Digital Commons Network^™

The Need For Dual Language High School Programs: A Call To Action, Leslie C. Banes, Sergio L. Sanchez

Benerd College Faculty Articles

No abstract provided.

Assessing Dental Hygienist’S Use Of Anxiety Reducing Practices Toward Patients With Dental Anxiety, Sara C. Steiger

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to assess dental hygienists' practices regarding anxiety-reducing techniques, their attitudes towards managing patients with dental anxiety, and the extent of their training on the topic. To collect data, an adaptation of the existing survey from the UNC Department of Dental Ecology Survey, was distributed to licensed dental hygienists. The findings of the research questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and percentages. The results of this study indicate a substantial need for enhanced educational resources to better equip dental hygienists in managing patients with dental anxiety. Most participants do not …

Hwæt! How Fantasy Audiobooks Can Take Inspiration From The Middle Ages, Morgan C. Lilly

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Audiobooks have become increasingly popular among book lovers, and a popular debate has arisen: does listening to audiobooks count as reading? Much scholarship validating the medium as reading has emerged, arguing that the act of listening to an audiobook is synonymous to the act of reading a printed book. Audiobooks, however, deliver a different experience from a printed text, which Lutz Koepnick details, saying, “whatever we do with them may have little to do with reading in any rigorous sense, that intricate process by which we decode written signs in order to construct meanings at various interwoven levels” (234). This …

“The Old Lie”: The Effect Of Classical Heroism On The Wwi Soldier, Sage Fikse

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Before the outbreak of World War I, poet Wilfred Owen studied Greek and Roman literature, which presented him with idealized notions of patriotism, glory, and sacrifice. Influenced by classical texts such as The Iliad and the writings of Horace, these ideals of heroism left him unprepared for the brutal realities of anonymous warfare and for what it meant to be a “hero” in the twentieth century. In his poem “Dulce et Decorum Est,” Owen draws on his classical education to challenge the romanticized ideals of heroic sacrifice and glory. However, through the poetic nature of his death, dying exactly one …

Combating Fake Science In The Age Of Generative Artificial Intelligence: A Biomedical Perspective, Xing Jian, Lauren H. Yaeger

Becker Library Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Meeting Essential And Quality Of Life Needs Of Rural Older Mainers Through The Community Connector Pilot, Kimberly I. Snow Mhsa, Mary Lou Ciolfi Jd, Ms, Patricia Oh Phd, Msw

All Maine Rural Health Research Center Publications

Rural America is aging rapidly and experiencing health and population declines. Older age counties - those in which more than 20% of the population are age 65 or older - are overwhelmingly in rural locations. While some rural locations in Maine are destinations for retirees due to the beauty of the natural environment, those communities face housing, healthcare, and service access challenges and environmental pressures. Maine’s recent Statewide Needs Assessment for our State Plan on Aging identified many essential and quality of life unmet needs and preferences of older Mainers, including the many older adults living in rural areas. A …

Scholarship Recipient Reflections On Rdap 2025- Xing Jian, Xing Jian

Becker Library Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Resources And Tools To Combat Fake Science In The Age Of Artificial Intelligence, Xing Jian, Lauren Yaeger

Becker Library Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Washington University Magazine, April 2025

Washington University Magazine

No abstract provided.

Vol. 53, No. 2: Full Issue, Denver Journal Of International Law & Policy

Denver Journal of International Law & Policy

No abstract provided.

Coaching Authors With Generative Ai, Christopher J. Smiley

AADEJ - The Communicator

This paper outlines a systematic methodology for dental editors to coach authors in the ethical use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI). By adopting "AI-First" or "Write-First" strategies, editors can help authors refine their thesis statements and improve logical flow while maintaining human oversight and intellectual integrity. Dr. Smiley asserts that GAI should be used as a tool to enhance communication rather than replace human creativity, ensuring authors remain accountable for their final expressions.

Migraine Management In Saudi Arabia: An Expert Consensus, Abdulrazaq S. Albilali, Ammar M. Alkawi, Naser D. Alotaibi, Shireen Am. Qureshi, Majed M. Alabdali, Hani M. Alabdaly, Bader A. Alenzi, Ali M. Al Khathaami, Ziad M. Elchami, Walid A. Alesefir

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish expert consensus on the preventive treatment of migraine in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on the use of calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies (CGRP mAbs), in light of the latest international guidelines and local clinical practice. Method: A panel of 10 neurologists and headache specialists from various regions in Saudi Arabia convened virtually to evaluate the latest evidence and clinical experience with migraine preventive treatments. A web-based questionnaire containing evidence-based and practice-driven statements was distributed among the panel. Statements that received ≥70% agreement were considered to have reached consensus. A final set of consensus recommendations was …

Association Of Sarcopenic Obesity With Cognitive Dysfunction: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Qi Wu, Siye Xie, Jinhong Ying

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the association between sarcopenic obesity and cognitive dysfunction. Changes in human body composition may be linked to the development of cognitive dysfunction. Sarcopenic obesity, characterized by excessive fat accumulation and reduced muscle mass, is implicated in various adverse health outcomes. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, CNKI, Sinomed, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched for studies examining the link between sarcopenic obesity and cognitive dysfunction. The process adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: Eight studies, comprising 87,520 participants …

The Prevalence Of Work-Related Burnout Among Neurosurgeons In Saudi Arabia: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study, Ezat A. Mersal, Saad J. Alsuwayhib, Razan M. Almufarriji, Ahmed A. Morsi, Bushra M. Assery, Mohamed H. Bahr, Hanin H. Al-Kilani, Sahar M. Ragheb, Mariam F. Alsaleem, Njood H. Shehab, Farah H. Alshateb, Alaa M. Hassanein

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of work-related burnout among neurosurgeons at multiple neurosurgical centers in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken involving neurosurgeons in Saudi Arabia. From June 2023, to September 2023, a self-administered questionnaire was utilized to gather data from the neurosurgeons in Riyadh hospitals. This data pertained to their quality of life, exhaustion, frustration, and patient-doctor relationships. Results: Out of 120 potential participants, 95 completed responses were collected, yielding a response rate of 79.2%. A significant positive correlation was revealed by correlation analyses between on-call hours and weekly working hours on one …

Factors Affecting Rehabilitation Participation In Patients With Spinal Cord Injury, Gul M. Civelek, Selen Tulunoglu, Zuhal Ozisler

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate the factors affecting participation in rehabilitation in patients with spinal cord injury. Methods: Our prospective clinical follow-up study included 87 patients with spinal cord injuries who were hospitalized in a tertiary Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital. General characteristics of the patients were noted. Depression, neuropathic pain, independence in activities of daily living, and participation in the rehabilitation program were assessed using the Beck Depression Scale, DN-4 score, Spinal Cord Injury Independence Measure (SCIM), and Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale, respectively. Results: Nearly one-third of patients (31%) showed low participation. The frequency of tetraplegics was higher, the median …

Stiripentol Safety Profile And Efficacy In Cases Of Scn1a-Related Dravet Syndrome, Multi-Center Experience, Saudi Arabia, Alanoud M. Almuatiri, Abdulaziz K. Alotaibi, Fahad H. Alamri, Ali H. Alwadei, Lamya A. Jad, Ahmed S. Alrumayyan, Osama Y. Muthaffar, Daad K. Alsowat, Hesham M. Aldhalaan, Ayman M. Alsayegh, Osama A. Alghamdi, Raidah S. Albaradie, Ali Mir, Mohammed A. Almuqbil, Ali D. Al-Otaibi

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Stiripentol (STP) in individuals with Dravet syndrome resulting from SCN1A gene mutation Methods: A retrospective study with a descriptive focus was carried out in 2023, involving 44 patients diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, with data collected by chart review and interviews of caregivers based on a pre-structured data extraction sheet. Data included age of seizure onset, SCN1A gene variant, duration of seizures before STP initiation, age at the time of starting STP administration, change in seizure frequency or duration after STP initiation, and at 6 months following initiation, and concomitant anti-seizure medication. …

Poloxamer 188 Alleviates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury In Mice By Reducing Mitochondrial And Lysosomal Membrane Damage, Hui Xu, Zhanhu Zhang, Xiaodong Tao, Ruirui Shi, Jian Xu, Xiaohua Zhang, Jinhua Gu

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Objectives: To explore the beneficial effects and mechanisms of Poloxamer 188 (P188) in mitigating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice. Methods: This study was conducted from 2020 to 2022. Neurological function, brain water content, and infarct size were assessed in mice 24 h after I/R injury. Iridium-labeled Poloxamer 188 (Ir-P188) was characterized using 1 H-NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and fluorescence emission analysis. Immunofluorescence was used to evaluate intracellular distribution of Ir-P188 in OGD/R-induced HT22 cells in vitro and ischemic mice in vivo. 24 h after reperfusion, the levels of ROS and inflammation in ischemic brain were measured, along with the …

Platelet Reactivity To Adenosine Diphosphate And Cyp2c19 Genotypes Are Linked With Carotid Plaques And May Predict Carotid Plaque Stability In Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients, Hongting Shi, Mingzhu Tang, Tiezhu Wang, Lihua Yang, Xuanming Lai, Yongyuan Chen, Fangming Diao, Xiaolian Chen, Jinxi Zuo, Junyang Xu, Gaoxian Zhong, Yaxian Dong

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Objectives: To determine the correlations of ADP-induced platelet-inhibition rate (ADP-PIR) and CYP2C19 genotypes with carotid plaque types in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Unstable carotid plaques are implicated in AIS. Clopidogrel (commonly prescribed in AIS) produces adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet inhibition, and is metabolized by CYP2C19 . Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the data of AIS patients treated at our hospital during 2019–2022, and administered maintenance clopidogrel (75 mg/d). Carotid plaques, ADP-PIR, and CYP2C19 genotypes were assessed using color Doppler ultrasonography, thromboelastography, and polymerase chain reaction assays, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were conducted. Results: …

Ruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Associated With Internal Carotid Artery Absence, Alper Tabanli, Hakan Yilmaz

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT A 67-year-old male presented with sudden headache and decreased consciousness, diagnosed as spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Imaging revealed an anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysm and congenital absence of the left internal carotid artery (ICA), confirmed by the absence of the carotid canal. The aneurysm was surgically clipped. Postoperative angiography demonstrated that the left anterior and middle cerebral arteries were perfused via collateral flow from the posterior circulation. The patient made a full recovery. Congenital ICA absence is rare but significantly alters cerebral hemodynamics, especially within the circle of Willis, predisposing patients to aneurysm formation. This case underlines the importance …

Uncommon Presentation Of Neurobrucellosis, Ibrahim I. Ibrahim, Mohammed O. Aqeeli, Mead R. Aljabri, Ameen K. Tajuddin

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection that affects 500,000 individuals each year worldwide. Neurological complications occur in up to 5% of cases, and ocular involvement is rare. This report describes the case of a 26-year-old woman with progressive lower limb weakness and significant ambulatory impairment following two months of headache, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances. The patient had a history of urinary incontinence, lower back pain, and raw goat milk consumption. Clinical examination revealed bilateral papilledema and muscle weakness. Positive Brucella culture, abnormalities in the cerebrospinal fluid, and magnetic resonance imaging findings confirmed the presence of neurobrucellosis. Treatment with antibiotics …

My Happy Neighbor, Ty Rea

Creative Writing Club - Fan Fiction

This is an alternate universe, it is a fanfiction about how Ronald McDonald and Wendy's started their franchise and have had a family-like relationship with each other.

Bilingual Education And Academic Performance, Gaspar Dantas

LEAD Scholars Academy Showcase

Bilingual education plays a crucial role in fostering cognitive benefits and promoting academic success, especially in multilingual societies. However, disparities in access to quality bilingual programs and inconsistent policies have led to inequities, particularly affecting Latinx and immigrant communities (Baker, 2011; Gándara & Contreras, 2009). Historical policies, limited funding, and misconceptions about bilingualism have hindered progress (Crawford, 2004). To address these challenges, recommendations include expanding dual-language immersion programs, and securing equitable funding through policy reforms (Baker, 2011; Gándara & Contreras, 2009). A sustained commitment to these efforts is essential to overcome systemic barriers and provide equal educational opportunities for all …

An Examination Of Elementary Teachers’ Perceptions Of Their Literacy Knowledge And Levels Of Use Post-Letrs Professional Learning, Sharonda C. Thompson

Doctor of Education Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine North Carolina teachers’ perceptions of their science of reading (SOR) knowledge gained from Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) professional learning as well as their level of use (LoU) of instructional strategies gained from that professional learning experience. I disseminated a survey about the level of knowledge of specific literacy topics taught in the LETRS training. Survey participants were also invited to participate in an interview to determine the extent to which they used the knowledge, skills, and resources gained from LETRS professional learning. This study aimed …

A Comparison Of Service Needs For Face-To-Face To Online Programs, Ali Ardalan, Roya K. Ardalan, G. Steven Rhiel

Information Technology & Decision Sciences Faculty Publications

Higher education institutions strive to gain a competitive advantage over similar programs offered by other institutions. A criterion for comparing programs is the quality of service. The definition of quality from the customer's view is "fitness for use," which incorporates the value generated by the product. Each learner may evaluate programs differently from other learners. It is impossible to develop a unique standard for program quality that is defined by a specific set of factors and specific level for each of these factors. This study presents an extensive set of factors that may affect learners' satisfaction. Higher education administrators should …

The Use Of Virtual Reality To Improve Gait And Balance In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease: A Scoping Review, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

(1) Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impairs balance and postural control, gait, overall motor function, and mood, and involves the gradual degradation of several physiologic systems. With limited treatments available, physical therapy (PT)-based exercise is the nonpharmacologic measure of choice. There is a growing interest in using virtual reality (VR) gaming when rehabilitating patients with various acute brain injuries and neurological disorders. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine randomized controlled trials comparing VR-based rehabilitation programs versus traditional PT at improving gait and balance. (2) Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register …

Prevalence Of Stress Urinary Incontinence In Female Strength Athletes, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a symptom during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, but a high prevalence of SUI is experienced in sports involving running and jumping. Objectives: Identify the scope of the problem of SUI in women participating in strength sports, movement patterns that elicit SUI, and the impact on quality of life in female athletes with SUI. Study Design: Survey mixed methods with qualitative focus groups. Methods: The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and a sport-specific and obstetric/gynecological history questionnaire were sent to women who are United States citizens, age 18-65, and members …

Puccini’S Manon: A Holistic Approach To Role Preparation And Execution, Sandra Oman Farren

Doctoral

The fulcrum of this thesis is operatic role preparation and execution, an investigation into how the conscientious singer-actor can ‘become’ the character of ‘Manon’ in Giacomo Puccini’s 1893 opera, Manon Lescaut. Adopting a multi-stranded research strategy, encompassing traditional methodologies, a series of lived experience interviews with international operatic practitioners, and a survey of live performances in 2023–2024, the actuality of performing this complex role is considered, with recommendations and conclusions drawn from a multiplicity of sources.

A Historical Analysis Of Book Challenges And Banning In Louisiana, Janelle Zetty

Faculty Scholarship

This article explores the history of challenges and bans on library and school materials in Louisiana from 1938 to 2024. It provides context for recent legislation, particularly Act 436 of 2023. The article reviews incidents documented in newspaper articles and library publications, focusing on challenges related to race, sexual content, political views, and LGBTQ+ themes. It discusses the roles of librarians, school boards, and community groups in these circumstances. The historical challenges and book bans in Louisiana reveal a recurring pattern of moral and political arguments used to justify censorship. This pattern directly influences, and is echoed by, recent legislation, …

Modern Classical Christian Education?, Donna Lybarger

Master of Arts in Classical Studies

This thesis asks if the ancient tradition of classical education is an education method for the modern world. More specifically, this thesis questions, how might classical education methods be implemented for the acquisition of wisdom in the modern world? The literature review gives a brief history of classical education from the Greeks, and a history of why classical education is again a topic of conversation in the modern world. The three stages of classical education, the trivium, is explained. Classical Christian education is defined noting the method remains the same, but the difference is the nuances of the virtues of …

Critical Theory And The Decline Of American Patriotism, Caron L. Norton

Master of Arts in Classical Studies

Abstract

CRITICAL THEORY AND THE DECLINE OF AMERICAN PATRIOTISM

Caron Norton

Southeastern University, 2025

Nationwide there has been a progressive decline in patriotism since the turn of the 21st century. Instead of growing in affection towards their country, more and more American citizens reach adulthood frustrated and angry with the United States and its heritage. Some become consumed with hatred. Rather than honoring America’s forefathers, Americans have torn down and desecrated statues and symbols from the past. Where did this antipatriotic fervor come from? How did Americans become disillusioned? This shift in mood can be directly attributed to the rise …