Digital Commons Network^™

Snap Into Action: Standardizing Nursing Neurologic Assessments In Pediatric Oncology, Katherine Smith, Jessica Mcwhorter, Cara Gliddon, Barbara Poloskey, Sanjiv Mehta, Kimberly Digerolamo

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Nursing neurologic assessments are essential for timely recognition and escalation of changes in neurologic status (1-3). However, nursing neurologic assessments lacked standardization on a 51-bed pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant unit. Approximately 40% of emergency transfers (4) over three years were related to neurologic changes and nurses lacked confidence in performing neurologic assessments.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to standardize the process for nursing neurologic assessments, with aims to: 1) increase nurses’ confidence in performing neurologic assessments and 2) decrease emergency transfers related to changes in neurologic status.

Methods: The Serial Neurologic Assessment in …

Assessing The Evolving The Culture Of Biology Program Through The Lens Of The Teacher-Centered Systemic Reform Model, Diyala S. Shihadih, Elizabeth Runkel Baez, Mitra Asgari, Justin Berl, Adam J. Chouinard, Stephanie J. Gutzler, Kaleb K. Heinrich, Eden Riordan, Star W. Lee, Erin E. Shortlidge

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

There are persistent national calls to advance evidence-based instructional practices to increase the number of students graduating with science degrees. Evolving the Culture of Biology is a program designed to improve undergraduate education by prioritizing graduate teaching assistant teaching professional development (TA-TPD). Guided by the Teacher-Centered Systemic Reform (TCSR) model, this study examined how TA TPD practitioners’ (participants) attitudes, personal factors, institutional contexts, and instructional practices shape TA-TPD reform outcomes. Using a pre-program survey and end-of-year semi-structured interviews, we gained insight into participants’ experiences as they developed and implemented reformed TA-TPD. We investigated how TCSR components differentially influenced participant progress, …

Evolution Of Global Sea‐Level Rise Projections And Their Uncertainty, Andra J. Garner, Amy Appollina, Jessica Slotter, Gregory G. Garner, Aimée B. A. Slangen, Robert E. Kopp, Benjamin P. Horton

School of Earth, Environment, and Society Faculty Publications and Presentations

For more than 40 years, scientists have projected future sea‐level change. Documenting how sea‐level projections have evolved is vital for tracking progress, uncertainties, and future research needs. Here, we update and analyze a database of global‐mean sea level (GMSL) projections dating from 1982 to 2025, identifying five key findings. First, GMSL projection generation has been concentrated in a small number of developed countries, with 95% of projections produced in the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, or Australia. Second, while GMSL projections for 2050 and 2100 have been published regularly since the early 1980s, only 30 of 103 studies have …

A Language We Built Together: A Physician Assistant’S Reflection On A Renal Transplant, Oviya Mahendran, Sampathkumar Sakthi Selvakumar

Journal of Wellness

This is not just a story of kidney transplantation in a tertiary care hospital in a tier-2 city of South India. It is all about a true clinical journey of resilience, where a young woman with congenital hearing loss, battling chronic kidney disease, discovered hope, understanding, and companionship through a physician assistant's compassionate communication.

Detecting Hazards At Rail Grade Crossings Using Computer Vision And Ai, Silvia Flores-Osuna, Gasser G. Ali, Darren Espinoza, Felix Chavez, Constantine Tarawneh

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

The Federal Railroad Administration reported a total of 2,250 highway-rail incidents during 2024. Continuous efforts by transportation agencies aim to lower these numbers by spreading awareness, improving infrastructure, and installing warning devices. Efforts have been made to enhance safety at these crossings using a variety of innovative technologies; however, there remains a need for a robust and cost-effective system capable of detecting hazards at various crossings under diverse climate and lighting conditions. This paper explores the application of artificial intelligence and deep learning to develop a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for image-level multi-class classification of hazards at grade crossings, including …

The Relative Strength Of Compulsive Reward-Driven Eating, Weight Self-Efficacy, And Physical Appearance Comparison In Predicting Feelings Of Self-Worth, Kathleen Rowe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Walden University College of Psychology and Community Services This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Kathleen Rowe has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Hedy Dexter, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Medha Talpade, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2026

Design And Fabrication Of 3d Bioprinted Scaffold: Experimental And Machine Learning Methods, Mohan K. Dey

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The development of reliable hydrogel-based scaffolds for extrusion bioprinting remains limited by the poor structural fidelity of low-viscosity bioinks and the lack of robust, high-throughput quality evaluation methods. This dissertation can resolve such challenges by developing the combination of optimized hydrogel formulations, cryogenic-assisted bioprinting, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based scaffold evaluation to the use of tissue engineering and preclinical cancer modelling applications. To assess the rheological behavior, printability, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of the alginate – gelatin (Alg–Gel) system, a novel system of hydrogel was developed and characterized using Alg–Gel hydrogel system. The 7% alginate, 8% gelatin mixture was found to …

The Mediating Role Of Production Process Efficiency Through Lean Production In Enhancing Institutional Excellence: An Applied Study At The Maysan Oil Factory, Asst. Lect. Wasan Jawad Kadhim

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study aimed to analyze the mediating role of production process efficiency in the relationship between lean production and organizational excellence, through an applied study at the Maysan Oils Factory. This was done within the framework of efforts to improve operational performance and enhance the competitiveness of industrial enterprises. The study’s significance stems from its highlighting of lean production as a modern strategic approach and its showcasing of the role of production process efficiency as an intermediary mechanism that contributes to achieving organizational excellence in the industrial environment. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach. The study population consisted of employees …

The Role Of Agile Human Resources In Enhancing Job Performance: An Exploratory Study Of The Opinions Of A Sample Of Human Resources In The Traffic Directorate Of Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Wafaa Salman Ibrahim, James Yohana Odeesh

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

Many organizations face challenges related to poor job performance resulting from difficulty adapting to rapid changes in the work environment. This necessitates the adoption of modern management approaches capable of enhancing human resource efficiency and improving performance levels. Agile human resources is one of the most important of these approaches that contributes to enhancing job performance. Based on this, this research seeks to identify the role of lean human resources as an independent variable in enhancing job performance as a dependent variable in the Sulaimaniyah Governorate Traffic Directorate. The research relied on a questionnaire as a data collection tool, consisting …

2026 August 27 - From My Notepads Newsletter, Office Of The President, East Tennessee State University, Brian Noland

From My Notepads: A Newsletter from President Brian Noland

No abstract provided.

Residential Cooling Energy Efficiency During Heatwaves In South Texas, Rosa A. Castan, Gasser G. Ali

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Heatwaves have become increasingly intense and frequent in recent years. As a result, residents are forced to rely on air-conditioning systems, a major contributor to high energy consumption. South Texas is one of the regions that has been affected by historically extreme heat. This paper explores the challenges this region has faced due to heatwaves and the strategies adopted to mitigate their effects. It investigates the use of cooling technologies, energy-related habits, and investment in home construction to reduce indoor heat and manage electricity bills. A literature review is performed to help identify relevant factors related to maximizing energy efficiency. …

Economic Policies And Their Role In Enhancing Innovation: An Econometric Study Of South Korea (1996–2024), Ahmad M. Habeeb, Mahdi Saleh Sulaiman Al-Rikani

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This research aims to study and analyze the impact of macroeconomic policies (fiscal, monetary, and trade) on promoting innovation in South Korea during the period 1996-2024 using the ARDL model. The results of estimating the model’s parameters in the short and long run showed a stable equilibrium relationship, with an error correction coefficient of –0.173. This indicates that the Korean economic system possesses a self-correcting mechanism that restores equilibrium shocks within approximately 5 years and 9 months. The results also demonstrated the importance of education spending and the money supply in stimulating and promoting innovation, while trade liberalization had a …

Servant Leadership And Organizational Loyalty: Examining The Mediating Effect Of Meaningful Work, Mezher Abdulsada Hunain, Hasan Oudah Abdullah

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study aims to examine the effect of servant leadership on organizational loyalty among administrative and technical employees at the University of Basrah, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of meaningful work in explaining this relationship. The study seeks to provide deeper insight into how servant leadership practices influence employees’ organizational attachment by enhancing their perception of work as meaningful, which in turn strengthens organizational loyalty. A quantitative research design was adopted, and a simple random sample of 362 employees was selected to ensure adequate representation across various colleges and administrative units within the university. Data were collected using …

The Impact Of Cyber Resilience On Achieving Digital Development: A Survey Study At North Oil Company, Huda Abdul Rahim Hussein, Ali Abdul Fattah Alshaher, Ahmed Zuhair Tawfiq

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

The research aims to identify the impact of cyber resilience on achieving digital development in the North Oil Company within the framework of a conceptual model that relies on cyber resilience as an independent variable with its four dimensions (prevention, protection, response, recovery) and a dependent variable represented by digital development with its dimensions (digital infrastructure, digital skills, digital inclusion, technological innovation) The research adopted a survey methodology, and data was collected using a questionnaire developed based on previous studies that employed tested measures in the field of information systems and information security. The research sample consisted of 312 individuals …

Smart Financial Management Governance Based On Auditing As A Constitutional Mechanism For Accountability Of Algorithmic Authority, Ahmed Abdul Mahmood Al-Janabi, Yasser Saad Znad, Mohammed Salman Nima

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This research examines the structural transformations brought about by the increasing use of algorithms and intelligent systems in financial management. These transformations extend beyond simply improving operational efficiency; they reshape the logic of decision-making and the distribution of power within organizations. The research is based on the premise that intelligent financial management generates a new form of algorithmic power, exercised through relatively closed computational models. This limits the interpretability and accountability of financial decisions within traditional governance frameworks. Furthermore, the research seeks to reframe the audit function from a regressive, compliance-based oversight role to a constitutional mechanism capable of holding …

The Impact Of Generative Ai Applications On Employees’ Perceived Job Security: A Field Study In Knowledge-Intensive Organizations In Iraq, Hayder Ibrahim Hassoon

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study examines the impact of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) applications on employees’ perceived job security within knowledge-intensive organizations in Iraq. A quantitative, descriptive–analytical field design was employed. Data were collected through a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire administered to a stratified random sample of 420 employees from four organizations: Zain Iraq, Asiacell, Korek, and Rafidain Bank. The independent variable was operationalized through three dimensions: intensity of daily GenAI use, the impact of automation and job redesign, and organizational governance of GenAI use. The dependent variable was employees’ perceived job security. Reliability and construct validity supported the instrument’s adequacy for analysis, with …

The Impact Of Certain Electronic Payment Methods On Iraqi Bank Credit For The Period 2018–2024, Kareem Muttair Hassan Al-Zayadi, Ali Jaber Abdul-Hussein Al-Maali

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

The information revolution and the significant acceleration in the proliferation of electronic payment instruments over the last decade represent the primary frontier in reshaping traditional economic transactions, with the banking sector garnering the utmost attention in this domain, and beginning from 2018, Iraq initiated its digital financial transformation operations through the Central Bank launching initiatives to regulate the work of electronic payment companies, and the significance of this study lies in formulating an integrated analytical and econometric vision to explore the dynamic relationship between the expansion of these systems and the efficiency and trends of bank credit for the period …

Effectiveness Of Banking Marketing Strategies And Their Impact On Attracting Customers: A Comparative Study Between The Trade Bank Of Iraq (Tbi) And The Bank Of Baghdad, Azzam Saleh Abd

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

The research problem centers on the growing gap between the marketing strategies adopted by Iraqi banks and the increasing expectations of customers in the digital age, which has led to a noticeable disparity in the ability to attract and retain customers between the public and private sectors. Despite its capital strength and sovereign status, the Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) faces challenges in aligning its marketing flexibility with the needs of individuals versus large corporations, while the Bank of Baghdad struggles to promote trust and security to compete with government guarantees. To analyze this problem, three main hypotheses were formulated: …

The Role Of Green Accounting In Achieving Sustainable Development Through The Quality Of Accounting Information: An Empirical Study Of Iraqi Industrial Companies, Ahmed Neamah Abed, Anmar Adnan Khudhair, Farqad Mohammed Bakr Al Saadi

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

The goal of this study is to highlight the role of green accounting, both direct and indirect, via the quality of accounting information, in achieving sustainable development goals in industrial companies in Iraq. The methodology was done based on data obtained in 2026 through a questionnaire sent to a random sample of 110 employees (accountants, heads of finance departments, finance managers and internal auditors) in industrial companies listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses and pathways by applying AMOS software. Furthermore, the results indicated that the green accounting is positively and …

Non-Parametric Bayesian Modeling For Predicting Financial Market Volatility, Maab Adil Sabbar, Ahmed Imad Jawad Alradhi

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study examines methodological developments in modeling financial market volatility, with a particular focus on Bayesian nonparametric approaches as flexible alternatives to traditional parametric models such as GARCH and stochastic volatility frameworks. While characteristics of financial time series—including fat tails, volatility clustering, asymmetry, and structural breaks—limit the effectiveness of rigid parametric specifications, nonparametric Bayesian tools such as Dirichlet Process Mixtures offer adaptive probabilistic structures that better capture the true behavior of returns.
Using daily data from the ISX Main 60 Index, the empirical analysis shows that although the GARCH(1,1) model achieves a good statistical fit, stable volatility estimates, and accurate …

Consumer Behavior In The Social Media Ecosystem: A Scoping Review Of Influential Factors, Huda Fadhil Gatea

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

The rapid expansion of social media has fundamentally transformed the ways consumers search for information, interact with brands, and make purchasing decisions. This study provides a structured synthesis of the literature on consumer behavior in the social media ecosystem using a Scoping Review approach aligned with the PRISMA-ScR framework. The review aimed to map the main research streams, identify dominant thematic categories, and clarify the conceptual directions shaping this field. A total of 31 studies published between 2011 and 2025 were included in the final review following a multi-stage screening process involving identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and final inclusion. The …

The Impacts Of Emotions On Thirst Among Heart Failure Patients, Chieh-An Yang, Hsing-Mei Chen, Tsung-Neng Tsai, Chieh-Yu Liu, Hui-Ju Lu, Ting-Ti Lin

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Thirst, characterized by sensations of oral dryness and a craving to drink, is a ubiquitous experience among heart failure (HF) patients. Besides reduced cardiac output, the clinical treatments for HF patients (e.g., diuretics, fluid restriction) may activate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), exacerbating their thirst distress.

Negative emotions are commonly experienced among heart failure patients. Previous studies have suggested that emotions (e.g., anxiety, depression) may activate the sympathetic nervous system, reducing the secretion of saliva, which, in turn, may increase sensations of dry mouth among HF patients. However, the relationship between emotions and thirst distress remains unclear. Therefore, the aim …

Losac Minutes 2026-08-27, Library Operating Staff Advisory Committee

University Libraries Archives

No abstract provided.

Insurance: A Hidden Tool In The Fire Adapted Community Toolbox?, Michael Patrick Wilshire

Dissertations and Theses

Increased costs associated with wildfire activity in the Western United States has raised concern about the long term stability of homeowners insurance. One popular approach to reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire is the completion of Firewise behaviors on residential properties. I explored homeowner experiences with homeowners insurance, and asked if rising insurance premiums and policy non-renewals are affecting homeowners' Firewise behaviors. I surveyed homeowners living in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) in Deschutes County, Oregon to understand their experiences with homeowners insurance, past Firewise actions, and intentions to complete Firewise actions in the near future. Most homeowners surveyed have …

Development And Evaluation Of An Llm Based Nursing Documentation, Sumi Sung, Hyeyoung Lee, Wooje Sung, Do Yeon Kim, Jung Eun Hong, Yewon Lee, Seung Hee Lee

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Accurate nursing documentation is essential for communicating patient status and ensuring patient safety. However, heavy workloads and non-standard terminology often lead to omissions and errors. Large language models (LLMs) show promise in supporting nursing documentation, but hallucinations raise safety concerns. To mitigate these risks, we adopted a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) approach that grounds responses in standard nursing terminologies [1]. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an RAG-based chatbot that supports nursing documentation using standard terminology and procedures.

Methods: From January 2022 to May 2024, we analyzed 70,926 unstructured nursing narratives from 76 patients with myocardial infarction who underwent …

Reducing Inpatient Falls Through Staff Education, Courage Duin Chiangeh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Patient falls remain a major patient safety concern, particularly among hospitalized stroke patients who are at increased risk because of impaired mobility, neurological deficits, and cognitive changes. The inpatient stroke unit selected for this quality improvement project consistently reported the highest fall rates within the hospital system, highlighting the need for evidence-based interventions. The purpose of this project was to determine whether a structured fall-prevention education program incorporating evidence-based practices and the 4Ps of purposeful rounding (pain, potty, position, and possessions) would improve staff knowledge, increase compliance with fallprevention practices, and reduce patient falls over a 2-month period. Guided by …

Staff Education To Strengthen Patient Counseling For Recurrent Uti Prevention In Middle-Aged And Older Women In A Low-Income Community Clinic, Linda Osamede Isidienu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctor of nursing practice (DNP) project was a practice-focused quality improvement (QI) staff education initiative designed to address recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) among middle-aged and older women receiving care in a low-income community clinic. Recurrent UTIs are associated with increased antibiotic use, antimicrobial resistance, and reduced quality of life. The purpose of this project was to evaluate whether a structured staff education program could improve provider knowledge related to patient counseling on UTI prevention. Twenty nurses and medical assistants participated in the intervention, which included education on evidence-based prevention strategies, counseling techniques for low health literacy populations, and …

Stafford V. State [State Of Nevada], 142 Nev. Adv. Op. 59 (Aug. 27, 2026), Giselle Garcia-Contreras

Nevada Supreme Court Summaries

Stafford v. State holds that an in-custody defendant’s failure to appear at a hearing does not relieve the State of its plea agreement obligations, as the State controls the defendant’s ability to appear.

Davis V. Dist. Ct., 123 Nev. Adv. Op. 58 (Aug. 27, 2026), Tristen Fleig

Nevada Supreme Court Summaries

In Davis v. Dist. Ct., the Supreme Court upheld the court's authority to issue orders and impose sanctions during discovery, after Petitioner claimed NAC 641.234(3) limited the court's authority to order disclosure of psychologist data.

John Koehler V. Secretary Pennsylvania Department Of Corrections

2026 Decisions

USDC for the Middle District of Pennsylvania