Digital Commons Network^™

Multiple Cut Systems Of Cannabis Sativa L. For Micropropagation Without The Use Of Cytokinins, Molly Mckay

All Theses

Micropropagation is a technique used to propagate clean, high-quality clonal stock plants using plant growth regulators (PGR) in a single harvest batch system. This two-part study uses an in vitro multiple harvest system “hedging” combined with the fed- batch media process, to observe (1) the effects of modified physical state and (2) LED light quality to improve shoot production and quality. In Experiment 1, four genotypes of Cannabis sativa (‘Cherry 1’,‘BaOx’,‘T1’,‘Peach’) were observed in three different physical states: stationary agar (A), stationary Oasis® infused with liquid (OIL_s) and agitated Oasis® infused with liquid (OIL_a). Fifteen …

Ai At The Helm: Transforming Crisis Communication Through Theory And Advancing Technology, Timothy Whims

All Theses

This thesis investigates the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models, into crisis communication, focusing on how AI technologies can enhance response strategies and stakeholder engagement during crises. By leveraging established communication frameworks such as Image Repair Theory, Situational Crisis Communication Theory, and the Discourse of Renewal, this research explores the potential for AI to improve both the speed and precision of crisis responses. The study highlights how AI can assist in monitoring public sentiment, drafting tailored responses, and managing real-time information during crisis events. However, it also addresses the limitations of AI, such as its inability to …

Bounding The Convex Hull Relaxation Of The Unit Commitment Problem With The Shapley-Folkman Theorem, Lauren Henderson

All Theses

The Unit Commitment (UC) problem finds an optimal schedule for a set of generators by minimizing the total operation cost subject to demand and operational constraints. The UC problem is often modeled with a mixed-integer linear program (MILP). We employ the Shapley-Folkman Theorem to provide a bound on the size of fractional solutions of its convex hull relaxation. This result is used to obtain a bound on the optimality gap between the MILP and the convex hull relaxation, which is further tightened using several problem-specific properties of UC. We conduct extensive numerical experiments to study the tightness of this threshold, …

An Examination Of The Effect Of The Implementation Of A Trauma-Informed School Initiative On The Attitudes Of The Staff In A School, Michael Riddell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological case study was to investigate the change in the attitudes of teachers pre and post implementation of a trauma-informed school initiative in a school in the Eastern Grand Region of Tennessee. As adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have become more recognizable in school age children by teachers and school staff members due to an increase in knowledge about ACEs, there has been an increase in the number of trauma-informed initiatives undertaken by schools across the United States. Due to the challenges associated with the implementation of trauma-informed initiatives in schools, it is important for administrators …

Unraveling Phytosulfokine Trafficking In Arabidopsis Thaliana Using Fiber-Optic Fluorescence Microscopy, Issaka Obuaba

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As sessile organisms, plants manage stress through complex signaling networks involving phytohormones such as phytosulfokine (PSK). PSK, a disulfated pentapeptide, regulates plant growth, development, and stress responses by interacting with specific PSK receptors (PSKRs). In this study, we explored the trafficking dynamics of PSK, its post-application fate, and the synthesis of an analog. We administered both native PSK and a fluorescent version tagged with TAMRA (5(6)-carboxytetramethylrhodamine) to various Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes, including wild type, a PSKR-deficient mutant, and a strain overexpressing PSKR1 tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) over the wild-type background. Fiber-optic fluorescence microscopy revealed that receptor presence influences …

Stem Teacher Perceptions In East Tennessee About Using Artificial Intelligence In Classroom Operations, David Robinson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the perceptions of Secondary STEM Teachers in rural East Tennessee about Artificial Intelligence instructional use. The researcher examined secondary STEM teachers' positive attitudes toward AI, challenges of using AI in the classroom, educators' confidence in using AI, and perceived benefits of AI. The participants of this study were located throughout East Tennessee, and had to self-identify as a 6-12 STEM teacher teaching in a rural district. The data were collected through Google Forms and the link to respond was posted in two different Facebook groups for distribution. The survey included 16 …

Mapping Amis Mill In Rogersville, Tennessee In The 1780s Using Geophysical Methods And Remote Sensing, Amy Collins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Geophysics and remote sensing were used at the Amis Mill and Homesite to determine the location of structures during the 1780s. Areas of interest were surveyed using shallow geophysical and remote sensing techniques including the orchard, horse pasture, original kitchen on the east side of the house, the west side of the house, plowed field, store site, and cemetery. After analyzing the results of the geophysical surveys and remote sensing, 22 sites were chosen to test inside and outside potential features. A large rectangular feature, possibly a tavern with a cellar, was discovered. Four other features were identified, three of …

Perceiving, Processing, And Evaluating Infant Facial Affect In Potential Parents: An Erp Study, Tiffany Bonnagio

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Evidence for differences between assigned female at birth (AFAB) and assigned male at birth (AMAB) perceiving, processing, and evaluating infant faces has been mixed. The current study examined whether expected parental self-efficacy (EPSE) and desire for children predicts event-related potentials (ERPs) to infant facial affect in potential parents. No scale for EPSE exists. Therefore, we reworded the Perceived Maternal Parental Self-Efficacy scale from present to future tense. There was no correlation with EPSE scores, ERPs, or behavioral data. No difference was found between AFAB and AMAB in accurately evaluating infant faces; however, AFABs responded more quickly. ERP data revealed significantly …

Digital Storytelling Strategies For Viewer Engagement: A Rhetorical Analysis Of Youtube Videos By Nonprofit Healthcare Organizations, Maame Aba Afful

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As reliance on digital media and social media platforms such as YouTube increases, health organizations infuse rhetorical strategies to create memorable and impactful health-related videos to raise awareness and attract support. Nonprofit healthcare organizations use digital storytelling to communicate their impact. In this study, I conduct a rhetorical analysis of five digital storytelling videos shared on the YouTube pages of nonprofit healthcare organizations to: identify how the videos leverage rhetorical appeals, point-of-view (POV), and metadata; and discuss how such strategies might influence viewer engagement or brand objectives. My findings suggest that nonprofit healthcare organizations integrate positive and negative emotional appeals …

Resilient Students: Traumatic Experiences, Aces, And Resources That Influence University Students’ Perceptions Of First-Year College Adjustment, Audrey W. Besch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The history of understanding the impacts of trauma on individuals has shifted from a narrow focus on physical injuries to a multidimensional understanding of how trauma influences the development of psychological and emotional interactions. This evolving understanding has informed the implementation of trauma-informed practices and interventions across various sectors. Tennessee institutions of higher education recognize the connection between trauma, student success, and systemic interventions. University students who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences have heightened vulnerability to stressful events as they transition from high school to college, increasing the likelihood of lower educational attainment, higher drop-out rates, and higher rates of …

Educator Perceptions Of Career And Technical Education Courses And The Involvement In Career And Technical Student Organizations On Student Attendance, Robert Satterfield

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of secondary teachers, administrators, and educational supervisors of the implications of Career and Technical Education courses and the involvement in Career and Technical Student Organizations on student attendance. Data for this study were collected quantitatively by utilizing Microsoft Forms to administer the survey to potential participants. The survey administered for this study contained 13 Likert scale questions and two open-ended questions. Once data were collected SPSS Version 25 was used to analyze the data from the survey. After data analysis, it was concluded that all 13 of the Likert scale …

College Student’S Learning Experiences During Covid-19 Among Traditional And Post-Traditional Students Enrolled In Institutions Affiliated With The Appalachian College Association, Jo Anne Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in the learning experiences, feelings and emotions, level of study support, and online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic between traditional and post-traditional college students enrolled in an institution affiliated with the Appalachian College Association.

A two-group comparison research design using a web-based survey was used for the study. Using the College Student’s Learning Experiences during COVID-19 among Traditional and Post-Traditional Students Enrolled in Institutions Affiliated with the Appalachian College Association survey, the research questions were analyzed with a sample size of N = 58, traditional college student group and N=33, …

Overcoming The Barrier To The Clinical Application Of Naloxone: Application Of Drug Delivery Technologies, Akeemat O. Tijani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Opioid overdose crisis continues to demand innovative solutions for rapid and effective drug administration. Naloxone (NAL), a critical opioid antagonist, has been the primary treatment for reversing opioid-induced respiratory depression. However, its current delivery methods, such as intravenous and intranasal formulations, are limited by their invasive nature, short half-life, and the need for repeated dosing. This dissertation investigates advanced drug delivery technologies aimed at overcoming these challenges and enhancing the clinical utility of NAL.

This research focused on improving the transdermal and transnasal delivery of NAL using minimally invasive techniques. Various approaches were evaluated, including sonophoresis, microneedles, laser ablation, dermaplaning …

Investigating Phytosulfokine Trafficking: Insights Into The Role Of Phytohormones In Plant Signaling, Martin Tindi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Phytosulfokine is a critical signaling peptide involved in plant growth, development, and stress responses. This thesis investigates the trafficking mechanisms of Phytosulfokine (PSK) in Arabidopsis thaliana, employing fluorescently labelled PSK for non-destructive imaging using a custom-built fiber-optic fluorescence microscope. The study aims to determine the mobility and fate of PSK in plant tissues. Experimental results reveal the short-range and long-range movement of PSK across leaves. Additionally, the project highlights the optimization of non-destructive imaging techniques and the synthesis of caged dexamethasone to facilitate optogenetic studies. These findings provide new insights into PSK trafficking mechanisms in plants, enhancing our understanding …

Service Provider Perceptions Of Systems Serving Individuals Experiencing Homelessness: A Needs Assessment And Strategic Plan In Johnson City, Tn, Opal Frye-Clark

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This Integrated Learning Experience (ILE) investigates service providers' perceptions of Johnson City, Tennessee's homelessness services, aiming to inform a city-wide strategic plan for reduction. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study gathered qualitative data through in-depth interviews with service providers in 2022 and quantitative data via a 2024 survey. The research focused on those directly involved in serving or significantly influencing the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness (IEH). Three key aims guided the investigation: (1) To analyze provider perspectives to identify community assets, opportunities, barriers, and unmet needs, informing a comprehensive needs assessment; (2) To refine these findings through SWOT analysis …

Microbial-Chemical Degradation Of Styrene In Co-Mingled Plumes With Ethylbenzene, Benzene, And Carbon Tetrachloride, Marcela C. Flórez-García

All Theses

Industrial sites contaminated with a complex matrix of chemicals represent a problem for the ecosystem and a high risk for the health of all individuals. That is why remediation strategies are needed to mitigate this environmental impact. The latex zone, located at the Corteva industrial site in San Lorenzo, Argentina, is the subject of this research. The environmental impacts in this area are a consequence of petrochemical operations carried out for many years.

Monoaromatic hydrocarbons such as styrene, ethylbenzene, and benzene, and chlorinated methanes like carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, dichloromethane, and chloromethane are among the contaminants identified at the site that …

Higher Order Bessel Beams Integrated In Time (Hobbit) With Engineered Light Frequencies And Applications In Computational Imaging, Tyler Cramer

All Theses

This thesis presents an adaptive optical system which leverages the frequency shifts from an acousto-optic deflector (AOD) form an array of uniformly spaced frequency diverse beamlets. These beamlets are then spatially transformed (wrapped) into a circular array forming a non-diffracting ring with an unprecedented orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode switching rate of 50Mhz with an OAM range of ±64. Along with frequency diversity, the non-diffracting range of the beams are analyzed 6 Rayleigh ranges of an equivalently sized gaussian beam. Inherent in the frequencies superposed on the AOD are associated relative phases which can be controlled to form sets of …

Exploring The Physiological, Biochemical, And Enzymatic Responses Of Vigna Mungo Varieties To Mungbean Yellow Mosaic India Virus (Mymiv) Infection, Subham Dutta, Poly Saha, Mritunjoy Barman, R. Poorvasandhya, Moumita Panda, Tarique Ahmed, Thomas Wilbur Davis, Bulbul Ahmed, Mudagadde G. Deeksha, Jayanta Tarafdar

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

This study aims to enhance sustainable disease management in black gram by identifying varieties resistant to Mungbean Yellow Mosaic India Virus (MYMIV). We screened sixteen black gram genotypes, assessing physiological, biochemical and enzymatic basis. Results revealed a range of resistance levels, with PANT URD-19 showing the highest resistance (PDI 0.47%) and Pejua the lowest (PDI 37.24%). Seven genotypes demonstrated strong resistance, highlighting the necessity for targeted breeding. Variations in leaf thickness, trichome density, stomatal frequency, and epicuticular wax content were significant, with resistant varieties like LBG-888 and PANT URD-19 exhibiting thicker leaves, higher trichome density, and more wax, correlating with …

Growing Industry-University Partnerships: Virtual Workshop On Industry Sponsored Research, Mark Stone, Santosh K. Pitla

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

The Department of Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) hosted a virtual workshop on developing capacity for industry-sponsored research (ISR). This dynamic event brought together faculty, researchers, industry leaders, and students to explore innovative strategies for advancing ISR.

The workshop addressed four key themes: (1) fostering sustainable industry-academic partnerships; (2) tackling intellectual property (IP) challenges; (3) building institutional and individual capacity for ISR, and (4) empowering students as critical contributors to industry research. Through expert-led presentations, an engaging panel discussion, and interactive brainstorming sessions, participants identified actionable steps and articulated a vision for the future of …

Malnutrition And Risks Of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Catheter Ablation, Phuuwadith Wattanachayakul, Thitiphan Srikulmontri, Vitchapong Prasitsumrit, Thanathip Suenghataiphorn, Pojsakorn Danpanichkul, Jakrin Kewcharoen, Nipith Charoenngam, Sumeet Mainigi

Einstein Health Papers

BACKGROUND: Recent data showed an association between malnutrition and increased all-cause mortality and thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the impact of malnutrition on the clinical outcomes for patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF is still debated. Our study aimed to examine this relationship using all existing available data.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception to April 2024, analyzing the association between malnutrition, assessed by the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), and the risk of AF recurrence in patients who underwent catheter ablation for AF, compared to those without malnutrition. …

Do Small Dollar Loans Increase Low Income And Minority Homeownership? Evidence From The Usda Section 502 Lending Program, Luke Petach

Faculty Scholarship

This paper investigates the impact of small dollar mortgage lending on housing affordability and homeownership in the United States. Using data on small dollar mortgage lending at the state level from the USDA Section 502 Lending Program and data on housing affordability and homeownership at the household level from the American Community Survey, I show that an increase in the number of small dollar mortgage loans per-capita at the state level is positively associated with homeownership and housing affordability, particularly for low income households and non-white households. For Black, non-Hispanic households, doubling the number of USDA Section 502 loans per …

In This Issuesystematic Revieworiginal Articles

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Elevated Levels Of Cd56+ T Cells, Cd16+ Cd56+ T Cells, And Cd56dim Nk Cells In Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Seropositive Healthy Individuals, Mazen Almehmadi, Mamdouh Allahyani, Abdulelah Aljuaid, Meshari A. Alsuwat, Mustafa Halawi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To investigate the numbers of natural killer (NK) cells, CD56+ T-cells and CD56- T cells, and the levels ofCD16 in healthy individuals seropositive for herpes simplex virus Type 1 (HSV-1). Specifically, it seeks to measure the levels of these cells to learn about the possible immunological significance during HSV-1 seropositive status. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional research design to examine the levels of CD56+ T-cells and CD16+ among individuals seropositive for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in Taif city. A total of 112 participants were enrolled, with HSV-1 serostatus determined via ELISA, and cellular evaluation conducted using …

Comparison Of Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis In Newly Diagnosed Versus Known Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Single-Center Study, Nagham Alsolaimani, Mawadah Kattan, Zahia Algabbani, Ghram Awlia, Yara Alhamdani, Abdulmoien Alagha

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To compare the demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics of newly diagnosed versus known patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a tertiary care center in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 147 children and adolescents diagnosed with T1DM who presented with DKAs between January 2019 and December 2023. Data on age, gender, nationality, economic status, episode severity, presenting symptoms, and biochemical markers were collected and analyzed. Results: The mean patient age was 7.24 years, with known patients being older (mean age: 8.24 years) than newly diagnosed patients (mean age: …

Rising Epidemiological Trends In Prevalence And Mortality Of Mpox: Global Insights And Analysis, Muhammad Os. Meo, Muhammad Zs. Meo, Isra M. Khan, Muhammad As. Butt, Adnan M. Usmani, Sultan A. Meo

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To explore the global epidemiological trends in the prevalence and mortality due to mpox in various regions worldwide. Methods: In this cross-sectional study the data about mpox outbreak were recorded by the “World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and GSAID” from August 2023 to August 2024, analyzing the epidemiological trends from different countries worldwide. Results: The total number of mpox cases has reached 99,518 (95,196 cases from 115 countries that have not historically reported mpox; and 4,322 cases from 07 states that have traditionally reported mpox), from a total of 122 countries. The top 10 countries …

Prevalence Of Hyperlipidemia In Psoriatic Arthritis Patients In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Khalid Altalhi, Sara Otaywi, Mohammed Alotaibi, Hanan A. Alhamzi, Seham Alrashedi, Mosaab Makkawy, Fahdah Alokaily

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and to investigate the relationship between PsA and hyperlipidemia. Methods: This retrospective study examined medical records of PsA patients from January 2010 to May 2023 at 2 medical centers in Riyadh. Patients over 18 years old with a lipid profile were included. Hyperlipidemia cases were determined using Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) guidelines and European Association of Preventive Cardiology definitions based on lipid profile results. Results: A total of 141 patients were included in the analysis. The prevalence of hyperlipidemia in patients …

Isotretinoin-Induced Epistaxis Among Acne Vulgaris Patients: A Cross Sectional Study From Saudi Arabia, Hanan Ibrahim Almuzaini, Ali Saeed Alamri, Razan Ibrahim Almuzaini

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To assess the prevalence and risk factors of isotretinoin-related epistaxis, among patients of acne vulgaris. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 230 Saudi patients who received isotretinoin for treatment of acne vulgaris, was included in the study. An online questionnaire was used to collect data regarding demographics and treatment-related adverse events. Results: The prevalence of isotretinoin-induced epistaxis was found to be 45.2%, which was a 5-fold increase in epistaxis, versus baseline. Epistaxis was reported by 90% patients who had a prior history of nasal bleeding. Patients with ‘obstructed nose’, reported a prevalence of 68.8%. The large majority of patients had …

Assessment Of Contraceptive Methods Choice Among Women During Childbearing Age In Mosul, Iraq, Ruqaya Adnan Salih

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To assess factors influencing choice of contraceptive methods among women in Mosul, Iraq. Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted during the period extending from July 2022 to March 2023, and a convenience sample of 100 women at child-bearing age (15-49 years) was collected from those attending the Family Planning Clinic at Al-Khansaa Teaching Hospital in Mosul. A direct interview was used to collect data required by using a special questionnaire form. Data was tabulated and analyzed using Excel 2010 and Statistical Package of the Social Sciences, version 24.0. The frequency and percentage of variables have been calculated. Together …

Comparing Tele-Pharmacy And Standard Clinic Follow-Up For Newly Initiated Warfarin Anticoagulation Therapy: A Retrospective Study, Sumaiah J. Alarfaj, Sara Alsulami, Ebtehaj Alashjaey, Reema Albulayhi, Faisal Alqarni, Abeer Alharbi

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of providing telepharmacy anticoagulation to on-site clinics in achieving optimal outcomes for patients newly starting warfarin. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included adult patients who started warfarin for the first time and were monitored by clinical pharmacists either on-site or via telepharmacy anticoagulation clinics between January 2017 and March 2024. The primary outcome is to compare the time in therapeutic range (TTR) between the 2 groups. The secondary outcome is the occurrence of anticoagulation therapy–related complications. Results: We included 191 patients, with 77 in the telepharmacy group and 114 in the on-site group. …

Silent Reactivation Of Varicella Zoster Virus In Hemodialysis Patients.: A Management Dilemma, Bandar A. Suliman, Hassan T. Alhazmi, Hamzah A. Alamri, Ahmed A. Aljuhani, Mohammed S. Younis, Khalid H. Mahallawi, Fayez H. Alsehli, Ibrahim T. Alomani, Bashayer A. Almoutairi, Yasser S. Asar, Mohammed A. Alkhaily, Walaa A. Momena, Waleed H. Mahallawi

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To determine the seroprevalence of Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM antibodies among hemodialysis patients (HDP). Additionally, the presence of VZV viral DNA has been investigated for possible reactivation status. Methods: Sera from 265 individuals were collected and tested. The study was carried out from November 2023 to February 2024. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was accomplished to determine the VZV IgG and IgM antibody levels. The viral DNA was tested by qPCR. Results: We found a significantly higher proportion of Host defense peptides (HDP) have positive antibody levels compared to healthy controls (HC) (92.0% of HDP …