Digital Commons Network^™

Concurrent Validation Of A Reverse Wall Lunge Test Position To Assess Hip Joint Extension Mobility, Joaquin Barrios, Anne Breeding, Hannah Dressman, Emily Howard, Justin Mitchell, Elizabeth Schueler, Lauren Thomas

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose: Hip joint extension mobility is commonly assessed for restriction in clinical practice, most often with the modified Thomas test (MTT). However, the MTT is not without challenges, particularly in regards to achieving and standardizing the proximal pelvis and trunk positioning. The lone 3D validation study on the MTT used a blood pressure cuff under the lumbar lordosis in an attempt to achieve standard positioning, which is not always clinically pragmatic. Therefore, we propose assessing hip extensibility with a novel reverse wall lunge test (RWL) described below, essentially as an upright weight-bearing version of the MTT that also standardizes proximal …

Determining The Concurrent And Predictive Validity Of The Repetitive Step Test In Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease, Harold Merriman, Kurt Jackson, Kathleen Mulligan, Arrah Sandy

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: The Repetitive Step Test (RST) assesses rapid stepping capability in anterior lateral (AL) and posterior lateral (PL) diagonal directions. This study’s goal was to determine the predictive validity of the RST to identify fallers with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). A secondary objective was to determine concurrent validity of the RST to other established tests. It was hypothesized that those who completed fewer steps with the RST would be more likely to fall and that the RST would predict falls at least as well as the other balance tests.

Materials and Methods: 19 subjects (10 F, 9 M; mean age 70.3 …

May 8, 2025, James Madison University

The Breeze, 2020-

The Breeze is the student newspaper of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

When A Government’S Control Crosses Borders: How The Overinclusive Nature Of Trig Continues To Exclude Qualified Noncitizens From Obtaining Legal Status In The United States, Mailinda Hoxha

Seton Hall Journal of Legislation and Public Policy

No abstract provided.

All The Regulatory Light We Cannot See: The Impact Of Loper Bright On Regulating Artificial Intelligence In The Workplace, Bradford J. Kelley

Seton Hall Journal of Legislation and Public Policy

No abstract provided.

Professor Britta Redwood Accepted To 2025 Harvard/Stanford/Yale Junior Faculty Forum, Britta Redwood

Cardozo Law News Archive

Assistant Professor of Law Britta Redwood has been accepted to present at the 2025 Harvard/Stanford/Yale Junior Faculty Forum, taking place June 2–3 at Harvard Law School. Her paper, “A Brutal Anomaly: Unfettered Ownership Rights and the Illegality of Transatlantic Chattel Slavery,” was selected through a competitive double-blind review process. The work argues that transatlantic chattel slavery was unlawful at the time it was practiced, challenging Eurocentric interpretations of treaty and customary international law and instead grounding its analysis in general principles of international law. This recognition places Professor Redwood among a select group of 12–20 junior scholars chosen to …

2025 Undergraduate And Graduate Commencement, Lindenwood University

Commencement Programs

2025 Lindenwood University Commencement program.

Students And Smartphone Usage: Influencing Factors, Farhad Mohammad Afzali, Elham Rastegari, Weihong Ning

Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis Faculty Publications

Smartphone usage is rapidly increasing worldwide, thanks in part to their growing accessibility and affordability. Previous research has shown that there is a negative correlation between smartphone usage and academic performance. In this study we aimed to not only replicate these findings but also to explore the specific factors that influence students' smartphone usage. To do so, we utilized the Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Version (SAS-SV) questionnaire to identify between self-reported smartphone "addicts" and "non-addicts" and then analyzed correlations with factors such as age group, college year, mobile app usage, and smartphone operating system. The results suggest that a …

Soft Tissue Mobilization Is More Effective Than Self-Stretching In Reducing Common Wrist Extensor Tendon Stiffness In Recreational Tennis Players, Olivia Potts, Noah Knackstedt, Cayton Ruby, Harold Merriman, Joseph Day

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: Increased muscle and tendon stiffness plays a role in the development of musculoskeletal pathologies. A number of interventions have been proposed to temporarily reduce muscle/tendon stiffness including soft tissue mobilization (STM) techniques and stretching. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate and short-term effects of STM versus self-stretching on common extensor tendon (CET) stiffness in a group of recreational tennis players.

Subjects: Healthy recreational tennis players

Materials/Methods: Stiffness, measured with the shear wave modulus in kilopascals (kPa), was obtained at rest on the dominant CET using 2D ultrasound imaging shear wave elastography (SWE) (GE Logiq S8, …

A Criterion Reference Validity Study For The Modified Thomas Test For Hip Extension Mobility Using Three-Dimensional Motion Capture, Joaquin Barrios, Anne Breeding, Hannah Dressman, Emily Howard, Justin Mitchell, Elizabeth Schueler, Lauren Thomas

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose: Hip region extension mobility is commonly assessed in physical therapy practice, most commonly performed using the modified Thomas test (MTT). The validity of the MTT using 3D motion capture methods has been evaluated in only a study evaluating only healthy young males. Further, this study utilized a blood pressure cuff at 60 mm Hg under the lumbar lordosis to control the pelvis and trunk, further modifying the MTT and limiting clinical translation. Therefore, the purpose of this ongoing 3D motion capture study was to acquire criterion reference data for the traditional modified Thomas test without use of blood pressure …

Efficacy Of Abdominal Curl Up Task As Abdominal Exercise For Diastasis Recti Abdominis For Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Julia Black, Ariana Bostwick, Sierra Darlington, Brooke Sizemore, Betsy Donahoe-Fillmore

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by the inappropriate functioning and synthesis of collagen, elastin, and fibrillin in the body, affecting many systems including the musculoskeletal system. In hypermobility-type EDS, individuals can present with instability at various locations in the body and may result in joint dislocations and pain. This can result in difficulty activating the abdominal muscles. The purpose of this study is to determine if a focused 3 to 6 month rehabilitation program improves inter-rectus distance (IRD), abdominal strength, and body image in women diagnosed with EDS.

Number of Subjects: Women (n=24) 33-62 …

Society’S Press: Designing A Digital Commons To Promote Critical Thought And Civil Discourse, Louis Driver

Honors College Theses

This thesis proposes the design of a new digital commons aimed at counteracting the negative incentives that currently dominate online discourse. This paper outlines the research and design of a system that promotes informative, medium-length, user-generated content, emphasizing thoughtful communication over virality. Inspired by academic peer-review practices, the proposed platform will implement a community-driven moderation model to reduce low-quality contributions and foster constructive feedback.

Appendices A & B: Supporting Faculty Parents In Professional Development: Case Studies, Recommendations, And A Call For Inclusive Approaches, Anne Marie Gruber, Lindsay Doukopoulos

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Cpg Methylation Changes Associated With Hyperglycemia In Type 1 Diabetes Occur At Angiogenic Glomerular And Retinal Gene Loci., Xiaojian Shao, Sophie Le Fur, Warren A. Cheung, Marie-Pierre Belot, Kevin Perge, Natacha Bouhours-Nouet, Candace Bensignor, Lucie Levaillant, Bing Ge, Tony Kwan, Mark Lathrop, Tomi Pastinen, Pierre Bougnères

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Chronic hyperglycemia is a major risk factor for glomerular or retinal microangiopathy and cardiovascular complications of type 1 diabetes (T1D). At the interface of genetics and environment, dynamic epigenetic changes associated with hyperglycemia may unravel some of the mechanisms contributing to these T1D complications. In this study, blood samples were collected from 112 young patients at T1D diagnosis and 3 years later in average. Whole genome-wide bisulfite sequencing was used to measure blood DNA methylation changes of about 28 million CpGs at single base resolution over this time. Chronic hyperglycemia was estimated every 3-4 months by HbA1c measurement. Linear regressions …

A Clinical Review Of Suicide Risks In Dermatology, Rahib K. Islam, Victoria T. Tong, Shari R. Lipner

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Patients with visible skin diseases, including acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis, face heightened risks of psychological distress, depression, and suicidal ideation, often exacerbated by social stigma and reduced quality of life. This review explores the intersection between dermatology and suicide, highlighting the psychosocial impact of visible skin conditions and the controversies surrounding treatment-related risks, including isotretinoin and biologic exposure. Current evidence suggests that while isotretinoin has been historically linked to mood changes, robust studies do not support a direct association with suicide. Incorporating mental health screenings into dermatological practice is essential for early identification and management of at-risk patients. By …

Antimicrobial Resistance: A Serious Global Health Threat: Part 2, Andrew N. Rowan

WellBeing News

The article examines how the post-war rise of industrial animal farming led to routine antibiotic use for growth, a key factor in the development of antimicrobial resistance. It stresses the urgent need to reform farming practices to reduce the spread of drug-resistant bacteria and protect public health.

Getting It Together – Ending Lab Animal Use, Andrew N. Rowan

WellBeing News

U.S. federal agencies are advancing coordinated strategies to phase out animal testing and adopt innovative, humane research technologies. These new approaches aim to deliver more accurate and ethical scientific results by focusing on human biology.

The Community Cat Conundrum, Andrew N. Rowan

WellBeing News

Efforts to manage outdoor cat populations are shifting toward humane approaches like Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return and Return-to-Field. While these methods gain support, conflicting legal frameworks and philosophical divides continue to complicate their widespread adoption.

The Quest For Algorithmic Justice In The Workplace: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission And Other Federal Responses To Ai, Technology, And Enhanced Dangers Of Employment Discrimination, David Lopez

Seton Hall Journal of Legislation and Public Policy

No abstract provided.

The Crystal Mountain Fluorite Deposit: Scandium-Rich Mineralization And Geochronology, Natalie Kilanowski-Doroh

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The Crystal Mountain fluorite mine is located in the Sapphire Mountains of the Bitterroot National Forest, near Darby, Montana. Crystal Mountain was a significant US producer of high-purity fluorspar between 1952 and 1972. As well, the deposit is rich in yttrium (Y) and scandium (Sc), and could possibly be a domestic source of these critical metals. The ore occurred as lodes of massive fluorite up to 10 m thick and 100 m long (now mined out), with few other associated minerals. Recent studies have speculated that Crystal Mountain may be a rare example of a magmatic fluorspar deposit. The main …

Exploring Cisd1 As A Multifaceted Biomarker In Cancer: Implications For Diagnosis, Prognosis, And Immunotherapeutic Response, Caiyue Li, Zhipin Liang, Gabrielle Vontz, Connor Kent, Wenbo Ma, Lei Liu, Riya Dahal, Jovanny Zabaleta, Guoshuai Cai, Jia Zhou, Huangen Ding, Qiang Shen

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

CISD1, an outer mitochondrial membrane iron-sulfur cluster protein, regulates intracellular iron levels, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dynamics, playing critical roles in cellular bioenergetics and redox homeostasis. Although CISD1 has been identified as a prognostic biomarker in specific cancers, its broader implications in tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and immunotherapy remain unclear. Given the heterogeneity of cancer and the need for robust biomarkers across cancers, this study conducts the first comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of CISD1 by evaluating its roles in cancer and treatment. We obtained and analyzed data from databases including TCGA, GTEx, THPA, GEPIA2.0, SangerBox, cBioPortal, TIMER2.0, CAMOIP, DAVID, SRPLOT, and TISIDB. …

Research On Automated On-Site Construction Of Timber Structures: Mobile Construction Platform Guided By Real-Time Visual Positioning System, Kang Bi, Da Wan, Haining Zhou, Wenxuan Zhao, Chengpeng Sun, Peng Du, Hiroatsu Fukuda

College of Architecture and the Built Environment Faculty Papers

In recent years, the AEC industry has increasingly sought sustainable solutions to enhance productivity and reduce environmental pollution, with wood emerging as a key renewable material due to its excellent carbon sequestration capability and low ecological footprint. Despite significant advances in digital fabrication technologies for timber construction, on-site assembly still predominantly relies on manual operations, thereby limiting efficiency and precision. To address this challenge, this study proposes an automated on-site timber construction process that integrates a mobile construction platform (MCP), a fiducial marker system (FMS) and a UWB/IMU integrated navigation system. By deconstructing traditional modular stacking methods and iteratively developing …

Genomic Characterization Of Novel Bacteriophage: Bellis, Emmanauel Z. Gibbs

Honors Theses

Phages are the most abundant life-forms on the planet. Due to their unique ability to infect and lyse specific bacterial strains, phages have been proposed as a potential therapeutic agent to fight antibiotic resistance bacterial infections. Consequently, more research is required to further our understanding of phages. We were provided with an isolated, novel Mycobacterium bacteriophage: Bellis. Utilizing a bioinformatic approach, we successfully annotated Bellis’ genome using a variety of computer programs like GeneMark, Glimmer, HHpred, and PECAAN. We discovered that Bellis has 122 genes, including a RecB-like endonuclease and an AAA-ATPase, as well as 10 tRNAs. Through the genomic …

Genome Annotation Of Stargaze, Madison R. Murray

Honors Theses

Bacteriophages are viruses which solely infect bacteria. They are one of the most abundant and diverse biological entities, yet there is a limited amount of information on these viruses, including their gene functions. Several previously unknown phages have been discovered including Stargaze, whose bacterial host is Mycobacterium Smegmatis. Characterization of phage genes and their functions deepen our understanding of phages and potentially contribute to the broader biomedical effort associated with phages ability to combat bacterial infections. Stargaze is a G5 subcluster phage and it only has one other related phage in its cluster, that phage is from Madagascar. Using a …

Luke Medley, Luke C. Medley

Professional Practices (ART 399)

Creating artwork with physical durability and enduring conceptual impact in order to leave behind a tangible legacy, or something permanent, in a world that is constantly changing is my goal. In this art form, I make two-dimensional drawings, three-dimensional objects, and functional wearable art. I am truly exploring how I can make art in a way that not only looks good but can be used with an aspect of craftsmanship.

For example, I emphasize value with dark and light areas of a subject to show lots of detail just like artist Chuck Close when creating the charcoal drawing of my …

Development Of Predictive Maintenance For Centrifugal Pumps, Elliot B. Lange

Honors Capstones

Over prolonged periods of time, mechanical machinery requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Conventionally this maintenance is done on a regular schedule with predefined procedures to repair all aspects of the machine. As machine learning models become more applicable in everyday life, these algorithms can be leveraged to predict failures in mechanical devices. This project worked toward creating a predictive maintenance machine learning model for centrifugal pumps that can identify and predict discrete failure modes. As a result of the project, a pump loop setup was constructed. The purpose of this report is to provide a guide for how …

Prayers For Pope Leo Xiv, Eric F. Spina

President's Blog: From the Heart

Dear students, faculty, and staff, Let’s extend our sincere congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff in history!

Policy To Decrease Attrition Rates Amongst Mental Health Nurses, Ashley E. Burnett

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

The high attrition rate among mental health nurses in the United States presents a critical challenge, leading to increased operational costs, workforce shortages, and compromised patient care. This policy proposal seeks to address the issue of mental health nurse turnover by offering a structured approach to enhancing job contentment and dealing with stress factors within the workplace. In line with the purpose of the study, quantitative and qualitative data from workforce surveys, peer-reviewed literature, and policy evaluations are combined to determine common retention strategies. Findings indicate that mentorship programs, competitive salaries, flexible scheduling, and workplace support systems significantly reduce burnout …

Healthcare Provider Comfort Surrounding Adverse Childhood Events (Aces), Cameo Culcasi

Doctoral Projects

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are strongly linked to long-term health outcomes, yet discussions around ACEs in clinical settings remain inconsistent. This study investigates the comfort levels of healthcare providers in addressing ACEs with their patients, identifying barriers and facilitators to such conversations. Using a Quasi-experimental, single group, pretest-post test experimental design, we surveyed a diverse group of physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants working in a primary care setting, providing ACE training, and an opportunity for learning reflection. Preliminary results indicate that while most providers acknowledge the importance of discussing ACEs, many report discomfort due to time constraints, lack of …

Examining The Association Between Genetic Polymorphisms And Osteoporosis Among Post-Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review, Zainab Alhalwachi, Mira Mousa, Salsabeel Juneidi, Gabriela Restrepo-Rodas, Spyridon Karras, Habiba Alsafar, Fatme Al Anouti

All Works

Purpose: Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease among women, characterized by significant bone density loss and increased fracture risk. With a genetic component, a systematic review was conducted on the association between genetic polymorphisms and PMOP risk. Methods: A comprehensive review of PubMed literature examined genetic polymorphisms linked to PMOP risk. The primary outcome was to identify the most frequently studied genes linked to PMOP. The secondary outcome was to perform a meta-analysis on the top genetic markers to assess their overall association with PMOP risk. Results: Six genes, accounting for 55.08 % of all studies, …