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Livelihood Adaptive Strategies And Marginalization In Decision-Making: A Study Of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (Glof) Vulnerable Communities In Northern Pakistan, Sobia Shah

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

This study examines livelihood adaptation strategies and the dynamics of marginalization in decision-making within communities vulnerable to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan, Northern Pakistan. Grounded in a vulnerability framework encompassing exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, it addresses two objectives: identifying household and community-level adaptation strategies to GLOF risks and analyzing structural drivers of marginalization in adaptation decision-making. A mixed-methods design was used, combining a systematic review of GLOF measures in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region with a household survey of 150 respondents in Hassanabad and Hoper valleys. Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) assessed how socio-demographic, economic, institutional, and …

Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis Subflavus) Population Genetic Structure In The Southeastern United States, Laura Henderson

Master's Theses

Tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) have experienced substantial population losses from white-nose syndrome (WNS), a disease caused by the pathogenic fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) which infects hibernating bats. Determining population genetic structure helps assess genetic diversity and the impacts of wildlife threats to populations. Pre-WNS data shows weak-to-negligible structure and panmictic P. subflavus populations at core portions of their range. However, current genetic data from their southeastern U.S. range is lacking. I sought to determine whether recent genetic data help resolve genetic structure among southeastern populations and assess genetic differences at two stages of impact: post-WNS and …

2025-2026 Course Catalog, University Of Montana--Missoula. Office Of The Registrar

University of Montana Course Catalogs, 1895-2024

An annual catalog of courses and course descriptions offered at the University of Montana.

University Faculty Association Collective Bargaining Agreement, 2025-2029, University Of Montana--Missoula. University Faculty Association

University Faculty Association Collective Bargaining Agreements, 1978-2025

Collective bargaining agreement between the University of Montana University Faculty Association [UFA] and the Montana University System.

Parafamily, Christina Mulligan

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Examining Risk Factors, Screening, And Survival Of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer In The United States, Sunny Siddique

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Dissertations

Background: In the United States (US), the incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), defined as colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosed among individuals < 50 years of age, has been increasing rapidly. Compared to late-onset CRC (i.e., CRC diagnosed among individuals aged 50 years and older), EOCRC is characterized by more aggressive pathology and distinct genetic profiles, indicating that the etiology of EOCRC may be different. There have been a limited number of studies examining the risk factors of EOCRC, and none have focused on early life risk factors, which could be particularly relevant to early-onset diseases. In May 2021, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) reduced the recommended age of CRC screening from 50 years to 45 years, and the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the provision of preventive services across the country. These events could impact the patterns of screening for EOCRC, but no study has systematically assessed such impacts in a large sample of the US population. Furthermore, the role of ecological factors on survival disparities among individuals with EOCRC remains understudied, and prior studies evaluating these factors have not accounted for potential spatial correlation. These knowledge gaps warrant a set of epidemiological studies to clarify the risk factors, screening patterns, and prognostic factors of EOCRC.

Methods: We conducted three innovative research studies to understand EOCRC etiology, screening, and survival using a range of study designs and analytical methods. In the first study, we included 1,221 cases diagnosed with EOCRC at the age of 0-39 years during 1988-2021 and 61,050 controls without cancer matched on year of birth from the California Linkage Study of Early-Onset Cancers, which is a nested case-control study within the California birth cohort. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) …

It's My Data And I'Ll Protect It If I Want To: A Proposal To Standardize Biometric Data Privacy Laws Between The United States And European Union, Haley Rubin

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

No abstract provided.

Form And Function In Mobulids: A Comparative Analysis Of Filter Morphology With Bioinspiration Applications, J. B. Teeple, S. R. Kahane-Rapport, K. E. Cohen, L. Hamann, J. A. Strother, E. W. M. Paig-Tran

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Mobulas (manta and devil rays) are large-scale ram filter feeders that separate planktonic food particles from large volumes of water with minimal clogging. This contrasts with most human-made filters that can suffer from problematic clogging requiring additional mechanisms for clearing blocked surfaces and maintaining performance. Prior studies have shown that mobulas employ a unique mechanism referred to as ricochet separation to filter feed, whereby captive vortices in filter pores cause particles to bounce off the filter surfaces and away from the filter pores. This mechanism enables the filtration of particles smaller than the pore size and reduced clogging. However, few …

Addressing The Unmet Mental Health Crisis Of Youth In West Englewood, Joallyn Porter

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Chicago youth face significant unmet mental health needs driven by systemic inequalities, community violence, poverty and limited access to care. Alarmingly high rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma impact youth across the city, particularly neighborhoods on the south and west sides, yet far too frequently, stigma, lack of culturally responsive services, and insufficient school and community resources prevent early intervention and effective mental health treatments. Schools, often the first point of contact for mental health support; lack the staffing, funding, and infrastructure necessary to meet growing demands—particularly in under-resourced neighborhoods where families encounter economic and logistical barriers to care. Addressing …

Books As Windows And Mirrors: A Catalyst For School Belonging In The Middle Grades, Kaitlin Mary Smith

Theses & Dissertations

Adolescents today are reading for leisure at historically low rates and are experiencing increased mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness. However, research shows that students who engage in reading tend to report having better mental well-being. A strong sense of school belonging—the feeling of being accepted, valued, and connected within the school environment—plays a crucial role in how students engage academically and their overall mental health. For students from historically marginalized groups and diverse backgrounds, it is especially challenging to find reading material that authentically represents their sociocultural identities. This explanatory sequential mixed methods study aimed to …

A Mixed Methods Study: The Influence Of Educational Preparation, Clinical Experience, And Orientation On Nursing Professional Development Role Transition Experience, Lauren Elizabeth Moran

Theses & Dissertations

This study explored the role transition experiences of novice Nursing Professional Development (NPD) practitioners, examining how educational preparation, clinical experience, and orientation programs influence successful adaptation. NPD practitioners are essential in facilitating learning, mentoring staff, and advancing nursing excellence; however, transitions from clinical nurse to NPD practitioner are often marked by role ambiguity, limited confidence, and insufficient preparation. Despite the importance of this role, research on novice NPD practitioners’ transition experiences remains limited. This mixed-methods explanatory sequential study, guided by the Nurse Educator Transition (NET) model and From Novice to Expert frameworks, explored factors influencing the role transition of novice …

Centering Culture In Special Education: Building Effective Student-Teacher Relationships Through Culturally Relevant Care, Vincent Patrick Fortunato

Theses & Dissertations

Current research underscores the significant role that positive teacher-student relationships play in a student's academic success. A strong, supportive connection with a teacher can enhance student learning, motivation, and social-emotional development. Teachers who cultivate these relationships tend to foster deeper learning, improved engagement, and a greater sense of support, making students feel valued and understood. In the context of special education, relationship-building with students requires special consideration due to the unique challenges presented by communication barriers, behavioral issues, teacher perceptions, and the diverse needs within the classroom. In this study, I aim to explore how secondary special education teachers perceive …

Factors Influencing Emergency Department Utilization Among Heart Failure Patients In The Home Health Care Setting: A Secondary Data Analysis, Lynette Ramlogan

Theses & Dissertations

Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition affecting over 6 million adults in the United States and remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, contributing to approximately 380,000 deaths annually. Disparities in health outcomes for individuals with heart failure are further exacerbated by social determinants of health (SDoH), including socioeconomic status, healthcare accessibility, and availability of social support, particularly among vulnerable populations. Insurance coverage plays a critical role in influencing access to care, treatment adherence, and overall health outcomes among patients with heart failure. For patients receiving home health care (HHC) services, limited caregiver support and inadequate socioeconomic resources …

About This Time Of Year!, Denise Maihofer Cde

AADEJ - The Communicator

The Executive Director expresses enthusiasm for the judges reviewing Gies Journalism Award entries and winners of various awards (ICD, AADEJ-ADEA Gies, Distinguished Dental Editor), who will soon be notified. She provides details for the upcoming Annual Meeting and Conference in San Diego on September 9-10, highlighting the lineup of speakers, meals, and a joint reception with ICD and AADEJ where all awards will be presented, a break from the traditional lunch presentation. She also mentions a separate lunch speaker from the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Mrs. Maihofer announces a webinar on August 7 with Dr. Arnell Wright titled "Under …

Editors As Awakeners, Mali Schantz-Feld Ma, Cde

AADEJ - The Communicator

This article explores the editor’s role in soliciting high-quality content by acting as an "awakener" for prospective authors. By using leading questions, editors can help dental professionals transform clinical experiences, research findings, and practice management challenges into compelling articles. The associate editor emphasizes that "teachable moments" and unusual case studies are often more valuable than prestigious accolades in educating the dental community.

Gendered Liberty, Laura Portuondo

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Certified Dental Editor — The Icing On The Cake, Mali Schantz-Feld Ma, Cde

AADEJ - The Communicator

Associate Editor Mali Schantz-Feld draws a compelling analogy between the prestigious Michelin Guide status for restaurants and the Certified Dental Editor (CDE) designation sponsored by the AADEJ. She explains that just as Michelin status motivates culinary excellence, CDE encourages dental editors and journalists to maintain high standards of excellence and ethics while continuously developing writing, editing, and design skills. To attain the CDE designation, individuals must complete 30 hours of continuing education in key areas such as writing, editing, layout and design, editorial leadership, and communications within four years of applying. Attending three consecutive AADEJ Annual Conferences can fulfill these …

How To Start Your Podcast: The Industrial Expert Shares His Secrets, Kevin Henry

AADEJ - The Communicator

Mr. Henry of DrBicuspid.com details the foundational steps for launching a podcast within the dental space, covering the three phases of recording, editing, and distribution. The author stresses the importance of understanding audience needs regarding show length and content consistency to build loyalty. Additionally, the article highlights the role of artificial intelligence in content promotion and the necessity of persistence during the early stages of audience growth.

Education, Networking, And Just Plain Fun At San Diego Conference, Denise Maihofer

AADEJ - The Communicator

This article summarizes the successful collaborative meeting between the AADEJ and the International College of Dentists (ICD) in San Diego. The report celebrates the presentation of numerous journalism awards, the recognition of newly certified dental editors, and the awarding of the inaugural Detlef Moore Scholarship to student Arjun Patel. The event underscored the value of in-person networking and ongoing professional recognition for both dentist and non-dentist editors.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence To Enhance Nursing Workflow In Endoscopy Units, Ribwar Arsalan Mohammed, Sirwan Khalid Ahmed, Abdulqadir J. Nashwan

Mesopotamian Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

This paper explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), including natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, and robotics, to transform nursing workflow in endoscopy units. AI technologies offer numerous advantages, including predictive analytics for efficient scheduling and resource allocation, real-time decision support during procedures, and enhanced diagnostic accuracy through image analysis. Additionally, AI simplifies administrative tasks such as patient scheduling and medical documentation, improving operational efficiency and patient safety. Despite these benefits, challenges related to data privacy, algorithm accuracy, and ethical considerations must be addressed. Effective AI integration requires interdisciplinary collaboration, continuous education for nurses, and robust governance frameworks to …

An Artificial Intelligence Model For Predicting Hospital Readmission Using Electronic Health Records Data, Rezarta Cara, Klodian Dhoska, Fjona Cara, Fredrick Kayusi, Linety Juma

Mesopotamian Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

This study investigates the application of a machine learning model—specifically the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM)—to predict 30-day hospital readmissions using structured electronic health record (EHR) data. Hospital readmissions remain a critical challenge in healthcare systems, often indicating gaps in continuity of care and contributing to higher costs. By leveraging demographic, clinical, and diagnostic variables from 350 anonymized patient records, the model aimed to accurately identify individuals at high risk of readmission. Key features included age, number of previous admissions, length of stay, number of medications, chronic disease status, and gender. Data preprocessing, model training, and evaluation were conducted using …

Meta-Learning Approaches For Causal Discovery In Dynamic Healthcare And Robotics Environments, Hayder Abbood Md Facp

Mesopotamian Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Healthcare and robotics dynamic task domains are also known to be both complex and time-varying systems where reasoning about causal links are important for making reliable decisions. But causal structures in these domains are difficult to ascertain with limited data, distribution shifts, and changing environments. Meta-learning (or learning to learn) is a promising approach to combating these two obstacles by learning from experience across tasks to quickly adapt to new task environments. In this paper we provide a new framework that combines ideas from meta-learning and causal discovery, whose objective is to discover the underlying cause effect relationships in sequential, …

Lightweight Deep Learning For Iot-Based Medical Diagnosis: A Survey, Balqees Talal Hasan, Ali Mohsin Ahmed Al-Sabaawi, Zaid J. Al-Araji

Mesopotamian Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

The rapid expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in healthcare has enabled continuous patient monitoring and data-driven clinical decision support. Deep learning models excel at extracting intricate patterns from high-dimensional medical data but face significant deployment challenges on resource-constrained IoT devices due to high computational and memory demands. This survey systematically analyzes four core strategies to adapt deep learning for edge based medical diagnosis: model pruning, quantization, knowledge distillation, and inherently lightweight architectures. For each approach, we dissect the underlying methodologies, evaluate the trade-offs between model efficiency and predictive performance, and present relevant medical case studies. We further review …

Implementation And Effectiveness Of Educational Strategies For Competency Development In Wound Management Among Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review Protocol, Effienia Daroibha Wahlang, Elsa Sanatombi Devi, Ashwath M Acharya, Ciraj A M

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Introduction Wound care education is one of the most important and critical aspects in the healthcare sector, particularly with the prevalence of chronic wounds rising rapidly due to factors like age and increasing rates of diabetes and obesity. Traditional methods of wound care are evolving to incorporate new methods, technologies and teaching strategies, to better equip healthcare professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Objectives This review aims to identify, describe and assess how various educational strategies have been implemented and how effective they are in developing wound management competencies among healthcare students and healthcare professionals.

Methods The Preferred Reporting …

Iimproving Discharges Within The Monitored Pod Units Of A Regional Health Center In Bryan, Tx, Paul R. Russell Iii

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

IMPROVING DISCHARGE RATES WITHIN THE MONITORED POD UNITS OF A REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER IN BRYAN, TX

Purpose

The purpose of this scholarly project was to improve discharges by 11:00 a.m. within the Monitored Pod Units located in a regional hospital in Bryan, Texas.

Background

The current discharge rate by 1100 for the monitored pod units at the regional health center was below the health system goal of 50%. The impacts of delayed discharges are broad and can be seen throughout the regional health center. Delayed discharges have a direct effect on staff satisfaction, patient satisfaction, and decreased revenue.

Methodology

This …

Reducing Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries: A Quality Improvement Project Implementing A Visual Reminder System In The Intensive Care Unit, Henry H. Remschel Iii

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to reduce hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) by 10% in an intensive care unit through the implementation of a skin risk assessment form and a visual reminder system.

Background

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries negatively impact patient outcomes and can increase costs associated with a hospital stay. Studies have shown that visual reminders can improve nursing intervention compliance and correlate with improved patient outcomes.

Methodology

The project implemented a skin-risk assessment form to identify patients at risk for developing pressure injuries during their hospital stay. For high-risk patients, a “High Skin Risk” magnet was placed outside …

Access Or Sovereignty, John T. Holden

Emory Law Journal

Despite centuries of genocidal assimilation and forced removal, Indigenous communities in the United States have persevered and even thrived. A key driver of economic success for many tribes is gambling. While states objected, perhaps out of greed, the Supreme Court held that, as sovereign governments, gaming operations on tribal land were largely beyond the reach of state governments and law enforcement. The Supreme Court’s Cabazon decision furthered a congressional push to develop a negotiated solution to recognize Indigenous communities’ rights as sovereigns while balancing states’ desire to limit the volume of gambling taking place within their borders. The Indian Gaming …

Health Is Wealth: Strengthening Plaintiffs’ Ability To Confer Standing In Health Information Data Breach Cases, Kayla M. O'Brien

Emory Law Journal

Individuals’ health information is increasingly at risk of data breaches as healthcare providers adopt health information technologies and individuals use digital devices and applications to log their health data. The frequency of data breaches involving health information has escalated year after year, and, as a result, more individuals are seeking recourse in federal court. To proceed in federal court, however, these individuals must have Article III standing, and meeting the injury-in-fact requirement to confer standing has been a difficult hurdle for plaintiffs in data breach cases to overcome. Federal courts have narrowly interpreted what constitutes a concrete harm stemming from …

Technological Readiness Versus Disruption: A Framework For Assessing Distinct Artificial Intelligence Policy Strategies, Orly Lobel

Emory Law Journal

Artificial intelligence (“AI”) is here and rapidly advancing. As the 2024 Thrower Symposium of the Emory Law Journal demonstrated, developments in the integration of AI to all aspects of life raise fundamental challenges for legal scholars and policymakers about the desirability and legitimacy of algorithmic decision-making, the societal impact of automation, and the liability, ownership, and regulatory puzzles created by substituting human actions with AI systems. This Article provides a framework for analyzing the readiness and desirability of contemporary technological innovation while continuing to address the effects and impact of technological shifts on the labor market, social welfare, and democracy. …

Civil Society And The Crisis Of Privacy Law, Ari Ezra Waldman

Emory Law Journal

Based on interviews with key players, public reports, and previously undisclosed primary sources, this Article tells the inside story of the American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA) and the role of privacy nonprofit organizations in crafting it. It uses ADPPA’s drafting as a case study about larger questions of expertise, the lawmaking process, and the role of law in setting the context of advocacy. The Article’s descriptive argument is that background law and the dynamics of privacy policymaking in the United States Congress channeled and constrained the choices made by privacy civil society organizations while negotiating and drafting key …