Digital Commons Network^™

The Influence Of Intrinsic Foot Muscles In Modulating Foot Shape Relative To Substrate And The Efficacy Of Different Strengthening Approaches, Luke R. Lotsis

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Cross-sloped surfaces create an asymmetrical substrate for foot contact, introducing a slip force within the transverse plane and a gravitational pull within the coronal plane that increases the tendency to topple downslope. To maintain stability, the foot must make structural adjustments across the hindfoot, midfoot, forefoot, and hallux. In chapter 1, I investigated how IFMs respond to varying substrate conditions and balance demands, providing insight into their functional role in maintaining stability and adapting foot structure in static and dynamic locomotor tasks. Twenty-four healthy adults participated in a series of dynamic walking trials on flat, cross-sloped and sandy substrates and …

Microbial Community Contribution To Oxidative Stress Defense In High-Biomass Forming Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms (Chabs), Chelsea Donovan

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cHABs) occur globally, excluding Antarctica, and often involve toxin-producing species such as Microcystis aeruginosa. These blooms threaten both ecosystems and public health, making it essential to understand their underlying drivers. Cyanobacteria generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) during photosynthesis, which can cause cellular damage unless neutralized. Some, like M. aeruginosa, lack the genetic capacity to detoxify ROS and rely on associated bacterioplankton for protection. To investigate the role of phycosphere bacteria in mitigating ROS stress, we conducted an incubation experiment using samples collected throughout the 2023 Lake Erie bloom season. Samples were treated with 10 …

Confronting The Postcolonial Condition: A Study On The Blesser-Blessee Phenomenon In South Africa, Thandwa Maphalala

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Age-disparate relationships are causing a public health threat in South Africa and the region at large. However, these relationships and their effects are not unique to South Africa. There has been substantial research conducted to explore the social, cultural or economic meaning of this relationship type, its causes and effects in sub-Saharan Africa or in the interest of individual countries in the region. However, South Africa presents a special case for further study because the older men that adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) date and have sex with are commonly referred to as blessers.

The purpose of this …

Assessing Examinee Effort: The Role Of Test Length In Low-Stakes Testing, Jonathan M. Henriques

Masters Theses, 2020-current

In the context of low stakes testing, where students have no benefits or consequences for their performance, test-taking effort becomes a central validity concern. Recent research has explored how shortening tests might improve effort. With modern planned missingness designs, it is possible to reduce the length of the test for the student without compromising the validity and reliability of the test. In this study, I investigated the impact of test length on effort using rapid guessing, a more contemporary technique that has not been applied to this research area. I randomly assigned students to one of three conditions: the full …

College Golf Recruiting: A Qualitative Research Proposal Of Strategies, Challenges, Future Avenues And Best Practices, Nicolas Christian Schlickenrieder

Masters Theses, 2020-current

College golf recruiting is a complex process influenced by evolving factors such as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies and new alternative professional golf pathways. This qualitative study aims to fill this gap by examining the key strategies, challenges, and best practices National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college golf coaches use in their recruitment processes. Utilizing interviews with twelve NCAA Division I golf coaches, this study explores how coaches identify potential recruits, evaluate talent, and navigate limitations such as scholarship availability and regulation compliance. Findings highlight the importance of tangible factors, such as tournament performance and statistical analysis, …

Analysis And Monitoring Of A Robotics Curriculum: Are Simnow Modules Valuable?, Ibrahim Baida, Jacob Applegarth, Nathan Novotny, Anthony Iacco, Ngan Nguyen

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Screening Mammogram Adherence Before Reduction Mammaplasty And Incidence Of Occult Pathologic Findings In Surgical Specimens, Kristin E. Lemarbe, Carolyn Schnurr, Danielle Hurst, Katelyn Ward, Sayee Kiran

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Laparoscopic Stapled Anastomosis For Congenital Duodenal Obstruction: Superior Outcomes And Efficiency Compared To Hand-Sewn Techniques, Ryan Davis, Ibrahim Baida, Katelyn Ward, Pavan Brahmamdam, Begum Akay, Anthony Stallion, Nathan Novotny

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Facets Of Responsible Ai: Interpretability, Biases, And Morality Of Large Language Models, Sean Xie

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

This thesis investigates critical aspects of responsible artificial intelligence (AI) — specifically model interpretability, bias detection and mitigation, and moral alignment in large language models (LLMs) — due to their pivotal role in the deployment of transparent, fair, and ethical AI systems. By addressing these dimensions of responsible AI, we hope to foster the increased trust and understanding necessary for wider AI adoption.

We begin by surveying the existing landscape of interpretability metrics and critically assess the effectiveness of interpretability methods designed to generate reliable explanations. Building upon this evaluation, we introduce novel model architectures and frameworks explicitly developed to …

Explorations Of Amplified Feedback In Quantum Circuits, Maxwell B. Weiner

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

The Josephson Traveling Wave Parametric Amplifier (TWPA) has emerged as a key technology for high-fidelity qubit readout in superconducting quantum computing. By leveraging the nonlinear inductance of an array of Josephson Junctions, the TWPA enables broadband, near-quantum-limited amplification with minimal added noise, significantly improving the signal-to-noise ratio in qubit measurements. Unlike traditional resonant parametric amplifiers, which suffer from bandwidth constraints, the traveling wave design of the TWPA allows for wideband operation, making it particularly suited for multiplexed readout of both simple qubits and large-scale quantum processors.

In this thesis, we explore how the TWPA can be integrated into a feedback …

Canales Huapaya Et Al. V. Peru, Alondra Gonzalez

Loyola of Los Angeles International and Comparative Law Review

No abstract provided.

Reconceptualization Of Corporate Governance For Fintech Firms, Isa Alade

Loyola of Los Angeles International and Comparative Law Review

The scandals involving some major fintech firms/platforms such as FTX, Wirecard, Celsius, TerraLuna and Lending Club raise questions about the efficacy of the current corporate governance architecture for fintech firms. Comparing some of the factors that contributed to these recent scandals in the fintech industry against the weaknesses in the corporate governance arrangements for traditional financial firms in the period leading to the global financial crisis (GFC), this paper argues that the unique characteristics of fintech firms amplify some of the weaknesses in the corporate governance arrangements in the financial services industry that contributed to the GFC. The ubiquitous nature …

Fontevecchia And D’Amico V. Argentina, Douglas Clark

Loyola of Los Angeles International and Comparative Law Review

No abstract provided.

Trabajadores Cesados De Petroperu V. Peru, Douglas Clark

Loyola of Los Angeles International and Comparative Law Review

No abstract provided.

Uzcátegui Et Al. V. Venezuela, Gursimran Bhullar

Loyola of Los Angeles International and Comparative Law Review

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Theory-Driven Design And Evaluation Of Patient-Facing Technologies, Yang Gong, Yuheng Shi, Eric Yang, Katie Gahn, Heidi Mason, Yun Jiang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Patient-facing technologies (PFTs) are essential tools for patient-centered outcome research. The current designs of PFTs need solid theoretical support and face challenges with maintenance and sustainability. This paper identifies PFT features and theoretical frameworks that support patient engagement in cancer care. Six prevailing PFT features - feedback & alert, a summary of entries, education materials, aggregated review, dedicated staff, and reminders - were identified in the primary literature, and five theoretical frameworks were adopted to guide the design and evaluation of 20 PFTs. Further research into user-centered design, personalization, and social context in PFT development is recommended to connect system …

Developing A Dashboard To Facilitate Exploration Of Maude Studies, Eric Yang, Yuheng Shi, Yang Gong

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The MAUDE database is increasingly used for research. However, the MAUDE publications are scattered in literature databases with fragmented topics, hindering researchers' exploration and identification. To address this issue and enhance the visibility of MAUDE topics in literature, we followed the Gestalt data visualization principles, utilizing the PubMed API and Google Looker Studio to extract, organize, and visualize literature pertinent to MAUDE. The 5-section dashboard exhibits publication trends, cross-filtered publications and authors, geographical distribution of authors and publishers, article scorecards, and donut graphs representing percentages concerning affiliations, journals, publication types, and MeSH terms. This effort created an intuitive, user-friendly dashboard …

From Starfleet To Space Law: Science Fiction And The Future Of Colonization Law, Abigail Coffey

Seattle Journal of Technology, Environmental, & Innovation Law

As humanity approaches the threshold of space colonization, legal scholars and policymakers are faced with unprecedented challenges in crafting frameworks that govern off-Earth settlements. This article explores how science fiction—a genre long preoccupied with the social, legal, and ethical dimensions of space habitation—can serve as a vital resource for shaping contemporary space law. Drawing on narratives from the minds of George Lucas, Robert Heinlein, Frank Herbert, and more, this article examines how science fiction anticipates legal dilemmas surrounding sovereignty, privatization, environmental stewardship, and human rights in extraterrestrial contexts. By analyzing these fictional projections, this article argues for a proactive, imaginative …

E-Waste In Washington: A Looming Threat To Washington's Climate Future And Legal Solutions, Ibrahim Badawi

Seattle Journal of Technology, Environmental, & Innovation Law

This paper explores the escalating issue of electronic waste (e-waste) in Washington State, examining its root causes—including manufacturer practices, consumer behavior, and the lack of strict regulations—and its profound impacts on the environment, human health, and climate change. While Washington State’s 2006 Electronic Product Recycling Law (EPRL) marked an important first step, the current measure is insufficient to address the growing crisis. This paper argues that the true solution to the e-waste crisis requires not only recycling regulations but also addressing the root causes to prevent e-waste before it is created by focusing on extending the lifespans of electronics. This …

Formula 1’S Drive To Environmental Sustainability, Xenia Chiles

Seattle Journal of Technology, Environmental, & Innovation Law

This article explores Formula 1’s (F1) evolving commitment to environmental sustainability, examining the regulatory, technological, and institutional shifts that support its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Despite its reputation as a resource-intensive sport, F1 has adopted meaningful reforms, ranging from hybrid power units and alternative fuels to eco-friendly manufacturing practices, without compromising performance. Through an analysis of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile’s (FIA) regulatory authority, stakeholder influence, and corporate social responsibility framework, the article argues that F1 is not merely greenwashing but genuinely redefining motorsport’s role in a climate-conscious era. It concludes that profitability and sustainability can—and increasingly …

An Equitable High: Indigenous People Must Have A Seat At The Table For The Future Business Of Psychedelics, How Affirmative Patent Rights Can Ensure Indigenous Inclusion, Meghan Ricci

Seattle Journal of Technology, Environmental, & Innovation Law

Political turmoil led to the halt of medical research into hallucinogens, yet efforts are now underway to begin exploring their therapeutic properties following a pathway created by cannabis. However, as hallucinogens are gaining traction as potentially untapped therapeutic avenues for illnesses like anxiety, addiction, and PTSD, comes the risk of endangering or altering centuries-long indigenous use. An Equitable High seeks to examine the history of psychedelic drugs while evaluating avenues to provide equal access and adequate protections for indigenous communities as legalization and monetization efforts surrounding hallucinogens grows.

Complexities Of Ai Trends: Threats To Data Privacy Legal Compliance, Esther Arokun

Seattle Journal of Technology, Environmental, & Innovation Law

This paper examines the intersection of artificial intelligence and data privacy, analyzing how innovations such as generative AI, large language models, and deepfakes are challenging current privacy laws and compliance frameworks. Through a comparative study of the GDPR and CCPA, this paper assesses regulatory gaps, identifies risks such as data misuse and security breaches, and proposes practical solutions, including privacy-by-design and stronger governance protocols. It offers a forward-looking approach to fostering legal and ethical accountability in AI deployment.

Hybrids As Undeserving And The Enduring Legacy Of Eugenics In Modern Conservation Policies, Maria-Vittoria Carminati, Andrew Martin

Seattle Journal of Technology, Environmental, & Innovation Law

This article explores the overlooked legacy of eugenics at the root of modern conservation, tracing how early conservationists—many of whom were also vocal eugenicists—shaped our definitions of species, purity, and protection. By examining the deep entanglement of racialized science and environmental policy, I argue that hybrids have been systematically excluded from protection, not because of well-founded scientific reasoning, but because of a century-old ideology rooted in the fear of impurity. It's time for conservation to evolve beyond these outdated frameworks and embrace a future-forward, adaptationist approach—one that recognizes hybrids not as mistakes, but as natural responses to a changing world …

Leadership In Quality Improvement In Academic Children’S Hospitals, Tiffany Enriquez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

To orient children’s academic leaders to basic competency in quality improvement (QI) practices, academic children’s hospitals must overcome leadership diversity deficits and prepare for QI practice readiness. Leadership is a key factor in enhancing patients’ care outcomes, though practice models do not allow for organizational advancements. The distributed leadership (DL) theory on leadership applies in contexts where the leadership role in QI is not solely centralized to a single individual but is decentralized and spread to include all parties involved. This paper sought to determine the effects of leadership on QI in children’s hospitals and further establish the best leadership …

Implementing A Mindfulness Program To Reduce Burnout Rates, Nadine G. Kakanou

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Walden University College of Nursing This is to certify that the doctoral study by Nadine Kakanou has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Sue Bell, Committee Chairperson, Nursing Faculty Dr. Mary Bemker Houghtaling, Committee Member, Nursing Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Summary Burnout rates among mental healthcare workers remain a concern affected by the increasing demands of the profession and the COVID-19 pandemic. The identified practice gap among mental healthcare staff members at the northern …

Administrators’ And Teachers’ Perceptions And Experiences Regarding Alternative Discipline For Disabled Students, Wanda Charlotte Early

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Compared to other students, students with emotional and behavioral disorders receive more disciplinary consequences from within the public school system, which often means that students with emotional and behavioral disorders do not receive the same education. The purpose of this qualitative generic design study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of administrators and teachers in the public school system regarding using alternative discipline for African American students diagnosed with behavioral and emotional disabilities or disorders. The disability critical race framework was used as a framework for this study. Responses were generated through in-depth, semi-structured interviews of 10 participants. Thematic …

Staff Education Program On The Vanderbilt Adhd Diagnostic Rating Scale, Rabiatu Bangura

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This DNP project evaluated the effectiveness of a structured staff education program designed to enhance healthcare professionals’ knowledge and utilization of the Vanderbilt ADHD Assessment Scale (VAS) in children aged ≥2 to ≤18 years. The practice problem addressed in this project was the inconsistent use and limited knowledge of the VAS among healthcare staff, which can lead to underdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. The practice-focused question was: Will a staff education program specifically designed to instruct healthcare professionals on using the Vanderbilt ADHD Assessment Scale in children ≥2 years to ≤18 years increase their knowledge? Targeted educational sessions were implemented, and …

Staff Education For Nurses And Mental Health Technicians, Aminah Shanell Abdikadir

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Restraint and seclusion persist as considerable hazards to both patients and healthcare personnel in some mental health institutions. These interventions correlate with heightened trauma, injury, and extended duration of stay. The goal of the project was to instruct nurses and mental health technicians in verbal de-escalation strategies to diminish incidences of restraint and isolation as part of a practice reform initiative. Ten staff members engaged in pre- and post-training evaluations to assess knowledge, confidence, and readiness to apply de-escalation tactics. Data were examined using paired t tests. Results indicated statistically significant enhancements in staff knowledge, and confidence along with willingness …

Online Graduate Academic Experiences Of Adults With Bipolar Disorder, Paola Ann Faiman-Mullins

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research regarding older adults with hidden disabilities in the field of adult online learning remains scarce, including a lack of research on older adults with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Although the needs and struggles of college students with bipolar disorder aged 18-25 in online learning have been identified, few studies have been done to uncover the needs and struggles of older learners with bipolar disorder aged 40-65. This study explored the academic experiences of these individuals to better understand their unidentified and unmet needs. This study was grounded within the community of inquiry framework. This basic qualitative study recruited …

Navigating The Labyrinth: Transition Planning Process For Reintegration Of Inmates With Chronic Illnesses And Disabilities, Courtney Ashley Dean

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Most offenders face challenges with successfully reintegrating, especially those living with chronic illness and/or disabilities. Transition interventions employed by mental health professionals are not universal and vary from facility to facility. While recidivism, community stigmatization, reoffending, and reconviction are explored in extant literature, little has been done to examine the difficulties faced by the professionals who work with this population as they get ready to plan for transitioning this disenfranchised group back into society. This study is an exploration of the role of professional counselors in facilitating successful transition planning for inmates living with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities. Guided by …