Digital Commons Network^™

Dc's Kitchen: A Comprehensive Business Plan, Mark A. Chesson Ii

Honors Program Theses and Research Projects

This business plan explores the creation of DC’s Kitchen, a Cajun-cuisine inspired restaurant aiming to provide customers with an experience that combines the Cajun heritage with modern entrepreneurial strategies. DC’s Kitchen is more than just a restaurant; it is a unique place that tells the story of how the Cajun people came to be, and the foods and traditional dishes that underline the significant cultural impacts it has had in the United States. This business aims to merge all of these factors into one, while competing with the highly touted competitive “foodie” market in San Antonio, Texas.

This combines a …

Language Of The Law: Understanding The Impact Of Code-Switching Within Legal Fields Through Legal Blog Analyses, Kira A. Johnson

Honors Program Theses and Research Projects

Code-Switching is a linguistic phenomenon that can occur between different languages, cultures, or dialects. This study focuses on code-switching within the legal field, specifically through an analysis of legal blog websites. Through searching the terms, “code-switching” and “foreign language”, this study will compare legal blog websites in their coverage of the phenomenon. The various websites’ definitions of code-switching, how the topic is written with context, and what implications are suggested in the writing will be considered when crafting a comparative analysis. Individuals who communicate using different languages or dialects depending on situations and interactions are important to understand within the …

Microplastic Exposure Alters Tubulin Leading To Alterations In Insulin Secretion By Pancreatic Beta Cells, Anakaren Garcia

Honors Program Theses and Research Projects

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to impaired insulin secretion or diminished cellular response to insulin (resistance). Pancreatic β-cells depend on a well-organized cytoskeleton, particularly microtubules composed of α- and β-tubulin heterodimers, to transport insulin granules to the plasma membrane during glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Disruption of microtubule organization can impair granule trafficking and reduce insulin release. However, emerging environmental toxicants such as microplastics that interfere with β-cell cytoskeletal function remains largely unexplored.

Microplastics (MPs) are small plastic particles (< 5 mm) that have become widespread environmental contaminants and can enter biological systems. Previous studies have shown that MPs can induce cellular stress and protein misfolding, but their effects on microtubules in pancreatic β-cells are not well characterized. This study investigates whether exposure to fluorescent polystyrene microplastics alters microtubule organization and insulin secretion in βTC-6 cells.

βTC-6 cells were treated with 10 µg/mL of fluorescent polystyrene microplastics for …

Cognitive Behaviorl Therapy As Primary Treatment For Adult Adhd: A Scoping Review, Lundin Race Krejci

Honors Capstone Projects and Theses

No abstract provided.

Ian Colburn, Ian Colburn, Katie Slack

Oral Histories of Farming along the Middle Rio Grande

No abstract provided.

Trading Posts And "Old Pawn": Diné Navajo Trade And The Native Art Industry, Dustin Roberto

Native American Studies Student Publications

"Old pawn" is widely used to describe antique Native American jewelry and goods once pawned for credit at trading posts in the Four Corners region. This article traces how the trading post pawn system influenced Diné Navajo economic life from 1868 through the 1970s, when federal regulators documented exploitative practices such as inflated interest, withheld mail, and items sold without notice. Weavers and individuals pawning jewelry typically received store credit or overvalued commodities instead of cash, a result of the power dynamics of the setting. Today, "old pawn" functions as a marketing label for vintage goods, often without documentation. The …

The Experience Of Social Isolation In Older Adults Moving To Assisted Living Facilities, Soniya Ottayil, Bryn Benzing, Alyssa Gonzalez, Adalynn Harper, Ariel Farrar, Riley Gaskill, Becca Haller, Terry Kessler, Constance Sheets, Lynette Rayman, Eugene Airhiagbonkpa, Giselle Nava Contreras, Ellie Schuck, Rachel Fischer, Theresa A. Kessler

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Background: Social isolation of the older adult has become a global issue. Social isolation describes the objective state of being lonely, whereas loneliness is a subjective feeling based on relationships (Rohr et al., 2022). In a meta-analysis, 33% of an elderly population experienced social isolation (Ran et al., 2024). Based on the framework of loneliness, social isolation, and associated health outcomes (Barnes et al., 2020), the purpose of this study was to describe experiences of social isolation, loneliness, and strategies that decreased these experiences in older adults following a move to assisted living.

Methods: Using qualitative and quantitative approaches, residents …

Self-Efficacy And Knowledge Of Uindy Pre-Licensure Nursing Students Caring For The Lgbtq+ Population, Alyssa Blue, Sarah Holmes

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Research has shown that LGBTQ+ identifying people face not only socio-political discrimination but also disproportionate healthcare disparities. Additionally, studies have found that LGBTQ+ identifying patients are burdened with the responsibility of educating healthcare providers about their identities. Multiple studies have shown that nursing students are underprepared by their academic programs to care for people who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. The resulting lack of knowledge and self-efficacy that nursing students experience may affect their care of LGBTQ+ patients and contribute to health disparities. The purpose of this project is to explore University of Indianapolis nursing students’ self-efficacy and …

Maternal Mortality 2025 Report To The Tennessee General Assembly, Tennessee. Department Of Health.

Tennessee Maternal Mortality

No abstract provided.

High School Science Experience For Students With Cognitive Disabilities: A Pilot Study, Cassandra Wychers

Honors Theses

Although education has become more adaptive, inclusive of all students who learn differently including for people with cognitive disabilities, closer examination may reveal that high school science classrooms are still challenging learning spaces. Science is an important part of the school curriculum as it teaches students about engaging in the world around them while also encouraging skills involving evidence, inquiries, and critical thinking. All students are entitled to learn science in their classrooms even if they have a cognitive disability (Apanasionok, et al. 2019). Although there are many complexities to defining disability in the world and in education, this study …

Actionable Insights From The Liahona 2, Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Spiritual Proficiency

The original data exceeded 350 pages of Japanese text, resulting in a total of 37 different summarized principle/action plan sets. What is fascinating is that, while a certain amount of conceptual overlap is expected, intriguing new perspectives constantly emerge. Therefore, I highly recommend reviewing all 37 sets repeatedly (only a portion of which is included in this document). You will find countless hints for spiritual growth hidden throughout, often leading to significant breakthroughs.

This 63-page article is filled with treasures. Towards the end, you will also find shorter supplementary articles on techniques such as how to "zoom out" (gain an …

From Liahona To Talk: An Inspired Method 2, Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Spiritual Proficiency

In my previous series, Actionable Insights from the Liahona, I introduced many principles that felt like tightly cut jewels. This time, I'm changing the tempo and delivering those same principles set to a heart-stirring melody. I've set aside the rigid outlining and repackaged the principles with relatable stories and humorous metaphors that I hope will make you chuckle and think, "Oh, I know that feeling!" My wish is that this new approach helps these vital principles to gently drop anchor deep within your heart.

Staff Education To Peri Operative Registered Nurses, Shahida P. Meghani

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project implemented a staff education initiative to enhance perioperative nursing adherence to evidence-based practices for preventing surgical site infections (SSIs). SSIs remain among the most prevalent healthcare-associated infections, affecting 2%–5% of surgical patients and contributing to extended hospital stays, higher costs, and preventable morbidity. The practice-focused question guiding this project was: In adult surgical patients, how does the implementation of a perioperative nursing education program on SSI prevention, compared to standard practice, affect SSI incidence rates over a 2- to 4-month period? The project applied the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice (JHNEBP) model to …

Expressing Diversity And Anxiety Among Graduate Psychology Students, Paola G. Garcia Betancourt

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This quantitative study examined the relationship between motivational factors that contribute to challenges in expressing diversity and the levels of anxiety experienced by graduate psychology students when discussing racial topics. The study was grounded in critical race theory, which posits that racism is embedded within social and institutional systems and influences interpersonal and educational dynamics. The purpose of the study was to determine whether motivational factors, as measured by the Color-Blind Racial Attitudes Scale, predicted anxiety levels, as measured by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Emotional Distress Anxiety Short Form, and whether racial background moderated this relationship. Data were …

White Nose Syndrome In Bats And Infant Mortality In Georgia, Rhys Medcalfe, Sean Medcalfe, Simon Medcalfe

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: White nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease in bats caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans that can result in bat mortality rates of over 90%. WNS was discovered in Georgia in 2012 in 3 counties but has continued to spread to 14 counties as of 2023, with P. destructans detected in a further seven. Biodiversity loss has been linked to human health outcomes including infant mortality. Understanding the link between WNS, biodiversity loss, and infant mortality in Georgia is important because Georgia ranks 42^nd out of the 50 states for infant mortality rate.

Methods: Using panel data from …

Covid-19 Vaccine Acceptance Among People Who Smoke In Rural Southwest Georgia: Perspectives And Influencing Factors, Shadé Owolabi, Helen Singer, Katherine Reilly, Łucja T. Bundy Ma-Edm, J.K. Veluswamy, Carla Berg, Regine Haardörfer, James Hotz, Ajay Gehlot, Michelle Kegler

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The COVID-19 vaccine is a critical tool in reducing COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy is an ongoing public health challenge, especially in certain geographic areas and sub-populations. This study assessed factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy among individuals who smoke in rural communities in southwest Georgia, one of the first COVID-19 “hot spots” in the U.S.

Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews (n=23) using a semi-structured interview guide, informed by the Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM), that assessed vaccine-related behavior, intention to be vaccinated, perceived risk, social norms, attitudes, and environmental barriers and facilitators …

Community Water Fluoridation And Oral Health: Proposal & Systematic Review, Kristina Lauranzano

Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) Theses

Fluoridation of community drinking water systems has been a staple of preventative dental care in the United States since the mid 20^th century. In recent years, there has been increased public discourse pertaining to the safety and efficacy of Community Water Fluoridation (CWF). The aim of the proposed study is to identify if there is an association between the CWF status (never fluoridated, currently fluoridated, or formerly fluoridated) and oral health status of a community in New England. This study will be a retrospective cross-sectional study design using NHANES Oral Health Status Survey data from the 2007-2008 and 2017-2018 …

Mapping Neighborhood Socioeconomics Across The Cellular Therapy Continuum: A Scoping Review, Danica Jhoelle Dorlette, Olivia Mead, Lawrence Bossong, Sanghee Hong, Jingjing Shang, Arlene Smaldone

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Background: Despite advancements in cellular therapy, disparities in access and outcomes persist, influenced by race, income, and insurance status. Neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES)—encompassing factors like area-level income, healthcare access, and collective social resources—may further exacerbate these inequities. However, its influence across the full trajectory of care remains unclear.

Objective: This scoping review synthesizes literature on nSES and its impact on referral, treatment receipt, long-term follow-up care, and survival among patients undergoing cellular therapy.

Study Design: Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, PRISMA-ScR standards, and an a priori protocol, five databases were searched in July 2024. U.S.-based studies linking nSES with cell …

Can Schools Sustain The Rising Cost Of Retiree Health Care?, Robert Bifulco, Iuliia Shybalkina

Center for Policy Research

Many New York State school districts spend significant amounts each year for retiree health care benefits, and these payments are expected to grow over the coming decades. This brief summarizes findings from a study examining approximately 300 New York State school districts. Unlike retiree pension plans, which are typically prefunded, retiree health care benefits are funded on a pay-as-you-go basis, meaning that benefits for past employees who are currently retired are paid using current district revenues. In the average school district, pay-as-you-go spending currently amounts to 4.5 percent of district revenues. Assuming current benefit and funding policies remain, spending is …

The Elements Necessary For A Successful Startup, Ciaran Mcgurran

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

This paper seeks to uncover what really goes into a startup company to get it off the ground, keep it afloat and growing, and mitigate competition through a case study focus on a software-aided investment-strategy building company. Through an interview of the founder and CEO of the case company as well as first-hand experience working in the company, this paper will seek to gain an understanding of the necessary elements and planning that must go into a startup company for it to have success. Additional online texts also provide supplementary general information on startups and how the planning process is …

Sonrisas Por Millas/Smiles For Miles, Kristi K. Westphaln, Carol Lynn Cunningham

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Hispanic/Latine children experience greater oral disease burden than other groups of US children. Attendees at the session will learn about the Sonrisas por Millas/Smiles for Miles program, within which UCLA School of Nursing faculty and nurse practitioner students will partner with the Refugee Children's Center (RCC) to provide and evaluate a novel community-based intervention to promote oral health for refugee children and their families.

When Knowing Isn’T Enough: Advancing Clinical Judgment In Nursing Education, Rachael Frija

Biennial Convention (CONV)

This session explores how academic programs can strengthen clinical judgment through competency-based assessment and AI-enabled learning tools. Using data from new graduate clinical judgment assessments, participants will discover how HealthStream’s Competency Suite Student Edition supports earlier identification of judgment gaps, personalized development, and smoother transitions from the classroom to practice.

Financial Barriers Of Emu Nursing Students, Deanna Gower, Melissa Kachaturoff, Meriam Caboral-Stevens

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Student loan debt for undergraduate BSN and Master’s prepared nursing students is growing. Many nursing students take out student loans to pay for their educational expenses. While some students apply for and obtain scholarships and grants, Eastern Michigan University (EMU) School of Nursing (SON) has had scholarships go unutilized during the annual scholarship cycle. Nursing student loan repayment can be a financial burden for nurses and their families. The purpose of the survey was to examine what financial barriers nursing students experience while enrolled at EMU SON. This study was performed utilizing a survey via google forms and data was …

Provider Perspectives Of Produce Prescription Programs In A Rural Community: Evaluating Barriers, Heather Joy Ward, Sarah Giaquinta, Susan Storey

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Poor diet is the leading identifiable cause of poor health.¹ Diets high in produce are recommended to improve chronic diseases.² Food insecurity, the inability to access sufficient food to meet basic needs,³ has higher rates among rural households.⁴ Produce Prescription Programs (PPP) successfully pair access to fruits/vegetables with education by a dietician⁶ for people with chronic disease. Health care providers (HCPs) are well-suited to screen for food insecurity and refer patients to PPPs. However, day-to-day practice demands make this challenging .^7,8 This project examined HCPs perceptions of and barriers to referring patients to PPPs. …

Exploring The Concept Of Nurse Savvy And Its Role In Clinical Judgement: A Hybrid Concept Analysis, Lynae M. Phillips Mitchell, Deanna L. Reising

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Introduction: The skills nurses bring to clinical situations have a much greater impact on clinical judgement than information gathered at the scene (7). How nurses make decisions is a complex process, often eclipsed by competing influences rooted in personal, organizational, and patient related factors (1,2,4). The purpose of this study was to establish a conceptual definition of nurse savvy to explain why some nurses exhibit this superior clinical judgement.

Design: Reynold’s (5) hybrid concept analysis model was chosen because it offers both an inductive and deductive approach, lending itself to the identification of those aspects essential to the concept while …

Minority Stress In Nursing, Allma Swier

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Problem. The physiological and psychological stress caused by adverse social conditions affecting minority groups impacts their ability to function in academia, the workplace, and other areas of life.

Purpose. This literature review examines the impact of minority stress on nurses' and nursing students' perceptions of their environment and overall satisfaction with the profession.

Search Strategy. Articles for this literature review were found using electronic databases CINAHL and PubMed.

Results. Twenty-two articles were selected for analysis. All articles were appraised using Joanna Briggs Institute tools to ensure validity.

Synthesis of Evidence. Nurses and nursing students belonging to a minority group report …

Does The Green Bandana Project Improve Student Access To Behavioral And Mental Health Resources?, Taylor Anthony

Biennial Convention (CONV)

The Green Bandana Project raises mental health awareness, reduces stigma, and connects students to mental health and suicide prevention resources. The GBP promotes the importance of mental health support and suicide awareness across collage campuses. The analyzation of self, faculty and staff referrals, can inspire other college campuses to introduce GBP into their community, destigmatizing discussions about suicide and mental health support for undergraduate students.

Designing A Qi Initiative: Preoperative Bathing In The Ed For Adult Hip Fracture Patients, Mihyun Jang, Susan Maynard, Sheri Matter, Andrea Sillner

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Surgical site infections (SSIs) following hip fracture surgeries in adults are severe complications that increase morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Preoperative bathing, particularly with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), reduces the risk of surgical site infection after hip fracture surgery by decontaminating skin flora, such as Staphylococcus aureus. Compliance with preoperative bathing protocols remains low, especially among adult patients admitted through emergency departments. To address the gap in preoperative bathing compliance, a quality improvement initiative will implement a preoperative bathing protocol using CHG wipes in the emergency department for adult hip fracture patients. Currently, there is a lack of evidence regarding the …

Stakeholders' Perceptions Regarding The Incorporation Of Ubuntu Values In Pregnancy Interventions, Sinethemba Nyandeni, Fhumulani Mulaudzi, Nombulelo Sepeng

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Background: Current interventions for preventing teenage pregnancy in South Africa lack multi-stakeholder involvement and Ubuntu values. As a result, these limitations create barriers to their acceptability and implementation by teenagers and stakeholders, evidenced by recorded 67,389 deliveries among girls aged 15 to 19 years and 1,424 deliveries among girls aged 10 to 14 years in Gauteng province (Khanyile, 2025).

Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe stakeholders’ perceptions regarding incorporating Ubuntu values in interventions to prevent teenage pregnancy. The study findings will further propose how the Ubuntu values might be incorporated into the interventions.

Methods: This study followed the …

An Integrative Review Of Perceptions Of Mpox Within The Men Who Have Sex With Men Community, Lauren Longacre, Marcia Y. Shade, Elizabeth L. Beam

Biennial Convention (CONV)

As mpox (monkeypox) cases decline worldwide, ongoing global inequities in transmission rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) persist. These inequities are influenced by perception and misinformation, however, research on perceptions of mpox in relation to MSM remains underdeveloped.

The purpose of this integrative review is to synthesize the evidence on perceptions of mpox as it relates to the MSM community.

A database search within CINAHL, APAPsycInfo and MEDLINE was conducted between January, 2022 and June, 2023. Mesh terms included "stigma", “bias”, “perception”, “social”, “attitude” and “monkeypox". Articles were screened to include the interaction between perceptions, MSM, and …