Digital Commons Network^™

Hormonal Birth Control Misinformation On Tiktok: A Content Analysis Of Influencer Narratives, Sarah Bdeir, Jana Hatahet, Liselle Tungol, Khush Hussain, Rumyah Rafique, Raneem Sabbaq, Ragad Almsaddi

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background:

Hormonal birth control is the most common form of reversible contraception. In the U.S., pharmacy data show oral contraceptive pill prescriptions declined 25.6% from March 2021 to October 2023. Meanwhile, patients increasingly seek health information on social media. On TikTok, “hormone hacking” content has surged, often portraying birth control as artificial, harmful, or even carcinogenic, despite a lack of supporting evidence. While accessible information on social media can be valuable, such narratives risk spreading misinformation, fueling mistrust in women’s health.

Methods:

We conducted a qualitative content analysis of 50 TikTok videos (March and September 2025) under #birthcontrol, #hormonehealth, #birthcontroltoxicity, …

Mechanisms Of Ventricular Catheter Obstruction, Mohamed Khalil Attie Ms, Christopher Roberts Ms, Carolyn Harris Phd

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Hydrocephalus is treated primarily with ventriculoperitoneal shunts, which fail over time mainly due to proximal ventricular catheter (VC) obstruction of the drainage holes. Prior computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies based on idealized geometries have suggested that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) preferentially enters distal holes due to lower resistance, thereby increasing the risk of obstruction at those locations. However, these models do not incorporate explanted VC data, patient-specific anatomy, or differences in catheter architecture.

Methods: To evaluate whether flow distribution matches failure sites, we compared obstruction patterns from 30 explanted catheters with CFD simulations of four commercial VC designs. For every …

Outreach Challenges And Strategies For Educating Arab/Mena Community On Colorectal Cancer Screening, Rawan Antar, Faten Abda, Dana Sunbulli, Ahmad Dulli, Mustafa Sharba, Sara Komaiha, Jad M. Fawaz, Ragad Almsaddi, Jawad Saad, Yasmin Snounu, Morhaf Al Achkar

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Arab/MENA communities in Michigan face unique cultural, linguistic, and structural barriers that contribute to lower colorectal cancer (CRC) screening awareness and uptake. “Trimming the Risks” was a community-engaged educational project designed to reach Arabic-speaking men through trusted social spaces, particularly barbershops, and through community-based Lunch and Learn sessions. This project assesses engagement patterns from this initiative to identify effective strategies and challenges to improve future MENA engagement.

Methods: Our educational initiative implemented two main interventions. Pilot A trained barbers on CRC screening information through a structured 2-hour session, provided iPads with bilingual educational videos, and equipped barbers to guide …

Assessing Functional Visual Recovery After Retinal Regeneration In Zebrafish Using The Optokinetic Response (Okr), Yeganeh Tabatabaei Alavi, Yeganeh Tabatabaei Alavi

Medical Student Research Symposium

Zebrafish have a unique ability to regenerate retinal neurons through Müller glia-mediated reprogramming, a process not found in mammals. While structural regeneration has been extensively documented, the degree to which regenerated photoreceptors restore functional vision remains unclear. The optokinetic response (OKR), a reflexive eye-tracking behavior triggered by moving visual stimuli, provides a quantitative, non-invasive method to assess visual performance. This study aims to determine whether photoreceptor regeneration following acute and chronic light-induced injury results in functional restoration of vision. Adult zebrafish will be divided into three groups: uninjured control, acute injury (short-term high-intensity light), and chronic injury (long-term low-intensity light). …

Parkinsonism Induced By Carbon Monoxide Intoxication: A “Hidden Gem” In The Neurological Literature, Omer Abdullah, Peter A. Lewitt

Medical Student Research Symposium

Title

Parkinsonism Induced by Carbon Monoxide Intoxication: A Hidden Gem in the Neurological Literature

Authors

Omer Abdullah [1], B.S.; Peter A. LeWitt, M.D., M.Med.Sc. [1,2] Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine [1]; Sastry Foundation Endowed Chair in Parkinson Disease Research, Detroit, Michigan, USA [2]

Background

Carbon monoxide (CO) exposure is a well-established cause of central nervous system injury, yet its role in precipitating Parkinsonism remains under-recognized. Early case reports from the 1970s first suggested CO intoxication as a potential cause of secondary Parkinsonism, often linked to bilateral globus pallidus injury. Despite this, the topic has …

Leveling The Playing Field: Ensuring Hydration Equity For Detroit’S Student-Athletes, David Abdelnour, Noah Kos, Alqasim Elnaggar, Jack Mao, Rumyah Rafique, Julian D Johnson, Marley Sternberg, Audrey Millar, Faith Scott, Susan Lagrand, Ammar Chaudhri, Magd Boutany, Rahul Vaidya

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background:

The Detroit Public Schools Health Corps (DPSHC) provides free sideline medical coverage to Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) athletic events to address healthcare disparities in underserved communities. During 408 hours of coverage across 214 games, DPSHC volunteers observed frequent shortages of water and electrolyte drinks among teams. Given the importance of hydration in preventing heat-related illness and optimizing athletic performance, a systematic needs assessment was conducted.

Methods:

A survey was distributed to athletic coaches and administrators across DPSCD schools. Survey questions evaluated the availability of hydration resources, frequency of shortages, responsible providers, and priority needs for additional funding …

Assessing Environmental Changes Before And After The 2018 Kilauea Eruption In Leilani Estates, Hawaii, Rokeya Akter Liza

Scholars Week

The 2018 Kilauea eruption in Hawaii significantly impacted the natural landscape, especially in the Leilani Estates region. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the environmental conditions of before and after eruption by applying remote sensing techniques. Landsat 8 satellite imagery was used for two different time periods as before the eruption (February 2018) and after the eruption (March 2019). ERDAS Imagine was used to process these images to evaluate the changes in vegetation and land cover. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was calculated for both pre- and post-eruption images to evaluate vegetation changes. Higher NDVI …

Evaluation Of Soil Properties Under Forested And Cropland Areas In Murray, Kentucky, Ramson K C, Shiba Hari Dhakal, Abinash Dhungana

Scholars Week

Soil health is shaped by its physical and chemical properties which are largely influenced by land use, affecting structure, fertility and water retention. The objective of this study was to determine key soil properties, and to evaluate their interrelationships in cultivated and forested areas of Western Kentucky. For this study, two representatives cultivated and two forested sites were selected with 6 replications each on September, 2025 in Murray, Kentucky. A total of 48 soil samples (24 disturbed and 24 undisturbed) were collected from the 0–7 cm soil layer. Disturbed soil samples were used to measure organic matter (OM) content in …

Comparing Soil Quality Changes In Forest And Cropland Systems Of Western Kentucky, Abinash Dhungana

Scholars Week

Comparing Soil Quality Changes in Forest and Cropland Systems of Western Kentucky

Abinash Dhungana

Mentor:  Dr. Iin P. Handayani, Ph.D.

Hutson School of Agriculture, Murray State University, Kentucky, USA

Abstract

Soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil water at field capacity are critical indicators of soil quality, influencing nutrient availability, microbial activity, and water retention. Cropping practices play a crucial role in modifying these properties and determining overall soil functionality and its long-term sustainability. This study was conducted in 2025 in Calloway County, Western Kentucky, to investigate the effects of forest and cropland systems on these soil properties. Four …

Comparing Effects Of Crop Rotation And Continuous Monocropping On Soil Chemical Properties: A Review Of Agricultural Practices In The U.S. Corn Belt, Shiba Hari Dhakal Shiba

Scholars Week

Soil chemical health is critical for sustaining long-term agricultural productivity in the U.S. Corn Belt, yet continuous monocropping of corn poses persistent challenges to soil organic matter, soil organic carbon, nutrient balance, and pH stability. This review synthesizes findings from long-term field studies to compare the impacts of crop rotation and continuous monocropping on soil organic matter (SOM), soil organic carbon (SOC), nutrient availability, and soil pH across the Corn Belt. Results consistently show that crop rotation enhances SOM and SOC through increased residue input, diverse root systems, and improved microbial activity, whereas continuous monocropping accelerates organic matter decomposition and …

Monitoring Of Dissolved Calcium Levels In Creeks, Embayment, And Kentucky Lake Waters In Western Kentucky, Majeda Dalloul

Scholars Week

In order to reduce the economic and ecological impacts of aquatic alien species, studies are warranted across major taxonomic groups, geographic regions, and habitat types. This study addressed the dissolved calcium levels in Kentucky Lake and their implications for one of the top-ranked invasive species, the zebra mussel, and its colonization.  Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are well known for their “biofouling” capabilities, costing billions of dollars (for northeastern and midwestern states) in their removal from industrial, public, and power plant water supply lines. Calcium is one of the essential elements that contribute to the growth and reproduction of zebra …

The Effects Of Sun Exposure On The Intensity And Distribution Of Salamander Biofluorescence, Julianne Chairez

Scholars Week

Salamanders have been used in a variety of different experiments to  determine the health of various ecosystems. Biofluorescence was recently studied in  amphibians in a study done in 2020. Not much is known about all its functions,  more studies are needed to fully understand how it works and how it can be affected  by environmental factors. Learning more about the functions of salamander  biofluorescence could lead to a greater understanding of how pollutants and human  impacts can affect salamanders and the health of their ecosystems. This project  aims to focus on tiger salamander biofluorescence and how its distribution and  intensity …

Comparing A Normal (2005) And A Drought (2007) Year Crop Health Using Ndvi, Pratibha Adhikari

Scholars Week

Agricultural productivity in the southeastern United States is highly vulnerable to drought-induced crop stress, as interannual climate variability can markedly alter crop development and production dynamics. The main goal of this project is to assess how crop health in Calloway County changed between a normal year (2005) and an extreme drought year (2007) using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and to evaluate the effectiveness of NDVI for monitoring crop stress. Cloud free Landsat images were acquired from USGS Earth Explorer. NDVI was produced for each year and a pixel-wise NDVI differencing image was created (ΔNDVI = NDVI_2007 − NDVI_2005). While …

Angular And Distance Estimation In Multi‑Antenna Wireless Communication Systems, Pouria Zand, Sunil Kumar

Defensive Publications Series

Precise distance estimation between a primary computing device and a pair of wireless earbuds is often limited by the unreliability of Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) methods. This disclosure describes a method for a coordination framework for distance and orientation estimation using Bluetooth® Channel Sounding (CS). In this method, a secondary earbud acts as a passive listener to phase‑based ranging (PBR) exchanges between the primary device and a primary earbud. By sharing configuration parameters (e.g., timing and pseudorandom seeds) the secondary earbud sniffs signal exchanges to enable the primary device to mathematically calculate secondary distance measurements. Additionally, dual‑band operation is …

Rib‑Divided Speaker Back Chamber For Preventing Sound Absorbing Material Accumulation, Yuting Tsai

Defensive Publications Series

Small speaker modules often utilize sound absorbing material within a back chamber to increase bass sound pressure. However, because manufacturing processes frequently leave these chambers partially unfilled, the material can shift and accumulate in different areas depending on the orientation of the module or the effects of forces acting on the modules (forces such as gravity or centrifugal force). This movement may alter resonant frequencies and lead to inconsistent acoustic performance.

This document discloses a speaker module that includes an internal back chamber partitioned into multiple smaller sections by integrated ribs. The partitioned sections contain sound absorbing material. The module …

Speeding Up Expert Parallelism By Replacing All-To-All By All-Gather And Reduce-Scatter Collectives, N/A

Defensive Publications Series

The technology described in this paper relates to parallel processing in machine learning models, particularly speeding up expert parallelism in mixture-of-expert (MoE) architectures. A technique for replacing traditional all-to-all network collective communications with all-gather and reduce-scatter operations is proposed. For expert dispatch, accelerators can locally perform routing and top-k calculations by utilizing an all-gather operation and discarding unassigned tokens. For expert collect, a reduce-scatter operation can combine expert output activations over the network. These collective communication strategies can decrease network payload sizes and improve bandwidth utilization, particularly as the number of experts activated per token increases. Thus, training and inference …

The Arachne Thermal Ecosystem: A Passive, Rechargeable Latent‑Heat Survival Suit For Humanitarian Deployment, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure presents the GCI #2 Arachne Thermal Ecosystem, a passive, zero‑power thermal‑battery survival suit designed for extreme cold, submersion, and disaster environments. The system uses a Sodium Acetate Trihydrate (SAT) latent‑heat phase‑change medium, stabilized with Expanded Graphite (EG) and distributed through a platinum‑cured silicone micro‑capillary lattice. This architecture enables uniform, controlled heat delivery for 6–8 hours without electronics or external power.

The suit is fully rechargeable using only hot water or radiant heat sources above 60 °C, including campfires, stoves, vehicle exhaust, or boiling water. Integrated safety features include bimetallic overheat vents, hydrophobic ePTFE membranes, check‑valve zone isolation, and …

A Comprehensive Review Of Wireless Charging Technologies: Inductive, Capacitive And Hybrid Power Transfer, Zahraa M.Y. Islam, Yasir M. Y. Ameen

AUIQ Technical Engineering Science

Wireless power transfer has attracted more and more attention as a potential solution to electric vehicle charging due to its safety, convenience and the potential to automate this process. This review paper gives an overview of inductive and capacitive wireless power transfer technologies, especially focusing on hybrid wireless power transfer systems that integrate both approaches. The basic operating principles in both inductive and capacitive power transfer are covered with an emphasis on their advantages and inherent limitations with respect to efficiency, voltage and current stress, the tolerance of misalignment and the power capability. Building upon this background, the paper is …

2026 Election Results - Student Government Association, Student Government Association, East Tennessee State University

Student Government Association Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

The Banjo: A Dive Into The Creation And Rise Of Bluegrass’S Favorite Instrument, Hans E. Deaton

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This study examines the creation and development of the banjo and its cultural transformation from its West African origins to its role in modern American music. The banjo originated from instruments native to West Africa and was brought to the Americas through the transatlantic slave trade, where it evolved within enslaved African communities. It was later performed by 19th-century American minstrels, leading to its widespread adoption by the Appalachian South. In the 20th century, the banjo became a defining instrument in bluegrass music, shaped by performers such as Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs. Today, the banjo maintains a lasting influence …

Pros V.S. Joes: Common Golf Injures And Exercises, Benjamin P. Deges, Cooper Scheck

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

A comprehensive review of literature was performed for each stage of the golf swing.

For each stage we identified what muscles are being targeted and what injuries are caused.

The table in the Center of this poster outlines the muscles targeted during each swing phase, their anatomical locations in both professional and amateur golfers, and the exercises that help prevent common injuries.

Our proposed method includes understanding the relationship between muscle activation patterns and common swing-related injuries, allowing us to better understand how technique and conditioning influence injury prevention.

By employing these methods, we can develop targeted training and rehabilitation …

Verifying Mutations In Arabidopsis Thaliana Gene Apetala3, Michelle Wang, Tara Phelps-Durr, Hazel Frans

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

The purpose of this research is to verify the mutation in the Arabidopsis thaliana APETALA3 (AP3) gene. By sequencing DNA, we confirmed the presence of an extra guanine in the mutant AP3 gene. These findings support that further investigation is needed into how the AP3 gene affects flower development in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Mental Health Rates Across Ethnic Groups In A Small Midwestern Christian University, Arianna Torres

Honors Theses

This study aims to find if there is a significant difference in depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidality among students of different ethnic backgrounds at Andrews University. By focusing on ethnic disparities, this research aims to target the mental health issues rising among college students and bring to light the importance of cultural competency in relation to mental health. Results from this study may aid Andrews University in developing more inclusive and culturally responsive mental health services and inform broader discussions about mental health equity in higher education. It can also add insight into how mental health rates may vary by …

Behavioral Analyses Of Reproductive Behaviors Of The River Dolphin Tucuxi (Sotalia Fluviatilis), Jaden Wee

Honors Theses

This research project investigates the reproductive behavior of the tucuxi river dolphin (Sotalia fluviatilis), whose mating strategies are poorly documented. In 2022, over Lake Amanã, Brazil, Dr. Gonzalez-Socoloske captured drone footage of a natural mating event involving multiple tucuxi individuals, which provided us a rare opportunity to study their behavior. Using Behavioral Observation Research Interactive Software (BORIS), behavioral states and point events, such as intromission, proximity, synchrony, and periods of non-visibility, were coded and quantified, enabling statistical and graphical analyses that characterize the tucuxi’s social and reproductive interaction patterns. The results indicate that 30 intromission events occurred within the 13-minute …

Mechanisms Of Licochalcone A In Inhibiting Tumor Growth Via Lncrna-Cdc 42bpa-Ampk/Mtor Axis, Shi Zhan, Yao Meicun, Shi Xianyong, Tan Panpan

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the molecular mechanism by which licochalcone A inhibits colorectal cancer growth through regulation of the AMPK/mTOR signaling axis via long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs). [Methods] Human colorectal cancer HCT 116 cells and a nude mouse subcutaneous xenograft model were used. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 and EdU assays, and cell migration was evaluated by wound healing and Transwell assays. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was employed to detect the expression levels of proliferation- and migration-related markers, and Western blotting was performed to analyze the expression of proteins related to the AMPK/mTOR pathway. Differential expressed LncRNAs in HCT 116 cells …

Properties And Research Progress Of Deacetylated Konjac Glucomannan In Food Applications, Liu Kai, Zhang Ling, Wang Jing

Food and Machinery

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a natural soluble dietary fiber that is safe, biodegradable, and edible, with wide application in food and biomedicine. However, due to low plasticity and stability, KGM usually requires blending, physical, and chemical modification for production. Currently, deacetylated konjac glucan (DKGM) is used in food mainly as a food additive, food preservative, and health food. This review elucidates the KGM property changes before and after different deacetylation degrees, as well as the application progress and research status of DKGM in the food industry, with prospects for its development trends.

Extreme Connectedness Among Energy Transition Metals And Commodity Markets, Andrea Bastianin, Chiara A. Casoli, Evzen Fabio Kocenda, Xiao Li

Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei Working Papers

The global energy transition is reshaping commodity demand, yet its implications for commodity risk transmission remain unclear. We analyze connectedness among Energy Transition Metals (ETMs) – a subset of metals that are key inputs in clean energy technologies – energy commodities, and industrial metals using a Quantile Factor VAR framework. We document strong state dependence: spillovers are substantially larger in the tails of the return distribution than at the median. While crude oil remains influential, its dominance weakens post-Covid as ETMs, particularly base ETMs, gain centrality. A complementary event-study shows ETM-related policy announcements amplify spillovers in extreme regimes, indicating structural …

The Constitution Of 1787 Had No Bill Of Rights: What Were The Framers Thinking?, James L. Huffman

Mercer Law Review

In this Article, I recount the brief history from the Philadelphia Convention, during which scant attention was paid to a bill of rights, to the ratification of the Bill of Rights only four years later. Although the delegates to the convention made frequent reference to individual liberty as central to their mission, and several of the newly enacted state constitutions included bills of rights, there was no serious consideration given to including a bill of rights in the constitution proposed for ratification by the states. In response to the occasional suggestions during the convention for specific rights guarantees, most of …

No Principal Left Alone: Exploring Elementary Principals' Relationships With Their Full-Time Assistant Principals, Shauna Worthington

Theses and Dissertations

Elementary school principals are often the only administrator in their building; therefore they are left to face the adverse circumstances of their job without the support of an administrative colleague at their school. However, U.S. nationwide data suggests that school districts are more frequently hiring elementary assistant principals. This paper explores perceptions of elementary principals about the nature and dynamic of their relationships with their full-time assistant principals, including accompanying benefits and challenges. This qualitative inquiry utilizes an exploratory, descriptive, phenomenological approach and features the results of in-depth interviews with 20 elementary school principals in two large suburban public school …

Entwurzelt, Melanie Fischer

Theses and Dissertations

Entwurzelt (Uprooted) is an installation that explores the emotional landscape of displacement-trauma, grief, and the search for belonging in the aftermath of war and unrest. The vessels in this installation evoke the presence of a forest--each one a symbolic tree, rooted in memory and shaped by personal and collective histories. Being torn from the familiar means leaving behind everything except memories and carrying a void that may never be fully filled. Yet, in unfamiliar places, fragments of comfort can be found--echoes of what once was. For me, the forest is more than a memory--it is a bridge between past and …