Digital Commons Network^™

Diagnostic And Prognostic Value Of Cystatin C In Acute Coronary Syndrome: An Up-To-Date Meta-Analysis, Michal Pruc, Damian Swieczkowski, Basar Cander, Milosz J Jaguszewski, Sagar Galwankar, Salvatore Di Somma, Fatimah Lateef, Indrani Sardesai, Ayman El-Menyar, Michal Zembala, Jacek Kubica, Togay Evrin, Burak Katipoglu, Zubaid Rafique, Frank William Peacock, Lukasz Szarpak

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: The role of Cystatin C (CysC) in the diagnosis and prognosis of cardiovascular disease, particularly acute coronary syndrome (ACS), is increasingly significant. The goal of this meta-analysis was to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of CysC in patients with ACS, as well as its association with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as mortality, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke.

Methods: The present study is a systematic review and meta-analysis. Using PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase, a literature review of cohort and case control studies reporting MACE and using the terms ACS and Cystatin C …

Prognostic Value Of The Monocyte-To-High-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol Ratio In Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Michał Pruc, Jacek Kubica, Maciej Banach, Damian Świeczkowski, Zubaid Rafique, William Frank Peacock, Zbigniew Siudak, Stanisław Surma, Prabath Nanayakkara, Krzysztof Kurek, Anne Lepetit, Łukasz Szarpak

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Globally, diseases of the cardiovascular system stand as principal contributors to mortality and are expected to show an upward trajectory. The occurrence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has been linked to underlying inflammatory processes. The monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio (MHR) has garnered significant attention as a prognostic biomarker, encapsulating the synergistic roles of inflammation and lipid metabolism in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases, including ACS.

Aims: This meta-analysis examines the prognostic MHR ratio in ACS patients.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases to identify the relevant meta-analyses published before February 26, …

‘Antibiotics Are Like Gold’: A Qualitative Study Of Patient Perspectives On The Use Of Antibiotics Without A Prescription, Lindsey A Laytner, Patricia Chen, Barbara Wells Trautner, Susan Nash, Ashley Collazo, Fabrizia Faustinella, Kiara Olmeda, Azalia Mancera, Roger Zoorob, Michael K Paasche-Orlow, Larissa Grigoryan

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Using antibiotics without a prescription (non-prescription use) is common in the USA and contributes to antibiotic misuse, potentially harming individuals and threatening public health. At the individual level, safety issues related to non-prescription use include adverse drug reactions and disruption of healthy microbiomes. At the public health level, non-prescription use increases the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

Objectives: This qualitative study explored the reasons and motivations underlying non-prescription use among adult outpatients with varying healthcare coverage and education.

Methods: We used purposive sampling to recruit participants who endorsed using non-prescription antibiotics in a larger quantitative survey. Participants were patients recruited …

The Weapon Focus Effect On Memory For Male And Female Perpetrators, Faith Christel Aasen

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research on the weapon focus effect suggests that weapon presence causes reduced memory accuracy for perpetrator details due to weapons being surprising and unexpected. The unusualness hypothesis suggests that a stronger weapon focus effect should occur when the perpetrator defies typical gender stereotypes, such as a woman holding a gun. The current study sought to examine how the weapon focus effect impacts eyewitness memory for male and female perpetrators, specifically exploring the magnitude of the effect on female perpetrators. The current study further investigated whether the own gender bias attenuates the weapon focus effect on memory for female perpetrators. …

Gender And Family Differences In Faculty Motivation, Allyssa Jean Baumbach

Theses and Dissertations

This three-article dissertation examines gender and family differences in faculty motivation. Faculty motivation has primarily been studied in the context of development but has only recently begun to focus on productivity and success. Further, studies of faculty motivation do not provide in depth analysis of gender and family differences. Therefore, the current program of research uses the Self-Determination Theory to examine gender and family differences in faculty motivation and considers how traditional gender norms may contribute to these differences. The first study explored if gender difference existed. Data from a small sample of faculty (N=118) from two universities in the …

Learning To Teach Digital Literacy: Faculty As Learners, Nicole Marie Maier Derenne

Theses and Dissertations

Rapid developments in artificial intelligence technologies and widening digital divide inequities have made digital literacy instruction an urgent priority in higher education. This qualitative, interpretive case study examined how faculty learned to teach Digital Information Literacy at an instructional development workshop facilitated by academic librarians, following a mandate to integrate digital literacy into the institution’s general education program. Using transformative learning theory as a framework, data were collected from a purposive sample of faculty, librarians, and administrators involvedin the workshop through field notes, interviews, a focus group, document reviews, and journaling, and then hermeneutically analyzed. Findings revealed that although demonstrations …

Great Expectations: How Gender Assigned At Birth Shapes Viewpoint Based Perceptual Disparities In Gender-Diverse People, Adelyn Emter

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine disparities between personal beliefs and perceived societal ideologies about earning gendered traits and maintaining masculinity and femininity, with a focus on gender-diverse perspectives and the influence of gender identity on responses to social research. The current study recruited 334 gender-diverse participants to compare Viewpoint and Gendered Trait based on participant Gender Assigned at Birth, using twelve statements about earning and maintaining masculinity and femininity. The Traditional Egalitarian Sex Role (TESR) Inventory and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) Scale were used as covariates which significantly contributed to the model. As expected, societal belief scores …

An Explainable Ai Framework For Detecting Harmful Algal Blooms (Habs) In Freshwater Lakes, Meera Gopinath Sujatha

Theses and Dissertations

The increase in economic impacts due to the rapid growth of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater lakes has prompted the development of monitoring and prediction systems. However, limited target data hinders reliable predictions on HAB formations. To address this limitation, this dissertation focuses on providing solutions through data-driven,interpretable, and explainable machine learning models. In Chapter 3, an interpretable multivariate regression model such as Vector Autoregressive (VAR) was used to analyze the important factors that contribute to the formation of cyanobacteria in lakes. The causality tests performed on multiple water quality data helped to determine Alkalinity, Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), andWater Temperature …

Gender-Based Perceptions Of Confronting Prejudice In The Classroom, Mary Hamilton

Theses and Dissertations

Disparities exist between men and women in academia at the faculty and student level. Academically, women are judged as being weaker and inferior, and many describe experiences of sexism, often within the classroom setting. Few studies have investigated the impact of an instructor confronting sexism in the classroom. The current study examined the effects of an instructor’s gender, student’s gender, and instructor’s confrontation decision on students’ perceptions of the instructor, classroom environment, and the moderating effect of self-reported sexism. Participants read one of four vignettes describing an act of sexism in the classroom where a male (or female) instructor confronts …

Inorganic Arsenite [I-As (Iii)] Represses Human Renal Progenitor Cell Characteristics And Induces Neoplastic-Like Transformation, Md Ehsanul Haque

Theses and Dissertations

Studies on populations exposed to inorganic arsenic (iAs) have shown an association between this particular exposure and the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, there are few studies addressing how acute exposure of the human kidney to iAs might lead to long-term alterations that might lead to CKD or RCC. This study’s hypothesis is that renal exposure to iAs might alter the renal cells responsible for the repair and regeneration of nephrons damaged by iAs exposure or other renal toxicants. The kidney possesses a minority epithelial cell population that co-express PROM1 and CD24 that …

Nanoscale Frictional Properties Of Two-Dimensional Snse And Snse2 With Lateral Force Microscopy, Thomas Iken

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, we employed an atomic force microscopy-based lateral force microscopy technique to examine the nanoscale frictional characteristics of 2D SnSe and SnSe2 layers, and we compared these results with those of graphene, a commonly used solid lubricant. Our results revealed that both SnSe and SnSe2 layers exhibited superior lubricative performance compared to graphene with similar thicknesses. Experimental results were further substantiated by extensive Density Functional Theory calculations to understand the observed frictional properties of these materials.

The Wicked Problem Of Moral Distress: Exploring The Experiences Of Rural Clinic Nurses, Sydney Rae Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Moral distress is an occupational hazard for nurses that can negatively impact nurses, patients, and the healthcare system. Moral distress has been well documented in high-risk care environments. Each nursing care environment has its own unique triggers for moral distress, but these triggers are unknown in rural clinic nurses. Design and Purpose: This convergent mixed methods study sought to gain a broader understanding of moral distress in nurses working in rural clinic settings.

Methods: Convergent mixed methodology was used to gain a broader understanding of moral distress in nurses working in rural clinic settings. Following ethical approvals, informed by …

Attributions Of Blame In Cases Of Stealthing, Shane William Knutson

Theses and Dissertations

Nonconsensual condom removal (NCCR), also known as “stealthing”, is a form of sexual abuse where an individual removes the condom without their sexual partner’s knowledge. While research regarding prevalence of NCCR has been conducted over the past decade, there are still aspects of previous research on other forms of sexual abuse that did not account for cases of NCCR. One such gap in the current literature are studies that investigate how individuals attribute blame to the victims of NCCR. Previous research has shown that there are differences in how individuals attribute blame towards victims of sexual abuse based on different …

Creating Equitable Employment Practices For Adjunct Faculty: Perceptions Of Academic Administrators At Public Institutions In A Great Plains State, Constance Mciver

Theses and Dissertations

Adjunct faculty are a substantial feature of the higher education classroom. Their increased prevalence has contributed to elevated concerns regarding the employment practices of these part-time faculty. While numerous published accounts of adjunct faculty experiences are available, recorded perceptions of academic administrators are less prevalent. Eighty-six academic administrators from six public universities in a Great Plains state participated in a researcher-developed survey to determine the expectations placed upon and compensation practices for adjunct faculty, as well as perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of the adjunct system and the feasibility of providing more equitable compensation. Survey findings suggest there is …

White Paper For Faculty Professional Development In Establishing, Addressing, And Informing, To Promote Mental Wellness For Health Careers Students, Betty J. Mcvay

Theses and Dissertations

This research utilized a qualitative case study to explore the need for faculty professional development in the health careers division at a public non-profit California community college, specifically Porterville College. Literature suggests that mental health is a crucial topic to address in contemporary higher education. College students, in general, are facing a notable deterioration in their overall mental well-being, accompanied by an increase in mental disorders. Furthermore, students in health careers programs frequently encounter even more intense stress and psychological challenges, stemming from their constant exposure to high-pressure, emotionally charged situations, and vicarious trauma. Although literature emphasizes the critical need …

Seismic Design And Ductility Evaluation Of Concrete-Filled Thin-Walled Steel Tubular Columns Modeling As Bridge Piers, Njiru Mwaura

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate numerical modeling is essential for evaluating the seismic performance and load-bearing behavior of partially concrete-filled thin-walled steel tubular columns, particularly those used as bridge piers under complex seismic conditions. This study investigates the performance of such columns enhanced with embedded energy-dissipating shell plates and/or partial concrete infill, subjected to unidirectional and bidirectional seismic loading. A validated finite element model (FEM), developed in ABAQUS and incorporating geometric and material nonlinearities—including the modified Two-Surface Model (2SM)—was employed to simulate cyclic behavior and predict structural response.The model was benchmarked against experimental results and used to analyze a broad range of parameters, including …

When Fomo Meets The Keg: A Descriptive Case Study Of Binge Drinking In First-Year College Students At The University Of North Dakota, Angie Novak

Theses and Dissertations

Binge drinking among first-year college students is a persistent public health and academic issue, particularly during the transition to higher education. As students gain independence and navigate peer influence and campus norms, many perceive alcohol use as a central part of the college experience. This descriptive case study investigates the personal, environmental, and behavioral factors contributing to binge drinking among first-year students at the University of North Dakota (UND).The study, guided by Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), explored how students adopt and reinforce drinking behaviors through peer modeling, social expectations, and institutional culture. Qualitative data was collected through individual interviews with …

Investigation Of Surfactant-Enhanced Oil Recovery In High Salinity And High Temperature (Hsht) Reservoir Conditions: A Case Study In The Bakken Formation, Tomiwa Isaac Oguntade

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates improved strategies for enhancing oil recovery (EOR) in challenging reservoir conditions by combining chemical surfactant flooding and data-driven optimization techniques. Given rising global energy demand and the depletion of conventional oil reserves, chemical EOR methods, particularly surfactant flooding, are gaining popularity for their ability to mobilize residual oil via mechanisms such as reducing interfacial tension, altering wettability, and inhibiting asphaltene formation. The research begins by examining the effectiveness of surfactant applications across various reservoir conditions, emphasizing the need for surfactants capable of withstanding challenging environments characterized by high temperatures, high salinity, and low permeability. Laboratory experiments demonstrated …

The Relationship Between Social Determinants Of Health And Maternal Risk Factors With Severe Maternal Morbidity, Rebecca Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) remains a significant public health concern in the United States, with rates rising despite advancements in obstetric care. While extensive research has examined the role of clinical risk factors in SMM, less attention has been given to the influence of social determinants of health (SDOH). Factors such as financial insecurity, food access, housing stability, intimate partner violence, social connectedness, and transportation barriers may contribute to maternal health disparities. This study aims to assess the relationship between SDOH and SMM, evaluating how these non-clinical factors shape maternal health outcomes. Additionally, this research explores the impact of maternal …

Addressing The Impact Of Unlicensed And Under-Licensed Teachers In Pk-12 Schools: How School Administrators Offer Support, Taylor Topinka

Theses and Dissertations

As the impact of the teacher shortage grows, more teachers are entering classrooms with incomplete teacher licensure. Related literature affirms that new-to-profession teachers experience what Danielson (1999) described as a “sink or swim in the deep end of the pool” culture as they attempt to navigate the beginning of their teaching career with an incomplete license or no license entirely (p. 251). The influx of partially-licensed teachers engaging students is a dilemma created by the growth of the teacher shortage. The purpose of this study was to address the impact of unlicensed and under-licensed teachers on student growth and achievement …

Identifying The Common Patterns Or Trends That Emerge When Analyzing Past Accidents And Incidents Involving Autopilot Systems, Christopher David Tracy

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated to what extent over-reliance on automation, particularly autopilot systems, contributed to incidents and accidents in commercial aviation. Despite advancements in automated technologies, there is a growing concern regarding the potential consequences of pilots’ dependency on these systems. This research analyzed past key incidents to identify patterns indicating that pilots may have been inadequately prepared to assume manual control during automation failures. This study employed a qualitative approach, including semi-structured interviews with aviation professionals such as airline flight instructors, line check pilots, flight standards evaluators, and an FAA aviation safety inspector, along with qualitative surveys with professional pilots. …

Improved Survival With Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitor Use In Men With Male-Predominant Cancers: Real-World Large Database Study, Daniel Uralov, Sarah R. Harrington, Hani Samarah, Anika S. Walia, Marina Aweeda, Manal U. Mustafa, Parvesh Kumar, Andrew Briskin, Julian Jackson, Eric Mastrolonardo, Adam J. Luginbuhl

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction, may exhibit immunomodulatory properties by reducing myeloid-derived suppressor cell activity and enhancing T-cell responses. This study evaluated the association between PDE5 inhibitor use and overall survival (OS) in male-predominant solid organ malignancies.

METHODS: Male-predominant solid tumors were identified using male-to-female incidence ratio ≥3:1 in SEER database: prostate, bladder, colon, esophageal, hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, tonsillar, and testicular cancers. Using the TriNetX Research Network, we compared male patients prescribed PDE5 inhibitors within 6 months of cancer diagnosis to those without PDE5 exposure. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed on demographic, clinical, and oncologic variables. …

Moral Foundations For Peacebuilding Dialogue: A Comparative Analysis Of Orthodoxy And Islam, Aleksandr Grizhev, Ivan Blazhevski, Ruzhica Cacanoska

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

Throughout history, religion has been invoked in both peaceful and violent contexts, often manipulated to serve political agendas. However, beneath the surface of conflict, the foundational moral teachings of religions can provide powerful tools for reconciliation. This paper explores the shared moral principles in Orthodox Christianity and Islam, focusing on benevolence, equity, and moderation, to highlight their potential for fostering dialogue and resolving conflicts. By comparing the ethical teachings of the Bible and the Quran, the analysis reveals that both religions emphasize compassion, equity, and self-restraint as core values. Despite the historical use of these faiths to justify division and …

Pr Activities Of Muslim Organizations In Slovakia: Political And Communication Analysis, Vadym Sluysar, Oleh Sokolovskyi, Serhii Kostiuchkov, Mykola Slyusar

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

The article is dedicated to analyzing the PR activities of Muslim organizations in Slovakia, taking into account the political, social, and communicative context. The authors explore the impact of digital technologies on religious communication, examining the use of social media and traditional media to shape the public image of Islamic organizations. Significant attention is given to the issue of islamophobia and the informational strategies aimed at overcoming negative stereotypes about Muslims. The PR campaigns of the "Islamic Foundation in Slovakia" are analyzed, including their role in interfaith dialogue and combating hate speech. The study addresses political challenges, particularly the populist …

Letter To The Editors, Oleksandr Korotaiev

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

Letter to the Editor of Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe (OPREE)

Revival Of Tengrism In Kazakhstan As Ancient Belief Of The Kazakh Nation: Prospects And Challenges, Jolaman Bulan, Tussipkhan Imammadi, Aiymzhan Ryskiyeva, Asset Kuranbek

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This research investigates the resurgence of Tengrism, an ancestral belief system native to Kazakhstan. This traditional religion, rooted in ancient history, encompasses an array of beliefs and rituals that focus on the worship of celestial deity known as Tengri and various forces of nature. It provides a thorough analysis of how public attitudes towards Tengrism and its role within the cultural fabric of the Kazakh people have shifted. The paper also addresses the circumstances that have facilitated Tengrism's revival in the independent nation of Kazakhstan, including issues of national identity, cultural heritage, and spiritual rejuvenation. Furthermore, it explores a range …

Digital Orthodoxy And Political Populism In Eastern Europe: How Orthodox Media Facilitate Political Mobilization, Dmytro Garaschuk, Oleh Sokolovskyi

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This article examines the intersection of Orthodox digital media and political populism in Eastern Europe, focusing on how religious institutions utilize digital platforms to facilitate political mobilization, reinforce nationalistic narratives, and undermine democratic institutions. Drawing on a comparative analysis of six countries–Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Georgia, and Montenegro–the study identifies a shared ideological matrix that fuses populist rhetoric with theological motifs. The research highlights the strategic use of digital media by Orthodox actors to construct moral binaries, sacralize political resistance, and disseminate disinformation framed in religious language. Particular attention is given to the role of the Russian Orthodox Church and …

Estonian And Ukrainian Experience Of Getting Out From Under The Influence Of The Moscow Patriarchate, Bohdan Synchak

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

The subject of this study is the problem of state interference in church life within the context of the need to counteract threats posed by the Moscow Patriarchate to the national security of Ukraine and Estonia. A comparative analysis of the experiences of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (EOC MP) and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) (UOC (MP)) in the process of eliminating Russian influence will contribute to a better understanding of the main issues that arise in this context. In Ukraine, there are two distinct Orthodox churches: the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) (UOC MP) …

A Global Application Programming Interface-Enabled Earthquake Ground Motion Relational Database For Engineering Applications, Tristan E. Buckreis, Chukwuebuka C. Nweke, Pengfei Wang, Scott J. Brandenberg, Maria E. Ramos-Sepúlveda, Rashid Shams, Shako Mohammed, Renmin Pretell, Silvia Mazzoni, Paolo Zimmaro, Jonathan P. Steward

Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

We present a application programming interface (API)-enabled relational database of global earthquake ground motion intensity measures, associated metadata, and processed time-series data. Raw ground motion records were processed by the authors using either manual or semi-automated processing procedures, and every processed record has passed a quality review by a trained analyst. Computed intensity measures include peak acceleration and velocity, pseudo-spectral acceleration response spectra, cumulative absolute velocity, Arias Intensity, and Fourier amplitude spectra. The processed time-series data, associated metadata, and ground motion intensity measures were organized into a web-served relational database consisting of 32 tables connected by primary/foreign key pairs. Ground …

Frontmatter (Volume 45, Issue 8), Paul B. Mojzes

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

No abstract provided.