Digital Commons Network^™

Expressive And Interpretable User Engagement Prediction Using Multivariate Survival Processes, Akshay Aravamudan

Theses and Dissertations

The ability to characterize how information diffuses online is of paramount importance to stakeholders that are interested in tasks such as proposing solutions for mitigating and countering dis/misinformation, predicting user engagement of content in social media, planning marketing campaigns to roll-out products and planning dissemination of political campaign messaging among others. One such facet of learning the dynamics of information diffusion is the ability to predict user engagement or the popularity of a single piece of information as it spreads through an online medium. Existing works in this regard mainly either obfuscate user level information or utilize frameworks that are …

Novel Application Of Orthopedic Suture Tape For Sternal Closure After Upper Hemisternotomy, Vishal N. Shah, Joshua R. Chen, Konstadinos A. Plestis

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

The FiberTape (FT) System (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA), initially developed for orthopedic surgery, is a new, nonmetallic, suture-based alternative to standard stainless-steel wires for sternal reapproximation. Publications on FT use after cardiothoracic surgery are limited. The FT System has not been used in upper hemisternotomy (UHS) closure. Consequently, we report the use of the FT System for sternal closure in a 70-year-old man after UHS aortic valve replacement and discuss several advantages of its application.

Targeting Bard1 Suppresses A Myc-Dependent Transcriptional Program And Tumor Growth In Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Sohum Patel, Eleanor Jenkins, Rutuj P. Kusurkar, Sherry Lee, Wei Jiang, Avinoam Nevler, Matthew Mccoy, Michael J. Pishvaian, Rosalie C. Sears, Jonathan R. Brody, Charles J. Yeo, Aditi Jain

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the deadliest cancers demanding better and more effective therapies. BARD1 or BRCA1-Associated -Ring Domain-1 plays a pivotal role in homologous recombination repair (HRR). However, its function and the underlying molecular mechanisms in PDAC are still not fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that BARD1 is overexpressed in PDAC and its genetic inhibition suppresses c-Myc and disrupts c-Myc dependent transcriptional program. Mechanistically, BARD1 stabilizes c-Myc through ubiquitin-proteasome system by regulating FBXW7. Importantly, targeting BARD1 using either siRNAs or CRISPR/Cas9 deletion blocks PDAC growth in vitro and in vivo, without any signs of toxicity to mice. …

To The Part Of You That Still Hopes, Xing Chen, Special Collections, Fleet Library

12th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest 2026

Entry for the 12th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest. Opening reception and award ceremony Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 6:30pm, Fleet Library, 1st Floor Main Reading Room. Juror: Gabrielle Reed.

Our Mother And Us, Allison Kim, Special Collections, Fleet Library

12th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest 2026

Entry for the 12th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest. Opening reception and award ceremony Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 6:30pm, Fleet Library, 1st Floor Main Reading Room. Juror: Gabrielle Reed.

Seas Away, Airien Ludin, Special Collections, Fleet Library

12th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest 2026

LIBRARIAN'S CHOICE PURCHASE PRIZE | $375 Entry for the 12th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest. Opening reception and award ceremony Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 6:30pm, Fleet Library, 1st Floor Main Reading Room. Juror: Gabrielle Reed.

The Violet City, Longwen Miao, Special Collections, Fleet Library

12th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest 2026

THE AMERICAN PRINTING HISTORY ASSOCIATION - New England Chapter PURCHASE PRIZE | $375 Entry for the 12th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest. Opening reception and award ceremony Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 6:30pm, Fleet Library, 1st Floor Main Reading Room. Juror: Gabrielle Reed.

?Do Geese See God?, Lila Vianna, Special Collections, Fleet Library

12th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest 2026

Entry for the 12th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest. Opening reception and award ceremony Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 6:30pm, Fleet Library, 1st Floor Main Reading Room. Juror: Gabrielle Reed.

The Illusion Of Stability In Family Law, Kaiponanea T. Matsumura

Vanderbilt Law Review

Stability is universally accepted as a central value in family law. Within the context of adult relationships, stability determines which relationships the law will recognize and support. Within the context of parent child relationships, stability determines who will be recognized as a parent, whose parental rights will be terminated by the state, and who, among fit parents, will receive custody. This Article challenges stability’s pride of place in family law, identifying three problems with the law’s use of stability.

First, stability is often used in a circular way. Lawmakers treat stability as a requirement—a trait to which the law responds—even …

A Crust Of Bread: Religious Resistance And The Fourteenth Amendment, Kurt T. Lash, Stephanie Hall Barclay -- Professor Of Law

Vanderbilt Law Review

In Employment Division v. Smith, the U.S. Supreme Court denied heightened constitutional protection to religiously motivated exercise burdened by neutral and generally applicable laws. The history presented in this Article suggests that the Smith approach conflicts with the original understanding of the Fourteenth Amendment. Out of the crucible of religious abolitionist resistance to the Fugitive Slave Act emerged a substantive theory of constitutional religious freedom: American citizens should have the right to obey the Biblical command to care for the needy and provide the hungry a “crust of bread,” even if doing so was contrary to neutral and generally applicable …

Listen To My Story: An Autoethnographic Account Of A Manic Episode, Allison Whitmire

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Bipolar disorder is a very complicated disease. It's first complexity is that it is a mental illness, so it is "invisible" and there is much stigma attached to seeking treatment. The second complexity is that there are both the highs of mania which contain hallucination and delusions for many as well as the lows of depression. These moods cycle throughout one's life. The third complexity is that because bipolar is both genetic and environmental in origin it steeps itself into the roots of family trees and causes generational trauma. Through examining how bipolar disorder has affected my life, these complexities …

Assessment Of Dose-Dependent Cytotoxicity Of Caffeine On Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma And Foreskin Fibroblast Cell Lines, Sanjay Srinivasan

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Caffeine is a stimulant well-known for its alertness enhancement and energy functions. Beyond its neurological effects, caffeine also influences cellular qualities, including viability and membrane integrity. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of caffeine on two distinct human cell lines: Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma (HT-29) and Foreskin Fibroblasts (HFF). Cells were exposed to varying concentrations of caffeine to evaluate whether its effects were dose dependent. Cell viability was assessed using the Trypan Blue exclusion and Alamar Blue assays. Results showed that HFF cell death was more evident than the HT-29 Cells, displaying a potential therapeutic for cancer treatment.

The Value Of An Academic Library As Told By Its Users, Gabbi Anzalone

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Academic libraries serve many purposes and many users, and no one library is exactly alike. This project seeks to begin pinpointing the value of UNO’s own academic library, Criss Library, through the voices of students, faculty, and staff. These primary users will be the focal point, and their responses will aid in analyzing the common concerns, appreciations, and themes surrounding a library’s value. There will be an analysis and synthesis of insights that is based on both user perspectives of the individuals who have offered responses and broader trends in the perception of academic libraries. It is evident that academic …

Cultural Of Authenticity And Commodification: Analyzing The Aesthetic Waves And Collective Culture In The 2010s And 2020s, Stefanny Leung Yu

Student Theses

The “authentic self” is curated, aestheticized, and most notably, commodified. Digital algorithms, likes, views, and engagement are more than just digital metrics, they are the management of performance. For millions of other users — including the author herself — social media is the locus of personal expression. Most notably, sites like Tumblr, where users in the 2010s posted hazy images or overly filtered graphics along with melancholic song lyrics that match the vibe of the moment, expression was earnest and idealized. Today, social media in the 2020s, new creators like Hannah Neelaman, better known as Ballerina Farm, dress in pastoral …

Labour Companionship And Respectful Treatment Of Women During Childbirth: A Cross-Sectional Study Across 16 Hospitals In Benin, Malawi, Tanzania And Uganda, Soha El-Halabi, Kristi Sidney Annerstedt, Christian Agossou, Fadhlun Al-Beity, Andrea B. Pembe, Phillip Wanduru, Bianca Kandeya, Jean-Paul Dossou, Helle Molsted-Alvesson, Claudia Hanson

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Introduction: Evidence suggests that women value and benefit from having a labour companion during childbirth. However, the applicability of the evidence to low-income and lower-middle-income countries is limited and varies. Thus, we assessed the association between the presence of labour companions and mistreatment in 16 hospitals of Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a validated questionnaire administered to women at discharge after birth between December 2021 and March 2024. The main outcomes were factor-weighted respectful treatment score and its subscores on maintained respect and dignity, privacy and maintained confidentiality and no physical and verbal …

Dr. Eve Hinman, A Pioneer In The Protective Design Industry, Ily Michi Nelson, Ellen Elizabeth Untalan, Lani Ku'ulei Alo

Architectural Engineering

This senior project carries on prior work to develop an educational material on the notable female protective design engineer Dr. Eve Hinman, initiated by Cal Poly Architectural Engineering students Michelle Dennin and Paulina Robles in collaboration with faculty member Dr. Anahid Behrouzi. To gain a deeper understanding of Dr. Eve Hinman’s impact on the industry, the project team conducted extensive research into her career including interviews with former employees of the firm that she founded and led, Hinman Consulting Engineers (HCE), and an analysis of the recently acquired collection of library material gifted by HCE to Cal Poly. After completing …

Prefabricated Timber Living: A Modular Sustainable Solution, Hannah Giang, Justin Huang

Architectural Engineering

This senior project is part of the Gateway Decathlon, a two-year, multidisciplinary design-build competition focused on innovative, sustainable housing solutions. Our team designed and constructed a one-story dwelling using cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels to promote low-carbon, industrialized building practices. The structure features a modular layout with sloped roofs and exposed timber interiors, combining environmental responsibility with architectural flexibility. Emphasizing prefabrication and off-site construction, the design supports efficient assembly and disassembly, reduced material waste, and minimal environmental impact. The result is a scalable, adaptable housing prototype aligned with the competition’s goals of creativity, sustainability, and innovation in residential construction.

Pastoral Land Condition: Kimberley Land Condition Standards, Robert Sudmeyer, Rick Fletcher, Kathryn Ryan, Matthew Fletcher, Charles Martin, Philip Thomas, Karen Holmes, Karyn Reeves, Wayne Fletcher

Natural resources published reports

This report outlines the conceptual basis and quantitative land condition standards that define acceptable pastoral land condition for the Kimberley, Western Australia (WA), to meet the regulatory requirements of the Land Administration Act 1997 and the Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) develops regional-level pastoral land condition standards for WA to implement the Framework for sustainable pastoral management – Revised edition, which is designed to address the Office of the Auditor General’s recommendations to improve the management of pastoral lands in WA. The application of these standards is expected to …

Impact Of Lost Synchronous Generation On The Rate Of Change Of Frequency In Electrical Power Systems, Damien Doheny

Doctoral

Renewable energy targets have resulted in high penetration of non-synchronous generation and consequently reducing power system inertia, and this could lead to power system frequency instability following a disturbance, such as the loss of generation. A concern to power system operators is the rate of change of frequency (ROCOF) following the loss of generation. Fast ROCOF presents many challenges for power systems but the primary concern is that fast ROCOF reduces the time-frame that primary frequency control has to arrest a frequency decline following the loss of generation. Therefore, power system operators need to develop strategies to operate power systems …

Making Of A Musical Meme: Wendy Carlos & Hector Berlioz, Alexander Ludwig

Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Editorial Forward

UC Law Journal of Race and Economic Justice

No abstract provided.

Hashtags, Handcuffs, And Hush Money: Inequitable Application Of The Fourth Amendment In Electronic Surveillance, Karina Devi Etminani

UC Law Journal of Race and Economic Justice

A wealthy executive buries misconduct behind corporate nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) and encrypted devices. Nearby, police wield geofence warrants to sweep the digital footprints of peaceful protesters demanding racial justice. Both scenarios hinge on the same Fourth Amendment but reveal a coin with two faces. For powerful abusers, privacy protections can conceal assault, intimidation, and corruption. For Black activists, rapidly emerging surveillance tools—including biometric scanners, phone “pings,” and social media mining—intensify a long legacy of racially targeted policing. As Jeannie Suk Gersen notes, two recent social movements– #MeToo and Black Lives Matter–reveal that “too much deference to privacy serves male entitlement, …

Masthead

UC Law Journal of Race and Economic Justice

No abstract provided.

Decoding The Algorithm: The Mathematics Behind Tiktok’S Short-Form Content Success, Ashley N. Lynch

Honors Scholar Theses

Within the realm of social networks, TikTok has become the central hub for short-form video content. The network’s unique ability to capture individual preferences using predictive analytics has greatly contributed to its massive success, allowing the company to optimize its performance and content personalization. In an age where digital media have such a significant influence on society, it is essential that users develop an understanding of how social network algorithms function to make more informed online decisions. Although TikTok’s technological system is primarily undisclosed, the platform certifiably leverages several key mathematical principles within its algorithm to achieve its core goals …

Critical Race Historical Examination Of Summer Programs: Impact On African American Youth, Megan Lee, June Hopps, Deryl Bailey

Journal of Youth Development

No abstract provided.

Sustainable Lodge: How To Enhance Local Economy Through Eco-Tourism In The Mountain Regions Of Ecuador, Giuliana Galindo-Mata

Architecture Theses

This thesis explores the potential of sustainable tourism infrastructure to generate meaningful economic and social change in the mountain regions of Ecuador. Centered on the design of Condor Lodge, a sustainable eco-lodge located in Alpamalag de Acurios, Pujilí, the project addresses four core objectives: environmental sustainability, social and cultural preservation, economic revitalization, and innovative design. Through passive systems, local materials, and community engagement, the lodge demonstrates how architecture can strengthen cultural identity, promote local employment, and support regenerative tourism. This thesis integrates precedent analysis, site-specific strategies, and projected economic impacts to propose a model for responsible tourism development in the …

The Impact Of Brand Ownership Structure On Favorability And Authenticity Perception Of Surf Athlete Sponsorships, Tayler K. Baldwin

Journalism

This study investigates whether the ownership form of a surf brand, i.e., public or private, affects consumer authenticity and brand favorability impressions when partnered with surf athletes. Following Aaker's Brand Equity Model and relevant literature on influencer marketing and subcultural branding, the study employs a mixed-methods approach with a structured questionnaire survey (n = 526) alongside qualitative analysis of open-ended responses. Quantitative results indicate minimal variation in mean brand favorability for public compared to private brands, while privately owned brands had more consistent perceptions of authenticity across combinations of athlete partnerships. Qualitative outcomes support the assumption that privately owned brands …

Small Scale Magnetohydrodynamic Thruster, Samuel Rabaey

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

This paper explores the performance of a self-constructed, small-scale magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) thruster using saltwater as the conductive fluid. The MHD drive generates propulsion through Lorentz force by applying an electric current across electrodes in the presence of an orthogonal magnetic field. Two experiments were conducted: one measuring static water displacement to determine force output, and another using fluid velocity in a closed loop to evaluate both force and efficiency at varying magnetic field strengths. Theoretical predictions based on MHD and fluid dynamics principles were compared with experimental results. While the measured outputs were consistently lower than theoretical approximations, likely due …

Being Cognizant Of Young Adult Mental Health: Aiding Healing Through Architecture, Garrett Laurance Kleven

Architecture Theses

Many people in the world are and have gone through mental health struggles at some point in their lives. Young adulthood is a time of life where there is a lot of opportunity and growth. With this comes much stress and anxiety. To combat the growing mental health concern, there is a need for places that people, including young adults, to go to if they need help. Architecture can play a large role in aiding the healing process for young adults and giving them resources to get better. When designing buildings and spaces that evoke healing, provide valuable resources, and …

Counterculturalism In Minimalistic Living, Noah Sirvio

Architecture Theses

This thesis is an exploration into minimalistic living through tiny homes. In a culture that prioritizes the ownership of material things and where “want” has become synonymous with “need”, individual identity is being lost to possessions. This thesis acts as a rebuttal to what has become the status quo and seeks a change in both mindset and lifestyle. Why does American culture insist on unnecessary consumption, and how can we mitigate it? Through detaching ourselves from marketing, perceived wealth, and the opinion of others, contentment and self-reliance can be found. The foundation of this thesis lies in the idea that …