalence and psychological distress among Asian Indian Americans. A convenience sample of 102 Asian Indian Americans participated in an online survey measuring collectivistic ambivalence, psychological distress, and spiritual well-being, including existential and religious dimensions. Consistent with hypotheses, collectivistic ambivalence positively correlated with psychological distress, suggesting that internal conflicts between collectivistic expectations and individualistic desires significantly impact mental health in this bicultural population. Spiritual well-being significantly moderated this relationship, with higher spiritual well-being mitigating the psychological consequences associated with collectivistic ambivalence. Further exploratory analyses revealed that existential …

Historical Loss, Negative Emotions, And Ambulatory Blood Pressure Among An Urban Sample Of American Indians And Alaska Natives, Milena Valentina Tutiven Alarcón

Theses and Dissertations

Since the 16th century, American Indians/Alaska Natives have faced significant traumatic events including loss of tribal lands and forced removal of family; these events are historical trauma exposure. Historical trauma can be assessed through historical loss thinking, a potential sequela from historical trauma. Historical loss thinking is the frequency of thoughts about communal loss (e.g., land and language loss) and has been consistently associated with negative psychological outcomes including negative emotions (i.e., depression/sadness, anger, anxiety/nervousness), substance use, and suicidality (Edinoff et al., 2024; Gone et al., 2019; Smallwood et al., 2021; Whitbeck et al., 2004). Though historical loss thinking is …

Role Of Self-Forgiveness, Self-Compassion, And Self-Acceptance On Psychological Well-Being And Adjustment In Divorced People, Augustine Ifeanyi Umeatuegbu

Theses and Dissertations

Divorce is becoming a new normal, yet individuals may question their self-worth. Existing research reveals that divorce and separation are associated with negative psychological and physical consequences. This study investigated the relationship between self-constructs (self-forgiveness, self-acceptance/self-condemnation, self-compassion) and Psychological well-being among divorced people. Each of these aspects of the self is thought to lead to disturbance. However, the relationship of these concepts to each other, which has a unique influence on psychopathology and well-being, was tested. The current study sampled 270 adults from social media/online and prolific platforms, who completed scales measuring each of the self-constructs and depression, anger at …

From Scars Into Stars: Transforming The Pain Of Trauma Into Purpose In Academic Writing, Joseph B. Weisler

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation argues for the value of acknowledging students' emotions in the writing classroom, inspired by a pedagogy which has generated extensive controversy over the past 30 years. This project investigates how writing teachers might carefully allow students to harness their emotional reactions as they write. My project’s first chapter defends the value of victims' stories and the ''talking cure,'' following an explanation of how this psychological work would be introduced to a classroom setting, and with what tools, recognizing the potential disruptions that trauma may bring to a learning space. My second chapter turns to writing teachers who have …

Assessing School Psychologists’ Accuracy, Judgment, And Decision-Making In Specific Learning Disability Identification: A Re-Evaluation Of The Role Of Exclusionary Factors, Josette Elizabeth Tugander

Theses and Dissertations

Specific learning disability (SLD) is the most identified disability category for students across the United States. In light of its prevalence and implications for the allocation of resources in schools, identification accuracy is critical. However, previous research has remained mixed on school psychologists’ skills regarding identification accuracy, particularly when assessing students who are English Learners (ELs). This is especially problematic considering the historical overidentification of these students, such that many ELs with cognitive and academic scores that resemble SLD are classified as SLD without proper consideration of exclusionary factors that should have precluded the classification. This study aimed to build …

Enhancing Emergency Response To The Active Shooter With Nims, Edwin A. Vazquez

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the following study is to identify components of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) that can be used to improve first responder deployment in critical incidents, such as in the occurrence of an Active Shooter (AS) and Active Deadly Threat (ADT). The Incident Command System (ICS), a component of NIMS, is the on-scene emergency management organization designed to aid in managing resources during planned and unplanned catastrophic events. An AS/ADT incident is typically planned by the perpetrator and unexpected to first responders, leaving them with limited time to respond to and neutralize this type of threat effectively. …

Hispanic Paradox In Covid-19: Protective Effects Of Ethnic Density, Gregory Alan Urena

Theses and Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed racial and ethnic health disparities in the U.S., with Hispanic populations experiencing higher infection and population-mortality rates than non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Case fatality rates are closely tied to medical comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, which are more prevalent among Hispanic individuals. Case-fatality rates showed mixed results. Some studies found no differences, while others reported better outcomes for Hispanics, aligning with the Hispanic Paradox, which suggests that despite socioeconomic disadvantages, Hispanics experience equal or better health outcomes. These effects may be tied to the immigrant health advantage, which suggests immigrants tend to be …

Examining The Impact Of Clinicians’ Traditional Beliefs Onend-Of-Life Care Communication, Alexandra Spinelli

Theses and Dissertations

Effective end-of-life communication is essential to patient-centered care, shaping treatment decisions, family well-being, and overall care quality. While patients’ traditional beliefs are often cited as barriers to quality end-of-life care, less is known about how clinicians’ own beliefs affect their communication efficacy and distress tolerance. This study examined how traditional beliefs—specifically those about death and dying (e.g., avoidance of direct discussion due to taboos), emotional expression (e.g., viewing emotion as dangerous or controllable), and filial piety (e.g., respect and deference to elders)—relate to clinicians’ distress intolerance during end-of-life communication. It also tested whether self-efficacy mediates or moderates these relationships. A …

Do Symptoms Of Anxiety Or Depression Assessed By Mothers Or By Children Respond More Quickly To Cognitive Behavioral Therapy In Children And Adolescents, Tamara J. Ross

Theses and Dissertations

Anxiety and depression are the two most common internalizing disorders reported in children and adolescents. The comorbidity of the disorders often undermines efforts to effectively differentiate these disorders in terms of their response to therapy. In this research, we identified two symptoms that are specific to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and three symptoms that are specific to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) from the Youth Outcomes Questionnaire (YOQ) and created specific anxiety and depression “testlets” based on these symptoms.  We hypothesized that although the two types of symptoms would be correlated, that the GAD symptoms would respond more quickly to therapy …

Interpreting Technology Proficiency In Stem Education: A Qualitative Study Of Teachers In The New York Region, Zachary Rosch

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the technology integration divide perceived by high school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) teachers within a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting a community of STEM educators across the New York region. The study examined educators' integration of technology in their classrooms, their challenges, professional development needs, and the impact of teaching experience on technology integration. Semi-structured interviews captured teachers' lived experiences regarding subject-specific technology integration, pedagogical strategies, and technological proficiency. The Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework guided the study, providing a lens to analyze how educators navigated the intersection of content knowledge, pedagogy, …

Examining How Task Forces Utilize Intelligence Methods During Anti-Human Trafficking Operations: Mitigating The Threat Of Human Trafficking Among Native American Women And Girls, Jessica Shockness

Theses and Dissertations

Native American women and girls, including First Nations people, have been disproportionately targeted due to centuries of marginalization, severe maltreatment, and gender inequality. To mitigate these violent acts, law enforcement and intelligence agencies should use various intelligence methods to identify and locate traffickers, victims, and high-risk locations. The intelligence methods that are analyzed in this study include open-source, geospatial and human intelligence. The lack of utilizing these methods can hinder the ability to mitigate human trafficking effectively. According to a study conducted through Northwestern University, Farrell et al. (2019) provided evidence showing that the Uniform Crime Reporting program continuously displays …

Is Demandingness The Core Irrational Belief Leading To Anger? A Test Of Ellis' Theory, Yareli Perez Ibarra

Theses and Dissertations

Anger has detrimental effects on individuals, and 7.8% of the United States population experiences intense, poorly controlled anger (Birkley & Eckhardt, 2015; Bogdan et al., 2016; Rissman, 2017; Okuda et al., 2015). Despite this, anger remains absent as a standalone disorder within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) though is highly prevalent in five disorders within the DSM. Evidence supports the use of cognitive behavioral approaches, namely Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as forms of treatment (Fernandez & Johnson, 2016; David & Szentagotai, 2006). Within REBT, Albert Ellis proposed that Demandingness was …

Mental Health Education Literacy In Schools: An Exploratory Analysis Through A Qualitative Multi Case Study And Phenomenological Approach, Joanne Pisani

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the significant rise in student mental health concerns, schools are now challenged to find better ways to support students’ overall well-being. The critical importance for schools to include mental health education into their curricula is due to the substantial behavioral changes in students. Educational systems are seeing an increase in student school refusal, suspensions, and cyberbullying, as well as mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety which result in elevated crisis response and emergency room visits due to suicide ideation. The purpose of this study was to understand existing mental health education literacy programs in schools and …

Disordered Eating Tendencies: Investigating The Link With Attachment Styles, Emotional Dysregulation & Personality Dysfunction, Ndeye Marie-Charlotte Seck

Theses and Dissertations

Disordered eating (DE) refers to problematic eating habits that do not meet clinical criteria for eating disorders. However, if it goes unnoticed and escalates, it could eventually lead to an eating disorder (ED). The current study sought to investigate DE tendencies in relation to attachment styles, emotional dysregulation and personality dysfunction among university undergraduates (n = 254). The sample consisted of 74.8% female participants, 23.6% male participants, and 1.6% non-binary participants. The mean age of participants was 19.45 years (SD = 1.67). Emotional Dysregulation emerged as the strongest correlate of DE tendencies (r = 0.29, p < 0.05), indicating a moderate positive association between these two variables. Global Personality Dysfunction was also moderately associated with DE tendencies (r = 0.26, p < 0.05). Attachment style was positively correlated with DE tendencies (r = 0.25, p < 0.05). In a multiple regression analysis examining the predictive value of attachment, emotion regulation and personality, “Emotional Dysregulation” emerged as the sole and most robust predictor of disordered eating (DE) tendencies, demonstrating a statistically significant effect (β = 0.187, p = .026). However, when analyzed separately, Attachment and Personality Dysfunction still accounted for 4.8% and 11.5% of the variance in the outcome variable, respectively. These findings suggest that attachment insecurity, emotional dysregulation and personality dysfunction may be risk factors for developing an eating disorder. These findings also suggest that a thorough understanding of Eating Disordered behaviors should involve assessment of attachment styles, emotional regulation and personality dysfunction.