Digital Commons Network^™

Jtc 25: Creating A Healthier Future, Jonathan Scott

University of Mississippi News

This story is part of the 2025 Journey to Commencement series, which celebrates the pinnacle of the academic year by highlighting University of Mississippi students and their outstanding academic and personal journeys from college student to college graduate.

Jtc 25: Answering A ‘Natural Calling’, Natalie Ehrhardt

University of Mississippi News

This story is part of the 2025 Journey to Commencement series, which celebrates the pinnacle of the academic year by highlighting University of Mississippi students and their outstanding academic and personal journeys from college student to college graduate.

Jtc 25: A Creative Voice, Staff Report

University of Mississippi News

This story is part of the 2025 Journey to Commencement series, which celebrates the pinnacle of the academic year by highlighting University of Mississippi students and their outstanding academic and personal journeys from college student to college graduate.

Do Gun-Purchase Waiting Periods Save Lives?, Grace E. Arnold, Mitchell Blaine Priestley

Economics Faculty Publications and Presentations

We study the impact of gun-purchase waiting periods on suicide rates using county-level mortality data from 1991-2019. We find that waiting periods are associated with a reduction in both firearm and overall suicide rates of approximately 5% and 2%, respectively. Novelly, we find that counties that are within 50 miles from a state without a waiting period experience no statistically significant reduction in suicides. Our findings reveal that the decrease in suicides under a waiting period is driven by counties that are more than 50 miles from a non-restricted neighboring state.

The Impact Of Mindfulness-Based Journaling On Psychological Well-Being, Jonah Guthrie

Honors Projects

This study investigated the effects of mindfulness-based journaling compared to free-form journaling on perceived stress, emotion regulation, and mindfulness in undergraduate students. Participants (N = 43) were randomly assigned to either a mindfulness-based journaling group or a free-form journaling group. Both groups journaled daily for two weeks and completed pre- and post-intervention assessments using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ).

A series of 2 × 2 mixed-design repeated measures ANOVAs revealed a significant main effect of time for perceived stress, F(1, 7) = 28.38, p = .003, …

Milk Is Medicine: Early Exposure To Mother's Milk With Oral Immune Therapy, Kristina N. Tucker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

PURPOSE The purpose of this project was to improve early Oral Immune Therapy (OIT) initiation by implementing a nursing intervention bundle for infants weighing less than 1500 grams at birth.

BACKGROUND Premature infants face nutritional challenges due to immature digestive systems and delayed oral feeding. Drops of maternal breast milk in the buccal mucosa as OIT expose infants to immune factors, positively impacting their microbiome, supports immune function and enhances health outcomes for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.

METHODOLOGY Using the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Model for Improvement with a multi-disciplinary team, interventions included provision of a colostrum …

Deaf-Centric Expression Of Biblical Language And Themes, Grace M. Tang

Senior Honors Theses

Christianity contains complicated language and concepts that many individuals can struggle to express in American Sign Language (ASL) in ways that resonate with the Deaf community. Accessibility for the Deaf extends far beyond the translation of words into signs, requiring recontextualization to fit a Deaf lens and adaptation of communication methods to match the oral tradition and Deaf culture. This qualitative study evaluates how the hearing-centered language and themes of the Bible can be effectively portrayed to Deaf audiences through comprehensive interviews with three Deaf Christian pastors and three hearing Christian interpreters. This research found that Deaf churches allow for …

The Impact Of Sensory Sensitivity On Nutritional Outcomes In Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Rachel M. Qualley

Theses and Dissertations

Background/Objective: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are at increased risk of malnutrition due to restrictive dietary patterns and behavioral difficulties at mealtimes. Research suggests that heightened sensory sensitivity, a characteristic accompanying several of these disorders, may be a contributing factor. However, the effects of sensory sensitivity on nutritional outcomes across distinct NDDs have not been fully explored. This review aims to examine the relationship between sensory sensitivity and nutritional status, food preferences, and eating behaviors in children with NDDs, specifically investigating how atypical sensory processing might influence dietary intake.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, …

Find The Rule For Constructing The Row Elements For Each Row And Insert The Missing Elements Instead Of The “?” Signs, Vasiliy Znamenskiy

Open Educational Resources

This document presents a set of sequences with missing elements, each governed by a unique underlying rule. The task involves identifying the rule that dictates the arrangement of elements within each sequence and determining the missing items indicated by question marks ("?"). The sequences vary widely in character, including numerical progressions (such as arithmetic and geometric sequences, squares, and factorials), alphabetical series, symbolic arrangements (days of the week, Greek letters, planetary symbols), and numeric sequences referencing known mathematical constructs (e.g., prime numbers, Fibonacci series, angles). Completing these sequences requires interdisciplinary analytical skills, encompassing mathematical reasoning, linguistic patterns, general knowledge of …

Parent–Child Interaction Therapy Adapted For Older Children, Luke W. Badley

Dissertations, 2020-current

Externalizing behavior problems in children refer to negative outward actions directed toward others and the environment (Liu, 2004; Maughan et al., 2005). Between 2013–2019, the CDC reported a prevalence of 8.9%, with the highest rates in children aged 6–11 (Bitsko et al., 2022). If untreated, these behaviors may worsen and impact broader psychological functioning (Masten & Cicchetti, 2010). A review of the literature regarding the treatment of child behavior problems using Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) interventions highlights the critical role that parents play in the development and treatment of childhood behavior problems. BPT interventions enable parents and other important adults …

Bioactivity And Mechanical Performance Of Centrifugally Spun Poly(D,L-Lactide)/Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) Submicrometric Fibers Containing Zinc Oxide And Hydroxyapatite Nanostructures, Victoria Padilla-Gainza, Heriberto Rodríguez-Tobías, Karen Lozano, Cristobal Rodriguez, Robert Gilkerson, Antonio Ledezma-Pérez, Narcedalia Anaya-Barbosa, Graciela Morales

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

This study investigates the morphological, thermal, mechanical, and bioactive properties of centrifugally spun fibrous composites made from poly(D,L-lactide)/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PLA/PHB) blends with zinc oxide (ZnO) and hydroxyapatite (Hap) nanoparticles. A 75/25 PLA/PHB weight ratio was chosen to balance mechanical and thermal properties. The precursor solution viscosities ranged from 0.25 to 0.50 Pa s, increasing with nanoparticle incorporation probably due to polymer-nanoparticle interactions. SEM revealed a uniform fibrous morphology, with diameters of 1.21 for PLA/PHB, 2.65 for PLA/ZnO/Hap, and 1.80 μm for PLA/PHB/ZnO/Hap. TGA showed two-step degradation for PLA/PHB fibers, while PLA/PHB/ZnO/Hap degraded in a single step at 249°C, leaving a residue …

Bioactive Compounds Of Insulin Leaves (Smallanthus Sonchifolius) As Dpp4 Enzyme Inhibitors In Insulin Signaling Mechanism For The Treatment Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: In Silico Study, Intan Kusuma Wardani, Winni Nur Aulia, Anjar Hermadi Saputro, Aliva Ainiya, Soraya Mariska, Diva Arisanti Kamilaini, Amelia Vega, Ayu Puspita Maharani, Ni Putu Vina Fransisca

Chimica et Natura Acta

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is characterized by a relative insulin deficiency caused by pancreatic cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. Herbal-based traditional medicine can be an alternative, one of which is insulin leaf (Smallanthus sonchifolius), which has antidiabetic effects and can lower blood sugar levels by inhibiting glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. DPP4 inhibitors are a class of antidiabetic drugs used in the treatment of type 2 DM. This study aims to analyze and predict the binding patterns of flavonoid derivatives from insulin leaf (Smallanthus sonchifolius) compounds to the DPP4 enzyme inhibitor, to determine the binding affinity of these compounds to the …

Advances In Detecting Degenerative And Therapeutic Changes In Intervertebral Discs: Insights From Cyclic Microindentation And Matrix Composition Analysis, Kaan Sevgi, Simon Tang, Sinan Aran

Student Publications

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate degenerative and therapeutic changes in intervertebral discs (IVDs) using cyclic microindentation and matrix composition analysis, focusing on the role of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in altering mechanical and biochemical properties.

Patients and methods: Between March 2023 and October 2023 a total of 11 lumbar spines (T12/L1–L5/S1) from donor sample (5 males, 6 females; mean age of 82.5±10.2 years; range, 63 to 99 years) were included in the study. Intervertebral disc degeneration was graded using Thompson criteria and confirmed via fluoroscopy. Cyclic microindentation quantified elastic modulus and tan delta (viscoelastic damping) under in vitro ribosylation …

Using Eeg Signal For Smart Health: An Overview, Addison Clark, Chelsea Bonyata, Ishfaq Ahmad, Hansheng Lei, Khalid Saifullah, Victor Ibarra

Informatics and Engineering Systems Faculty Publications

This survey paper aims to provide an overview of the current state of EEG (Electroencephalography) signal technology as it relates to people with disabilities. It will highlight the various methods and techniques employed, discussing their advantages and disadvantages. The paper will also examine the applications of EEG technology in assisting individuals with disabilities, specifically focusing on Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) and assistive device control. By understanding the current state of EEG signal technology, we can identify the opportunities and challenges involved in utilizing this technology to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

Neuronal Cftr: A Study Of Subcellular Localization And Interactions With Implications For A Role In Synaptic Transmission, Brandon J. Leviskas

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Protein-protein interactions vary among cell types and the localization of these interactions help to define protein function. The function of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is well established in the context of epithelial tissue due to the debilitating effects of its mutations that cause the disease cystic fibrosis. While in neurons a role has been established in our lab for CFTR in the regulation of cytosolic Cl- in retinal amacrine cells (ACs). This research sets out to learn if CFTR has a synaptic role. Exploring this potential role, localization of CFTR was examined using fluorescent and immunogold labeled transmission …

“En Clave” Tania León And Roberto Sierra: Autochthonous Music Of Cuba And Puerto Rico, Contemporary Music Composition And The ‘Puente’ In Between, Omar A. Ramirez

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This document is in two parts. The first examines selected works of Latin-American composers Tania León and Roberto Sierra. Both composers cite their cultural background as a force that shapes their artistic expression. Many of their works are titled in Spanish, with compositions referencing their homelands in subject and narrative, and incorporate the autochthonous music(s) of Cuba and Puerto Rico. Elements of these afrodiasporic musical traditions can be found in their works: Alegre, Batá, Stride, (León), Loiza, and Concerto for Viola (Sierra), each examined here.

Autochthonous musical elements are highlighted in score excerpts and described using …

Data-Driven Survival Modeling For Breast Cancer Prognostics: A Comparative Study With Machine Learning And Traditional Survival Modeling Methods, Theophilus Gyedu Baidoo, Hansapani Rodrigo

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background This investigation delves into the potential application of data-driven survival modeling approaches for prognostic assessments of breast cancer survival. The primary objective is to evaluate and compare the ability of machine learning (ML) models and conventional survival analysis techniques, to identify consistent key predictors of breast cancer survival outcomes.

Methods This study employs data-driven survival modeling approaches to predict breast cancer survival, including survival-specific methods such as the Cox Proportional Hazards (CPH) model, Random Survival Forests (RSF), and Cox Proportional Deep Neural Networks (DeepSurv), as well as machine learning models like Random Forests (RF), XGBoost, Support Vector Machines (SVM) …

Cover And Forewords, James W. Gallagher

The Geographical Bulletin

Cover and Forewords

Index: The Geographical Bulletin: Volumes 1-10, James W. Gallagher

The Geographical Bulletin

Index: The Geographical Bulletin: Volumes 1-10

Volume 11 Complete Issue, James W. Gallagher

The Geographical Bulletin

Volume 11 Complete Issue

Perception Of Climate In North Carolina, Jeffrey T. Lutz

The Geographical Bulletin

Geographers strive for a better understanding of how man perceives the world in which he lives. Environmental perception is a strategic concern within geography; and climate is an integral factor influencing man's responses to the complex environment. This study focuses on climatic perception, which constitutes an integral aspect of environmental awareness. Much work has been done in the field of environmental perception. Studies have dealt with the environmental in general, the perception of weather terminology and forecasting effectiveness, and specific climatic extremes or hazards such as flood and drought. However, research concerning the perception of general climatic conditions is lacking. …

Satellite Photos, James W. Gallagher

The Geographical Bulletin

Satellite Photos

Factors Affecting Distribution Of Cattle In India, E. Dayal

The Geographical Bulletin

The problem of surplus cattle population in India has been widely discussed. The low yield of milk and the roaming cattle everywhere, even in the cities, give an idea of surplus cattle population, and have led to the general izations made about the irrational wastefulness of the large cattle numbers. However, the usefulness of cattle in India should not be judged only in terms of milk yield, because cattle contribute to the prosperity of the farmer in more important ways than by providing milk. The basic question of why the large cattle population is felt to be necessary must be …

Editor's Comments, James W. Gallagher

The Geographical Bulletin

This issue's "Comments" should probably be entitled "Odds and Ends". Many things come to mind, and a few are recorded here. In a recent issue we invited your attention to the Congress review of some NSF Teacher Education and curriculum development activities. Congress won. No money has been budgeted for Teacher Centered Programs. After having worked in these types of activities most every year since 1960, I view the decisions with mixed emotions. It was the conclusion of our staff that we did some good in these progr~ms. I visited many exparticipants in their schools, talked with their colleagues and …

Role Of Academic Libraries Complicated Function In Supporting The Integration Of Information Literacy: Critical Thinking Skills In The Digital Era, Jignashaben Dilipbhai Vasava, Rajeshkumar Motilal Gamit Dr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

As libraries give people free access to books, research materials, and cultural events, libraries have long been an essential component of society. However, as a result of the rise of the internet and other forms of digital technology, the purpose of libraries has become far more complex. Despite this, libraries continue to serve as an essential centre for a large number of people and locations. They offer digital resources like as databases, e-books, and streaming media, in addition to tangible goods such as books, magazines, and newspapers, which are not available anywhere else. In addition to serving as a calm …

We Are What We Maintain—Including Ourselves: Infrastructure And Interdependence Of Library Work In The Midst Of Disruption, Mary J. Snyder Broussard, Joel M. Burkholder, Jeremy Mcginniss, Donna Witek

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Library workers need a language and a framework for advocacy that effectively names and makes visible the key elements and interconnected nature of our work. This article proposes Burkholder’s and McGinniss’s (2020) maintenance schema, which consists of resources, platform, energy, and vision, as a viable language and framework for this kind of advocacy. It does this by analyzing several major issues facing academic libraries that were exacerbated by the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic: declining budgets, inequalities in academic libraries, and wide-spread exhaustion among library workers. The application of the maintenance schema to these specific issues demonstrates how the schema …

Socially Responsible Investing: The Role Of Investors' Demographics And Educational Background Towards Investments, Amy Maalouf

Honors Projects in Finance

Socially responsible investing is a crucial strategy to adopt as it fosters positive outcomes for the environment and society. Sustainability is gaining traction in society because investors are creating a beneficial impact in the community. They accomplish this by focusing on factors that involve environmental sustainability, diversity, and human rights. This study employs a survey approach to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data about the educational background and demographics of investors in the stock market. The empirical analysis will incorporate a multivariate regression that attempts to measure the impact of various demographics on one's "socially responsible investing score." A regression …

Power Dressing Or Overdressing? The Effect Of Self And Managerial Attire On Employee Perceptions, Conor Kincaid

Honors Projects in Management

This study investigates how dress styles influence employees' self-perceptions when they and their managers wear different attire in corporate environments. We surveyed employees across various industries and company sizes, showing them images of individuals in casual, smart casual, business casual, and business formal attire. Based on Peluchette and Karl's (2007) validated instrument, participants rated sixteen self-perception attributes across six dimensions: authoritativeness, competence, productivity, trustworthiness, friendliness, and creativity, with strong reliability coefficients ranging from .82 to .93. Our findings revealed that employees perceive themselves as significantly more authoritative (p = 0.0002) and competent (p = 0.033) when wearing business formal attire, …

Predicting The Unpredictable: Predicting The March Madness Champion Using Statistical Modeling, Jack Sweeney

Honors Projects in Information Systems and Analytics

One of the more exciting and hardest parts of the men's college basketball postseason tournament, named March Madness, is to pick who wins each game and determine the overall champion of the tournament. The data analysis conducted will help determine the overall tournament winner. A machine learning model is implemented using college basketball metrics from previous years to determine the overall winner of this prestigious tournament in 2025. The model was able to pick up the winner in 2024. The result also finds that the most important features in determining the winner of the tournament are shooting guard height, small …

Analyzing The Declining Role Of Starting Pitchers In Mlb, Andrew Sferratore

Honors Projects in Information Systems and Analytics

In Major League Baseball (MLB) , the use of starting pitchers has faced major scrutiny. This study aims to discuss the declining role of starting pitchers in MLB and analyze how this affects team success during the regular season. Recent literature and statistics reveal that starting pitchers are throwing fewer innings and have lower pitch counts over the last two decades than in previous years. Attributing to this declining role are extreme spikes in the number of Tommy John (UCLR) surgeries, newly added rule changes, and the introduction of new philosophical approaches. Data from the 2024 regular season regarding starting …