Digital Commons Network^™

Network Analysis: An Application Of Graph Theory In Biology, Kiana Dunbar

Honors Theses

Graphs are simple, visual representations of entities as nodes connected by edges. They are used to convey relationships within a system. Networks are comprised of interrelated entities that are not easily separable, producing complex, structured data. These can be seen in social groups, highway systems, and even in biological systems. This paper surveys concepts in graph theory for application to the analysis of network data to understand disease. The features of graphs provide a useful framework for thinking about relationships between different genes or proteins. The structure of graphs is also compatible with a variety of machine learning tools. Especially …

Bates College Undergraduate Law Review: Volume Iii, Issue I, Spring 2026, Bates College Law Society

Bates College Undergraduate Law Review

No abstract provided.

Ai-Driven Multispectral Drone Monitoring For Afforestation In Arid Environments, Hesham Morgan, Ali Elgendy, Brandon Tran, Tamer Ismail, Mohamed M. Moursy, Yehya Kh. Shehadeh, Ahmed Elgharib, Ahmed Abdullah Al-Dughairi, Ali El Mubarak, Khaled Allam Harhash, Hesham El-Askary

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Monitoring large-scale afforestation projects in arid and semi-arid environments requires accurate, high-resolution, and repeatable methods to assess tree survival and growth. In this study, we integrated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multispectral imaging with an advanced object detection framework to evaluate vegetation establishment in the Shuayb Al-Budai afforestation site, part of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Natural Reserve, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Multispectral datasets were acquired using a MicaSense Altum-PT sensor and processed through a masked Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (RCNN) with two backbone architectures: ResNet-101 and VGG19-BN. The Mask R-CNN–ResNet-101 model achieved superior performance, with an overall accuracy …

Prevalence Of Low Energy (Lea) Risk In Division Iii Female Distance Athletes, Ciara Murphy

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Context 

Low energy availability (LEA) occurs when energy intake is insufficient to support normal physiological functions after exercise (Loucks, 2011). Prolonged LEA can negatively affect metabolic functions, reproductive health, and bone density, and contribute to the development of the female athlete triad and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) (Papageorgiou, 2017).

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of LEA among Division III female distance athletes.

Design

Cross-sectional study

Setting

Online questionnaire administered through Qualtrics

Participants 

A total of 12 Division III female distance athletes (ages 18-23).

Intervention

Anonymous, electronic questionnaire assessing symptoms associated with low …

Physical Therapy Treatments In Rotator Cuff Muscular Tear Injuries Without Surgical Operation, Rickeisha Caesar

Honors Capstones

This study highlights physical therapy treatment options available for patients who have a rotator cuff tear but are unable to receive surgery. Cadaver dissections and plastic model photos of the rotator cuff are included to give a visual of the anatomy and importance of the muscles. Interviews with licensed physical therapists are conducted for direct information on the process of understanding the limitations of a rotator cuff tear and what treatments are most effective in patients’ recovery process, whether it’s a partial or full tear. Collectively, the project findings enhance the understanding of why specific anatomical structures are intentionally targeted …

The Grizzly, April 30, 2026, Renee Washart, Alex Zelaya, Erik Groff, Cassidy Denning, Andrew Mihniak, Adam Denn, Erin Ewing, Dylan Mchugh

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Meet the Language Fellows • The Rocky Horror Picture Show: A BSP Classic • The Fitness Court • What is Greek Week? • In Case You Missed the URSPYs • Pick a Straw: Sustainable or Gluten-Free • Ursinus Track Gears Up for Champs • Ursinus Women's Golf Faces Uncertain Future

Our Children Our Community: Supporting Autistic Youth To Thrive, Rosaline Owusu Crnp, Fnp-Bc, Marie Noelle Akegnan

Department of Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Capturing Nature As An Indirect Curing Strategy Of Salutogenic Architecture, Fasya Abelleia Ivanka, Rini Suryantini, Paramita Atmodiwirjo

ARSNET

This paper explores indirect curing as a spatial strategy for designing a restorative environment within the context of salutogenic architecture. Current healthcare practices support recovery mainly through direct medicinal approaches to cure ailments, with more focus on being sterile and creating isolation. The study argues that the process of indirect curing can also be implemented through architectural interventions by focusing on the integration of nature as restorative objects and healthcare settings that can aid the recovery process. This study qualitatively explores the capturing nature as an indirect curing strategy through examining four case studies of health care spaces. Based on …

Understanding What Drives College Football Season Ticket Renewals, Chris Greenwell, Adam Cocco, Nels Popp

Journal of Applied Sport Management

Recent changes in intercollegiate athletics have significantly impacted the economics of college football. Heightened competition and increased operational costs have necessitated greater revenue generation through ticket sales, as ticket sales contribute a significant amount of revenue to college athletic department’s budgets. Therefore, this study utilizes self-determination theory to investigate factors influencing football season ticket holders’ intentions to renew. Employing a survey of 6,777 season ticket holders from 11 schools competing in an NCAA Division I Power 4 conference, the study identifies significant predictors of renewal intentions based on intrinsic (Team Direction, Game Day Experience, and Sense of Being Valued) and …

Occupational Stressors And Health Impacts Among First Responders, Mason N. Roach

Honors College Theses

The United States 911 emergency response system is an interconnected web of public services that seeks to provide its community with care, resources, and safety in times of need. However, the impact of this support on the employees providing the service often goes unnoticed. This review identifies and analyzes the unique strains on first responders' physical and mental health using the Job Demand-Control Model and the Allostatic Load Model. A review of available research literature supports the conclusion that occupational-related stress, including trauma exposure, shift work, poor leadership, and inadequate communication, can have long-lasting negative impacts on provider health.

Mortality Risk Comparison Of Doacs And Warfarin In Geriatric Adults With Dementia And Atrial Fibrillation, Laraya Gunter Bsn, Rn, Mariah Cloud Bsn, Rn, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Aprn, Agacnp-Bc, Hget-C, Ebp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Atrial fibrillation and dementia frequently coexist in older adults, creating complex challenges for anticoagulation management. Although anticoagulation is recommended to reduce thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation, current clinical guidelines lack dementia specific recommendations. Resulting in uncertainty regarding optimal therapy in this population. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine and synthesize current evidence comparing mortality risk and adverse events associated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus warfarin in adults age 65 and older with atrial fibrillation and dementia.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using PRISMA-ScR methodology. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2019 and 2023 were identified through …

A Multi-Site, Descriptive Survey Evaluating Clinician Knowledge And Attitudes On Use Of A Shared Decision Making Tool For Prescribing Antimicrobials To Hospitalized People Who Use Drugs, Kinna Thakarar, Wendy Craig, Darby Glenn, Michael Madaio, Emily Zarookian

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2026

In this study, we refined the conversation guide &implemented conversation guide trainings at multiple sites to determine if use of a structured conversation guide would improve clinician knowledge, attitudes, &practices in using SDM principles and caring for hospitalized PWUD.

Achieving Target: Stroke Phase 3 Time Goals For Administration Of Thrombolysis For Acute Stroke At A Comprehensive Stroke Center, Jane Morris Md, Madeleine Puissant

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2026

In 2019 the American Heart Association (AHA) released updated and more aggressive goals for door-to-needle (DTN) times as part of their Target: Stroke initiative. Target: Stroke Phase 3 challenged stroke centers to administer intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) within 30 minutes of arrival to the ED in at least 50% of eligible patients. This target became a goal for the Maine Medical Center, Portland Campus (MMC–POR) Stroke Program in FY2020. Through detailed case review, data analysis, process reforms and provider education including EMS, we achieved our goal in FY2025.

Improving Healthcare Transition (Pediatric To Adult) Documentation In Med-Peds Primary Care, Alexander Gaito, Johathan Oswald Md, Jillian Gregory, Leah M. Seften, Kathryn Diamond-Falk

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2026

Global Aim: To increase frequency of healthcare transition conversations with adolescents to prepare for transition from pediatric to adult mentality of care.

Developing “Subversive Commons” Through Boycott And Buycott; K-Pop Fan Activism Of Producing And Consuming Unofficial Merchandise, Nurul Laili Nadhifah, Manneke Budiman

Wacana, Journal of the Humanities of Indonesia

K-pop fans are widely recognized for their active engagement in fan activism, as exemplified by Indonesian K-pop fans’ practice of political consumerism to challenge problematic power structures without severing their connection to their idols. Employing digital and field ethnography, this article explores how Indonesian K-pop fans use virtual media spaces for humanitarian activism, navigate ideological tensions with their idols, and engage in boycott and buycott practices toward merchandise as expressions of political consumerism. Here, fans can be categorized into three groups: those who believe in separating activism issues from fandom activities; those who only support acceptable idol activities; and those …

Quantitative Fluorescence Imaging Using A Paired Agent Approach For Improving Surgical Decision Making, Sanjana Pannem

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Surgical resection remains to be the cornerstone of treatment for most solid tumors, where the primary objective is to remove all visible and microscopic disease. However, the extent of tumor resection is inherently limited by the surgeon’s ability to distinguish tumor from normal tissue, intraoperatively. As a result, positive surgical margins (PSM), where residual tumor remains after surgery, are a common occurrence and are associated with increased recurrence, need for adjuvant therapies, dismal patient outcomes, and high healthcare costs.

Fluorescence guided surgery (FGS) has emerged as a promising technique to enhance intraoperative visualization of tumors and may help reduce the …

Disrupting The Link Between Exposure To Violence And Adolescent Delinquency: The Protective Role Of Expectations About The Future, Eunbyeor Sophie Yang, Seohyun Kim, Su-Kyung Oh, Hyeyoung Kang, Ick-Joong Chung

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Exposure to violence significantly influences adolescent delinquency, posing a critical public health concern. We examine the moderating role of expectations about the future in this context, particularly whether their impact differs between minor and severe delinquency. Analyzing data from the fifth wave of the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (n=1,272), we employed hierarchical linear regression and the PROCESS macro. Our findings reveal that exposure to violence is positively associated with delinquency; meanwhile, expectations about the future are negatively associated with adolescent delinquency. Positive expectations about the future significantly mitigate the impact of exposure to violence on adolescent delinquency …

Leadership, Social Change, And The Workplace Praxis Projects, Monica Fairchild, Yenifer Baca Guifarro, Kyli Glenz, Brooklyn Glenz, Sabriya Janet Farquharson, Keerstin Culmer, Jacob Koll, Aiden Mcguinn

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

This project aims to look at the different ways in which gender, race, ethnicity, and more impact patient care outcomes in healthcare settings. This is a comprehensive collection of research regarding disparities in patient care outcomes in healthcare settings. Along with solutions to these disparities generated from information found while researching.

Improving New Graduate Nurse Clinical Readiness Through Interprofessional Collaboration And High-Fidelity Simulation, Alyssa M. Starkey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

The goal of this quality improvement (QI) project was to enhance new graduate nurse (NGN) clinical readiness through an interprofessional high-fidelity simulation focused on recognizing and responding to patient deterioration during nurse residency onboarding.

Background

New graduate nurses often feel uncertain about recognizing clinical deterioration and communicating. Research shows that simulation-based and interprofessional training improve judgment, teamwork, and communication. This project aims to achieve at least a 10% increase in NGN clinical readiness following the implementation of a high-fidelity simulation program.

Methodology

A pre–post QI study based on Kolb’s Theory and PDSA principles was conducted in a nurse residency …

Elucidating The Role Of The Gastrointestinal Microbiome And Diet In Dopamine Release In Relation To Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder., Meaghan Mcdonald

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Currently affecting 340-580 million people worldwide, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how the brain controls attention, behaviour and impulses often beginning in childhood and continuing into adulthood. ADHD is known to be associated with monoamine neurotransmitters including dopamine. This work aims to uncover the ways in which metabolism of monoamine precursors in the gastrointestinal microbiome influences dopamine release in the brain. Previous studies have indicated that children with ADHD display distinct gut bacteria profiles with unique microbiota species that result in the disruption of monoamine precursor pathways of phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism. Emphasis on our western diet and …

Comparison Of 1d-Convolution Neural Network And Hilbert Huang Transform-Based Features For Ecg Signal Classification, Baqir Ahmed Hussein, Rabab Abdulrida Saleh

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

The electrocardiogram (ECG) signal is one of the primary biological signals used in the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias. However, conventional analysis and classification methods are often limited by the nonlinear and non-stationary nature of ECG signals. This research aims to evaluate the performance of a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) and hybrid models that integrate Hilbert–Huang Transform (HHT)-based features with 1D-CNN for ECG signal classification. Five standard diagnostic categories (N, S, V, Q, and F) were considered. A comparative framework was developed, including a standalone 1D-CNN model and three hybrid models based on different HHT-derived features. Model performance was assessed …

Towards A Proposed Program Based On The Bridge Model To Enhance Insurance Awareness Among Employees In Private Schools In Muscat, Mohamed Mohamed Kamel Elsherbiny, Maitha Bint Nasser Bin Saif Alshibli

Journal of Arts and Social Sciences

Social insurance is a basic support of development in society. It guarantees the citizen’s safety and psychological, social and economic stability through highly efficient and effective institutional performance that keeps up with social, economic and technical developments. It is worth noting that the insurance industry cannot develop in an environment where the insurance culture is absent among its members. Despite the great efforts made by the Public Authority for Social Insurance in spreading insurance awareness, the actual reality indicates that individuals have little knowledge of insurance. Therefore, this study aims to present a proposed program for the development of insurance …

Sociocultural Change And The Prevalence Of Chronic Diseases Among Women In Arabian Gulf Countries: Kuwait As An Example, Yagoub Y. Al-Kandari

Journal of Arts and Social Sciences

This study aims to examine the effect of modernity and the prevalence of chronic diseases among women in Kuwait as an example of Arabian Gulf countries. A total of 5,749 married and previously married women aged 18–79 years were selected from 10 primary health care clinics out of 50, using a stratified random sample. A questionnaire was the major tool of this study. The questionnaire included some sociocultural and health variables. Information about age, level of education, governorate, family income, job position, the respondents’ and their parents’ types of marriage, and ethnic groups were collected. Respondents were asked to self-report …

Federally Funded Research Generates Significant Economic Benefit To N.H., Beth Potier

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

The Role Of The Ventral Tegmental Area In Reward And Addiction: A Comprehensive Review, Emad Ali Albadawi

Neurosciences

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a central hub in reward and motivation, integrating heterogeneous neuronal populations and projection-defined circuits to regulate learning, decision-making, and addiction. This review synthesizes anatomical organization and cellular diversity (dopaminergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neurons, including multitransmitter co-release), and maps major efferent pathways constituting the mesolimbic and mesocortical systems. We highlight computational roles of VTA activity, including reward prediction errors, incentive salience, and context memory integration, and summarize drug class-specific mechanisms that perturb VTA output. We then outline time-dependent neuroadaptations across mesocorticolimbic networks and discuss therapeutic implications spanning pharmacological, behavioral, and emerging circuit-targeted interventions. Together, these …

Associations Of Regional White Matter Hyperintensities Severity With Different Visual Rating Scales And Domain-Specific Cognitive Impairment, Xiaolu Zheng, Sipei Pan, Yi Man, Zhenghao Shi

Neurosciences

Objective: To explore the association between regional white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) severity and domain-specific cognitive impairment.
Methods: We analyzed 95 WMHs patients retrospectively and evaluated cognitive function. We quantified regional WMHs severity using the Scheltens Rating Scale (SRS) and Cholinergic Pathways Hyper intensities Scale (CHIPS). According to the regional WMHs scores, we divided the patients for intergroup comparisons of WMHs severity with domain-specific cognitive scores via the nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test.
Results: Neither the SRS nor the CHIPS total scores showed statistically correlation with cognitive scores (p > 0.05). However, in the bands lateral ventricles of periventricular hyperintensities …

To Calculate The Nationwide Incidence/Prevalence Figures For Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, The Entire Population Must Be Screened, Sinda Zarrouk, Josef Finsterer

Neurosciences

No abstract provided.

Alterations In Gut Microbiota And Their Association With Intestinal Mucosal Injury In Children With Febrile Seizures, Lin Yang, Shuan Yin, Wenchao Zou

Neurosciences

Objective: To explore the correlation between diversity of the gut microbiota and key markers of inflammation and intestinal mucosal injury in pediatric febrile seizures (FS).

Methods: This study compared 15 FS children (FS group) and 15 healthy individuals (normal control group). The participants underwent 16S rDNA sequencing to analyze gut microbiota profiles. ELISA was employed to measure peripheral blood concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, as well as intestinal mucosal injury indicators such as endotoxin (BT), D-lactate (D-Lac), and diamine oxidase (DAO). Analysis assessed the correlation between gut microbiota composition, inflammatory factors, and indicators of intestinal mucosal damage …

Timing Matters: Optimizing Oncology Involvement In Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Pathways In Saudi Arabia, Ali H. Algiraigri, Mohammed Basamh, Ghadeer Alobaid, Lama M. Alsulami, Razan A. Almutairi, Zahraa S. Alsultan, Rawan M. Hammad

Neurosciences

Objective: To explore current practices and barriers in pediatric neuro-oncology care coordination, and to identify opportunities to optimize care pathways. Timely coordination between pediatric neurosurgery and oncology is critical for optimal outcomes in children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors. However, in many centers, pediatric oncologists are not involved until after surgery, which contributes to treatment delays and repeated procedures. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among neurosurgeons and pediatric oncologists in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire addressed the timing of oncological involvement, neuroimaging practices, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology collection, and opinions on care coordination solutions. Results: A total of 62 …

Comparison Of Free-Hand Technique And Neuronavigation In Intraventricular Shunt Catheter Placement, Ümit Kocaman, Durmuş O Karakoyun, Emre Çavuşoğlu

Neurosciences

Objective: To compare the accuracy and clinical outcomes of proximal catheter placement using neuronavigation guidance versus the traditional free-hand technique in patients undergoing ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery. Methods: We performed a single-surgeon, before–after cohort study: free-hand cases (2013–2019) and neuronavigation cases (2020–2024). Ethics approval was obtained (İzmir Bakırçay University; Approval No. 2407; 20 Aug 2025). The primary endpoint was a composite of first-attempt ventricular entry and absence of postoperative day-1 (POD1) Grade-3 malposition. Secondary endpoints included grades, 12-month proximal tip dysfunction, and operative duration. Results: Fifty-two patients were included (neuronavigation N = 24; free-hand N = 28). Composite success was …