Digital Commons Network^™

Real Bullets, Plastic Guns: Evaluating The Strength Of 3-D Printed Gun Parts, Maria Latenia Mayol

Student Theses

Privately made firearms (PMFs), often referred to as “ghost guns,” are firearms manufactured or assembled by individuals rather than federally licensed manufacturers. Although the terms are frequently used interchangeably, “ghost gun” more specifically describes an unserialized firearm, whereas PMFs include a broader range of firearms produced through nontraditional manufacturing methods. PMFs may be entirely 3-D printed, assembled from partially completed firearm kits, or constructed by integrating additively manufactured components with commercially manufactured firearm parts. The increasing accessibility of additive manufacturing and widespread dissemination of computer-aided design files have raised concerns about concealment, regulation, and forensic evasion, particularly when factory-manufactured components …

Spatial Abilities In Down Syndrome: A Comparison Of Mental Rotation And Perspective Taking, Edward C. Merrill, Yingying Jennifer Yang, Frances Conners, Beverly Roskos, Stephanie Grinshpun, Samantha Zakrzewski, Matthew Baker

Department of Psychology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Introduction: Mental rotation and spatial perspective taking are two key spatial abilities and are integral to one's everyday life. This study compared performance on these two abilities between adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome (DS) and typically developing (TD) children.

Methods: Twenty-three participants with DS and twenty-three TD children were matched using Raven's progressive matrices ability scores. Two experimental tasks measured each spatial ability, and combined scores were calculated for mental rotation and perspective-taking, respectively.

Results: Participants with DS did not differ significantly from their TD counterparts in perspective-taking. However, the groups differed significantly in mental rotation, with participants …

Larotrectinib In Trk Fusion Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: Updated Trial Data, Steven Waguespack, Marcia Brose, Jessica J Lin, Ray Mcdermott, Mohammed Almubarak, Jessica Bauman, Michela Casanova, Shivaani Kummar, Se-Hoon Lee, Damian Rieke, Do-Youn Oh, Changsong Qi, Natascha Neu, Domnita-Ileana Burcoveanu, Chiara Mussi, Alexander Drilon, David Hong, Maria Cabanillas

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Larotrectinib is a first-in-class, highly selective, central nervous system-active tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitor approved for tumour-agnostic use in TRK fusion cancer. It has previously demonstrated rapid and durable disease control and favourable safety in patients with advanced TRK fusion thyroid carcinoma (TC). After an additional 4 years of follow-up with the inclusion of two additional patients, and utilising an independent review committee (IRC) to assess overall response rate (ORR), we report updated pooled analyses from three phase 1-2 larotrectinib clinical trials, focusing only on patients with TRK fusion differentiated TC (DTC). The primary endpoint was the IRC-determined ORR per …

Linear Relationships Of Gibbs Free Energy For Rare Earth Element Oxide, Hydroxide, Chloride, Fluoride, Carbonate, Ferrite, And Zirconate Minerals And Crystalline Solids, Ruiguang Pan, Alexander P. Gysi, Artaches A. Migdisov, Nicole C. Hurtig, Chen Zhu

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Rare Earth Elements (REE) are classified as critical minerals and materials essential for the transition from fossil fuels to renewable and clean energy. Accurate thermodynamic properties of REE minerals and other crystalline solids are crucial for geochemical modeling of REE speciation, solubility, and transport in ore deposits and for extraction, chemical processing, and recycling. However, the standard Gibbs free energy of formation (∆Gof,REEX) for these solids vary by 10s kJ mol−1 across different sources from literature. We applied the Sverjensky linear free energy relationship (LFER) to evaluate internal consistency for isostructural REE solid groups and predicted ∆Gof values for solid …

Rebranding Architecture: Understanding Perception To Reinforce Professional Jurisdiction, Amber L. Whitaker

Theses

What is the current perception of the architecture profession, and what is the perception that architects want others to have? In the marketing and communications profession, one might ask, what is the profession’s current brand, and how does that differ from the desired brand? From inconsistent state laws regarding architectural titles, to the potential federal reclassification of the profession, to non-architects’ common misconception that architects merely draw floorplans, the architecture profession is misunderstood, causing an image problem. Although architecture is one of the world’s oldest professions, this image problem often translates into deep misunderstanding of what architects do, ultimately affecting …

Accelerometer-Based Longitudinal Center Of Gravity Estimation With Lateral Acceleration Compensation, John Wynne

Theses

Spatially separated accelerometers and measured rotational motion can enable estimation of an aircraft’s longitudinal center-of-gravity (CG) location. Because the unrestricted rigid-body governing equations form an underdetermined system, the problem is reduced by assuming known lateral and vertical CG coordinates. The resulting estimator uses the lateral acceleration equation, where sensitivity to longitudinal CG is governed by the rotational excitation term 𝑀_21 = 𝑝𝑞 + 𝑟̇. Three representations of lateral acceleration at the CG are evaluated: a zero- acceleration assumption, a linear sideslip angle model, and a model based on sideslip angle and true airspeed squared. Each model is calibrated using known …

Self-Maintenance And The Evidence For Artificial Sentience, Mads J. Hansen, Christoffer Lundbak Olesen

Animal Sentience

Birch aims to remain neutral about whether life is necessary for sentience. We argue that life can be given a role while maintaining neutrality. Markers of sentience have been identified in living systems, where some contribute to the system's self-maintenance. When such a marker is reproduced in an artificial system that is not self-maintaining it is not clear that it is as reliable as in living systems.

The Computed Microwave Spectrum Of The Protonated Fullerene C60H+, Laszlo Nemes, Jos Oomens, Vincent J. Esposito, Vincent Boudon, Alexander G. G. M. Tielens

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

The largest known molecule in the interstellar medium of galaxies, C₆₀, has been detected in its neutral and cationic form through its vibrational, UV-driven fluorescence emission spectrum and its electronic absorption spectrum, respectively. The detection of several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules through their pure rotation spectrum in cold, dense, molecular cloud cores suggests that C₆₀ might be present in these environments as well. The low flux of UV pumping photons in molecular cloud cores and the absence of suitably bright background stars, make detection of C₆₀ and its cation through the commonly used methods impractical. As …

The 2025 Measles Outbreak In Texas, Tamer Oraby, Martial L. Ndeffo-Mbah

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: In 2025, Texas experienced its largest measles outbreak in decades, reporting 762 cases by mid-August. Measles is a highly contagious but vaccine-preventable infection transmitted mainly among unvaccinated individuals and capable of causing severe outcomes.

Methods: We investigate counterfactual measles control scenarios based on daycare and school closures and reactive vaccination of infants and children, including mixed interventions. We analyze the 2025 Texas outbreak using an age-structured multi-stage SEIR model formulated as a system of ordinary differential equations. The model is fit to case data using Bayesian inference to estimate the effective reproduction number and generate posterior predictive trajectories under …

Prescription Opioid Misuse Among High School Athletes During The Opioid Prescribing Limit Law Era: Yrbss 2017-2023, Francine R Vega, Andrea J Yatsco, Audrey Sarah Cohen, James R Langabeer, Tiffany Champagne-Langabeer, Rakshitha Vijendra, Christine Bakos-Block

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background/Objectives: School-age athletes occupy a paradoxical position in the adolescent opioid crisis, combining health-oriented activity with elevated risk of sports-related injury and prescription opioid exposure. In response to the opioid epidemic, states enacted opioid prescribing limit laws (OPLLs) beginning in 2016-2017, yet whether these supply-side policies reached high-risk youth subgroups remains unclear. This study evaluated national temporal trends in prescription opioid misuse among U.S. high school students during the period of OPLL implementation and examined differences across athletic participation, concussion history, sex, grade, race/ethnicity, and substance-use profiles.

Methods: Using four biennial waves of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System with …

Transformasi Visual Spiritualitas Qur'ani Fundamental Dalam Seni Lukis Kaligrafi Kontemporer, Muhammad Nur Wahid, Ponimin Ponimin

Journal of Language, Literature, and Arts

Fundamental Qur'anic themes, including monotheism (tawhid), revelation and prophethood, the afterlife, justice, and knowledge, serve as the primary source of inspiration for the creation of contemporary Islamic calligraphic paintings. The rapid development of modernization and secularization has reduced the representation of Qur'anic spiritual values in contemporary society, creating the need for a visual medium capable of communicating these values through symbolic, reflective, and aesthetic expressions. This study aims to transform Qur'anic spirituality into contemporary Islamic calligraphic paintings, develop a creative process based on practice-based research, and produce artworks that integrate religious values with contemporary visual art approaches. …

Representasi Variasi Pola Asuh Dalam Relasi Orang Tua–Anak Pada Film Home Sweet Loan, Aulia Qisthi Rosyada, Baiq Nibriyas Imthinan, Fitriyani Nurrohmah, Neviada Bristyn, Helmi Muzaki, Bayu Koen Anggoro

Journal of Language, Literature, and Arts

Family-themed films can represent different parenting styles through communication, behavior, and parent–child relationships. This study aims to analyze the representation of parenting styles in the film Home Sweet Loan. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, using dialogue, characters’ actions and expressions, and contextual elements of parent–child interactions as data. The data were collected through repeated viewing and systematic note-taking and were subsequently coded and deductively categorized according to authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful parenting characteristics. The findings reveal three predominant parenting tendencies. Kaluna’s father represents authoritative parenting through emotional support, firm boundaries, open communication, and respect for his children’s …

Strategi Sanggar Mekkas Laras Dalam Pelestarian Musik Karawitan Di Kabupaten Pamekasan, Fai’Atus Sakinah

Journal of Language, Literature, and Arts

This study examines the strategies employed by Mekkas Laras Art Studio to preserve karawitan music in Pamekasan Regency and identifies the challenges and adaptive responses involved. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, with data collected through interviews, observations, and documentation involving the studio's management, instructors, and participants. Data were analyzed through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings reveal three interrelated processes of karawitan preservation: perception, appreciation, and creation. Perception introduces participants to karawitan and facilitates enculturation through direct engagement; appreciation fosters recognition of its cultural values and functions; and creation provides space for innovation and …

Transformasi Karakter Pandawa Lima Dalam Penciptaan Batik Lukis Dengan Pewarna Remazol, Putri Ayu Karisma Oktavia, Ike Ratnawati

Journal of Language, Literature, and Arts

This art creation study explores and transforms the characters of the Pandawa Five into the visual language of batik painting through figures, gestures, attributes, motifs, colors, and composition. The creative process employed Gustami’s method, comprising exploration, design, and realization. Exploration involved examining the characters of the Pandawa, observing batik paintings, interviewing practitioners, and experimenting with colors, followed by the development of alternative designs and their realization using canting and brush-coloring techniques with Remazol dyes. The process produced six 90 × 110 cm works entitled Yudistira, Bima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sadewa, and Pandawa Lima. Each work …

Eksplorasi Pemanfaatan Aplikasi Miraa Berbasis Transkripsi Ai Dalam Pembelajaran Menyimak Bahasa Mandarin, Dewi Permatasari Mulyono, Aiga Ventivani, Iwa Sobara, Aisyah Yasmin, Aulia Miftahul Jannah, Keiza Jasmine Aprilanadja

Journal of Language, Literature, and Arts

This study explores the use of Miraa, an AI-based transcription application, in Mandarin listening instruction and students’ responses to its use in a Chinese Comprehensive 2 course. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed involving 21 students from the Mandarin Language Education Program at Universitas Negeri Malang. Data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with 10 purposively selected students, documentation, and exercise scores as supporting data. The data were analyzed through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification, supported by source and technique triangulation. The findings indicate that Miraa was used as multimodal scaffolding by integrating audio, automatic …

Childhood Cancer Predisposition Study: A Prospective Registry And Biorepository Protocol, Melissa R Perrino, Suzanne P Macfarland, Luke Maese, Jennie Vagher, Junne Kamihara, Surya Rednam, Philip J Lupo, Garrett M Brodeur, Joshua Schiffman, Lisa Diller, Lauren Desrosiers-Battu, Sharon E Plon, Kim E Nichols, Samuel L Volchenboum, David Malkin, Anita Villani, Christopher C Porter

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: Cancer is the most common cause of disease-related mortality in children, highlighting the urgent need for improved care in this population. It is estimated that >15% of children diagnosed with cancer harbour a germline pathogenic variant in a cancer predisposition gene which confers an increased risk to develop cancer. There are over 100 genes associated with cancer predisposition syndromes (CPSs) and greater availability and acceptability of genetic testing in the last decade has facilitated their recognition in childhood. However, individually, each of these CPSs is rare, impeding robust research and advancement of clinical care. Once a specific CPS is …

Characterizing Candidate Blazar Counterparts Of The Ultra-High-Energy Event Km3-230213a, O. Adriani, S. Aiello, A. Albert, A. R. Alhebsi, M. Alshamsi, S. Alves Garre, S. Rani, Et Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

High-energy astrophysical neutrinos serve as crucial messengers for understanding hadronic acceleration processes and identifying the origins of cosmic rays, with blazars among the most promising neutrino sources. The KM3NeT experiment reported the detection of an ultrahigh-energy neutrino with an energy estimate of ∼220 PeV, the most energetic yet observed. The neutrino arrival direction has a 99% confidence region of 3° radius centered at R.A. 94 (Formula presented) .° 3, decl. −7 (Formula presented) .° 8 (J2000). In this work, 17 candidate blazars located within this region are identified. Comprehensive new observations and archival data analysis for these sources are presented. …

Protocadherin 9 Promotes Cell Survival Of Different Bipolar Cell Types In The Developing Mouse Retina, Marlon F Mattos, Daniela Becerril, Jingyao Guo, Collin Todora, Cesiah C Gomez, Elizabeth Zuniga-Sanchez

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Neural circuit assembly relies on different neuronal types coming together to form a functional circuit. The question of how the appropriate number of each type is integrated into an emerging circuit remains relatively unknown. To answer this question, we used the mouse retina to uncover the molecular mechanisms responsible for neuron-type integration in a developing circuit. In the mammalian retina, bipolar cells (BCs) are a class of interneurons that relay visual information from photoreceptors to ganglion cells. Extensive studies have shown there are 15 distinct BC types: 6 types of OFF cone bipolars, 8 types of ON cone bipolars, and …

Exploring Presenteeism Experiences Among Nurses In Taiwan: A Qualitative Study, Hsiao-Wei Cheng, Ai-Fu Chiou

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Nurses often work despite illness due to heavy workloads, professional expectations, and limited staffing. Such presenteeism may affect performance, well-being, and long-term occupational health. In Taiwan, little is known about how nurses perceive and experience working while unwell. Therefore, this study aimed to explore Taiwanese nurses’ awareness and lived experiences of presenteeism using a qualitative approach.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Six nurses from intensive care units and general wards in a medical center in northern Taiwan were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews that focused on decision-making regarding attendance, perceived pressures, …

Hierarchical Models Of Caring Culture, Magnet Culture, And Their Impact On Patient Experience, Alice Yan, Grissel Hernandez, Mary E. Lough, Kathleen Bradley, Cassendra Munro, Rachyl Pines

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

BACKGROUND: Empirical evidence is lacking to quantify whether Watson’s Human Caring Culture and Magnet aligned nurse behaviors influence patient-experience outcomes.¹

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether Caring Culture,¹ and nursing behaviors aligned with Magnet professional excellence,^2-4 predicts Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) outcomes, specifically: Hospital Rating and Likelihood to Recommend.⁵

METHODS: HCAHPS data (2021–2023) from a large academic hospital were analyzed. The dataset included five validated Caring Culture questions averaged as a composite measure. Magnet aligned nursing behaviors (communication, responsiveness, teamwork, and patient-centered care transition) were analyzed as predictors. Descriptive and univariate analyses were …

Using Simulation To Translate Theory Into Practice: Lessons Learned & Next Steps, Margarett Alexandre, Fern Baudo, Vanessa Carew

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

NIH notes adverse events can be avoided (Patient Safety, 2023). Simulations using high-fidelity mannequins offer an interactive environment for students to learn critical thinking skills. Simulations allow students to practice skills in a safe environment before working with real patients (Zenani, 2023; Durham & Alden, 2008). Saylor, Graber, and Trinkaus (2024) note that simulation-based learning experiences can increase confidence in undergraduate nursing students.

Purpose: To explore the impact of increase simulation with senior nursing students in an upper-level med/Surg course, incorporating guided reflective journaling to address students’ assessment of knowledge, understanding of theoretical and practical skills learned, and reflect on …

Supportive Technology Promotes Research Engagement Among Nurses And Allied Health Professionals, Rachael Haskell, Zoe Samson, Justin Peterson, Kristiina Hyrkas

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Nursing research can support improved clinical outcomes for patients and nursing workforce outcomes, such as workplace engagement and job retention. However, nurses report significant barriers to research engagement, such as limited time, lack of mentorship, and insufficient access to resources.1 In 2024 our Magnet-designated organization implemented Ovid® Synthesis, a structured virtual platform designed to help clinical staff complete research projects.

The aim of this project is to examine how Ovid® Synthesis addresses known barriers to research participation and influences staff perception and engagement in scholarly work.

A survey was distributed via REDCap to clinical staff registered with Ovid® Synthesis (N=591) …

Transforming Nursing Practice Through Data Ownership And Leadership In A Quaternary Hospital, Nabiha Tashkandi, Merry Jo Dione Levers

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Globally, healthcare systems are increasingly recognizing the vital contributions of nursing to safety, quality, and patient experience. However, in some organizations, nursing remains underrepresented in executive decision-making, limiting its influence on strategic priorities (Sherwood & Barnsteiner, 2021). At the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), the nursing leadership sought to overcome this challenge by using data to amplify nursing’s voice, demonstrate its value, and improve care outcomes (Dempsey et al., 2014).

Purpose: This project aimed to strengthen nursing’s visibility and credibility within the organization by aligning nursing-sensitive indicators with corporate priorities, creating a culture of transparency, and leveraging …

Exam Wrappers, Test Anxiety, Demographics, And Exam Grades In First-Semester Nursing Students, Patricia L. Pence, Myoungjin Kim, Robin Rochelle Trost

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Problem- The first semester is a critical time when students decide whether to persist or leave a nursing program.

Purpose- To evaluate a) students’ responses on exam wrappers during the first semester, b) the relationship between demographic characteristics and exam grades, and c) if there was a change in students’ level of test anxiety as measured by the Westside Test Anxiety Scale (Driscoll, 2007) at three points in time during the first semester and if there was any change in relation to demographic characteristics.

Research Questions: 1) What are nursing students’ exam wrapper responses during the first-semester? 2) What is …

Psychoneuroimmunological Predictors Of Ptsd In Icu Patients, Yu-Ju Chen, Pei-Yu Hou, Ching-I Li

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) face significant distress, elevating their risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Abdelbaky & Eldelpshany, 2024; Righy et al., 2019). PTSD arises from complex psychoneuroimmunological interactions (Katrinli, Oliveira, Felger, Michopoulos, & Smith, 2022). Autonomic dysregulation, indexed by reduced heart rate variability (HRV), is a known correlate of PTSD (Schneider & Schwerdtfeger, 2020). Evidence also links PTSD to chronic inflammation, with markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) implicated (Kim et al., 2025; Peruzzolo et al., 2022). However, integrated psychoneuroimmunological research in ICU-related PTSD is limited.

Purpose: To examine the relationships between psychological (anxiety, pain, sleep quality), …

The Faunal Remains From The Roman–Early Byzantine Residential Quarter At Oboda (‘Avedat), Nimrod Marom

'Atiqot

Excavations in the town of Oboda in the Negev Highlands yielded faunal remains from Roman and Early Byzantine (late third–early fifth century CE) contexts. It was found that the site’s economy in both periods relied mainly on caprine flocks dominated by sheep.

The Glass Finds From The Roman–Early Byzantine Residential Quarter At Oboda (‘Avedat), Yael Gorin-Rosen

'Atiqot

The glass assemblage from Oboda spans approximately four centuries of glass production in the Eastern Mediterranean, from the Early Roman to the early Byzantine periods. It comprises forms characteristic of Palestine, Egypt and North Sinai. Noteworthy finds are four windowpane fragments, which probably belonged to a public building nearby, and an inscribed vessel with a double-lined Greek inscription, which likely reached Oboda via the Petra–Gaza (Incense) Road, with parallels at Petra and Humayma. The predominance of bowls and beakers with cut-off rims distinguishes the assemblage from contemporary sites in the country. Overall, the assemblage reflects an interaction between Egyptian and …

Coins From The Roman–Early Byzantine Residential Quarter At Oboda (‘Avedat), Robert Kool

'Atiqot

The Roman–early Byzantine residential quarter exposed at Oboda (‘Avedat) yielded 236 coins, 113 of which were identified, spanning the Hellenistic and Byzantine periods (third–second centuries BCE–fifth century CE). The earliest coin, a bronze from Aradus, reflects Oboda’s role as a key station along the Nabataean Incense Road connecting Petra with the Mediterranean coast. Nabataean coinage, particularly issues of Aretas IV, dominates the Early Roman assemblage, attestung to intensive regional trade and economic activity during the first century CE. Roman provincial coins of the second–third centuries CE further demonstrate continued commercial links between Oboda and neighboring urban centers following the Roman …

A Roman And Early Byzantine Residential Quarterat Oboda (‘Avedat), Tali Erickson-Gini, Nir Shimshon Paran, Larissa Shilov

'Atiqot

This report presents the results of the excavation of a Roman and Early Byzantine residential quarter at Oboda (‘Avedat), offering new evidence for the occupation history of the site and challenging long-standing assumptions regarding Nabataean settlement, trade and material culture in the Negev. The excavations revealed three principal phases: Phase 1, dating from the late first century BCE–early second century CE; Phase 2, constructed after the Roman annexation of 106 CE, linked to regional rebuilding activity following a major earthquake in the early second century CE; and Phase 3, comprising five buildings with courtyards surrounded by rooms, dating to the …

The Buildings Of Muslim Al-Majdal Asqalān (Ashqelon) In Their Historical-Geographic And Economic Context, Avraham Sasson

'Atiqot

In the course of the Mamluk and Ottoman periods, six villages were established in the al-Majdal Asqalān area in the southern coastal plain of Palestine, the status of this area enhancing in the 1830s when its geographic and economic advantages were appreciated. The small villages were built on the kurkar ridge slopes with minimal planning, traversed by two or three main arteries adjoined by narrow lanes. The houses were mostly built of mud bricks. Only the central village, al-Majdal Asqalān, developed on flat ground, where there was ample land for construction: most of its buildings were built of kurkar stones. …