Digital Commons Network^™

Evergrow - Rooted In Connections: Designing Childcare Facilities For Cross-Aged Learning Experiences, Sophia S. Austvold

Architecture Theses

This thesis explores innovative design strategies for childcare facilities that encourage multigenerational and cross-aged learning. Recognizing the evolving needs of families, it reimagines traditional childcare spaces as dynamic environments that encourage collaboration, creativity, and well-being. The proposed design will integrate mixed spaces to support diverse age groups, while blending technology and an adaptable layout to accommodate various learning styles. A key focus is the seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments, incorporating natural elements to promote sensory-rich experiences and holistic development. By prioritizing sustainability, inclusivity, and engagement, the design will enhance children’s creativity while supporting meaningful mixed-age interactions. Located in …

Aging With Purpose: Reimagining Senior Living Environments, Philip Wyganowski

Architecture Theses

This thesis explores the design and development of living environments for the elderly, focusing on enhancing their quality of life through thoughtful architecture, community engagement, and sustainable practices. As populations age and increase, the need for specialized environments that cater to the unique needs of the elderly has become increasingly pressing. However, current assisted living facilities often fail to provide dignified living environments and can lead to social isolation. The research investigates how designing with intent, through philosophy and meaningful spaces can revolutionize senior living, management, and engagement. By incorporating these elements there is an enhancement of not only the …

Building Hope: The Impact Of Culturally Sensitive Modular Architecture On Child Refugees' Education, Chloe Larae Bourdeau

Architecture Theses

This project explores the crossroads between education, architecture, and the growing refugee population. While modular architecture cannot be the sole solution to the issues regarding a lack of formal education for refugee children, architecture, specifically culturally sensitive modular architecture, can help how refugees access education. This research focuses on how design can improve the educational journey of refugee children under the age of 18 in Za’atari. Can culturally sensitive modular architecture positively impact the education of refugee children under the age of 18? The research focuses on both the global refugee statistics surrounding formal education and refugees that are specifically …

Designing For Diaspora: A Culturally Inclusive Landscape Celebrating Filipino Heritage In Winnipeg, Mb, Oakley Gray

Landscape Architecture Theses

Winnipeg, Manitoba, has a diverse population and a special relationship and rich history with the Filipino community and the Philippines. Filipinos have supported Canada through economic and cultural contributions, such as working as medical experts or contributing to political milestones. Contemporary parks and open spaces often do not represent minority communities and their contributions to society. The goal of this thesis is to create an open space, characterized by plazas, pedestrian corridors, and streetscapes, that acknowledges the Filipino community. Additionally, the goal of the design is to promote interaction and cultural expression through site elements, research of case studies and …

A Place To See: Recapturing The Historic Role Of Theatre Through Architecture, Timothy Wren-Bjugstad

Architecture Theses

This thesis examines how we can design theatres to start to encourage audience participation and reclaim the theatres purpose as a seeing place. Through the analysis of theatre’s history from Greece to present day, the works of various theatre thinkers, an examination of a variety of theatrical works, and a synthesis of all the above this thesis presents a theatre design that brings theatres function back to its origins.

Beyond Birth: Designing A Retreat For Postnatal Recovery And Connection, Avena Mekala Fromayan

Architecture Theses

Childbirth is a transformative and powerful experience, but the postpartum period is the most vulnerable, yet it is the most overlooked phase. Many mothers and their partners are left to face isolation, lack of support, and emotional and physical challenges with limited guidance. This thesis aims to address this critical gap in maternal care through the design of a purpose-built and family centered facility that supports healing, connection, and wellbeing during the first six weeks after birth and beyond.

Resilient Land Development Strategies For Hurricane-Prone Communities In Grand Bahama, Garrett Lieberg

Landscape Architecture Theses

This thesis explores resilient, off-grid land development strategies for hurricane-prone communities on Grand Bahama Island, with a focus on post-disaster housing, integrated stormwater management, and mangrove restoration. Designed in response to systemic failures during Hurricane Dorian, this project proposes a decentralized community model supported by modular container homes, solar power, and rainwater harvesting systems. Emphasis is placed on using nature-based solutions—especially the protective role of mangroves—to reduce flood risk and enhance long-term resilience. The site design integrates stormwater retention landscapes with ecological buffers, providing both environmental protection and community benefit. Drawing from interviews, local site conditions, and precedent studies, the …

Ecosymphony: The Human-Nature Dialogue: Restoring The Ohio River Through Landscape Architecture In Louisville, Kentucky, Jayden Nadgwick

Landscape Architecture Theses

Riparian areas are delicate ecological zones that support a wide range of ecosystems, that work together to create rich and healthy habitats. Today, these zones are under threat due to pollutants, flooding, and industrial development along riverbanks. The Ohio River, ranked as one of the most endangered rivers in the United States, is a clear example of how these threats impact the health of the rivers. These threats have led to significant habitat loss and declining health of ecosystems, impacting not only the natural environment but also the well-being of surrounding communities.

Based in Louisville, Kentucky, along the Ohio River. …

Soothed By Nature: Bring The Nature To The Adhd Students, Dominick Dressler

Landscape Architecture Theses

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and other learning disabilities make traditional education challenging because it often requires sitting still, following routines, and focusing for long periods, things many ADHD students struggle with. Their need for movement, hands-on learning, and flexible thinking doesn’t match rigid classroom structures. As a result, they can feel misunderstood, leading to frustration and low self-esteem. Incorporating outdoor education and naturalistic play spaces in schools is especially beneficial for students with ADHD, as it supports focus and attention through calming, restorative environments. Nature-based play and education settings help reduce hyperactivity by encouraging physical movement, which in turn …

Glim Consensus Approach To Diagnosis Of Malnutrition: A 5-Year Update., Gordon L Jensen, Tommy Cederholm, M Isabel T D Correia, M Cristina Gonzalez, Ryoji Fukushima, Veeradej Pisprasert, Renee Blaauw, Diana Cardenas Braz, Fernando Carrasco, Alfonso J Cruz Jentoft, Cristina Cuerda, David C Evans, Vanessa Fuchs-Tarlovsky, Leah Gramlich, Han Ping Shi, Jeanette M Hasse, Michael Hiesmayr, Naoki Hiki, Harriët Jager-Wittenaar, Shukri Jahit, Anayanet Jáquez, Heather Keller, Stanislaw Klek, Ainsley Malone, Kris M Mogensen, Naoharu Mori, Manpreet Mundi, Maurizio Muscaritoli, Doris Ng, Ibolya Nyulasi, Matthias Pirlich, Stephane Schneider, Marian De Van Der Schueren, Soranit Siltharm, Pierre Singer, Alison Steiber, Kelly A Tappenden, Jianchun Yu, André Van Gossum, Jaw-Yuan Wang, Marion F Winkler, Charlene Compher, Rocco Barazzoni

Ambulatory and Primary Care Articles

BACKGROUND: The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) introduced an approach for malnutrition diagnosis in 2019 that comprised screening followed by assessment of three phenotypic criteria (weight loss, low body mass index [BMI], and low muscle mass) and two etiologic criteria (reduced food intake/assimilation and inflammation/disease burden). This planned update reconsiders the GLIM framework based on published knowledge and experience over the past 5 years.

METHODS: A working group (n = 43 members) conducted a literature search spanning 2019-2024 using the keywords "Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition or GLIM." Prior GLIM guidance activities for using the criteria on muscle mass …

Longevity Humans Have Youthful Erythrocyte Function And Metabolic Signatures, Fang Yu, Changhan Chen, Wuping Liu, Zhixiang Zhao, Yuhua Fan, Zhenjiang Li, Weilun Huang, Tingting Xie, Cheng Luo, Zhouzhou Yao, Qi Guo, Zhiyu Yang, Juan Liu, Yujin Zhang, Rodney E Kellems, Jian Xia, Ji Li, Yang Xia

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Longevity individuals have lower susceptibility to chronic hypoxia, inflammation, oxidative stress, and aging-related diseases. It has long been speculated that "rejuvenation molecules" exist in their blood to promote extended lifespan. We unexpectedly discovered that longevity individuals exhibit erythrocyte oxygen release function similar to young individuals, whereas most elderly show reduced oxygen release capacity. Untargeted erythrocyte metabolomics profiling revealed that longevity individuals are characterized by youth-like metabolic reprogramming and these metabolites effectively differentiate the longevity from the elderly. Quantification analyses led us to identify multiple novel longevity-related metabolites within erythrocytes including adenosine, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and glutathione (GSH) related amino acids. Mechanistically, …

Variations In Sensory And Emotional Responses To Gluten-Containing And Gluten-Free Cookie Products Under Blind And Labeled Conditions, Eniola Ola, Han-Seok Seo

Food Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

The gluten-free food market is expanding rapidly. However, consumer acceptance and emotional responses to gluten-free food, especially commercially available products, have received relatively underexplored. This study aimed to determine how consumer perceptions, acceptance, and emotional responses differ between gluten-containing (C) and gluten-free (F) chocolate chip cookies from three brands under both blind and labeled conditions. In the labeled condition, 84 participants without celiac disease evaluated 3 F cookies labeled "gluten-free" and 3 C cookies presented without claims on a plain white card. In the blind condition, they tested the six cookies without labels. Participants provided hedonic ratings, Just-About-Right (JAR) ratings, …

Comparison Analyses Of Consumer Acceptance, Evoked Emotions, And Purchase Intent Between Gluten-Containing Versus Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Products, Shaelyn Frauenhoffer, Eniola Ola, Suzanne Jervis, Susan E. Gauch, Han-Seok Seo

Food Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

The demand for gluten-free products has increased significantly over the past few decades. This study aimed to determine differences in consumer acceptance, emotional responses, and purchase intent between gluten-containing versus gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. Twelve commercially available chocolate chip cookie products from 11 brands were evaluated, including 7 gluten-free and 5 gluten-containing options. Eighty-nine participants without celiac disease took part in this 2-day study, evaluating six cookies per day. Participants rated sensory acceptance (appearance, flavor, texture, and overall liking) using a 9-point hedonic scale and evaluated specific sensory attributes (chocolate flavor, sweetness, chewiness, and hardness) using a 5-point just-about-right (JAR) …

Targeting Discrepancies In Linear Growth Measurements In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Through Nursing Interventions: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Gail Snyder, Rebekah Wilkinson, Raina Evans, Meagan Owen, Akram Yazdani, Covi Tibe, Catherine Perez, Lindsay F Holzapfel

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: Accurate length measurements are essential for infants to identify growth deficiencies and adjust nutrition accordingly. The gold standard for length measurement in infants is using a length board with two people to obtain an accurate clinical assessment. We aimed to improve the number of measurements with the desired minimal difference, defined as a discrepancy ≤1 cm between nurse and audit measurements, in our center. Our secondary aim was to increase and maintain the number of length boards available.

Methods: This quality improvement (QI) study used a before-and-after intervention comparison design in a single-level IV neonatal intensive care unit between …

First Step To Environmentally Sustainable Endoscopy Practice: A Prospective Study Of Minimizing Multiple Device Use During Screening Colonoscopy At A Large Tertiary Center, Prateek S Harne, Vaishali Harne, Asad Rehman, Nirav Thosani, Madhav Desai

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The healthcare sector generates 8% of greenhouse gas emissions in the USA, of which gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is the third largest contributor. Single-use tools are a major contributor to modifiable waste generation during GI endoscopy. Through a quality improvement initiative, we aimed to reduce endoscopy waste by urging gastroenterologists to be mindful of tools used during polypectomies by avoiding using multiple tools.We discussed green endoscopy initiatives in monthly journal club and business meetings. Over 14 weeks, 210 patients were included in the pre-intervention group and 112 in the post-intervention group.At baseline, 34% of colonoscopies required no intervention, 32% required one …

Origins: Nutritional Profile Of Children Aged One Year In A Longitudinal Birth Cohort, Sarah Whalan, Poonam K. Pannu, Rachelle A. Pretorius, Alexander J.J. Scherini, Sonia Gregory, Susan L. Prescott, Desiree Silva

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Dietary intake during the first year of life is a key determinant of a child’s growth and development. ORIGINS is a longitudinal birth cohort study investigating factors that contribute to a ‘healthy start to life’ and the prevention of non-communicable diseases. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study aims to describe the dietary intakes of one-year-old children participating in ORIGINS and compare these to the Australian Dietary Guidelines and Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs). Between 2020 and 2023, dietary intake data were collected on 779 one-year-old children using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The analysis explored milk intake (breastmilk, infant formula, and …

Ecological Specialisation Of Reef Fishes Peaks In Global Biodiversity Hotspots, Zoé Delecambre, Renato A. Morais, Alexandre C. Siqueira, Emma Paul Costesec, Caroline E. Dubé, Sergio R. Floeter, Alan M. Friedlander, Fabien Leprieur, Yves Letourneur, Lucas T. Nunes, Jordan M. Casey, Valeriano Parravicini

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: The role of ecological specialisation in shaping biogeographic and evolutionary patterns remains unresolved. To date, few studies have quantitatively examined consumer niche breadth at a global scale. We describe global biogeographic and diversification patterns of specialisation, measured using trophic and thermal niches, for a highly diverse assemblage of consumers: reef fishes. First, we investigated the confluence of specialisation with global biogeographic patterns in species richness and reef area. Then, we tested whether these patterns could be explained by differences in diversification rates and geographic ranges. Location: Tropical reefs across the globe. Time Period: Present. Major Taxa Studied: Reef fishes. …

Networked Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning Framework For The Provision Of Ancillary Services In Hybrid Power Plants, Muhammad Ikram, Daryoush Habibi, Asma Aziz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Inverter-based resources (IBRs) are becoming more prominent due to the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources that reduce power system inertia, compromising power system stability and grid support services. At present, optimal coordination among generation technologies remains a significant challenge for frequency control services. This paper presents a novel networked multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (N—MADRL) scheme for optimal dispatch and frequency control services. First, we develop a model-free environment consisting of a photovoltaic (PV) plant, a wind plant (WP), and an energy storage system (ESS) plant. The proposed framework uses a combination of multi-agent actor-critic (MAAC) and soft actor-critic (SAC) …

Young People’S Perceptions Of Harm From Accessing Online Sexual Content, Despina Chronaki, Debra Dudek, Giselle Woodley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Harm—and the ways in which it is interpreted, negotiated, discussed, and unpacked by adolescents themselves—is a key term in almost all debates about young people’s experiences with online pornography. This essay situates the topic of this special issue—adolescents’ perceptions of harm from accessing online sexual content—within a broader context of the discourses and practices that inform research in this field. We show how discourses of harm and risk circulate around the figure of the innocent child in need of protection and argue for more nuanced understandings of and research about childhood that take into account the lived experiences and perspectives …

Efficacy Of Menstrual Cycle Awareness In The Identification Of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Rachel Brothers

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is characterized by identifiable psychological and physical symptoms that are present in the week before menses and is estimated to affect 3-8% of women of reproductive age globally. The identification of women who meet criteria for PMDD is important both clinically, to provide proper support and treatment, and for advancing research by identifying appropriate study participants. This literature review aims to investigate the efficacy of current and prospective tools to screen for symptoms of PMDD by comparing a common depression screening tool, the PHQ-9, to tools that enhance menstrual cycle awareness. A literature review was conducted …

Efficacy Of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy For The Treatment Of Children With Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Sarah Herman

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent mental health condition in children, characterized by persistent and excessive worry that interferes with daily functioning and overall quality of life. Anxiety disorders are considered the most common psychiatric disorders among children. The trajectory of untreated anxiety in early life can result in more resistant and chronic presentations in the future, complicating both therapeutic engagement and outcomes. Parent- Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) has emerged as a potential alternative treatment for children displaying anxiety symptoms, particularly those diagnosed with GAD. This literature review endeavors to assess the effectiveness of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy as an …

Impact Of Altering Gut Microbiota With Multinutrient Supplementation On Neuropsychiatric Symptoms In Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Benjamin Hinkle

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neuropsychiatric condition affecting children, often characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Recent evidence suggests a potential link between gut microbiota composition and neuropsychiatric disorders, including ADHD, through the gut-brain axis (GBA). A literature review of studies published between 2017 and 2024 explores the efficacy of multinutrient interventions on influencing gut microbiota to treat the core symptoms of ADHD in children ages 6-12 years old. Findings indicate that multinutrient supplementation may modulate gut microbiota and subsequently impact neuropsychiatric symptoms, offering a promising adjunctive treatment for ADHD. However, variability in study methodologies and small sample sizes …

Telemedicine Vs. Clinic Monitoring: Adherence In Hypertension Management, Kimberly Hinkle

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Hypertension affects over a billion adults worldwide and remains a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and mortality. Effective management requires consistent medication adherence and lifestyle changes, but barriers such as limited healthcare access often hinder follow-up. This literature review evaluates the efficacy of home blood pressure (BP) monitoring combined with telemedicine follow-up in improving medication adherence among adults with hypertension compared to traditional clinic-based follow-ups. A literature review was conducted, resulting in the inclusion of six studies that examined interventions such as telepharmacy, remote BP monitoring, bidirectional text support, and mobile health applications. Results demonstrated that telemedicine significantly enhances BP …

Improving Fertility In Women With Endometriosis, Todd Marchant

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Endometriosis is a common condition in women and has a strong association with infertility. The purpose of this literature review is to determine the efficacy of hormonal therapy as compared to surgical therapy before assisted reproductive therapy (ART) on endometriosis-related infertility. The electronic databases PubMed and Embase were searched from June 23, 2024, to January 4, 2025. Keywords used were associated with fertility, IVF, and endometriosis. Article selection was limited to research published after the year 2000 with a preference for randomized control trials (RCTs), although one pilot study and one clinical cohort study were also included. The search yielded …

May 1, 2025, The Daily Mississippian

Daily Mississippian (all digitized issues)

No abstract provided.

Mapping Outdoor Alcohol Advertising Around Waterways In An Exploration Of Where And What The Advertisements Feature, Justine E. Leavy, Paula Hooper, Gina Trapp, Renee N. Carey, Gemma Crawford

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: In Western Australia (WA) social activities occur in aquatic environments where alcohol promotion and consumption may be prevalent creating an aquatic alcogenic environment. This poses a challenge for drowning prevention efforts. Restrictions on alcohol advertising placement near aquatic environments require an evidence-base of how prevalent alcohol outlet availability and promotion is in aquatic environments. We aimed to quantify the presence and content of outdoor alcohol advertising in metropolitan WA and map liquor outlet density and licensed venue proximity. Methods: An exploratory, cross-sectional, observational study investigated the geospatial characteristics of five WA coastal precincts. Digitised navigation maps were produced in …

Mapping The Voices: Spanish Boat Owners And Marina Operators On Non-Indigenous Marine Species—Knowledge And Key Informants, Gemma Martínez-Laiz, Kaeden Leonard, Chi Thai Uyen Le, Chad Roy Le Hewitt, José Manuel Guerra-García, Carlos Navarro-Barranco, Sara García-Garrido, Marnie L. Campbell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The public need to be aware of non-indigenous species (NIS) and how they spread to effectively manage this marine biosecurity risk. In most countries, the management of biosecurity risks associated with recreational boating relies exclusively on vessel owners and marina managers engaging in pro-environmental behaviours. To understand if this management approach is feasible, stakeholders’ perceptions first need to be identified. Surveys assessed people’s knowledge, awareness about NIS and channels involved in risk communication in three countries with different management scenarios and marine biosecurity histories: Spain, Australia and New Zealand. There was a mismatch between perceived and actual knowledge of NIS …

Using Machine Learning To Detect Vault (Anti-Forensic) Apps, Michael N. Johnstone, Wencheng Yang, Mohiuddin Ahmed

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Content hiding, or vault applications (apps), are designed with a secondary, often concealed purpose, such as encrypting and storing files. While these apps may serve legitimate functions, they unequivocally present significant challenges for law enforcement. Conventional methods for tackling this issue, whether static or dynamic, prove inadequate when devices—typically smartphones—cannot be modified. Additionally, these methods frequently require prior knowledge of which apps are classified as vault apps. This research decisively demonstrates that a non-invasive method of app analysis, combined with machine learning, can effectively identify vault apps. Our findings reveal that it is entirely possible to detect an Android vault …

Using Natural Language Processing And Machine Learning To Detect Online Radicalisation In The Maldivian Language, Dhivehi, Hussain Ibrahim, Ahmed Ibrahim, Michael N. Johnstone

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Early detection of online radical content is important for intelligence services to combat radicalisation and terrorism. The motivation for this research was the lack of language tools in the detection of radicalisation in the Maldivian language, Dhivehi. This research applied Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to detect online radicalisation content in Dhivehi, with the incorporation of domain-specific knowledge. The research used Machine Learning to evaluate the most effective technique for detection of radicalisation text in Dhivehi and used interviews with Subject Matter Experts and self-deradicalised individuals to validate the results, add contextual information and improve recognition accuracy. The …

Crises In Australian Education, The Push For Educational Technology And The Medium-Oriented Perspective Of Neil Postman, Andrew Hutcheon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

From teacher shortages to declining literacy, the Australian education system faces multiple crises. This paper turns to the work of Neil Postman, who started as a high school teacher but later turned towards communication and media studies, to provide an alternative account of parts of this crisis, especially those around the role of technology in education. In his early works, his concern is attached to the concept of education as a ‘subversive concept’ and then a ‘conserving concept’ – first aiming to create young people engaged in civic society, then aiming to preserve written culture against television. After a middle …