Digital Commons Network^™

Religious Festivals: A Niche Celebration To Foster Economic And Socio-Cultural Sustainability, Pooja R, Sathiyabamavathy K Dr

International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

Festivals are a distinct type of celebration and have the potential to boost the economic and socio-cultural aspects of tourism. This case study analysis focuses on the Chithirai festival, a well-known and recognised religious festival in South India that attracts many visitors yearly. The festival is celebrated in Madurai, southern Tamil Nadu, popularly known as India’s cultural capital. The unique Chithirai festival commemorates various narratives from Hindu scriptures, the most notable of which is the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswaran. This article delves into the festival’s economic and socio-cultural contributions and its historical and religious implications. The …

The Association Between Neighborhood Environment, Social Relations, And The Prevalence Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Negin Iranfar

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Stress and socioeconomic influences on IBS have been studied, however few studies have explored the impact of neighborhood and social environments across racial and ethnic groups and sex at birth. The biopsychosocial framework was used to examine whether built environment and social context contribute to IBS prevalence. A cross-sectional analysis of 80,874 participants from the All of Us Research Program was conducted to assess the associations between IBS and six neighborhood and social factors: safety, structure, cohesion, supportive relationships, social relationships, and perceived …

Creating A Positive Social-Emotional Learning Environment For Transgender Students: A Post-Pandemic Participatory Action Research, Mark Christopher Maranto

Dissertations

This qualitative research employing participatory action protocols (PAR) engages a limited number of gender minority adolescents (current transgender, nonbinary, and gender-fluid secondary students) and allied staff members at one large Midwestern public high school district. The principal purpose is to improve transgender secondary student schooling experiences. This study extends the current educational discourse on SEL (social-emotional learning) in post-pandemic high schools as far as the commitment to improving students' sense of belonging, growth mindset, resilience, and well-being should be a top priority for all educators. The primary researcher positions all participants as co-researchers to explore ways that could improve the …

Mirrors And Windows: Exploring Queer Identity Representation In Graduate Curriculum, Brody C. Tate

Dissertations

Queer representation in higher education curricula remains sparse, particularly at the graduate level, leaving many students without mirrors to reflect their identities or windows into broader queer experiences. This dissertation explores the extent to which queer graduate students perceive their identities as represented in their academic coursework. Using a narrative ethnographic approach, this study amplifies the voices of queer students, examining their lived experiences in relation to curriculum design, classroom discussions, and institutional inclusion. Framed through Queer Theory and Emily Style’s (1988) “Curriculum as Windows and Mirrors,” this research interrogates heteronormativity in graduate education and highlights the importance of visibility, …

Application Of Quechers Extraction Method For Optimization Of Organic Matters In Oil Sand By Ultrahigh Fourier Transform Infrared Orbitrap-Mass Spectrometry, Gbenga Aladekoyi, Emmanuel G. Olumayede, Samuel O. Olusanya, Simeon Schum

Michigan Tech Publications

This work focuses on the performance of composite solvents using the QuEchERs extraction (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method in bitumen recovery and determination of organic matters present in the oil sands of the Okitipupa area of southwestern Nigeria. Different correlated parameters, such as extraction time (h), stirring time (r/ min), change in temperature (°C), and type of solvent (heptane—toluene and dichloromethane—toluene), solvent ratios (2: 8, 3: 7, 5: 5, 7: 3, and 8: 2) were used to optimize dissolved organic matters from the oil sands using QuEchERs extraction method. Ratios 1 g/2.5 ml for each solvent mix …

A Multi-Level Gene-Diet Interaction Analysis Of Fish Oil And 14 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Traits Identifies The Fads And Gpr12 Loci, Han Chen

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Fish oil supplements (FOS) are known to alter circulating levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) but in a heterogeneous manner across individuals. These varied responses may result from unidentified gene-FOS interactions. To identify genetic factors that interact with FOS to alter the circulating levels of PUFAs, we performed a multi-level genome-wide interaction study (GWIS) of FOS on 14 plasma measurements in 200,060 unrelated European-ancestry individuals from the UK Biobank. From our single-variant tests, we identified genome-wide significant interacting SNPs (p < 5 × 10-8) in the FADS1-FADS2 gene cluster for total omega-3, omega-3%, docosapentaenoic acid (DHA), DHA%, and the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Among the interaction signals for omega-3%, the lead SNP, rs35473591 (C>CT, CT allele frequency = 0.34), had a lower association effect size in the FOS-taking group (β = 0.35 for …

“We Built Our Plane As We Flew It”: Communicative Resilience In Nonprofit Organizing During The Pandemic, Evgeniya Pyatovskaya

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates how nonprofit organizations cultivate resilience through communication and practice during periods of disruption, focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a case study of Apex for Youth—a New York City-based nonprofit serving low-income Asian and immigrant youth—this research explores how organizational members co-constructed resilience in response to both the pandemic and rising anti-Asian hate. Guided by the Communicative Theory of Resilience (CTR) and practice theory, resilience is examined as a dynamic, relational process enacted through daily organizational life.

Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, Formative Influences Timelines (FIT), ethnographic observation, and organizational documents. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed four …

Conveying The Need For Mental Healthcare – A Qualitative Study Of How Patients Communicate Mental Health Challenges’, Marit Nymoen, Marit Lomeland, Eva Biringer, Mirjam Extedt, Øystein Hetlevik, Rod Sheaff, Olav Thorsen, Miriam Hartveit

Peninsula Medical School

Background: Access to timely mental healthcare relies on patients’ descriptions of their mental health problems. We therefore sought to better understand, from the patients’ perspective, how they communicate their need for specialised mental healthcare to their GPs or mental health specialists and what factors affect communication when patients are referred from their GPs to specialised mental healthcare. Methods: This was an exploratory interview study. Ten adults who started treatment in specialised mental healthcare facilities were interviewed individually. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. A method based on thematic analysis was used to develop patterns and themes within the dataset …

Strengthening Occupational Health And Safety (Ohs) In Schools To Minimize Risks For Students, Teachers, And Visitors: Policy Recommendation, Wiwik Eko Pertiwi, Hanifa Maher Denny, Yuliani Setyaningsih, Agung Dwi Laksono

Journal of Indonesian Health Policy and Administration

Vocational schools equip students with practical skills and expose them to industry-related hazards, making Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) a crucial aspect of the school environment. This study aims to identify key factors behind the weak implementation of OHS in vocational schools. A literature review used articles published between 2017–2024 from national and international journals. The review found poor OHS implementation stems from lack of awareness, inadequate policies, insufficient infrastructure, weak safety culture, and negligence in accident prevention. To address these issues, the study recommends OHS education and training, improvement of school infrastructure, curriculum integration, formation of safety teams, and …

Disruptive (Re)Memberings: Anti-Blackness & The Mental Health Of Black Millennial Womxn, Perpetual A. Hayfron

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

This study examines the impact of anti-Blackness on the mental health of Black Millennial Womxn (BMW) pursuing post-secondary education. It explores the historical and contemporary factors that contribute to the neglect of Black Womxn in education research and the systemic issues that affect our access to mental health and educational resources. The research utilizes an Endarkened Feminist epistemology and narrative inquiry to center the narratives and lived experiences of BMW, challenging the prevailing narratives that erase our humxnity and intersectional identities. Data was collected through Black Participatory Research (BPR), individual interviews, and visual arts-based methods that center the lived experiences …

Enhanced Nuclear Binding Near The Proton Drip Line Opens Possible Bypass Of The 64Ge Rapid Proton Capture Process Waiting Point, Zachary Meisel, W.-J Ong, J. S. Ranhawa

Faculty Publications

We performed astrophysics model calculations with updated nuclear data to identify a possible bypass of the ⁶⁴Ge waiting point, a defining feature of the rapid proton capture (rp) process that powers type I X-ray bursts on accreting neutron stars. We find that the rp-process flow through the 64Ge bypass could be up to 36% for astrophysically relevant conditions. Our results call for new studies of ⁶⁵Se, including the nuclear mass, β-delayed proton emission branching, and nuclear structure as it pertains to the 64As(p, γ) reaction rate at X-ray burst temperatures.

Investigating The Impact Of A Social Media Literacy Intervention On Appearance Satisfaction, Life Satisfaction, And Affect, Jennifer Lai

Student Theses and Dissertations

Social media (SM) platforms are popular mediums for entertainment and connection among young adults, and the companies behind these platforms have intentionally designed and implemented features to enhance user engagement. Research has identified a negative relationship between SM use and mental health outcomes but few studies have tested SM literacy interventions to reduce the impact of SM use on these outcomes. To extend the literature on SM literacy interventions, this study sought to investigate the impact of a digitally-delivered SM literacy intervention on appearance satisfaction, life satisfaction, and affect. Participants were 125 students (M_Age = 20.50; SD = 2.79; …

Protein Stability Retention Under Harsh Conditions, Kaylen Su

Student Theses and Dissertations

Plastic waste is a growing environmental concern due to its resistance to natural degradation, leading to long-term accumulation in landfills and oceans. One potential solution is enzymatic degradation, where specific enzymes break down plastic into smaller, biodegradable components. However, enzymes often lose their effectiveness under the extreme conditions plastics experience during manufacturing, such as high temperatures, mechanical stress, and dehydration. This study explores whether small molecules, known as ligands, can help stabilize enzymes and improve their ability to break down plastics.

Using molecular dynamics simulations, we tested four ligands—poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), 6-hydroxyhexanoic acid (HHA), benzalkonium chloride (BC), and 6-aminohexanoic acid …

Aging In Adults With Down Syndrome, Brian Chicoine

Advocate GME

Individuals with Down syndrome are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. While there are many similarities in aging of people with and without Down syndrome, there are also some differences. In this webinar, Brian Chicoine, MD, will describe aging in adults with Down syndrome. He will discuss strategies for supporting adults with Down syndrome in promoting their health as they age as well as addressing challenges associated with aging. Topics will include life expectancy, common and uncommon health conditions, and healthy lifestyle choices for aging adults.

Participant 012: Reiki Master With Three Months Of Experience (Asian American & White; Female; New York, Usa)

0885: Reiki and Well-Being Interviews

This is an interview about Reiki and its connection with overall well-being with a Reiki Master holding three months of experience (Asian American & White; Female; New York, USA). She was interviewed on May 21, 2025. The participant agreed to the terms outlined in the verbal informed consent form before this interview. Some of the broad conversations during this interview include the full circle moments of finding aspects of spirituality as a young adult, but revising it when you're older; her first experience with a Reiki session being during her Reiki I attunement; Reiki's place in helping participant find self-love …

Relationship Between Job Satisfaction, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility (Deia) Issues, And Turnover Intention, Mica Hunter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Federal leaders are concerned about rising turnover intentions and low job satisfaction among employees, particularly in relation to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) issues. These challenges pose a threat to organizational stability, reduce productivity, and hinder the federal government’s ability to retain diverse talent and fulfill its mission effectively. Grounded in Frederick Herzberg's two-factor theory, the purpose of this quantitative ex post facto correlational study was to examine the relationship between job satisfaction, DEIA issues, and turnover intention within federal agencies. The participants were 254 federal employees who completed the 2023 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey. The results of the …

Employee Engagement Within The E-Commerce Industry, Kwami Seyram Dzahini

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Employee engagement poses a significant challenge for human resources (HR) managers in the e-commerce industry. Employees experiencing engagement issues may demonstrate lower commitment and heightened workplace incivility, ultimately affecting business profitability. Grounded in the employee engagement theory, the purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between work-life balance, professional growth, and employee engagement initiatives within U.S. e-commerce companies. The study involved 72 HR managers and full-time employees from the Eastern U.S. region, who participated in an online survey. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. The results were statistically significant, F(2, 69) = 12.475, p < .001, R² = .266, indicating that the model accounted for 26.6% of the variance in employee engagement. Professional growth emerged as a significant predictor of employee engagement, t = 2.62, p = .011, ß = 0.36. A key recommendation for e-commerce HR managers is to monitor engagement levels through surveys, feedback sessions, and performance indicators. Analyzing trends in employee retention, absenteeism, and productivity can allow leadership to make data-driven decisions and adjust strategies as needed. The implications for positive social change include the potential for HR leaders to enhance the value and satisfaction of employees, improve retention, and foster a more productive workforce that contributes positively to the overall health of the e-commerce industry and broader economy.

Unmasking Midfoot Pain: A Rare Case Report Of The Bipartite Medial Cuneiform Management, Andrew Silman, Syed Ahmed

Advocate GME

No abstract provided.

School Libraries In South Australia: 2024 Census, Katherine Dix, Tamara Van Der Zant

School and system improvement

The School Libraries in South Australia: 2024 Census offers a snapshot of the current state, challenges, and evolving roles of school libraries and their staffing in South Australia. Conducted by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) at the behest of the School Library Association of South Australia (SLASA), this census builds upon the foundational 2019 survey (Dix et al., 2020), providing a comparative analysis that highlights significant trends, progress, and ongoing challenges over the past five years. Over 600 school librarians and principals across all sectors—Government, Catholic, and Independent—were surveyed in late-2024, investigating how school libraries have adapted in …

2025-05-21 Timeout Session: Lilianne Hargreaves Sets Record, Finishes Career On High Note, Milan Damjanac

The Spectator Online

No abstract provided.

Simultaneous Targeting Of Tumor Cells And Tumor-Associated Macrophages To Reprogram Glioblastoma Using Trypsinized Extracellular Vesicles Carrying Tumor Suppressive Microrna, Grace H Nguyen, Minhye Noh, Jin Muk Kang, Alexandra A Miller, Minxin Huang, Jeong-Yeon Lee, Hongyu Wang, George A Calin, Cynthia Ju, Holger K Eltzschig, Yeshavanth Banasavadi-Siddegowda, Zhongming Zhao, Ji Young Yoo, Tae Jin Lee

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains difficult to treat due to poor drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-suppressive microRNAs (miRNAs) offer a promising strategy to reprogram both tumor cells and the TME, but inefficient delivery systems limit their clinical application. We previously reported that tumor-suppressive miR-138 regresses tumor growth in preclinical GBM models. Here, we demonstrate that trypsin digestion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) enhances labeling efficiency with folate (FA), enhancing selective targeting of folate receptor (FR)-positive GBM cells and enabling simultaneous targeting of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). FA-labeled trypsinized EVs (tEVs) loaded with miR-138 inhibit tumor growth, …

The Influence Of Extrusion Geometry And Ratio On Extrudate Mechanical Properties For A 6005a Alloy Containing Either Sc And Zr Or Cr And Mn Dispersoid Formers, Eli A. Harma, Paul Sanders, Thomas Wood, Timothy Langan

Michigan Tech Publications

There is a demand for a 6005A series extrusion alloy with improved strength that maintains good extrudability. Replacing Mn and Cr dispersoid formers with Sc and Zr is expected to increase the room temperature mechanical properties while not affecting extrudability. Al3X dispersoids with a Sc core surrounded by a Zr shell are stable at higher temperatures and enhance recrystallization resistance and precipitation strengthening. However, there is little information on how the Sc and Zr additions affect the properties of an extrudate as a function of extrusion geometry and ratio. A 6005A series alloy with Cr and Mn additions is compared …

Surviving The Void: Identity Threats And The Plague Of Violence In Rawi Hage’S De Niro’S Game, Yasmine Nabil M. A. Ahmed Dr

Computer Science

Abstract In the postcolonial era, many third-world countries, instead of enjoying prosperity, were driven into longterm civil wars and political unrest. Among the Arab countries which were plagued by a prolonged social conflict is Lebanon where the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990) lasted nearly 15 years, devastating the social fabric of the country. Among the novelists who capture this critical period in the history of Lebanon is the Lebanese-Canadian author Rawi Hage. Characterized by his nihilist and apocalyptic tone, Rawi Hage portrays, in his De Niro’s Game (2006), the chaos of war and its impact on personal and national identities. Through …

Sharc: Simulator For Hardware Architecture And Real-Time Control, Paul K. Wintz, Yasin Sonmez, Paul Griffioen, Mingsheng Xu, Surim Oh, Heiner Litz, Ricardo G. Sanfelice, Murat Arcak

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

Tight coupling between computation, communication, and control pervades the design and application of cyber-physical systems (CPSs). Due to the complexity of these systems, advanced design procedures that account for these tight interconnections are paramount to ensure the safe and reliable operation of control algorithms under computational constraints. This paper presents the Simulator for Hardware Architecture and Real-time Control (Sharc) to assist in the co-design of control algorithms and the computational hardware on which they are run. Sharc simulates the execution of a user-specified control algorithm on a given processor microarchitecture configuration, evaluating how computational constraints affect the dynamical properties of …

Tax Clinic, Michael S. Wolff

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Taxation Of Computer Technology, Robert L. Black, Craig E. Reese

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Estate Planning: Private Annuities And Estate Planning, Thomas M. Porcano

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Ai And Ethical Use Implication For Research, Kelley Plass, Sierra Campbell

May Institute

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives, especially for students. While there are valid debates about the advantages and disadvantages of students using AI for their assignments, such as comparing tools like Grammarly and ChatGPT, one aspect that often goes unexamined is the information sources that AI relies on. AI is now integrated into search engines like Google and Bing, making it accessible to everyone. Additionally, with the emergence of AI research tools like ResearchRabbit, AI's role in everyday activities continues to expand beyond easily accessible resources such as subscription databases. AI is now an optional …

[2025 Honorable Mention] Pedagogies In The Flesh And Recovery Of Historical Memory From The Perspective Of A Salvadoreña, Janelle I. Martinez

Ethnic Studies Research Paper Award

My submission is a praxis paper. First, I explore the concepts and theories I would like to put into praxis, which are pedagogies in the flesh and recovery of historical memory. I then explain how and why I put them into praxis.

Ph Dependent Structural Characterization Of Ich Ensembles Needed For Catalysis, Kevin C. Prososki

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

No abstract provided.