Digital Commons Network^™

Improving Provider Documentation For Procedure Authorizations: A Nursing Perspective On Enhancing Outcomes And Compliance, Juli Legg

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Insurance denials resulting from non-standardized documentation and communication gaps in the prior authorization process adversely impacted financial performance and patient care within the electrophysiology (EP) department of a large Midwest academic medical center. High denial rates for costly procedures revealed a need for improved alignment with payer medical necessity criteria. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to enhance provider documentation, reduce denials, improve care delivery, and increase revenue by implementing standardized documentation templates. A review of the literature supports that standardized documentation and clinical decision support tools enhance consistency, reduce errors, and improve prior authorization success rates. Guided by the …

Reducing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections In The Intensive Care Unit, Rosa Shiffman

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) remain among the most common healthcare-associated infections in intensive care units (ICUs), contributing to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and elevated healthcare costs. Despite established prevention guidelines, inconsistent practices in catheter removal and gaps in daily necessity reviews persist. At the project site’s 24-bed ICU, the CAUTI rate was 1.9 per 1000 catheter days, which exceeds the national benchmark of 1.0. Gaps in consistent assessment of necessity and delays in removal contributed to an elevated infection risk.

Aim of the Project: This project aimed to reduce CAUTI rates in the ICU through evidence-based interventions …

Celebrity Politics: Construction And Validation Of A Scale To Measure The Political Influence Of Celebrities, Azmat Rasul, Donghee Shin

All Works

This study develops and validates the Political Influence of Celebrities Scale (PICS), designed to assess how entertainment celebrities influence young adults’ political attitudes and behaviors. Drawing on survey data collected from 498 university students in the United States, we applied exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to test the scale’s structure and psychometric validity. The results support a three-factor model consisting of general attitudes toward celebrities, enjoyment of celebrity-centered political content, and behavioral outcomes such as political discussion and participation. Each subscale demonstrated strong internal reliability (Cronbach’s α ≥ .79). The PICS provides a theoretically grounded and empirically supported measure to …

The Procedural Architecture Of Climate Justice: Comparative Lessons From Regional Human Rights Courts, Indira Boutier

National Law School Journal

Climate change, once narrated through scientific data and economic costs, is now unavoidably framed as a question of rights and justice. This article examines how litigation before the African, European, and Inter-American human rights courts makes the procedural dimensions of climate justice visible. Procedural justice here is understood capaciously and includes not only rules of access, standing, and evidence, but also the recognition of corporations as duty bearers in transnational accountability regimes. A comparison of the three regions shows how colonial legacies, institutional architectures, and political economies shape the channels through which communities can contest climate harm. Litigation emerges less …

Five Things You Think You Know About International Arbitration That You Do Not Know (Nlsiu-Siac Annual Arbitration Lecture 2025), Lucy Reed

National Law School Journal

In the second NLSIU-SIAC Annual Arbitration Lecture delivered in April 2025, Lucy Reed takes a practice- or procedure-focused approach. Specifically, she addresses some misconceptions about international arbitration held by students and practitioners alike. She also introduces some of the new procedures in the 7th Edition of the SIAC Arbitration Rules, in effect from 1 January 2025.

The Basic Structure In Malaysia: Less Than Meets The Eye, Benjamin Joshua Ong

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

At first glance, studying the basic structure doctrine in Malaysia can be frustrating due to its inconsistent judicial treatment. While early cases such as Loh Kooi Choon and Phang Chin Hock rejected the doctrine, it was later accepted in landmark decisions like Sivarasa Rasiah, Semenyih Jaya, and Indira Gandhi. In 2020, scholars such as Jaclyn Neo and Yvonne Tew suggested a judicial embrace of the doctrine and its global trend toward constitutional unamendability. However, the Federal Court’s 2021 decision in Maria Chin Abdullah appeared to reject it once more, illustrating the doctrine’s precarious status. The resurgence seen in Dhinesh a/l …

Operationalising The Social Licence To Operate Along The Belt And Road: The Case For A Mediation-Focused Approach, Mark Mclaughlin

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

This article examines the intricate dynamics of community representation and stakeholder influence in the realm of international investment law. More specifically, it considers the most effective method by which to operationalise the concept of the ‘social licence to operate’ when attempting to resolve investor-state disputes. By utilising disputes relating to China’s Belt and Road Initiative as a case study, it is shown that the social impact of foreign investment projects is often a catalyst for arbitration claims. Community interests are insufficiently represented at the stage of procurement or admission of investment, which has led to violent clashes between investors and …

Characterization Of Lactobacilli-Containing Catheter Segments Developed By Using Selective Laser Sintered Mold., Caden Maners

Master of Engineering Theses

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a major healthcare burden with current prevention strategies offering limited success. This study presents a novel, self-coating biomaterial approach using a silicone-based bioink embedded with thermally sensitive probiotic strains (L. crispatus, L. rhamnosus, and L. reuteri). Catheter segments were fabricated via bio-injection molding using 3D-printed CAD molds. These Lactobacilli, selected for their probiotic and antimicrobial potential, serve as a non- antibiotic strategy to reduce infection risk. These segments were evaluated for mechanical strength (Shore A hardness), thermal stability (TGA/DSC), porosity and bacterial presence (SEM), biofilm formation (crystal-violet assay), as well as mass retention in …

Chapter 3. Moroccan Arabic-Spanish Bilinguals’ Linguistic Profile And Their Perspectives And Experiences On Learning Standard Arabic, Ramsés Ortín, Pilar Garrido

Writing and Language Studies Faculty Publications

We surveyed a group of Moroccan Arabic-Spanish speakers in the Region of Murcia, Spain, to examine their linguistic profiles, their attitudes towards their native Arabic dialect, their motivations to learn Standard Arabic and their learning experience with Standard Arabic. We found varying degrees of dominance in this group along with fluctuating patterns of dominance, proficiency and language use according to age and onset of acquisition of Spanish. This group displayed generally positive attitudes towards their own dialect and their motivation to learn Arabic was related to their religious and cultural connections. Most of them indicated that they had engaged in …

Advancing Text-To-Image Generation: A Comparative Study Of Stylegan-T And Stable Diffusion 3 Under Neutrosophic Sets, Mohamed G Sadek, A.Y. Hassan, Tamer O. Diab, Ahmed Abdelhafeez

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

No abstract provided.

Dry Bones Can Live Again : Best Practices For Replanting Independent Christian Churches, R. Steve Bolin

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Z-Spring Appliance And Clear Aligner Therapy On Oral Microorganisms In Children: A Clinical Trial, İrem Kapici, Özge Erken Güngör, Kubra Yildirim, Cemilenur Atas, Ahmet Yilmaz Coban

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of Z-spring appliance and clear aligners, used in anterior crossbite treatment, on dental plaque colonization in children. Methods: A 2-arm randomized controlled trial included 30 patients aged 7-12 years with anterior crossbite. Participants were divided into 2 groups: clear aligner (group A, n=15) and Z-spring appliance (group B, n=15). Dental plaque samples were collected at treatment initiation and completion, inoculated onto selective media, and analyzed for colony counts (cfu/ml) of Streptococcus mutans ( S. mutans ), Streptococcus mitis ( S. mitis ), Streptococcus salivarius ( S. salivarius ), and Candida albicans ( C. albicans ). …

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Perceptions Of Developmental Dysplasia Of The Hip Among Pregnant Women In Jordan

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To assess the awareness of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) among pregnant women in Jordan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among pregnant females, aged 18 years and above, who had visited 3 hospitals in Jordan. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, and responses were recorded using a Google form by the researchers. Results: A total of 605 women completed the questionnaire. Most participants correctly reported DDH as the cause of ambulation problems (n=531, 87.6%), and approximately 60% reported it as painful. The majority agreed that DDH is diagnosed using x-ray imaging (80.5%), usually in the …

Spiritual Practices In Survivor Care: A Qualitative Analysis Of Christian Faith-Based Shelters And Survivor Well-Being, Jeanne L. Allert

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

Christian faith-based organizations constituted a significant proportion of shelter programs for survivors of sex trafficking in the United States, with an estimated 63% identifying as Christian-affiliated (Institute for Survivor Care, 2024). Despite their prevalence, such programs often elicited skepticism due to the rise of secularism (Pew Research, 2022) and concerns that spiritual programming might retraumatize survivors (Ahrens et al., 2010; Hodge, 2020). However, Ahrens et al. (2010) and Hodge (2020) also found that religious practices can be helpful. This qualitative study employed a trauma-informed, descriptive survey design to explore the experiences of 158 trafficking survivors, who had either resided in …

Two Essays In Finance: Can Machines Better Predict Insider Trading? And Csr And Firm Value Following Dividend Cuts: International Evidence, Solmaz Batebi

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation consists of two essays. In the first paper, I find that machine learning (ML) models predict the likelihood and magnitude of insider trading significantly better than linear models such as OLS and logistic regression. I use ML models, including LASSO, Random Forest, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting, optimizing model parameters through Bayesian hyperparameter tuning to identify the best configuration. Additionally, I apply SHAP values to better understand the determinants of insider trading. I also use Gaussian Thompson Sampling (GTS) to explore the sources of insiders’ market-timing capabilities. I find that ML models can boost the R² for models predicting …

Cytidine Triphosphate Specifically Modulates Parb-Mediated Dna Compaction: Insights From Single-Molecule Analysis And Parb C-Terminal Lysine Mutagenesis, Lois Akosua Serwaa

Theses and Dissertations

ParB is a central player in bacterial chromosome segregation, and cytidine triphosphate (CTP) is known to modulate its DNA compaction activity. This study explored whether CTP’s regulatory effect is due to specific molecular interactions beyond its known CTP-binding pocket. Using single-molecule flow-stretching and TIRF microscopy, we showed that CTP significantly reduces DNA compaction by wild-type Bacillus subtilis ParB, while ATP has no effect, supporting the hypothesis that CTP acts through specific recognition rather than general charge. CTP’s modulatory effect persisted across C-terminal domain (CTD) lysine mutants. Compaction was reduced in wild-type and K255A but abolished in K252A and K259A. The …

Foxo Factors’ Ability In Binding To And Inducing Tcf7 In Glioblastoma Cells, Stephanie Oyervides

Theses and Dissertations

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive astrocytoma tumor type with a poor prognosis and limited immunotherapeutic options for those inflicted. Stem gene expression of this cancer indicates a direct relationship with the transcription factors, Forkhead box subfamily O (FOXO-1, -3 and - 4). These transcription factors are evolutionarily conserved, partially redundant. They are involved in diverse and fundamental biological processes such as cell survival, stem cell homeostasis, cell fate determination, cell cycle maintenance, metabolism, and apoptosis. Increasing evidence suggests interconnectivity between the WNT Pathway and FOXO transcription factors; however, the mechanism and full extent to which these interactions play a …

Predicting Enzyme-Substrate Association Using Heterogeneous Knowledge Graph, Jannatul Ferdaus

Theses and Dissertations

Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation are dynamic processes that control many aspects of cellular activity, such as metabolic pathways, cell cycle progression, and signal transduction. Protein activity and interactions are modulated by the reversible addition or removal of phosphate groups, which allows cells to react abruptly to evolving conditions. Although kinase-specific phosphorylation site prediction has advanced, phosphatase-specific dephosphorylation site computational prediction is still a major obstacle that prevents us from fully comprehending the extent of cellular regulation. In this study, we constructed a knowledge graph for the prediction of enzymes (kinases and phosphatases) and their associated substrates with specific phosphosites. As part …

Contributions Of Citizen Science Data To Butterflies Of The Lower Rio Grande Valley, Akane Jazmyn Benitez

Theses and Dissertations

Citizen science-provided insect data inherently exhibits variability in accuracy. In the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV), butterfly occurrence reporting is predominantly reliant on citizen science contributions. My research compared fieldwork conducted monthly over a year to occurrence records submitted by visitors at the National Butterfly Center and in Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas. I hypothesized that butterfly occurrences at the Center would be maximized during the fall and minimized during winter and summer months. My research findings revealed that butterfly taxa richness is contingent upon the following factors: 1) the impact of citizen science submitting reports, and 2) monthly butterfly activity …

Returning To Nature: A Virtue-Based Approach To Urban Sustainability, Liam A. L. Cormack

Cities and the Environment (CATE)

This paper advocates for a pragmatic and virtue-ethics-based approach to urban sustainability initiatives that prioritizes the consideration of moral responsibility. Looking at literature on rewilding, this paper argues that the principle of ecophronesis, and the larger discipline of ecopracticology, offers a compelling framework for integrating diverse opinions on the future of conservation from different disciplines and ecological stakeholders. Ultimately, an ecophronetic approach to urban sustainability initiatives facilitates a sense of conceptual rewilding that disregards the nature-culture dualism paradigm limiting Western environmental thought and may help address the perceived alienation from nature characterized by nature-deficit disorder.

The Evidential Problem Of Evil And The Aesthetics Of Surprise, James S. Spiegel

Faith and Philosophy: Journal of the Society of Christian Philosophers

No abstract provided.

Prayer And Communion, Michael Hatcher

Faith and Philosophy: Journal of the Society of Christian Philosophers

No abstract provided.

Furthering The Legacy Of Benjamin B. Ferencz: Amending The Rome Statute’S Jurisdiction Over The Crime Of Aggression, Jennifer Trahan

Cardozo International & Comparative Law Review

The article advocates for amending the Rome Statute to strengthen the International Criminal Court's (ICC) jurisdiction over the crime of aggression. It argues that the current jurisdictional regime, established by the 2010 Kampala amendments, is too limited, creating double standards and undermining the rule of law. The author calls for harmonizing the ICC's jurisdiction over the crime of aggression with its jurisdiction over other crimes, such as genocide and war crimes, to ensure consistent and universal accountability.

The Unique Function Of The Crime Against Humanity Of Other Inhumane Acts In The Progressive Development And Codification Of International Criminal Law, David Donat Cattin

Cardozo International & Comparative Law Review

The article explores the evolution and role of "other inhumane acts" as a residual category within the definition of crimes against humanity, tracing its development from the Nuremberg trials through the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). It highlights the potential of this category to adapt to new forms of atrocities and discusses the challenges and opportunities in aligning future treaty developments with existing legal frameworks.

Exceptions To The International Customary Law Rule On Head Of State Immunity Under International Criminal Law, Daniel D. Ntanda Nsereko

Cardozo International & Comparative Law Review

The article examines the tension between head of state immunity and the pursuit of justice in international criminal law. It argues that while some nations and regional bodies, like the African Union, assert immunity for heads of state, international institutions such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) reject this principle, emphasizing the rule of law and accountability. The ICC's jurisdiction, particularly through UN Security Council referrals, overrides state consent, challenging traditional notions of immunity. The article posits that states must adhere to their treaty obligations, such as the Rome Statute, and cannot unilaterally opt out for political expediency, reinforcing the …

Secure Query On Encrypted Data By Using Fully Homomorphic Encryption, Mrinmoy Bera

Master’s Dissertations

Cloud service providers typically store user data in an encrypted form (data at rest). However, when a user performs a query, the server first decrypts the data, processes the query on plaintext, and then sends the result back to the user (data in transit). This process exposes a critical vulnerability—if the cloud server is ever compromised, the decrypted data becomes accessible to the attacker. To address this security gap, we design a secure query protocol that eliminates the need to decrypt data on the server side. Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) offers a groundbreaking solution by enabling arbitrary computations directly on …

Federated Learning Using Fully Homomorphic Encryption, Sk Golam Kuddus

Master’s Dissertations

Traditional machine learning approaches require centralizing data for training, which raises significant privacy concerns when dealing with sensitive information. Federated learning (FL) addresses this by keeping data local and enabling multiple users to collaboratively train a shared machine learning model. In spite of this, FL remains vulnerable to inference attacks, as sensitive information can still be extracted from the model’s learned parameters. While traditional privacy-enhancing techniques such as di!erential privacy introduce noise to model updates to obscure individual data points, they often present a fundamental trade-o! between privacy and utility. Furthermore, these approaches still carry risks of data leakage if …

The Impact Of Utilizing Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin And Collagen Plugs For Maintaining The Tooth Extraction Socket: A Review Study, Esraa Hameed Hassan, Ali H. Abbas Alhussaini

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Tooth extraction initiates a cascade of biological changes that result in alveolar bone resorption, compromising both the esthetic and functional outcomes of future dental rehabilitations, particularly implant placement. Socket preservation strategies have emerged as crucial interventions aimed at minimizing post-extraction ridge collapse. This review explores the synergistic effects of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF) and collagen plugs in enhancing socket preservation outcomes. Collagen plugs serve as biocompatible scaffolds, promoting hemostasis, cellular migration, and angiogenesis, while supporting soft tissue healing and bone regeneration. Concurrently, I-PRF-an autologous, growth factor-rich biomaterial-provides a dynamic reservoir of platelets, leukocytes, and key cytokines such as Platelet-Derived Growth …

Impact Of Insulin Resistance In Pcos (Lh/Fsh) In A Group Of Woman In Baghdad City, Roua Shehab-Aldeen Ahmed, Fatima Amer Abd Aljabar, Nadia Mohammed Mahdi Al-Shakir

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is an endocrinological disorder influencing ladies, and it is the foremost common cause of menstrual unsettling influence amid the regenerative age. Polycystic ovary disorder (PCOS) is in fact a chronic form of anovulation that is usually observed besides a large spectrum of clinical symptoms and signs. Objectives: The study's main goal is to evaluate the hormonal indicators of ``PCOS'' and insulin resistance and determine how insulin resistance affects these hormones. Materials and methods: This study included 130 women, aged 19--38, who were separated into three bunches: 40 women with ``PCOs'' who were treated with metformin and …

The Impact Of Students' Attendance On Their Academic Success: A Ypar Study, Quennella Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Youth participatory action research (YPAR) is a collaborative research approach that empowers students to examine issues affecting their lives and communities. This action research aimed to investigate the relationship between students’ attendance and academic success on middle school students, focusing specifically on eighth-grade students based on the theoretical framework of the critical race theory (CRT) in education and the self-determination theory (SDT). Three research questions were explored related to the impact of students’ attendance on their academic success: 1) What do students consider factors that lead to their poor attendance? 2) How do students feel they can be supported in …