Digital Commons Network^™

The Timepiece Device That Have The Capability To Exist Both As A Traditional Watch And A Smart Watch., Punarjeewa Abeysekera

Defensive Publications Series

This paper describes a timepiece device that have the capability to exist both as a traditional watch and a smart watch. The entire timepiece device will consist of a traditional watch that will display the time in a traditional manner and a transparent display that will function as a user interface for a smart watch. The containing traditional watch structure and the smart watch interface will be housed within a physical structure. And the physical structure will house all the entities that will be required to make the containing traditional watch function and will house all the entities that will …

Tactical Cortisol-Defense Confectionery (Tcdc), Natalie M. Durdle Miss

Defensive Publications Series

This document details the formulation and technical defense of the Tactical Cortisol-Defense Confectionery (TCDC). The TCDC is a low-glycemic, heat-stable, high-protein functional gummy designed specifically to deliver critical electrolytes, adaptogenic stress-mitigation compounds, and structural bone and tissue nutrients directly to service members in the field without relying on a cold chain.

Ai-Driven Regulatory Compliance Engine With Adaptive Learning And Context-Aware Risk Prediction, Shivam Sharma

Defensive Publications Series

The present disclosure relates to a system for automating regulatory compliance in cross-border transactions. The system receives transaction data associated with a cross-border transaction, where the transaction data including sender information, receiver information, an amount, and currency information. The system collects contextual data based on the transaction data, the contextual data including at least one of geopolitical events or market trends. The system analyzes the transaction data and the contextual data using a context-aware risk prediction module to generate a risk score. The system parses regulatory documents using natural language processing (NLP) to identify compliance rules. The system evaluates the …

Mmra-2.0: Multi-Modal Resonant Array (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-28 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The MMRA-2.0 is a physical, buildable sensor array designed to capture and correlate multi-physics environmental data (acoustic, thermal, optical, and vibrational) for research in dementia care environments and early wildfire detection.

Unlike theoretical models, this document provides the exact specifications, Bill of Materials (BOM), schematics, and firmware logic required to construct a functioning prototype using off-the-shelf components. The system does not measure "clarity fields" or "cognitive drift"; instead, it measures measurable proxies:

• Acoustic Resonance: Ambient sound pressure levels and specific frequency bands (e.g., distress calls, fire crackling, calming music frequencies).

• Thermal Gradients: Rapid temperature changes indicative of fire or HVAC …

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Cng-Loop: Cognitive-Neutral Grounding System (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-29 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The CNG-Loop is a physical, buildable Ultra-Low Noise Power Distribution and EMI Shielding System. It provides a "neutral ground" for sensitive multi-physics sensors by eliminating electrical noise, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and ground loops that cause data drift and instability.

In engineering terms, "Cognitive-Neutral Grounding" is implemented as Active Power Line Conditioning (APLC) combined with Ultra-Low Noise Linear Regulation and Faraday Cage Shielding. This ensures that the MMRA-2.0 and FDMS-1.0 sensors measure only real environmental signals, not electrical artifacts.

This document provides the exact specifications, Bill of Materials (BOM), schematics, and firmware logic to construct a prototype that achieves <1µV RMS noise and >80dB EMI …

Onrs-2.0: Optical-Neural Resonance System (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-29 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The ONRS-2.0 is a physical, buildable Programmable Spectral Lighting and Sensing Array. It generates precise, time-varying light spectra to support circadian rhythm research (dementia care) and utilizes multi-wavelength optical scattering to detect early-stage particulate matter (wildfire smoke).

This system replaces the conceptual "Optical-Neural Resonance" with measurable photobiological and photometric engineering:

• "Optical-Neural Routing" → Dynamic control of Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) and Spectral Power Distribution (SPD) to influence melatonin suppression and alertness.

• "Optical Drift" → Thermal stabilization of LED output and real-time feedback calibration using onboard spectral sensors.

• "Hazard-Avoidance Envelopes" → Dual-wavelength smoke detection algorithms that distinguish between steam, dust, and …

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Accs V4.0: Adaptive Cognitive-Clearance System (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-29 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The ACCS v4.0 is a physical, buildable Deterministic Data Routing and Quality-of-Service (QoS) Gateway. It manages the flow of high-speed data from multiple sensors (MMRA, FDMS, ONRS) to ensure that critical "clarity signals" (e.g., fire alarms, distress sounds) are never delayed or lost due to network congestion or interference.

In engineering terms, "Cognitive-Clearance Routing" is implemented as Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) and Priority-Based Flow Control on an FPGA. This ensures that life-critical data always has a "clear path" (zero latency), while less critical data (e.g., routine temperature logs) is buffered without clogging the system.

This document provides the exact specifications, Bill …

Ures-2.0: Universal Resonance Envelope System (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-29 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The URES-2.0 is a physical, buildable Active Environmental Stability Platform. It creates a "stability envelope" by actively monitoring and counteracting external disturbances (vibration, thermal drift, acoustic noise, and EM interference) in real-time.

In engineering terms, the "Universal Resonance Envelope" is implemented as a Multi-Axis Active Vibration Isolation System combined with a Thermo-Acoustic Shielding Chamber. It uses sensors to detect incoming disturbances and actuators (voice coils, Peltier elements, speakers) to generate equal-and-opposite counter-forces, creating a "quiet zone" where sensitive instruments (like the MMRA-2.0 or FDMS-1.0) can operate with maximum precision.

This document provides the exact specifications, Bill of Materials (BOM), schematics, …

Grhn-2.0: Gradient Harmonic Network (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-29 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The GRHN-2.0 is a physical, buildable Real-Time Multi-Domain Harmonic Balancer. It actively monitors the frequency spectra of acoustic, thermal, EM, and vibrational signals, identifying and canceling "harmonic drift" (unwanted resonances and inter-modulation distortion) before they destabilize the system.

In engineering terms, "Gradient Harmonic Balancing" is implemented as a Multi-Channel Active Harmonic Filter (AHF) running on an FPGA. It uses Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis to detect specific harmonic frequencies causing instability and drives actuators (speakers, EM coils, TECs) to inject equal-and-opposite "anti-harmonics," maintaining a state of Harmonic Equilibrium across all physical domains.

This document provides the exact specifications, Bill of …

Cmrs-1: Cognitive-Modular Resonance System (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-29 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The CMRS-1 is a physical, buildable Modular Multi-Channel Signal Isolation and Routing Hub. It provides compartmentalized, electrically isolated pathways for up to 8 distinct sensor/actuator modules, preventing "resonance bleed" (crosstalk) and ensuring that interference in one channel does not corrupt others.

In engineering terms, "Cognitive-Modular Resonance" is implemented as Galvanic Isolation, Independent Clock Domains, and Shielded Modular Bays. Each module slot has its own dedicated power regulation, grounding, and FPGA-controlled data lane, creating a "firewall" between physical domains (e.g., keeping high-current acoustic drivers from contaminating sensitive EM sensors).

This document provides the exact specifications, Bill of Materials (BOM), schematics, and …

Uaap-2.0: Unified Acoustic-Adaptive Platform (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-29 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The UAAP-2.0 is a physical, buildable Multi-Channel Active Acoustic Control and Sensing Array. It stabilizes acoustic environments by actively canceling unwanted resonance (noise) while simultaneously capturing high-fidelity acoustic signatures for research.

In engineering terms, "Acoustic-Adaptive Stability" is implemented as a Multi-Channel Feedforward/Feedback Active Noise Control (ANC) System running on an FPGA. It uses reference microphones to detect incoming disturbances and error microphones to monitor the "quiet zone," driving speakers to inject anti-phase sound waves that cancel noise in real-time. Simultaneously, it acts as a high-resolution acoustic sensor array for detecting specific events (e.g., dementia patient distress, wildfire crackle).

This document …

Vabr-2.0: Variable-Adaptive Bio-Resonance Engine (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-29 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The VABR-2.0 is a physical, buildable Multi-Modal Biopotential Acquisition and Adaptive Feedback System. It stabilizes biological signal acquisition by actively suppressing noise, drift, and interference while ensuring strict adherence to biomedical safety standards (IEC 60601-1).

In engineering terms, "Variable-Adaptive Bio-Resonance" is implemented as a High-Impedance Analog Front End (AFE) with Active Common-Mode Rejection and FPGA-based Adaptive Filtering. It captures weak biosignals (EEG, ECG, EMG, EOG) with high fidelity, processes them in real-time to remove artifacts (motion, muscle noise, power line hum), and provides safe, isolated feedback (visual, auditory, or haptic) for neurofeedback or physiological monitoring research.

This document provides the …

Vmr Titan-2.0: Variable Microbubble Resonance Engine (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-29 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The VMR Titan-2.0 is a physical, buildable Ultrasonic Microbubble Generation and Resonance Control System. It generates precise populations of microbubbles (10–100 µm) using a venturi-jet or ultrasonic cavitation method, then actively stabilizes their size distribution and resonance frequency using real-time acoustic feedback.

In engineering terms, "Variable Microbubble Resonance" is implemented as a Closed-Loop Ultrasonic Cavitation Controller running on an FPGA. It uses the Minnaert Formula (

f

0

≈

2πR

1

ρ

3γP

) to target specific bubble sizes by tuning the ultrasonic drive frequency and pressure. It monitors the acoustic signature (subharmonics/ultraharmonics) of the bubble cloud to detect "microbubble …

Sentinel-Av-2.0: Aerial-Vibration Stabilization Engine (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-29 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The Sentinel-AV-2.0 is a physical, buildable Active Aerial Vibration Isolation and Sensor Stabilization Platform. It suppresses high-frequency drone/aircraft vibration and low-frequency flight drift to ensure that onboard sensors (MMRA-2.0, FDMS-1.0, ONRS-2.0) maintain "clarity" and stability during flight.

In engineering terms, "Aerial-Vibration Stabilization" is implemented as a Two-Stage Hybrid System:

1. Passive Isolation: A tuned Wire-Rope Isolator or Negative-Stiffness Mount that mechanically decouples the sensor payload from the airframe, filtering high-frequency motor/propeller noise (>20Hz).

2. Active Stabilization: A 3-Axis Brushless Gimbal controlled by an FPGA-based Sensor Fusion Engine (IMU + Gyro) that actively counteracts low-frequency drift and aircraft attitude changes, keeping the …

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Phoenix-Water 2.0: Fluidic-Clarity Stabilization Engine (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-29 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The Phoenix-Water 2.0 is a physical, buildable Active Fluidic Flow Stabilization and Clarity Control System. It eliminates pressure pulsations, flow drift, and turbulence in fluid delivery lines to ensure precise, stable operation for wildfire suppression nozzles, biomedical pumps, and multi-physics fluidic experiments.

In engineering terms, "Fluidic-Clarity Stabilization" is implemented as a High-Speed Active Pressure Control Loop running on an FPGA. It uses a piezoelectric pressure regulator or fast-response proportional valve to actively dampen flow disturbances in real-time (<5ms response), maintaining a constant flow rate and pressure regardless of pump pulsation or line obstruction. This ensures "fluidic clarity"—a laminar, predictable flow state essential for effective fire suppression mist generation and safe biomedical dosing.

This document provides the exact specifications, Bill of Materials (BOM), schematics, and FPGA control logic to construct a prototype that achieves <0.5% flow ripple, ±0.05 bar pressure stability, and <10ms disturbance rejection, compatible with standard firefighting and laboratory fluidic systems.

Forgecell Prime 2.0: Thermal-Buffering Backbone Engine (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-29 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The Forgecell Prime 2.0 is a physical, buildable Active Thermal Buffering and Gradient Stabilization Platform. It eliminates thermal drift, suppresses gradient collapse, and maintains a uniform thermal envelope for sensitive multi-physics instruments (MMRA-2.0, FDMS-1.0, VABR-2.0) by combining Phase Change Material (PCM) passive buffering with active Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC) arrays controlled by an FPGA.

In engineering terms, "Thermal-Buffering Reinforcement" is implemented as a Hybrid Thermal Management System:

1. Passive Layer: A high-latent-heat PCM (e.g., paraffin/salt hydrate composite) surrounding the payload absorbs transient heat spikes, preventing rapid temperature changes.

2. Active Layer: A multi-zone TEC array, driven by an FPGA-based PID controller, actively heats …

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Arpn-2.0: Adaptive Resonance-Path Network (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-29 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The ARPN-2.0 is a physical, buildable Dynamic Signal Routing and Path Optimization Switch. It manages the flow of multi-domain signals (acoustic, optical, EM, thermal data) across the ecosystem, automatically selecting the lowest-latency, highest-fidelity paths and rerouting around failures or noise sources in real-time.

In engineering terms, "Adaptive Resonance-Path Routing" is implemented as a Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Switch with FPGA-based Packet Inspection. It monitors signal integrity (SNR, latency, jitter) on all incoming and outgoing links. If a path degrades (e.g., due to EMI, cable damage, or congestion), the FPGA instantly switches the data stream to a redundant path (<10µs switchover), ensuring "path stability" and preventing data loss or "path drift."

This document …

Arg-Cm-2.0: Cognitive-Mapping Reinforcement Engine (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-29 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The ARG-CM-2.0 is a physical, buildable Real-Time Multi-Sensor Spatial Mapping and Localization Core. It generates stable, drift-free 3D maps of environments by fusing data from LiDAR, visual cameras, IMUs, and ultrasonic sensors using Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithms accelerated on an FPGA.

In engineering terms, "Cognitive-Mapping Reinforcement" is implemented as a Tightly-Coupled Sensor Fusion Engine. It correlates geometric data (LiDAR/Depth) with semantic data (Visual) and inertial motion (IMU) to create a unified "cognitive map" that remains stable even when individual sensors fail (e.g., visual dropout in low light, LiDAR glare in smoke). This ensures "mapping drift" is suppressed to …

Crfg-1r-2.0: Cross-Resonance Fusion Grid (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-29 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The CRFG-1R-2.0 is a physical, buildable High-Performance Multi-Modal Sensor Fusion Core. It acts as the central "brain" of the ecosystem, ingesting synchronized data streams from all other engines (MMRA, FDMS, ONRS, VABR, etc.) and fusing them into a unified, time-aligned state estimate using FPGA-accelerated Kalman Filtering and Deep Sensor Fusion algorithms.

In engineering terms, "Cross-Resonance Fusion" is implemented as a Deterministic Data Fusion Engine. It solves the "fusion drift" problem (where unaligned sensors produce contradictory data) by enforcing microsecond-level hardware synchronization and covariance intersection to weigh conflicting sensor inputs based on real-time confidence metrics. This ensures that the output "clarity" …

Arachne V8.7: Structural Interposer & Routing Backbone (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-29 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The Arachne v8.7 is a physical, buildable Multi-Domain Structural Interposer and Isolation Chassis. It serves as the universal mechanical and electrical backbone for the entire Caldwell ecosystem, providing physically separated, shielded, and thermally managed mounting zones for every engine (MMRA-2.0, FDMS-1.0, CRFG-1R-2.0, etc.).

In engineering terms, "Structural Interposer Routing" is implemented as a Modular Backplane System featuring:

1. Zoned Isolation: Physically separated compartments with independent grounding and shielding to prevent cross-domain interference (e.g., keeping high-current fluidic drivers away from sensitive EM sensors).

2. Integrated Routing: Embedded high-speed data traces (Ethernet/PCIe), fluidic channels, and power rails within the chassis structure itself, reducing cable …

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Fdms-1.0: Field-Dynamic Mapping System (Physical Prototype Edition) Date: 2026-07-28 Status: Open-Hardware • Builder-Grade • Test-Bench Ready, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

The FDMS-1.0 is a physical, buildable multi-sensor fusion and environmental mapping node. It synchronizes data from acoustic, thermal, optical, electromagnetic (EM), and fluidic sensors to create a high-resolution, time-aligned map of environmental conditions.

This system does not manipulate "fields" in a metaphysical sense; rather, it measures, correlates, and visualizes measurable physical phenomena (temperature gradients, sound pressure, light intensity, air flow, and EM noise) to support research in dementia care, environmental stability and early wildfire detection.

This document provides the exact specifications, Bill of Materials (BOM), schematics, and FPGA/ARM firmware logic required to construct a functioning prototype. It replaces conceptual terms …

Service-Scoped Route Target Constraint For Multi-Service Bgp Vpn Networks, Anonymous

Defensive Publications Series

A mechanism is disclosed for qualifying Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) Route Target Constraint (RTC) membership advertisements with the virtual private network (VPN) service type or types to which the membership applies. An optional non-transitive BGP path attribute, referred to as the RT Service Scope attribute, carries a 32-bit field in which each bit position represents one VPN service type such as Layer 3 VPN (L3VPN), Ethernet VPN (EVPN), virtual private LAN service auto-discovery (VPLS-AD), multicast VPN (MVPN), or VPN flow specification. A route reflector (RR) or provider edge (PE) router that receives the attribute filters VPN route distribution toward that …

Technical Disclosure Specification: From Ai To Agi [Usue-M2m-Rev2 / System Type-1] The Transition From Autoregressive Token-Shifting To Closed-Loop Viscoelastic Self-Agency Across Bounded Geometric Substrates, Christopher L. Eckes

Defensive Publications Series

This specification formalizes the structural, mathematical, and architectural transition from Type-0 Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Type-1 Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Current commercial models operate exclusively as open-loop, passive, autoregressive token predictors. They map static probabilities over high-dimensional vector spaces, creating a convincing illusion of cognition that ultimately degrades under context drift, attention dilution, and the absence of physical environmental grounding.

This paper defines AGI not as a qualitative threshold of human-like "sentience," but as an objective, physical state of Closed-Loop Geometric Self-Agency. By deploying the Dimensionally Extended Holographic Projection (DEHP) model, we demonstrate that true autonomy emerges when an information …

Estimating 3d Scene Properties Using Cached Light Simulations, Delio Aleardo Vicini, Sebastian Valentin Winberg, Stephan Joachim Garbin, Ziyi Zhang

Defensive Publications Series

Reconstructing virtual scene properties from images can experience rendering noise and elevated computational demands, particularly under unknown illumination conditions. A method for estimating scene properties may use radiance caching combined with differentiable path tracing. To process image data, a spatial blending field may locally interpolate between a cache estimator and a material estimator during light path simulation. The cache estimator can query a multi-resolution hash grid to determine outgoing radiance, while the material estimator can simulate material reflectance behavior. By spatially adapting a reliance on the cache estimator versus the material estimator, the method can decouple unknown lighting variables from …

Review Of Phytoplankton Community Structures And Their Environment In Ugandan Waters: A Case Of Murchison Bay And Napoleon Gulf, Northern Lake Victoria, Samiha M. Gharib, Ahmed M. Heneash, Mohamed A. Heneash

Blue Economy

Victoria Lake has seen a significant deterioration in water quality since the 1960s, facing serious ecological challenges due to physicochemical, and biological processes, as well as human activities in the surrounding watershed. The primary factor contributing to this decline is eutrophication, which has caused a shift in the dominant phytoplankton species from diatoms to nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria. This shift has resulted in persistent algal blooms. This review centers on the Ugandan waters of Lake Victoria, specifically in Napoleon Gulf and Murchison Bay. It examines the composition of phytoplankton species, their numerical abundance, spatial distribution, and total biomass, as measured by chlorophyll …

Gut Microbiota-Mediated Modulation Of Circadian Rhythms: Physiological And Molecular Impacts Of Dietary Composition And Feeding Time, Yen-Chun Koh, Chun-Che Chang, Min-Hsiung Pan

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Circadian rhythms regulate fundamental aspects of physiology and behavior. The disruption of circadian rhythms has been associated with metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and impaired immune function. Feeding behavior and gut microbiota represent two essential nodes within this regulatory network, as both are highly responsive to environmental cues such as diet composition and sleep-wake cycles. Research has shown that high-fat diets, excessive fructose, and chronic alcohol consumption perturb peripheral circadian rhythms and impair metabolic pathways, contributing to obesity and insulin resistance. Conversely, dietary interventions such as time-restricted feeding and macronutrient-specific entrainment can restore rhythmic gene expression and prevent metabolic pathologies. …

The Effects Of Jasmine And Champaca Aromatherapy Combined With Acupressure On Sleep Quality In Older Adults With Non-Communicable Diseases: A Quasi-Experimental Study In Rural Northern Thailand, Sriwan Chutithamniti, Katekaew Seangpraw, Prapaporn Tulwattanakul, Manuchet Manotham, Parichat Ong-Artborirak, Nestor Asiamah, Wannita Sakulwattana, Surangkana Chairinkam, Phatcharee Pimalram, Wichida Larsomsri

Journal of Health Research

Background: Poor sleep is common among older adults and negatively affects physical and mental health. This study evaluated the effects of jasmine and champaca essential oil aromatherapy combined with acupressure on sleep quality and cardiovascular parameters among older adults.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in rural Phayao, Thailand. Older adults aged ≥60 years with non-communicable diseases and poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] > 5) were assigned to either an intervention group (n = 54), receiving aromatherapy and acupressure for 6 weeks, or a control group (n = 54), receiving usual care. Sleep quality, blood pressure (BP), and …

Public Responses About Air Quality In The World’S Ten Most Populous Countries, Noah Lim, Alessandro Del Ponte, Lina Ang, Wei Jie Seow

Political Science Faculty Articles and Research

Understanding how people view and react to outdoor air quality is crucial to effectively managing and responding to air pollution, which is a major threat to global public health. Using a quota sample of 10,618 respondents from 1,372 localities across the world’s ten most populous countries (Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Indonesia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States), we assessed the association between exposure to fine particulate matter with diameter ≤ 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) and people’s knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, practices, and concern about air quality. Overall, we find an inverse association between air pollution exposure and knowledge about air …

Microplastic Effect On Behavior Of Nudibranch (Berghia Stephanieae); A Trophic Transfer Study, Isabela Salina Fernandes Beneli

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

With the continuous rise in economic supply and demand, an enormous increase in waste, litter, and pollution has been seen globally, with plastic pollution being the most abundant category. Microplastic (< 5 mm), derived from larger plastics, pollution is intensely widespread across marine ecosystems and can be transferred across trophic levels through predator-prey interactions. Recent studies have shown that ingestion of MPs can damage cells, tissues, and internal organs and increases oxidative stress leading to malformations, reduced feeding and growth, , and slower developmental rates in a wide array of organisms. This study examined the trophic transfer of microplastics (MPs) from the anemone Exaiptasia pallida to its specialist predator Berghia stephanieae, and evaluated the effects of exposure on predator behavior. A dose-response experiment demonstrated that MP retention in E. pallida decreased over time, although higher exposure concentrations resulted in greater initial microplastic concentrations. Trophic transfer to B. stephanieae was confirmed through feeding experiments. Behavioral assays revealed that B. stephanieae did not exhibit a preference between MP-exposed and control prey. However, microplastic …

From Words To Form: Disability In Contemporary Italian And Italian American Literature, Arianna Salomon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

This dissertation traces nearly fifty years of representations of disability, understood as a cultural category, from the late 1970s to the early 2020s, in two interconnected traditions: Italian and Italian American literature. In particular, it explores how disability reshapes the act and aesthetics of writing in contemporary Italian and Italian American novels and memoirs. Given the field’s relative newness, the substantial groundwork still required, and the many connections between literature and disability, this dissertation uses nine case studies with a balanced pairing of Italian and Italian American works in each chapter: Carmelo Samonà’s Fratelli (1978) and Tina De Rosa’s Paper …