Digital Commons Network^™

Mom, I’M Home: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study Of The Shared Experiences Of Adults Who Had A Stay-At-Home Mother, Darren Eldred Schmidt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe adults’ childhood experiences with a stay-at-home mother in the Western United States. To date, related studies on stay-at-home mothering have focused almost exclusively on the outcomes for mother and child during the time they are living together. None have examined more closely the long-term effects that stay-at-home mothering may have on children after they reach adulthood. The researcher sought to better inform couples, therapists, practitioners, and society in general regarding some of the long-term effects of having a stay-at-home mother. The family systems theory, wherein the family unit and its members …

Responding To Leadership Change: A Qualitative Multi-Case Study Of Female Pastors And Their Congregations, Sharon Britz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative multi-case study was to explore the lived experiences of female senior pastors and their congregants who have embraced leadership change from male to female. Although many denominations openly accept and ordain female pastors, and the number of women in pastoral leadership roles has risen, many women in ministry still face obstacles. Guided by the theory of change, in conjunction with liberation theology, this study addressed a gap in research related to the experience of female pastors in ministerial leadership, as minimal similar studies exist, and no other studies within the Congregational Christian Church were found. …

Teachers' Experiences Implementing Reading Interventions In Middle Schools: Phenomenology Study, Tammy J. Padalino

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of middle school teachers implementing reading interventions in southeastern Virginia. The theory that guided this study was Knowles’ theory on adult learning as it identifies and pertains to the approaches for adult learning as teachers learn best practices to implement reading interventions in their classrooms. 10 teachers described their experiences implementing reading interventions by creating a timeline, participating in a one-on-one interview, and responding to journal prompts. Data were collected and organized using a coding system. Codes were assigned based on similarities and emerging themes. Then, data were …

Shared Experiences Of Parents With Gifted And Advanced Preschoolers: A Phenomenological Study, Shantoria Trijhan Edwards

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover the shared experiences of parents with gifted and advanced preschoolers at a preschool center. In this study, gifted and advanced preschoolers were defined as children aged 3–5 years old who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement based on performance on the Individual Student Assessment (ISA). The study adheres to Vygotsky’s social constructivism learning theory, which describes the social construction of reality and argues that the process of social interaction, cooperation, and co-constructed learning contribute to cognition. The central research question for this study was “What are the shared experiences of …

Short Report: The Variants In Chek2 In Metastatic Uveal Melanoma, Mizue Terai, Rino S. Seedor, Usman Ashraf, Gretchen Hubbard, Sergei A. Koshkin, Marlana Orloff, Takami Sato

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Early Detection Of Lameness In Dairy Cattle Using Activity Data, Image Analysis, Ai And Ml - An Approach For Improved Animal Welfare And Economic Impact, Chandrasekar Vuppalapati, Anitha Ilapakurti, Sandhya Vissapragada, Sriya Vuppalapati, Sharat Kedari, Santosh Kedari, Jaya Vuppalapati

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

The economic burden of lameness in dairy cattle is a significant challenge facing the worldwide dairy industry. Studies suggest that it can cost the industry billions of dollars annually, with the exact cost varying by region. In the United States, the cost of lameness is estimated to be approximately $2 billion per year, while in the United Kingdom, it is around £200 million per year. These costs include lost milk production, decreased fertility, and treatment expenses. The impact of lameness on dairy cattle is far-reaching, posing a significant economic burden on farmers and countries and affecting animal welfare, milk production, …

Polymetal Phosphate Cement From Tin Fuming Furnace Slag: Hydration Mechanism, Mechanical Performance, And Environmental Safety, Peiwen Lv, Xintao Zhou, Zhongqiu Luo, Cuirong Yan, Xiunan Cai, Ting Huang, Pingyan Wang, Hongyan Ma

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Phosphate cement materials are ideal binders for the rapid repairment of civil engineering and solidification/stabilization of hazardous solid wastes due to their fast setting, high early strength and strong adhesion. However, the use of pure metal oxides as the raw base materials and their deactive pretreatment result in the high cost and energy consumption, limiting its broad applications. In this study, an eco-friendly polymetal phosphate cement (PMPC) was developed using tin fuming furnace slag (TFFS) as the primary base material. The hydration behavior, microstructure, mechanical properties, and environmental safety of PMPC were comprehensively evaluated. The results showed that the hydration …

Do Different Brands Of Environmentally Friendly Paints Affect Forensic Paint Analysis?, Hailee Leach, Emily Pintilie, Alanna L. Lecher, Erika L. Doctor

Student Publications and Presentations

Paint chip analysis is an essential part of forensic trace evidence in many cases. Standard paint chip analysis is performed via attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). This process allows an examiner to identify the chemical fingerprint that may be unique to the paint and identify the components used to manufacture the paint, including the binders. This study is a continuation of a previous study to determine if environmentally friendly paints present new problems in forensic sciences. Some environmentally friendly paints function as an absorber of volatile organic compounds, including ECOS and Sherwin Williams. In the previous study, ECOS paints …

Assessing The Feasibility Of Investigating Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Re-Analysis Using The Framingham Study, Théo Desroches, Félix E. Rivera-Mariani

Student Publications and Presentations

The Framingham Heart Study is one of the most comprehensive studies of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. This project evaluates the feasibility of investigating key cardiovascular risk factors using a sample of the data from the Framingham Study, assessing relationships between blood pressure, smoking, gender, and myocardial infarction risk. After familiarizing ourselves with the dataset, we developed research questions to challenge and analyzed sample data (n=11,626) from the Framingham Study. Relationships between systolic (SYSBP) and diastolic (DIABP) blood pressure, smoking, gender-based hypertension predisposition, and myocardial infarction risk were evaluated using correlation and chi-square analyses. A significant correlation was found between …

The Impact Of Variable Decibel Level Noise Exposure On Drosophila Melanogaster, Angelina Pologeorgis, Simona Tollis, Elijah Oran, Madeline Barlow, Daniel Ceccoli, Kimberly D. Rowland

Student Publications and Presentations

Environmental noise pollution has been associated with adverse health effects in various organisms, yet its impact on small invertebrates remains underexplored. This study investigates the effects of chronic noise exposure on Drosophila melanogaster by subjecting an experimental group to noise levels ranging from 70 dB to 100 dB, while a control group remains unexposed. Key parameters to be assessed include viability, reproductive success, and activity levels, with the hypothesis that chronic noise exposure will lead to increased mortality rates, decreased reproductive output, and reduced activity compared to the control group. Both groups are housed in identical incubators with controlled temperature …

A Quantitative Causal-Comparative Study Of Occupational Self-Efficacy Beliefs For Acquisition Professionals After Completing Professional Credentials Designed For The Knowledge Or Performance Dimension, Carla A. Goger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study is to explore the impact between credential programs designed for the knowledge or performance dimension and whether there is a difference in how those designs affect defense acquisition professionals’ occupational self-efficacy beliefs and whether the years of professional experience affect those results. This study endeavors to contribute to the field of education by shedding light on the relationship between the design of professional credential programs and occupational self-efficacy beliefs within the approximate 19,000 members of the defense acquisition workforce who have attained a credential since 2019. The occupational self-efficacy short-form (OSS-6) questionnaire was …

Are We Ready? A Phenomenological Study On Teachers' Perceptions Surrounding Readiness To Teach Diverse Communities And The Responsibility Of Teacher Preparation Programs, Ja'niece Tiara Whitehead

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to discover teachers’ lived experiences in their teacher education programs in regard to levels of preparedness to effectively teach racially, linguistically, and gender-diverse students. The theory guiding this study was Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT), which refers to teaching students customs, characteristics, experiences, and perspectives as tools to enhance instruction and understanding of the complexities of society as well as the awareness that students dwell in varying circumstances. The central question directing this research study asked, “What are the lived experiences of teachers and their teacher education programs with diverse communities?” Participants of …

The Lived Experiences Of African American Males With Absent Fathers: A Phenomenological Study, Justin Danta Gravely-Strayhorn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the lived experiences of African American males who grew up with absent fathers and how this affected them in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods in the rural and urban areas of Chesapeake, Virginia. The theories guiding this study are Bandura's Social Learning Theory, Vygotsky's social learning theory and Bowlby’s attachment theory. These theories explain cognitive development and the influence of social interaction on children’s attitudes and emotional reactions. The theories also explain the role of observation in social interaction and cognitive development, as both explain how cognitive development is influenced by …

2024-2025 Performance Forum - April 18, 2025, Jeremiah Grace, Jose Ignacio Diaz, Steven Halpner, Maria Luz Vella, Pablo Camacho, Aidan Quintana, Esther Platt, Samuel Dionisio, Megan Hagel, Julian Rauh, Caroline Dratnal, Giah Bush, Paula Mora Alfaro, Nabil Hetman, Yilian Concepcion, Laura Gonzalez, Rachel Miner, Jon Cruz, Miriam Smith, Paola Nava, Jeremy Jefferson, Peter Pao

Performance Forum

No abstract provided.

Enhancement Of The Endocannabinoid System Through Monoacylglycerol Lipase Inhibition Relieves Migraine-Associated Pain In Mice, Elizaveta Mangutov, Yaseen Awad-Igbaria, Kendra Siegersma, Francois Gastambide, Ayodeji A Asuni, Amynah A A Pradhan

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Migraine affects over 1 billion people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. Targeting the cannabinoid system offers a promising approach for pain and migraine relief. This study evaluated a novel monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor to prolong endocannabinoid action in acute and chronic mouse models of migraine. It also examined MAGL and cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB

METHODS: C57BL6/J male and female mice received the human migraine trigger nitroglycerin (NTG) acutely or every other day for 9 days. Allodynia was assessed by von Frey hair stimulation of the periorbital area. A single dose of MAGL inhibitor (ABD-1970) was tested …

Mendelian Randomization Study Of Sleep Traits And Risk Of Colorectal Cancer, Olympia Dimopoulou, Yin Cao, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

A potential association of endogenous circadian rhythm disruption with risk of cancer development has been suggested, however, epidemiological evidence for the association of sleep traits with colorectal cancer (CRC) is limited and often contradictory. Here we investigated whether genetically predicted chronotype, insomnia and sleep duration are associated with CRC risk in males, females and overall and according to CRC anatomical subsites using Mendelian randomization (MR). The two-sample inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was applied using summary-level data in up to 58,221 CRC cases and 67,694 controls and genome-wide association data of genetic variants for self-reported sleep traits. Secondary analyses using …

Detection And Parameter Estimation Of Supermassive Black Hole Ringdown Signals Using A Pulsar Timing Array, Xuan Tao, Yan Wang, Soumya D. Mohanty

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

Gravitational wave (GW) searches using pulsar timing arrays (PTAs) are commonly assumed to be limited to a GW frequency of ≲4 ×10−7  Hz given by the Nyquist rate associated with the average observational cadence of 2 weeks for a single pulsar. However, by taking advantage of asynchronous observations of multiple pulsars, a PTA can detect GW signals at higher frequencies. This allows a sufficiently large PTA to detect and characterize the ringdown signals emitted following the merger of supermassive binary black holes (SMBBHs), leading to stringent tests of the no-hair theorem in the mass range of such systems. Such large-scale …

Rnase1-Driven Alk-Activation Is An Oncogenic Driver And Therapeutic Target In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Zhengyu Zha, Chunxiao Liu, Meisi Yan, Cong Chen, Cheng Yu, Chenhao Zhou, Yi-Chuan Li, Hiro Yamaguchi, Leiguang Ye, Tong Liu, Ying-Nai Wang, Heng-Huan Lee, Wen-Hao Yang, Li-Chuan Chan, Baozhen Ke, Jennifer L Hsu, Lieming Ding, Dong Ji, Peng Pan, Yiran Meng, Yue Pu, Lunxu Liu, Mien-Chie Hung

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Targeted therapy has achieved significant success in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in patients harboring common oncogenic driver mutations such as EGFR, KRAS, and ALK rearrangement. However, ~35-50% of NSCLC patients without tyrosine kinase mutation or rearrangement (non-mutated) cannot benefit from these targeted treatments, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies for this patient population. In this study, we report a non-canonical role of human secretory ribonuclease 1 (RNase1), which binds to and activates wild-type ALK in lung cancer cells, thereby triggering its downstream signaling pathway. RNase1-driven ALK-activation (RDAA) cells exhibit enhanced cell proliferation, migration, …

Enriched Pathways In Gut Microbiome Predict Response To Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment Across Demographic Regions And Various Cancer Types, Xunhui Cai, Jennifer Y Cho, Lijun Chen, Yufeng Liu, Fenghu Ji, Siyi Ge, Hui Yu, Jianbo Shao, P Andrew Futreal, Boris Sepesi, Don Gibbons, Yaobing Chen, Guoping Wang, Chao Cheng, Meng Wu, Jianjun Zhang, Ansel Hsiao, Tian Xia

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Understanding the effect of gut microbiota function on immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) responses is urgently needed. Here, we integrated 821 fecal metagenomes from 12 datasets to identify differentially abundant genes and construct random forest models to predict ICI response. Gene markers demonstrated excellent predictive performance, with an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.810. Pathway analyses revealed that quorum sensing (QS), ABC transporters, flagellar assembly, and amino acid biosynthesis pathways were enriched between responders (R) and non-responders (NRs) across 12 datasets. Furthermore,

Association Between B-Cell Marker Expression And Runx1 Lesions In Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Beyond Runx1::Runx1t1 Fusion: Diagnostic Pitfalls With Mixed-Phenotype Acute Leukemia—B/Myeloid, Giby V George, Malgorzata Kajstura, Audrey N Jajosky, Hong Fang, Fatima Zahra Jelloul, W Richard Burack, L Jeffrey Medeiros, Wei Wang, Siba El Hussein

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with RUNX1::RUNX1T1 fusion is well known to often demonstrate aberrant upregulation of CD19 expression. We studied the clinicopathologic and genetic features of 16 cases of AML with various RUNX1 lesions, including mutations, copy number gains, and translocations other than fusions with RUNX1T1. Most of these cases were classified as AML-myelodysplasia-related or AML-post-cytotoxic therapy based on the cytogenetic and molecular work-up. These neoplasms showed partial expression of one or more B-cell antigens by flow cytometry and/or immunohistochemistry, fulfilling the criteria for mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL)-B/myeloid (i.e., ≥20% blasts expressing B and myeloid lineage antigens) …

Changes Of Eeg Beta Band Power And Functional Connectivity During Spaceflight: A Retrospective Study, Ricardo Bruña, Michael Funke, Fernando Maestu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Spaceflight exposes astronauts to unique conditions like microgravity, which may affect brain function, though it remains underexplored compared to other physiological systems. Astronauts often report temporary neurological symptoms, such as disorientation, visual disturbances, and motor issues, potentially linked to structural and electrophysiological brain changes. To investigate this, electroencephalography (EEG) is a reliable tool to study brain activity in space, measuring oscillatory activity and functional connectivity (FC). This study analyzed EEG data from five male astronauts during three stages: pre-flight, during low Earth orbit (LEO), and post-flight in a 2-min task-free eyes-closed (EC) condition followed by another 2-min of eyes-open (EO) …

A Silence After Slaughter-House: Nineteenth-Century State Constitutional Substantive Rights, Liberties, And Privileges, Charles W. "Rocky" Rhodes

Louisiana Law Review

No abstract provided.

Travis I. Nielsen And Brittini L. Nielsen, Plaintiffs/ Appellants V. Elam Terrell Cronquist; Lyle Kim Cronquist St. And Berniece W. Cronquist, Defendants/ Appellees : Brief Of Appellant, Utah Court Of Appeals

Utah Court of Appeals Briefs (2020 –)

Appeal from the 1st District Court, Honorable Judge Angela Fonnesbeck Trial Court Case No. 210100168

Attorneys for Appellees and Defendants, Erin E. Byington, Samuel A. Goble, Jill L. Sanders, Andrew P. Garrett

Attorneys for Appellants and Plaintiffs, Wayne K. Caldwell, Aubri O. Thomas, Wayman Stodart, Arther P. Hart

Neonatal Gut Microbiota Succession In Mice Mapped Over Time, Site, Injury And Single Immunoglobulin Interleukin-1 Related Receptor Genotype., Shahid Umar, Wei Yu, Hao Xuan, Ishfaq Ahmed, Cuncong Zhong, Michael Morowitz, Mathew Brian Rogers, Mark Ivan Attard, Venkatesh Sampath

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Microbial succession during postnatal gut development in mice is likely impacted by site of sampling, time, intestinal injury, and host genetics. We investigated this in wild-type and Sigirr transgenic mice that encode the p.Y168X mutation identified in a neonate with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Temporal profiling of the ileal and colonic microbiome after birth to weaning revealed a clear pattern of progression from a less diverse, Proteobacteria/Escherichia_Shigella dominant community to a more diverse, Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes dominant community. Formula milk feeding, a risk factor for necrotizing enterocolitis, decreased Firmicutes and increased Proteobacteria leading to enrichment of bacterial genes denoting exaggerated glycolysis and increased …

Perceptions Of Employability With Ai Skills, Brandy Whitford, Patrick J. Cooper

Student Publications and Presentations

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making AI proficiency a key factor in hiring and career advancement. By late 2023, 75% of knowledge workers integrated AI into their workflows, with 92% reporting increased productivity and creativity (Kimbrough, 2024). Employers are adapting—66% prefer candidates with AI expertise, and 77% consider AI skills essential for career growth (Microsoft & LinkedIn, 2024). However, hiring biases related to AI-skilled applicants remain underexplored, particularly concerning gender disparities in employability perceptions. This study examines how AI-related skills influence perceived employability and whether these perceptions vary based on applicant gender. Specifically, it explores whether AI-skilled female applicants receive higher …

Systematic Abuse In Women’S Soccer: A Comprehensive Analysis And Call For Reform, Emma Steinweiss, Arantza Espinosa Valencia, Sherry Andre

Student Publications and Presentations

This poster presentation examines the systemic abuse in women’s soccer, a crisis that persists despite growing awareness. Through an analysis of the Sally Q. Yates Report (2022) and multiple case studies, we assess patterns of misconduct, failures of governing bodies, and the institutional responses that have enabled abuse. Notable cases include Jennifer Hermoso’s non-consensual kiss by Luis Rubiales (AP News, 2024) and sexual misconduct allegations against Bruce Mwape (McElroy, 2024). The careers of Rory Dames and Paul Riley exemplify how abusive coaches were repeatedly protected despite years of documented complaints (U.S. Soccer Federation, 2022). Additionally, the abusive coaching tactics of …

Educational Disparities And Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Insights From The Framingham Study, Tashoy Campbell, Félix E. Rivera-Mariani

Student Publications and Presentations

Education influences decisions that impact the overall well-being, including cardiovascular health. However, the extent to which educational disparities affect cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk remains insufficiently explored. This study re-analyzed sample data (n=11,626) from the Framingham Study, a landmark epidemiological cohort initiated in 1948 that has provided extensive longitudinal data on cardiovascular health. A sizable proportion of participants reported low educational attainment (~30% with 0–11 years of schooling), with men slightly more likely than women to have lower education levels. Hypertension was the most prevalent CVD condition (~70%), followed by coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. Logistic regression analyses revealed that …

Trust In Scientists, Climate Policy, And Government Skepticism: A Global Re-Analysis, Lily Day Drons, Félix E. Rivera-Mariani

Student Publications and Presentations

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence on climate change, skepticism persists, influencing public resistance to policies and governmental inaction. This study analyzes survey data (doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-04100-7) from 68 countries to explore public trust in scientists, sources of science information, emotional responses to climate change, and policy support. Findings indicate that while the public generally trusts scientists’ expertise and intelligence, concerns remain about their transparency and ethics. Trust in scientists is 23% higher than distrust and positively correlates with climate policy support (r = 0.30), whereas political conservatism is linked to lower trust (β = -0.0258, p < 0.001). Science communication plays a key role—TV/radio and news websites/apps are the most trusted sources, followed by social media. Regression analysis shows TV/radio increases trust by ~4%, while news websites/apps increase trust by 3.7%. Social media has a weaker effect (β = 0.00005, p > 0.05). Emotionally, anxiety and helplessness are felt …

Using Exercise To Counteract The Effects Of Social Media, Brandy Whitford, Pelo Zinyana, Patrick J. Cooper

Student Publications and Presentations

Over 90% of young adults use social media, and excessive use correlates with lower self-esteem, while exercise enhances it (McAuley et al., 1997; Twenge et al., 2018). This study examines how social media use and exercise influence self-esteem. We hypothesized that social media use would negatively predict self-esteem while exercise would have a positive association. Participants (N = 583; 395 females; M age = 24.87, SD = 11.08) completed demographic surveys, time-use assessments, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. We measured social media use by summing daily minutes across platforms and recorded exercise frequency as weekly days of 15+ minutes of …

Motives Matter: Exploring Psychological Predictors Of Student Drinking Behavior, Emily Kemp, Melissa Lehman, Patrick J. Cooper

Student Publications and Presentations

Alcohol use among college students remains a critical area of research, particularly regarding its implications for mental health. Prior studies have established connections between alcohol dependence and mental health disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD), with evidence suggesting that these issues often begin early, around age 14 (Schneier et al., 2010). Specific student populations, including student-athletes and members of Greek-letter organizations, may be at increased risk for alcohol-related problems (Turrisi et al., 2006). Building on this knowledge, this study examines whether resilience—an individual’s capacity to adapt to and recover from stressful situations—moderates the relationship …