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(Si15-093) Dynamics Of The Generalized Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation With A Source Using An Analytical Method, Manish Raghav, Manoj .

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

In the present article, an analytical method is used to obtain hyperbolic, trigonometric, and rational solutions of the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger (GNLS) equation with a source. The ability of solitons to preserve their shapes during propagation makes them suitable for optical fiber communication. Solutions to the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a source can also describe solitons, and understanding their dynamics helps to design communication systems based on solitons. The analytical method used is compelling and effective for finding exact solutions to various nonlinear evolution equations (NLEEs). To further understand the phenomena, we create 3−D, contour, and 2−D graphs of …

(Si15-107) Mathematical Modeling Of Cancer Dynamics Stability Analysis Of Post Therapy Protection, Rajendran Swetha, Tharmalingam Gunasekar, Kamalendra Kumar, Krishnasamy Sakthivel

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

The study of PSITPS mathematical model is developed to analyze cancer dynamics, focusing on post-therapy protection. The model’s solution is rigorously examined for boundedness and positivity of solutions. Equilibrium points are identified, and numerical methods are employed to study stability. Simulations using accurate cancer data demonstrate the effectiveness of post-treatment protection in controlling cancer spread and minimizing recurrence. Stability analysis confirms the model’s predictive capability, offering valuable insights into long-term patient outcomes. The results highlight the importance of continuous post-treatment care in improving survival rates and reducing disease prevalence. This study provides a framework for optimizing cancer treatment strategies by …

(Si15-064) Permutation Pentanomials Over Finite Fields With Even Characteristic, Shalini Gupta, Sushil Kumar, Ashima .

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

Permutation polynomials over finite fields constitute an active area of research and play an important role in diverse domains, including finite geometry, combinatorial design, coding theory, and cryptography. The study of these polynomials has a long history, and many results have been obtained in recent years. This paper presents new classes of permutation pentanomials based on permutation over the unit circle of finite fields with even characteristic that contribute to the theoretical development of permutation polynomials.

(Si15-120) Exploring Fractional Difference Equations And Their Applications With Mahgoub-Transform, Tharmalingam Gunasekar, Periyasamy Udhayasankar, Prabakaran Raghavendran, Kamalendra Kumar

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

We discuss the introduction and study of the nabla discrete Mahgoub transform along with its defining properties. The transform of fractional sums and fractional differences are derived, demonstrating the applicability of the transform from the computational viewpoint. Employing the transform, fractional difference equations with initial value problems are solved, thereby enhancing the knowledge of their closed forms. As a side-effect of the Mahgoub-transforms, an attractive connection is established, showing that the discrete Mittag-Leffler function acts as the eigenfunction for the Caputo-type fractional difference operator nabla. These results strengthen the core basis for fractional calculus and herald industrial applications in various …

Building A Cohort Of Mentor Teachers To Support Novice Teachers’ Implementation Of Positive Behavior Support, Trauma-Informed, And Culturally-Sustaining Practices, Janet Vanlone, Grace J. Kim (Education Department), Carolyn Dipietro, Hasan Spencer

Faculty Journal Articles

A university was awarded a "Teacher Prep to Practice" grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for a project titled "Developing Culturally-Relevant Aspiring Teachers." The university collaborated with local school districts to host 2, 3-day "summer institute" professional development sessions, focusing on culturally relevant education, positive behavior support, trauma-informed practices, and effective coaching for novice teachers. The intention was to build a cohort of trained, veteran teachers equipped to serve as mentors for pre-service and early career educators. This paper provides an overview of the summer institute and shares the results of a related mixed-methods research study.

Biblical Theology - Lamentations 3:19-26, Kaitlin Burden

Biblical Studies Student Projects

This paper focuses on Lamentations 3:19-26. This paper makes connections to larger Biblical Theology themes found in Scripture, including, divine discipline, waiting and hoping, and a connection to Jesus. Many believers experience a tension between the promises of the God and the reality of their suffering. From Lamentations 3:19-26, believers learn that suffering is meant to be expressed as a prayer of lament. In doing so, believers learn to trust in God’s promises before suffering passes.

Minimum Resale Price Maintenance In The Absence Of Point-Of-Sale Service, Agency Or Free-Rider Problems, Michael R. Baye, Dan Kovenock, Casper De Vries

ESI Working Papers

We show that MRPM can increase manufacturer profits and total output even in the ab- sence of traditional justifications based on point-of-sale services, retailer effort, or free-riding. The key insight is that MRPM mitigates channel conflict by altering how retailers balance extracting surplus from loyal customers and competing for price-sensitive shoppers. When a manufacturer optimally chooses a wholesale price and MRPM policy, this can intensify com- petition and create systematic distributional effects: prices fall for loyal consumers but rise for shoppers, and the profits of smaller, shopper-dependent retailers decline. We characterize the conditions under which MRPM raises output, benefits a …

Rats With Wings: The Villainization Of The Pigeon And Its Portrayal In Modern Art And Literature, Emily Dutton

Honors Theses

For millennia, humans have had an increasingly intimate relationship with pigeons. These birds have been called a wide range of names and served a myriad of purposes alongside their human handlers; however, since the populations of feral rock pigeons have increased in American cities, the general public has ascribed a negative connotation to the pigeons that they were once closely associated with. The increasing populations of pigeons along with their decreasing perceived usefulness to humanity has led to a sharp decline in their image. This thesis aims to examine how the pigeon became so loathed after it was coveted for …

From Paper To Pixels: How Covid-19 Changed Teachers’ Perspectives Toward Technology, Nora Knight

Honors Theses

As schools transitioned to virtual education during the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers faced numerous instructional, technological, and emotional challenges. The purpose of this research study is to explore how K-5 elementary school teachers navigated the transition to remote instruction during all stages of the pandemic. Additionally, it examines teachers’ perspectives on technology integration in their classrooms throughout COVID-19, focusing on their preparedness, confidence, and instructional decision-making as they adapted to online teaching. A mixed-methods survey was distributed to 108 elementary school teachers in Madison County, Kentucky. The results revealed educators’ feelings and experiences with educational technology before, during, and after the …

Otterbein Towers Fall 2025, Otterbein University

Towers Magazine

Around the 'Bein; Innovative Funds; Committed to Career and Community; Faculty Excellence and Innovation; Two Years of Education for the Common Good; Homecoming and Family Weekend; Philanthropy; Alumni Matters; Class Notes.

Grand Valley Magazine, Vol. 25, No. 1, Fall 2025, Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley Magazine

Grand Valley Magazine is a quarterly publication about Grand Valley State University produced by University Communications since 2001.

What About Us? The Exclusion Of Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities In The Disaster Planning Process., Elizabeth Ogorek

Honors Theses

Intellectual/Developmental disabilities, or I/DDs, refers to a wide variety of conditions that can affect a person’s ability to process information and their environment. Individuals with I/DDs have a plethora of unique vulnerabilities before, during, and after major disasters. Some of these include difficulty understanding instructions, a tendency to become more easily overwhelmed by external stimuli, and reliance on 1-1 support. Despite this, very little evidence exists both in the research and the practice of emergency management to demonstrate that they have been included in meaningful ways. Many state Emergency Operations Plans, or EOPs, fail to acknowledge intellectually/developmentally disabled individuals as …

Comparing Pre-Pt Student To Pre-Pt Professor Upper Extremity Range Of Motion Reliability Using Virtual Measurements, Brittnee L. Franklin

Honors Theses

A reliability study was performed using a sample of convenience to determine the reliability of a Pre-PT student and Pre-PT professor when performing virtual and in-person goniometric measurements of forearm pronation and supination. Second, to see how a Pre-PT student compares to a Pre-PT professor at the end of the undergraduate degree. Our methodology was designed to be simple and consistent between both testers. Participants were instructed to hold a pencil in their right hand; elbow fixed at 90°; elbow by the side of the body; could not have any previous injuries to the shoulder/forearm; and must be able to …

Caring For Our Planet: A “Green” Reaction Method Of 2,2’-Bipyridine Through Phosphorus Extrusion, Alessandra T. Palumbo

Honors Theses

Phosphorus extrusion is the process of removing the phosphorus ion from a molecule specifically a phosphonium salt. Currently many phosphorus extrusion methods are harsh for the environment because they require the addition of strong acids, strong bases, oxidation reagents, or heating the reaction to extremely high temperatures. In this thesis, mild phosphorus extrusion conditions were used to synthesize 2,2’-bipyridine from diphenyldi(2-pyridyl)phosphonium bromide ([Dipyphos]Br). The main goal is to increase bipy yield while decreasing waste which will in turn be better for the environment. These conditions can be manipulated to increase bipy yield: Lewis acid, nucleophile, temperature, reaction time, reaction solvent, …

Level Up: How Video Games Can Be Beneficial And Spark Creative Imagination In Players, Makendra M. Phipps

Honors Theses

Since the 2010’s, a technological trend has been flourishing: the development and enhancement of video games across different platforms. The early 1970s began the evolution of video game systems, from Atari and Magnavox Odyssey (1972) to Game Boy (1989) to Nintendo Switch 2 (2025) today. Video games themselves have also evolved, from the first basic computer games of the 1950s (such as OXO and Tennis for Two), to the introduction of arcade games in the 1970s (Pong, Space Invaders, PAC-Man), to the popular video games of today (Grand Theft Auto, Minecraft, Fortnite, R.E.P.O., to name …

Good Intentions Gone Wrong: The Hidden Consequences Of Benevolent Sexism For Women Seeking Justice, Mia Thomas

Honors Theses

Sexism and gender-stereotypes have long impacted societal and criminal justice system responses to victims of violent crime. Scholarly research has demonstrated that sexism is complex and takes varying forms (i.e., ambivalent, hostile, institutional, internalized and more). Of particular interest here is benevolent sexism, which is broadly defined as holding attitudes towards women that are seemingly positive, but which ultimately increase the patronization of women and reinforce their subordination. Such examples include the cultural customs of chivalry or the act of maintaining sexist attitudes with “good intentions.” Drawing on media case studies and scholarly literature, I examine the influence of benevolent …

From Chaos To Calm: How Ferappease Shapes Calf Behavior And Eases Weaning Woes, Rinna Tarter

Honors Theses

Weaning is widely recognized as one of the most stressful practices within the beef industry, as calves are separated from their dams and must manage changes in environment, social structure, and nutrition. This process provides indicators of stress, including increased vocalizations, reduced feed intake, pacing, and a stop in weight gain. Traditional management strategies include fenceline separation, nose flaps, and abrupt separation. Some research has begun to investigate approaches that target the biological mechanisms underlying the physiological stress response. One approach involves the use of a maternal bovine appeasing substance (mBAS), a synthetic analog of pheromones produced naturally by lactating …

Double Lenses: Understanding Adhd–Autism Comorbidity Across Gender And Pathways To Intervention, Grace A. Peak

Honors Theses

Each year, the number of people diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) rises. This rising number is due to the abundance of research done on each disorder. Because of this increase in information, many adults and children are getting a comorbid diagnosis, meaning that they are being diagnosed with both disorders at the same time. There is one catch, however; research has shown that ADHD and ASD are spectrums, meaning that they have symptoms that can range in frequency and severity while also affecting each person differently. A large portion of the research conducted …

Maternal Nutritional Status And Immune Regulation In Early Offspring Development, Caroline C. Pagan

Honors Theses

Maternal nutrition, immune function, and microbiome health work together to shape fetal development in ways that influence health across the lifespan and even into future generations. This paper synthesizes evidence from molecular biology, nutrition science, immunology, and public health to show that essential nutrients-such as omega-3 fatty acids, folate, iron, zinc, and vitamin D-directly affect fetal immune programming, neurodevelopment, placental function, and metabolic regulation. Research on the maternal microbiome further demonstrates that microbial diversity and metabolite production modify nutrient absorption, inflammatory balance, and fetal gene expression, underscoring the microbiome’s role as both a mediator and amplifier of nutritional effects. At …

Friend And Foe: Why Marijuana Should Be Legalized But Heavily Restricted, Monica Ronkainen

Honors Theses

Marijuana legalization has become prevalent in the United States, sparking discussion about the positive and negative effects of marijuana and marijuana legalization. Although the legality of marijuana has varied in the past, many states are passing legislation that attempts to address the negative and positive effects of legalization and form policies that keep communities safe. Current research clearly indicates harmful effects of marijuana use, including driving under the influence, undesirable later-life circumstances, cognitive deficits, mental health issues, and developmental issues resulting from marijuana use during pregnancy. Marijuana use and legalization also have benefits, including advanced treatment of medical issues, decreases …

Social Drivers Of Health: Shifting The Focus Of Health Indicators From The Biological Code To The Zip Code, Jenna M. Barlage

Honors Theses

This study explored how healthcare facilities in Kentucky and Ohio are adapting to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2024 mandate requiring the collection and reporting of Social Drivers of Health (SDOH) data. Through literature review and interviews with healthcare administrators responsible for SDOH screening, documentation, and reporting, the research evaluated the central hypothesis: while the mandate has expanded the amount of available SDOH data, healthcare organizations continue to face substantial financial, technological, and organizational barriers in addressing identified patient needs. Findings indicated that many facilities have broadened and standardized their screening practices, leading to clearer early trends …

The Leap Through Reality: The Connections Between Quantum Leap’S Tropes Within Natural Science, Annamarie G. Seamans

Honors Theses

Quantum Leap aired in 1989 and became known for the show's combination of science fiction tropes. The combination of switching consciousness and time travel was an uncommon method for storytelling and stood out among the many science fiction shows released in the 1980s. Time travel has been a storytelling tool for centuries and many scientists have developed theories that allow time travel to be possible in the natural world. Many of the theories developed become improbable due to causality. However, if causality is no longer maintained there are models of time travel that become more likely. Similarly, the science behind …

The Impact Of Environmental Factors On Blood Detection: Effects Of Uv And Temperature On Blood Samples, Delaney Mccarthy

Honors Theses

Biological evidence, such as blood, is one of the most important types of forensic evidence collected from crime scenes. Blood can provide valuable information that can help identify victims, perpetrators, and give insight into what transpired. However, outdoor environments leave biological samples exposed to changing and often harsh weather conditions that can compromise the evidence’s integrity. Ultraviolet (UV) light and variable temperatures are two major factors that can degrade both the physical and chemical properties of blood. This study aimed to determine the effects of UV exposure on the detection and analysis of human blood using presumptive and confirmatory serological …

Wheelchair-Mounted Robotic Arms: A Systematic Review Of Technical Design And Activities Of Daily Living Outcomes, Mahbubur Rahman, Nayan Banik, Md. Samiul Haque Sunny, Md Ishrak Islam Zarif, David Bedolla-Martinez, Katie Schultz, Sheikh Iqbal Ahamed, Mohammad H. Rahmam

Computer Science Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose

This review examines wheelchair-mounted robotic arms (WMRAs) as an emerging assistive technology that enhances independence and quality of life for individuals with upper- and lower-limb disabilities. By enabling independent performance of activities of daily living (ADLs), WMRAs hold significant promise for disability and rehabilitation. The article aims to critically evaluate the state of the art in WMRA research and development, identifying persistent challenges and highlighting promising innovations.

Materials and Methods

The review systematically analyzes literature on WMRAs published between 2001 and 2025. The analysis emphasizes design specifications, degrees of freedom, actuation methods, control strategies, and performance evaluations. A comparative …

Ethics In Review: When Researcher Responsibility Meets Peer Review, Michael Zimmer, Casey Fiesler, Jessica Vitak

Computer Science Faculty Research and Publications

Research ethics ideally begins long before we open Overleaf and start preparing a manuscript for submission. Ethical decisions should guide study design, data collection, and the analysis of results, so that by the time the work is ready for publication, it already reflects responsible research practices.

Religious Conflicts In Disguise: The Limits Of The Law In Tackling Conflicts With Religious Dimensions, Yael Efron

Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution

In previous publications, we have established the crucial differences between conflicts with religious dimensions (CRDs) and other types of conflicts. We claim that a legal solution to CRDs is rarely sufficient to terminate the conflict and often might lead to further damage to communities and persons, sometimes even harsher than the original dispute. Since not all CRDs are similar, a theorized model of their distinguishing elements—time, intensity, and proximity to core values—assists us in differentiating them. By analyzing the elements of CRDs in accordance with the TIV model, we can more easily determine which conflicts are suitable for legal process …

Unnoticed Early Pregnancy During Myomectomy With Favorable Outcome: Case Report, Ronak Mulji, Lusajo Mwagobele, Farhat Seif, Zainab Fidaali, Munawar Kaguta

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Introduction

Uterine fibroids are a common cause of infertility, and myomectomy remains a key surgical intervention to improve reproductive outcomes. However, the occurrence of an undetected pregnancy during myomectomy is rare and poses significant clinical risks.

Case Presentation

We report a 34-year-old woman, nulliparous with a history of secondary infertility and three first-trimester miscarriages. She had multiple fibroids and was managed for polycystic ovarian syndrome and hyperprolactinemia. Scheduled for abdominal myomectomy, the surgery proceeded uneventfully, with six fibroids removed and no breach of the endometrial cavity. Five weeks postoperatively, she presented with symptoms suggestive of early pregnancy. Ultrasound confirmed a …

What Community Members With Chronic Illness Teach Future Healthcare Professionals In A Longitudinal Interprofessional Education Program: A Focus Group Study, Rachel White, Maria Brucato, Amber King, Anne B. Mitchell, Nethra S. Ankam

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Nearly 50% of Americans have at least one chronic illness. Preparing future healthcare providers for interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) and person-centred care through community-based interprofessional education (IPE) can improve outcomes for this growing population. Partial programme theories predict that patients' participation as teachers in health professions education contributes to students' development of patient-centredness. Role theory asserts that behaviours are shaped by assigned roles; therefore, community members with chronic illness who assume roles of health mentors in an IPE curriculum are predicted to teach students about their patient experiences. Yet, this teaching outcome and the lessons health mentors teach in …

Combined Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance And Ph Testing In Infants And Young Children-A Narrative Review, Rochelle Sequeira Gomes, Sheeja Abraham, Michael Favara, Amy J. Sloane, Zubair H. Aghai

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in infants and young children, and thediagnosis and characterization of the disease continues to evolve in recent times. The typicalsymptoms thought to be related to GERD in young children are often nonspecific andubiquitous, underscoring the need for diagnostic testing in patients who have severe symptomsor complications related to GERD. Combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and pHtesting (MII-pH) is a diagnostic tool that can be used to study the frequency andseverity of gastroesophageal reflux. Compared to other diagnostic devices, MII-pH hasthe advantage of detecting both acidic and alkaline reflux events, as well as allows the study …

No Time (Not) To Read, Amy Cooper Cary

Library Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.