Digital Commons Network^™

Understanding The Needs Of Nontraditional Students At Eastern Michigan University, Matthew Wells

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Nontraditional students comprise 25% of students at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) and include students who work full-time, are over 25, are parents, and are first-generation. It can be difficult for students to focus on their careers, families, and school, as focusing on one can result in a worse performance in the other. The needs and experiences of this population have historically been understudied in the literature. During the Winter 2025 semester, nontraditional students at EMU were surveyed. This survey included questions about their experiences, their needs, and their perceived levels of support from the university. The results of this project …

Do Sleep And Age Concurrently And Longitudinally Predict Children's Frustration Tolerance?, Mavery P. Allen

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Frustration is experienced when there is interference with one’s goal or progress towards one’s goal. This study sought to examine how age and sleep affect child frustration through the observation of 2 experimental tasks, each a year apart. This study included data from 100 children (boys = 54) ages 3 to 5 years (M = 3.86) at Wave 1. There are 2 waves, occurring a year apart. The first task in Wave 1 consisted of giving a child keys to a locked, clear box with intriguing toys, but unbeknownst to them, the keys did not work. The second task consisted …

Transgender Women In Sports: A Test Case For State Legislative Protections, Payal Doctor

City University of New York Law Review

For decades, transgender people have been fighting for the right to participate in sports leagues consistent with their gender identity. Much of this fight has played out on the federal stage, but recently both the federal government and federal courts have become hostile to transgender rights broadly, and transgender rights in sports in particular. This Comment examines an alternate but increasingly promising avenue for the vindication of transgender rights in sports: state law. Using a New York lawsuit brought by a women’s roller derby team, Long Island Roller Rebels v. County of Nassau, as a case study, this Comment …

Influence Of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease On Pattern And Management Of Acute Coronary Syndrome, Elshazly Abdulkhalik, Nagat Ibrahim, Selim Sidhom, Hesham H Alqurashi, Khaled Alghashmari, Muhammad Alotaibi, Ahmed Alqurashi, Moath Alzahrani, Shahad Alqahtani, Abdulaziz Alshalan, Nouran Althumali, Mazen Aljohani, Saud Alzahrani, Haidi Karam-Allah Ramadan

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To determine the influence of metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and hepatic fibrosis on the pattern and management of patients who had acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: Retrospective records of patients with ACS included demographic, electrocardiographic, and laboratory data of platelets count, glycated hemoglobin, lipogram, liver and cardiac enzymes. Ultrasound was used to evaluate fatty liver. Coronary angiography data included the number, site and percentage of the coronary arteries occluded. The type and outcome of treatment of ACS were recorded. Laboratory markers were measured to evaluate fibrosis. Results: The study recruited 259 patients, and the majority were males. …

Why We Stayed, Why We Left: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of Hispanic/Latino Child Welfare Professionals’ Experiences Of Organizational And Safety Culture, Cynthia Franco

Theses and Dissertations

This hermeneutic phenomenological study examines the lived experiences of Hispanic/Latino child welfare professionals who were formerly employed at a large urban public child welfare agency. Despite the growing representation of Hispanic/Latino children and families in child welfare systems and the strong vocational commitment of Hispanic/Latino professionals, this group remains underrepresented in the workforce and experiences notable patterns of early attrition. Grounded in safety science and psychological safety frameworks, this study explores how organizational culture, leadership practices, and identity-related dynamics shape professional meaning-making, well-being, and decisions to remain in or leave the field.

Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and …

Ashley Hanson '82-Carolyn Buxton '71, Ashley Hanson, Carolyn Buxton

Alumni Oral History Project

No abstract provided.

Feasibility Study Of A Screening Decision Tool For Allocating Adults Into Food Is Medicine Programs As An Effective Approach To Target Clinical And Dietary Outcomes Among Rural And Urban Adults, Alison Gustafson, Carolyn Lauckner, Joshua L. Bush, Emily Dimond, Carolina Morales Serrano, Christa Mayfield, Elizabeth T. Anderson Steeves

Dietetics and Human Nutrition Faculty Publications

Objective: Evaluate feasibility (primary), clinical, and cost outcomes (secondary) associated with the use of a screening decision tool for allocating rural and urban adults with hypertension into in a food is medicine (FIM) program.

Design: Participants were allocated to receive either medically tailored meals or grocery prescription (Rx), based on a user-centered designed screening decision tool. Medically tailored meals (MTM) provided 5 meals per week for 12 weeks. The grocery Rx program provided $100 each month for 3 months to purchase food consistent with guidelines for hypertension. Feasibility outcomes included engagement, dose, and program acceptability. Semi-structured interviews were completed with …

Human Capital And Development, Philippe Aghion, Ingvild Almås, Costas Meghir

Discussion Papers

Human capital is central to efforts to promote growth, convergence, and the elimination of poverty. Drawing on the seminal macroeconomic frameworks by Nelson-Phelps, Lucas and subsequent developments, alongside macro and microeconomic evidence, we examine the role of human capital in driving innovation and growth. We highlight how different types of human capital, characterized by education level, matter in different stages of development. Despite documented increases in years of schooling, the world’s poorest regions still see stagnating outcomes in learning and education quality, potentially creating poverty traps where investments in neither physical nor human capital materialize. We discuss obstacles to human …

Ho Chi Minh’S Thoughts On Gender Equality In The Political Sphere In Vietnam And Strategic Implications For Indonesia, Tri Minh Nguyen

Jurnal Wacana Politik

This paper provides an exhaustive examination of the theoretical foundations of Ho Chi Minh’s thought regarding gender equality and its institutionalization within the political fabric of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Focusing on the contemporary period (2021–2026), the analysis evaluates the efficacy of the Vietnamese model of State Feminism in achieving descriptive and substantive representation for women in legislative and executive bodies. Furthermore, the paper conducts a comparative analysis with the Republic of Indonesia, particularly following its 2024 general elections, to identify structural, cultural, and legal divergences. By synthesizing data from government reports, international indices, and academic literature, this study …

Smart Drip Irrigation: A Sustainable Solution For Community Gardens, Kevin Brennan

CURE Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Behavioral And Psychological Financial Hardship Among Caregivers Of Pediatric Cancer Patients, Josiane Kabayundo, Cheng Zheng, Edward S. Peters, Don W. Coulter, Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

BACKGROUND: Financial hardship encompasses material, behavioral, and psychological domains; however, most research among caregivers of pediatric cancer patients has focused on material hardship. This study examined factors associated with behavioral and psychological financial hardship among caregivers of pediatric cancer patients in Nebraska.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of caregivers of children diagnosed within the past 5 years and treated at two pediatric oncology specialty clinics. Behavioral hardship was defined as delaying medical or mental healthcare due to cost, while psychological hardship was measured by worry about ability to pay medical bills. Descriptive statistics and poisson regression with robust variance …

The Successful Transition To Executive Leadership Roles In The Pharmaceutical Industry, Eddie J. Fuller

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The underrepresentation of minority groups in leadership roles within the pharmaceutical industry constitutes a significant issue, as evidenced by various studies. These studies consistently indicate that individuals from underrepresented groups are less likely to progress into leadership positions. It appears that much of the existing literature discusses African American women as the identified underrepresented group. This dissertation investigates the underrepresentation of minority groups in leadership roles within the pharmaceutical industry. The sample comprises both minority and majority participants who currently hold or have previously held leadership positions in pharmaceutical companies within the United States. This dissertation uses survey questionnaires to …

Voices Of Change: Nurses Advocating For Progress, Brennan Lewis, Christi Welter, Sally Derrick, Latieia Key

Podcasts

On this episode, we're discussing the importance of nurses involvement in professional advocacy - within your profession, within your practice for your patients, within your community.

Chatbot Therapy - Help Or Hindrance, Kadi Rae Smith

Anthós

Introduction

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) chatbots are complex computer programs designed to mimic human conversations using programming that incorporates large language models (LLM) and natural language models (NLM) to simulate human interactions that are being rapidly integrated into everyday life across an increasing amount of online platforms. This article explores the applications and efficacy of chatbots for mental healthcare, from self-directed chatbot interactions to clinician-supervised implementation of chatbot-based therapeutic tools, weighing the benefits and limitations of this ever-expanding technology.

Methodology/Taxonomy

A literature review was conducted primarily using Web of Science, accessed through Portland State University, and Google Scholar, with specifications …

Predicting Off-Track Development In Infants Aged 0–6 Months In Low-Resource Settings Using Machine Learning, Faith Benson, Rachel Odhiambo, Anthony Ngugi, Willie Brink, Akbar Waljee, Cheryl Moyer, Ji Zhu, Felix Agoi, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background This study aimed to address the critical gap in the limited application of machine learning (ML) for identifying developmental delays in low-resource settings by developing models to predict off-track development in infants aged 0 to 6 months and identify key predictors.

Methods A cross-sectional study involving 1,995 singleton infants aged 0 to 6 months was conducted in Kaloleni and Rabai sub-counties, Kilifi, Kenya, between March 2023 and March 2024. Development was assessed using the World Health Organization’s Indicators of Infant and Young Child Development tool, with Development-for-Age Z-scores used to classify infants as on- or off-track. Ridge logistic regression …

Three Essays On Disparities And Outcomes Among Patients With Diabetes, Aiemere O. Oikeh

Theses and Dissertations--Health Services Research (HSR)

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that patients with diabetes adopt 7 preventive care measures to improve their health outcomes. The recommendations are to check their blood glucose levels daily, undergo biennial hemoglobin A1c tests, undergo dilated eye exams once every 2 years, engage in regular physical activity, check their feet daily, have annual feet examinations performed by a clinician, and receive diabetes self-management education services (DSMES). Marital status has been found to be associated with positive health outcomes; thus, it is ideal to evaluate if there is an association between marital status and diabetes preventive care. The ADA also …

A Case Study Examining The Strengths And Gaps Of Servant Leadership Within Pentecostal Churches Of Ohio, Octavia Denise Hardaway

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the gaps in servant leadership within Pentecostal churches in Ohio that could contribute to the departure of members from Pentecostal churches. This qualitative study examined the biblical servant leaders Nehemiah and Paul, as well as theological literature. The researcher created an instrument to assess the strengths and gaps in servant ministry leadership within Ohio Pentecostal churches.

Raising Not So Little Leaders, Rob M. Burke

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The problem this research addressed was understanding how parents, supported by local churches, can instill values of love and kindness and cultivate a servant leadership mindset in children from birth through age eighteen within the Orange County context. This study examined how churches can partner with parents to help children live out these values through the relationships, environments, and everyday rhythms that shape them. In response to this problem, the researcher explored the biblical and theological themes of love, kindness, and service in the Gospel of John and the Johannine Epistles. John shares how Jesus demonstrated these values through being …

Author Biographies

Roger Williams University Law Review

No abstract provided.

Rethinking The Religious Purpose Test After Catholic Charities Bureau: The Sincerity-Then-Standards Framework, Victoria Litman

Roger Williams University Law Review

No abstract provided.

Koziol Firearms, Inc. V. Marchand, 334 A.3d 439 (R.I. 2025)., Grace D. Guachione

Roger Williams University Law Review

No abstract provided.

2025 Rhode Island Public Laws, Ryan Claudino

Roger Williams University Law Review

No abstract provided.

Time Out: Mandatory Holds As A Tool For Domestic Violence Response & Prevention In Rhode Island, India Awe

Roger Williams University Law Review

No abstract provided.

Another Look At Judicial Review Of Labor Arbitration Awards In Rhode Island, William E. Smith, Stefanie Fischer, Kai Wiggins, Sam Jaksa

Roger Williams University Law Review

No abstract provided.

Investigating The Impact Of Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms On Freshwater Bivalves, Destiny Devlin

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) threaten freshwater ecosystems by producing toxins that disrupt aquatic organism functions and pose risks to human health. This study investigated how exposure to toxin-producing cyanobacteria affects the behavior and toxin accumulation of Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) under controlled laboratory conditions. Asian clams were collected from a freshwater site in New Jersey, maintained in greenhouse bins, and fed either Microcystis novacekii (non-toxin-forming, control N=3) or Microcystis aeruginosa (toxin-forming, experimental N=3) at 100,000 cells/mL for 28 days. Weekly behavioral assays were conducted to track shell opening, burying, clustering, valve closure, foot extension, and time to first opening. Toxin …

Procedural-Based Contemporary Management Of Bell's Palsy Long-Term Sequelae: A Narrative Review, Robert M. Frederick, Rhorie Kerr, Eric Dobratz, William Dougherty

Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) Faculty Publications

Objective

To describe the long-term sequelae of Bell's palsy and summarize available treatment options, including recent advances, so that general otolaryngologists and other practitioners are aware of the clinical findings and available interventions.

Data Sources

PubMed.

Review Methods

A literature search was performed on December 18, 2024, via PubMed using keywords such as "synkinesis," "selective myectomy," "selective neurectomy," "botulinum toxin," "intervention" in the context of "Bell's palsy" with preference for articles published within the last 5 to 10 years but inclusion of select older articles that provided necessary context for the current topic. Articles included in the review were written …

Differences In Biologic Clinical Trials For Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps—Are We Comparing Apples With Oranges?, Marjolein Cornet, Peter W. Hellings, Martin Desrosiers, Martin Wagenmann, Richard Follows, Laura Walrave, Luz Adriana Jimenez, Lee Tombs, Dawn Edwards, Peter Howarth, Joseph K. Han

Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) Faculty Publications

In recent years, several biologics targeting Type 2 inflammation have been developed for treating chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). These have been studied in registrational randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which vary in their patient populations, trial design, endpoints, geography, timing, or data-handling processes. While (in)direct treatment comparisons and meta-analyses have been carried out to compare efficacy results from RCTs, often these fail to properly account for these between-study differences. Here, we summarize the key between-study differences that can influence trial outcomes and highlight the resulting challenges faced when comparing outcomes from different Phase III RCTs of biologics in CRSwNP.

Medicaid's Broken Promise To Children, Jerron R. Wheeler

Faculty Articles

In the United States, poor children's access to necessary healthcare is determined more by geography than medical need. This variation is not the result of thoughtful local tailoring but of excessive state autonomy and passive federal oversight. The result is a fragmented and unequal system that obscures accountability and fails the Nation's most vulnerable children.

Building on scholarship showing how decentralized implementation of federal social programs can erode America's social safety net, this Article examines how one of Congress's most ambitious entitlements for children-Medicaid's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit has been quietly undermined. In light of …

A Guide To Growing Broad: : Expanding The Notion Of Social For Mental Health, Natural Resources, And The Infinite Intersections Of How To Care For The World, Leah D. Nuese-Yaker

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This MSW portfolio narrative examines the expanding boundaries of social work practice at the intersection of human and ecological systems. Organized as a series of interconnected personal essays structured around river metaphors, the portfolio argues that social work's anthropocentric foundations limit the profession's capacity to address contemporary crises of environmental justice, climate change, and ecological health. Drawing on fieldwork in natural resources conflict resolution, wilderness therapy, outdoor education, and climate health advocacy in rural Montana, the author demonstrates competency across all ten CSWE social work practice behaviors while advancing a practice framework that centers relational, embodied, and ecologically grounded intervention. …

Master Of Social Work Portfolio, Isabella Faith Decunzo

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This Portfolio has been developed in partial fulfilment of the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and demonstrates my personal and professional growth over the course of the program. It highlights selected academic and practice-based work completed throughout the past two years, reflecting my developing knowledge and application of the Five Elements of Advanced Integrative Practice and the Ten Competencies of Social Work.

Included is an appendix containing completed assignments from the MSW program in Missoula, Montana, which supports and demonstrates the reflective narrative presented throughout the portfolio. Each artifact directly aligns with and illustrates my progression toward competency in …