Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Rural Hospital Closures On Maternal Health Outcomes, Samuel Mbadu, Joanne Chopak-Foss, Samuel Opoku

Eagles Talking About the Public’s Health

No abstract provided.

A Delaware Bay Field Season; Shorebirds And Scientists, Sally O'Byrne

Delaware Ornithologist

No abstract provided.

Chondrogenic And Chondroprotective Response Of Composite Collagen I/Ii-Hyaluronic Acid Scaffolds Within An Inflammatory Osteoarthritic Environment, Carly M. Battistoni, Javier Munoz Briones, Douglas K. Brubaker, Alyssa Panitch, Julie C. Liu

School of Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications

Inflammation plays a key role in cartilage damage that occurs in osteoarthritis (OA). However, in vitro assessments of tissue-engineered constructs for cartilage regeneration generally do not consider their performance in the presence of inflammation. In this work, the chondrogenic differentiation potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) was evaluated in the presence of both chondrogenic factors and inflammatory cytokines, and cartilage formation, degradative response, and inflammatory response were characterized. The addition of cytokines reduced cartilage production, increased cell proliferation, and resulted in an increase in inflammatory markers. Incorporation of hyaluronic acid (HA) had little impact on both collagen fibril microstructure and …

The Tom Sawyer Effect: Invisible Work And Labor Market Power, Eric A. Posner

Public Law and Legal Theory Working Papers

No abstract provided.

Machine-Learning Human Rights, Han‐Wei Ho, Patrick Chung-Chia Huang, Nuno Garoupa, Martin T. Wells, Yun-Chien Chang, Tom Ginsburg

Public Law and Legal Theory Working Papers

Utilizing a comprehensive panel dataset spanning from 1900 to 2020, this study introduces an innovative methodology for the analysis and categorization of legal documents, specifically national constitutions. Contrary to the predominant reliance on unsupervised methods within the field, this research incorporates a supervised machine-learning approach, notably the SEMMS method, alongside traditional unsupervised algorithms. This dual approach facilitates a nuanced analysis of the human rights provisions contained within national constitutions, resulting in the identification of both traditional and novel constitutional groupings. Broadly speaking, the more traditional common law-civil law divide does not seem particularly relevant in this context. Furthermore, our methodology …

Constitutional Drafting Processes And Constitutional Success, Adam Chilton, Murat C. Mungan, Mila Versteeg

Public Law and Legal Theory Working Papers

Several recent constitution-making processes have been celebrated for being participatory, inclusive, and representative. However, many of these processes also failed. We theorize that aspects of these kinds of constitutional drafting processes could reduce the probability of constitutional success. To show why, we construct a “Constitution Drafting game” (CD game) in which representatives from different interest groups must draft a constitution. We consider the case where the probability of constitutional success is single peaked, but the value from successful adoption is increasing in the degree of issue protection chosen. The drafting process then leads to protection choices that are above those …

Pretrial Detention Without Counsel, Alison M. Siegler, Jaden M. Lessnick

Public Law and Legal Theory Working Papers

In federal courts across the country, judges are locking defendants in jail before trial without first giving them a lawyer. This deprivation-of-counsel crisis not only violates the statutory, regulatory, and administrative right to counsel at initial appearance hearings, but may even contravene the Sixth Amendment. This article builds on our Freedom Denied report—the first nationwide study of federal pretrial detention—and new data collected since. It makes three primary contributions. First, we explain the sources and nature of the right to counsel at federal initial appearance hearings (the first bail hearing in federal court). Second, we provide a data-driven illustration of …

The American Attack On Academic Freedom In Comparative Perspective, Tom Ginsburg

Public Law and Legal Theory Working Papers

Academic freedom is under threat in many countries, and the United States is no exception. This chapter places the American framework for academic freedom in comparative perspective, and describes the techniques being deployed against it. A common threat is to leverage the use of government funds as a way to change internal university governance. Less common, however, is something that we have seen in the United States, which is a threat to academic freedom from civil society itself. The trend is accelerating through social media, and is structurally similar to that of the fascist period in Europe in which there …

“The Culture - I Wish It Were Less Intense And More Joyful And Full Of Life”: A Youth Participatory Action Study On Teen Mental Health And Wellness, Marna Wolak

Doctoral Dissertations

Studies indicate that a grave mental health crisis is disproportionately impacting female-identified youth. While school districts have made attempts to address this problem, those most impacted - young people - have frequently found their voices overlooked by adults seeking solutions. Therefore, this Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) study, grounded in humanizing and liberatory pedagogy, examines how high school-aged students in an urban school district understand and define their experiences with mental health challenges and suggest strategies and interventions for improved wellness. Two sets of research questions guide this study: 1) Primary questions: What are youth perspectives about how their mental …

Utilizing Artificial Intelligence As A Strategic Risk Management Tool For Public Sector Operations And Auditing Processes, Oğuz Ümit Tamer, Bruce D. Mcdonald Iii, Farouk Hemici, Georgia Kontogeorga

School of Public Service Faculty Publications

Symbolizing a significant turning point in the historical landscape, AI is becoming an effective tool in today's public administration, not only for increasing capacity, quality, and speed in services, but also for strategic risk management. Regulators and algorithmic auditing play a central role in implementing fairness, transparency, and persistent controls against risks in AI systems. Discussing modern applications of AI, such as anomaly-based fraud detection, resource estimation, and continuous auditing, and their respective strengths and weaknesses, this study concludes that AI significantly enhances efficiency and oversight but also poses the risk of enshrining bias, opacity, and accountability gaps. By considering …

Walking (Virtually) Within The Past: A Video Tour Of Eureka's Historic Chinatown, Anne Howard, Katie Buesch, Sarah Godlin, Tim Miller, Vicki Ozaki, Sheri Woo

Humboldt Journal of Social Relations

"This piece reflects on the process of creating a place-based digital product aimed at expanding the educational reach of the Eureka Chinatown Project to an online audience. The authors explore the important role of sharing technical and historical knowledge, stories, and resources..."

Impact Of High School Racial Composition On Intercultural Competence Of Undergraduate Students, Ryuto Hashimoto

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Since the US population continues to become more diverse, it is important to foster students' intercultural competence (ICC) so that they can work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds. The existing studies have examined the impact of socialization at school on youths' development in their attitudes and behaviors in the context of classroom. However, we know little about whether or not the organizational and individual characteristics have an impact on students' ICC development. This study explored the impact of high school racial composition and individual factors such as gender on the ICC of undergraduate students. The study used the course …

Exploring Front-Line Implementers Perceptions To Inform Tier 1 Pbis Implementation Coaching, Sammi Cowger

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The successful implementation of universal practices within Positive Behavior Interventions and Support systems (Tier 1 PBIS) relies on front-line implementers to deliver services through student-facing practice elements. However, schools are often limited in the implementation support they can provide (Fixsen et al., 2005). Therefore, there is a growing emphasis in educational research on the systems and resources necessary to support the individuals tasked with implementing the programming (Forman et al., 2013). One form of support commonly used to support implementers of other school-based practices is implementation coaching. While this term is not universally used within the literature, it can be …

Characterization Of Actin Capping Protein Beta Isoform Specific Dynamics In Metastatic Cells, Etinosa Osamudiamen

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

To gain insight into the mechanism of cancer progression, we examined the isoform-specific roles of actin capping protein (CPβ1 and CPβ2) related to actin cytoskeletal dynamics and metastatic progression in human uterine epithelial cells (HeLa). We employed qPCR to determine the relative expression levels of CPβ1 and CPβ2 in actively growing HeLa cells. Our findings confirmed that CPβ1 and CPβ2 are differentially expressed, with CPβ2 being the predominant isoform, two-fold higher, consistent with its expression in other non-muscle tissues. To extend our expression studies, the localization and spatial distribution of the isoforms were visualized via immunolocalization studies using isoform-specific monoclonal …

Racial Diversity Matters: Experiences Of Dental Hygienists Of Color In Education And Practice, Sonika Masih

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Oral health is important to overall health. Poor oral health can affect a person’s ability to smile and chew, and can negatively affect their self-esteem. Poor oral health can lead to systemic diseases and even death. Therefore, access to dental care is vital for maintaining a quality of life, but people of color often lack access to this essential care. Negative stereotyping, color blind attitudes, and providers' biases are barriers for people of color to access dental care. Dental hygienists play a crucial role in removing barriers to oral healthcare for underserved populations. However, the dental hygiene profession does not …

Growing Up Online: Children, Family Vlogs, And The Monetization Of Childhood, Jenna Anderson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

As family life continues to enter and unfold on YouTube, the boundaries between intimacy, entertainment, and monetization have become strikingly blurred. This thesis examines how YouTube family vloggers construct and monetize their families through curated portrayals of authenticity, care, and morality. Using a qualitative content analysis of 100 videos from ten of the most popular YouTuber family channels of 2023, this study investigates how families and children are presented, how performances of authenticity are constructed and perceived, and how advertisements and sponsorships shape the narratives that these families produce. The analysis considers how parents act as both narrators and producers …

Self-Reported Prevalence Of Traumatic Brain Injury Among Law Enforcement Officers, Jennifer Lee Matheson

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Theses

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) have been extensively studied in sports, military, and criminal contexts, revealing significant prevalence rates and impacts on cognitive function, emotional regulation, and behavioral outcomes. However, the prevalence, patterns, and implications of TBI within law enforcement populations remain unexplored, presenting a gap in occupational health research. This gap is notable given that law enforcement officers face unique occupational hazards including physical confrontations, vehicle pursuits, and training-related exposures that may elevate their risk for neurological injury. While extensive research documents the impact of TBI on decision-making, executive function, and emotional processing, all critical competencies for effective policing, limited …

Utilitzing A Nurse Triage Model To Decrease The Administrative Burden Of Emr Messaging, Pamela B. Schneider

DNP Projects

Abstract

Background: The volume of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) messages from patients to providers continues to rise, yet clinic workflows have not been adequately restructured to accommodate. Increased EMR, especially the inbasket, is associated with provider burnout and decreased job satisfaction, contributing to provider turnover.

Purpose: To improve the triage and distribution of the EMR messaging workload

Method: A Nurse Triage Flowchart was implemented in the Gastroenterology Clinic at the University of Kentucky to help RNs/MAs triage patient messages for improved workflow. Surveys were completed by RNs/MAs and providers before and three months post-implementation. Data from EPIC over six …

“What We Say Matters”: Reducing Drug Use Stigmatization By Healthcare Professionals Through A Narrative-Based Awareness Campaign, Adam M. Traugott

DNP Projects

Background: Stigma towards substance use has been identified as a contributor to poor care and health outcomes amongst people who use drugs (PWUD), a vulnerable population. Healthcare worker stigma negatively affects the outcomes of individual patients and may have greater public health implications. Methods of addressing drug-use stigma have previously been implemented in a variety of clinical settings. Presenting the lived experience of PWUD to healthcare workers via emotionally compelling narratives has been found to be an effective means of stigma reduction.

Purpose: This study utilized two psychometrically validated tools to measure (1) the baseline prevalence of drug use stigma …

Impact Of Obesity On The Gut Microbiome And Inflammatory Markers During Siv Infection And Antiretroviral Therapy, Casey M. Mcguire, Isaac R. Cinco, Diana Takahashi, Kristin A. Sauter, Melissa Kirigiti, Ilhem Messaoudi, Jonah B. Sacha, Charles T. Roberts, Paul Kievit

Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics Faculty Publications

Dysbiosis and impaired gut barrier integrity contribute to chronic immune activation associated with both obesity and HIV infection. Given the increased incidence of obesity in people living with HIV, we explored the impact of obesity on the gut microbiome and microbial translocation (MT) biomarkers during HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART). Lean and obese rhesus macaques were infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and subsequently treated with ART. Obese animals exhibited higher initial MT and inflammation biomarkers that remained constant throughout the study, while lean animals exhibited significant increases in these biomarkers that approached levels observed in obese animals. Lean …

Evaluating A Public Health Program Using The Cdc Framework: A Case Study Approach, Brooke A. Poe

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

In Bourbon County, Kentucky, where rural health challenges and chronic disease burdens persist, a coalition of public health partners set out to improve population-level physical activity through an innovative, community-centered initiative. The Bourbon County Physical Activity Program emerged through collaboration between the Bourbon County Health Department, the University of Kentucky College of Public Health, and UK HealthCare. Together, these partners designed a six-month intervention that combined discounted YMCA memberships, partnerships with employers, a physical activity tracking app with behavioral incentives, and community-wide events to promote accessible and sustained engagement.

Guided by the CDC’s framework for program evaluation in public health, …

Impact Of Bourbon Continuous Column Operations On Ethyl Carbamate Levels, Brad J. Berron, Jon Brown, Jason Gambrell, Travis Cantrell, Meghan Mcintosh, Sarah A. Wilson, Jarrad Gollihue, Harmonie M. Bettenhausen

James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits Faculty Publications

European and Canadian regulators enforce strict limits on the ethyl carbamate content of alcoholic beverages. North American distillers’ malt have high glycosidic nitrile levels which amplify the ethyl carbamate level of whiskey. Guidelines are required to produce low ethyl carbamate whiskey from North American distillers’ malts. This work challenges several strategies for reducing ethyl carbamate levels in bourbon and American whiskey products. New make spirit was produced using a bourbon mash bill on a continuous beer still with doubler. The low wines alcohol content and beer feed tray were systematically varied while the caustic cleaning schedules were monitored to generate …

The Expressive Effects Of Bilateral Labor Agreements, Ian G. Peacock

Chicago Journal of International Law

Bilateral labor agreements (BLAs) aim to facilitate the movement of temporary migrant workers between countries. So far, studies of BLAs have focused on whether they have effects on migration flows. Despite countries entering hundreds of BLAs, evidence for their effects on migration flows remains limited. Yet, even if BLAs have limited material effects, they may still have important symbolic effects. On this topic, this Comment highlights BLAs’ potential to change rhetoric about international migration among heads of state. Drawing on an original empirical analysis focused on BLAs with the Philippines, the Comment analyzes how BLAs may influence leaders’ expressed attitudes …

Influence Of Perceived Health Provider Communication, Diabetes Duration And Age At Diagnosis With Confidence In Diabetes Self-Care, Courtney L. Ortz, Meredith S. Duncan, Oluwatosin Leshi, William B. Burrows, Brittany L. Smalls

Family and Community Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: Several factors influence individuals’ confidence to perform diabetes-related self-care activities, including perceived patient-provider communication, diabetes duration and age at diagnosis. It has been well-documented that patient-provider communication is essential when managing chronic diseases such as diabetes; however, the impact of this communication with diabetes duration and age at diabetes diagnosis on confidence in performing self-care behaviors is obscure.

Research design and methods: We utilized data from the 2021 Household Component of the Medical Expenditure Survey among participants 18 years or older who had completed the Diabetes Care Survey. Ordinal logistic regression models were utilized to assess the association between …

Culture-Free Whole Genome Sequencing Of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis From Clinical Specimens, Chaney Christine Kalinich

Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of infection-related mortality worldwide, causing an estimated 1.13 million deaths in 2022. The majority of infections can be successfully treated with antibiotics, but the prevalence of drug-resistant TB and a lack of rapid and cost-effective drug susceptibility tests for many key antibiotics is a significant barrier to treatment. Whole-genome sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis can be used for drug susceptibility testing and can provide valuable insight into transmission patterns. However, M. tuberculosis is slow to grow, meaning traditional sequencing methods which require culture can take many weeks to return results, greatly limiting the potential clinical …

State Regulation And Implementation Landscapes Of Iv Hydration Spas, Anishaa Sivakumar

Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library

Over the past decade, the number of IV hydration spas in the United States has grown. These facilities offer IV infusions of hydration solutions and other supplements but are exempted from most routine FDA oversight as compounding pharmacies. Instead, state governments are predominantly responsible for regulation and oversight. Descriptive data was collected on state-level policies governing IV hydration spas and through website review and secret shopper calls performed for facilities in each state and DC. While 31 states have issued some form of IV spa guidance, policies varied widely and only 4 state policies addressed governance, prescriber credentials, dispensing practices, …

Distribution Of Supplemental Educational On Pharmacology To Assist Mental Health Technicians On The Behavioral Health Unit In Leading Group Therapy Sessions: A Quality Improvement Project, Bree T. Mastromarino

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background

Staff within the microsystem strive to provide quality care to patients experiencing acute mental health crises in hopes of stabilizing their condition, allowing them to function safely and appropriately among others. This will hopefully lead to eventual rehabilitation back into society. The main technique used in this microsystem for the rehabilitation of patients is providing group therapy (GT) sessions. These sessions teach healthy coping mechanisms and encourage internal reflection on triggers that could be contributing to emotional instability.

Local Problem

Recently, the leadership team has made the decision that Mental Health Technicians (MHTs) and social workers will lead the …

Developing A Decision Tree To Address Behavioral And Psychological Symptoms Of Dementia In The Primary Care Setting, Lolita Tramel

Yale School of Nursing Digital Theses

AbstractDeveloping a Decision Tree to Address Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in the Primary Care Setting There are 55 million people living with dementia worldwide. In the United States, there are approximately 7.2 million people living with Alzheimer’s dementia and these numbers are expected to rise. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2022) identified there is a shortage of behavioral health clinicians nationwide. As the population ages, demand for behavioral health clinicians will be high and supply will remain low. Primary care providers (PCPs) will be required to see an influx of dementia patients despite finding it …

Theatre Education At The University Of Montana: Providing Innovative Solutions To A Complex Problem, Natalie Renk

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

This paper is part of a larger project that aims to provide solutions to assimilate the University of Montana’s theatre education program with those across the United States by providing budget conscious innovations. The focus of this paper will be the creation of two methods courses: THTR 438: Content for Secondary Theatre Education and THTR 439: Skills for Theatre Education, this paper discussing the former. The latter was designed by my research partner, Ren Shepherd. This course would offer comprehensive coverage of theatre practitioners, both historical and modern theatrical texts, hands on design and budgeting experience, as well as teaching …

Bridging The Digital Divide In Biomedical Healthcare: Policy Solutions For Equity In Access, Literacy, And Infrastructure, Brooke E. Turner, Emmy L. Colon Alamo

Undergraduate Scholarship and Creative Works

This paper explores the intersection of digital inequity and biomedical healthcare access in the United States, positioning the digital divide as a structural determinant of health. As telehealth and digital platforms become central to care delivery, communities lacking broadband infrastructure, digital literacy, and affordable internet access face compounded barriers to equitable healthcare. The study introduces five critical dimensions—access, availability, adequacy, acceptability, and affordability—as a framework for addressing these disparities. It proposes the Rhizomatic Digital Ecosystem Framework to guide national and local interventions, emphasizing the need for public investment in broadband expansion, digital education, and affordability programs. By treating digital access …