Digital Commons Network^™

California Utility-Scale Solar Energy Land Use Impacts On Species And Ecosystems, Ingrid Salazar

Master's Theses

Utility-scale solar energy (USSE), defined as projects of at least 1 megawatt, is rapidly expanding in California, which generated 37.5% of its electricity from renewables in 2023, with 24% coming from solar. While USSE supports decarbonization, it can also cause environmental harm, including biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation, and land conversion. This study uses ArcGIS Pro 3.4.0 and public environmental data to analyze the spatial distribution of USSE projects, land use changes from 2013 to 2023, and occurrences of at-risk species across California’s bioregions. USSE development is heavily concentrated in the Mojave Desert, San Joaquin Valley, and Colorado Desert, which are …

Engineering Protein Linkers For Optimized Telsam-Darpin Fusion And Crystallization With Electric Field-Based Polymer Orientation, Maria Jose Pedroza Romo

Theses and Dissertations

Fusing a variant of the sterile alpha motif domain of the human translocation ETS leukemia protein (TELSAM) to a protein of interest significantly enhances crystallization and diffraction quality. TELSAM is a pH-dependent, polymer-forming crystallization chaperone that, when covalently fused to a protein, forms a well-ordered crystal lattice. However, the success of this method depends on two factors: 1) the design of the linker connecting TELSAM to the target protein, which influences both crystal packing and target orientation, and 2) the prevention of TELSAM polymer flipping, a phenomenon that disrupts lattice periodicity and impairs structure determination. To address the first challenge, …

Barriers And Enablers Of Early Health-Seeking Behaviour Among Women With Preeclampsia And Eclampsia: A Qualitative Study At A National Referral Hospital In Uganda, Shirley Moore, Martha Sajatovic

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Globally, 2–8% of women experience hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDPs), including preeclampsia and eclampsia, which are the second leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. According to the management protocol for preeclampsia in Uganda, weekly follow-up is recommended for women with preeclampsia without severe features who are below 37weeks of gestation; however, this has not been feasible to most cases of preeclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E). There is still limited information describing barriers and enablers of early health-seeking behaviour amongst women with PE/E, yet this is needed to improve their healthcare. This study explored the barriers and enablers of early health-seeking behaviour …

Enteric/Typhoid Fever In A Returning Traveler: An Approach To A Thorough Medical Workup, Matthew Meyer, John Rogers, Rick Starlin

Medical Student Research Showcase

Up to 70% of travelers to low-income regions experience health complications, most of which are self-limiting. However, 8% to 15% require medical evaluation either during travel or upon return, with fever frequently reported as a primary symptom.1 As such, the importance of a thorough medical workup in a returning traveler with fever cannot be overstated, as it may be the first sign of a potentially serious or infectious disease acquired abroad. High risk pathogens to be concerned for include Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Leptospiral, typhoid, and others, and thus it is incredibly important to narrow your differential, which will guide your …

Nyls’S 2025 Orientation: Building Community And Embracing Civic Leadership, Jennifer Bancamper

NYLS Community News

No abstract provided.

Prediction Of Drug-Induced Cardiotoxicity Using Machine Learning Analysis Of Hipsc-Cm Contractile Profiles, Anthony Allan Watt

Theses - ALL

Drug-induced cardiotoxicity remains a critical concern in pharmaceutical development as failed drug candidates result in lost time and resources that could be better spent on viable candidates. We believe that a robust in vitro model that accurately captures human cardiac physiology is an applicable model for examining drug candidates. In addition to those models, there is a need for quick and effective predictive models to analyze data obtained from the model to classify drugs based on their potential for cardiotoxicity. In this study, we conduct a functional analysis of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and pass the data collected …

Pre-Duty Factors That Affect The Number Of Patients Receiving Services At The Emergency Unit Of A Community Hospital, Wirot Sombatthavoankun

Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine

Introduction: A high volume of patients may lead to Emergency unit overcrowding which affects the patient care process and worsening patient outcomes.

Objectives: To explore pre-duty factors that affect the number of patients receiving services at the emergency unit of Bangkhla hospital (community hospital) during the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 May 2024.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The study included all patients visiting the emergency unit and staff on duty at Bangkhla hospital during the study period. A multivariable Poisson regression was used to identify potential factors.

Results:A total of 454 shiftwork records were …

Retracted: Are Your Kidneys Ok? Detect Early To Protect Kidney Health, Joseph A Vassalotti, Anna Francis, Augusto Cesar Soares Dos Santos Jr, Ricardo Correa-Rotter, Dina Abdellatif, Li-Li Hsiao, Stefanos Roumeliotis, Agnes Haris, Latha A Kumaraswami, Siu-Fai Lui, Alessandro Balducci, Vassilios Liakopoulos, World Kidney Day Joint Steering Committee

Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine

Early identification of kidney disease can protect kidney health, prevent kidney disease progression and related complications, reduce cardiovascular disease risk and decrease mortality. We must ask “Are your kidneys ok?” using serum creatinine to estimate kidney function and urine albumin to assess for kidney and endothelial damage. Evaluation for causes and risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) includes testing for diabetes and measurement of blood pressure and body mass index. This World Kidney Day we assert that case-finding in high-risk populations, or even population level screening, can decrease the burden of kidney disease globally. Early-stage CKD is …

Using Chatgpt-Generated Practice Exam Questions In Medical Education, Jack Paradis, Currey Zalman, Makayla Schissel, Geoffrey Talmon, Kari L. Nelson

Medical Student Research Showcase

Background: As artificial intelligence expands in medical education, large language models like ChatGPT have shown potential for efficiently generating practice questions (PQs). A 2023 needs assessment at our institution found that all first-year medical students used PQs, with 75% reporting they always use them when available. To support active learning and exam preparation, we utilized ChatGPT to generate PQs for the historically challenging Circulatory and Respiratory Blocks of the M1 year. Our pilot study aimed to (1) examine the process of developing PQs using ChatGPT, (2) evaluate the impact of ChatGPT-generated PQs on exam performance, and (3) assess student satisfaction. …

An Anesthesia Informed Consent Checklist And Ahrq Share Decision-Making Model For Labor And Delivery Patients: A Quality Improvement Project, Katherine C. Burnett

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Abstract

Background and Significance: Informed consent is the disclosure of all benefits, risks, and alternatives to patients for a given intervention. Recalling all important details during the consenting process can prove difficult for providers. The process is further complicated for obstetric patients since healthcare decisions also have consequences for the fetus. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee (ACOGC) (2021) recommends shared decision-making models (SDMs) for the obstetric patient population. SDMs engage patients in healthcare decisions by reaching a decision through provider expertise, best evidence, and patient values. In addition, surgical informed consent checklists have emerged as useful …

Fertile, Social, Dangerous, Sacred, Gift, And System: Religion, Salt City Harvest Farm, And The Future Of Human Shit, Sarah Elizabeth Nahar

Dissertations - ALL

Shit, the taboo term for the human excreta that exits the anus, can be understood as sacred. Shitting, the vulgar verb to describe the act of discarding solid excreta, can likewise be understood as religious ritual activity. This counters the Dominant Social Paradigm (DSP) in the United States (US) of the placement of shit as profane, and shitting as unceremonial. An aim of this dissertation is to reclaim the word shit from the realm of what the DSP has rendered invisible and unspeakable, and spark rigorous academic discussion about it in the context of Religion and Environmental Studies. The DSP …

Increasing Nursing Professional Development Specialty Certification Rates Amongst The Nursing Professional Development And Informatics Department, Nicole L. Cockerill

Group: Nebraska Methodist College

Problem: Nursing specialty certification promotes professionalism, demonstrates commitment and accountability for lifelong learning and professional development, is associated with improved knowledge and skills, and is linked to improved organizational and patient outcomes. Despite these benefits, certification rates remain low, and nurses still face barriers in obtaining certification.

Intervention: The project intervention was to offer a one-hour introductory class followed by three weekly one-hour Nurse Professional Development (NPD) certification prep courses through Microsoft Teams to the NPD and Informatics Department. The prep course followed the blueprint of the exam and focused on different topics each week.

Measures: Through pre- and post-surveys, …

Staff Education Focused On Screening Patients For Depression Using The Phq-9 Tool, Eveline Mankom Gwaabe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) project at a community health center (CHC) addressed a performance improvement measure related to the usability of the depression screening tool, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), for patients 12 years and older. At CHC, the mental health providers underutilized this tool, leading to missed opportunities in identifying patients 12 years and older with depressive disorders. These missed opportunities may contribute to suboptimal patient treatment outcomes. The purpose of the staff educational program was to increase CHC staffs’ understanding of the PHQ-9 screening tool for routine depression screening. Ten mental health providers participated in the program, …

Staff Education To Nursing Leadership On Implementation Requirements Of A Nurse Residency Program, Sherri Ulfig

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Nurse residency programs provide new graduate nurses with a solid foundation to support their transition into practice. The DNP students completed a staff education project to educate nurse leaders on the implementation requirements of a nurse residency program at a not-for-profit hospital in the Midwest. The identified practice problem was that the organization paused its nurse residency program during the COVID-19 pandemic due to critical staffing needs, and the leaders wanted to redesign the program to meet current practice standards. The educational project question addressed whether education for site leaders would increase their knowledge of the implementation requirements of a …

20250822: Office Of Assessment, Program Reviews, 1983-2024, Academic Affairs

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the office of Academic Affairs at Marshall University from 1983-2004. Items were received in 2025 and include program reviews for undergraduate, graduate, and MU SOM programs. Of these programs include the MS in Communication Disorders; PhD in Biomedical Sciences; BA in Communication Studies; BS in Biomedical Engineering; BS in Civil Engineering; Doctor of Nursing Practice; MS in Dietetics; MS in Biomedical Sciences; BS in Dietetics; BS in Engineering; MS in Engineering; Associate of Science in Nursing; BS in Nursing; MS in Nursing; BS in Respiratory Care; Bachelor of Social Work; Associate of Applied Science in …

Efficacy Of Submuscular Transposition For Revision Cubital Tunnel Release: Comparative Outcomes Analysis, Joshua Riklan, Alexzandra Mattia, Markos Mardourian, Harvey Chim

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Purpose: To assess outcomes after revision cubital tunnel release and submuscular transposition and compare these to a cohort of patients undergoing primary release with in situ decompression. Methods: Patients who underwent revision cubital tunnel release and submuscular transposition (n = 16) were enrolled. Mean follow-up was 21.4 months (range 12.8–55.6). Patients were evaluated in person using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH). Dellon stage, McGowan grade, visual analog scale for pain, and improvement of symptoms using the Messina's criteria and Modified Bishop score were assessed. Comparative analysis was performed with a …

Oncogenic Effects Of Ecm Remodeling In Obesity And Breast Cancer, Mackenzie L. Hawes, Marcus A. Moody, Caroline R. Mccauley, Abigail G. Huddleston, Maansi Solanky, Dara H. Khosravi, Ayushi R. Patel, Ronald M. Lynch, Suresh K. Alahari, Bruce A. Bunnell, Jorge A. Belgodere, Van T. Hoang, Matthew E. Burow, Elizabeth C. Martin

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Extracellular matrix (ECM) components are key regulators in breast cancer progression, as ECM remodeling is essential for breast cancer cells to invade into surrounding tissue. This process is characterized by the alignment of fibrillar collagens, breakdown of basement membrane components, and increased interstitial collagen stiffness. In patients with obesity, pre-existing ECM changes, including excessive collagen deposition and heightened matrix stiffness, mimic alterations detected in breast cancer. Given that obesity is a predictor of poor prognosis and resistance to treatment in breast cancer, it is crucial to understand how ECM conditioned by obesity affects disease outcomes. In this review, we highlight …

Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation Targeting The Subthalamic Nucleus In A Patient With Parkinson's Disease: A Care Compliant Case Report, Tirath Patel, Christopher Hanani, Anaya Noor, Shamikha Cheema, Muhammad Farhan, Rohab Sohail, Abhishek Goyal, Jabez David John, Adekunle E. Omole, Richard M. Millis

School of Nursing Faculty Publications

RATIONALE: Adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) represents a notable advancement in treating Parkinson's disease (PD), as it offers enhanced therapeutic outcomes and personalized management by adjusting stimulation parameters in real-time according to individual neural signals. This approach minimizes adverse effects commonly associated with standard continuous deep brain stimulation (cDBS). This case report describes the progress of a 62-year-old man with severe PD who demonstrated notable enhancement in motor symptoms and quality of life throughout a 3-month trial period using aDBS. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 62-year-old man who has been suffering from Parkinson's disease. DIAGNOSES: The patient had been diagnosed with PD …

Coexisting Hepatic Myopericytoma And Multiple Biliary Hamartomas: A Case Report, Charinee Kantasiripitak, Worrakit Kaewnopparat, Jutatip Kintarak, Wirana Angthong, Palin Limpavitayaporn, Thiyaphat Laohawetwanit

Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine

A 73-year-old woman presented with dyspnea and was evaluated for suspected pulmonary embolism. An MRI incidentally revealed multiple intrahepatic lesions, leading to a right hepatectomy. Pathologic examination confirmed the presence of both hepatic myopericytoma and multiple biliary hamartomas. This study represents the first documented rare case of coexisting hepatic myopericytoma and multiple biliary hamartomas.

Oxidation Resistance And Osmotic Energy Harvesting Applications Of Reduced Graphene Oxide Forward Osmosis Membranes, Michael Appiah-Kubi

Theses and Dissertations

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) forward osmosis (FO) membranes have emerged as promising candidates for efficient wastewater management and osmotic energy harvesting, due to their enhanced chemical stability and superior FO performance for low-energy waste brine treatments, such as volume reduction of oxidative chromium brine for cost-effective disposal. This dissertation first examines the oxidation resistance of RGO forward osmosis membranes against chromate Cr (VI). Our findings reveal that both the water flux and the reverse salt flux of RGO membranes are suppressed, accompanying an enhanced reverse flux selectivity after exposure to an acidic medium of Cr (VI) (pH 2.0-7.0). Meanwhile, the …

Assessment Of Bat Species (Mammalia: Chiroptera) In Canubas Cave, Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines, Jurriel Mari D. Alce, Jasmine Rouida M. Abenes, Leo Gabriel Cervantes, Matthew Eli K. Llacer, Von Zhyrus P. Oche, Ian Jay P. Saldo, Jhovel Roy D. Calo

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

Bats, flying mammals, are essential to ecosystems, playing vital roles in pollination, seed dispersal, and insect control. Despite their ecological importance, no prior bat research exists for Canubas Cave, Kibawe, Bukidnon. This study aimed to assess the bat species at the site, documenting their morphometric data, diversity and richness indices, and conservation statuses. A purposive sampling design was implemented by setting up mist nets inside and outside the cave. A total of 13 individuals were identified, comprising three species from two families: Rousettus amplexicaudatus and Eonycteris spelaea (family Pteropodidae, fruit bats), and Miniopterus schreibersii (family Miniopteridae, bent-winged bats). Based on …

Milkfish (Chanos Chanos) Bones As A Biosorbent For Mercury (Ii) Contamination In Water, Seth Uriel K. Neri, Ethan Kyle Mangao, Christian Kevin F. Redoblado, Anthony Cesar Y. Ponce, Roby Boy P. Riego, Jupiter O. Yap

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

Heavy metals, such as mercury contamination in water sources are a major environmental and public health issue in many countries. Traditional methods for removing heavy metals from water are effective but often costly and unsustainable and may produce secondary waste. Recent trends favor more sustainable alternatives, such as biosorbents in treating water with heavy metals. Milkfish (Chanos chanos), a common fish in the Philippines, contains hydroxyapatite in the bones that can bind with heavy metals through physical and chemical adsorption mechanisms. This study aims to evaluate the mercury (II) reduction capacity of biosorbent derived from milkfish bones in water, specifically …

Ct Characteristics Of Signet Ring Cell Vs Non-Signet Ring Cell Gastric Cancer, Kaan Tangtiang, Thamonpon Pholpraserth, Wirana Angthong

Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine

Background: While the incidence of gastric cancer has decreased, the incidence of signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is rising. Patients with advanced SRCC gastric cancer have a worse prognosis and lower chemosensitivity than those with non-signet-ring cell carcinoma (NSRCC).

Purpose: To determine the differential radiological features of SRCC from NSRCC gastric cancer on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT).

Material and Methods: This study included 78 patients with pathologically proven gastric carcinoma, 41 patients with SRCC and 37 patients with NSRCC, diagnosed between January 2010 and December 2019 at Thammasat University Hospital. The demographic and histological characteristics were recorded. CT parameters were independently …

Re: Comment Letter For Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Notice Of Intent To Abandon Bps07-05a And Bps07-05b (Dated July 14, 2025), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Assessing Cervical Cancer Health Literacy Among Karen Women In The Omaha Area, Grace E. Berentson, Michaela Bartels, Jennifer Liu, Monica Angeletti

Medical Student Research Showcase

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death among Karen women, a predominant ethnic group in Myanmar. One of the largest and fastest growing Karen populations in the United States is located in Omaha, Nebraska. The objective of our study is to evaluate cervical cancer health literacy among Karen women and explore potential knowledge gaps that could be addressed with an educational intervention in the future. A survey was given to Karen women at the Karen Student Association at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) and members of the Karen Christian Revival Church in Omaha, NE. The survey …

A Framework For Advancing And Strengthening The Veteran Entrepreneur Ecosystem, Rosalinda V. Maury, Adam Pritchard

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief is designed for funders, program leaders, and policymakers working to build stronger veteran entrepreneurship ecosystems. This paper brings together insights about veteran entrepreneurial ecosystems from Military Entrepreneurship Forum (MEF) roundtable conversations, the National Survey of Military-Affiliated Entrepreneurs (NSMAE), and other entrepreneurship research. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, this paper lays out a set of components that communities can use to strengthen their own ecosystems. Veteran entrepreneurship is a lens into broader questions of economic mobility, local resilience, and civic leadership. But systems matter. With veteran-serving organizations facing revenue declines and donor fatigue, coordinated entrepreneurial ecosystems are a …

Premenopausal And Postmenopausal Malignant Cervical Cancer Diagnosis Among Disaggregated Subethnic Groups Of Asian American Women In The United States, Nilofar Haider Mirza

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite being the United States' fastest-growing and diverse population, Asian Americans are often aggregated with Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in prior research, resulting in masking disparities in cervical cancer screening/diagnosis among Asian American subethnic groups. Guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological model, the association between disaggregated subethnic groups and cervical cancer diagnosis among Asian American women aged 20+ in the United States was examined using binary logistic regression. How histology type/behavior and age at diagnosis moderate the relationship between disaggregated subethnic groups and cervical cancer diagnosis was also explored. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed using cases (N=1014) from the U.S. …

Impact Of Primary Care Providers’ Beliefs On Intentions To Conduct Brief Cognitive Assessments, Debra Antista-Bianchi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The 2011 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) mandated that Primary Care Providers (PCPs) offer brief cognitive assessments during the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), but this practice was inconsistent at best. This study investigated factors that influenced PCPs intentions to routinely assess cognition during the AWV. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) was used to assess the relationship between PCPs' behavior beliefs, subjective norm beliefs, perceived behavioral control (PBC) beliefs, and external control factors and their intentions to conduct brief cognitive assessments during the AWV. Using a quantitative correlational design, a cross-sectional online survey was administered to 86 …

Characteristics And Effectiveness Of Premarital Thalassaemia Educational Interventions Worldwide: A Scoping Review, Maisarah N. Anwar, Nik Nairan Abdullah, Dalila Roslan, Aimi N.M. Ruzlin

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Thalassaemia, a hereditary blood disorder, remains under-recognised due to limited awareness, particularly among young people. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the characteristics and effectiveness of premarital thalassaemia educational interventions globally. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, six databases were searched for English-language studies targeting adolescents and young adults. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, and data were extracted using a standardised form adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute, focusing on intervention characteristics, outcomes and key findings. Most studies involved school students and young adults from culturally diverse, resource-limited settings. The interventions—traditional, technology-based or culturally adapted—consistently improved knowledge (P < 0.001). However, behavioural outcomes, such as increased uptake of screening, were inconsistent. While educational strategies enhanced knowledge effectively, socio-cultural barriers limited the translation into behavioural changes. These findings support the need for future interventions to integrate behavioural change theories, leverage digital tools and address cultural sensitivities to improve their overall impact.

Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor 1: Implications For Precision Medicine And Rett Syndrome Therapeutics, Mackenzie Smith

Dissertations

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the gene coding for methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Currently, there is no cure for RTT and few effective treatment options to address the social, cognitive, motor, and respiratory symptoms that patients face. With the goal of identifying novel targets, our lab performed RNA-sequencing experiments in human autopsy samples and found decreased levels of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. We have established that potentiation of this receptor in a Mecp2+/- mouse model of RTT rescues social, cognitive, and respiratory phenotypes, providing support for using drugs that act on …