Digital Commons Network^™

Centering The Medical Student Perspective In A Mixed-Methods Evaluation Of The Holistic Admissions Process At A Mission-Driven Institution, Brenda L. Liszka

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods research explores the influence of a holistic admissions process on medical student enrollment at a mission-driven institution. The study quantitatively measured the impact of various admissions touchpoints on enrollment decisions and qualitatively investigated the experiences of students underrepresented in medicine based on their race or ethnicity, first-generation status, and medically underserved backgrounds. Individual interviews, guided by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, were used to understand participants' sense of belonging and esteem throughout the process. The findings inform an improvement agenda aimed at creating a responsive and inclusive admissions process that supports diverse student bodies and addresses national public health …

The Crucial Role Of Grassroots Social Organizations In Advancing Immigrant Legal Protections And Reshaping Immigration Policy, Isabella Reynolds

McNair Summer Research Program

This research project examines how grassroots social organizations contribute to the advancement of immigrant legal protections and shape immigration policy, with a particular focus on formerly incarcerated migrants in California. I focus on case studies and the personal experiences of organizers from Homies Unidos, Border Angels, and other organizations that operate near the San Diego–Tijuana border region. The study illustrates how these groups provide essential services, mental health support, and community-based initiatives for vulnerable and formerly incarcerated immigrants. By conducting oral histories and ethnography as methods for preserving emotional labor and shared memory, this research challenges prevailing narratives that criminalize …

The Benefits Of Music In Occupational Therapy For Individuals With Dementia, Keanu Butler, Rebecca King, Keegan Mckay

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in older adults, leading to progressive declines in memory, behavior, and daily functioning. Music interventions, whether live or recorded, have been shown to improve mood, reduce agitation, and enhance quality of life for individuals with dementia by fostering emotional connection and relaxation. The Model of Human Occupation supports these interventions by addressing volition, routines, and performance skills, helping therapists create meaningful, structured strategies to improve daily living and engagement.

Regional Heterogeneity Of The Blood-Brain Barrier, Marie Blanchette, Kaja Bajc, Benjamin D Gastfriend, Caterina P Profaci, Nadine Ruderisch, Cayce E Dorrier, Guo Zhong, Raquel Cuevas-Diaz Duran, Sean S Harvey, Iris H Garcia-Pak, Lucija Pintarić, Manon Leclerc, Louise Reveret, Vincent Émond, Annette Wang, Deepti Pant, Linus T Tsai, Frédéric Calon, Nina Isoherranen, Sean P Palecek, Eric V Shusta, Jiaqian Wu, Richard Daneman

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

The blood-brain barrier (BBB), formed by specialized endothelial cells (ECs), regulates the extracellular composition of the central nervous system (CNS). Little is known about whether there are regional specializations of the BBB that may control the function of specific neural circuits. We use single cell RNA-seq to characterize ECs from nine CNS regions in male mice: cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, spinal cord, striatum, thalamus, hypothalamus, midbrain, and medulla/pons. Although there is a core BBB transcriptional profile, there are significant regional specializations. Stra6, a retinoid transporter, is highly enriched in the BBB of the nucleus accumbens shell (ShNAc) and ventral cochlear nucleus, …

Improving Effective Assistant Nurse Manager Communication In Obstetrics, Julie Marie Glover

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Problem: This quality improvement project addresses inconsistent leadership communication among Assistant Nurse Managers (ANMs) in the Obstetrics (OB) department of a hospital in Northern California. ANM and staff concerns around shift handoff, huddles, and leadership responsiveness have created confusion and hindered team coordination. The project aims to improve communication effectiveness scores among OB ANMs from 50% to 75% by July 11, 2025.

Context: The project was conducted in the Maternal-Child-Health (MCH) unit of a hospital in Northern California, specifically targeting communication practices among OB ANMs. Concerns around communication practices were voiced by both ANM leadership and frontline staff, signaling …

Different Hypoxic Response Of Human Cavii And Caenorhabditis Elegans Homologous Genes Cah-3, Cah-4, Cah-5, Sümeyye Aydoğan Türkoğlu, Aysu Bozkurt, Fatma Poyrazli, Derya Okuyan

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: A number of carbonic anhydrase (CA) family proteins have been implicated in cancer. They contribute to the hypoxic microenvironment. CAVII is often downregulated in colorectal carcinoma and it has been associated with increased tumor size, node metastasis, and adverse clinical outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of hypoxia on CAVII protein in human colon cancer and prostate cancer cells. In addition, the regulation of CAH genes in Caenorhabditis elegans was examined. These are homologous to CAVII in humans.

Materials and methods: CAVII expression was analyzed in different cell lines such as human colon cancer (SW480 …

Lactic Acid Bacteria Alleviate Neuronal Excitotoxicity And Extend Caenorhabditis Elegans Lifespan, Bao Le, Thi Nhat Hong Nguyen, Seung-Hwan Yang

Turkish Journal of Biology

Aim: Neuronal cell death plays a critical role in the development of neurological disorders associated with aging. This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of heat-killed lactic acid bacteria (hkLAB) on neuroblastoma cells and Caenorhabditis elegans.

Materials and methods: We pretreated heat-killed Lactobacillus fermentum CNU384 (hkCNU384), L. brevis CNU386 (hkCNU386), L. helveticus CNU395 (hkCNU395), and L. paracasei CNU396 (hkCNU396) at a concentration of 10⁹ CFU/mL to investigate their neuroprotective effects on glutamate-induced SH-SY5Y cells and their impact on the lifespan of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced C. elegans.

Results: Our findings indicate that hkCNU395 and hkCNU396 protected against glutamate-induced cell death …

Education Plan On Colonoscopy Preparation And Communication To Improve Colonoscopy Prep And Ensure Better Outcomes, Maryam Pourjalil

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing practice (DNP) staff education project introduced a formalized staff education program to refine colonoscopy preparation quality at a community gastroenterology clinic. Suboptimal bowel preparation in 20%–30% of colonoscopies resulted in missed lesions, higher costs, and decreased satisfaction of the provided quality of care, which highlighted the need for enhanced staff education in nursing practice. The project question was: Does the education of staff on colonoscopy preparation procedures bridge the existing knowledge gap regarding modern colonoscopy techniques? My goal was to increase staff knowledge regarding standardize prep instructions. The project was designed using best practice evidence and …

Quality Improvement Project Implementing Comprehensive Foot Exams In Pediatric Patients With Diabetes, Jimmy Penn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Pediatric patients with diabetes face many of the same long-term complications as adults, including neuropathy. Yet screenings are often overlooked in this population. Research shows that pediatric patients with diabetes experience neuropathy symptoms, yet screening in this population remains underperformed. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a comprehensive foot exam for eligible pediatric patients with diabetes and improve provider adherence through education. The project addressed the question: “Among providers in a pediatric endocrinology clinic, how does implementing education on foot exams, compared to no education, impact provider knowledge and compliance with performing pediatric foot exams over …

Attachment Or Aversion: A Study Of The Effects Of Parental Technoference On Child Emotion Knowledge, Brooklyn Coleman

Theses and Dissertations

Young children's understanding of emotions is heavily socialized by their parents. Through interactions with parents, children learn what emotions look like, when they are expressed, and how they are labeled (Laible, 2004a). Interruptions to interactions between children and parents have the potential to influence the development of children's emotion knowledge. According to the DREAMER framework, how one family member uses media and technology can influence other family members (Barr et al., 2024). Technoference (i.e., digital distraction while with others) is one example of how media might interrupt family life and influence child development as a whole. The current study examined …

Enhanced Global Oil Spill Dataset From 1967 To 2023 Based On Text-Form Incident Information, Yiming Liu, Zhuoli Yin, Hua Cai

The School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering (SEE) Faculty Publications

Knowing how much oil was released into the environment in each incident is critical to studying the environmental, ecological, and economic impacts of oil spills. However, the release amounts (RAs) for numerous oil spill incidents remain unavailable in a structured format for large-scale analysis. The most extensive global oil spill database, managed by NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration, only documents the worst-case scenario estimations in the machine-readable dataset, while more accurate values are embedded within unstructured incident descriptions and subsequent updates. To enhance the dataset with more accurate RAs, we developed a framework to extract the actual RAs from …

Reviewing The Need For Subject-Specific Regional Professional Development Opportunities For Business Librarians, Annette Bochenek, Heather A. Howard

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

This paper reviews the need for regional professional development opportunities for business librarians, examining the benefits and drawbacks that business librarians experience when attending national, subject-specific, and regional conferences, from the perspective of the creators and organizers of the Midwest Business Librarian Summit (MBLS). Using information gained regarding what benefits librarians seek when considering conference attendance as well as the obstacles or challenges experienced, this paper offers information about extant regional conferences for business librarians as well as suggestions for developing an in-person, subject-specific regional conference targeted toward business librarians.

Wellness Tourism: An Introduction, Karen Thal

All Open Educational Resources

Wellness tourism is a growing segment of the travel industry that focuses on experiences designed to improve physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. From yoga retreats and spa getaways to outdoor adventures and healthy culinary experiences, this form of tourism reflects a broader cultural shift toward self-care and holistic health. The current textbook introduces wellness tourism in a U.S. context, offering a practical, business oriented overview for undergraduate students. It provides insights into the concept of wellness, defines and examines both the wellness industry and the wellness tourism sub-sector, highlights key trends, explores the motivations of wellness travelers, and explains how …

Navigating Ai Ethics Through The Lens Of Personality Traits And Well-Being: Policy Recommendations For Young People In The Uae, Areej Elsayary

All Works

The main purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between HEXACO personality traits and well-being, using ethical AI as a mediator among young adults in the UAE, aiming to develop policy recommendations that support ethical AI practices in educational settings. Utilizing a quantitative cross-sectional design, the study involved 204 university students in the UAE, aged 18 and above (M = 23.8, SD = 5.64), with 71 (34.8%) being males and 133 (65.2%) being females. The findings reveal the significant role of AI ethical use in mediating the relationship between certain HEXACO personality traits (honesty–humility, emotionality, and agreeableness) and …

The Use Of A Horizontal Reference Line While Measuring The Anterior Center Edge Angle Is More Reliable Than The Traditional Method, Roland Howard, Benjamin Miltenberg, William Johns, Neel Patel, Shyam Brahmabhatt, John Salvo

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: The anterior center edge angle (ACEA) is a radiographic parameter commonly utilized for the assessment of anterior acetabular coverage in the setting of various hip abnormalities. However, this measurement is greatly dependent on patient positioning and imaging technique.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of a measurement technique utilizing a horizontal reference line and femoral head perfect circles for better control of pelvic obliquity and the assessment of its potential as a more reproducible method for determining the ACEA.

STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS: There were 3 authors who retrospectively reviewed the false-profile radiographs of …

Under What Conditions? A University Pathway Program Evaluation, Michael Burke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As U.S. universities face a declining domestic applicant pool, commonly referred to as the “enrollment cliff,” international student recruitment provides a practical strategy for offsetting domestic enrollment shortfalls. One such strategy for increasing international student enrollment is through the establishment of university pathway programs that grant conditional admission to international applicants who fail to meet English language proficiency requirements but are otherwise academically admissible. As a baseline program evaluation, this study utilized a quantitative methods approach employing logistical regression analysis to determine if incoming standardized English language proficiency test scores, English as a Second Language (ESL) course GPA, and student …

Narrative As Story And Ground: Toward A Dialogic Communication Theory Of Narrative Care, Preston Carmack

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

We live in a historical moment when a nuanced understanding of narrative as both ground and story is essential. In examining the work of two primary scholarly voices working with narrative and operating from a communicative lens, Walter R. Fisher and Ronald C. Arnett, this project lays a theoretical foundation for understanding the dialogic interplay of narrative as story and narrative as ground. Through tracing Fisher's and Arnett's contrasting interpretations of the work of Alasdair MacIntyre, a preeminent neo-Thomistic philosopher whose work has significantly contributed to the study of ethics and narrative construction of human rationality, coordinates related to telling …

Exploration Of The Cultural Beliefs, Values, And Practices Of African American/Black Women Or Birthing Persons Regarding Postpartum Depression: A Focused Ethnography, Stephanie Jacobs

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most prevalent perinatal mental health illness in women, affecting approximately 10% to 20% of all women in the United States, and a disproportionately higher number of African American women. The aim of this study was to explore the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of African American/Black women or birthing persons regarding postpartum depression.

Research Question: What are the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of African American/Black women or birthing persons regarding postpartum depression?

Methodology: A focused ethnography was chosen for this study and consisted of semi-structured interviews. Data was transcribed and analyzed …

The Application Of Macrophage-Targeted, Anti-Inflammatory Celecoxib Nanoemulgel For Nerve Regeneration In Peripheral Nerve Injury, Lu Liu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) refers to damage to the nerve located outside the brain and spinal cord. PNI is commonly caused by a physical accident (trauma) or medical operation^{1, 2}. The impact on the quality of life of PNI patients is directly correlated to neuropathic pain, resultant depression, and increased stress². Even after recovering from the PNI, patients still experience phantom pain and lose the ability to work due to the loss of tactile sensory or motor function^2-4. However, unlike damage to the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral nerves can regenerate because macrophages clean …

Recreational Boat Fishing Participation Varies Across Bioregional Fisheries In Western Australia, With Persistent Patterns Within Fisheries And Fisher Typologies Over Time, Karina L. Ryan, Eva Lai, Claire B. Smallwood, Jeremy M. Lyle, Kate E. Stark, Sean R. Tracey

Fisheries Research Articles

Recreational fishing is popular worldwide and understanding variability in participation can inform policies that seek to improve sustain[1]ability of recreational fisheries and amenity for recreational fishers. However, not all recreational fishers are alike in their demographics or behaviours. This study explores temporal and spatial variability in licensed boat-based recreational fishing participation in Western Australia using data from a consistent survey design delivered 12 times from 2011 to 2024. Five fisher participation typologies were identified across four marine bioregions (North Coast, Gascoyne Coast, West Coast, and South Coast) and four fishery types (demersal, nearshore, pelagic, and invertebrate) with varied fisher characteristics …

Eco-Emotions And Climate Activism In Adolescents, Julianna Sahoo

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background. Youth are especially vulnerable to climate change, both physically and psychologically. Combatting climate change will require a coordinated, global effort. Understanding the motivations and emotions behind climate activism is essential to coordinate efforts to combat climate change.

Methods. This research uses survey data collected from first and second year undergraduates (n=521) at a private, urban university in California in the Fall of 2022. Youth were surveyed on emotions related to climate change, activism, compassion, eco-anxiety, and well-being.

Results. Experiencing positive emotions had a stronger relationship with environmental activism compared to negative emotions.

Conclusion. Results suggest climate change communications should …

Reducing Nulliparous, Term, Singleton, Vertex Cesarean Birth Rate, Roseanna Juarez

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Problem: Cesarean birth rates for nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) pregnancies in the United States continue to exceed the Healthy People 2030 goal of 23.6%, resulting in preventable maternal and neonatal complications and higher healthcare costs.

Context: This quality improvement (QI) initiative was conducted in a high-acuity labor and delivery unit in California’s Central Valley, an area characterized by maternal health disparities, high rates of comorbidities, and limited access to prenatal care. The goal was to reduce the NTSV cesarean rate to 18.0% by July 31, 2025.

Interventions: Guided by Kotter’s 8-Step Change Theory and the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, …

Mental Health And Substance Use Interventions Within Muslim Community Spaces: A Community Based-Participatory Research Proposal, Halah Mansour Alayleh

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background. Muslim Americans face significant mental health and substance use challenges compounded by Islamophobic discrimination, cultural stigma, and barriers to accessing culturally competent services. They also significantly underuse professional mental health services. Purpose. This study aims to collaborate with Muslim communities within the San Francisco Bay Area to develop a replicable intervention framework for addressing mental health and substance use stigma within mosques and other Muslim community spaces. Methods. The proposal uses a community-based participatory research (CBPR) methodology while integrating the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and stigma theory in the framework. This proposal outlines the four phases of intervention …

Interview With An Anthropology And Journalism Student., Jacey Terrill

What Happened Here

This is a transcript of an oral history with a student of anthropology and journalism. They have Jewish heritage and support the Palestinians, growing up familiar with Zionism and the conflict between Palestine and Israel. They explain how their whole life was greatly changed by the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel, feeling a sense of dread for the worst to come. They made their school projects based on their heritage to process the intense emotions and events. They felt a sense of relief that a protest started, since it felt like there was finally some acknowledgment of Gaza, and …

Promoting Inclusion Through Evidence-Based Behavior Management: Effective Interventions For Students With Asd In General Education, Emma Kaiser

Masters Projects

As diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continue to rise, general education classrooms are increasingly responsible for meeting the needs of students with ASD. However, many teachers lack the training and resources necessary to manage challenging behaviors effectively. This knowledge gap often results in exclusionary practices such as restraint, seclusion, and suspension, which act as barriers to inclusion. The purpose of this project is to equip educators with evidence-based behavior management strategies that support inclusive practices. Drawing from current research, the project organizes effective interventions into three key categories: preventing challenging behaviors, teaching alternative skills, and reinforcing positive behaviors. Each …

Optimal Roof Strategy For Mitigating Urban Heat Island In Hot Arid Climates : Simulation And Python-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, Rehab Alaa, Amira Elbalazi, Walaa S.E. Ismaeel

Architectural Engineering

No abstract provided.

Facilitating Engagement And Well-Being In Older Adults Through Personalized Background Music, Anna Heady

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project explores personalized background music as a client-centered intervention to enhance engagement, emotional well-being, and quality of life for older adults in a senior living community. Conducted at Treyton Oak Towers in Louisville, KY, the project integrated meaningful music into daily leisure and social activities. Key goals included building rapport with residents and staff, assessing residents’ functional needs, planning and adapting activities, and incorporating music preferences to support participation and enjoyment. Older adults in long-term care often experience cognitive decline, low motivation, and limited engagement in meaningful occupations. Literature supports music’s ability to stimulate memory, enhance mood, and …

Empowering General Educators: Supporting Students With Learning Disabilities Through Inclusive Tier Two Practices, Megan Sparling

Masters Projects

Many general education teachers enter the profession with minimal training in how to effectively support students with learning disabilities, particularly those who require Tier Two interventions but do not qualify for special education services. This lack of preparation contributes to reduced instructional confidence, inconsistent intervention practices, and missed opportunities to support struggling learners. Grounded in Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy, this capstone project addresses the urgent need for ongoing, practical professional development tailored to the realities of inclusive classrooms. The literature highlights the importance of sustained, collaborative, and contextually embedded …

Effects Of Mode And Transitioning To A Mixed-Mode (Web/Phone) Design On Categorical Survey Estimates: Do Question Characteristics Matter?, Mengyao Hu, Vicki A Freedman, Justin Kamens

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

An increasing number of telephone surveys are introducing a web option. Limited experimental research has explored the implications of such design changes and how they vary by question characteristics. Using an experimental design and propensity score matching techniques, this study examines the effects of mode (web vs. telephone) and transitioning to a mixed-mode design (from telephone-only to the choice of web or telephone) on survey estimates and how effects differ by question characteristics. We draw upon an experiment embedded in the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC), in which half of NSOC-eligible caregivers were randomized to a telephone-only design and the …

The Link Between Disability And Suicide Ideation In Men Over 60, Cassandra Lawrence

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers suicide and suicide ideation as a severe public health issue among older men and people with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a predictive relationship between the level of disability, type of disability (i.e., physical, visual, hearing), functional disability, (i.e., mobility, activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs), and having multiple disabilities on suicide ideation among men with a disability who are aged 60 years and older while controlling for age, depression, marital status and retirement status. The interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal …