Digital Commons Network^™

To Flea Or Not To Flea: Abiotic And Biotic Factors Driving Flea Parasitism On Wild Deer Mice, Parker Todd, Angela Luis, Mike Kinsella

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are an abundant North American rodent and the primary reservoir for Sin Nombre virus (SNV), a hantavirus with a 30-40% case fatality rate in humans. While ectoparasites, such as fleas, are not considered vectors of SNV, their bites may indirectly affect the transmission of SNV by impacting host condition or immune function. These impacts could potentially lead to an increase in host susceptibility and/or an increase in viral shedding, yet there is still little knowledge on what influences flea parasitism on deer mice in western Montana. This study looks to examine how mouse sex, …

The Law And Economics Of Resilience, Doni Bloomfield, Jeff Gordon

Faculty Scholarship

The field of law and economics has long studied externalities, the costs and benefits actors create and yet fail to internalize. But scholars have largely overlooked a set of externalities that lead firms across the economy to systematically underinvest in resilience, with macroeconomically harmful consequences. In this Article, we address this gap with a theory of the law and economics of resilience, by which we mean the ability of markets to reliably and optimally meet demand for goods and services without extreme price fluctuations. 

We argue that corporate resilience is determined by a conflict between two basic forces: the resilience …

Examining The Perceptions Of Alcohol Use And Well-Being By Collegiate Baseball Players, Madison M. Stevens

Justice Studies Theses

Examining the Perceptions of Alcohol Use and Well-Being by Collegiate Baseball Players was a qualitative study conducted through the use of semi-structured interviews. The purpose of the research was to better understand how team culture, relationships, stress, coping mechanisms, and future aspirations influence alcohol use and mental health within collegiate baseball. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, resulting in several major themes and subthemes related to athlete experiences. Findings revealed that brotherly team culture, including family-like relationships and consistency among teammates, played a major role in shaping emotional well-being and social behaviors. Participants also identified coaches, teammates, and the broader …

Consumer Digital Financial Literacy And Purposive Credit Card Behavior, Guohai Jiang, Fuzhong Chen, Jing Jian Xiao

Human Development and Family Science Faculty Publications

Purpose: Purposive credit card behavior refers to using credit cards to purchase different types of goods, as measured by a discrete variable. This study explores the relationship between digital financial literacy and purposive credit card behavior in the context of digitization and diversified consumer demands.

Design/methodology/approach: Employing data from the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS), this study uses a multinomial probit model to examine the above relationship. It measures digital financial literacy using the coupling coordination degree model. The Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) method serves to verify mediating effects.

Findings: Consumers with high levels of digital financial literacy are …

Atomic Sameness: Static Placemaking And Nuclear Dynamism, Rex J. Rowley

Faculty Publications - Geography, Geology, and the Environment

Dozens of locations across the United States were impacted by the development and deployment of American atomic weapons. Some of these places continue to change along with the world around them. Other sites remain in intentionally static space. Using a cultural landscape approach, this paper analyzes two such places that represent two broad groups of static atomic landscapes: 1) atomic testing sites; and 2) remnant sites for containment of stored materials and byproducts from the processing and extraction for and scientific testing of atomic technology. Influencing the static nature of such landscapes is a combination of intentional government-led efforts to …

Imaging-Based Colorimetric Gas Sensing For Wearable Applications, Syed Saad Ahmed

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Continuous monitoring of gases is a critical challenge for wearable health monitoring systems and portable environmental gas detection. The technology used for gas detection, including electrochemical sensors, metal oxide semiconductors, and non-dispersive infrared systems, is based on bulky optical components, which limit their practicality as an ideal tool for wearable and field-deployable stages. This thesis investigates if the passive colorimetric chemistry read-out provided by a low-power CMOS imager-based architecture can provide a non-invasive alternative across two different application domains: medical transcutaneous CO₂ monitoring systems and toxic gas detection from environmental. Two sensing platforms were developed and evaluated. In the first …

Unresolved Challenges Of Fuel Cell Propulsion Systems In Urban Air Mobility: An Mbse-Based Systematic Literature Review, Johannes Bachler, Stephen Wright, Kari T. Koskinen

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the unresolved challenges in fuel cell propulsion system integration in small-category VTOL-capable aircraft, addressing a critical gap in the existing literature by elaborating an MBSE-based systematic literature review with the PRISMA content analysis strategy. The methodology reviewed 122 papers in peer-reviewed journals published from 2000 to 2024 and included keyword research in four relevant publication platforms before analyzing the papers in a deductive MBSE V-model strategy combined with an inductive, data-driven research analysis. The results reveal a significant misalignment between identified barriers and proposed future research, indicating that current R&D efforts are …

Psychosocial Distress: Incidence And Indicators After Physical Trauma, Elizabeth Williams

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation is to examine factors that contribute to the development of psychosocial distress following unintentional physical injury. While existing research has explored psychosocial distress and protective factors in intentional trauma—such as assault or self-inflicted injury—unintentional injury remains comparatively understudied. Guided by the hypothesis that higher pre-existing resilience protects individuals from developing psychosocial distress after an adverse event, this dissertation employs a three manuscript design. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the dissertation, while each manuscript contains its own introduction, literature review, methods, results, and discussion. Chapter 2 presents Manuscript 1, which analyzes the incidence of pre-existing …

The Economics Of Corruption In The Philippines: Distorted Incentives, Weakened Institutions, And The Cost To Growth And Freedom, Marites M. Tiongco, Caesar B. Cororaton, Francine Ysabel D. Gañgan

Angelo King Institute for Economic and Business Studies (AKI)

No abstract provided.

From Screens To Stress: Public Health Implications Of Cancer Worry In A Digitally Connected World, Shreya Mathur, Ethan Burns, Michael Pokojovy, Tzu-Liang Bill Tseng, Sunil Mathur

Mathematics & Statistics Faculty Publications

Aims:

This study examines how digital information environments, genetic testing experiences, health behaviors, and psychological distress influence cancer-related worry among adults in the United States. It further considers the public health implications of elevated or reduced cancer worry for prevention and risk communication.

Methods:

Data were drawn from a nationally representative survey of 6,252 U.S. adults. Measures included reliance on social media for health decision-making, smoking status, history of genetic testing, and psychological distress. Multivariable analyses assessed associations between these factors and levels of cancer worry.

Results/Findings:

Reliance on social media for health decisions was associated with greater cancer worry, …

Preserving Progress: Why The Dd Network Matters Now More Than Ever, Matt Wappett

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Introduction To Christian Ethics, Michael Knight, Lizette Knight

Academic Books

No abstract provided.

Association Between Caregiver Status And Physical And Mental Health Among National Senior Games Athletes, Chibuzo Uchechukwu Victor Obasi

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

As the population ages, more people rely on informal caregivers, which puts many older adults at risk for health problems. Caregiving can be meaningful and strengthen family bonds, but it often leads to more psychological stress, especially for older adults who also have their own health concerns. Research shows that regular physical activity can help older adults build resilience and improve their mental well-being. Still, we know little about the health of older caregivers who stay very active. This study examines the health effects of caregiving among members of the National Senior Games Association (NSGA), a group of highly active …

The Sub-Lethal Effects Of Trematode Parasites On The Migratory Behavior Of Lesser Scaup (Aythya Affinis), Scott Alan Herman

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The introduction of the invasive freshwater faucet snail (Bithynia tentaculata) and its associated parasites in the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region provides the opportunity to investigate how anthropogenic stressors impact the life history of lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) using the Mississippi Flyway. To understand the life histories and interactions between lesser scaup and faucet snails we examined historical records, research, and ecology textbooks. Our literature review identified critical knowledge gaps in lesser scaup literature surrounding population dynamics, reproduction, and migration. Specifically, the sub-lethal effects of invasive trematodes on the migratory behavior of lesser scaup in the Upper Mississippi …

Exploring African Students’ Experiences With Culturally Responsive Mental Health Apps In The U.S., Emelia Essumanba-Josiah

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Digital mental health applications have proven to be effective, yet adoption remains very low among African international students in the United States. This study investigated how 17 university students perceive the usefulness of mental health apps, evaluate existing tools through their cultural lens, and recommend what a culturally responsive app would look like – all through a semi-structured interview with an app exploration exercise at a Midwestern public university. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model and the African-Centered Wellness Model, there were six (6) key themes that emerged revealing participants carried skewed pre-migration mental health frameworks, dealt with their stressors …

Misinformation And The Law, Gustavo Ribeiro

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

This Article bridges critical gaps between the growing body of social science research on misinformation and the persistent challenges jurors face in evaluating potentially unreliable evidence in courtrooms. Misinformation—a pervasive issue undermining decision-making in democratic societies—mirrors the difficulties jurors encounter in distinguishing truth from falsehood amid compelling but unreliable evidence. The consequences of such challenges are dire: wrongful convictions, racial disparities, and the erosion of public trust in the legal system.

This Article is the first piece of legal scholarship to provide a comprehensive discussion of current research on the psychological mechanisms underlying susceptibility to misinformation—such as the illusory truth …

Law’S Limits: Abortion And The Social Determinants Of Health, Maya Manian

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

After Dobbs: How the Supreme Court Ended Roe but Not Abortion (“After Dobbs”) is a prescient and timely response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and upended nearly five decades of constitutional protection for abortion. In this meticulously structured oral history, law professor David S. Cohen and sociologist Carole Joffe center the voices of abortion providers, clinic administrators, funders, and advocates from across the country. After Dobbs, not only documents the extraordinary persistence of abortion supporters in the face of legal devastation but also bears witness to …

The Hope Industrial Complex: Resisting Manufactured And False Hope With Critical Hope In Peace Education, Thailand's Refugee Context, Staci B. Martin, Hayso Thako, Rey Ty, Sudarat Tuntivivat, Rattanak Ly

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Our Point of Departure (POD) argues that the type of hope fostered within the Karen refugee community in Thailand – manufactured, false, or critical – shapes the impact of peace-building and higher education efforts. Through a dialogue among a Karen scholar, his supervisor, and a migration researcher, we demonstrate that manufactured hope, often driven by external aid, sustains dependency and overlooks core conflicts. In contrast, false hope arises from the gap between student desires and institutional barriers, leading to unmet expectations. We aim to show that by applying critical hope, the pedagogical approach enables the Karen community to enhance its …

The Evolution Of Crime: Exploitation Of Technological Overdependencies Within Economic Enterprises, Robert J. Hehl, Grey Quigley, Autumn Laurenzano-Frost, Richard Mcloughlin, Valerie Garzon

CJC 450 - Criminal Justice and Criminology Capstone

This Capstone Research Assessment focuses on analyzing the evolution of crime from physical to technology-based offenses. This project examines how criminal actors exploit organizations’ increasing dependence on technology and digital systems and the inherent vulnerabilities found within economic enterprises. Said research assesses the lagging development of laws and cybersecurity safeguards, the critical issue of human error, and the lowered barrier to entry for cybercriminals. This paper will conclude with recommendations and strategies that may mitigate such vulnerabilities.

Security Threats To General Dynamics And Sensitive Defense Programs, Robert J. Hehl, Shane Williams, Henna Darji, Delia Tarasco

CJC 450 - Criminal Justice and Criminology Capstone

This Capstone Research Assessment focuses on the identification and analysis of foreign state actors, insider threats, and personnel negligence to United States defense contractors within the private sector, specifically General Dynamics. This assessment examines how The Big Four --- China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea --- continue to pose the most significant threats to U.S. sensitive defense programs.

Argument Grounds, Patrick Belanger

Activities and Assignments Collection

To provide students with analytic tools to assess the grounds of various arguments

Ethical Reasoning, Tolga Tezcan

Activities and Assignments Collection

To learn how to apply different ethical frameworks to analyze a complex, real-world social issue. To engage multiple perspectives and counterarguments before forming conclusions.

Analyzing A News Article, Tolga Tezcan

Activities and Assignments Collection

Students will synthesize academic knowledge (sociological concepts) with experiences (their own news browsing habits and selection). To differentiate between statements of value and statements of empirical fact within a journalistic piece. To engage in self-reflection regarding one’s own vulnerability to media bias and selective exposure.

Transition To Home Guideline For Patients With Diabetes, Kathleen R. Burgner

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Background: Diabetes is a leading contributor to preventable hospital readmissions. These hospital readmissions often result from fragmented discharge planning, poor care coordination, and limited post-discharge support. At a 915-bed academic medical center in Southern California, the diabetes-related readmission rate was 13.3%, compared with 11.4% among patients without diabetes. This project aimed to develop an evidence-based Transition-to-Home (TTH) guideline for hospitalized patients with diabetes and evaluate the strength of its recommendations through multidisciplinary stakeholder review.

Methods: An evidence-based guideline development project was conducted over 8 weeks. A comprehensive literature search in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, and ScienceDirect identified current evidence on transitional …

Does Guideline-Directed Breast Mri Improve Early Identification In The High-Risk Breast Cancer Population, Cemile Littlepage

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Introduction: In the United States, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. The American Cancer Society's 2007 guidelines (Onishi & Kataoka, 2020) and the American College of Radiology recommend that MRI screening, alongside annual mammography, be used for women at high risk for breast cancer (Lamb et al., 2023; Sardanelli et al., 2024). Currently, there are various screening models, and no standardized tool or national guideline exists for MRI screening in high-risk patients. This guideline project aims to establish a screening model and recommendations for MRI screening in high-risk women for use in primary care.

Methods: A …

Effect Of Active Music-Based Intervention Conducted By Music Therapists Or Medical Professionals On Reducing Agitation In Patients With Dementia: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Jian-Jia Huang, Yu-Hsuan Chen, Yun-Chen Chung, Yu-Peng Huang, Yu-Cheng Pei

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Music-based interventions (MI), including music therapy and music medicine, have been proposed to reduce agitation in patients with dementia, yet evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews remains inconsistent. Moreover, the efficacy of MI may vary by method and professional involvement, which has not been fully examined. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of active MI conducted by music therapists or medical professionals on agitation in patients with dementia compared with those of general therapy (GT). RCTs published between January 1, 2010, and July 31, 2021, were identified from MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. Study quality …

Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Regulation To Alleviate Sickle Cell Disease Severity: A Promising Therapeutic Approach, Shahanas Chathoth

Saudi Medical Journal

Abstract Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Chronic anemia, hemolysis and vasculopathy are the most common symptoms that arise from hemoglobin (Hb) polymerization, which is the primary event of SCD. The above process can lead to erythrocyte sickling. Therapeutic options for SCD remain limited, and novel therapies are still being evaluated for their effectiveness in particular populations. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a significant bioactive sphingolipid, acts as a potent signal mediator, modulating several cellular functions. The potential role of erythrocyte-S1P in enhancing SCD severity has been previously reported by multiple studies. Therefore, the present …

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Registry At King Abdullah Specialized Children’S Hospital (Jiar-Kasch) In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jubran T. Alqanatish, Abdullah I. Almojali, Wejdan M. Algbaiwi, Abdullah S. Alqahtani, Abdulrahman A. Alrasheed, Lubna A. Alnasser, Wafaa M. Alsuwairi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To establish and maintain a comprehensive, up-to-date registry of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) cases, and to outline the methodology used in creating it. Methods: Retrospective and prospective data collection commenced in August 2021, using the Hospital Information System to identify electronic medical records of JIA patients. All individuals diagnosed with JIA and receiving follow-up care at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH) in Riyadh were included. A broad range of variables covering sociodemographic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory results, imaging findings, and therapeutic medications were recorded in the REDCap platform. Data collection update occurs every 6 months. Results: By December …

Research Productivity On Obesity In The Arab World: A Bibliometric Analysis (2004–2023), Jamil Adnan Samkari, Ahamd Azam Malik

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To examine obesity research trends in Arab countries to inform policies and interventions. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science database accessed via King Abdulaziz University’s electronic library. Publications on obesity research in Arab countries from 2004 to 2023 were analyzed using R-Bibliometrix. Key parameters included publication volume, leading authors and institutions, funding sources, keyword co-occurrence networks, and collaboration patterns. Results: Obesity-related research output in Arab countries demonstrated consistent growth from 2004 to 2023, with a threefold increase in publications since 2015. Regional and international collaborations have intensified, although disparities in research productivity persist across …

Safe, Secure And Loved (Ssl): A Randomized Controlled Trial Of A Promotores-Led, Culturally Anchored Parenting Prevention Program For Latine Caregivers Of Young Children, Barbara M. Burns, Veronica Amador, Maria Gallardo, Martin Alvarez Lopez, Gerardo Uriel Gallardo, Marita Zavaleta

Child Studies

Safe, Secure and Loved (SSL) is a manualized, six-workshop, promotores-led parenting prevention program designed to strengthen caregiver resilience, protective factors, responsive caregiving, and family well-being among Latine families with young children. This single-site, community-based randomized controlled trial evaluated SSL through Sacred Heart Community Service in San Jose, California. SSL was delivered virtually in Spanish by trained promotores to Latine caregivers aged 18 years or older who were caring for a child aged 0–3 years or preparing to parent an infant. No substantive RCT-specific adaptations were made to the SSL curriculum, workshop sequence, participant materials, make-up procedures, language procedures, or fidelity …