Digital Commons Network^™

Data-Driven Analysis For Managing Causes Of Disputes In Nuclear Power Plant Construction Projects, Mahmoud S. Mansour, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Nuclear energy remains a key element of the energy mix in the United States (US) and other parts of the world, with renewed and increased interest in recent years, driven by rising energy demand across various sectors. This is due to its capabilities of generating a vast amount of reliable and carbon-free electricity, which are crucial advantages as compared to other energy sources. However, nuclear power plant (NPP) projects involve unique risks and complexities that have long hindered their progress and shaped dispute dynamics differently from other construction sectors. Despite extensive research on construction disputes, there is a lack of …

Sustainable Critical Minerals: Mining, Production, And Legacy, Joel G. Burken, Heileen Hsu-Kim, Mariam Al-Lami, Hunter W. Schroer, Scott Banta, Om Parkash Dhankher, Kwame Awuah-Offei, Lana Alagha

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Think Twice Before You Sign! An Experiment On A Cautionary Function Of Contractual Formalities, Monika Leszczynska

Faculty Scholarship

Contractual formalities, such as handwritten signatures, have long been viewed as serving a cautionary function that protects individuals from entering ill-considered agreements. With the rise of digital contracting, it is uncertain whether online forms of assent can play the same role. In an incentivized laboratory experiment, four modes of contract confirmation were compared: clicking “OK,” typing one’s name, entering a PIN code (analogous to a qualified e-signature), and handwritten signing. The study examined how these methods affect choices between smaller–sooner and larger–later rewards. Results show that participants were more impulsive when confirming by clicking “OK” or typing their name than …

Loss Of Function Dnmt3a Mutation Leads To Aberrant Neutrophil Migration, Frieda Zimmer, Daniel E Kennedy, Spencer L Redding, Ruoqiong Cao, Sarah M Waldvogel, Apoorva Thatavarty, Bryan Bahoua, Brandon T Tran, Arushana A Maknojia, Margaret A Goodell, Antony Rodriguez, Katie A Matatall, Katherine Y King

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH), an age-related expansion of somatically mutated hematopoietic clones, is associated with increased risk of severe infections including coronavirus disease (COVID)-19, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated the impact of Dnmt3a deficiency in a murine model of influenza A virus (IAV) pneumonia. Dnmt3a-deficient mice exhibited increased pulmonary viral burden and reduced neutrophil accumulation in IAV-infected lungs despite comparable circulating neutrophil numbers. Functional analyses of neutrophils showed impaired chemotactic migration in vitro, whereas maturation, antimicrobial enzyme content, and metabolic capacity were unchanged. Transcriptomic profiling revealed downregulation of pathways involved in chemotaxis, cytokine signaling, and cellular activation, …

Sedentary Behaviors And Functional Disability Among Chinese Older Adults (2008–2018): Evidence Including Mahjong, Yen-Han Lee, Yen-Chang Chang, Minzhi Ye, Cai Xu

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

Purpose: This study examined how different types of sedentary behavior relate to changes in functional disability, measured by activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), among Chinese older adults.

Major findings: Using data from 17,939 participants in four waves (2008–2018) of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), sedentary behavior was categorized into four types: none, playing mahjong only, combining these with other sedentary activities, and other activities alone (e.g., reading and watching TV). Cox two-state regression models estimated the hazard of transitioning in ADL and IADL disability. Engaging in sedentary behaviors was generally …

The Low Participation Of Women In The Truck Driving Industry, Aurora Floodine

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Women remain underrepresented in the United States trucking industry, particularly in leadership roles, despite ongoing efforts to increase workforce diversity and address persistent driver shortages. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of female trucking professionals who began their careers as truck drivers and later advanced into leadership positions. The study examined the strategies that facilitated women’s progression into leadership and the systemic barriers that may limit their advancement within the trucking industry. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 female trucking professionals, and the resulting data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Six themes emerged from the findings: (a) independence, …

School Leadership And Collaboration: A Case Study Of Leaders’ Experience Implementing Vertical Alignment Practices, Tara R. Wehmeyer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Changing student demographics within a large elementary school increased the need for collaboration between leadership and staff as they implemented a wide range of initiatives to support student learning. Grounded in the transformational leadership theoretical framework, this exploratory case study sought to systematically observe and gather knowledge about the experiences of campus leaders as they implement vertical alignment teams to foster a collaborative approach while instituting required initiatives. The sample included seven campus leadership team members and data collection utilized transcribed semistructured interviews, debriefing sessions after vertical alignment team meetings, meeting observations, and a researcher’s journal. All data were analyzed …

Which Factors Are Most Important For Understanding Neighborhood-Scale Electrification Transitions In New York City, And How Do These Factors Interact Within Urban Energy Systems?, Aaryan Nair

Publications and Research

Building electrification has emerged as a central strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from urban areas, yet its implementation remains uneven across cities due to differences in buildings, infrastructure, and local conditions. This literature review examines the factors that influence neighborhood-scale electrification transitions in New York City and explores how these factors interact within urban energy systems. Drawing on research from building science, energy systems, infrastructure planning, and sustainability transitions, the paper identifies five recurring categories of influence: building characteristics, demand characteristics, infrastructure conditions, planning and investment capacity, and socioeconomic conditions. The review finds that building age, typology, density, and …

Fluorescence-Based Methods For The Determination Of Selected Β-Lactam Antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Cefixime, And Cephalexin): A Review, Kardos Musheer Khorsheed, Tara Fuad Tahir, Ahmad F. Hama Sdiq

Polytechnic Journal

β-Lactam antibiotics constitute one of the most extensively prescribed classes of antimicrobial agents in human and veterinary medicine. However, their widespread use has raised growing concerns regarding antibiotic resistance, drug safety, and the presence of residual antibiotics in pharmaceutical products, biological fluids, foodstuffs, and environmental samples. As a result, the development of sensitive, selective, and rapid analytical methods for the determination of β-lactam antibiotics has become critically important. Among the available analytical techniques, fluorescence-based methods have gained increasing attention due to their high sensitivity, operational simplicity, low cost, and suitability for trace-level detection. This review presents a comprehensive overview of …

Full Issue, Volume 21, Issue 3, Journal Of Youth Development

Journal of Youth Development

No abstract provided.

Joining Forces:A Research-Practice Partnership For Out-Of-School Time, Julián C. Alonso Restrepo, Trevor Bopp, Diedre F. Houchen, Chanae Jackson, Sunshine Moss, Rose M. Pringle, Christine Wegner

Journal of Youth Development

This article describes the development and early implementation of the Youth Development Research-Practice Partnership (YDRPP), a collaboration between university researchers and the Better Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Alliance in Alachua County, Florida. Established to address persistent racial and socioeconomic disparities affecting youth, the partnership used a collaborative qualitative assessment to identify local youth needs, program strengths, and organizational challenges. Findings revealed that practitioners viewed academic support, mental health, social-emotional development, positive adult relationships, physical activity, life skills, and workforce preparation as the most pressing needs of youth. Programs responded through holistic offerings that included tutoring, mentoring, trauma-informed practices, recreation, career readiness, …

Why Sports Participation Matters For Girls In Urban Core Public Schools, David Mcleod, Angela B. Pharris, David Crynes, Emmy Hufnagel, Eddie Wright, Sabrina Hynd, Tim Mclaughlin

Journal of Youth Development

Sports participation plays a critical role in supporting academic success, school engagement, and social-emotional well-being, particularly for girls in urban core public school settings. This study examines the relationship between athletic participation and academic outcomes, attendance, and social-emotional functioning in a large urban public school district during the post-COVID period. Findings indicate that student-athletes outperform non-athlete peers across multiple indicators, including grade point average, enrollment in advanced coursework, and school attendance. Female athletes, in particular, demonstrate stronger academic performance and more favorable social-emotional outcomes compared to female non-athletes. Despite these advantages, a pronounced decline in girls’ sports participation occurs between …

From The President - The Transformative Value Of Our Profession, Melanie E. Mayberry, Dds, Ms-Hcm

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Melanie E. Mayberry, MDA President, reflects on the transformative value of dentistry on both patients and the personal lives of practitioners. The article emphasizes how the dental profession builds stronger communities through service, empathy, mentorship, and continuous learning. Highlighting student and patient resilience in the face of adversity, Mayberry draws inspiration from events like the Kalamazoo Mission of Mercy, where volunteers provided over one million dollars in free dental care. She encourages dentists of all generations to foster a community of belonging, embrace professional evolution, and appreciate the spiritual and personal rewards of their service.

Mda At Your Service - Protecting Your Practice, Finding Talent And More, Mda Membership Department Staff

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Q&A compiled by MDA staff provides critical guidance to support practice owners. It outlines key warning signs of employee embezzlement, such as closely guarding job duties or refusing cross-training, and highlights complimentary risk assessment tools and endorsed investigative services available through Prosperident. Furthermore, the article introduces free recruitment resources on the MDA Job Board for searching job-seeker profiles and posting openings. It also provides practical advice for resolving communication and online portal login issues by verifying registered email addresses with the MDA membership department.

Dentistry And The Law - Understanding ‘Rollover Equity’ When Selling Your Practice, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Daniel J. Schulte, MDA Legal Counsel, addresses the legal and tax implications of 'rollover equity' when dentists sell their practices to private equity-backed buyers. The article outlines typical shareholder and buy-sell agreement restrictions, noting how equity is often subject to vesting and employment covenants. Schulte explains the critical importance of making an Internal Revenue Code Section 83(b) election within 30 days of closing. Failing to file this election results in taxation at high ordinary income rates as the stock vests, whereas a timely election accelerates tax payments but secures lower capital gains tax rates upon eventual sale.

Mda Insurance - Online Open Enrollment Now Available For Mda Health Plan, Craig Start

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Craig Start, President of MDA Insurance, discusses health insurance planning for dental practices and families, introducing a new secure online open enrollment process through Employee Navigator for the MDA Health Plan. Running through October and November 2026, this online portal coordinates plan sponsors and employees to adjust coverage and add dependents. The article highlights other critical 2027 health coverage enrollment timelines, including individual marketplace plans and Medicare supplement choices, and emphasizes the personalized, cost-free advisory and claims advocacy services provided by MDA Insurance agents to support informed decision-making.

Udm Dean's Report - A Look At The Student Of Today As We Prepare Them For Tomorrow, Mert N. Aksu Dds, Jd, Mhsa, Cert. Dph

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

UDM Dental School Dean Mert N. Aksu discusses the profiles, expectations, and challenges of modern dental students, highlighting their collaborative nature, tech-savviness, and focus on wellness and work-life balance. The report outlines UDM's clinical curriculum enhancements, including systems-based biomedical integration, and extensive clinical practice labs. Aksu addresses the substantial 58% inflation-adjusted rise in educational debt since 2008 and updates on community service rotations (Corktown Clinic, Titans for Teeth), the implementation of the new Vermont Track for rural care, the adoption of AI radiographic analysis, and comprehensive student mental health support programs.

Um Dean's Report - Meeting The Challenge Of Educating Dentists In A Constantly Evolving Profession, Jacques E. Nör

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

University of Michigan School of Dentistry Dean Jacques Nör highlights the school's historical legacy during its 150th anniversary and details recent academic, clinical, and research progress. Key developments include the establishment of the state-of-the-art Digital Dentistry Center for in-house digital workflows, a pediatric certificate program in Social Epidemiology funded by a $2.1 million federal grant, the transition to Epic electronic health records (integrated with MyChart), and the community-based collaborative care rotation program in Marquette. The report also highlights national faculty leadership roles and $24.1 million in research funding.

The Back Page - A New Chapter For The Mda Journal, Timothy Rath

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Tim Rath, MDA's Content and Editorial Manager, introduces himself as the managing editor of the MDA Journal. He outlines a new strategic chapter focused on aligning the journal's clinical content with the association's broader advocacy, educational, and membership events. Celebrating the legacy of Dave Foe and welcoming new Editor-in-Chief Dr. Romesh Nalliah, Rath emphasizes that the best story ideas originate from practitioners in the field. He invites Michigan dentists to share personal narratives of unique career paths, fascinating hobbies, unique patient cases, and life outside the clinic to foster professional inspiration.

When Dentists Spoke Up, The Law Changed, Timothy Rath

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article details how grassroots member advocacy led to the passage of Michigan Senate Bill 105. Championed by the Michigan Dental Association, the law requires insurers to offer at least one fee-free payment method for dental reimbursements, protecting practices from being forced to pay transaction fees of 3% to 5% to access virtual credit card payments. Once a dentist opts out under the new law, insurers must maintain the alternative payment method. This legislative victory highlights the power of organized dentistry in relieving the administrative and financial burdens faced by individual practitioners amid rising operational overhead costs.

Mda Public Relations Grant Program Opens Applications For 2026 Cycle, Timothy Rath

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association is opening applications for its 2026 Public Relations Grant Program, offering individual grants of up to $5,000, with $30,000 in total funding, to support component dental societies. The program funds creative community-focused initiatives scheduled for 2027 that educate the public and promote oral health, excluding purely charitable clinical care. Eligible projects emphasize relationship-building and community engagement. Highlighted success stories from previous cycles include oral health kit distributions, youth-focused educational events, and the expansion of the 'Give Kids A Smile' exams and preventive care clinics across Michigan.

Inflammatory And Immunological Basis Of Periodontal Diseases, Thomas Van Dyke Dds, Phd

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This review examines periodontitis as a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease shaped by interactions between the host response and oral microbiome. It explores how immune cells, inflammatory mediators and impaired resolution pathways contribute to connective tissue destruction and alveolar bone loss, while also considering links between periodontal and systemic inflammation. The authors highlight emerging research that may support more precise diagnostic and immune-based treatment strategies.

Preparing For The Next Big Thing: We’Ve Seen What Ai Can Do. Now, Get Ready For Cloning., Stuart L. Segelnick Dds, Ms

The New York State Dental Journal

Until recently, artificial intelligence was seen as science fiction. Now, it is interwoven into all aspects of our lives, including our dental practice. Cloning may be the next futuristic fantasy to permeate our consciousness. According to Leslie G. Biesecker, M.D., director and NIH Distinguished Investigator, Center for Precision Health Research, “Cloning, as it relates to genetics and genomics, involves using scientific methods to make identical, or virtually identical, copies of an organism, cell or DNA sequence.” As the cloning process and other bioengineering techniques advance, one can only wonder how and when they will impact the dental landscape.

A Systematic Review Of Recommendations For Asynchronous Teledentistry, Helen Chen D.D.S., Seeun Mo D.D.S., Rami Habib D.D.S., Hannah Kim D.D.S., Madusha Perera D.D.S., Courtney H. Chinn D.D.S., M.P.H.

The New York State Dental Journal

Background: COVID-19 renewed interest in teledentistry to improve access to oral healthcare. This review assessed recommendations for asynchronous teledentistry regarding image capturer, device, target population, capture protocol and diagnostic ability.

Methods: Five reviewers conducted a PRISMA guided search for eligible studies published from 2000–2023. Articles were independently evaluated using a four-point rubric.

Results: Sixteen articles were included, with a mean score of 5.38/15. The lowest score was for image capturer, and the highest for diagnosis of oral disease.

Conclusion: Limited evidence supports standardized protocols, underscoring the need for further research on best teledentistry practices.

Odontogenic Myxoma In Maxilla: A Case Report, Deepak Gupta, Ravinder Singh, Nazrana Maqbool B.D.S., Rakashree Chakraborty B.D.S., M.D.S.

The New York State Dental Journal

Odontogenic myxoma (OM) is a rare, benign but locally invasive intraosseous neoplasm. It is known to arise from the mesenchymal portion of the tooth germ. Although it is a slow-growing tumor, maxillary odontogenic myxomas can lead to increased morbidity caused by invasion into the maxillary sinus and middle cranial fossa. Further, it is also important to delineate the margins of OM to achieve a better treatment outcome. Here we present a case of a maxillary odontogenic myxoma in a 26-year-old female patient. The patient presented with swelling on the upper right side of the face. Computed tomography scan revealed a …

Designated Eld Through Evidence-Based Practices, Aida Walquí, Ph.D., Magaly Lavadenz, Ph.D.

Center on English Language Proficiency Implementation Briefs

Designated English Language Development through Evidence-Based Practices is the third in a four-part series assisting educational agencies in implementing high-quality, comprehensive English Language Development (ELD) systems. This brief bridges the gap between research and practice by illustrating what implementation looks like for evidence-based practices in Designated ELD (DELD) curriculum and instruction. It introduces an ecological model of learning—conceptualizing education across macro- and micro-systems—alongside five fundamental shifts in classroom practice: Teaching as Apprenticeship, Language as Action, No Isolated Language Practice, Non-Linear Spiraling Design, and Vocabulary Taught in Context. Additionally, the brief outlines key guidelines for heterogeneous group composition and a productive …

Bulletin Ninth District Ny September 2026

Bulletin of the Ninth District Dental Association

In the September 2026 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• "2026 D. Austin Sniffen Medal of Honor Recipient" with "Past Medal of Honor Recipients"
• "ADA Commons: Connecting Dentists to Research, Publications and History"
• "The History of Communal Water Fluoridation and its Continued Safe and Efficacious Use Today"

Also included are your monthly President's Message, event updates, continuing education opportunities, membership news and classifieds.

“We Are Born Into Crisis”: Race, Crime, And Permanent Crisis In The Criminal Legal System From The Perspective Of Community Organization Workers, Mercy Autur

Social Justice and Community Engagement Major Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Prevalence Of Acute Periapical Abscesses In Cannabis Users, Ilan Rotstein D.D.S., Joseph Katz D.M.D.

The New York State Dental Journal

Background: Cannabis use and cannabis-related disorders have increased significantly worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of acute periapical abscesses (PAs) in cannabis users.

Methods: Data from 1,799,122 patients were analyzed and the odd ratio (OR) of acute PAs and their association with cannabis use were statistically compared.

Results: Patients using cannabis showed significantly more PAs than nonusers. The difference was statistically significant. Following adjustment for diabetes and smoking comorbidities, the statistical difference remained significant.

Conclusion: The risk for acute PAs is significantly higher in cannabis users as compared to nonusers.

Department Of Health Exerts Strong Control Over Cbct In Dental Offices: Regulations, Adopted Over Objection From Nysda, Take Effect Immediately., Lance Plunkett Jd, Llm

The New York State Dental Journal

On July 22, the New York State Department of Health finally adopted an entire set of new regulations covering all aspects of ionizing radiation. Contained in Article 16 of Title 10 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (10 NYCRR), the new regulations repealed and replaced the old Article 16. It is important to note that the new regulations are in effect only in counties outside of New York City. Dentists in New York City should still rely on guidance from the city Department of Mental Health and Hygiene. The regulations contain …