Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluating And Treating Pediatric Scoliosis, Bob Underwood, Michael Benvenuti, K Aaron Shaw

Pediatrics in Practice: A CME Podcast

In this episode, pediatric orthopedic surgeons Aaron Shaw, DO, and Michael Benvenuti, MD, discuss how pediatricians can confidently assess, evaluate, and refer children with suspected scoliosis. They cover practical screening tips, red flags that warrant further workup, and how treatment decisions are made—from observation and bracing to surgical care—offering clear guidance for partnering with families and orthopedic specialists.

Click here to stream the podcast episode.

Learner Leadership Practices And Student Behavior: A Cultivation Of Student Leadership, Sarun Widtayakornbundit, Jie Hu

Asia-Pacific Social Science Review

This study explored how student leadership practices (SLP) are essential in shaping learners’ development and their continued engagement with higher education institutions. This research investigates the direct and indirect effects of SLP on affective commitment (AC), employing self-efficacy (SE), individualism (IND), and collectivism (COL) as mediating variables. Data were collected through a structured online survey administered to undergraduate students from 11 public universities in Guangxi, China. The study received 436 responses and 387 valid cases. The Student Leadership Practices Inventory, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Individualism–Collectivism Scale, and the Affective Commitment Scale were all used as standardized tools. The analysis …

Unveiling The Effects Of Speaker Quality And Congruency On Virtual Academic Conference Outcomes, Luz Suplico Jeong, Nelson Guillen, Jr., Francia Santos, Reynaldo Bautista, Jr., Alexander Josiassen

Asia-Pacific Social Science Review

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual academic conferences (VACs), yet limited research sheds light on the effects of speaker quality and congruency on the outcomes of virtual academic conferences. This exploratory study investigates how speaker quality, speaker quality congruency, and participant motivations influence satisfaction and behavioral outcomes in VACs. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), we analyzed data from 282 participants (academics and students) who attended virtual conferences. The study examined relationships among peer motivation, recognition motivation, speaker quality levels, speaker quality congruency, participant satisfaction, willingness to revisit, and word of mouth intentions. Results revealed that …

Physical Rehabilitation For Older Patients With Acute Hfpef (Rehab-Hfpef) Trial: Design And Rationale, Amy M. Pastva, Gordon R. Reeves, David J. Whellan, Robert J. Mentz, Haiying Chen, Alain G. Bertoni, Pamela W. Duncan, Mark A. Espeland, Shelby D. Reed, M. Benjamin Nelson, Christopher M. O'Connor, Dalane W. Kitzman

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

RATIONALE: Older patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) experience persistently poor outcomes, including physical disability, cognitive impairment, depression, impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL), rehospitalizations, loss of independence, and mortality. In our previous phase 2 REHAB-HF trial, an innovative physical rehabilitation intervention, delivered across three phases-inpatient, 12-week outpatient, and 3-month home-based maintenance-produced large improvements in physical function and HRQOL, with signals of reduced clinical events among patients with acute HFpEF. These findings provide a compelling rationale for a definitive, event-powered trial to evaluate clinical outcomes.

HYPOTHESIS: Targeting physical frailty and multisystem functional impairments using …

Auditory Stimulation Rescues Cognitive Deficit In Fmr1-Ko Mice, Mohamed Ouardouz, Amanda E. Hernan, J. Matthew Mahoney, Rodney C. Scott

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a triplet repeat expansion in the Fmr1 gene leading to the loss of Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein (Fmr1 protein). The loss of Fmr1 protein modulates many cell biological processes and leads to the emergence of intellectual disability and autism. FXS is modeled in Fmr1-KO mice that display features consistent with human FXS, including hypersensitivity, cognitive and learning deficits, hyperactivity and audiogenic seizures. Here, we investigated the effect of auditory stimulation during a range of developmental stages on recognition memory and sociability deficits in Fmr1-KO mice. Methods: Fmr1-KO mice were …

Deep Brain Stimulation For Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review Of Molecular Imaging With Pet, Shiv Patil, Alexander Gerlach, Fnu Jeevika, Raj Patel, Emily Christner, Jaskeerat Gujral, Om H. Gandhi, Milo Writer, Nicholas M. Wang, Anastasia Kopylova, Satoria A. Zagorski, Cyrus Ayubcha, Thomas Werner, Abass Alavi, Mona-Elisabeth Revheim

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an evolving technique for the treatment of various psychiatric disorders refractory to conventional pharmacotherapy. Neuroimaging with positron emission tomography (PET) has an important role in the planning, delivery, and post-surgical monitoring of DBS. This study aims to determine the clinical relevance of PET as a biomarker of disease status and response to DBS for patients with psychiatric disorders.

METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases to identify original research studies that applied PET to study the effects of DBS for patients with psychiatric conditions (major depressive …

Hayley Williams, New Musical Era With “Ego At A Bachelorette Party”, Isabella Pizzerrato, The Rattler

The Rattler

Vol. 144 Iss. 3

Cervical Dilation Assessment Simulation For Development Of Student Nurse Competency, Ashley Romans

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Assessment of cervical dilation is an important component in care for the pregnant and laboring patient. However, nursing students frequently encounter barriers to acquiring this assessment skill in the clinical setting. Through application of the ACE Star model, a simulation-based teaching trainer is utilized to promote achievement of student competence while respecting the limitations of the hospital clinical experience. Varied opportunities for purchasing or constructing these simulation tools allows for beneficial learning experiences at different price points, promoting the implementation of this important tool in the most appropriate method for an individual setting. Implementation of the cervical dilation simulator allows …

Adding Clinical Meaning To Hybrid Prelicensure Nursing Skills Education: Simulated Patients And Demo Medications To Reduce Modality-Based Learning Gaps, Amanda L. Rudman

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Hybrid nursing students often practice psychomotor skills in home environments that lack an authentic clinical context. This may contribute to gaps in clinical reasoning and application when compared with students who practice in on-campus settings. This difference may limit students’ ability to connect their skills to patient care situations and safely apply their knowledge in practice. The purpose of this evidence-based curriculum project is to reduce these learning gaps by using diagnosis-based simulated patient scenarios, medication administration records (MARs), and specific intravenous (IV) medications in hybrid nursing skills education. This project follows the ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation, which …

From Classroom To Click: Transitioning A Face-To-Face Nursing Course To An Online Learning Envrionement, Hanna Demel

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Transitioning face-to-face courses to an online learning environment presents both opportunities and challenges for both the students and the course instructors. This project focuses on the systematic redesign of a traditional face-to-face Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) course into an engaging, student-centered focused online format. This project was done under the guidance of evidence-based instructional design. The course was restructured to promote active learning, flexibility, and accessibility while continuing the academic rigor. Emphasis was placed on fostering cognitive, social, and teaching presence to enhance the students’ engagement and learning outcomes. There were several strategies to support diverse learners and promote retention …

The Effects Of Affordability And Quality Of Care On Utilization Of Primary Healthcare Among Rural Residents In Twifo Ati-Morkwaa District, Ghana: A Qualitative Study, Peter Ansah Boakye, Francis Tei-Nartey, Gideon Owusu

Michigan Tech Publications

Objective: This qualitative study examines how affordability and quality of care influence the utilization of primary healthcare (PHC) services among rural residents in the Twifo Ati-Morkwaa District, Ghana. While Ghana has implemented policies such as CHPS and NHIS to improve access, subjective experiences of rural residents regarding total costs of care and perceived quality remain underexplored. Methods: We conducted a qualitative cross-sectional study between April and September 2024 using purposive and snowball sampling. Ten gender-segregated focus group discussions (FGDs; n = 90 residents) and six in-depth interviews (IDIs) with PHC providers were conducted. Data were collected in Twi, transcribed and …

Fit Check: Making Health Assessments Work For You, Brooklynn Raacke, Ryssa Schlaefli, Caleb Ashley, Makenzie Premer, Brooke Mann, Jessica Phelan

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

When given multiple tools to assess health, people tend to choose the one that is most familiar, fastest, or easiest to interpret. Relying solely on weight can overshadow other important indicators of health, such as body composition, cardiovascular function, and muscular development. Understanding this preference, even when other tools are available, matters for both educators and fitness professionals. This study used naturalistic observation to assess gym-goers' usage of health and anthropometric assessment tools. Results indicated that while gym-goers initially showed interest in less commonly used assessment tools, they overwhelmingly used the scale. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

Implementing A Student Standardized Patient Elective To Improve Communication And Confidence In Undergraduate Nursing Simulation, Katie J. Mcqueen

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Abstract

Simulation plays an important role in preparing undergraduate nursing students for clinical practice by fostering communication skills and building confidence. Currently, simulation experiences often depend on faculty and staff to play the roles of patients or family members. Research shows that nursing students can be effectively trained to serve as standardized patients, creating opportunities for peer-supported learning and improving simulation experiences. This evidence-based practice proposal recommends the implementation of a 1-credit-hour Student Standardized Patient (SSP) elective in the undergraduate nursing curriculum for senior level nursing students. The elective would provide structured training in role portrayal, safety practices, and case …

Adn Transition Program; Curriculum Changes To Promote Non-Traditional Student Retention, Sayde K. Fitzgerald

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

ADN transition program; curriculum changes to promote non-traditional student retention

Sayde Fitzgerald, BSN RN

Department of Nursing, Fort Hays State University

NURS 868: Nursing Education: Curriculum Planning

Dr. Chrstine Hober

March 29, 2026

Abstract

Barton nursing instructors have recognized retention challenges among non-traditional students entering the ADN program, a situation further complicated by a nursing shortage and high attrition rates ranging from 10% to 30% (Sheikoleslami et al., 2025). These factors significantly impede workforce development. Non-traditional students encounter distinctive difficulties in adapting to the demanding curriculum, often facing a lack of support and the need to balance personal responsibilities (Mazzotta …

Disclosure Statement Debtor's 4th Amended Plan

Catholic Dioceses in Bankruptcy

No abstract provided.

Community Pharmacies Face Critical Sustainability Challenges In The United States: Academic Pharmacy Can Help, Karl M. Hess, Peter Lim

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Community pharmacies in the United States (US) face an increasingly unsustainable future due to declining third-party reimbursement (remuneration) and ongoing cash flow challenges following the elimination of retroactive direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees. These pressures have contributed to widespread pharmacy closures, the emergence of pharmacy deserts, and reduced access to care for millions of patients. Despite these challenges, community pharmacy remains the most common employment setting for pharmacy school graduates in the US. However, currently required community pharmacy Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) student rotations may offer limited exposure to business, management, and entrepreneurial activities, potentially leaving students underprepared …

Debtor's Fourth Amended Modified Plan

Catholic Dioceses in Bankruptcy

No abstract provided.

From Arrival To Opportunity: A Policy Analysis For Supporting Newly Arrived English Learners In California, Valeria Gabrielli, Stephanie Mendoza Hernandez

School of Public Policy Capstones

Newly arrived immigrant students, commonly referred to as “newcomers,” represent a notable portion of the English Learner (EL) population in California’s K–12 public schools. As of Fall 2023, the California Department of Education reported that newcomers comprised 3.27% of total student enrollment. Although enrollment is projected to decline in the near term, the potential for future increases highlights the need for sustainable, evidence-based support systems. This study examines how California K–12 public schools with large EL populations provide academic and trauma-informed support services to newcomer students, with a particular focus on early intervention in grades K–5. Using the Bardach policy …

Increased Use Of Generative Ai-Associated Language In Residency Personal Statements, Darrow Traylor, Andrea Carlson, Elise Lovell, Ravi Chacko, Ryan Mckillip

Advocate GME

No abstract provided.

The Use Of Fire Stations As Satellite Campuses Impact On Paramedic Recruitment, Training, And Retention, Joseph D. Levy

Ed.D. Capstone Reports

The ongoing national shortage of paramedics presents a critical challenge for emergency medical services (EMS), placing immense pressure on agencies to maintain adequate staffing levels while meeting the growing demand for emergency response. Workforce attrition, increasing call volume, limited access to paramedic education, and high burnout rates have compounded this crisis, threatening the sustainability of EMS operations. This capstone examines strategies to improve paramedic student recruitment, training, and retention, with a focus on utilizing fire stations as satellite training campuses to expand access to education and workforce development.

This study is guided by Human Capital Theory and Self-Determination Theory, analyzing …

HawaiʻI’S Housing Crisis: Unpacking The Limits Of S.B. 2919, Carley Matsumoto

Seattle University Law Review Online

The State of Hawaiʻi is facing a housing crisis exacerbated by natural disasters and public health emergencies. Hawaiʻi’s legislature seeks to ameliorate Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis with Senate Bill 2919, which gives all counties in Hawaiʻi the broad power to regulate short-term rentals. While this law was adopted with laudable intentions, it has significant shortcomings and will likely not solve Hawaiʻi’s longstanding housing crisis. This Comment argues for an alternative, tax-based solution to address the housing crisis.

Response To Letter: Assessment Of Postoperative Range Of Motion In Pediatric Patients Undergoing Surgical Reduction And Fixation Of Lateral Condyle Fractures, Gabrielle Rogie, Timothy Borden, Lindsay Crawford, Surya Mundluru, Brennan Roper, Rohini Mahajan Vanodia, Shiraz Younas

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Cilia Dynamics In Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia: A Biophysical Characterization Of The Rsph4a Founder Variant, Gabriel Rosario-Ortiz, José Muñiz-Hernández, Natalia M Ortiz-Pérez, Marcos J Ramos-Benitez, Ricardo A Mosquera, Wilfredo De Jesús-Rojas

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare ciliopathy resulting in chronic oto-sino-pulmonary disease. PCD diagnosis can be achieved by a combination of different diagnostic and adjuvant tools, including high-speed video-microscopy analysis (HSVA). A founder variant has been described in Puerto Rico as the most common cause of PCD in the island. Background/Objectives: In HSVA, objective parameters such as ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and subjective parameters such as ciliary beat pattern (CBP) shed light on the biophysical properties of cilia. However, the subjective nature of CBP creates a gap in knowledge; characteristics such as the length, angle, and bending index of …

Which Aspects Of Abortion Care Do Healthcare Practitioners In Britain Think Nurses/Midwives Should Provide? Findings From The Sacha Study, Rebecca French Sacha Study Team, Alice Fulton, Ona Mccarthy, Jill Shawe, Rebecca Meiksin, Maria Lewandowska, Melissa Palmer, Rachel Scott, Kaye Wellings, Patricia Lohr, Geoffrey Wong, Sally Sheldon, Annette Aronsson, Paula Baraitser, Sharon Cameron, Louise Keogh, Clare Murphy, Wendy V. Norman, Jennifer Reiter, Natasha Salaria

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Aim: To explore the views of healthcare practitioners in Britain regarding the role of midwives and nurses in the delivery of medical and surgical abortion. Design: An observational study of the Shaping Abortion for Change study healthcare practitioner survey (2021–2022). Methods: Relationships between healthcare practitioner type, participant characteristics, knowledge of and attitudes towards abortion, and views about nurses' and midwives' role in abortion care were examined using Pearson's Chi-squared tests of association and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Amongst 763 participants including doctors, nurses, midwives and pharmacists, 71.6% supported specialist nurses in sexual and reproductive health and abortion clinics and hospitals, …

Case Study: Unique Presentation Of Odontogenic Keratocyst (Okc), Austin J. Davies, Ladan Daly, Jesse M. Fa, Bernadette Alvear Fa

Oral Health

Optimized patient centered care in complex surgical cases requires comprehensive preparation through both clinical examination and radiographic interpretation. Our case demonstrates how diagnostic imaging can reveal critical radiographic findings that alter treatment approach. Pre-operative preparation involving thorough clinical and radiographic examination, in combination with excellent clinician rapport, leads to a biopsychosocial approach to dental treatment, emphasizing whole patient care.

Biopsy returned from oral pathology with diagnosis of odontogenic keratocyst (OKC). At the time of publication, the patient is nearing definitive treatment of the cystic lesion with enucleation and removal of tooth #16. In our case, thorough radiographic interpretation, the professional …

Nano Zinc Oxide Against Bacteria Isolated From Burn Infection, Mohammed Jaafar Al-Anssari, Mohammed Sahib Al-Hamami, Hayder Razzaq Al-Ameedee, Rabab Abdul Razzaq Kasema, Hawraa Majid Mahdi

Al-Bahir

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of bacteria that is found commonly in the environment, like in soil and in water. This bacteria can cause infections in the blood, lungs (pneumonia), or other parts of the body after surgery. These bacteria are constantly finding new ways to avoid the effects of the antibiotics used to treat the infections they cause. Zinc oxide nanoparticles' (ZnO-NPs') or Nano zinc oxide antibacterial properties have drawn a lot of attention from around the world, especially since nanotechnology has been used to create particles in the nanometer range. Because of their larger specific surface area and …

Rooted In Purpose, Driven To Lead, Payne Center For Leadership Development, Gonzaga University

Payne Center Publications

Explore the program for the second annual Payne Center for Leadership Development Student Leadership Conference. This conference took place on March 28th, 2026, at Gonzaga University. Students presented on a variety of leadership topics and Morgan Marie, The Storytelling Coach gave a keynote address.

See the conference home for more information and select recordings of events from the day.

Artificial Intelligence In Mri Pre-Screening: Improving Accuracy, Safety, And Workflow Efficiency, Sara Abdin, Alyssa Sophia Garcia, Cindy Nguyen, Mackenzie Nguyen, Brianna Salinas, Saleha Zafar

Research Methods Poster Session 2026

No abstract provided.

2026 Women Of Color Conference, Black Women's Blueprint

Campus Events

The Women of Color Conference, created by Bryant University’s Black Women’s Blueprint, was designed to unite women of color and provide a powerful space to share stories, knowledge, and lived experiences. Centered around the theme “Healing in Color, Honoring Our Stories, Reclaiming Our Joy,” the conference aims to foster healing as an act of resistance through storytelling, sisterhood, and collective empowerment. By creating a sacred and supportive environment, the conference uplifts voices, nurtures connection, and encourages women of color to embrace their truths, restore their spirits, and step boldly into their greatness while reclaiming the joy and identity that has …

Geospatial Analysis Of Primary Healthcare Accessibility And Qualitative Assessment Of Affordability In Rural Communities Of Twifo Ati-Morkwaa District, Ghana, Peter Ansah Boakye, Daniel Buor, Francis Tei-Nartey

Michigan Tech Publications

Regardless of the efforts of the government and the private sector to improve health facilities in Ghana, a significant number of rural communities still experience inadequate access to primary healthcare. This study used the mixed-methods approach to provide an overview of the geographic distribution of healthcare facilities and the accessibility and affordability of primary healthcare within the Twifo Ati-Morkwaa District. Accessibility was assessed using Euclidean buffer analysis around primary healthcare facilities, while affordability was examined qualitatively using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with community members, community leaders and health workers. Focus group discussions and interviews were conducted using the …