Digital Commons Network^™

Fall 2021

Scientia

A Decade of Progress and Success; Speech Language Pathology Program; COVID-19 Long-Hauler Study; Peer Mentors Initiative; Faculty Update; Expert Engagement: Three CSH initiatives further education and scholarship while supporting communities in need; Strategic Command: Business consultant and med tech expert Stephen Sichak helps others face pandemic challenges; Taking Care: A School of Nursing research team plumbs the pandemic experiences of nurses nationwide

Sanctuary: Counter-Oppressive Relationships With Farmed Animals As An Ecopsychological Imperative, Kelsey Bomboy

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

Consumers are intentionally shielded from and often misled about the process of breeding, raising, and slaughtering animals for consumption. By confining most farmed animals to warehouses in rural areas while the majority of humans are sequestered in urban areas, we have effectively created a world where humans do not have to contend with the sense of interconnectedness that arises when witnessing and being witnessed by a farmed animal. Within industrial slaughterhouses, the physical act of killing is minimized to just a fraction of the workers, so that even those who are responsible for rendering a once living being will never …

Smart Medical System Integrating Clinical Workflows For Robust Skin Cancer Detection Across Heterogeneous Pathologies, Ahed Abugabah, Prashant Kumar Shukla, Suchi Mishra, Abhishek Dwivedi

All Works

Skin cancer is among the most prevalent and life-threatening dermatological diseases worldwide, with melanoma responsible for a substantial proportion of skin cancer–related deaths due to delayed and unreliable diagnosis. Conventional clinical screening based on visual inspection and expert interpretation is inherently subjective and often affected by inter-observer variability, lesion heterogeneity, and imaging artifacts, highlighting the need for accurate and generalizable automated diagnostic systems. This study proposes a novel hybrid deep learning architecture for skin cancer classification that integrates an attention-guided autoencoder with a transformer-inspired global context modeling module, forming a unified and robust representation learning framework. The encoder–decoder structure is …

Artificial Intelligence (Ai) For Social Innovation In Health Education: Promoting Health Literacy Through Personalized Ai-Driven Learning Tools – A Systematic Review, Dina Mansour Tbaishat, Maha Waleed Elfadel

All Works

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming health education by enabling personalized, adaptive, and scalable approaches that may enhance aspects of health literacy. Despite rapid adoption, comprehensive synthesis of AI tools’ impact on health literacy as social innovation is limited. Understanding these effects guides educators, developers, and policymakers in designing potentially effective, inclusive, and ethical AI interventions. This review examines generative AI models, chatbots, and adaptive learning systems in supporting health literacy globally. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Literature was identified primarily through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Connectedpapers.com was used exclusively as a citation chasing tool, performing …

An Advanced Healthcare System With An Automated Vit Model For Dermoscopic Skin Cancer Identification, Ahed Abugabah, Prashant Kumar Shukla, Suchi Mishra, Abhishek Dwivedi

All Works

Early and reliable diagnosis of skin cancer from dermoscopic images remains challenging due to class imbalance, subtle inter-class variations, lesion boundary ambiguity, and illumination inconsistency, which can degrade the robustness of conventional convolutional neural networks (CNNs). To address these limitations, this study proposes an automated smart healthcare framework for dermoscopic skin cancer diagnosis using an Enhanced Vision Transformer (E-ViT) that improves global-context modeling through self-attention while strengthening fine-grained lesion representation learning. Unlike standard ViT configurations, the proposed architecture integrates multi-scale patch embedding and attention refinement to better capture border irregularities and color–texture heterogeneity that are critical for melanoma discrimination. Furthermore, …

Comparative Performance Of Physiological Vital-Sign Forecasting Under Random And Patient-Wise Splitting Using Deep Learning, Lavanya Vasavi Chittem Reddy

Theses and Dissertations

Physiological vital-sign forecasting estimates future measurements based on recent temporal patterns and can support analysis of continuously recorded monitoring data. This study comparatively evaluated deep feedforward, recurrent, bidirectional recurrent, long short-term memory, and bidirectional long short-term memory architectures for one-step-ahead forecasting of peripheral oxygen saturation, heart rate, and pulse rate. Each model received consecutive observations of peripheral oxygen saturation, heart rate, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and age, while separate single-output models predicted the next value of the selected target.

Random and patient-wise data splitting were compared using identical input definitions, preprocessing procedures, model architectures, and training hyperparameters. The strongest architecture …

Community-Based Well Testing And Outreach To Mitigate Human Health Risk From Unsafe Drinking Water, W. Adam Sigler, Katharine Sutphen, Margaret J Eggers, Kaleena Miller, Michelle Grocke-Dewey

Journal of Extension

Twenty-two percent of groundwater wells tested nationwide have one or more contaminants above a health threshold, yet many private well owners are unaware of these risks because they have not tested their water. Researchers piloted a community well testing clinic for education/outreach and surveyed participants about outcomes. Two months later, 75% of participants with high or intermediate health risk water quality results had taken action or intended to, indicating that community private well testing clinics can be effective in mitigating human health risks from contaminated drinking water.

From Anatomy To Safe Action: The A2d And Scope-D Frameworks For Teaching Clinical Reasoning And Referral Communication In Physical Therapist Education, Arvie Vitente, Pamela Taylor, Christopher Dela Rosa, Art Lubinski

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction. Physical therapist learners may accurately recall anatomy yet struggle to translate it into testable hypotheses, recognize discordant findings, select proportionate actions, and communicate uncertainty within scope. Existing frameworks address clinical reasoning or structured communication, but limited guidance connects anatomy-based hypothesis testing directly to patient-centered referral communication when findings do not fit. This theory piece pairs Anatomy-to-Decision (A2D) with SCOPE-D to address that curricular gap.

Methods. Integrative conceptual design drew on literature concerning physical therapist clinical reasoning, illness scripts, cognitive load, dual-process reasoning, hypothesis-oriented patient management, safety screening, and communication of diagnostic uncertainty. These foundations were translated into features intended …

Interrater Reliability Of Software Optimized Movement Assessment With Traditional Methods And Video-Based Functional Movement Screen Scoring And Compensatory Movement Identification, Joshua Paul Verdillo, Nj Ermina, Tanya Mariel Capilla, Russel James Balane, Evriel Prince Apura, Daryl Reymon Apla-On, Ressyl Love Salvador

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction: The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a seven-part movement assessment used to identify injury risks caused by faulty biomechanics. There are three barriers in traditional FMS assessments that could affect the tool’s validity: the subjectivity of human scores that could cause bias, the need for in-person evaluations which limit access for remote patients, and the requirement of specialized training to use the tool, which makes it less accessible. This study investigates the effectiveness of SOMA, an AI-based web application that uses the MediaPipe framework to automatically assess (FMS) performances.

Methods: This study employs a quantitative, cross-sectional, comparative design to …

Benign Jaw Bone Lesions In Athletes Exposed To Craniofacial Trauma: Surgical Treatment And Bone Regeneration Using Biphasic Calcium Sulfate, Damian M. Dudek, Agata Chwarścianek, Izabela Pabin, Łukasz Jaworski, Oliwia Warmusz, Grzegorz Wyrobiec, Ewa Kłodzińska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Benign cystic and tumor lesions of the jaw bones represent relatively frequent pathological conditions encountered in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Although these lesions are often asymptomatic and slow-growing, they may lead to progressive weakening of bone structure. In individuals exposed to repetitive mechanical forces, such as athletes participating in contact sports, the presence of such lesions may significantly increase the risk of pathological fractures of the facial skeleton. The aim of the present study was to present a clinical case series of a benign jaw bone lesion treated surgically using a biphasic calcium sulfate biomaterial and to discuss the potential …

Hidden Patterns: Revealing The Noise Exposure Habits Of College Musicians Throughout The Year, Maya Vallejo

Holster Scholar Projects

College musicians face elevated risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to extensive rehearsal, headphone use, and performance activity, yet most objective sound-exposure studies rely on personal dosimeters that capture only brief windows (1–3 weeks) during the academic year, and overlook headphone-specific exposure. This study leveraged historical Apple Watch and AirPods sound data from participants in the ongoing AMI study (Skoe lab, University of Connecticut) to compare environmental and headphone noise exposure between academic-year and academic-break periods in college-age lifelong, former, and non-musicians. Sound levels (dBA) were calculated using duration-weighted, log-power averaging to account for the logarithmic nature of decibels. …

Early Prediction Of The Breast Cancer Response To Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Based On Intratumoral Interstitial Fluid Pressure Using 3-D Subharmonic-Aided Pressure Estimation, Sung In Choi, Basak Dogan, Corinne E. Wessner, Jessica H. Porembka, Priscilla Machado, B. Bersu Ozcan, Nisha Unni, Maysa Abu-Khalaf, Kenneth Hoyt, Flemming Forsberg, Kibo Nam

Department of Radiology Faculty Papers

Elevated intratumoral interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) may negatively impact the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). This study aimed to predict the breast cancer response to NAC based on intratumoral IFP using 3D contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with subharmonic-aided pressure estimation (SHAPE). This prospective study enrolled breast cancer patients undergoing NAC from two clinical sites. 3D CEUS was performed at 0%, 10%, and 30% of NAC completion using a GE Logiq E9 with Definity. The pressure gradients between the tumor and adjacent normal tissue were estimated by SHAPE, utilizing the inverse linear relationship between the ultrasound contrast agent’s subharmonic signal amplitude and …

Sex-Based Disparities In Artificial Intelligence For Cardiovascular Disease: A Scoping Review, Maurgan Lee, Tarek Atasi, Michael Mclellan, Yodit Beru, Jason Booza

Population, Patient, Physician and Professionalism Projects

No abstract provided.

Enantioselectivity Of The Photochemical Continuous-Flow Isomerization Of Humulones, Gregory M. Giovine, Trevor Smith, Bruce Hamper

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Humulones, the primary natural product present in the historically significant hop flower, represent a largely unexplored candidate for structure-based pharmaceutical design.  Showing promising biological activity as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, humulones are of interest both for their bioactive properties and for their long-established tolerability and natural abundance.  Humulones undergo a characteristic isomerization reaction, where the six-membered substituted phloroglucinol ring contracts to a five-membered ring isohumulone, under a variety of conditions, including those enabled by brewing conditions (thermal, metal-catalyzed) and by exposure to UV light.  Optimization of the photocatalyzed isomerization of n-humulone to n-isohumulone in flow conditions resulted in a …

Covid-19 Vaccination Coverage And Associated Factors In Conflict-Affected Provinces Of The Democratic Republic Of The Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study, Anthony E. Mwakapugi

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Background: This study analysed the coverage and determinant factors for COVID-19 vaccination in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C). These are war-affected provinces that have experienced prolonged armed conflict, potentially limiting vaccine access.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 9,795 people aged at least 15 years old and older fromyears from the 2023–2024 D.R.C Demographic and Health III Survey was conducted. Weighted descriptive statistics, design-adjusted chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression identified determinants of vaccination uptake.

Results: Overall vaccination coverage was 14.1% (95% CI: 11.3% - 17.4%)16.6% (95% CI= 14.2–19.3), with marked …

Modelling Acute Haemorrhagic Conjunctivitis In East Africa: An Integrated Approach To Transmission Dynamics And Outbreak Response Strategies, Geofrey Wingi Sikazwe

Tanzania Journal of Science

Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) poses a significant global health risk, with the potential for rapid spread during outbreaks. For instance, a localized outbreak in Yunnan Province, China, recorded infection rates of up to 48%, illustrating how transmission can intensify under favourable epidemiological and environmental conditions. Existing mathematical models of AHC transmission overlook seasonal variations, a critical factor in epidemic spread. This study combines species distribution models (SDMs) and epidemiological modelling to analyse key drivers of AHC in East Africa. We use the SEIR type (Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered - incorporating waning immunity) framework with temperature-dependent infectivity rate as the key driver of an …

Chacahoula 2026, Volume 93, Pawan Khatri, Alayna Pellegrin

Chacahoula

The 2026 issue of Chacahoula, There's No Place Like Home, emphasizes the way in which our university becomes a home to students.  Featuring prize-winning poetry from Allyson Gee, Nick Fredrick, Amaris Kendall and Anmol Subedi, the book includes December 2025 and May 2026 graduating classes, as well as stunning photography of  campus life on the banks of Bayou Desiard. With features covering students, faculty, and staff, this year's time capsule preserves an academic year in the life of the University of Louisiana at Monroe. This edition includes a video message from President Carrie Castille. Download the PDF to your device …

Development Of An Indirect Elisa Kit For Measurement Of Circulating Thyroid Peroxidase Levels In Patients With Hypothyroidism, Aulanni’Am Aulanni’Am, Devi Ramadani, Almas Dwi Khairana, Saidun Fiddaroini, Muhammad Fikri Nur, Andreas Budi Wijaya, Rulli Rosandi, Dyah Kinasih Wuragil, Wibi Riawan

Makara Journal of Science

Hypothyroidism, characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production, affects approximately 5% of the population, especially women, thus increasing pregnancy-related risks. Conventional screening mainly measures thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4). Detecting the presence of anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies indi-cates autoimmune thyroid disease. This study developed an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for detecting circulating TPO using polyclonal antibodies generated in rabbits. TPO was isolated from positive sera of pa-tients with hypothyroidism, purified by electroelution, and confirmed as a 52-kDa protein by Western blot. Rabbits immunized with this protein produced polyclonal antibodies with the highest titer (OD = 0.334) at …

Levofloxacin-Ketoprofen Multicomponent Salt Development As A Strategy To Improve The Antibiotic Potency And Anti-Inflammatory Performance, Ilma Nugrahani, Nadhira Dzaky Naushafira, Nova Suliska, Marlia Singgih Wibowo, Hana Fauziah

Makara Journal of Science

Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic with higher solubility than those from previous generations, but it is light-sensitive. Antibiotics, including levofloxacin, are generally prescribed in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflamma-tory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat inflammatory infections. Furthermore, NSAIDs have poor water solubility, which can be improved by forming salts or multicomponent systems. This study aimed to develop a multicomponent system from levofloxacin with ketoprofen, an NSAID, and to evaluate its physicochemical characteristics; antibiotic potency; in vivo anti-inflammatory activity; absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME); and in silico toxicity risk. First, a phase diagram was created to predict the interaction type in the …

Network Pharmacology Of A Decaffeinated Green Coffee–Turmeric Combination: Potential Therapeutic Activity Against Hypertension And Diabetes Mellitus, Feri Eko Hermanto, Mohammad Saifur Rohman, Victor Alvianoes Guterez Hose, Mifetika Lukitasari, Dwi Adi Nugroho, Nashi Widodo, Inggita Kusumastuty

Makara Journal of Science

Decaffeinated green coffee and turmeric are recognized for their protective effects against hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Combining them into a functional drink, green coffee and turmeric (GCT), offers potential health benefits for managing these conditions. This study explored the bioactivity of GCT in HTN and DM through network biology, identifying intersecting protein targets and their roles in inflammation and glucose metabolism. Key proteins identified were AKT1, CCL2, CXCL8, IL-1β, and IL18. Molecular docking revealed that GCT compounds, particularly Cafestol, Chlorogenic Acid, Kahweol, Curcumin, and Desmethoxycurcumin, interacted strongly with AKT1 at its allosteric site, potentially inhibiting its activity. However, …

Common Symptoms In Homoeopathy. Are They Really Useless? Results From An Empirical Assessment Of Best Cases Data From A Bayesian Perspective: An Observational Study, José Enrique Eizayaga, Lex L. Rutten

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: In seeking the homoeopathic medicine that best fits their case, homoeopaths traditionally yield greater value to the most peculiar symptoms, while dismissing those they believe to be common, according to the number of medicines found in repertories' rubrics. Objectives: To assess the validity of the following homoeopathic usual practice notions: common symptoms are useless and prescription should rely on peculiar ones. Methods: Empirical data from the Best Chronic Homeopathic Cases (BCHC) and the COVID-19 cases collection databases were analysed by using a Bayesian approach. Symptoms' prevalence and likelihood ratio (LR) were calculated. Results from three very common symptoms in …

Raman Spectroscopy Characterisation Of 5c Potency Of Homoeopathic Drugs Nux Vomica, Thuja Occidentalis And Nitricum Acidum, Alfonso Tramontana, Giuseppe Acri, Lucia Denaro, Massimo Mattozzi, Maria Antonietta D'Avanzo, Barbara Testagrossa

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: The physicochemical characterisation of homoeopathic medicines remains a challenge. Raman spectroscopy is a promising tool for identifying structural modifications in the solvent matrix and specific vibrational ``fingerprints'' induced by the potentisation process. Objective: This study aimed to characterise three remedies (Nux vomica, Thuja occidentalis, and Nitricum acidum - 5C potencies) using Raman spectroscopy to identify specific vibrational markers and evaluate the technique's ability to differentiate between different preparations within a complex matrix. Materials and methods: The drugs were analysed as crushed granules (solid state) and after dissolution in betamethasone disodium phosphate (liquid state). Raman spectroscopy was …

Construction And Application Of Clinical Evidence Framework For Brain-Computer Interface, Wenxiu Qi, Cheng Zhou

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Brain-computer interface systems are emerging neurotechnologies that are gradually moving from laboratory research toward clinical application. However, their inherent features, including small sample sizes, heterogeneous technical pathways, and rapid product iteration, make it difficult to integrate safety and efficacy data across studies or to conduct meaningful cross-study comparisons. These challenges not only hinder the cumulative development of evidence in evidence-based medicine, but also complicate the assessment of clinical access and regulatory review. In addition, subjective evidence, such as patient experience, remains insufficiently captured in existing evaluation frameworks. It is therefore necessary to examine the structure of evidence for brain-computer interface …

Re-Education On Chlorhexidine (Chg) Bathing Protocol Affects Patient Chg Bathing Compliance And Surgical Site Infection (Ssi) Rates, Mary Samantha Ross

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Surgical site infections (SSI) are considered a hospital-acquired infection, leading to increased hospital length of stay (LOS), readmission rates, increased cost, morbidity, mortality rates, and poor postoperative outcomes. The literature review demonstrated the benefits of preoperative Chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing, but called for standardized protocols, improved education, and patient compliance. Research and clinical experience supported the need for improved patient compliance with CHG bathing. Consistent SSI rates even after protocol changes called for re-education of nursing staff in addition to addressing patient compliance issues. Therefore, providing re-education on the updated protocol, which addresses patient compliance issues, can lead to a reduction …

Degree Assortativity And Estimation Of Degree Distribution In A Contact Network Of People Who Inject Drugs, Peter Geissert

Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation analyzes data from a respondent driven sampling (RDS) study of people who inject drugs in Portland, OR.  The objective was to assess assumptions for the use of weighted estimators to estimate a population physical contact (syringe sharing) network degree distribution.

Visualization of degree distribution for social and physical networks, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests of difference, and kernel tests of equivalence were used for comparison of distributions. Spearman's rho and GAM non-parametric regression models were used to test for association and assess non-monotonic relationship. The validity of Markov chain assumptions for RDS was assessed using a transition matrix, Markov chain graphs, …

Uae Audiences' Reliance On Social Media As A Source Of Information On Complementary And Alternative Medicine: A Study Of Al Ain City Residents Based On Media System Dependency Theory, Abdul Rahman Al-Toum, Mohammed Al-Kaabi, Najoud Al-Mansouri, Ahmed Bin Ishaq, Amer Khaled Ahmad, Maram Manajrah

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study examined the extent to which UAE audiences rely on social media as a source of information on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the resulting effects of this reliance. Grounded in Media System Dependency Theory, the study employed an audience survey using a questionnaire administered to a sample of (132) Emirati citizens in Al Ain. The findings revealed that the combined medium and high reliance reached (53%). Regarding the effects, cognitive effects recorded the highest arithmetic means, followed by affective and behavioral effects at comparable levels. Hypothesis testing showed no statistically significant differences in the degree of reliance …

Analysis Of The Influence Of Anthropometric Dimensions Of Postural Ergonomics Using Multiple Linear Regression, Gashbeen Faisal Najmaddin, Edrees Muhammed Tahir Harki

Al-Bahir

Ergonomics is the study of designing and arranging a workspace or product to optimize the “fit” between people and their work, ensuring safety, comfort, and efficiency. The scientific literature indicates that ergonomic perspectives on the workplace are connected to the anthropometrics of societies. This study primarily aims to create a model that integrates multiple predictive variables to estimate the target variable. Multiple linear regression analysis is used to identify how different anthropometric dimensions predict postural ergonomics during prolonged sitting. Based on the regression models’ results, the predicted can be calculated using user anthropometry and existing chair dimensions. Furthermore, the primary …

Developing A Deep Learning-Based Artificial Intelligence System For Detecting Scientific Misinformation On Digital Platforms, Shorouq Al-Awawdeh, Ayah Al- Jafari

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

Objectives: This study develops and evaluates an Arabic scientific misinformation detection system by fine-tuning AraBERT-base-v2. It examines the effects of early stopping and input sequence length on model performance, interprets selected linguistic characteristics associated with misleading content, and discusses the limitations of using machine-translated data.

Methodology: The study adopted a mixed-methods design, employing a systematic integration of quantitative and qualitative approaches, supported by an interpretive qualitative reading. The initial database consisted of 23,546 records, including 123 Arabic articles collected from the Akeed, Sheek, and Taqeen platforms, and 23,423 foreign-language records drawn from the GossipCop and PolitiFact collections within FakeNewsNet. After …

When Children Cook: Food Experiences As Inquiry, Identity, And Learning, Marian S. Castillo, Carrie L. Ota

Spark! Innovations in Early Childhood Education: A Research-to-Practice Journal for Educators

This article explores the transformative potential of integrating cooking experiences into early childhood classrooms, arguing that food preparation offers much more than a simple activity. By drawing on classroom narratives such as shared meal preparation and spontaneous scientific inquiry this piece illustrates how cooking serves as a catalyst for wonder, problem-solving, and collaboration. It highlights how food-based activities naturally bridge home and school environments, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural identity among young learners. Grounded in developmentally appropriate practice, this article examines the teacher’s role in facilitating these experiences, emphasizing the importance of responsive planning, observation, and valuing the …

From Dissertation To Deployment: A Unified Software Platform Operationalizing Clinical-Prediction And Sequential-Security Ai For Healthcare, Olsi Shehu, Damiana Teliti, Jasmin Kevrić, Bekir Karlik

Communications of the IIMA

Advances in machine learning for healthcare are abundant, yet most validated models remain confined to research notebooks and never reach secure, usable clinical software. This paper addresses that deployment gap by presenting a unified, security-hardened software platform that operationalizes two complementary streams of doctoral research inside a single, role-based hospital information system. The first stream contributes a clinical-prediction capability: an ultra-hybrid ensemble that couples a quantum-inspired feature transformation, particle-swarm feature selection, and calibrated soft voting for cancer-outcome prediction (96.41% accuracy, AUC-ROC 0.983 on TCGA-BRCA), survival stratification, multi-cancer generalization, and pharmacogenomic drug-response classification (89.31% mean accuracy across 25 compounds). The second …