Digital Commons Network^™

Commonwealth Times 2026-04-08

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

Staff Education To Improve Nursing Knowledge Of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Prevention Practices, Maylin Fernandez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In this Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project, I used a staff education intervention to address nursing knowledge gaps related to catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention in a large outpatient urology clinic in the southeastern United States. Registered nurses (N = 28) participated in a single, 45-minute, in-person education session comprising PowerPoint slides, facilitated discussion, and printed job aids based on national guidelines. I used a single-group pre-/posttest design to evaluate the effect of the intervention. The primary outcome was staff knowledge measured using a paper-based, 17-item knowledge test administered immediately before and after the session. The secondary …

Implementing Positive Mental Health Promotion In An Under-Resourced School, Cameron M. Friedel, Angela Blackwell, Cat Daniel

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

The realities of under-resourced schools, while often described in terms of constraint, also present a meaningful opportunity for schools to intentionally promote positive mental health. By recognizing and building upon students’ existing strengths and adaptive capacities, school-based initiatives can transform everyday environments and routines into contexts that foster regulation, inclusion, and well-being for all students now and in the future. The integration of positive mental health within a school system impacts the behavior, social-emotional learning (SEL) skills, and academic development of all students. Given this information a digital toolkit was created as a targeted, occupational therapy (OT) informed solution for …

Democracy At Work And The Promise Of Dignity: Worker Cooperatives And The Experiences Of Workers Of Color, Isabella "Leila" Thomas

Undergraduate Theses

The United States faces profound wealth inequality which has also disproportionately disadvantaged people of color in terms of economic security. This study investigates how participation in worker cooperatives, which provide higher wages and greater worker benefits on average, impacts worker-members of color. The study draws on qualitative interviews with worker members from largely minority-led cooperatives. It explores how the key cooperative principles of democratic decision-making, autonomy, and community engagement can counteract marginalization. This paper fills significant gaps in research on workplace dynamics by applying Blustein & Allan (2025)'s recently formulated dignity-at-work framework to an alternative, democratized workplace model rather than …

Student Senate Meeting Minutes April 8, 2026, Student Senate-Winona State University

Student Senate Meeting Minutes

This document is the official Winona State University Student Senate Minutes for April 8, 2026.

Daily Eastern News: April 08, 2026, Eastern Illinois University

Daily Eastern News: 2025-2026

No abstract provided.

Interprofessional Collaboration: A Functional Vestibular Screening Framework For Children With Hearing Loss, Corinne Marascio

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Introduction: The vestibular system is comprised of five organs located in the inner ear that support balance, coordination, and spatial awareness (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). Due to the proximity of the hearing and vestibular organs, children with hearing loss are at an increased risk for vestibular dysfunction (Cushing & Papsin, 2018; Kelly et al., 2021). Early recognition and treatment of vestibular disorders via vestibular rehabilitation therapy can support healthy development throughout childhood (Monshizadeh et al., 2022; Wrobel et al., 2020). While vestibular assessment falls within the audiological scope of practice, barriers preclude routine screening of vestibular deficits in pediatric patients with …

Planning For Summer And Fall Semester Orientations, Katie Prentice

TMC Library Newsletter (2015-)

The TMC Research and Instruction Librarians are looking ahead to summer and fall orientations and classes. Once you have your dates planned, please request your session to ensure a librarian is available to present.

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate And Xenograft Versus Autograft And Xenograft In The 3d Reconstruction Of Atrophic Maxillary Ridges: A Split-Mouth Randomized Controlled Trial, Moataz Bahaa, Ahmed Abdelmaksoud Dr., Mohamed Mounir Prof, Yasmin Nassar Prof, Mohamed Shawky Dr., Sara Elmoshy Dr.

Dentistry

To evaluate bone quality and quantity after 3D augmentation of vertically and horizontally atrophied maxillary ridges and compare the use of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and xenograft versus autograft and xenograft, both using prebent titanium (Ti) mesh over a virtually augmented model. Materials and Methods: Ten fully edentulous patients with severe maxillary vertical and horizontal bone loss were recruited. Virtual horizontal and vertical bone augmentation was performed for the deficient ridge to produce virtually augmented models for prebent Ti meshes preoperatively. Each patient was rehabilitated with BMAC and xenograft on one side of their mouth (test side) and with …

New Scholarship To Benefit Students With Learning Challenges, Bill Dabney

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – Mark Paukune, of Fort Worth, Texas, struggled with learning disabilities throughout his education, but he persevered and built a successful career in investment banking. Now, the University of Mississippi graduate wants to help other students who face similar challenges earn their college degrees.

The Lumberjack, April 08, 2026

Cal Poly Humboldt's Student Newspaper

The student newspaper of Humboldt State University.

Breaking The Stigma: The Law And Supreme Court Cases Behind Gender Discrimination Legislation, Camille M. Ogden

Undergraduate Theses

Pauli Murray and Ruth Bader Ginsburg were extremely influential attorneys due to their groundbreaking legal work on sexual discrimination. Murray’s legal work heavily influenced and inspired Ginsburg and this work explored that connection between them. This research asked the question, ““How did case law evolve from 1964-1982 in the United States of America and how did Pauli Murray influence and inspire Ruth Bader Ginsburg?” This thesis examined how Murray influenced Ginsburg and her legal work in the United States from 1966 until 1979. It looked at how case law and precedent changed and evolved mainly focusing on the influence these …

Rethinking Sustainable Development: Postcolonial Perspectives And Alternative Pathways To Progress, Lauren M. Pappalardo

Undergraduate Theses

Sustainable development, promoted as a universal model, does not reflect a neutral global goal as advertised, but rather, often reproduces longstanding colonial power relations through political projects, and should be reimagined to endorse a multifaceted approach through consideration of alternative worldviews and values, emphasizing context dependent processes and aspirations. Thus, what might context dependent constructions of sustainable development look like in implementation? How do various cosmologies which inspire Indigenous and economic driven worldviews fit into theories of global politics? This thesis offers an understanding of current global development issues and successes and offers suggestions for a more equitable approach to …

Cognitive And Mental Health Challenges: Addressing The Impact Of Traumatic Brain Injuries In Adults, Hannah E. Smith, Lesley Khan-Farooqi, Phd, Otd, Otr, Anne Mcdonnell, Mpa, Otr/L, Cbist

Student Capstone Papers

This capstone examined the challenges adults face following traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and explored interventions aimed at enhancing cognitive functioning and mental health. This capstone also aimed to reduce caregiver stress and burnout by expanding knowledge and resources focused on cognitive and mental health within the population. TBIs can result from a variety of causes, affecting cognitive abilities, mental health, and functional outcomes. This capstone shows evidence-based interventions designed to improve cognitive functioning, facilitate engagement in meaningful activities to improve mental health, and enhance overall quality of life for adults recovering from TBI. This also will demonstrate potential for occupational …

The Impact Of Social Isolation On Community College Students' Learning Modality Preferences, Melinda F. Walker

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University by Melinda F. Walker on April 8, 2026.

Nursing Migration And The Global Workforce: How The U.S. Nurse Shortage Impacts Developing Countries, Mololuwa Faithful Lasekan

Honors Thesis

As United States (U.S.) healthcare organizations face persistent staffing gaps driven by an aging population, burnout, and limited educational capacity, many institutions increasingly rely on internationally educated nurses (IENs) to stabilize their workforce. This reliance intersects with longstanding structural challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where inadequate compensation and limited professional opportunities contribute to high migration intentions among nurses. Using a systematic literature review guided by PRISMA principles, this study synthesized evidence and five major themes emerged: (1) push factors driving nurse emigration from LMICs, (2) pull factors attracting nurses to the U.S., (3) digital globalization and post-COVID recruitment …

Can Speech Policy Protect Public Health?, Irina D. Manta, Cassandra Burke Robertson, Zoë Robinson

Utah Law Review

Government speech shapes public health outcomes, yet political incentives often lead officials to either remain silent about emerging threats or subordinate scientific evidence to partisan goals. This Article examines how three factors interact to influence public health: the constitutional status of health-related speech, the political economy of public health policymaking, and the modern information environment. Drawing on insights from public choice theory, we demonstrate how misaligned incentives lead political actors to avoid communicating about health risks or spread misinformation that serves their short-term interests at the expense of population health. The conventional tools of public health policy were developed when …

Strength In Numbers: Group Copyright Registration Of Online News Articles As A Weapon In The Battle Against Ai Infringement, Renee Farmer

Utah Law Review

Generative artificial intelligence companies and authors of the works used to create generative artificial intelligence systems are at war in the courts over whether and to what extent using copyrighted content to train generative AI models is fair use. In this fight, copyright protection remains an essential weapon for publishers to safeguard their content. However, U.S. copyright law has lagged behind the news industry’s integration of new technologies and mediums, with current procedures for staying abreast of copyright registration burdensome or infeasible. A new regulation from the U.S. Copyright Office, “Group Registrations of Updates to a News Website,” or 89 …

Changes In Depression, Eating, Sleep, And Emotion Regulation In Air Force Rotc Cadets After The 12-Wk Star Training Program, Antonella V. Schwarz, Hunter Haynes, Sheena Puleali’I, Jacob Mota, Molly F. Johnson, Maria G. Kaylor, Andrew Addison, Robyn Braun-Trocchio, Austin J. Graybeal

Faculty Publications

Introduction: – Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets must balance collegiate demands with military preparation, leaving them vulnerable to psychological stressors. While structured strength and conditioning (S&C) programs enhance physical readiness, their impact on psychological health in cadet populations remains unclear. This study evaluated changes in depression, eating behaviors, sleep quality, and emotion regulation during a 12-wk S&C program. Methods: – Forty-nine U.S. Air Force ROTC cadets (21 female, 28 male; age: 20 ± 2 yr; body mass index: 24.2 ± 4.4 kg·m⁻²; body fat %: 27.1 ± 9.0%) completed the Supporting Tactical Athlete Readiness (STAR) program, a …

The New Debate Over History: Justice Thomas And Justice Barrett On The Future Of Analogical Reasoning, Jason Buhi

Utah Law Review

The U.S. Supreme Court has entered a new era of debate regarding the appropriate use of history and tradition in constitutional interpretation. Justices Thomas and Barrett established the initial terms of that debate in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen (2022), framing the issues as whether courts should interpret individual rights provisions based on their meaning when the Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791 or when the Fourteenth Amendment was adopted in 1868, and what weight post-ratification practice should carry in determining original meaning. The exploration of these issues sparked broader discussions that appear to …

Does Volume Cycling Elicit A Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy Re-Sensitization Effect? A Comparison Of Constant Versus Cycled Resistance Training Protocols, Joshua C. Pelland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study examined whether volume cycling in resistance training can elicit a skeletal muscle hypertrophy re-sensitization effect without muscle atrophy. We hypothesized that muscle size would be maintained during lower volume phases, that re-sensitization would occur following these phases, and that overall hypertrophy would be similar between cycled and constant volume conditions.

Methods: Thirty-seven trained men and women had their lower limbs randomized to either a constant volume (12 sets/week throughout) or cycled volume (alternating 4-week phases of 12 and 4 sets/week) condition for unilateral calf press training over 20 weeks. Lateral and medial gastrocnemius muscle thickness (MT), calf …

Street-Level Bureaucrats In Public Higher Education: The Ethical Obligations To Support Psychologically At-Risk Students, Michael Turtz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

To fill the gap in the current literature, the purpose of this dissertation was to explain how and why Street-Level Bureaucrats (SLBs) in public higher education helped psychologically at-risk students during the pandemic. This qualitative study was intended to examine the role of SLBs in public higher education as it relates to their utilization of administrative discretion when advising psychologically at-risk students. In addition to administrative discretion, this dissertation also explored the role of ethical obligations and the use of a therapeutic lens when SLBs are faced with some of the most difficult situations for which they were not equipped …

What Are The Effects Of Infrastructure Targeting In The Iran War?, Beth Potier

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Advancing The Study Of Politics And The Brain: Targets For Research On Neurology And Political Behavior, Glenn W. Rainey Jr.

Commonwealth Review of Political Science

In this paper I argue that advancing research on neurology is creating important opportunities for political scientists to integrate its findings into their research, particularly with regard to the effects of emotional processes on political behavior.  I provide a general background on neural anatomy, genetics, and neurobiological chemicals, and I briefly review techniques of neurological research, the findings that have been developing, and the limitations on the research. I provide an overview of selected key neural anatomy, and neurotransmitters and hormones, that play a role in neurological functions, and particularly in the development and expression of emotions.  I then suggest …

Should Minimum Nurse Staffing Ratios Be Mandated?, Haley M. Gallup

DNP and Student Works

This paper argues that mandatory minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios are an ethical necessity within healthcare systems. Drawing on personal clinical experience, it is illustrated how inadequate staffing leads to rushed care, increased risk of errors, and diminished patient outcomes. The discussion is grounded in core healthcare ethics—beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice—emphasizing that nurses cannot consistently uphold these principles when overwhelmed by excessive workloads. Evidence from research is used to demonstrate that higher patient loads are associated with increased mortality rates, preventable complications, and decreased quality of care, while improved staffing enhances patient safety and nurse satisfaction. The paper also addresses the …

What Are The Top 10 Global Research Priorities For Perianal Crohn's Disease? The Global Perianal Crohn's Disease Priority Setting Partnership, Theo Pelly, Parakkal Deepak, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Perianal Crohn's disease (pCD) is a debilitating condition with a prevalence of approximately 20% in patients within 10 years of diagnosis of CD. The condition significantly impacts patient quality of life, and there remain a number of unmet needs relating to its optimal management. A global Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) was established to identify the top 10 research priorities for pCD.

METHODS: The PSP followed standard James Lind Alliance (JLA) methodology. An initial survey was circulated to gather unanswered research questions from key stakeholders. From these responses, a longlist of summary questions was formed. These questions were …

Hispanic Students As Environmental Scientists: Culturally Sustaining Stem Pathways Through Raíces Y Ciencia, Uma Ganesan

Teaching and Learning Faculty Publications

This study examines how culturally and linguistically sustaining environmental STEM education (CLSE-STEM) fostered student agency and environmental consciousness among Hispanic/Latinx students in Rio Grande Valley border schools. Through qualitative analysis of the Raíces y Ciencia project's water quality investigations, the research explored how teachers integrated students' cultural and linguistic resources with environmental science learning. Data from conference panel presentations, educator surveys, and classroom artifacts revealed three key themes: linguistic border-crossing as scientific understanding pathways, connecting family knowledge to environmental justice advocacy, and positioning students as community researchers. Findings demonstrate that centering Hispanic students' cultural assets while addressing local water quality …

2026-04-08 The Hidden Issue Of College Homelessness, Zoe Mason

The Spectator Online

No abstract provided.

The Minutes Of The Marshall University Board Of Governors Meeting, April 08, 2026, Marshall University Board Of Governors

Board of Governors Minutes

No abstract provided.

The Necessity Of Adaptive Sports: Addressing Financial Barriers To Participation In Children With Spinal Cord Injuries, Megan G. Wells, Lesley Khan-Farooqi

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with spinal cord injuries (SCI) face significant financial barriers that limit access to adaptive sports, despite the physical and psychosocial benefits of participation. This capstone project aimed to address this gap by developing a comprehensive financial resource guide for families. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, a needs assessment was conducted through semi-structured interviews, clinical observations, and stakeholder input, revealing a lack of accessible and centralized funding information. In response, a guidebook was created that includes educational content, local and national funding opportunities, and practical tools for navigating financial aid and grant applications. The guide was piloted and refined …