Digital Commons Network^™

Mark Margolis, Interview, 2024, Micah Bookout

Oral Histories

Throughout 2024, the city of Ann Arbor celebrated its 200th anniversary with community events, festivals, and art displays that highlighted its rich culture and history. To cap off the celebrations, in December 2024 the EMU Center for Oral History Research invited community members to Skyline High School to share what makes Ann Arbor special. In this interview, long-time Ann Arbor resident Mark Margolis talks about running a small business, the vibrant community he's found, and the city's changing landscape.

Experiences With Crisis And Resilience In Education In Emergencies: Voices And Lenses Of Teachers In Nicaragua, Anita De Anda

Doctorate in Education

This interpretive phenomenological study illustrated how a group of primary school teachers in Nicaragua used ontological values to orient their experiences and negotiations of a destabilizing socio-political crisis compounded by COVID-19. Set within a framework of education in emergencies, this study employed short-term ethnographic methods and trauma-informed principles to explore the dynamic and interconnected domains and relationships during collective duress, and the organic resilience that emerged to preserve core priorities. A history of collective adversity, weak systems, and political hegemony made the nation vulnerable to cycles of emergency while leaving recovery up to individuals, families, and communities. As a result, …

Dental Hygiene Programs’ Use Of Oral Health Literacy Techniques For Special Needs Patients And Caregivers, Socorro D. Tejeda Diaz

Dental Hygiene ETDs

This study examined oral health literacy communication techniques in dental hygiene programs across the U.S. for special needs patients and their caregivers. The study surveyed 46 U.S. dental hygiene program directors on communication techniques, degrees offered, and subject areas. Two-sample t-tests compared differences in communication techniques between AAS and BAS and subject areas. Most respondents routinely employed printed materials with 2 or 3 concepts, speak slowly, and simple language. When comparing the variances in communication techniques offered in AAS and BAS, we observed a t-statistic of 2.06 with a corresponding p-value of 0.54. This suggests that the mean communication techniques …

A Puerto Rico For Whom? Race, Neglect, And Empire, Ediberto Román, Ernesto Sagás

Northwestern Journal of Law & Social Policy

This article examines the persistent colonial relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico, highlighting the paradox of a nation that champions democracy while maintaining colonial rule over millions of disenfranchised citizens. Over 120 years of exploitation, neglect, and subordination have shaped Puerto Rico’s status as the largest U.S. territory, where residents live in stark inequality compared to those on the mainland. Despite the veneer of sovereignty created by the U.S. through legal frameworks, Puerto Rico exemplifies a sophisticated and undemocratic form of modern colonialism, recently termed "new legal colonialism." This approach uses legal structures to maintain economic and strategic …

“All They Did Was Change The Name”: Evaluating Reforms To Solitary Confinement, Laura Mcfeely

Northwestern Journal of Law & Social Policy

In the last decade, the United States has seen a wave of efforts to greatly reduce or eliminate the use of solitary confinement. In the light of growing international recognition that such treatment amounts to torture, these efforts are certainly encouraging and have contributed to a reduction of the number of people held in long-term isolation. But it is worthwhile to examine the extent of these reforms and what solitary confinement now looks like in states that have implemented such changes.

A robust literature exists on the harms of solitary confinement and ideas for reforming or eliminating its use. This …

Acoustofluidics-Based Intracellular Nanoparticle Delivery, Zhishang Li, Zhenhua Tian, Jason N. Belling, Joseph Rich, Haodong Zhu, Zhehan Ma, Hunter Bachman, Liang Shen, Yaosi Liang, Xiolin Qi, Liv K. Heidenreich, Yao Gong, Shujie Yang, Wenfen Zhang, Peiran Zhang, Yingchun Fu, Yibin Ying, Steven J. Jonas, Yanbin Li, Paul S. Weiss, Tony J. Huang

Faculty Publications

Controlled intracellular delivery of biomolecular cargo is critical for developing targeted therapeutics and cell reprogramming. Conventional delivery approaches (e.g., endocytosis of nano-vectors, microinjection, and electroporation) usually require time-consuming uptake processes, labor-intensive operations, and/or costly specialized equipment. Here, we present an acoustofluidics-based intracellular delivery approach capable of effectively delivering various functional nanomaterials to multiple cell types (e.g., adherent and suspension cancer cells). By tuning the standing acoustic waves in a glass capillary, our approach can push cells in flow to the capillary wall and enhance membrane permeability by increasing membrane stress to deform cells via acoustic radiation forces. Moreover, by coating …

Grip Strength As An Indicator Of Neuromuscular Recovery, Emily Wilhelm

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

Purpose: To evaluate whether grip strength accurately tracks recovery from lower-body exercise comparable to other physical tests and a blood biomarker. Methods: Six subjects (three males and three females) completed testing for estimated 1-RM, jump squat velocity, grip strength, creatine kinase and leg extension peak torque one day prior to a fatiguing session of 10 sets of squats for 10 repetitions at 60% of estimated 1-RM. Each of these tests, as well as ratings of muscular soreness were performed again 24, 48 and 72 hours after the session of squats. Results: For peak torque, the 24 hours (129.5± 35.0 …

Exploring Teacher Pathway Programs: The Importance Of High School Students’ Perspectives, Mackenzie C. Kasgorgis

Honors College Theses

This thesis explores and investigates the effectiveness of teacher pathway programs for high school students interested in education. The aim is to find and discuss the importance of teacher pathway programs and how they benefit the participants involved. This paper intertwines my analysis of the extant scholarly literature and my use of qualitative research methods during my immersion in two summer programs. Through participant observations and a survey, I gained insights into the participants’ perspectives that provided me with raw, unbiased views and opinions on the teacher pathway program. Student participants’ perspectives include the experiences they faced during the program, …

Rational Design Of Nanoparticles For Overcoming Barriers Of Nucleic Acid Delivery: Applications In Cancer Therapeutics, Angelea M. Maestas-Olguin

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

The use of exogenous nucleic acid technologies to modulate aberrant protein expression resulting from genetic mutations is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of diseases such as cancer. The promise of nucleic-based therapeutics is dependent on the development of platforms that effectively protect nucleic acids from nuclease degradation and deliver the nucleic acids to specific intracellular locations (nucleus or cytosol) of target cells. The application of nanotechnology for development of nucleic acid-based nanomedicines is poised to revolutionize the clinical landscape of cancer. In this dissertation, I demonstrated the rational design, synthesis and evaluation of a lipid coated mesoporous silica …

Raising Awareness Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Critical Care And Emergency Department Nurses, Caroline Kincaid, Logan Larkey

Doctoral Projects

Problem Statement: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are experiencing increasing rates of symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), particularly after the collective trauma many nurses experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses are often unaware of this problem and are underdiagnosed which can negatively impact their health and the quality of healthcare.

Purpose: Implement and determine the effect of an educational intervention to increase awareness and symptom recognition of PTSD among high-risk acute care nurses.

Methods: An outcome evaluation approach using a pretest-posttest design was used with an educational intervention that provided information on PTSD including high-risk groups, symptoms, and protective factors.

Sample: …

The Re-Presentation And Mis-Re-Presentation Of The “Indigenous Woman” Throughout Mexico’S Colonial And Early Independence Periods (1521–1830), Alejandra Daosiri Rodriguez

Art & Art History ETDs

This research examines the visual and textual representations of Indigenous women in colonial New Spain and early independent Mexico (1521–1830), revealing how these images evolved alongside dynamic colonial political, social, and cultural shifts. Through an analysis of codices, portraits, and other material culture, this study demonstrates how colonial authorities, artists, and patrons manipulated these depictions to serve wider colonial agendas, from evangelization to social stratification. These representations often used Indigenous women as symbols, rather than as individual subjects, to reinforce hierarchical colonial structures, shape racial and gender identities, and support efforts to ‘civilize’ the native population. By focusing on pivotal …

The Effect Of Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy On Alleviating Symptoms Of Ibs In Adults, Gabrielle Gieringer, Soo Jung Park

Physician Assistant Capstones, 2020-current

No abstract provided.

Platelet Rich Plasma Injections Compared To Hyaluronic Acid Injections In The Treatment Of Knee Djd, Madison Chapin, Michelle Chessock

Physician Assistant Capstones, 2020-current

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventive Healing Approach (Lympha) On The Prevention Of Lymphedema In Breast Cancer Patients, Emma Barker, Lindsey Lubin

Physician Assistant Capstones, 2020-current

No abstract provided.

Semaglutide For Weight Reduction In Non-Diabetic Adults With Overweight And Obesity, Kaela Fiutak, Maite Velazquez Hernandez

Physician Assistant Capstones, 2020-current

No abstract provided.

A Constitution Of The Earth, To Save Humanity, Luigi Ferrajoli

Buffalo Law Review

Humanity is facing one of the most dramatic moments in its history. There are several global challenges and problems that are not part of the political agenda of national governments, even though their solution is crucial for the survival of humanity.

Karst Hydrologic Memory Supplements Streamflow During Dry Periods In Snow-Dominated, Mountainous Watersheds, Hyrum Tennant, Bethany T. Neilson, Devon Hill, Dennis L. Newell, James P. Evans, Seohye Choi, James P. Mcnamara, Nathaniel Ashmead, Tianfang Xu

Geosciences Faculty Publications

Analysis of PRISM and SNOTEL station data paired with USGS streamflow gage data in the western United States shows that, in snow-dominated mountainous watersheds, streamflow regimes differ between watersheds with karst geology and their non-karst neighbours. These carbonate aquifers exhibit a spectrum of flow paths encompassing karst conduits, including large fractures or voids that transmit water readily to springs and other surface waters, and matrix flow paths through soils, highly fractured bedrock, or porous media bedrock grains. A well-connected karst aquifer will discharge a large portion of its accumulated precipitation to surface water via springs and other groundwater flow paths …

The Effects Of Conspecific Stress Cues Caused By Harassment In The Mummichog (Fundulus Heteroclitus), Megan Quinn

Honors Theses

Many organisms, especially fish, participate in herding or schooling behaviors for various benefits such as increased survival rates, better hydrodynamic efficiency, or for hunting tactics. Due to being in a tightly packed group, disturbances or predation in their environment can result in group behavioral changes. Fish release hormones into surrounding water through excretions like urine because of a disturbance which may affect their surrounding conspecifics. In this experiment a lone mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) was exposed to a water sample from other conspecifics who were stressed through harassment. Physical behavioral changes such as changes in swimming activity, respiration rates and position …

Modeling The Performance And Resource Requirements For Gamma-Ray Telescope Signal Processing, Shijing Liang

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

This thesis investigates the buffering requirements of the data pipeline for the Advanced Particle-astrophysics Telescope gamma-ray telescope. Given the importance and stochastic arrivals of astronomical signals, it is crucial to ensure that each gamma-ray signal is fully buffered to prevent data loss. To achieve this, FIFOs are inserted into the data processing pipeline to prevent bottlenecks during data packet processing. Buffers play a critical role in regulating data flow, preventing data loss, and ensuring efficient data processing. They act as temporary storage areas, absorbing data surges and releasing it steadily, thus maintaining the pipeline’s optimal performance. In general, buffer integration …

The Devil In The Details: The Malleus Maleficarum And Its Relationship To Regional Witchcraft Beliefs In Metz And The Corresponding Trials, Morgan Gubser

University Honors Theses

This thesis will explore witch trials in Lorraine, France, in the mid- to late-1400s, with a strong focus on trials conducted in or in reference to the city of Metz. The sixteenth century saw the period of the "great witch trials", which is often studied by those publishing in Witchcraft Studies, but a renewed scholarly focus is now being placed on the time before these great trials. By understanding these smaller outbreaks of trials that occurred in Lorraine before the sixteenth century we might hope to understand why so many trials tore through the region a century later. This thesis …

Perceived Environmental Uncertainty Levels Of Ncaa Athletic Directors, Tiffany Brutus

Dissertations, 2020-current

This study explores predictors of perceived environmental uncertainty among college athletic directors (ADs) of National Intercollegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) member institutions amidst the evolving dynamics of the intercollegiate athletics industry. This research specifically focuses on uncertainty associated with environmental forces outlined in the political, economic, sociocultural, technological, environmental, and legal (PESTEL)model, which captures recent industry disruptions such as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) legislation, social justice movements, the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in transfer rules, and conference realignments. Using a contingency theory perspective, the central inquiry of this study is how AD individual, departmental, and institutional characteristics relate to ADs' perceptions …

Unveiling Resilience: An Exploration Of Relational Cultural Theory, Prevalence Factors, And Emdr’S Impact On Injury And Performance Anxiety In Collegiate Student-Athletes, Brian T. Lusk

Dissertations, 2020-current

This dissertation delved into the mental health challenges encountered by collegiate student-athletes, with a specific focus on injury and performance anxiety. The research is presented in a three-manuscript format. The first manuscript is a conceptual exploration of Relational Cultural Theory [RCT] and its application in supporting student-athletes during injury recovery. By integrating the Five Good Things framework, the study demonstrates how growth-promoting connection and a strong therapeutic alliance can enhance holistic recovery, addressing the physical and emotional impacts of injury. The second manuscript investigated performance anxiety among student-athletes, with an emphasis on gender, sport type, and Adverse Childhood Experiences [ACEs] …

Re-Imagining Technical Communication Concepts Through A Social Work Lens: A Case Study And Content Analysis Of The Department Of Aging And Rehabilitative Services, Jonas Kee

Masters Theses, 2020-current

This thesis highlights how traditional technical communication concepts such as social justice rhetoric, disability studies, and user experience (UX) are re-imagined through the lens of Department of Aging and Rehabilitation Services (DARS) professionals. In this thesis, I present information gathered from a content analysis focused on four documents used within the DARS office, a survey, and interviews administered to DARS Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors. This thesis analyzes the documents, survey, and interview questions through the experiences of DARS professionals, clients, and external stakeholders. This thesis concludes with business and pedagogical implications regarding the field of UX and how to effectively …

Society Of American Foresters (Saf) Academic Publications As They Relate To The Curriculum Standards For Saf Forestry Program Accreditation: A Content Analysis, Lisa M. Bentley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Goals that impact decision-making components within academic programs in the university system have the potential to define and change the direction of a field of study, and, with that, should be thoughtfully approached with a certainty of evidence that supports responsible paradigms in forestry education. Periodic revision of the standards for accreditation by SAF influences institutional expectations that result in shifts in forestry education and should be consistent with professional forestry standards. The methodology utilized in this research contextualizes data from a sociological perspective intentionally as a method to holistically integrate data as evidence to support the interpretation of Society …

Evaluating The Usefulness Of Geochronometers In The Packsaddle Domain For Refining The Timing Of Metamorphism Via High-Resolution Petrography, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Llano Uplift, Texas, Haylee Vike

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Llano uplift, central Texas, exhumes Mesoproterozoic rocks with a complex history of metamorphism, deformation, and magmatism. There are three recognized metamorphic events related to the Grenville orogeny (~1.3-0.9 Ga). The timing of these metamorphic events is not well resolved due to past methods, technology, and lack of published geologic context for many of the current dates. These current time constraints on metamorphic timing could be further refined through modern geochronologic and petrochronologic methods.

A majority of U-Pb zircon dates from the Valley Spring (~1366-1232 Ma), Coal Creek (~1326-1275 Ma), and Packsaddle (~1257-1215 Ma) domains are interpreted as crystallization ages …

Characterizing Teacher Support Of Debugging With Physical Computing: Debugging Pedagogies In Practice, Colin Hennessy Elliott, Jessie Nixon, Alexandra Gendrau Chakarov, Jeffrey B. Bush, Michael J. Schneider, Mimi Recker

Publications

Objectives. Physical computing systems are increasingly being integrated into secondary school science and STEM instruction, yet little is known about how teachers, especially those with little background and experience in computing, help students during the inevitable debugging moments that arise. In this article, we describe a framework, comprising two dimensions, for characterizing how teachers support students as they debug a physical computing system called the Data Sensor Hub (DASH). The DASH enables students to program sensors to measure, analyze, and visualize data as they engage in science inquiry activities

Participants. Five secondary school teachers implemented an inquiry-oriented instructional …

Reduction Of Seclusion And Restraint Among Children And Adolescents In An Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital: A Health Policy Analysis, Huma Moez

Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP) Final Projects, 2020-current

Background: Seclusion and restraint (SR) or restrictive intervention in inpatient/ acute psychiatric hospitals, emergency departments, crisis stabilization units, residentials, or group homes is a pressing and an immediate concern in mental health settings, particularly for children and adolescents, for whom SR rates are higher. The Joint Commission and other national organizations have made significant strides in prioritizing the reduction and elimination of SR among children and adolescents due to its negative physical and psychological consequences.

Objective: This DNP project will aim to provide the results of a policy analysis to present evidence-based techniques and a resulting re-envisioned policy recommendation to …

Advanced Practice Clinician Outcomes: Pre/Post Implementation Of An Advanced Practice Clinician Council, Jeannine M. Moss

Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP) Final Projects, 2020-current

Improving access to quality, affordable, and timely healthcare is a national priority. Health systems across the United States are utilizing Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs) to fill the void in healthcare delivery. As provider shortages continue and the demand for APCs increases, organizations must develop robust structures to support APC engagement, retention, job satisfaction, and professional growth. Currently, 44% of the provider workforce within a large urban health system are APCs, yet despite substantial APC provider labor pool representation, the organization had little infrastructure to support APC professional growth and no mechanism for organizational involvement. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed …

Implementation Of An Advanced Practice Provider Into The Outpatient Neurology Clinic To Improve Access To Care And Medication Compliance, Sean O'Laughlin

Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP) Final Projects, 2020-current

The American Association of Neurology (AAN) recommended that post-stroke and TIA patients receive follow-up care within 2–4 weeks of discharge to reduce complications, improve medication adherence, and decrease readmission rates (2023). However, in 2022, a Central Virginia neurology practice reported an average wait time of 98.66 days for outpatient follow-up appointments, significantly exceeding the AAN recommendation, while medication adherence was only 72.23%, compared to the national average of 80%. Research by the American Academy of Neurology Workforce Task Force (2013) and Woo et al. (2017) highlighted that incorporating advanced practice nurses into outpatient settings could enhance access to care and …

Nutritional Composition Of Mucuna Pruriens Var. Utilis (Velvet Bean) Seeds Grown In Nanyumbu District, Tanzania, Florence Boniface, Stephen I. Nnungu, Washa B. Washa

Tanzania Journal of Science

In tropical countries, Mucuna seeds have been utilized to promote better health and ensure a stable food supply. The use of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis seeds in Tanzania has prompted an evaluation of the nutritional composition of two common cultivars grown in the Nanyumbu district. Mucuna seed samples (black-reddish brown and black-greyish) were collected and analyzed for their nutritional content using standard extraction and spectrophotometric techniques. Data analysis was conducted using GraphPad InStat 3.0 software, with a t-test employed to compare means at a 95% confidence level. The results indicated that the differences in nutritional parameters between the black-reddish brown …