Digital Commons Network^™

Nine Lives Of A Hero: Chinsetsu Yumiharizuki And The Idolization Of Minamoto No Tametomo, Roger Thomas

Faculty Publications – Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

This study examines Takizawa Bakin's (1767-1848) novel Chinsetsu Yumiharizuki in terms of its importance, both among his prodigious works and among Japanese early modern historical romances. It analyzes his use of sources and discusses the role this novel played in popular perceptions of Ryukyu among Edo-period Japanese, as well as in the persistent belief in the historicity of legends that Minamoto no Tametomo (1139-1170) actually visited that southern island kingdom.

Material, Health, And Social Vulnerability And Loneliness Among Older Adults: From The Welfare Regime Perspective, Ji Young Kang, Oejin Shin, Sojung Park, Jihye Baek, Minyoung Kwak

Faculty Publications - Social Work

Loneliness in later life is a significant global public health issue that negatively impacts well-being, life satisfaction, and mental health. This study investigates how material, health, and social vulnerabilities contribute to loneliness among older adults using a welfare regime framework. It examines the link between vulnerability and loneliness in the United States, Korea, Sweden, Spain, and Germany using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) alongside its international sister studies, encompassing both Western and East Asian welfare states. Findings indicate that older adults in less generous welfare regimes experience higher levels of loneliness and material vulnerability. A multidimensional approach reveals that …

Hidden In Plain Sight: Plyler V. Doe Under Siege, Dana Kit

Student Works

No abstract provided.

The Advertising Pipeline: Priming Today’S Youth To Be Tomorrow’S Heavy Rollers, Alison Opdyke

Student Works

No abstract provided.

University Libraries Impact Report 2025, Leslie Haynsworth, Kristine Hontz, Abigail Cole

University Libraries Policies and Reports

A report on notable activities in University of South Carolina Libraries in 2025.

Privatizing Child Welfare: Texas’S Gamble With Community-Based Care, Grace Byers

SMU Law Review

There are arguably few populations with greater vulnerability in the United States than children in active child welfare cases. Beyond the abuse or neglect that triggered a child welfare investigation, the child will endure the trauma of having their life uprooted. A child may encounter dozens of people throughout a child welfare case: investigators, police officers, caseworkers, doctors, psychologists, judges, foster parents, and many others. At this critical junction in a child’s life, the state is appointed as the child’s legal conservator to care for the child, find them a temporary home, and provide services to them and their parents …

Mindful Or Mindless? How And Why Virtual Communities Fail To Contain Information Pollution Across Different Disasters, Mahmudul Hasan, Varqa Shamsi Bahar, Cecil Eng Huang Chua, Michael David Myers

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

People visit virtual communities to find trusted information (i.e. verifiable, accurate and reliable information) during disasters. Virtual communities are open spaces where people interact and share information. However, virtual communities often suffer from information pollution (including too much information and false or contradictory information) which decreases peoples' ability to find trusted information. Oddly, some virtual communities will develop useful practices for combatting information pollution during one disaster but subsequently fail to effectively employ the same practices or adapt them in subsequent disasters. We conducted a longitudinal, exploratory cross-case study to better understand how and why this occurs. Using the lenses …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Free Radical Scavenging Dendrimer Nanogels Via Cross-Linking Reaction-Enabled Flash Nanoprecipitation, Lin Qi, Da Huang, Huari Kou, Anna Chernatynskaya, Nuran Ercal, Hu Yang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

This work reports the development and evaluation of dendrimer-based nanogels based on Poly amidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer generation 5, engineered to act as a carrier with reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging capabilities. We developed a cross-linking reaction-enabled flash nanoprecipitation method in which the cross-linking reaction occurs during the flash nanoprecipitation process to form a cross-linked nanostructure. Using this approach, an N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS)-functionalized ROS-responsive thioketal cross-linker (TK-NHS) was synthesized and utilized to cross-link DAB-core PAMAM dendrimer G5, resulting in the formation of G5-TK nanogels. The resulting nanogels were characterized using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, and their cytocompatibility, irritancy, cellular …

Scalable Fabrication Of High-Payload Dendrimer-Based Nanoparticles For Targeted Atherosclerosis Therapy, Huari Kou, Lin Qi, Da Huang, Jiandong Wu, Honglan Shi, Hu Yang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Nanoparticle-based therapeutics hold promise for the treatment of atherosclerosis, but challenges such as low drug-loading capacity and a lack of scalable, controllable production hinder their clinical translation. Flash nanoprecipitation, a continuous synthesis method, offers a potential solution for scalable and reproducible nanoparticle production. In this study, we employed a custom-designed multi-inlet vortex mixer to perform cross-linking reaction-enabled flash nanoprecipitation, facilitating controlled and scalable synthesis of cross-linked Poly amidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer nanoparticles. Notably, this approach allows simultaneous nanoparticle cross-linking and drug loading in a single step. The mannose moiety enabled specific targeting of macrophages via mannose receptors, enhancing the localization of …

Loneliness And Ambulatory Blood Pressure, Patric Justin Leukel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and is by extension associated with potentially life-threatening events (e.g., heart attack, stroke). Loneliness, which has been linked to cardiovascular health problems, may be an important risk factor for hypertension. Most studies exploring psychosocial factors and blood pressure focus on single-point measurements of blood pressure, which have notable limitations. The current study investigated the association between loneliness and markers of hypertension (i.e., mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure dip, average pulse pressure, and AASI) in a diverse sample by utilizing an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) device. Sixty …

Careers On The Spectrum: Enhancing Higher Education Career Services For First-Generation Neurodivergent College Students, Shyra Jannay Lynch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the unique career service needs and experiences of first-generation neurodivergent college students (FGNCS) at the University of Mississippi. First-generation college students (FGCS), as the first in their families to attend college, often face distinct challenges in navigating higher education due to limited familial support and unfamiliarity with academic resources. Meanwhile, neurodivergent students, those with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and various cognitive differences, encounter unique barriers related to sensory sensitivities, communication, and social integration within academic and career environments. At the intersection of these identities, FGNCS encounter distinct challenges in career services that may not …

Laser-Induced Graphene Sensor For The Electrochemical Detection Of Acetaminophen, Abdellatif Ait Lahcen, Mazhar Sher, Sikander Ameer, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Here we present a simple and efficient method for fabricating laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes for the electrochemical detection of acetaminophen (AAP), a crucial analgesic and antipyretic that can become toxic at elevated concentrations. Unlike conventional sensors that require intricate chemical modifications, the fabricated LIG-based sensor eliminates the need for functionalization, offering a streamlined sensing solution. The LIG electrodes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, which confirmed the formation of a highly porous graphene network with excellent purity and conductivity. Cyclic voltammetry analysis with a ferricyanide redox probe revealed a large electroactive surface area of 1.21 …

2025 Faculty Summer Seminar - The Living Word Of God: Still Alive Today?, Center For Catholic Studies, Seton Hall University

Center for Catholic Studies Faculty Seminars and Core Curriculum Seminars

About the 2025 Faculty Seminar - p.6

Josephine De Vito - p.10 Understanding the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Holy Scriptures

Elizabeth Brewer Redwine - p.13 Reading and Listening in Difficult Times: Classroom Strategies

Judith Stark - p.18 Beyond Genesis 1-3: The Many Ways to Conceptualize Nature

Gloria Thurmond - p.25 Study to Show Thyself Approved

John P. Wargacki - p.29 Jacob Marley as 'Intercessor" in Ebenezer Scrooge's Journey of Transformation in Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol

Seton Hall University Statement: The Catholic Intellectual Tradition – p.32

About the Authors -p.35

Designing Public Parks To Enhance Quality Of Life: A Case Study Of Al-Eskan Park In Buraydah City, Basem Osama Elgendy, Essam Salem Almahmoud

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Public parks are essential elements for improving the quality of life, as they contribute to enhancing psychological comfort and creating spaces for social interaction. As the Kingdom moves towards achieving the goals of Vision 2030, the growth of green spaces, and the increasing interest of community members in public parks. However, many parks still lack a design that meets the needs of visitors, which calls for studies to understand the desires and behavior of park-goers.

This study focused on Al-Eskan Park as a case study, employing a mixed-methods approach that included observation and surveys of 34 participants from various age …

Enhancing Nursing Education: A Quality Improvement Project To Mitigate Incivility Among Faculty, Rebecca Mitschele

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Incivility among nursing faculty poses a significant challenge, adversely affecting job satisfaction, mental health, and communication within academic and clinical settings. This Quality Improvement (QI) project addressed this pervasive issue by identifying faculty incivility as a key contributor to high turnover rates and burnout in faculty and students. A mixed-methods approach assessed the prevalence and types of incivility displayed, including surveys and focus group discussions with faculty. The intervention included conflict resolution training, the establishment of an anonymous reporting mechanism, and the development of a framework to revise the faculty handbook specifically to address incidents of incivility. Post-intervention results indicated …

Promoting Student Retention Through Mandatory Remediation, Randi Mccoy

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This DNP Project seeks to identify and evaluate among associate degree nursing (ADN) faculty, will implementing a pilot remediation policy, compared to the current remediation policy, impact faculty perception regarding exam remediation? Exam remediation is important as it helps students understand why they missed questions, how to improve on their next exam, provides guidance and confidence. It is also essential to determine whether required remediation for students after failing an exam promotes student retention, growth, and expansion at a local university in Oklahoma in the setting of an unprecedented program. Does adding required remediation after a failed exam offer students …

Improving Nursing Faculty's Self-Efficacy For Pre-Brief In High Fidelity Simulation: A Quality Improvement Project, Jamie Herron

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

High-fidelity simulation (HFS) effectively allows students to practice nursing care in a safe and controlled environment with fewer chances of error or harm. The Society of Simulation in Healthcare (2021) states that best practice standards include pre-briefing, evaluation during simulation, and debriefing. A standardized pre-briefing for faculty during nursing students' high-fidelity simulation was needed in an Oklahoma associate degree nursing (ADN) program. The Society of Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) evidence-based standards of practice include providing a pre-brief before starting a high-fidelity simulation, which decreases the student's anxiety and improves learning. The PICOT question, “How does education about pre-briefing in high-fidelity …

Quality Improvement Project: Reducing Ventilator Days: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A Nurse-Led Mechanical Ventilation Liberation Protocol In Critical Care Units, Joseph Duncan

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The present study investigated the effect of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses’ knowledge and confidence in managing mechanically ventilated patients’ weaning trials, and whether innovative education can improve these clinical interventions. Current practice relies on an antiquated provider-led protocol that does not account for the nurses’ skill level or practice autonomy. This oversight consistently leads to ventilator associated complications including prolonged ventilation time, increase sedation infusion use and increase ICU length of stay. This study’s aim was to determine if innovative education could improve nursing knowledge and confidence related to ventilated patient care. Nurse participants (N=100) were randomly selected to …

Quality Improvement Project: Improving Access To Early Intervention For Prediabetic Patients In Primary Care, Jude Abam

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Primary care frequently misdiagnoses prediabetes, which serves as a diabetes type 2 precursor, resulting in failed early treatment opportunities. A structured staff education program was the goal of the quality improvement project during the DNP implementation. The initiative addressed knowledge gaps alongside screening protocol standardization all to enhance early detection as well as intervention efforts. Using both Lewin’s Theory of Change and Kolb’s Theory of Experiential Learning, a pre-post-design was applied across seven weeks. Prediabetes screening and management, along with its risk factors, were taught to the staff. The demographic questionnaires helped in assessing the knowledge and self-efficacy of the …

Quality Improvement Project - Virtual Escape Rooms: A Teaching Strategy For Nurse Educators, Alisha Mcafee

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Virtual escape rooms (VERs) are an active learning activity that engages students with learning materials while applying theory and knowledge to life-like patient scenarios. Nursing faculty at one nursing program required education about VER development. The problem identified for this quality improvement (QI) project was the lack of knowledge of the nursing faculty on the use and development of this active learning strategy. This QI project aimed to enhance nurse faculty knowledge and ability to utilize VERs within their courses. Faculty participated in an educational session about VERs. Completion of a pre-and post-questionnaire took place. Three Likert-scale questions were asked …

Point-Of-Care Lab Testing Reduces Lab Turn Around Times And Decreases Delays In Treatment, Arkayla Beamon

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The purpose of this doctoral project was to explore workflows associated with the preanalytical phase of the lab diagnostic process in a one-hundred-bed long-term acute care hospital, identify the most common errors that occur, and explore the effect of point-of-care lab testing (POCT) education on a reduction in treatment delays. More specifically, the project aims to answer the following question: In nurses, unit clerks, and respiratory therapists what is the impact of POC education on lab diagnostic delays in a long-term acute care hospital over six months?

Enhancing Simulation Debriefing In Nursing Education: A Quality Improvement Project, Rebecca L. Ray

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This quality improvement (QI) project is of utmost importance as it aims to significantly enhance the debriefing process after simulations in an Associate Registered Nursing Program. The project is designed to equip nursing instructors with a comprehensive guide to facilitate debriefing after simulations, thereby improving student learning outcomes, fostering reflection, and enhancing clinical practice. The lack of consistent and practical guidance during the debriefing process after simulation exercises has been identified as a critical challenge in the nursing program. Without proper guidance, the debriefing process may not achieve its intended outcomes, underscoring the necessity of this project. The intervention at …

Nurses Confidence And Knowledge Improvement For Sleep In Sleep Hygiene Education, Rawda Nourain

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The purpose of this DNP project was to increase the knowledge and self-confidence of nurses in relation to sleep hygiene practices for psychiatric patients to improve sleep quality and overall mental health. In this study, a pre- and post-intervention design was used for four nurses in a psychiatric unit. The intervention was comprised of teaching the patients about sleep hygiene practices, altering the environment (light and noise reduction), and using non-drug approaches. Knowledge assessments and self-confidence surveys were used to collect the data. All the participants were able to recall the correct sleep hygiene knowledge after the intervention, and all …

25th Anniversary Report, Law And Government Institute

Law and Government Institute Collections

The Law and Government Institute is one of Widener University Commonwealth Law School's signature programs. The Institute focuses on the complex intersection of legislation, regulation, public policy, and the law.

The celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Institute in 2024 prompted the development and issuance of this report. It discusses the history and leadership of the Institute, provides an overview of the Institute's programs, and presents the results of a recent survey of Institute alumni.

This report covers activities and events through the end of the 2024-25 academic year.

Nourishing Knowledge: Optimizing Therapist And Family Education In The Implementation Of The Sos Feeding Approach, Aidyn C. Keller

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This ALE/capstone project aimed to bridge the knowledge gap between families, caregivers, and therapists during a 12-week feeding program at a local outpatient pediatric facility in Louisville, KY. The goal was to promote carryover of SOS-based strategies at home and boost caregiver confidence in implementing them. Dr. Kay Toomey, founder of the SOS Approach to Feeding, developed an evidence-based framework for children with feeding difficulties, following the developmental sequence of feeding skills from oral motor and sensory perspectives. The program incorporated resources from Dr. Toomey, including physical documents and links for additional materials for families and professionals.The project focused on …

Maternal Health Advocacy, Savanah Jones

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone, conducted at Sunny Day Therapy, aligned with the ACOTE advocacy domain and aimed to raise awareness of occupational therapy’s (OT) unique role in maternal health—a critical need as maternal mental health concerns affect 1 in 5 U.S. women (Postpartum Support International, 2023) and OT remains underutilized in this area. Addressing literature-identified gaps in emotional regulation, daily function, and maternal-infant co-occupations (Sepulveda, 2019), the 14-week project developed and disseminated evidence-based educational materials, social media campaigns, and outreach initiatives to support maternal self-regulation, physical health, and well-being during the perinatal and postpartum period. Deliverables included flyers on self-regulation, postpartum ergonomics, …

Tethered Oral Tissues (Tots) And Occupational Therapy (Ot), Tori Gray

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project and ALE focused on Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) and their connection to Occupational Therapy (OT), highlighting how TOTs impact more than just feeding by affecting sensory regulation, posture, and overall development. Through observation, research, and hands-on experience, I explored OT’s role in identifying and treating TOTs. I created an evidence-based educational infographic for local physician and dental offices to advocate for increased OT involvement and tracked patient referrals to assess its impact. Literature review revealed that while TOTs are commonly linked to lactation and speech, their broader effects on motor coordination, sensory processing, and posture are underrecognized. …

Empowering Mothers: Addressing Postpartum Depression In The Nicu Through Occupational Therapy, Maggie Cloyd

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) addressed the elevated risk of postpartum depression (PPD) among mothers with infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Completed at Norton Women’’s and Children’s Hospital in Louisville, KY, the project focused on leadership and advocacy, aiming to raise awareness of maternal mental health, highlight occupational therapy’s role, and create educational infographics for both NICU mothers and staff.A needs assessment was conducted through informal staff discussions, observation, and an anonymous survey distributed to NICU mothers. Mothers reported emotional distress, guilt, isolation, and limited involvement in infant care. Research supports that NICU …

In-Depth Exploration Of Ot In An Alf, Madison J. Jones

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My Capstone project focused on occupational therapy’s role in maintaining independence for individuals living in an assisted living facility (ALF) through advocacy, education, and hands-on experience. My goal throughout the project was to reach out to friends, family, and residents living in this retirement community to inform them about OT and the role OT can have to maintain their independence through physical activities, cognitive activities, and meaningful occupations. Different education and advocacy events were created and completed during the project to reach out to the residents and staff members about therapeutic services offered to support aging in place. My Capstone …

Building Clinical Expertise: An Occupational Therapy Student-Centered Guide To Foundational Orthotic Fabrication Concepts And Splint Patterns, Belinda Cheng

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of this doctoral capstone was to support student learning in hand therapy by developing a student-centered educational guidebook that introduces fundamental orthotic fabrication concepts and provides visual splint pattern tutorials in an accessible and comprehensive format. Splint pattern development is a foundational step in orthotic fabrication that helps students comprehend how 2D designs translate into 3D orthoses. To enhance clinical skills through direct practice opportunities, this resource features detailed splint pattern modules for 10 commonly fabricated orthoses, each accompanied by background information and model images, while the orthotic educational content promotes self-directed learning by guiding students to understand …