Digital Commons Network^™

"Magic Computer In The Sky" - Participant Perspectives On Control And The Genetic Counseling Admissions Match, Jessica Clark

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Since the 2018 admissions cycle, genetic counseling graduate programs in North America have utilized the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match (GCAM), a Match algorithm to place applicants. While a study prior to implementation found that most students were uninterested in a Match due to concerns of control, there has been no investigation into matched applicants’ experiences since its inception. A mixed-methods study explored the experiences and perceptions of control of genetic counselors and genetic counseling (GC) students who entered a program following the GCAM. An anonymous survey documenting GCAM experience and a validated measure for locus of control (LOC) was disseminated …

Investigating Prefrontal Cortex Neuronal Signatures Of Opioid-Induced Risk-Taking Behavior, Cana Quave

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Opioid use disorder occurs alongside impaired risk-related decision-making, but the underlying neural correlates are unclear. We developed an approach-avoidance conflict task using a modified conditioned place preference procedure to study neural signals of risky opioid seeking in the prefrontal cortex, a region implicated in executive decision-making. Following morphine conditioned place preference, rats underwent a conflict test in which fear-inducing cat odor was introduced in the previously drug-paired side of the apparatus. While the saline-exposed control group avoided cat odor, the morphine group included two subsets of rats that either maintained a preference for the paired side despite the presence of …

Stat3, Nf-Κb, And Estrogen Receptor Beta: The Balance Of Inflammation In K-Ras Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma, Michael J. Clowers

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

K-ras mutant lung adenocarcinoma (KM-LUAD) is a difficult-to-treat cancer subtype in which chronic inflammation pervades the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Pro-inflammatory pathways dampen the response to treatments, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, necessitating therapies that target this inflammatory signaling network in the TIME. This network is underpinned by interaction and coordination of two inflammatory pathways: signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). The balance of these transcription factors determines the degree of anti- vs. pro-tumor immunity, and a skewing towards STAT3 is known to promote tumor development and a pro-tumor TIME. It is also …

Mhc Class I Tyrosine Phosphorylation Site Y320 Augments Cd8+ T Cell Priming, Effector Function, And Memory Response, Yimo Sun, Gregory A Lizee, Yitao Tang, Priscilla Ortiz, R Eric Davis

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The cytoplasmic domain of MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules contains a single, highly conserved tyrosine residue (Y320). In previous work, we found that mice expressing a Y320F-mutated form of H-2K^b had reduced capacity to generate K^b-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses following viral infection, due (at least in part) to defects in endolysosomal trafficking of H-2K^b and antigen cross-presentation by dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, we investigated whether there are additional, post-presentation dependencies on Y320 for T-cell priming. We engineered both human- and mouse-derived antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to express either wild-type MHC-I or variants of …

Automated To Ols For Contour Review In Radiotherapy, Barbara Marquez

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Peer review of organ-at-risk and target volume delineation is essential for patient safety and optimization of treatment outcomes. Peer review makes a substantial impact on patient outcomes, reporting notable rates of plan changes when reviewed and worse survival when patient cases are not reviewed. In around half of revised cases, target volume change is the required cause for modification (related to tumor control); in one in ten cases, it is normal tissue sparing (related to treatment toxicity). Essentially all North American institutions with accredited residency training programs hold peer review to some capacity. However, accessibility to practicing routine peer review …

Denial Of Inpatient Genetic Testing: A Study On Outpatient Yield And Outcomes, Cindy Y. Canales

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

This study investigates the difference in diagnostic yield between patients approved for inpatient genetic testing compared to those denied inpatient testing and the effect of an earlier diagnosis on outcomes and medical/clinical care. In the literature, research has explored the impact of a diagnostic delay for patients with genetics conditions, assessed the utility of genetic testing in the inpatient setting, and described the impact to care of an earlier diagnosis. However, gaps remain on research exploring the diagnostic yields of inpatient versus outpatient settings and the potential impact to care an inpatient genetic testing request denial may pose. This is …

Neural Activity Within And Between Visual And Executive Areas Is Modulated Post-Locomotion In Rhesus Macaques, Sergey Egranov

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Physical activity has been shown to benefit cognitive and mental health by improving cerebrovascular perfusion and regulating hormone-mediated processes on a systemic level. However, the acute effects of physical activity, such as locomotion, on the neuronal circuits underlying cognitive processes have yet to be fully characterized. This body of work seeks to rectify this gap in knowledge through analysis of how both behavioral performance and neuronal activity signatures in visual and executive brain regions are modulated post-locomotion in rhesus macaques.

To this end, we performed high-yield electrophysiological recordings simultaneously from area V4, a mid-tier visual cortical region, and the dorsolateral …

Investigating Metabolic And Mitochondrial Adaptations Triggered By Blood Flow During The Endothelial-To-Hematopoietic Transition, Paulina Horton

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplant is the standard of care for many hematologic diseases. However, many patients cannot benefit from this potentially curative treatment because they cannot find a suitable donor, contributing to a high level of unmet need. Recently, bona fide HSCs capable of robust engraftment and differentiation have been generated from iPSCs utilizing wall shear stress (WSS) to help promote HSC generation. However, the mechanisms through which WSS regulates hematopoiesis remain poorly understood. Scientists, therefore, continue to look for the mechanotransduction pathways that promote hematopoiesis, and key answers may lie in examining the role of extrinsic factors that …

The Evolving Changes In The Regionalization Of Export Bans On U.S. Poultry Trade From The 2015 And 2022 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Events, Kylie A. Roesler

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As food security becomes a growing concern worldwide in a trading system dominated by globalization, the safeguarding of a bio-secure food system is at risk. One of the greatest risks to this stability of the system is, highly pathogenic avian influenza or HPAI which is growing in frequency and impact. Therefore, the global response to disease events is evolving into a newfound understanding of disease prevalence across the animal protein industries. This study will analyze the 2022 HPAI event in the United States regarding the regionalization of restrictions imposed by trading partners accounting for trade agreements executed. The examination of …

Physiological And Molecular Responses Of Diverse Rice Genotypes Under Drought Stress, Huda Mohmmed Alshaya

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Climate change-induced drought stress is a significant constraint on global rice (Oryza sativa L.) production, threatening food security. This study evaluated the drought resilience of 15 diverse rice genotypes from the USDA mini-core collection under field, greenhouse, and osmotic stress conditions. Field trials assessed reproductive-stage drought tolerance based on panicle length (PL), number of spikelets per panicle (NSP), and spikelet sterility (SS). Greenhouse experiments examined moisture retention at the vegetative stage. Significant genotypic variation was observed, with genotypes 310724, 310779, 311181, 311603, 311793, and Vandana exhibiting drought tolerance through stable PL and SS. Additionally, genotypes 310100, 310428, 311255, N22, …

Pregnancy Care Integrating Translational Science, Everywhere (Precise): A Prospective Cohort Study Of African Pregnant And Non-Pregnant Women To Investigate Placental Disorders – Cohort Profile, Rachel Craik, Joseph Akuze, Marie-Laure Volvert, Hannah Blencowe, Moses Mukhanya, Angela Koech, Grace Mwashigadi, Marleen Temmerman, Marvin Ochieng, Emily Mwadime

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Purpose: The Pregnancies' Care Integrating translational Science, Everywhere Network was established to investigate specific placental disorders (pregnancy hypertension, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction and stillbirth) in sub-Saharan Africa. We created a repository of clinical and social data with associated biological samples from pregnant and non-pregnant women. Alongside this, local infrastructure and expertise in the field of maternal and child health research were enhanced.

Participants: Pregnant women were recruited in participating health facilities in The Gambia, Kenya and Mozambique at their first antenatal visit or at the time a placental disorder was diagnosed (Kenya and The Gambia only). Follow-up study …

Incidence Of Metabolic Syndrome From Atypical Antipsychotic Therapy In Schizophrenia Patients, Indah K. Utami, Yasinta Rakanita, Dea A. Tompa, Niluh P. Dewi

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder impacting behavior, emotions, and communication. Atypical antipsychotics are increasingly prescribed due to their significant reduction of both positive and negative symptoms and low risk of extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) in schizophrenia patients. However, long-term effects of atypicals may include weight gain, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia. This study was conducted in Palu, Madani General Hospital, and Anutapura General Hospital. It used a prospective cross-sectional design with a sample of 40 outpatient participants who received monotherapy or combination therapy with clozapine, olanzapine, and risperidone for more than three months. Blood samples were collected to determine the presence …

Modelling Virus Filtration And Virus Reduction By An Advanced Multilayer Model: Retention Distribution And The Effect Of Product Aggregates, Hironobu Shirataki, Remo Leisi, Junji Hdaka, S. Rancil Wickramasinghe

Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Robust virus reduction and high permeability are characteristic properties of virus filters, which are modeled as having an asymmetric multilayer membrane structure with a pore size distribution. In this study, an advanced heterogeneous multilayer model for the multicomponent solution containing viruses, protein monomers and aggregates, has been developed to reproduce the filtration behavior, virus reduction, and virus/protein retention distribution in the virus filter with asymmetric membrane structure. Calculations based on the multilayer membrane structure with consideration of the effect of aggregate size and concentration numerically reproduce the experimental results that virus LRV (log reduction value) decreases when a large number …

Health Information Seeking Behaviors And Consumer Reponse To Scope Of Practice Expansion, Benjamin Kim

Economics Honors Theses

This paper leverages state level variation in scope of practice (SOP) regulation to identify the effect of expanded SOP on healthcare consumer interest. Focusing on google trends search intensity as a proxy for consumer interest this paper utilizes a two-way fixed effects model to estimate the consumer response to healthcare policy. Further I utilize an event study framework to detect a treatment effect of SOP. I find no statistical evidence of an effect of SOP on search intensity utilizing the event study framework. The two-way fixed effects model indicates a positive effect of SOP on consumer interest without controls but …

Determinants And Consequences Of Consumer Satisfaction Toward Hypermarkets In Thailand: Stimulus-Organism-Response Model, Kittichai Watchravesringkan, Chompunuch Punyapiroje

Journal of Applied Marketing Theory

In the early 2000s, Thailand's hypermarket sector experienced rapid growth, drawing significant foreign direct investment. However, increasing competition from local retailers, the rise of convenience stores and community malls, and evolving consumer shopping habits have contributed to a post-pandemic slowdown in sales growth. Understanding how consumers evaluate hypermarkets' marketing practices is crucial for both academics and managers, as their strategies may depend on the strength of consumer attitudes toward these practices. Guided by the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) paradigm, this study investigates how consumers’ attitudes toward marketing practices, including business provision, deceptive advertising, fair price, and retail services—affect consumer satisfaction, which, in …

Towards Explainable And Robust Nlp: Neutrosophic Probability Augmentation In Text Classification, Nabil M. Abdel-Aziz, Mahmoud Ibrahim, Khalid A. Eldrandaly

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

The rapid growth of textual data necessitates advanced text classification models. However, traditional methods struggle with ambiguity and uncertainty in natural language, reducing classification reliability. To address this, we integrate neutrosophic logic, which explicitly models truth, indeterminacy, and falsity, into a DistilBERT-based text classification framework. Additionally, we employ data augmentation using synonym replacement to enhance generalization. Our approach is evaluated on the AG News dataset, classifying articles into four categories: World, Sports, Business, and Science/Technology. By incorporating neutrosophic attributes, the proposed framework assesses text quality, mitigates uncertainty, and improves robustness against ambiguous inputs. Experimental results demonstrate an accuracy of 94.10%, …

Single Valued Neutrosophic Hypersoft Set Based On Merec-Moosra Mcdm Methods For Evolution Of Sustainable Strategies For The Circular Supply Chain Based On The Beverage Industry, Alaa Salem, Rayan Hussein, Ahmed Abdelmouty, Mohamed Abouhawwash

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

Corporate enterprises around the world are facing increasing pressure to operate sustainably due to rising environmental concerns such as climate change, resource scarcity, and ecological degradation. In response, circular supply chain (CSC) practices have emerged as a promising solution, especially within the manufacturing and beverage sectors. CSC focuses on reusing materials, minimizing waste, and creating value from products that have reached the end of their lifecycle. This study investigates the challenges and opportunities of applying circular supply chain management (CSCM) in the beverage industry, which is known for generating significant waste due to high production volumes. The research identifies key …

Development Of Aczel-Alsina Aggregation Operators In Neutrosophic Cubic Sets For Multi-Expert And Multi-Criteria Weighting: Optimizing Alternative Fuel Technology Selection, Majid Khan, Muhammad Gulistan, Aitazaz A. Farooque, Mohammed M. Al-Shamiri, Witold Pedrycz

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

Managing vague and uncertain data has long been a challenge in decision-making (DM), particularly in scenarios where criteria and expert assessments play a critical role. This paper introduces operational laws based on Aczel-Alsina (AA) norms within Neutrosophic Cubic Sets (NCS) to more effectively handle uncertainty. Leveraging these operational laws, we propose two aggregation operators: the Neutrosophic Cubic Aczel-Alsina Weighted Averaging (NCAAWA) and the Neutrosophic Cubic Aczel-Alsina Weighted Geometric (NCAAWG) operators. These provide a comprehensive approach to data aggregation, preserving both additive and multiplicative influences on outcomes in complex systems. In DM, the importance of weights is paramount, and we introduce …

Early Breast Cancer Detection With Ultrasound Data Using Nmf, Rutvi Khamar

Theses and Dissertations

Early detection of breast cancer significantly influences patient outcomes. Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (DCE-US) has shown promise in early detection by visualizing tumor vascularity and perfusion dynamics in real-time. This study evaluates the efficacy of DCE-US in distinguishing four stages of cancer progression: normal, hyperplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and invasive cancer, using a transgenic mouse model that mimics human breast cancer. Ultrasound burst pulses, while commonly used to remove unbound contrast agents, can potentially damage human tissues. Using the pre-pulse data helps mitigate this risk, ensuring safer and more reliable measurements. A VEGFR2-targeted microbubble contrast agent was injected, and …

Assessing The Utilization Of Building Information Modelling (Bim) In The Preservation Of Cultural Heritage: A Case Study Of Ashe-Street Courthouse, Boluwatife J. Oluwamakinde

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines how Building Information Modeling (BIM) was used in the Ashe Street Courthouse restoration, with an emphasis on its role in heritage preservation. It follows a context-oriented instrumental case study methodology and a systematic four-step approach: reviewing literature and historical records, conducting semi-structured interviews with renovation architects, and analyzing project documentation. The study compares BIM with traditional methods to assess documentation quality, stakeholder collaboration, and project efficiency. Findings show that BIM increases documentation accuracy through real-time modifications while preserving historical data. It also enhances collaboration by providing a centralized platform for architects, engineers, and preservation specialists, reducing errors …

Bridging Theory And Practice: Aquatic Occupational Therapy For Functional Rehabilitation In Parkinson’S Disease, Chelsea L. Tate

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The purpose of the Doctoral Capstone Experience and Project is to develop a theoretical framework and supporting program to guide the application of aquatic interventions specific to Parkinson’s disease treatment, while highlighting the therapeutic benefits that can be integrated into occupational therapy practice. The framework and program focus on improving overall physicality, cognitive, and functional performance for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

Roadwell: An Occupational Therapy-Based Telehealth Platform To Improve Wellness Among Over-The-Road Truck Drivers, Phylecia G. Mason

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

This doctoral capstone project aimed to design and implement RoadWell, a mobile wellness platform usingthe Person–Environment–Occupation–Performance (PEOP) model, to improve occupational performance and well-being. RoadWell addresses the interaction between the person, environment, and occupation by delivering real-time, evidence-informed strategies that meet drivers where they are—in their real work environments, doing real work.

Rooted In Play: Empowering Development Through Nature-Based Occupational Therapy, Nicole Roper

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The doctoral capstone project included advocating for the use of outdoor play by identifying and emphasizing the benefits of occupational therapy (OT) involvement within nature-based therapy for pediatric patients and creating nature-based therapy recourses for caregivers and occupational therapists.

Impacts Of Reef Fish Length On Foraging Radius: Exploring Behavioral Patterns Within A Patch Reef Ecosystem, Kilia Brawand

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Reef fish exhibit various behaviors upon the Great Barrier Reef. One of these behaviors includes that of limiting their grazing distances from a patch reef refuge to a certain maximum distance in order to avoid predators. This is defined as a ‘foraging radius’ or ‘margin of safety’. This ‘foraging radius’ varies among fish due to many factors- including species, morphology, ontogenesis, habitat complexity, and importantly: speed. Quicker fish can outswim predators to safety more efficiently than slower fish, and can therefore afford to travel farther distances to forage. Speed varies among fish for a number of reasons, including fish size …

Transcription Factor Y- Box Binding Protein 1 (Ybx1) Enhances Sorafenib Resistance And Tumorigenic Capacities In Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Hcc), Dennis Kwabiah

Theses and Dissertations

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver cancer, with early-stage cases potentially benefiting from surgical treatments like liver transplantation and hepatectomy. However, advanced HCC stages have poor prognosis due to resistance to therapies, especially sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for late-stage HCC. Despite its clinical use, sorafenib has limited efficacy in prolonging survival, and the mechanisms of resistance remain unclear. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HCC dataset shows elevated Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) expression in HCC tumors compared to normal liver tissues. Previous studies have indicated that YBX1 is involved in drug resistance in various …

#Helpplz: Mental Health Representation In Theatre For Young Audiences, Kate Elizabeth Dirrigl

Theses and Dissertations

#HELPPLZ is a play for young theater audiences that depicts four teenagers with various mental health challenges. It’s target audience is for children ages ten to fifteen and should be performed by actors of similar ages. #HELPPLZ is an immersive theatre experience, as a audience members watch four actors perform from four different lifestyles and point of views, all while broadcast on screens behind the actors. Every seat is a good seat in the house. This play follows a shift in trends of mental health depiction in contemporary theatre. No longer demonized and much more accessible, plays such as Dear …

Entre Magia Y Olvido: A Narrative Journey Of Latinos/Hispanics In Fantasy Literature, Kendra Edith Lara

Theses and Dissertations

This story was born from imagination and a deep desire for inclusivity. “Corazon de Magia” is told through the perspective of Julietta Hernandez, a young Mexican American woman who is thrust into a magical adventure. Aided by friendship and intuition, Julietta investigates a mysterious pendulum that is the key to finding a missing shopkeeper. This story is a tribute to the Hispanic/Latino community- a celebration of strength, resilience and possibility.

We can be magic too.

Fairness And Robustness In Decentralized Federated Learning, Kaichuang Zhang

Theses and Dissertations

Federated Learning (FL) has emerged as a privacy-preserving paradigm that allows multiple clients to collaboratively train a machine learning model without sharing raw data. However, traditional FL relies on a central server for model aggregation, which introduces a single point of failure and makes the system vulnerable to server-side attacks or breakdowns. To address these limitations, Decentralized Federated Learning (DFL) has been proposed, eliminating the need for a central server and enhancing system resilience. Despite these advantages, DFL faces critical challenges related to fairness and robustness, especially under non-i.i.d. data distributions and adversarial conditions. In this thesis, we propose a …

Tribological Characterization Of Laser Microtextured Ti-6al-4v Eli Alloy For Biomedical Applications, Nicholas Ricardo Perez

Theses and Dissertations

Titanium alloys have been gaining popularity in multiple fields due to their impressive physical properties, but struggle with poor tribological performance. This thesis aims to mitigate the poor tribological performance of titanium alloys through a laser microtexturing process. Ti-6Al-4V ELI (Extra Low Interstitial) alloy disks were evaluated against ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) pins. Four texturing patterns were created by changing the texture area fraction from 5 to 20% that were evaluated against untextured control samples. The tribological properties of the laser textured Ti-6Al-4V ELI disks were determined using a pin-on-disk tribometer under lubricated sliding …

The Effects Of Placing Students In Special Education In A Disciplinary Alternative Education Program, Daniel Garza

Theses and Dissertations

Educating students with special needs can be very challenging especially when their academic challenges are compounded with behavioral challenges. Disciplining students with special needs can create additional challenges and often the use of punishment can have little to no effect in deterring undesirable behavior. As behaviors escalate, so does the form of punishment and students with special needs are often sent to a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program. This study aimed to uncover the effects of placing students who receive special education services in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program focusing on the impact of placements on academic outcomes and behavioral changes. …