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Spectrum, Volume 55, Issue 5, Sacred Heart University

Newspapers (Obelisk & Spectrum)

Highlights include: SHU Alumni’s Film “Flyway of Life” -- Debut of the School of Performing Arts -- Joining the Brotherhood -- How Students are Tackling Financial Literacy -- Stepping into the Spotlight -- Six Pioneers Swim Towards Nationals

Synthetically Expressive: Evaluating Gesture And Voice For Emotion And Empathy In Vr And 2d Scenarios, Haoyang Du, Kiran Chhatre, Christopher Peters, Brian Keegan, Rachel Mcdonnell, Cathy Ennis

Conference papers

The creation of virtual humans increasingly leverages automated synthesis of speech and gestures, enabling expressive, adaptable agents that effectively engage users. However, the independent development of voice and gesture generation technologies, alongside the growing popularity of virtual reality (VR), presents significant questions about the integration of these signals and their ability to convey emotional detail in immersive environments. In this paper, we evaluate the influence of real and synthetic gestures and speech, alongside varying levels of immersion (VR vs. 2D displays) and emotional contexts (positive, neutral, negative) on user perceptions. We investigate how immersion affects the perceived match between gestures …

Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Final Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Field Sampling Plan (Fsp): Ur- 19 – Butte, Anaconda & Pacific Railway From Montana Street To South Arizona Avenue – Montana Street Adjacent Parcel (Dated August 13, 2025), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Documents From The October 8, 2025 Meeting Of The Associated Students Of The University Of Montana (Asum), Associated Students Of The University Of Montana, Kate Austin Payne

Senate Meeting Agendas and Minutes, 2007-Present

Agenda and meeting minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting of the Associated Students of the University of Montana (ASUM).

Analyzing Adversarial Strategies And Countermeasures For Cyberbullying Detection, Maddie Juarez, Eldor Abdukhamidov, Manuel Sandoval, Deborah Hall, Mujtaba Nazari, George Thiruvathukal, Tamer Abuhmed, Yasin Silva, Mohammed Abuhamad

Computer Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Cyberbullying on social networking sites has become more prevalent. Most cyberbullying detection models often lack consideration of adversarial threads, leaving them vulnerable. This study evaluates the resilience of text-based cyberbullying detection models, constrained by limited available datasets, against word-level substitutions and character-level perturbations. We consider well-established ML techniques with real-world data and more recent LLM-based approaches to uncover model weaknesses. The results reveal that adversarial attacks can significantly reduce detection accuracy, e.g., most models are vulnerable to word- and character-level attacks with success rates up to 88% and 44%, respectively. We also find that LLM-based models such as CyberBERT are …

Mechanistic Study Of Pexidartinib-Induced Toxicity In Human Hepatic Cells, Si Chen, Yuxi Li, Xilin Li, Nan Mei, Xiaobo He, Matthew S Bryant, Xuan Qin, Feng Li, Lei Guo

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Pexidartinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2019 for treating adult patients with symptomatic tenosynovial giant cell tumors. Because of its hepatotoxicity risks, pexidartinib received a boxed warning; however, mechanistic studies on this hepatotoxicity remain limited. In this study, we demonstrate that pexidartinib decreases cell viability in primary human hepatocytes and hepatic HepG2 cells. A 24-h treatment with pexidartinib led to apoptosis in HepG2 cells, as evidenced by increased caspase 3/7 activity and the induction of cleaved PARP and γ-H2A.X. Pexidartinib-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was observed at early time points of …

Apostel-R Recommendations For Reporting Retinal Optical Coherence Tomography Studies In Rodents, Frederike Cosima Oertel, Delia Cabrera Debuc, Peter A. Calabresi, Mei Chen, Christian Cordano, Michael Dietrich, Nicolas Feltgen, Oliver Gramlich, Ari J. Green, Janos Groh, Su-Chun Huang, Benjamin Knier, Thomas Korn, Letizia Leocani, Anat Loewenstein, Christian Van Oterendorp, Tunde Peto, Sven Schippling, Leopold Schmetterer, Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg, Mathias W. Seeliger, Kenneth S. Shindler, Joel Schuman, Mustafa Sindi, Adnan Tufail, Jui-Kai Wang, Sebastian Wolf, Yuyi You, Martin Zinkernagel, Wolf Lagrèze, Philipp Albrecht

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) in rodent models has been used to longitudinally image retinal changes, to define end points for more costly or time-consuming experiments, and to better understand the pathophysiology underlying OCT findings in human diseases. No standardization of rodent OCT reporting currently exists. Here, we aim to establish consensus recommendation for reporting results from retinal OCT studies in rodents.

METHODS: Initial recommendations were developed based on the APOSTEL criteria for quantitative OCT reporting in humans by a core team. Using a modified Delphi process, an expert panel of rodent OCT researchers (N = 31) …

Pathologist-Like Explainable Ai For Interpretable Gleason Grading In Prostate Cancer, Gesa Mittmann, Nidia Messias, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

No abstract provided.

Hydroxyapatite Microspheres Induce Durable Pleurodesis And Are Rapidly Cleared By Pleural Osteoclasts, Yusuke Tanaka, Yuki Takahashi, Yuma Shindo, Lori B. Pitstick, Steven L. Teitelbaum, Wei Zou, Xiangning Wang, Jason C. Woods, Kathryn A. Wikenheiser-Brokamp, Francis X. Mccormack

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Talc pleurodesis is highly effective for preventing recurrence of pneumothorax and pleural effusion, but it can be complicated by dissemination, acute lung injury, lead exposure, and foreign body-induced chronic inflammation and pain. Our objective is to develop a safe, biodegradable, contaminant-free particle for pleurodesis. We used mouse models of pneumothorax and malignant pleural effusion to compare the efficacy and safety of pleurodesis with talc and hydroxyapatite microspheres (HAM). Intrapleural instillation of microspheres induced pleural adhesions, fibrosis, and symphysis as effectively as talc and resulted in more durable protection from experimental pneumothorax. HAM and talc both induced an osteoclastogenic, inflammatory, and …

Comparing The Consistency Between Age Estimations Across Various Three-Dimensional Model Creation Methods In An Attempt To Find A Practical Proxy For Physical Remains, Jeanne R. Wood

LSU Master's Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine whether digital three-dimensional models can serve as a viable alternative to physical human remains to allow continued research on fragile physical specimens. As digital three-dimensional models have become increasingly prevalent in anthropological and archaeological research, it is essential to assess their limitations and capabilities, particularly for subjective assessments that rely heavily on visual interpretation (Remondino & El-Hakim, 2006). While previous studies have focused on the use of digital three-dimensional models for quantitative measurements, their effectiveness for subjective analyses remains unclear (Cooper et al., 2003; Sholts et al., 2010; Stull et al., 2014; …

From Simulation To Reality: Experimental Analysis Of A Quantum Entanglement Simulation With Slime Molds (Physarum Polycephalum) As Bioelectronic Components, Eduardo Miranda

School of Art, Design and Architecture

This study investigates whether it is possible to simulate quantum entanglement with theoretical memristor models, physical memristors (from Knowm Inc.) and slime molds Physarum polycephalum as bioelectric components. While the simulation with theoretical memristor models has been demonstrated in the literature, real-world experiments with electric and bioelectric components had not been done so far. Our analysis focused on identifying hysteresis curves in the voltage-current (I-V) relationship, a characteristic signature of memristive devices. Although the physical memristor produced I-V diagrams that resembled more or less hysteresis curves, the small parasitic capacitance introduced significant problems for the planned entanglement simulation. In case …

The Reciprocity Of Misfortune: The Little Tradition Of Disasters In The Philippines, Greg Bankoff, Bianca Angelien Aban Claveria, David Lozada Iii, Camille L. Silva

History Department Faculty Publications

Just as there is a great and little tradition in religion and civilization, there is a great and little tradition in disaster. This article explores the origins of community resilience in rural areas of the Philippines based on local reciprocity and cooperation and how ­ these customary practices form the basis of national disaster risk-­reduction policies. The endless strug­gle to feed and shelter a family and contend with repeated hazards, whether natu­ral or human-­induced, promotes collective action. There is a need to cooperate with neighbors, a web of dyadic and community relationships born out of necessity that constitutes a “reciprocity …

潜剖面分析中顺序量表的处理：基于蒙特卡罗模拟的比较, Chongming Yang, Joseph Olsen, Caleb Carlyle, Yanni Shen

Chinese/English Journal of Educational Measurement and Evaluation | 教育测量与评估双语期刊

以个体为中心的分析/建模方法具备一定优势，且在方法学层面提供了更多可能性。在潜剖面分析 (Latent Profile Analysis, LPA) 中，顺序心理量表有不同的处理方式，包括总分、平均值、标准化分数、以及因子/潜变量得分。然而，目前尚不确定这些处理方式在多大程度上能得出等效的类别比例与单变量差异。本研究采用极大似然 (Maximum Likelihood, ML) 估计和贝叶斯估计的方法，基于不同样本量 (N = 240/300 或 600) 与不同作答选项数量 (2、3、5 和 7 个)，对潜剖面分析中顺序量表的不同处理方式 (未加权和加权的均值与总分、标准化总分以及潜在因子分) 进行了模拟分析。研究结果表明，相较于顺序量表的其他处理方式，基于因子分的潜剖面分析在复现总体类别比例和单变量差异方面略有优势，尤其在小样本和两或三个作答选项的情况下更为明显。研究结论指出，当样本量充足时，使用贝叶斯估计的因子混合分析(Factor Mixture Analysis, FMA) 可较好地替代基于顺序量表均值和总分 (无论是否加权) 的潜剖面分析；当样本量未达理想水平时，更适合基于两步法因子分的潜剖面分析。

Treatments Of Ordinal Scales In Latent Profile Analyses: A Comparison With Monte Carlo Simulations, Chongming Yang, Joseph Olsen, Caleb Carlyle

Chinese/English Journal of Educational Measurement and Evaluation | 教育测量与评估双语期刊

Person-centered approaches to analysis/modeling provide certain advantages and methodological possibilities. Ordinal psychological scales have been used differently in latent profile analysis (LPA), including sums, means, standardized scores, and factor/latent scores, meanwhile it was uncertain to what extent these treatments would yield equivalent class proportions and univariate differences. This study simulated LPA of different treatments of ordinal scales (unweighted and weighted means, sums, standardized sums, and latent factor scores) with different response options (2, 3, 5, and 7) at different sample sizes (N = 240/300 or 600) under maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian estimations. Compared to other treatments of ordinal …

Key Width Ratio Influence On Discharge Coefficients Of Trapezoidal Piano Key Weirs Via Openfoam Simulations, Lisa Lüddecke, Mario Oertel

4th International Workshop on Labyrinth and Piano Key Weirs

Piano key weirs are characterized by complex three-dimensional flow structures with multiple parameters describing their geometry. The variation of these parameters can affect several flow characteristics such as efficiency, energy dissipation and air entrainment. Identifying the optimal geometry for enhanced hydraulic performance represents a significant challenge. Physical or numerical modeling of multiple geometric variants is necessary to identify the relevant optimal parameters. The key width ratio (between an inlet and an outlet key) represents one of the parameters that influences the hydraulic behavior of the piano key weir. In particular, it affects the discharge coefficient, which in turn affects the …

Sensitivity Analysis Of Piano-Key Weirs Design: Optimizing Discharge Performance Through Cfd Modeling And Empirical Insights, Fatna Oukaili, Yvan Bercovitz, Thomas Fonty, Benoit Blancher, Julien Vermeulen

4th International Workshop on Labyrinth and Piano Key Weirs

Piano-key weirs (PKWs) are widely recognized for their efficiency in enhancing spillway discharge capacity while maintaining a compact footprint. This study focuses on a parametric and sensitivity analysis of PKW discharge performance, exploring the influence of key design parameters on hydraulic behavior. By integrating experimental data with advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling using the open-source code_saturne software, we aim to refine predictive capabilities and establish guidelines for effective PKW design. The analysis emphasizes understanding the interplay between PKW geometry and flow characteristics. The analysis considers a range of geometrical configurations, including variations in key width ratios, and inlet-to-outlet dimensions, …

What Can Bird Poop Teach Us About The History Of U.S. Imperialism?: Guano Islands And Manifest Destiny Beyond Continental Borders, Eliot Fackler

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

In high school and college history courses, Manifest Destiny is often taught as a period when the United States expanded across the North American continent in the decades before the Civil War. This article outlines an inquiry-driven lesson examining the Antebellum guano rush and its devastating consequences to show that Manifest Destiny was also characterized by extracontinental imperial ambitions. It highlights the lasting impacts of the 1856 Guano Islands Act and links the guano rush to subsequent empire-building efforts, U.S. militarism, and ecological destruction. The article provides relevant background history, descriptions of possible class activities and assessments, and options for …

Theoretical And Experimental Studies Of Non-Rectilinear Weirs -From Labyrinth To Pk-Weir, Ahmed Ouamane, François Lempérière

4th International Workshop on Labyrinth and Piano Key Weirs

Free-flow rectilinear spillways, while simpler and safer than gated or shaft spillways, have a low specific discharge, requiring a significant water head and resulting in a storage loss of more than 20% for some small reservoirs. To overcome this drawback, labyrinth weirs provide an effective alternative, allowing high discharge under a reduced head while maintaining lower construction and maintenance costs. For several decades, global research has focused on optimizing their design. In this context, a research project was initiated in 1995 at the University of Biskra to enhance the understanding of the hydraulic behavior of these structures. This project was …

2023 - Appalachian Student Research Forum Poster Award Winners, Appalachian Student Research Forum, East Tennessee State University

Appalachian Student Research Forum

No abstract provided.

2023 - Appalachian Student Research Forum Program Booklet, Appalachian Student Research Forum, East Tennessee State University

Appalachian Student Research Forum

No abstract provided.

A Deep Dive Into The Nazis’ Animal World: Facilitating The Holocaust Through Symbolization, Filippa V. Frogner

The Downtown Review: An Interdisciplinary Journal Written and Peer-Reviewed by Mandel Honors College Students at Cleveland State University

This paper examines the use of animal symbolism in Nazi propaganda as a tool to dehumanize Jewish individuals and facilitate the Holocaust. Through an analysis of propaganda posters, films, and literature, it highlights how Jews were consistently depicted as animals such as rats, cockroaches, and monkeys—symbols associated with filth, disease, and inferiority. These portrayals, often reinforced by explicit textual messages, stripped Jews of their humanity and encouraged widespread acceptance of their persecution and extermination.

By exploring the methods, extent, and consequences of this dehumanizing propaganda, the paper sheds light on the critical role of animal symbolism in shaping public perception …

The Influence Of Religion On Gender Roles, Julianna R. Cutcher

The Downtown Review: An Interdisciplinary Journal Written and Peer-Reviewed by Mandel Honors College Students at Cleveland State University

Religion plays a pivotal role in shaping cultural norms, values, and power structures within societies. Religious discourse, as a socially constructed form of knowledge, defines gender roles, norms, and stereotypes, often reinforcing systems of privilege that favor straight, cisgender, white, and male individuals. This paper explores how religious teachings contribute to gender inequality, limiting opportunities for women and marginalized groups while enforcing rigid expectations of gender identity and sexual orientation. The analysis highlights the intersection of religion and power, exploring the topic through four lenses: systems of privilege and inequality, gender, social implications, and media and culture; it also presents …

Physical Model Investigations On Nappe Instabilities At Labyrinth Weirs, Michael Gebhardt, Fabian Belzner

4th International Workshop on Labyrinth and Piano Key Weirs

Free overflow hydraulic structures operating at low heads tend to develop nappe instabilities when there is no ventilation. A detailed investigation has been undertaken with a relatively large-scale labyrinth weir in the hydraulic laboratory of the BAW. A quarter-round crest was selected, because nappe instabilities mainly occur at sharp-crested weirs, which favor the development of an air pocket behind the nappe. The headwater ratios for which nappe instabilities could be observed were determined. Pressure fluctuations were measured and the frequencies determined. Adding splitters to the crest is one way to vent the air pocket and to avoid vibrations. Another possibility …

The Ecstatic Communion And Revelatory Foibles Of Sun House: A Reflection, Chris Roth

Communal Societies

No abstract provided.

Interpersonal Elements Of Social Sustainability In Intentional Communities, Caitlyn R. Charles, Alison A. Ormsby

Communal Societies

No abstract provided.

The Value In Imperfect Endeavors: Exploring Postcapitalist And Prefigurative Practices At East Wind Intentional Community, Olivia Chandler

Communal Societies

No abstract provided.

Housing In Contemporary Intentional Communities, Lucy Sargisson

Communal Societies

No abstract provided.

Relationship Between Musculoskeletal Disorders And Productivity Loss Among Hospital Nurses: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study With Secondary Data Analysis, Minkyung Kang, Inah Kim, Chang Park, Ari Min

Individual Open Access Articles

Aim: To identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among hospital nurses and explore their effects on productivity loss.

Design: An analytical cross-sectional study with secondary data analysis was conducted.

Methods: Data were collected via an online survey of 607 registered nurses working in general and tertiary hospitals in South Korea. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between musculoskeletal disorders and four productivity loss indicators: absenteeism, presenteeism, perceived productivity loss, and work limitations.

Results: Musculoskeletal disorders were highly prevalent among hospital nurses, with 83.9% of participants reporting muscu-loskeletal disorder symptoms in the past week. Lower back complaints …

2024 - Appalachian Student Research Forum Poster Presentation Award Winners, Applachian Student Research Forum, East Tennessee State University

Appalachian Student Research Forum

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Driftwood On The Hydraulic Performance Of A-Type Piano Key Weirs Situated In-Stream Or At Reservoirs, Pascal Venetz, Michael Pfister

4th International Workshop on Labyrinth and Piano Key Weirs

Driftwood is a natural part of most river ecosystems. The knowledge of its interaction with hydraulic structures, such as PKWs, is essential for two reasons: To (1) avoid uncontrolled inundations because of the level rise initiated by trapped driftwood (reducing the weir discharge coefficient), and (2) initiate the passage of the wood over the PKW, so that it remains in the river to further fulfill its environmental services. Knowledge of the conditions motivating driftwood to block at a PKW is essential. The present study accordingly focuses on the blocking probability of driftwood at PKWs and the resulting head increase – …