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The End Of Faith, The Beginning Of Glory, Maria Lai C.S.J.

Say Something Theological: The Student Journal of Theological Studies

On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away after twelve years of remarkable service to the Catholic Church and to the world. This reflection centers on Francis’ papacy and legacy, asking important questions related to the meaning and purpose of life and inviting us to contemplate his discipleship as a follower of Jesus Christ.

Editor’S Introduction, Eryn Reyes Leong

Say Something Theological: The Student Journal of Theological Studies

Volume 8 of Say Something Theological is dedicated to Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV, and the future of the Catholic Church. It features the work of Loyola Marymount University’s graduate theology students and staff, who offer thoughtful and well-reasoned papers that probe theological and pastoral questions relating to the Christian tradition and the concrete practice of the Christian faith.

Transmission And Distribution Coordination Model Considering Risk Of Flexibility Supply And Demand Imbalance, Zhongkuan Han, Yu Shen, Zhensong Zeng

Journal of Electric Power Science and Technology

A high proportion of distributed energy sources connected to the grid makes the problem of insufficient system flexibility increasingly prominent, while the coupling of transmission and distribution networks further increases. First, the traditional flexibility demand model is improved based on the probability box method, and the probability box boundaries are truncated through a variable confidence interval and the conditional value-at-risk method to improve the conservatism of the probability box boundaries. Subsequently, economic models of the transmission network and the distribution network are established, respectively, and a transmission and distribution coordination model considering the risk of flexibility supply and demand imbalance …

Ground Fault Detection Of Dc System Ring Network Based On Improved Hho‑Wnn, Zhen Yang, Yongxiang Li, Yanru Zhao, Juan Mo, Tao Gao

Journal of Electric Power Science and Technology

A direct current (DC) system is key to maintaining the normal operation of a substation. To address the difficulties of detecting ground faults in DC system ring networks, a ground fault detection method combining Harris Hawk optimization (HHO) and wavelet neural network (WNN) is proposed based on the traditional low-frequency signal injection method. The proposed method first collects the status of the ring network operation by low-frequency signal injection and then applies the Mallat wavelet decomposition algorithm to decompose the initial signal of each branch into four layers. The low-frequency coefficient waveforms are obtained, and the waveform energy is calculated …

Model Analysis Of Typical Areas With Safe Power Supply Via 10 Kv Lines, Wei Zhu, Ruzhou Hong, Aiyuan Li, Yanyao Zhou

Journal of Electric Power Science and Technology

Power supply via 10 kV lines is generally achieved in a radial branch structure, and low voltage problems are prone to occur at the end of the branch lines. The analysis of typical areas with safe power supply via 10 kV lines is the basis for the study of distribution network expansion and planning methods. The voltage drop characteristics of 10 kV lines are analyzed, and a simplified calculation method for the voltage drop along the line is derived. The power supply areas of the 10 kV distribution network are decomposed into four typical supply area models: rectangular, diamond-shaped, front-triangular, …

Study Of Anomalous Variations In Seismic And Non-Seismic Parameters Using Machine Learning Techniques To Develop The Earthquake Forecasting Model In The Himalayan Belt, Senthil Kumar M

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding and forecasting earthquakes is not just about science it’s about saving lives, even as the dynamic and hidden nature of Earth's tectonic processes makes this an intricate challenge. The Himalayan belt is one of the most seismically active regions globally due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Investigating this region is essential for understanding highly complicated tectonic mechanisms and reducing substantial hazards posed to millions of people by persistent and intense seismic events. This study aims to enhance forecasting methodologies by applying machine learning techniques while dealing with the inherent challenges of geological complexity and …

The Influence Of Myocardin Effector Genes On The Tgf-Beta Smad3 Signaling Pathway In Human Pleural Mesothelial Cells, Hema Chandra Hrushi Dusharla

Biotechnology Theses

Pleural Fibrosis (PF) involves excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, mainly by myofibroblasts, leading to pleural thickening and impaired lung function. Pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs) contribute via mesothelial and mesenchymal transition (MesoMT), triggered by cytokines like TGF-β. Our lab identified Myocardin (MyoCD), a transcriptional co-activator of cardiac and smooth muscle, is a master regulator of pleural fibrosis through interactions with serum response factor (SRF) and Smad2/3 transcription factors which initiate fibrosis signaling. RNA sequencing and qPCR analysis revealed that silencing MyoCD decreased the expression of CTNNB1, MDFI, and Tspan2. MDFI emerged as a potent candidate, as this gene affecting the expression …

Staff Education To Outpatient Healthcare Staff On Managing Patients With Aggressive Behaviors, Adeline Fonkem Asonganyi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The aim of this staff educational project was to improve staff knowledge by educating healthcare staff on how to minimize patients’ aggressiveness and provide a safer, more therapeutic environment for patients and healthcare providers. Patients with mental health problems can exhibit violent behavior, posing threats to patient safety and the safety of healthcare workers. To address this practice gap, I conducted a literature review; 509 articles were identified and then narrowed to 23 articles specific to this topic. The project question for my study was: Does implementing an educational program for nurses and mental health specialists on strategies to reduce …

The Influence Of Sociodemographic Factors On Opioid Mortalities In The U.S. State Of Georgia, Theresa Highsmith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Since the late 1990s, the United States has been in the midst of an opioid epidemic that continues to present significant public health challenges. Opioid-related mortality, particularly involving fentanyl, has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the associations between educational level, homelessness, and alcohol use with opioid-related overdose deaths involving fentanyl, while controlling for age, gender, and marital status, among Black and White populations in the U.S. state of Georgia. The theoretical framework was Bronfenbrenner’s socioecological model, which recognizes that individual behavior is influenced by multiple levels of factors, including interpersonal, community, and …

Shock Induced Droplet Aerobreakup For Newtonian And Non-Newtonian Fluids, James Leung

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This research investigates shock-induced aerodynamic breakup (aerobreakup) of fluids with different stress-strain behaviors. The central hypothesis is that shear stress from highspeed gas flow manifests differently depending on a fluid’s strain response, influencing droplet breakup morphology, fragment size distribution, and drag-induced acceleration. To test this, experiments and simulations were performed on μm–mm sized droplets of Newtonian (water) and shear-thinning fluids (nanofluids or xanthan gum). Two experimental setups were used: an open-ended shock tube and a closed conventional shock tube. In the openended setup, a normal shock impacts a stationary droplet held by an acoustic levitator. Droplet breakup and gas dynamics …

Committee's Reply To Parishes' Objection To Derivative Standing

Catholic Dioceses in Bankruptcy

No abstract provided.

Unearthing Evidence For St. Augustine’S Racial Blackness And Paralleling Augustine’S Christian Mystical Religion To Traditional African Religion’S Mysticism, Dillon Cook

Say Something Theological: The Student Journal of Theological Studies

This article undertakes two projects rendering significant ramifications for philosophy/theology, if my assertions are correct. First, the philosopher/theologian known as St. Augustine of Hippo is most saliently recognized as a “white man”; if not a white man, “a European”; if not European, “a man of Rome”; or “Mediterranean”; etc. Outside the intellectual sphere, this is how he is often depicted in art, Penguin Classic books, and so on. Yet ironically, images of Augustine rarely circulate, if at all, as a Black-African-Indigenous person. Was Augustine nonwhite? Evidence is rendered that this is indubitably the case. Could Augustine have been modernly categorized …

Voices Of Protest: Women Who Sing The Blues, Deborah Kaufman Giordano

Say Something Theological: The Student Journal of Theological Studies

This paper explores the biblical and historical continuity of women’s voices “singing the blues” in social protest across different contexts. The blues as a musical genre spans a myriad of themes, including social protest. Black female blues songs such as Bessie Smith’s “Poor Man’s Blues” and Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” were the blues songs of lament and social protest, protesting economic injustice and the brutality of lynching respectively. This paper explores how two biblical women — Hannah in “Hannah’s Song” (1 Samuel 2:1-10) and Mary in the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) — sang the blues of social protest. These biblical women, …

Augustine’S Ethics And Authentic Happiness, Ignatius C. Williams

Say Something Theological: The Student Journal of Theological Studies

Finding happiness is a fundamental human goal, despite the fact that it varies between cultures, philosophical systems, and religious beliefs. But how mankind pursues happiness as the greatest good and how it is reached in that process are considered because not all endeavors ultimately lead to true or authentic happiness. In light of this, Augustine’s notion of ethics and authentic happiness are examined, along with some essential principles for living an ethical life that is congruent with true happiness. Three topics are explored. First, I examined Augustine’s theory of happiness as well as moral requirements centered on grace, love, and …

Discord From Within: Challenges Facing Catholicism In The United States And The Road Ahead, Amber Montgomery

Say Something Theological: The Student Journal of Theological Studies

As membership in the Catholic Church continues to decline in the United States, there are less parishioners or those interested in religious life. Two contributing reasons for this include the Church’s stance on the use of contraception and the role of women within ministry. Explored here is a brief survey of these issues based on Scripture, papal documents, feminist theology, and the perspective of clergy and lay persons. These two topics are of particular interest as the United States grapples with women’s rights over their bodies and wrestle with women’s place within the Church. While the Church has taken an …

Reaching The Young And Hopeless: Rooting For Redemption At A Residential Treatment Center, Christian P. Newton

Say Something Theological: The Student Journal of Theological Studies

This article reflects on my experiences as an educator at a Residential Treatment Center, observing the spiritual battles being fought by some residents as they attempt to rectify their lives after their involvement in sexual abuse. It will review literature that has been successful in my classroom with helping young people change their mind concerning their irredeemableness and that can also improve how evangelical attempts across Christian dominations pastor to those who feel scorned by God. Due to the mentality of some residents who have deeply struggled with the concepts of forgiveness and regret, literature is offered as starting point …

Investigating The Relationships Among Suspended Sediment Concentration, And Marsh Edge Erosion In Barataria Bay, La, Lily Vowels

LSU Master's Theses

Barataria Bay, Louisiana, USA exhibits a unique microtidal, wind-driven hydrodynamic climate where extensive levee infrastructure throughout Louisiana has starved Barataria Bay and similar interdistributary bays of the historic levels of terrigenous sediment import. This has contributed to extreme coastal wetland loss in Louisiana. This project seeks to understand how hydrodynamic and meteorological conditions are linked to sediments’ fate after erosion from the marsh edge. Specifically, this project seeks to differentiate the roles of wave resuspension and marsh edge erosion (MEE) in sediment dynamics in Barataria Bay. An acoustic wave and current profiler (AWAC) was used to capture hydrodynamic conditions, and …

From Devices To The Cloud: Digital Forensics In The Changing Social Media Landscape, Joseph Brown

LSU Master's Theses

This thesis presents a comprehensive digital forensic analysis of emerging and alternative social media platforms, including Truth Social, Threads, Bluesky, Nextdoor, and Neighbors. These platforms, which range from politically aligned alt-tech networks to hyperlocal neighborhood apps, present unique forensic challenges and security vulnerabilities. Across all case studies, established forensic techniques were applied using a hybrid methodology combining mobile device analysis, network traffic monitoring, and API interrogation. Findings include the discovery of plaintext credentials, session tokens, and other sensitive artifacts, particularly in platforms with weaker security postures such as Truth Social, Bluesky, Nextdoor, and Neighbors. Threads, by contrast, demonstrated greater resilience …

Effects Of Oxygen Manipulation On Myofibroblast Phenotypic Transformation In Patients With Radiation-Induced Fibrosis, Eric Mastrolonardo, Sarah Sussman, Bo Yun, Victor Jegede, Dev Amin, Joel Rosenbloom, Andrew P. South, Voichita Bar-Ad, Peter J Wermuth, Adam J. Luginbuhl

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

We tested if hyperoxic conditions can reduce the proportion of active myofibroblasts, which are assumed to be a major driver of head and neck radiation-induced fibrosis, as measured by expression levels of pro-fibrotic genes. Radiated, non-cancerous soft tissue from the head and neck and skin/soft tissue from non-radiated flap donor site were collected from each patient. Myofibroblast density was quantified using immunofluorescence staining with α-SMA and DAPI and visualisation under confocal microscopy and compared between baseline non-radiated and radiated tissue from the same patient. From each tissue specimen, fibroblast cell lines were cultured and exposed to either normoxic, hypoxic, or …

Analog Chip May Be Key To Unlocking Ai Power, Jordan Karnbach

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – Most computers use digital systems that separate memory, where data is stored, and processing, where it is used. This setup wastes energy because the computer must constantly move data back and forth, but a University of Mississippi professor is working to develop a more efficient alternative.

$1m+ Grant Supports Kessler Scholars Program For First-Generation College Students, University Of Dayton

News Releases

The University of Dayton will receive $1.1 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Judy and Fred Wilpon Family Foundation for the Kessler Scholars program for students in the UD Sinclair Academy who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree.

Public Support For Puma Reintroduction In The Eastern United States, L. Mark Elbroch, Jazmin J. Murphy, Shelby C. Carlson, John A. Vucetich, Richard E.W. Berl, Lexi Galiardi, Shelby Perry, Tom Butler, Neil Carter, Joseph W. Hinton, Axel Moehrenschlager, Emily Carrollo, Rana Bayrakcismith, Jeremy T. Bruskotter

Michigan Tech Publications

Pumas (Puma concolor) are among the species identified as having the potential to enhance ecosystem function. Previous research highlights sufficient ecological habitat to support pumas in the eastern United States; however, their reintroduction requires social and institutional support as well. To this end, we conducted research to assess attitudes about puma reintroduction among key constituencies like hunters, rural residents, and young people. We sampled 2756 respondents across seven states (Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia). Ratios of strong support (for puma reintroduction) to strong opposition across states ranged from 4:1 to 13:1, and support outweighed …

Uncharted Territory: The First Case Of Cardiac Myxoma In A Patient With Nf2, Muhammad Sabri, Zinya Talukder, Naila Ijaz, Joseph Neri

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: Cardiac myxoma is a benign tumor, typically originating in the left atrium, and is often linked to Carney complex. In our literature review, there are no case reports of cardiac myxoma in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).

CASE SUMMARY: A 60-year-old man presented with dizziness and was found to have meningioma and vestibular schwannoma, consistent with NF2. Cardiac myxoma was incidentally diagnosed through echocardiography and confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and tissue pathology. The mass was surgically resected. The patient was offered genetic testing; however, he decided to not undergo further testing.

DISCUSSION: NF2 is an inherited …

Ai Regulation: Competition, Arbitrage & Regulatory Capture, Filippo Lancieri, Laura Edelson, Stefan Bechtold

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

The commercial launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 and the fast development of large language models have catapulted the regulation of artificial intelligence to the forefront of policy debates. A vast body of scholarship, white papers, and other policy analyses followed, outlining ideal regulatory regimes for AI. The European Union and other jurisdictions have moved forward by regulating AI and LLMs. One overlooked area is the political economy of these regulatory initiatives—or how countries and companies can behave strategically and use different regulatory levers to protect their interests in the international competition on how to regulate AI.

This Article helps …

Causes Of Mortality In Patients With Inborn Errors Of Immunity: An 18-Year Retrospective Cohort Study, Salem Al-Tamemi, Musab Al Jabri, Eiman Abdalla, Ibrahim Al-Busaidi, Khalfan Al-Zeedy, Laila Al Yazidi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are a diverse group of disorders arising from defects in the development and/or function of the immune system. However, data concerning the microbiological aspects of infections and direct causes of mortality in patients with IEI are limited and fragmented. This study aimed to elucidate the causes of disease and terminal events leading to death in a cohort of patients with IEI. Methods: This retrospective study included deceased patients who were diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Muscat, Oman, over an 18-year period between 2005 and 2023. Data on clinical features, …

Por La Independencia De Las Escuelas De Negocios, James A. F. Stoner

Journal of Management for Global Sustainability

No abstract provided.

Comparing The Mechanical Properties Of Conventional, Milled, And 3d-Printed Occlusal Splint Materials: An In Vitro Study, Sadeem Alzaghran

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Aim: Evidence on the mechanical properties of digitally manufactured occlusal splint materials remains scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the mechanical properties of CAD/CAM fabricated occlusal splint materials versus conventionally heat-cured acrylic resin materials. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 specimens were manufactured for the present study. One CAD-CAM milled (ProArt CAD Splint), one heat-polymerized (SR IVOcap Clear), and three 3D-Printed (KeySplint Hard, NightGuard Firm2 and RoDIN Splint 2.0) resin materials were evaluated. Flexural strength, flexural modulus and surface hardness were measured. The three-point flexure test was used for the determination of flexural strength …

Illness Severity And Marital Communication In Young Couples: The Moderating Role Of Marital Satisfaction, Jaime Lea Dick

Theses and Dissertations

The emergence of a chronic physical illness is unexpected in emerging adulthood and is accompanied by stress. Additionally, married partners of individuals with physical illnesses are likewise affected by the new diagnosis. Marriage outcomes of couples facing chronic illnesses together vary, being sometimes positive and sometimes negative. The current study examined the relationship between the emergence of chronic physical illness in emerging adults and marital communication of both the patient and partner, with marital satisfaction as a moderator. Gender differences are also addressed. From the Couple Relationships and Transition Experiences (CREATE) study, a nationally representative dataset of newly married emerging …

Delphinium Cut Flower Production In Utah, Nick Volesky, Melanie Stock

All Current Publications

Delphinium is a perennial crop that produces tall racemes in two flushes per season. Its long stems serve as vertical line elements, adding height and balance to floral arrangements. Popular series are available in striking shades of blue, which are not commonly found among cut flowers, making delphinium an excellent choice for local market production. This fact sheet provides an overview of how to grow, harvest, and store delphinium, including yields for various cultivars. It also covers its common pests and diseases, and reviews its economic value for cut flower producers.

New Paradigms In E. Coli Hemolysin Function And Pathogenesis, Hunter Winston Kuhn

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Bacterial pore-forming toxins are potent secreted protein effectors that disrupt cellular ion homeostasis by integrating into the plasma membrane. Among them, the RTX toxin alphahemolysin (HlyA) from uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) has been extensively studied for its hemolytic activity, broad cell tropism, and role in virulence. HlyA was identified as the first type 1 secreted substrate, with β2 integrin CD18/LFA-1 proposed as its receptor. However, its diverse mechanisms of cellular toxicity and impact on outcomes of urinary tract infection (UTI) have remained incompletely defined. During pyelonephritis, renal epithelial cells are at the front line of infection, directly contacting ascending UPEC …