Digital Commons Network^™

The Radiation Oncology Department : Design Guidelines, Implementation Challenges, And Lessons Learned In Thai Public Hospitals, Kullathida Sangnin, Traiwat Viryasiri, Vikrom Laovisutthichai, Noramon Panjapiyakul, Sasipa Onthong

NAKHARA (Journal of Environmental Design and Planning)

The radiation oncology department (ROD) is a specialized healthcare unit utilizing advanced radiation technologies to deliver precise cancer treatment, which demand complex coordination of space, safety, and multidisciplinary workflows. Although several ROD design guidelines exist, they are tailored to developed economies, remain piecemeal, and lack comprehensive feedback from practitioners in other socio-cultural conditions regarding their implementation process, difficulties, and outcomes. This research thus (1) synthesizes ROD design guidelines, (2) investigates the implementation challenges, and (3) collects insights and experiences from healthcare professionals involved in ROD operations. A mixed-method approach is employed, incorporating literature review, construction drawing analysis, site visits, and …

Emotion Inferences: An Integrative And Dynamic Process, Srishti Goel

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Dissertations

Our understanding of what others around us feel, a process referred to as emotion inference, fundamentally shapes our behavior and social interactions. Early work largely focused on how people infer emotions from isolated, static, canonical facial expressions. Accumulating evidence and theoretical advancements suggest that emotion inference, instead, is a complex process that involves making meaning about a target’s experience by dynamically synthesizing information from multiple sources with existing knowledge. Yet, a comprehensive empirical account that captures this complexity is largely missing from the literature. In this dissertation, I propose and systematically test a research framework that addresses this complexity of …

Canine-Assisted Spiritual Care Handbook: Integrating Facility Dogs Into Professional Chaplaincy Practice, Ann M. Snowberger

Doctor of Ministry

This project's researcher finds that Spiritual Care Facility Dog Teams (dog handlers and their dogs) lack resources and practical guides to advance Canine-Assisted Spiritual Care (CA-SC) in healthcare and facility settings. The Canine-Assisted Spiritual Care Handbook offers a comprehensive guide for establishing and sustaining CA-SC programs. It promotes standardized terminology, ethical practices, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By featuring practical tools, case studies, and training plans, the handbook supports the professional development of chaplains. Its holistic framework enhances spiritual, emotional, and physical wellness, while emphasizing the well-being of both handlers and their working dogs. The handbook’s focus on program sustainability and real-world …

Elder As Disciplemaker: God’S Strategy For World Change, Dan Turis

Doctor of Ministry

This research examines Christian discipleship’s theological, historical, and structural dynamics, emphasizing its central role in addressing the decline of church attendance in the Western church. Recent data, such as Barna’s 2020 report indicating a 50% drop in regular church attendance, underscores a more profound issue beyond numerical decline—namely, a crisis of commitment and spiritual formation. The church’s inability to cultivate a community of believers who follow Jesus as disciples highlights a shift from relational, life-on-life mentorship to programmatic, clergy-centered approaches. Historically, discipleship was characterized by a personal mentoring relationship where elders or spiritual leaders walked alongside believers to guide their …

A Mathematical Modeling Approach To Investigate The Impacts Of Post-Infection Mortality And Partial Immunity On Disease Endemicity, Brendan M. Shrader

Honors Undergraduate Theses

A number of infectious diseases cause post-infection conditions or complications, such as COVID- 19, Q fever, and Polio. These conditions result in recovered individuals having a higher mortality rate than susceptibles, and this can impact disease dynamics. An existing mass-action model in the literature that incorporated post-infection mortality was shown to have limit cycles, or persistent oscillations, in the infected population. To better understand what causes these limit cycles, we develop and analyze a new epidemiological model with standard incidence. We show standard results, including the existence, uniqueness, and stability of the disease-free and endemic equilibria, and we rule out …

Emotion Processing In Adolescents With Epilepsy And Healthy Controls Using Multi-Modal Neuroimaging, Frances Kathryn E. King

Bioengineering Dissertations - Archive

Epilepsy is increasingly recognized as a disorder not only of seizures but also of widespread network dysfunction, impacting cognitive and emotional processing. One critical cognitive process affected in epilepsy is emotional conflict processing, which relies on the interplay of multiple brain networks. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of emotional conflict processing in epilepsy, particularly in adolescents, have remained poorly understood. This dissertation investigated the neural mechanisms underlying emotional conflict processing in typically developing adolescents and adolescents with epilepsy using magnetoencephalography (MEG). The first study elucidated the spatiotemporal profile of emotional conflict processing in 24 typically developing adolescents using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Cluster-based …

Neurovascular Coupling Impairments In Acute Traumatic Brain Injury: An Eeg-Nirs Analysis, Zachary Armstrong

Bioengineering Theses - Archive

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of neurological impairment, often leading to variable recovery and uncertain prognosis in the neurocritical care setting. There is a pressing clinical need for robust, physiologically grounded biomarkers to inform prognosis and therapeutic decision-making in acute TBI. This thesis investigates neurovascular coupling (NVC), the physiological coordination between neuronal activity and cerebral blood flow, as a candidate biomarker for brain function and recovery after injury.

A prospective cohort study was performed using simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) recordings in patients with moderate-to-severe TBI and healthy controls. Wavelet transform coherence (WTC) analysis was …

Sexual And Reproductive Health Access Among Racial/Ethnic Minority College Students, Srithanvi Pasunuri

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is critical for individual well-being, yet significant disparities in access persist among racial and ethnic minority college students in the United States. These inequities, driven by systemic barriers such as financial constraints, cultural stigmas, and inadequate campus resources, contribute to higher rates of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and poor health outcomes within these populations. This systematic review aims to identify and synthesize existing literature on the barriers to SRH access for racial and ethnic minority college students, explore how cultural, social, and institutional factors influence service utilization, and assess interventions proven effective in …

Factors Involved On The Attribution Of Consciousness To Generative Artificial Intelligence And Its Impact On Trust, Sophia Fernanda Sakakibara Olgini Capello

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study investigates the cognitive factors influencing the perception of mind in generative artificial intelligence systems, focusing on the role of prior experiences with them, theory of mind (ToM), and the tendency to anthropomorphize. The research examined how these factors predict perceived consciousness in ChatGPT and impact users' trust in this system, specifically exploring: (1) how ToM and anthropomorphism contribute to AI consciousness perception, (2) how prior AI experiences influence consciousness attribution, (3) the relationship between consciousness attribution and trust in AI, and (4) how perceptions of AI consciousness relate to mind perception in other entities. Undergraduates (N= 220) completed …

Reentry Realities: Examining The Role Of Aftercare Programs In Supporting Justice-Involved Youth, Lynda Girven

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The current study examined if aftercare and reentry programs helped to reduce recidivism among youth who have been involved in the juvenile system, and specifically, youth released from residential placement facilities. Different components of aftercare programs were also examined, such as the inclusion of mentoring or family support, how many services were offered, and if the program followed the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model. Through completing a systematic review of studies published since 2008, five studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All five studies found that the youth who received services through aftercare programs were less likely to reoffend than youth …

Examining The Impact Of Resilience And Sense Of Community On Mental Health And Academic Performance, Samara B. Coleman

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Within the United States, a third of college-aged young adults are diagnosed with at least one psychological disorder. Resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, has been shown to help mitigate the adverse effects of burnout and stress, and support academic performance in some cases. Additionally, a sense of community has also been shown to be crucial in buffering the negative consequences of adversity. The following research questions guide this study: 1) How significant a role does the community play in resilience and mental health? 2) How does resiliency relate to the academic performance of students experiencing varying levels …

The Evolution Of Surveillance And The Decline Of Privacy, Alan J. Geyer

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study directly examines how surveillance law and technology have evolved in the United States and how privacy rights have declined correspondingly. The study specifically focuses on how advancements in surveillance technology have overstepped the boundaries of Fourth Amendment protections and analyzes whether these provisions are adequate for protecting citizens in the modern technological era. The study explores newly employed methods of technological surveillance, such as facial recognition, data collection, and automated license plate readers. It focuses on how government surveillance programs have reshaped legal and ethical understandings of privacy. The changes in surveillance and technology have been analyzed by …

The Association Between Pain Sensitivity And Low Energy Availability, Sleep, Mental Health, And Stress In Female Endurance Athletes, Taylor R. Moler

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The disruption of certain physiological functions due to low energy availability (LEA) in female endurance athletes is a prominent concern. This condition resulting from LEA has been described as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), which can include alterations in metabolism, menstrual function, bone deposition and resorption, mental well-being, and more. The goal of this study was to determine whether pain sensitivity was associated with LEA, sleep, mental health, and stress in female endurance athletes. Participants completed a demographic survey, the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4), and …

Navigating The Intersections: Immigration, Diversity Of The Workforce, Precarious Work, And Vulnerabilities In Occupational Safety And Health, Daniel Côté, Jessica Dubé

Éditoriaux, lettres à l'éditeur

Dans un contexte de mondialisation croissante, la migration est une réalité incontournable qui expose les travailleurs migrants et autochtones à des conditions précaires et à des vulnérabilités accrues en matière de santé et sécurité du travail (SST). Les formes d’emploi précaires – contrats temporaires, travail à temps partiel ou informel – touchent de manière disproportionnée ces travailleurs, limitant leur accès aux droits et protections. Les travailleurs autochtones, particulièrement en milieu rural et dans des secteurs à risque, font face à des défis similaires en raison de marginalisations historiques et structurelles.

Ce texte présente les cinq articles de la section spéciale …

Humboldt Redwoods State Park: The Complete Guide — Reissue With New Introduction, Jerry Rohde, Gisela Rohde, Larry Eifert

Archives & Reprint Series (imprint)

Humboldt Redwoods State Park protects the largest redwood groves on Earth. Within this majestic preserve, visitors can easily encounter the beauty of the natural world. Jerry and Gisela Rohde have explored the entire 51,000-acre Park, creating a guide to its terrain, inhabitants, and history that is both comprehensive and entertaining. Hiking, mountain biking, auto-touring, and camping all receive complete coverage. Spiced with anecdotes and over 70 “Plant Profiles” the entire narrative is elegantly illustrated by noted local artist Larry Eifert. From finding the perfect picnic spot along the Avenue of the Giants to planning an extended back country bike trip, …

Redwood National & State Parks Tales, Trails, & Auto Tours, Jerry Rohde, Gisela Rohde, Larry Eifert

Archives & Reprint Series (imprint)

California’s far North Coast and its four redwood parks come alive in this wide-ranging, profusely illustrated guidebook. TALES: from shipwrecks to logging camps to expired elephants, 50 amusing and informative historical accounts describe the region’s most fascinating people, places, and events. TRAILS: “25 favorite hikes” take you through ancient redwood forests, across flower-filled prairies, and along seldom seen sections of the coast. AUTO TOURS: a dozen intriguing drives explore the parks’ highways and byways. PLUS: more than 150 maps and drawings by renowned redwood artist Larry Eifert, extensive lists of plants and wildlife, and an easy-to-use “Quick Guide” that puts …

Remixing An Open Psychology Text, Cynthia Calkins

Open Educational Resources

This assignment, created for a workshop on remixing OER, asks students to analyze a passage from an OER textbook on Psychology. The passage can be edited or remixed by instructors and can be further remixed by students in their responses.

Active Learning With Oer: Close Reading Cuny Iee Principles, Sara Meister

Open Educational Resources

This "low-tech" module created by Sara Meister uses principles from active learning, asking students to do close reading in short bursts and interleave their analysis with reflection. This assignment was created for a workshop on OER-Based Active Learning at John Jay College.

Dies Legibiles V

Dies Legibiles

Welcome to the fifth volume of Dies Legibiles!

As always, I was blown away this year by the superb work undergraduate students submitted to this journal, some first forays into medieval studies and others final projects before pursuing a graduate degree in the field. If the submissions to Dies Legibiles are any indication, the next generation of medievalists are thinking deeply about the past, about which histories have been neglected, and about what those histories reveal about the present moment.

Analysis Of Key Lncrna Related To Parkinson’S Disease Based On Gene Co-Expression Weight Networks, Wenwen Liang, Wei Zhao, Binghan Li, Jiaying Luo, Xuemei Li, Weihua Jia

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Objectives: To identify a key Long chain non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) related to PD and provide a new perspective on the role of LncRNAs in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathophysiology. Methods: Our study involved analyzing gene chips from the substantia nigra and white blood cells, both normal and PD-inclusive, in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, utilizing a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The technique of WGCNA facilitated the examination of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the substantia nigra and the white blood cells of individuals with PD. When merged with clinical data, gene modules containing crucial clinical details were …

Do People With Multiple Sclerosis In Saudi Arabia Want To Know Their Prognosis? A Cross-Sectional Nationwide Study, Yaser M. Al Malik, Awad S. Alharbi, Mohammed A. Alfurayh, Abdulaziz A. Aldalaan, Abdulazeez M. Alzailaie, Eid D. Alanazi, Ahmad A. Abulaban, Seraj O. Makkawi, Asma A. Alanazi

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate whether Persons with MS (pwMS) in Saudi Arabia want to discuss their long-term prognosis (LTP) and the factors influencing this decision using a self-administered online questionnaire. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, an online questionnaire was distributed from December 2022 to July 2023 across Saudi Arabia to determine pwMS interest in discussing their LTP. Participants included patients over 18 years, of any gender, diagnosed with MS. A nonprobability convenience sampling technique was used, with questionnaires sent through MS organizations and channels. Results: Almost two-thirds (66–68%) of the 375 respondents reported that their LTP had never been discussed …

Ranking The Difficulty Of The Cognitive Tasks In Dual-Tasks During Walking In Healthy Adults, Jaser S. Almutairi, Shady A. Alshewier, Abdulaziz A. Alkathiry

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Objectives: To rank the cognitive tasks commonly used in clinical practices based on their difficulties in healthy adults while walking. Dual tasks have been widely used in clinical settings for different purposes such as detecting early cognitive impairments and identifying fall risk factors among the population of neurological diseases. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from January to March 2021, included a sample of 26 healthy adults who were asked to demonstrate six different cognitive tasks at random while performing a gait speed test. An accelerometer positioned on the lower back at the umbilical level was used to measure participants’ …

Motherhood And Pregnancy Concerns Of Saudi Females With Multiple Sclerosis In Riyadh City: A Quantitative Analysis, Abdullah S. Alshehri, May H. Alqahtani, Hana A. Alzuabi, Waad S. Alshahrani, Halah O. Alamawi, Aseel A. Almandeel, Faisal A. Al-Suwaidan, Ahmed Saleh

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Objectives: To explore the concerns among females in Riyadh city with multiple sclerosis (MS) regarding motherhood and pregnancy outcomes. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected using an online questionnaire. Women who were aged 18–50 years and diagnosed with MS by a neurologist and had a disease duration of at least one year were included. The questionnaire consisted of 7 sections designed to collect information on the respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics; past and current medical history; pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum concerns; physical and psychological concerns about parenthood; and psychological and social support. Results: A total of 176 women were …

Unmasking The Mimic: Leprosy Neuropathy Misdiagnosed As Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: A Case Report From Saudi Arabia, Muteb K. Alotaibi, Bashaier G. Alqahtani, Raniah M. Alqawahmed

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Leprosy neuropathy can mimic chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), especially in non-endemic areas. We report a 72-year-old Saudi woman initially misdiagnosed with CIDP based on nerve conduction studies. The patient presented with widespread pruritus, erythematous cutaneous lesions, and progressive sensorimotor symptoms. Despite treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, her condition worsened. Subsequent sural nerve and skin biopsies revealed acid-fast bacilli, confirming leprosy. This case highlights the importance of considering leprosy in the differential diagnosis of neuropathies, even in regions where it is rare. Nerve ultrasound, a valuable diagnostic tool in differentiating leprosy from CIDP, should be incorporated into the diagnostic workup …

A Narrative Review Of Clinical Practice Guidelines For The Application Of Physical Therapy And Rehabilitation Procedures In The Management Of Multiple Sclerosis, Abdullah I. Alhusayni

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by neuroinflammation and progressive neurodegeneration, leading to significant physical and cognitive impairments. Rehabilitation, particularly physical therapy, has emerged as a crucial component in managing MS-related disability by improving mobility, reducing fatigue, and enhancing overall quality of life. This narrative review investigates current international guidelines on physical therapy and rehabilitation for MS. Literature search in databases (January 2010 until August 2025) resulted in three guidelines that met the inclusion criteria. Evidence suggests that structured aerobic and resistance training programmes, combined with balance and flexibility exercises, contribute significantly to maintaining functional independence. …

An Observational Study On The Clinical Profile, Management Approaches, And Outcomes Of Adult Patients Admitted To The Intensive Care Unit For Status Epilepticus, Hasan M. Al-Dorzi, Eman Balahmar, Razan A. Almulhem, Raghad A. Almutairi, Danah H. Aleesa, Dareen S. Ashgar, Nazish Masud

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Objectives: Status epilepticus (SE) is a serious neurological condition with a high risk of complications and mortality. We described adult patients who required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) for SE and assessed their prognosis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive adult ICU admissions for SE between 2016 and 2021. We performed multivariable logistic regression to determine the predictors of an unfavorable outcome (discharge Glasgow Coma Scale <14 or death). Results: We studied 115 patients (median age 38 years; males 62.6%; prior antiepileptic therapy 59.1%; median presenting Glasgow Coma Scale 7; median Status Epilepticus Severity Score 4). Brain computed tomography revealed acute/sub-acute stroke in 5.2% of cases, intracranial hemorrhage in 2.6%, and brain tumors in 5.2%. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in 41 patients detected bacteria or herpes simplex virus in 4. Intravenous lorazepam was used to abort seizures in 80.0% of patients (median dose 3 mg). Mechanical ventilation was needed for 87 patients for a median of 4 days. Thirty-five patients (30.4%) experienced an unfavorable outcome, and hospital mortality was 5.2%. Infections present on admission were associated with an unfavorable outcome (odds ratio 3.61, 95% confidence interval 1.35-9.63). Conclusion: Most ICU admissions for SE involved young patients with few having abnormalities on brain imaging and cerebrospinal fluid and most needing intubation. Hospital mortality was 5.2% with the presence of an infection on admission linked to an unfavorable outcome.

Quality Of Life, Depression, And Anxiety In Brain Tumor Patients Following Surgical Resection At A Tertiary Care Center, Mohammed H. Bogari, Jalal A. Zahhar, Alwaleed K. Aloufi, Omar H. Algahtani, Yossef A. Zahhar, Hussin M. Kheshaifati, Abdulhadi Y. Algahtani

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Objectives: To address the gap in understanding post-surgical quality of life, depression, and anxiety among brain tumor patients in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A total of 160 adult brain tumor patients who underwent surgical resection between January 2021 and October 2024 were included. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) questionnaire, and anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Among the 160 patients, high-grade gliomas were the most common …

Editorial Message

Neurosciences

No abstract provided.

Risk Factors, Clinical Characteristics, And Outcomes Of Perinatal Stroke In A Tertiary University Hospital, Shaden S. Alfayez, Muddathir H. Hamad, Amal Y. Kentab, Ahmad A. Alanezi, Daniah M. Kurdi, Hanady A. Almuhideb, Fahad A. Bashiri

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate the risk factors, clinical characteristics, and neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with perinatal stroke, as well as to assess the risk of epilepsy, seizure control, and cognitive function in children with perinatal stroke. Methods: Data from 32 patients diagnosed with perinatal stroke between October 2007 and October 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Of 32 patients, 27 were born after normal pregnancies, and 20 (62.5%) had consanguineous parents. Family histories of stroke, haematological disease, and epilepsy were noted in 3.13%, 3.13%, and 21.88%, respectively. Initial symptoms included hemiparesis (56.25%), seizures (37.5%), respiratory distress (3.13%), and tiptoe walking (3.13%). Epilepsy …

Beyond Seizures: The Hidden Burden Of Fatigue In Epilepsy, Alia Mr. Fallatah, Malak R. Albadrani, Sarah A. Alsalman, Weam K. Almasuad, Abdulrahim M. Hamhom, Sumayah M. Almarshedy, Faisal A. Alsallom, Fawzya A. Bamogaddam, Majed H. Alhameed, Mubarak M. Aldosari

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Objectives: To determine the prevalence of fatigue and depression in patients with epilepsy (PWE), explore their relationship, and identify the factors associated with fatigue in this population. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study involved adult PWE at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from April to July 2023. The Arabic version of the Fatigue Severity Scale questionnaire was used to estimate the presence and severity of fatigue. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used for screening depression. The demographic and clinical data of the patients were analyzed. Results: In total, 259 PWE were enrolled. Of these, 66.8% had focal epilepsy …