Digital Commons Network^™

Communication And Prosocialization: Understanding The Development Of Inclusive Morality, Hannah Smith

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Relationships between individuals from different social or cultural groups are often impacted by ingroup favoritism, outgroup bias, and structural inequity determined by a person's social and cultural identities. Recognizing this, scholars and practitioners for the last few decades have attempted to address this by creating interventions, workshops, and other applied programs that aim to reduce this intergroup bias and ameliorate the negative consequences. The current dissertation complements this body of applied scholarship by shifting the focus from reducing and minimizing bias to focusing on processes that lead to a more prosocial and inclusive worldview.

The overall aim is to understand …

Association Of Ultra-Processed Food Intake With Insulin Secretion And Sensitivity In Mexican American Children: Results From The Safari Study, Hemant Kulkarni, Rector Arya, Srinivas Mummidi, Sharon P. Fowler, Roy G. Resendez, Juan C. Lopez-Alvarenga, Vidya Farook, John Blangero

Human Genetics Publications

Background/Objectives: There is increasing interest in and evidence for the role of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in cardiometabolic risk. We tested the hypothesis that UPF intake score derived from dietary history is associated with measures of insulin secretion and sensitivity in a family setting even when the process of type 2 diabetes is still to ensue. Methods: We used data from our well-characterized San Antonio Family Assessment of Metabolic Risk Indicators in Youth (SAFARI) study cohort of nondiabetic children (aged 6–17 years). Dietary history was assessed using the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. Outcomes of interest were 19 clinically useful indexes of …

Mosaic Loss Of Y Chromosome Associates With Lung Function, Emphysema, And Epigenetic Aging, Woei Yuh Saw, Kangjin Kim, Yichen Huang, Jeong H. Yun, Xiaolong Ma, Jason Bacon, Yash Pershad, Daniel Levy, George T. O’Connor, John Blangero

Human Genetics Publications

Rationale: As the global population ages, identifying risk factors for age-related diseases, such as COPD, is crucial for public health. Mosaic loss of Y chromosome (mLOY) in blood cells is an age-related somatic mosaicism event, but its relationship with pulmonary health remains undercharacterized. Objectives: To examine the association between mLOY and pulmonary outcomes in men. Methods: Leveraging mLOY assessment (cell fraction ≥ 5%) in over 12 000 men, including 5097 from the COPDGene Study and 7235 from six additional cohorts in the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine program, we investigated mLOY associations with respiratory outcomes and epigenetic aging using multivariable cross-sectional, …

Purpose In Practice: A Master Of Social Work Professional Portfolio, Lexi M. Laird

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Gender Differences In The Prevalence Of Anxiety And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And Associated Factors Among Adults In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Basil Masinza, Amina Abubakar, Joy Mukubuyi, Patrick Mwangala

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background: Sex and gender equity in research has a growing focus, but there are gaps in fully integrating it in mental health research, limiting adoption of sex and gender-sensitive interventions. This review adopted a gendered perspective to synthesize prevalence and associated factors contributing to differences in anxiety and PTSD in SSA.

Methodology: Electronic search was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science databases. Empirical studies conducted in SSA, targeting adults >18 years and having gender-disaggregated anxiety and PTSD prevalence and factors were included. Meta-analysis of proportions stratified by sex was done, and narrative synthesis of the …

Cross-Ancestry Polygenic Risk Scores Enhance Alzheimer's Disease Risk Prediction In Multiethnic Cohorts, Meri Okorie, Caroline Jonson, Alexis Oddi, Patricia Castruita, Brian Fulton-Howard, Kristine Yaffe, Jennifer Yokoyama, Chinedu Momoh, Shea Andrews

Brain and Mind Institute

INTRODUCTION Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified 80+ genetic loci associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), enabling the development of polygenic risk scores (PRS). However, the predictive accuracy of PRS in diverse populations remains low. Here, we evaluated the predictive accuracy of single-, multi-, and cross-ancestry AD-PRS models across multi-ancestral populations.

METHODS We used AD GWAS summary statistics from European, African, Admixed American, and East Asian populations to construct AD-PRS for each target population. Model performance was assessed by estimating odds ratios, R2, and area under the curve.

RESULTS The cross-ancestry Bayesian PRS model demonstrated the highest predictive performance in non-European …

July 2026 From The Editor — 40 Years Of Success And Value To You, Romesh Nalliah

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

• Editor-in-Chief Romesh Nalliah uses the historical example of King Hammurabi's loan agreements to illustrate the foundational concept of risk management and insurance. He celebrates the 40th anniversary of the MDA Insurance & Financial Group, highlighting its growth into a full-service agency that addresses the specific needs of dentists. Nalliah emphasizes the "multiplicative effect" of supporting these member-governed services: they offer individual cost savings and generate non-dues revenue that funds broader MDA benefits and reduces dues. He credits the association's volunteer leadership for establishing this successful model of value-driven professional support.

July 2026 Feature Article 1 — The Real Importance Of The Dental Team, William Chase Dds, Maom

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Drawing on over 40 years of experience, Dr. William R. Chase identifies a cohesive dental team as the primary key to practice success. Moving away from the "solo performer" mindset often developed in dental school, the article highlights the necessity of trust and commitment among staff. Chase offers strategic advice for leadership, including sharing a clear practice vision, holding regular meetings, and recognizing staff through bonuses or continuing education opportunities. He underscores that maintaining a strong, appreciated team is vital for practice longevity and providing optimal patient care.

July 2026 Cover Story — 40 Years Of Mda Insurance And Mda Services, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article celebrates the 40th anniversary of MDA Insurance and MDA Services, the Michigan Dental Association's for-profit subsidiary. It outlines the history of the subsidiary, its evolution from small beginnings to a robust provider of commercial and personal insurance products, and its significant financial impact, returning over $42 million to the MDA since 1994. The piece emphasizes the subsidiary’s "by dentists, for dentists" philosophy, its role in keeping member dues stable through non-dues revenue, and its successful innovation of endorsed programs like Bank of America Practice Solutions and precious metals refining.

July 2026 Mda At Your Service — Who Can Supervise Dental Assistant Radiography Training In Michigan?, Mda Membership Department Staff

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Q&A feature provides practical guidance on common professional and licensing questions for Michigan dentists. It clarifies that any licensed dentist can supervise required dental assistant radiography training, highlighting the MDA's online program. The article also offers advice for new dentists looking to connect with colleagues through local societies and the "New Doc Connection" online hub. Additionally, it outlines the mandatory steps for updating a professional license after a legal name change and directs members to valuable MDA resources for navigating dental insurance contracts and third-party payer agreements.

July 2026 Feature Article 2 — Burning Mouth Syndrome In Dental Settings: Clinical Clues, Diagnostic Approaches, And Management With Topical Doxepin And Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Elizabeth R. Hatfield, Dds, Elizabeth A. Van Tubergen, Dds, Phd, Felipe Nör Dds, Ms, Phd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This clinical case report explores Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS), a chronic pain condition predominantly affecting post-menopausal women. Describing BMS as a diagnosis of exclusion with often idiopathic origins, the authors present a case study of a 54-year-old female patient. They review the challenges of traditional management and detail a novel, effective treatment using a combination of topical doxepin oral rinse and oral alpha-lipoic acid. The article provides dentists with practical strategies for recognition and diagnostic procedures, emphasizing their role as the first line of care for improving the quality of life for BMS sufferers.

July 2026 Feature Article 3 — Introducing: The Great Lakes Dental Summit!, Emily Varsanik, Annie Mcintosh

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article announces the reimagining of the Michigan Dental Association's flagship annual meeting, evolving from the MDA Annual Session into the Great Lakes Dental Summit, set to debut in 2027. The transition reflects the changing needs of dental professionals who desire more integrated, collaborative experiences beyond traditional lectures. The summit will feature segmented programming, expanded networking opportunities, and a more inclusive approach for the entire dental team. By focusing on well-being and innovation while maintaining high-quality CE, the MDA aims to provide a renewed and exceptional in-person connection for its members.

July 2026 Dentistry And The Law — Can Unlicensed People Own A Dental Practice? Who Is Enforcing The Law?, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This legal column addresses the complexities of dental practice ownership in Michigan, clarifying that only licensed dentists can legally own a practice through professional corporations or professional limited liability companies. It explains the "Corporate Practice of Medicine Doctrine," which aims to ensure licensed professionals, rather than profit-motivated lay persons, control health service delivery. The article details how management companies often operate legally as landlords or service providers without technically owning the practice itself. Finally, it notes that only the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the attorney general have the authority to enforce these regulations.

How Can Bison Conservation And Reintroduction Onto Native Prairie Habitat Increase Land Health And Restore Indigenous Cultural Importance?, Malaney Peterson

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

For millenia, bison roamed the native prairie by the millions, stretching from the rain shadow of the Rocky Mountains to the Mississippi River, and from Canada down to Texas. This once thriving ecosystem quickly went from thriving to near extinction within a few decades after the arrival of Europeans in North America. The downfall of the bison was a strategic plan devised not only to eliminate bison, but also indigenous peoples and the prairie on which they lived. According to research, both bison and the native prairie are considered to be ecologically extinct, meaning they will never be able to …

Supplementing Middle School Students’ Science Education With A Unit Design That Incorporates Outdoor, Nature-Based Programming, Tasha Sopp

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This project seeks to address the research question: how to develop a standards-aligned, nature-based field trip program that promotes authentic scientific inquiry for middle school students and supplements their learning? This project consists of a five-week ecology unit designed for 7th grade students that incorporates a nature-based field trip component as an anchoring phenomenon. Key influences of the curriculum from the literature review include the integration of inquiry-based instruction alongside the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), three-dimensions of science learning, and influences of nature-based, place-based programming throughout the unit and within the field trip component. Research suggests that hands-on, explorative, …

Arts Integration In Special Education, Emily Sanderson

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This capstone examines the use of arts integration interventions in special education services. Art is inherently adaptable and can be used to create engaging lessons accessible to all learners. Grounded in inclusive education, constructivist, social-emotional learning, disability identity, and self-determination theories, the literature review examines how arts-integrated activities can support students with disabilities in communication and expression, emotional and behavioral development, and cognitive and academic engagement, as well as impact students’ identity, autonomy, and social development. Building on this research, the author studied the Welsh school system at Aberystwyth University, visiting five local schools and interviewing twelve teachers of students …

Skills-Based Classrooms In Adult Education, Svetlana Quirk-Lazarev

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

In today's rapidly evolving labor market, skills-based and hands-on learning have become central to adult lifelong education. Numerous studies highlight that "learning by doing" is the preferred and most effective approach for adults, who increasingly seek education that aligns with real-world demands and career advancement. Despite the growing emphasis on skills-based learning, gaps remain between educational programs and real-world expectations.

To understand how a skills-based course can affect employability outcomes for adult learners, we must first examine the root barriers in adult education. Adult learners face a very different set of obstacles compared to children. As cited further, some of …

Teaching Through Turbulence: Social-Emotional Learning Resources For Students Experiencing Civil Unrest, Callista Pugh

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began operating in Minnesota in early 2026; this paper provides evidence that educators saw immediate negative impacts on students' academic performance and overall well-being. This capstone project investigated the question: What social-emotional learning (SEL) resources can teachers implement during times of community unrest that affect students' emotional regulation and sense of safety? The research examined the immediate and lasting impacts on students who experience and/or witness unrest in their community, analyzed the use of popular SEL curricula as interventions for civil unrest, and identified specific intervention areas useful for students experiencing civil unrest. …

Increasing Engagement Among Reluctant Learners: The Impact Of A High Interest Ela Media Analysis Unit In Secondary Classrooms, Anab Muqtar

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

In the world of secondary education, figuring out how to engage our most reluctant students is one of the most difficult lessons for an early career educator to learn. This struggle during my early years of teaching prompted this capstone’s curricular focus. This capstone project sought to answer the following research question: How can a high interest ELA media analysis curricular unit impact the engagement of reluctant learners in a secondary grade level ELA course? Research found that through incredibly intentional curricular design, teachers can engage our most struggling students. Reconnecting students with their purpose for learning and teaching them …

Moving Minds: Regulation Through Rhythm A Cross-Cultural Exploration Of Movement, Music, Wellbeing, Learner Voice, And Inclusion In Elementary Education In Wales And The United States, Steven Nasshan

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This capstone project explored how movement, music, wellbeing, learner voice, and inclusive educational practices observed in Wales can inform classroom instruction in the United States. Originally conceived as a project to develop movement-based interventions for students with Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the study evolved into a cross-cultural qualitative exploration following participation in a study abroad experience in Wales. The guiding research question asked: How are movement-, music-, and wellbeing-based practices used in elementary classrooms in Wales compared with the United States, and how can these findings inform the development of practical resources that support student …

Beyond Behavior Control: Teacher Identity And Relationship-Based Classroom Management In Elementary Classrooms, Alayna Marrero

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Classroom management is one of the most challenging responsibilities teachers face, yet many educators enter the classroom feeling underprepared to address complex student behaviors while also creating supportive learning environments. This capstone explored the question: How can professional development focused on teacher identity and relationship-based classroom management support elementary teachers in creating supportive, consistent, and positive classroom environments? Through a review of current literature, this project examines the connections between teacher identity, student-teacher relationships, classroom climate, social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and effective professional development. Influential scholars including Beauchamp and Thomas, Jennings and Greenberg, Hamre and Pianta, Gregory et al., Perry …

Supporting Student Decision-Making In Extracurricular Participation: A Resource-Based Approach To Supporting Informed Engagement, Erik Knutsen

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

The benefits of extracurricular activities have been extensively researched and confirmed, yet participation is not guaranteed. While schools may offer extracurricular opportunities, students and families are often expected to make decisions about participation without fully understanding the benefits, commitment, or context within their own situation. This capstone project explores the question: How do students come to understand the value of participating in extracurricular activities, and how can schools help support students and families as they evaluate extracurricular opportunities? Through a review of existing literature, this capstone examines the documented benefits of extracurricular participation; student engagement, motivation, and perceptions; student and …

Fostering The Success Of Indigenous Students: How Educators Can Address Systemic Barriers In Schools, Samantha Hamlin

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This qualitative study sought to gain information into the connection that Indigenous students have with education and the ways that educators can work to make education more accessible. The study gave background knowledge as to the history of Indigenous people and the greater implications of colonization. It explores ways that educators could incorporate Indigenous knowledge into curriculum to uplift and engage Indigenous students. The accompanying project is a compilation of ideas for lesson plans across subject areas that teach through an Indigenous lens, rather than a white centered one. In the conclusion, implications and limitations of the study are discussed …

American History And Immigration: Creating A Comprehensive Immigration Unit For An American History Class, Hawkens Bory-Baar

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This capstone addresses a deficit in social studies curricula which overemphasizes factual recitation of a narrow selection of history. Understanding that ethnic studies is another social studies topic which provides the lacking elements from mainstream history teaching, this project attempts to design an American history unit that is informed by the principles of ethnic studies and culturally relevant pedagogy. The research question being asked is: how can we best design an immigration unit for Minnesota studies or American history that effectively integrates ethnic studies into a mainstream curriculum? To achieve this goal, a unit has been designed that focuses on …

Decolonizing Minnesota Mathematics: Incorporating Indigeneity Into Middle School Mathematics, Tia Ahmed

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

The invisibility of Native Americans in mainstream mathematics education has contributed to the academic underachievement and cultural disconnect experienced by Native American youth. Grounded in the frameworks of Tribal Critical Race Theory (TribalCrit), culturally relevant teaching, and ethnomathematics, this project investigates: How can the historical and current cultural contexts, mathematical understandings, perspectives, and issues relating to Dakota, Anishinaabe, and Urban Indigenous communities be incorporated into Minnesota middle school math curriculum in a way that fosters strong math identities among Native American students and supports the needs of Minnesota’s American Indian tribes and communities? Along with research on the intersectionality of …

Banning Books In America: Exploring The Impact And Implications Of Censorship In Education, Mackenzie Carrane

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This capstone project, written and constructed by Mackenzie Carrane is entitled, “Banning Books in America: Exploring the Impact and Implications of Censorship in Education.” The purpose of this project was to research the causes and impacts of the book banning practice across America in the 21st century. The research question: why are books banned and challenged, and how does this censorship impact schools and communities they serve? stemmed from a childhood love for books. In particular, one book which was later banned in many schools. Research has shown that while book banning is often done under the guise of protecting …

Understanding The Alphabet Soup Of The Special Education System, Grace Hansen

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Transition age students with disabilities are increasingly expected to practice self advocacy and take an active role in planning their futures. However, a review of existing special education literature reveals a significant gap. While substantial resources exist to help parents and general education teachers navigate the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Accessible for age appropriate tools designed directly for student understanding remain scarce. To bridge this divide, this project introduces a student centered curriculum framework designed for secondary students in grades 7 through 12. Drawing upon foundational special education pedagogy, the project breaks down complex IEP terminology, processes, and meeting …

Framing Schools As A Second Home For Children, Christian Duncan

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This capstone explores how a structured professional development program can create greater unity and mutual understanding among educators by framing the school as a “second home” comparable to a parent household. The project developed from observations of division, dissatisfaction, and strained relationships among educators and considers how these dynamics can influence school culture and the stability students experience. Key influences included research on child development, home and school stability, teacher well-being, professional relationships, and effective professional development. Research from Darling-Hammond and Cook-Harvey (2018) emphasized the importance of emotional and physical safety, supportive adult relationships, and belonging for student development, while …

Cultivating Excellence: Empowering Student Success And Resilience Through Character Development, Vanessa Fairchild

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

The research question addressed in this capstone is: How does character development support academic success and student resilience? Literature regarding character development led to the development of this curriculum, aimed at addressing specific skill deficits within a set of character traits with the desired outcome of improving student success and resilience that will support them in high school and in their years to follow. The target audience is secondary students, specifically within special education. The curriculum features a four-unit, year-long set of weekly lessons which incorporate mindfulness meditation, journal prompt, social stories, and discussion prompts, while connecting each skill to …

Rooted In Wonder: Cultivating A Connection To The Environment Through Nature-Based Learning In Central Mexico, Mikaela Tennis

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Children are spending less time outdoors and feeling increasingly disconnected from the natural world. This reduced exposure and lack of interaction limits opportunities to form early connections with nature, which have lasting benefits into adulthood. Nature-based learning approaches have been proven to increase a sense of nature connectedness, which in turn strengthens one’s environmental attitudes and behaviors while supporting mental health and well-being. To address limited access to nature-based learning experiences in Central Mexico, this capstone draws from research on nature connectedness, nature-based learning, and nature center design to answer the question, How can a nature-based learning center be designed …