Digital Commons Network^™

A Critically Appraised Topic: Effectiveness Of Hydrogen-Rich Water Therapies In Reducing Inflammation, Bill Craig, Dawn Hammerschmidt, Jay Albrecht

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Inflammation is an important part of healing, but prolonged inflammation or inflammatory disease can cause excess pain and tissue damage. Hydrogen-rich water therapies have shown to have positive effects on this wide variety of conditions and may have a role in future therapeutic intervention for inflammatory conditions and acute injury care. Hydrogen is a commonly known element that has recently been the subject of scientific studies to analyze its beneficial properties when used as a therapeutic intervention. Hydrogen is physically the smallest element on the periodic table, and when two hydrogen atoms combine to form H2, it is known as …

Jtc 26: Dismantling Barriers, Building A Village, By Jennifer Parsons

University of Mississippi News

This story is part of the 2026 Journey to Commencement series, which celebrates the pinnacle of the academic year by highlighting University of Mississippi students and their outstanding academic and personal journeys from college student to college graduate.

Communication Through Connection And Identity: Songwriting With People Living With Dementia, Sean Connolly

Expressive Therapies Theses

Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative condition associated with significant changes in communication, which can have profound effects on an individual’s autonomy, self-identity and quality of life. Rising global dementia rates underscore the urgent need to address these issues and expand approaches to care. This literature review examines current research on songwriting methods in music therapy for those living with dementia and investigates how songwriting might support communication for that population. The review explores a variety of music-based approaches, including both neurologic and music-centered frameworks, and highlights a range of songwriting techniques. The findings suggest that songwriting may facilitate communication beyond …

Constructed Care: Stitching Patient Journeys Through Quilting And Healthcare Design, Ashley D. Moberly

Graduate Final Projects

This thesis investigates how healthcare environments can better support patient experience through improved wayfinding, spatial clarity, and human-centered design strategies. Contemporary healthcare systems are often complex and difficult to navigate, placing additional cognitive and emotional burdens on patients, particularly those traveling from rural and underserved regions. Drawing from both professional experience in healthcare facilities planning and a comprehensive review of literature on spatial perception, wayfinding, and patient-centered care, this research identifies key challenges in how patients' access, interpret, and move through healthcare environments.

In response, the study introduces the Quilt Logic System, a conceptual framework that translates principles derived from …

Factors Relating To Memory, Kyra Vanheirseele

Honors Theses

Cognitive and emotional processes are increasingly recognized as important factors influencing memory functioning. In the current study, the associations between depressive symptoms, selfcritical rumination, sleep quality, and cognitive confidence with self-referent memory recall were examined in a sample of undergraduate students (N = 60; 70.0% female, 21.7% male; M age = 19.36 years, SD = 1.21). The sample was predominantly White (73.2%), with additional representation from Black or African American (14.3%), American Indian or Alaska Native (1.8%), Asian (1.8%), and other racial groups (8.9%). Using established self-report measures, participants reported on depressive symptoms (Schmitt & Maes, 2000; Sauer et al., …

Skeletal Muscle Characteristics Long-Living Dwarf Mice In Response To High Fat Diet, Landon Schumacher, Matthew Johnston, Jaspreet Osan, Holly Brown-Borg

Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Showcase

Introduction: The effects of high fat diet (HFD; 60% kcal: fat) on skeletal muscle in mice with postnatal growth hormone deficiency is relatively unknown. We compared the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle from middle aged female Ames Dwarf and Wildtype mice fed HFD for 16 weeks and standard diet (STD; 10%: fat) to see the impacts of a HFD on inflammation and fibrotic formation in the musculature.   Methodology: Mice were euthanized after diet duration (age 10-12 months), and TAs were collected and frozen in OCT for cross-sectional cryosection. Ten um thick muscle was fixed to slides and stained with Oil Red-O …

From Sunshine To Sight Lost: Amd In North Dakota, Sidney J. Leciejewski, Diane Darland

Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Showcase

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that directly harms the macula, which could eventually cause vision loss. The macula is an area on the back of the eye that contains cone cells, which allow for our color vision. Its location also allows us to have our central vision. There are two kinds: the dry and wet form, where the wet form is more extreme. The disease, itself, is highly prevalent in North Dakota, which is why it is important to note its causes and prevention methods. Some causes of AMD include genetic risks,  health risks, and metabolic …

Spatial Analysis Of Heavy Metal Leaching Threats From North Dakota Landfills To Drinking Water Aquifers, Leila Campbell

Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Showcase

Groundwater is a primary fresh water source for most rural communities in North Dakota. The EPA acknowledges that landfill leakage is not a matter of if but when, and early detection can be extremely difficult. This project identifies which counties and aquifers face the greatest threat from landfill heavy-metal leaching based on proximity, waste types, and groundwater vulnerability, thereby indicating which landfills warrant the closest monitoring and regulatory compliance.   The methodology combines two indexes. The DRASTIC index identifies aquifer vulnerability to surface pollution based on hydrogeologic factors. These factors are weighted by their significance to produce a score that reflects …

Small Businesses: A Comprehensive Investigation Into Data Quality's Impact On Security, Privacy, And Governance, Deveeshree Nayak

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the extent to which deficiencies in data quality, specifically accuracy, completeness, consistency, timeliness, validity, and uniqueness, undermine data security, privacy compliance, and governance effectiveness in small businesses (fewer than 200 employees and annual revenues under $10 million) in Washington State. Although data are increasingly viewed as a strategic asset, empirical research on how poor data quality amplifies cyber risks and regulatory exposure in resource-constrained environments remains limited. A convergent mixed-methods design was employed. A purposive survey captured practitioner perceptions from nine small-business professionals regarding the impact of data quality on security (CIA triad), privacy (accuracy and transparency …

The Impact Of The Science Of Reading Initiative On Reading Test Scores Among Rural Elementary Students In Arkansas, Julie A. Ferguson

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

This study examines changes in reading achievement among rural elementary students in Arkansas following the statewide implementation of the Science of Reading initiative. Beginning in 2019, Arkansas required educators in kindergarten through sixth grade to receive training in evidence‑based literacy practices emphasizing phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Despite these efforts, rural districts continue to face challenges related to staffing, access to professional development, and instructional resources, raising questions about whether statewide reforms have produced measurable improvements in reading outcomes.

Using a quantitative, longitudinal, quasi‑experimental design, this study analyzes ACT Aspire reading assessment data collected from rural Arkansas schools …

2026 Spring Commencement Program: Winona State University, Winona State University

WSU Commencement Programs

This is the Winona State University Spring 2026 commencement program. Commencement was on Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8, 2026.

During the Commencement event, a complete list of graduates was provided online. This program was not published during the Commencement event. This digital copy is maintained in the repository for archival purposes.

First Ud Health Engagement Fellows Graduate, University Of Dayton

News Releases

They screened preschoolers' vision, helped seniors access fresh food and supported early detection efforts for sickle cell disease. Now, the first University of Dayton Health Engagement Fellows are graduating.

Short-Term Bayesian Influenza Forecasting In A Hospital Environment Using A Linear Kalman Filter., Shankar Kaleeswaran Mani, Grzegorz A Rempala, Eben Kenah, Fernanda L Schumacher

Ambulatory and Primary Care Articles

Accurately forecasting the weekly number of influenza (flu) lab tests and positive cases is important for hospitals as they work to plan staffing, manage supplies, and provide timely patient care. In this paper, we describe a practical use of a Bayesian Kalman filter to forecast weekly flu tests and positives in a hospital setting. Using data from a large hospital system in Ohio, we show that this approach, which blends real-time hospital information with historical patterns, offers a dependable way to anticipate flu-related patient volume as far as four weeks ahead.

Nudging Implementation Of Low Tidal Volume Ventilation: A Stepped Wedge, Cluster Randomized Trial, Meeta Prasad Kerlin, Michael O. Harhay, Fan Li, Dylan S. Small, Yingying Lu, Wei Wang, Barry D. Fuchs, Mark E. Mikkelsen, Teresa Tran, Aerielle Belk, Jasmine A. Silvestri, Tamar Klaiman, Stefania Scott, Elizabeth Levy, Michael W. Sjoding, Rachel Kohn, Karsten J. Roberts, Rinad S. Beidas, Scott D. Halpern

College of Health Professions Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: "Nudges" embedded in the electronic health record (EHR) facilitate desired decisions while preserving autonomy and may provide a scalable strategy to overcome the common implementation barrier of lack of knowledge about a best practice. We sought to test whether EHR-based nudges targeting two intensive care unit (ICU) clinician groups would safely increase evidence-based use of low tidal volume ventilation.

METHODS: We performed a stepped-wedge, cluster randomized, hybrid type 3 effectiveness-implementation trial in 12 ICUs from February 2021 to May 2023 to test three nudges targeting clinicians responsible for order entry and respiratory therapists responsible for operationalizing orders and documentation. …

Current Options And Future Trends In Green Fuels Storage, Muhammad Anas Maqbool, Md Jahir Rizvi, Yeaw Chu Lee, Pablo Borja Rosales

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

The global transition to renewable energy underscores the urgent need for safe, efficient, and cost-effective storage solutions for green hydrogen and green ammonia. This review critically examines their fundamental characteristics and unique behaviours, emphasising storage, handling, and integration engineering challenges. To identify the influential studies, knowledge gaps and future trends in the research area, a systematic Scopus-based bibliometric and data analysis is conducted. A novel approach is adopted to identify the better green energy storage option between green hydrogen storage and green ammonia storage, combining a risk-mitigation assessment framework, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis, and a multicriteria taxonomy based …

Effective Strategies Senior Leaders Use To Promote Women In Leadership Positions To Increase Organizational Performance And Profitability, Fedena L. Mathis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

County Policy Enforcement And Fentanyl Overdose Rates In North Carolina, Christopher Lyle Parks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Exploring North Carolina’S Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative In Rural Communities, Annie Belle Perry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Working Alliance And Subjective Engagement With A Digital Avatar Cbt Platform (Ritch®Cbt): Comparing Young Adults With And Without Co-Occurring Substance Use And Depression, Victoria Pezzino, Cassandra Berbary, Courtney Mckinney, Celeste Sangiorgio, Emi Moriuchi, Korena S. Klimczak, Robert Kay Cooper Jr., Wonkyung Kniffen, Maya Hareli, Cory Crane, Caroline J. Easton

Psychology Student Research

Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) can help bridge treatment gaps experienced by young adults with co-occurring substance misuse and depression. However, it remains unclear whether engagement with these interventions differs for young adults with co-occurring conditions compared to those experiencing substance misuse or depression alone. To investigate this issue, we assessed working alliance and subjective engagement with a digital avatar-assisted cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment platform (RITch^®CBT), comparing young adults with substance use, depression, and the co-occurrence of the two. A secondary data analysis was conducted on a sample of 99 young adults aged 18–28 years who presented at …

Liberty Centre Marketing & Branding Strategy: Client Consulting Report, Mirsada Demirovic, Jack Gottschalk, Danny Ventura

MBA Theses, Dissertations, and Student Creative Activity

Liberty Centre is a non-profit organization based in Norfolk, Nebraska, operating under the recognized Clubhouse model. The organization’s mission is to assist adults recovering from mental illness with opportunities to rebuild their lives through work and access to community resources.

This consulting engagement was undertaken as part of the MBA Capstone course under the direction of Professor Kristi Lynch. Our Team: Mirsada Demirovic, Jack Gottschalk, and Danny Ventura was tasked with developing a marketing and branding strategy to increase awareness of Liberty Centre’s services.

The primary deliverables include a refined brand positioning statement, a messaging framework, a digital growth strategy, …

The Intersection Of Faculty Perceptions Of Student Evaluations Of Teaching And Nursing Retention: The Challenges Of Undergraduate Nursing Programs In Higher Education Institutions, Melissa Wolff

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

For over 100 years, higher education institutions in the United States of America have been using student evaluations of teaching (SET) to evaluate course effectiveness and teaching quality. SETs are used to inform faculty about areas where course improvements are needed, if course objectives have been met, and the strength of their teaching ability. Even with the longstanding integration of SETs in higher education their reliability and validity have been questioned. Various factors negatively influence student ranking of faculty including class size, faculty appearance, ethnicity, and gender. SETs also impact faculty’s ability to earn tenure and promotion, which raises concerns …

Analysis Of Self, Adam D. Krebsbach

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Analysis of Self

A Thesis Presented to

the Graduate Faculty of

Minnesota State University Moorhead

By

Adam Daniel Krebsbach

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Degree of

Master of Science in Clinical Mental

Health Counseling

March 2026

Moorhead, Minnesota

Abstract

“Selah” represents an intentional pause—a moment to reflect, reassess, and seek deeper understanding. Through a process of self-analysis, I have embraced the opportunity to practice Selah by consulting with loved ones, reflecting on past opportunities and mistakes, and challenging my own thoughts and behaviors. The purpose of this project is to explore who I was, who I am, …

Analysis Of Self, Annika Gb Anderson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

This paper is an analysis of my personal experiences, relationships, development, and how these factors have shaped who I am personally and professionally. I reflect on different areas of my life including my relationships, academic and career journey, mental, chemical, and physical health, cultural identity, coping strategies, strengths, and personal interests. I also discuss the results and personal impact of personality and career assessments as well as interviews with family members who know me well. Through this process, I gained a deeper understanding of how my life experiences have influenced my values, beliefs, and approach to counseling. I found …

Understanding Myself As A Helping Professional, Mia Duncan

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This paper reflects on my own personal experiences that have shaped the person I am both personally and professionally. The purpose of this paper is to showcase the emotional, mental, and physical events I have gone through as well as the work I have done to overcome these challenging events to better serve my future students and clients. I have identified pivotal relationships in my life, therapeutic approaches that have worked for my own development, as well as what I use to help my students as a school counselor, and what my plans are after I graduate to continue as …

Between Sessions: Counseling The Counselor In Training – The Long Conversation, Ashley J. Sather

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The analysis of self can open up new opportunities to reflect on experiences that shape us. Exploring past experiences that got us to where we are now, looking at present experiences and perspectives, as well as looking forward to future career goals all have a part in knowing yourself. Learning about my own journey will help me in supporting others through theirs. What I have been through with family and friends, my faith, my academic career, and my culture have created the person I am. I used assessment and theoretical orientation exploration to gather deeper information into who I am …

A Critical Analysis Of The Influence Of Ideology On Education Governance In An Urban, Midwestern School District, Carl Bryan

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This study examines how ideology operates within local education governance through a critical theoretical lens. As state and national education policies, accountability mandates, and partisan political discourse increasingly shape local school governance, this research investigates how power relations, ideological influences, and equity concerns are embedded in school board decision-making processes and public discourse. Addressing a gap in existing scholarship on ideology in education governance, the study employs a qualitative case study of an urban public school district in the Midwestern United States. Data sources include individual interviews with school board members, critical discourse analysis of school board meetings, and analysis …

Reflection Of Self: A Project Dedicated To The Lifetime Development, Travis M. Polster

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Self-Reflection is an essential skill to becoming an effective school counselor.  Self-Reflection has led to explore, identify and create further opportunities to expand on my personal development.  Impactful relationships have contributed significantly to my development over the course of my lifetime.  Academics and careers impacted me both positively and negatively, but most important the shift in views on academics motivated me to prepare for a career change and the ability to impact my students in powerful ways for the rest of their life.  Other contributing factors consist of mental, social and physical health along with personal identity. A strong grasp …

How Changes In Mexican Immigration To The United States Affect Mexican Labor Markets, Gonzalo Ares De Parga-Regalado, Marta Prato

Employment Research Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Employment Research, Vol. 33, No. 2, April 2026

Employment Research Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Two Faculty Members Honored As 2026 Distinguished Professors, Clara Turnage

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – University of Mississippi professors Barry Babin and John Bentley were recognized this week as Distinguished Professors for their devotion to training the next generation of pharmacists and business professionals.