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Meta-Interpretive Questions And The Aims Of Theories Of Interpretation: Beyond The Remedial Answer, Francisco J. Urbina

Journal Articles

This invited Response to Bill Watson’s “What Are We Debating When We Debate Legal Interpretation?” examines the point and purpose of interpretive theories. Watson argues that theories of interpretation are about how legal actors should exercise discretion when the law runs out. The Response builds on Watson’s sophisticated conceptual framework to explain that interpretive theories can be about at least two other topics. They can be about the most normatively appealing way of operating with sources—whether this tracks legal content or not—and they can be about which criteria for identifying something as law the legal community should adopt.

Shortcomings Of Law School And Big Law, Julian Velasco

Journal Articles

This paper, presented as part of a colloquium on  Lawyers and Their Institutions, considers two important institutions — law schools and "big law," especially transaction practice at elite law firms — and argues that they exert a problematic influence on developing attorneys by inculcating opposing types of disrespect for the law. First, the process of legal education often suggests that the law is fundamentally indeterminate. Second, big law tends to suggest to junior associates that law is largely irrelevant. Such misunderstandings can result in a misconception of the purpose of law and give a false impression of the lawyer's …

Buried Identities: Addie Bundren And The Vanishing Rural South, Eleanor Smith

FCRH Honors Program Theses

As I Lay Dying, by William Faulkner, was published in 1930 and follows the Bundrens, a poor white farming family, as they transport Addie Bundren’s body across the county to be buried with her kin in the town of Jefferson. Telling the story of a literal journey from the minimally developed countryside to the seat of Yoknapatawpha County, the novel shows how the Bundrens confront modernization, an encounter mediated through the female body of their matriarch. While existing scholarship on As I Lay Dying often emphasizes themes of gender and modernity, few studies apply the thesis advanced by some historians …

Mental Fatigue Effect On Joint Repositioning, Collin Kehrwald

Dissertations and Theses

Mental fatigue influences both cognitive and physical performance, but its specific effects on proprioception have not been widely explored. This study aimed to examine how mental fatigue affects shoulder and knee joint repositioning senses. A joint repositioning task was used to assess proprioception in 18 college-aged males, with measurements taken for both shoulder and knee joint angles before and after a mental fatigue-inducing intervention. The Stroop task was employed to induce mental fatigue between the conditions. Results showed a significant increase in shoulder flexion variable error (p = 0.01, pre-Stroop = 2.79 ± 1.31 degrees, post-Stroop = 4.97 ± 3.20 …

Blattella Germanica As A Vector Of Salmonella Typhimurium, Matthew Turner

Dissertations and Theses

The following investigates the role of the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) as a vector of the bacterium Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). As such, this work examines various host-pathogen-microbiome interactions that define the vectorial capacity of the German cockroach for Salmonella. To date, the majority of literature focuses on the general association of the German cockroach with various human pathogens, claiming any dissemination to be carried out via passive mechanical transmission. This project recognizes those claims, while expanding to include the possibility of biological transmission, involving active and complex host-pathogen interactions, including mechanisms like replication within the …

The Third Person Effect: Misinformation And Disinformation Of News On Racism, Jody-Ann Kadine Tyson

Dissertations and Theses

The increased proliferation of misinformation and disinformation has been a cause for concern in the 21st century, as it has had significant repercussions on societal systems and the overall livelihood of individuals. Additionally, a 2016 study revealed that 84% of the American respondents are confident in their ability to detect misinformation and disinformation, while 64% believed that misinformation and disinformation made others confused about current affairs and events (Barthel et al., 2016). These results confirm that some people are not cognizant of the effects of media messages on themselves, but on others (TPE). Due to this implied ignorance, the spread …

Eye Region Redaction: Familiar Versus Unfamiliar Face Recognition, Tyler Gandy

Dissertations and Theses

Our brains are incredibly skilled at recognizing faces, even decades later after first viewing a face. Face recognition is a crucial social function, enabling us to identify and interact appropriately with others. Studies have identified specific brain regions, such as the fusiform face area, that are specialized for this task. Additionally, areas around the eyes have been shown to be crucial to our face recognition ability. Despite the abundant research in face recognition, little is known about how we recognize familiar versus unfamiliar faces when the eye region is redacted. To understand the role familiarity plays in eye redacted face …

Ocean Acidification Mitigation: Potential Expansion Of Sav Restoration Strategy In The Chesapeake Bay, Cree N. Taylor

Undergraduate Research Posters

Zostera marina is a species of marine macrophyte that has been largely prioritized in past submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) restoration initiatives within the Chesapeake Bay because of its 1) previous abundance, 2) demonstrated carbon burial abilities, and 3) observed ability for meadows of Z. marina to ameliorate low pH conditions. Due to the temperature variability and poor water quality associated with anthropogenic disturbances in the Chesapeake Bay, Z. Marina beds have experienced several die-off events with limited capacity for regrowth. This systematic review explored the possible benefits of focusing future SAV recovery initiatives on ensuring a diverse variety of SAV …

Affordable And Sustainable: Innovating Filament Extrusion For Recycled Materials, Turab S. Rizvi

Undergraduate Research Posters

The chemical stability, toxicity and non-biodegradability of the polymers pose a significant environmental threat. Addressing end-of-life treatment sustainability is crucial for mitigating these issues. The customized Lyman filament extruder in the Advanced Magnetic Materials Processing Laboratory represents an innovative approach to advancing sustainability in renewable energy production and CO₂ mitigation. Redesigning the thermal system and screw operation will tackle key challenges, including precise temperature control, consistent material flow to handle diverse recycled materials. Integrating an advanced thermal regulation system will reduce the energy consumption by maintaining optimal thermal conditions, thereby lowering the CO₂ footprint of the recycling process. The optimized …

The Romanticization Of Human-Vampire Relationships: How 'Twilight' And 'The Vampire Diaries' May Prime Young Women To Accept Dating Violence, Natalie M. Bowen

Undergraduate Research Posters

The first literary vampire can be traced back to 18th century Germany, with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s poem “Die Braut von Korinth,” but the stereotypical features of a vampire are traditionally accredited to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Modern vampires, such as Edward Cullen and Stefan Salvatore of the Twilight and The Vampire Diaries series respectively, have managed to win the hearts of teenage girls all across America with their sex appeal and charismatic nature. According to Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, individuals learn new behaviors by modeling and imitating the actions of those around them. This comprehensive literature review investigates the connection …

Analysis Of Differential Gene Expression In Androgen-Independent Clones Derived From The Mycap Pca Cell Line, Jessie L. Tignor, Melanie Sinanian, Richard Inho Joh, David Gewirtz, Jason Reed

Undergraduate Research Posters

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a primary treatment strategy for prostate cancer (PCa), yet many tumors eventually develop androgen independence, leading to treatment resistance. To investigate the molecular changes underlying this transition, we analyzed differential gene expression in four androgen-independent (AI) clones derived from the Myc-CaP prostate cancer cell line using RNA sequencing. Gene expression profiles were compared to the parental Myc-CaP line, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using DESeq2 and edgeR. The AI clones exhibited significant downregulation of senescence-associated genes, including Ezh2 and lamin B1, suggesting a loss of senescence-related chromatin repression. Additionally, upregulation of Wnt pathway …

The Built Environment And The Systemic Agenda, Heciel J. Nieves Bonilla

Undergraduate Research Posters

The built environment in the United States, characterized in large part by suburban sprawl and car-dependent infrastructure, has significant negative impacts on public health, economic mobility, and environmental sustainability. This paper examines the consequences of car-centric development, highlighting its role in exacerbating social and economic inequalities, increasing traffic-related fatalities, and contributing to climate change through excessive carbon emissions. The analysis reveals that a majority of Americans feel forced into car ownership due to inadequate alternative transportation options, leading to financial strain and adverse health outcomes, including obesity and air pollution-related diseases. The historical roots of these development patterns are traced …

Acer Rubrum: Descending Towards Forest Dominance, Elyssa L. Pearson, Christopher M. Gough

Undergraduate Research Posters

Acer rubrum, more commonly known as the red maple, is a hardwood, late successional species of tree commonly planted for its deciduous nature and vibrant coloring of its leaves in the beginning of autumn (Abrams, 1998). The species is very tolerant of varying light and soil moisture levels and often dominates sub and mid-canopy levels of hardwood forests (Missouri Botanical Gardens). It was hypothesized that as the I moved from an upland location to a lowland location near a wetland that the A. rubrum trees would be more productive and have a greater above ground biomass. This was not …

Examining Sociodemographic And Clinical Factors Associated With Smoking Behaviors Among Black Breast And Gynecological Cancer Survivors, Ida M. Adeso, Jian He, Ashley Turner, Arnethea L. Sutton

Undergraduate Research Posters

Black breast and gynecological cancer survivors experience poorer outcomes than their non-Black counterparts. Although multifactorial, one contributor may be cigarette smoking behaviors. The purpose of this study was to identify demographic, clinical, and social drivers of health (SDoH) factors associated with smoking behaviors in Black breast and gynecological cancer survivors.

We conducted a secondary analysis of survey data collected from an ongoing cross-sectional study. Summary statistics (e.g., means, frequencies) were computed for all factors of interest. Chi square test of independence, t test, and logistic regression assessed the associations between demographic, clinical, and SDoH factors (e.g., social support) and the …

Still Faces, Different Places: An Assessment Of The Literature On The Face-To-Face Still Face Procedure For Cultural Congruence, Merilyn Arikkat, Leslie B. Lantz, Patricia Kinser

Undergraduate Research Posters

Cultural understanding is a factor that impacts reliability of research results for observational studies. It is important to include participants of minority groups in research, as many people of color face disproportionate challenges in terms of healthcare access and resources. Within the context of mother-infant attachment, a technique known as the Face-to-Face Still Face procedure can be utilized to observe attachment styles and the bond between a parent and their infant. In order to combat subjectivity within the coding process for this Face-to-Face Still Face procedure, cultural congruence between the participants being observed in the study and the coding researchers …

Examining Geographic Access To Specialty Education In Richmond, Virginia, Nonso Akunwafor

Undergraduate Research Posters

This study examines how the geographic distribution of selective admissions schools (SAS) in Richmond, Virginia, affects student enrollment patterns and access to specialized education. It aims to (1) identify whether spatial distribution and transportation availability create barriers to accessing SAS and (2) evaluate possible solutions for improving access to specialty education. SAS in Richmond are secondary schools with specialized and rigorous academic programs, requiring a selective process for admissions. Existing research has explored the equity implications of the admissions processes of these types of schools, but limited research addresses access from a geographic perspective, particularly for Richmond Public Schools (RPS), …

Trust On Trial: How U.S. Foreign Policy Eroded Public Trust, Rawan Al-Samarrie

Undergraduate Research Posters

Public trust in the U.S. government has declined sharply over the past several decades, falling from roughly 75% in the late 1950s to almost 15% today. This project examines how major U.S. foreign policy decisions, specifically during the Vietnam War, the post-9/11 Global War on Terror, and the ongoing conflict in Palestine, have contributed to this erosion of trust. Through qualitative analysis of historical records, public opinion data, and scholarly assessments of U.S. military actions and their global consequences, the research identifies recurring patterns in how government narratives, media framing, and revelations of human rights violations shape public perception. Findings …

Toward A Decolonial Archive: A Reflection On The Operationalization Process Of Critical Transborder Documentary Production Practice, Ramón Resendiz, Rosalva Resendiz

Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Understanding The Duty Of Competence For Attorneys Using Generative Ai, Anna C. Conley

Faculty Law Review Articles

Ethical duties appear poised to be the primary regulatory tool for responsible use of generative AI (“GAI”) by attorneys. This reality necessitates a clear understanding of what the duty of competence requires for attorneys using GAI. Recent state bar and American Bar Association (“ABA”) guidance have coalesced around a foundational concept of informed decision-making, which requires that attorneys have sufficient knowledge about the GAI tool they are using and the specific task at hand to make an informed decision that employing the tool for that task is in the client’s best interests. Competence also requires attorneys avoid automation bias and …

The Effects Of Nutritional Status On Patient Outcomes In The Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Whitt Harrelson, Brant Wagener, Andrew Barker

UAB Huntsville Research Day - All Presentations

2025 research poster

Impact Of Covid-19 On Neurosurgical Operational Efficiency: A Descriptive Study, Matthew Jarrell, Anil Mahavadi, Sasha Howell, Sage Rahm, Nicholas Lasky, Jakub Godzik

UAB Huntsville Research Day - All Presentations

2025 research poster

Need For Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting After Posterolateral Skull Base Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis, Matthew Jarrell, Travis Atchley, Mohammad Hamo, Philip Schmalz, Winfield Fisher Iii

UAB Huntsville Research Day - All Presentations

2025 research poster

Seizures Following Proton Beam Therapy For Meningiomas: Case Series And Systematic Review Of The Literature, Matthew Jarrell, Travis Atchley, Dagoberto Estevez-Ordonez, Yasaman Alam, Adam J. Kole, Christoper Willey, Philip Schmalz, Kristen Riley

UAB Huntsville Research Day - All Presentations

2025 research poster

Development Of Laparoscopic Training Device And Curriculum To Increase Surgical Clerkship Competency, John S. Laue, Luke Frost, Rony Najjar, Roger Smalligan

UAB Huntsville Research Day - All Presentations

2025 research poster

Evaluation Of A Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii Outbreak In A Large Community Hospital And Long-Term Acute Care Hospital, Evan Lawson, Spencer H. Durham, Kelsey Ivey, Jonathan Edwards, Madeline Belk

UAB Huntsville Research Day - All Presentations

2025 research poster

Medical Student Attitudes Toward Abortion Care Education In A Restricted-Access State, Catherine G. Meyer, Samantha Whitfield, Alexander Zayzafoon, Danielle Gershon, Tracey S. Wilson, Shweta Patel, Anne Zinski, Mariko Nakano-Okuno

UAB Huntsville Research Day - All Presentations

2025 research poster

Role Of Endothelin-1 In Patients With Resistant Hypertension With And Without Chronic Kidney Disease, Hinal Rathi, Jacob Greer, Peng Li, Carmen De Miguel, Tanja Dudenbostel

UAB Huntsville Research Day - All Presentations

2025 research poster

A Shocking Case Of Semaglutide-Induced Ventricular Arrhythmia, Soumyadeep Bag, Shahla Hassanyar, Ahmed Qaedi, Advait Apte, Aesha Patel, Nessy Abraham Philip

UAB Huntsville Research Day - All Presentations

No abstract provided.

From Delirium To Diagnosis: A Rare Case Of West Nile Virus Encephalitis, Soumyadeep Bag, Linnea Pepper

UAB Huntsville Research Day - All Presentations

No abstract provided.

Diy Shoulder Shot Leads To Risky Plot: An Uncommon Case Of Bilateral Shoulder Infections, Soumyadeep Bag, Lauren Kois, Carol Jessee, Nessy Abraham, Alan Baggett

UAB Huntsville Research Day - All Presentations

No abstract provided.