Digital Commons Network^™

Technology, Education, Access, Communities And Healthcare: Teach Toward A Healthy Rural Wisconsin, Kathleen Abrahamson, Debbie Walrath, Shanon Brickner, Christine Davidson, Heidi Hansen, Seon Yoon Chung

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Purpose statement: The purpose of this project is to educate the future nursing workforce on tele-healthcare delivery skills that will reduce barriers to care and improve rural chronic illness outcomes in Wisconsin.

Background: Nearly one-third of Wisconsin citizens reside in rural areas (Wisconsin Policy Forum, 2023). Rural Wisconsinites are disproportionately at risk for adverse health outcomes (Rural Health Information Hub, 2023). A lack of available healthcare services and providers in rural Wisconsin compounds this risk. All non-metropolitan counties in Wisconsin experience a shortage of primary care providers (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2023). Nurse-supported telehealth services provide a …

Changing Opinions: The Supreme Court After Dobbs, Lora E. Judge

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

The Reception Of Neurodiversity Represented Within Netflix’S Wednesday, Anna Stevens

Graduate Theses & Dissertations

This paper explores how neurodiversity is represented through popular media - particularly Netflix's show Wednesday - and aims to discuss the effects this representation could have in regards to how it's received by the public, as well as those who are neurodiverse.

Proteome-Wide Association Study Of Prostate Cancer Risk Across Populations, Hua Zhong, Jingjing Zhu, Shuai Liu, Chong Wu, Liang Wang, Seamus P. Whelton, Catherine H. Marshall, Michael J. Blaha, Peter Durda, Xiuqing Guo, Craig W. Johnson, Henry J. Lin, Kent D. Taylor, Russell P. Tracy, Ronit I. Yarden, Ani W. Manichaikul, Stephen S. Rich, Jerome I. Rotter, Rajat Deo, Ruth F. Dubin, Peter Ganz, Lang Wu

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

There is insufficient understanding of the molecular basis of prostate cancer (PCa) across different populations. We perform a large-scale proteome-wide association study (PWAS) to identify proteins with genetically regulated expression in plasma to be associated with PCa risk across populations. We develop genetic prediction models for expression of 1578, 1993, 1218, and 1390 proteins for African (n = 450), European (n = 758), Asian (n = 289), and Hispanic/Latino (n = 474) males, respectively, and evaluate associations of genetically regulated protein expression with PCa risk in 19,391 PCa cases and 61,608 controls of African population, 122,188 cases and 604,640 controls …

Using Mean Airway Pressure (Map) As An Indicator To Help Predict Successful Extubationof Preterm And Term Infants In A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, William F. Bucher, Rrt-Nps, Eliza C. Desantis, Md

Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine Posters

Background
Extubation of preterm and term infants in a neonatal intensive care setting has always proven to be a challenge often resulting in failure. One of the challenges to a successful extubation in this vulnerable patient population is maintaining proper lung inflation at the time of extubation. We often rely on the use of the mean airway pressure (MAP) as an indicator to help predict patient readiness to extubate these patients.

Methods
23 patients ranging from 24 weeks to 41 weeks corrected gestational age were extubated from either conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) or high frequency ventilation (HFV) using their mean …

Elm: The Case Of Experiential Programming, Matthew Miller, Lynette Campogiani

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

Experiential Programs (EPs) provide immersive, destination-focused experiences within luxury resort settings. However, research has yet to apply the elaboration likelihood model (ELM) to examine how guests evaluate their experiences with EPs, particularly within luxury tourism or resort contexts. Using the ELM framework, this study examined how the experience of luxury resort EPs influences guests’ revisit intentions. Guests’ experiences were categorized into central and peripheral processing cues and qualitative interview responses were analyzed. The findings indicate that elements such as ambient music and scenic views associated with peripheral processing had a significantly stronger positive impact on guests’ intentions to return than …

An Updated Annotated Checklist Of The Mammals Of The Crane Trust, Hall County, Nebraska, Bethany L. Ostrom, Amanda H. Medaries, Andrew J. Caven, Jenna M. Malzahn, Alexa Rojas, Matthew R. Schaaf, David M. Baasch, Thomas E. Labedz, Greg D. Wright

Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences and Affiliated Societies

The Crane Trust is a regional nonprofit conservation organization that has protected land in the biologically important Central Platte River Valley for over four decades. A mammal inventory was conducted on the Crane Trust’s main habitat complex in 1980. Since, a variety of environmental conditions have shifted locally, regionally, and globally. An analysis of the mammal community was conducted using past and recent data to determine how species composition and relative abundance have shifted categorically from 1980 to 2021. We used all available data to categorize relative abundance during two distinct time periods per a modified “DAFOR” scale including 7 …

Characterization Of Peg-Modified Composite Membranes For Microfluidic Oxygenator Applications, Nicholas C. Higgins, David G. Blauvelt, Shuvo Roy

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers

Microfluidic oxygenators promise to advance extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) devices with enhanced hemodynamics and low prime volume. We are developing a silicon-based membrane oxygenator that will offer improved gas transfer and fluid flow control. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been used to improve hemocompatibility by providing excellent resistance to protein adsorption. Here, we characterized a polyethylene glycol surface modification of composite silicon–PDMS membranes to evaluate their effects on microfluidic oxygenator properties. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and water contact angle goniometry confirmed successful PEG attachment, evidenced by the presence of characteristic C-O bonds and increased hydrophilicity, which was stable for 2 weeks. …

Hospital Length Of Stay In Sepsis Patients Across Age, Comorbidity, And Invasive Device Use Categories, Heri Sutanto, Alif Nurul Izzati, Syifa Mustika

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated response of the body to infection. Sepsis is closely associated with high costs and prolonged length of hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between sepsis risk factors and length of hospitalization for sepsis patients at Dr. Saiful Anwar Malang General Hospital. This study used a retrospective cohort approach with a sample size of 56 medical records. The study used inclusion criteria for sample selection. The analysis results in a p-value of 0.976 and an r-value of 0.004; the findings demonstrated a correlation between patient age and …

Evaluation Of Antibacterial Activity Of Amaranthus Spinosus Extract Against Streptococcus Mutans: An In-Vitro Study, Fakhrun Nisa, Juen Carla Warella, Valentine Hursepuny, Johan Bruyif Bension, Khairunnida Rahma

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Streptococcus mutans is a component of the normal oral flora that can become a primary pathogen, leading to dental caries and tooth decay. Tooth decay and dental caries are the most common oral health issues worldwide. Treatment of dental caries and tooth decay represents a crucial effort in addressing global health concerns. One alternative treatment the community used to treat dental caries and tooth decay is thorn spinach (Amaranthus spinosus). Thorn spinach leaves contain bioactive compounds with potential antibacterial properties, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of thorn spinach leaf …

Effect Of Low Intensity Aerobic Exercise On Vo2peak Of Women With Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy, Etta Novayanti, Indrayuni Lukitra Wardhani, Inggar Narasinta, Desak Gede Agung Suprabawati, Niken Pratiwi, Ratna Daryanti Soebadi

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Breast cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy, have been associated with significant declines in cardiopulmonary fitness, a key determinant of functional independence and survival. VO₂peak, a marker of cardiopulmonary function, is often reduced in patients undergoing chemotherapy, increasing morbidity risks. Researchers have proposed exercise interventions to mitigate these effects. However, most studies focused on moderate-to-high-intensity regimens, with limited data on the efficacy of low-intensity aerobic exercise. This study aimed to explore the impact of low-intensity cycle ergometer aerobic exercise on VO₂peak in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. A randomized controlled trial with twenty participants randomly assigned to …

Factors Associated With Medication Adherence And Systolic And Diastolic Blood Pressure Of Hypertensive Patients, Hamka Ziddan, Meity Ardiana, Linda Dewanti, Anudya Kartika Ratri

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Uncontrolled hypertension can cause complications such as heart disease, brain disease, kidney disease, and other diseases. Medication adherence is a primary factor in controlling blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients. This study aims to provide an overview of the factors associated with medication adherence of hypertensive patients treated at Taman Public Health Center in Sidoarjo, Indonesia. This study used a cross-sectional approach involving hypertensive patients. This study employed consecutive sampling, with the number of samples comprised of patients undergoing outpatient care from January 2, 2023, to February 25, 2023, totaling 103 respondents. The study employed the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale …

Operationalizing Flourishing In Bsn Nursing Education: A Cipp- Driven Strategy, Kennedy E. Hochstedler, Elizabeth Morse

DNP Projects

Operationalizing Flourishing in BSN Nursing Education: A CIPP- Driven Strategy

Double Burden Stress In Women And The Role Of Psycho-Religious Worship In Alleviating It, Fahmi Mandala Putra, Zata Ismah, Rizky Indah Syahfitri, Citra Cahyati Nasution, Az-Zahra Atika Putri, Fitria Amirah, Tri Amelia Rahmitha Helmi

Folia Medica Indonesiana

It has been recognized that women are twice as likely to experience depression compared to men. In addition to biological vulnerability, there is also a combined effect of bearing the burden of household responsibilities while contributing financially through employment. One coping strategy that helps women endure these challenges is meditation, which in Islam includes the practice of dhikr (remembrance of God). This study aims to analyze the phenomenon of double burden stress in women and how psychoreligious practices can help reduce stress levels. The study employed a prospective cohort design, tracking the respondents' dhikr habits over a 21-day period. On …

Innovative Offshore Transition-To-Practice Model For International Nurses Using Tele-Simulation, Lisa Mceathron, Christian Striggow, Jose Arnold Tariga

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Empirical evidence underscores the importance of optimal nurse staffing in delivering high-quality patient care, improving outcomes, and enhancing nurse well-being. Internationally educated nurses (IENs) play a crucial role in addressing staffing shortages in the United States, yet they face challenges in bridging gaps between varying international nursing standards and US healthcare practices. Innovative approaches are essential to ensure their readiness to integrate effectively prior to arrival.

The International Transition to Practice Program leverages tele-simulation as a pioneering strategy to address these challenges, providing an offshore, immersive learning experience for IENs. This program was implemented from July 2023 to September 2024, …

Improving Hiv Knowledge And Attitudes Of The Youth In The Philippines Through Mobile Text Messaging, James Montegrico

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Background: The Philippines has the highest HIV incidence rate in the Asia-Pacific region, with the highest incidence between the ages 15 to 34 years. There are low levels of HIV knowledge, negative attitudes towards people with HIV/AIDS, and a lack of interventional studies to improve HIV knowledge and attitudes in the country. The high rate of mobile phone use and text messaging in the Philippines offers potential in using technology to address gaps in HIV knowledge and negative attitudes regarding HIV.

Purpose: This pilot study determined the feasibility and effectiveness of mobile text messaging (MTM) in improving HIV/AIDS knowledge …

Enhancing Pediatric Emergency Medication Safety With Nurse-Led Innovation And Technology, Lindsey Catterson, Jessica Revet, Zainab Alzawad

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Purpose: Ensuring the safe handoff of controlled substances during patient transfers is critical in pediatric emergency care. Recognizing gaps in documentation and chain-of-custody processes, this nurse-led initiative aimed to design an innovative, technology-driven approach to enhance patient safety and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The project focused on integrating advanced tools to streamline workflows, minimize errors, and safeguard pediatric patients.

Methods: A multidisciplinary team, led by pediatric emergency nurses, collaborated to develop a documentation framework leveraging existing health technology. The team adapted the Epic Rover mobile application and electronic medical record (EMR) systems to enable real-time documentation of …

A Mobile Meditation Application To Impact Nursing And Nursing Student Stress, Lisa Corry

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Nurses care for all members of the community and are expected to be representatives of good health. They often place the needs of their patients before their own while they are faced with a variety of stressful situations and working environments (Linton & Koonmen, 2020). Nurses experience high levels of stress which can have negative effects on an individual. Over time, untreated stress for nurses may lead to burnout or compassion fatigue which has been associated with poor patient outcomes, decreased patient satisfaction, and high attrition rates (Bonamer & Aquino-Russel, 2019). This can result in increased costs related to callouts, …

Toward Indonesia’S Zero Leprosy 2030: Key Lessons From Epidemiological Trends In Papua 2020-2024, Inneke Viviane Sumolang, Dimas Iqbal Romadhon, Agnes Angelita Suyanto

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Papua, the easternmost province of Indonesia, has consistently reported the highest number of new leprosy cases and leprosy-related disabilities for decades. Despite this burden, no comprehensive study in recent years has systematically examined the epidemiological trends of leprosy in Papua using large datasets. This study provides an updated analysis of leprosy elimination efforts and evaluates the province’s readiness to achieve the Zero Leprosy 2030 target. A retrospective descriptive epidemiological review was conducted using secondary data from the routine health information system of Papua Province from 2020 to 2024. Extracted variables included demographic characteristics, new case reports, diagnostic classification, disability grade, …

How Risk Factors Significantly Affect The Incidence Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Tarus, Kupang, I Made Subhawa Harsa, Prisilia Christin Velisites Masneno, Eva Diah Setijowati, Andra Agnez Al Aska

Folia Medica Indonesiana

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is influenced by both unmodifiable factors, such as age, family history, education, and employment status, as well as modifiable factors, including obesity, diet, physical activity, and smoking habits. Researchers have recognized the necessity of research on risk factors for T2DM across various regions. However, the findings have been inconsistent. The absence of research on risk factors for T2DM in some regions has necessitated the conduct of studies in these areas, particularly in primary health care facilities such as Community Health Centers (\textit{Puskesmas}). This study aims to control the risk factors that contribute …

Proteome-Wide Association Study Of Prostate Cancer Risk Across Populations, Hua Zhong, Jingjing Zhu, Shuai Liu, Chong Wu, Liang Wang, Seamus P Whelton, Catherine H Marshall, Michael J Blaha, Peter Durda, Xiuqing Guo, Craig W Johnson, Henry J Lin, Kent D Taylor, Russell P Tracy, Ronit I Yarden, Ani W Manichaikul, Stephen S Rich, Jerome I Rotter, Rajat Deo, Ruth F Dubin, Peter Ganz, Lang Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

There is insufficient understanding of the molecular basis of prostate cancer (PCa) across different populations. We perform a large-scale proteome-wide association study (PWAS) to identify proteins with genetically regulated expression in plasma to be associated with PCa risk across populations. We develop genetic prediction models for expression of 1578, 1993, 1218, and 1390 proteins for African (n = 450), European (n = 758), Asian (n = 289), and Hispanic/Latino (n = 474) males, respectively, and evaluate associations of genetically regulated protein expression with PCa risk in 19,391 PCa cases and 61,608 controls of African population, 122,188 cases and 604,640 controls …

Actin Dysregulation Induces Neuroendocrine Plasticity And Immune Evasion: A Vulnerability Of Small Cell Lung Cancer, Yoojeong Seo, Shengzhe Zhang, Jinho Jang, Kyung-Pil Ko, Kee-Beom Kim, Yuanjian Huang, Dong-Wook Kim, Bongjun Kim, Gengyi Zou, Jie Zhang, Sohee Jun, Wonhong Chu, Nicole A Kirk, Ye Eun Hwang, Young Ho Ban, Shilpa S Dhar, Joseph M Chan, Min Gyu Lee, Charles M Rudin, Kwon-Sik Park, Jae-Il Park

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited therapeutic options. Capping protein inhibiting regulator of actin dynamics (CRACD) that promotes actin polymerization, is frequently inactivated in SCLC. However, the role of CRACD loss in SCLC is unknown. Here we show that CRACD depletion drives neuroendocrine (NE) cell plasticity and immune evasion in SCLC. Mechanistically, CRACD inactivation disrupts actin organization, leading to suppression of Yap1-NOTCH signaling and subsequent NE gene upregulation. Simultaneously, CRACD loss drives EZH2-mediated histone methylation via nuclear actin disruption, leading to repression of MHC-I genes and depletion of CD8⁺ T cells. Consequently, CRACD-downregulated tumors exhibit …

Hardships Increase As Households Rely More On Gig Work, Laura Brugger, Anthony J. Nixon, Amrita Kulkarni, Mathieu Despard, Stephen Roll

Center for Social Development Research

Gig work has grown substantially in the United States in recent years. Although research has examined the relationship between participation in the gig economy and hardship, few studies examine how households’ reliance on gig work relates to hardship experiences. Drawing upon data from the Workforce Economic Inclusion and Mobility survey of a nationally representative sample of low-wage workers, this brief explores the relationship between the proportion of a household’s income from gig work and indicators of financial distress: bill payment difficulties, food insufficiency, budget constraints, blood plasma sales, reliance on alternative financial services such as payday loans, and usage of …

Sex Hormones Influence Ormdl3 Expression: Implications For Sex-Associated Asthma Phenotype, Elisabetta Granato, Ida Cerqua, Antonietta Rossi, Maria Antonietta Riemma, Maria Chiara Monti, Giusy Ferraro, Barbara Romano, Maria Francesca Nanì, Danilo D'Avino, Martina Simonelli, Joshua Malo, Francesca Polverino, Bruno D'Agostino, Giuseppe Cirino, Fiorentina Roviezzo

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Genetic polymorphisms in sphingolipid metabolism, particularly involving the orosomucoid-like 3 (ORMDL3) gene, have been associated with asthma risk. Notably, asthma prevalence and severity exhibit pronounced sex differences, emerging in childhood and persisting into adulthood. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this sexual dimorphism remain incompletely elucidated.

Objective: We investigated whether ORMDL3 contributes to sex differences in airway function and asthma-like features.

Methods: ORMDL3 expression was measured in lung tissues from healthy male and female human donors and in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) after exposure to 17β-estradiol (E2), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 1 (Der p 1), or both. A murine preparation of …

Islamic Prophetic Counseling: An Intervention Strategy In Developing Students' Noble Character, Hardi Santosa, Ahmad Zaki Annafiri, Iin Inawati, Akhmad Fajar Prasetya, Muhammad Sabri Bin Sahrir

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

This study aims to test the effectiveness of Islamic prophetic counseling in developing students' noble morals. The research method uses a true experiment involving a control group. The selection of the control group uses the waiting-list control group model, with consideration of the ethical aspects of the study. The research sample involved 244 students captured the profile of noble morals and their spiritual activism. While the hypothesis test involved 50 students who were divided into control and experimental groups. The sample selection was carried out randomly with the random assignment technique. The research data were collected using a noble moral …

Bringing Mutuality And Reciprocity Into Focus: A Case Study On Sustaining University-Community Partnerships For Local Systems Change And Student Learning, Jessica L. Lucero, Lucas Martin, Jayme Walters

Transforming Communities

This case study explores a long-term university-community partnership focused on addressing homelessness, highlighting the principles of mutuality and reciprocity in achieving systemic change. Over nearly a decade, the partnership has evolved to engage university resources, faculty, and social work students through research, courses, and outreach activities, such as community surveys, the Point-in-Time Count, strategic planning, advocacy, and service system expansion. These collaborative efforts have contributed to enhanced public awareness, increased state funding, and the establishment of vital services, including a warming center. The case study also underscores the challenges inherent in community-engaged scholarship, including capacity constraints like funding and staffing …

Estate Planning: Charitable Transfers Of Life Insurance, Thomas H. Varner, Edward S. Schlesinger

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Tax Planning-A Service Or A Crime?, K. S. Carmichael

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Trauma-Informed Leaders: Shifting The Paradigm Of Professional Suicide Prevention, Janina Cich

Forensic Scholars Today

Trauma-informed Leaders: Shifting the Paradigm of Professional Suicide Prevention highlights how trauma-informed leadership can transform suicide prevention in law enforcement and other high-stress helping professions. Reflecting on current suicide data and first-responder research, the article outlines early warning signs, intervention strategies, and organizational wellness practices that drive agencies from reactive crisis response to proactive, culturally responsive care. Practical recommendations include leader-supported peer teams, sleep and micro-break interventions, and resilience-focused supports that foster psychological safety, reduce stigma, and normalize help‑seeking across the organization.

Forensic Neuroscience: A Brief Introduction, Jerrod Brown

Forensic Scholars Today

Forensic neuroscience is an emerging, multidisciplinary field that applies brain science to forensic mental health, criminal justice, and legal decision-making. This article summarizes how neuroscience can inform assessments, evaluations of criminal responsibility, case planning, treatment, and prevention for justice-involved populations, highlighting complementary disciplines and the need for ethical guidance, replication of findings, and specialized education before broad adoption in legal settings.