Digital Commons Network^™

Factors Associated With Covid-19 Testing In Structurally Vulnerable Populations: An Exploratory Study In Southern Maine, Grace L Price, Kathleen M. Fairfield, Sumayo Awale, Renee Fay-Leblanc, Caroline Fernandes, Ann Marie R. Hess, Elizabeth A. Jacobs, Donna Lawlor, David Ngandu, Leslie Nicoll, Kinna Thakarar, Ellyn Touchette, Andrew Volkers, Gloria D. Sclar

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected structurally vulnerable populations in the United States. COVID-19 testing was instrumental in controlling viral spread and linking people to treatment; however, testing rates were lower among racial and ethnic minority groups. Our objective was to identify factors associated with desired COVID-19 testing behavior among vulnerable populations.

Methods: We conducted an exploratory cohort study of at-home COVID-19 testing between March 2022 and November 2023 in Portland, Maine. Partnering with trusted community organizations, we engaged participants from immigrant, housing-unstable, substance-using, and low-income/uninsured communities. Participants received 5 at-home COVID-19 tests every 8 weeks for 48 weeks. Participants …

The Inverted Golden Rule: The Perpetuation And Cessation Of Learned Dysfunctional Behaviors, Hunter Schlueter

Student Scholar Symposium

The objective of this study is to explore the negative experiences that resulted from the externalizing behaviors of parents/guardians, the effect these parental externalizing behaviors currently have on the internalizing and externalizing behaviors expressed by the individual, and how an understanding of an individual’s negative experiences can potentially produce changes regarding the individual’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors. The ways in which people “treat” others (externalizing behaviors in interpersonal relationships), is highly dependent on cognitions associated with said behaviors. It has been well-documented in many forms of cognitive therapy that there is a direct link between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. …

“You Are The Potter I Am The Clay” … Tracing Egyptian Creation, Cult, And Ritual Power Motifs In The Pentateuch., Christopher Jenkins

Student Scholar Symposium

This paper explores the profound influence of Ancient Egyptian culture on the Pentateuch. It challenges the traditional Documentary Hypothesis, which dates the Pentateuch to the Persian and Hellenistic periods, by presenting evidence that many biblical narratives, themes, and motifs are rooted in the cultural and religious milieu of Ancient Egypt, that could not be older than the 1st Millennium B.C.E. The study highlights parallels between the creation narratives in Genesis and Egyptian cosmogonies, such as the concept of primordial watery chaos and the emergence of order through divine command. It also examines the presence of Egyptian religious practices and deities …

Analysis Of Solutions To Research Methods: Navigating The Infinite Content Of Mathematics, Jesus Navarro

Student Scholar Symposium

In the infinite realm of mathematical research, understanding and communicating complex concepts require structured and logical approaches. However, a variety of research methods are employed in mathematical studies; these may differ in approach, historical context, and other important considerations which can contribute to confusion and a lack of effective communication. The genesis of this research began with personal confusion during my research on "Counting the Uncountable: Life in a World Without Numbers", setting the stage for the central challenge: How do mathematicians explain their research? To answer this issue, we analyzed a variety of mathematical research articles to highlight their …

How Do More Diverse Plantings Lead To More Carbon Accrual In Soil?, Haley Rose Wills, Kaylee Grace Duncan, Alexander Constantin Mazareanu

Student Scholar Symposium

No abstract provided.

To What Extent Do Urban Planning Practices Impact Climate Change In Latin America?, Oliver Orellana, Mitchell Roberts

Student Scholar Symposium

Understanding best practices with regards to urban planning and development is crucial to the success of any city. Given the historical, geographic, and economic state of Latin American countries, the role of these practices in innovation is exceedingly vital. By analyzing sustainability strategies employed in cities to mitigate the effects of climate change, this research will identify which practices are the most sustainable in the long run. Because Latin American countries face their own unique challenges in areas like democratic transition, physical landscape, or economic well-being, gaining understanding as to which practices would most benefit the region is pivotal to …

Domination, Limitation, And Liberation In Gilman's Herland, Ella Cauley

Student Scholar Symposium

No abstract provided.

Smart Traffic Lights, Roa Ghanem

Student Scholar Symposium

Nashville is quickly growing, and as a result, traffic congestion is becoming a bigger challenge for commuters. Longer travel times and increased vehicle emissions are major concerns. This research examines how smart traffic lights can improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the city. By analyzing peer-reviewed journal articles, this study explores how AI, IoT, and machine learning can optimize traffic signal timing in real time. In particular, simulation models illustrate how these technologies adapt dynamically to changing traffic patterns in cities similar to Nashville. Furthermore, this research compares the cost-effectiveness of smart traffic lights with other solutions, such as …

End-Of-Rotation Objective Structured Clinical Examination: Proposal To Reduce Grading Bias In The Family Medicine Core Clerkship, Deborah R. Erlich, Amy L. Lee, Anita Mathews, Lauren Boehm, Anna Virani, Shweta Akhouri, Julia Bartolomeo, Lidya Wlasiuk, Molly Cohen-Osher, Tessa Rohrberg, Laurel Witt, Kathryn Rampon

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Problem Statement: In medical education, learner assessment drives learning and documents competency. A drawback of the traditional clinical performance assessment by a preceptor, however, is a potential halo effect. This effect is an unearned positive bias toward a student the supervisor likes, or conversely, a negative implicit bias about the student’s race, gender, or other aspects of identity. These biases, in either direction, can lead to unfair grading. A preceptor’s bias can be particularly problematic in a family medicine clerkship in which a student may be evaluated and graded by a single preceptor.

Background: An end-of-clerkship objective structured clinical examination …

Best Practices In The Conduct Of Community Engagement Studios At Mainehealth Institute For Research, Francesca Piccolo, Emma Daybranch, Carolyn Sullivan, Elizabeth Woods, Neil Korsen, Jan Carney, Jenna Schiffelbein, Kathleen Fairfield

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Problem Statement: Community engagement (CE) Studios are an established method for integrating lived-experience expertise into research at 1 or more specific points within a project. Although many researchers understand the value of incorporating community input, they often lack the tools, skills, or infrastructure to do so effectively. CE Studios address this challenge by offering a structured, consultative approach to engagement.

Background: CE Studios occur at any point across the research lifecycle and are used to inform research design, feasibility, relevance, recruitment, implementation, and translation. In a 1-time, 2-hour consultation, CE Studios bring lived-experience expertise into the research process, helping projects …

Emergency Care Team Comfort And Experience With Harm Reduction For Opioid Use Disorder, Penelope J. Haydar, Tania D. Strout, Faen Faen

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Harm reduction strategies are effective in mitigating risks associated with substance use. However, their implementation in emergency department (ED) settings has been limited. This study explored ED care team members’ experiences and comfort with harm reduction provision.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess ED care team members’ experiences and comfort levels (0–10 scale) with providing harm reduction resources to patients. An electronic survey was distributed to 446 care team members at a Level 1 tertiary care ED. Domains included prior harm reduction practice, comfort levels, perceived barriers to harm reduction provision, and perceived importance of various factors …

Evaluation Of Connections Clinic: The Bridge Program Located Within The Preble Street Learning Collaborative, Emily Caron, Emily Follo, Robin E Barnard, Alec Luro, Adam Normandin

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Problem: The opioid epidemic continues, and overdose rates throughout the United States remain high. Only 22% of people diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD) access medications for OUD (MOUD). Bridge clinics may improve access to MOUD, specifically buprenorphine. Individuals experiencing homelessness (IEH) face additional barriers to accessing care, though little is known about bridge clinics specifically focused on IEH. The bridge clinic embedded within the MaineHealth–Preble Street Learning Collaborative, called Connections Clinic (CC), aims to address unmet health care needs of IEH in Portland, Maine, by providing low-barrier health care and access to buprenorphine.

Approach: We analyzed demographics, health access, …

Practicing Curiosity: An Art Museum-Based Course For Medical Students, Samuel Woodworth

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Problem: Although curiosity is essential to medicine, it can sometimes seem expendable or counterproductive. Medical students, however, must be encouraged to develop curiosity skills in order to sustain a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Incorporating visual art into medical education has been associated with multiple favorable outcomes, including improved observational skills. Undoubtedly, artworks stimulate curiosity. Of the many museum-based courses for medical students offered across the country, none have focused on enhancing curiosity skills. Thus, the development of a curriculum using visual art to improve curiosity skills would be an innovative pedagogical approach to museum-based education.

Approach: A hospitalist at MaineHealth …

Implementing The Card System Distraction Techniques In Pediatric Primary Care – A Practice Improvement Project, Paige E. Lewicki, Tara Palnitkar, Anya Cutler, Kari Guffey, Laura J. Faherty

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Problem: Increasing vaccine uptake is an urgent priority in public health. Often pain and fear are reasons for vaccine refusal, leading to lower vaccine uptake. The Comfort, Ask, Relax, Distract (CARD) system was developed to improve the vaccination experience and has been successfully implemented in school-based vaccination clinics and community pharmacies. The clinic that served as the site of this practice improvement project was routinely using 3 of the 4 CARD techniques (Comfort, Ask, and Relax), but was not offering evidence-based distraction methods to patients eligible for vaccination.

Approach: This practice examined the feasibility and acceptability of implementing CARD distraction …

Bartonella Endocarditis Unmasking Heart Failure, Nephrotic Syndrome, And Pancytopenia In Repaired Tetralogy Of Fallot: A Case Report, Cani Greg L. Garsuta

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Bartonella species are notable causes of culture-negative endocarditis, particularly in patients with prosthetic valves or congenital heart disease. These infections can present insidiously, mimicking other systemic illnesses and posing considerable diagnostic challenges due to their fastidious nature.

Clinical Findings: A person in their 30’s with repaired tetralogy of Fallot and a Melody pulmonary valve presented with acute biventricular heart failure, nephrotic-range proteinuria, and pancytopenia. Initial assessments suggested cardiorenal syndrome. Despite negative routine cultures, persistent renal abnormalities and hypocomplementemia raised suspicion for glomerulonephritis. Subsequent polymerase chain reaction analysis of blood returned positive for Bartonella henselae, and positron emission tomography-computed …

Navigating Microaggressions In The Clinical Environment: Follow-Up Of A Case-Based Workshop 1 Year Later, Annie Liu, Christina C. Tsui, Nicole Hudak, Allison S. Chatalbash, Laura K. Snydman, Eliza R. Bullis

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Problem: Microaggressions negatively impact the mental health and wellness of patients and health care workers. Despite efforts in medical education to address this issue, there is limited research on the effect of these strategies in clinical settings over time. We evaluated how a workshop on navigating microaggressions impacts medical students 1 year after the workshop.

Approach: A 60-minute workshop on microaggressions was implemented for medical students (n=85) across 3 clerkship sites. The workshop focused on identifying, responding to, and debriefing microaggressions as recipients or bystanders using a toolkit. Post-intervention surveys measured students’ satisfaction and perceived ability to navigate microaggressions. One …

Uncoupling Agents As A Contributor To Refractory Metabolic Acidosis In A Burn Victim: A Case Report, Kelsie M. Lynch

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Uncoupling agents impair mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, which disrupts adenosine triphosphate production and causes high anion gap metabolic acidosis. These agents, linked to environmental toxins or pharmacologic exposures, present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to rapid clinical deterioration. Early identification is crucial for intervention.

Clinical Findings: A 64-year-old male with type II diabetes mellitus sustained burns covering 14% total body surface area during a shed fire with suspected pesticides and rodenticide exposure. He had hypotension with severe metabolic acidosis (lactate 20 mmol/L, pH 7.0, bicarbonate [HCO₃] 11 mmol/L) and an anion gap of 35 mEq/L. He was admitted …

Optimal Planning Strategies For Power Grid Topology Steiner Minimum Tree To Enhance Resilience Capability, Yunpeng Zhai, Dongqi Liu, Haolan Liang, Wei Li

Journal of Electric Power Science and Technology

Energy security is related to the overall situation of economic and social development.In recent years, deliberate attacks and disasters against the power grid have occurred frequently, and the power system has become an important target of attacks in international conflicts.In order to enhance the ability of the power grid to resist deliberate attacks and disasters and ensure the safe operation of the national energy infrastructure, a Steiner minimum tree planning method is proposed for the power supply network topology to the improvement of invulnerability.Firstly, the grid structure strength index and operation vulnerability index are designed for the grid planning problem.A …

Multi-Control Parameter Optimization Method For Dc Microgrids Based On Quadratic Index, Jinyuan Liu, Tianjiao Feng, Xiaorong Zhu

Journal of Electric Power Science and Technology

In DC microgrids, there is interaction between different types of converters, which is easy to be affected by disturbance during operation, resulting in decreased power quality.Therefore, the stability of DC microgrids has become a key issue in microgrid research.In this paper, the small signal model of DC microgrid system including voltage source converter （VSC） and buck-boost DC-DC converter is derived, and the eigenvalues and participation factors of the system are calculated.The stability regions of key control parameters such as PI parameter, droop coefficient, and virtual inertia coefficient are compared with and without grid-connected converter.Then, according to the quadratic theory, the …

Linking Shoreline Change, Environmental Forcings, And Sedimentological Resilience In Nourished Beaches Of Cape May And Wildwood, New Jersey, Usa: A Multi-Decadal Synthesis, Divomi Balasuriya, Greg Pope

Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Beach nourishment is a widely used strategy to mitigate coastal erosion, yet its long-term geological impacts remain poorly understood. This study provides a multi-decadal synthesis of shoreline change and sedimentological evolution on the nourished beaches of Cape May and Wildwood, New Jersey, USA. Using shoreline positions from 1991 to 2024, we identify contrasting trajectories: Wildwood exhibits ‘persistent transition’ with severe northern erosion (EPR: −10.0 m/yr) feeding southwards accretion, while Cape May demonstrates a ‘managed equilibrium’ with widespread accretion (mean EPR: +1.15 m/yr). Wave energy correlations account for less than 15% of shoreline variability, indicating natural drivers have been superseded by …

A Systematic Study Of Passkey User Experience Consistency, Bernhardt Ramat

Theses and Dissertations

Passkeys have emerged as a more secure authentication method than passwords, providing a passwordless alternative resistant to phishing and credential theft attacks. Despite their growing adoption, a systematic study into the user experience of passkeys across various websites has yet to be conducted. Usability heuristics suggest that users transfer their expectations from one product to another, and therefore, inconsistencies in passkey deployments can increase cognitive load, resulting in frustration and possible rejection. To address this knowledge gap, this paper presents a comparative analysis of the external functional consistency of the passkey user experience across 111 websites. Our research reveals that …

Impact Of Gas Supersaturation On The Development Of Gas Bubble Trauma In Paedomorphic Eurycea Salamanders, Trent Furr

Biology Theses

There are eleven species of paedomorphic lungless salamanders endemic to Texas. Of these, eight are considered threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). One of these, the Barton Springs Salamander (Eurycea sosorum), is found only in springs and aquifers in and around Austin, Texas. A large population of this species is found in Barton Springs, located in Austin, TX–where dissolved gas saturation has been measured as high as 134%. Morbidity and mortality events in Barton Springs Salamanders have been documented coinciding with periods of dissolved gas supersaturation. This study seeks to understand what environmental conditions lead to …

Encouraging Young Writers With Multiliteracies And Transformative Works, Charlene A. Amarello

Honors Program Theses and Projects

In the wake of COVID-19’s devastating effect on education, educators are faced once again with the daunting task of reaching students in the English classroom. Meanwhile, fanfiction and multiliteracies are burgeoning subjects of research. As of January 1st, 2025, over 14 million fanfictions have been published on the website AO3, a well-known fanfiction archive, and educators have begun to design assignments with fanfiction in mind. Likewise, multiliteracies continues to make headway in conversations about pedagogy. Research continues to delve into both as practices, though the creation of practical suggestions for educators grounded in data is still in its infancy. There …

Assessing Multilingual Learners: Necessary Reforms In Language And Literacy Evaluation, Victoria Gibson

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Assessing multilingual learners can look different for every student, teacher, and school. Assessing multilingual learners presents challenges because traditional tools often fail to capture students’ true abilities, with scoring inconsistencies, cultural bias, and teacher assumptions further affecting outcomes. Early identification tools, like the frequently used Home Language Survey used by Salerno and Andrei (2024), can misclassify students, impacting placement and support. Research highlights more equitable alternatives, such as formative, classroom-based, and culturally responsive assessments, that better reflect students’ full linguistic abilities and promote fair, accurate evaluation.

Communicating Strategically In The Workplace: A Resource For Engineering And Science Majors, Karishma Chatterjee, Damla A. Ricks, Diane E Waryas Hughey

Mavs Open Press Open Educational Resources - Archive

We created this book to provide a targeted understanding of the process of communication to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) students. We have included specific and concise information in this book catering to technical and professional fields. Students will be able to develop their skills in writing, presenting, and interviewing, and improve their interpersonal relationships in the workplace.

Power Solutions For Large Loads: Mastering Electrical Supply For New Industrial Facilities, Chris Boyer, William Bourgeois, Skyler Bryant

Mavs Open Press Open Educational Resources - Archive

The next 25 years will see unprecedented growth in U.S. electricity demand, driven primarily by data centers for AI and industrial electrification. This surge presents unique challenges for power generation, especially for large loads requiring hundreds of megawatts to gigawatts from a single location. Conventional grid expansion is inadequate, prompting the need for innovative, flexible, and sustainable solutions. This book explores the opportunities, challenges, and hybrid generation strategies to support the evolving landscape of large-scale electric loads.

Creating Your Own Learning Path: Lessons From The Physics Classroom, Natalia Romero

Teaching Repository of AI-Infused Learning

Driving Your Own Learning Path is a strategy that guides students to create personalized AI-supported learning. Students initiate and refine their own prompts, progressing from basic questions to deeper conceptual and relational inquiries while using AI as a thinking partner rather than an answer provider. This approach strengthens self-regulation and metacognitive awareness by allowing students to reflect on their learning process and adapt their study strategies in real time.

The Hrt Conjecture: Known Results And Recent Advances, Sophia Maniscalco

Master’s Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: 3d Printed Tools And Assembly Techniques For Repeatable Lab-Scale Coin Cell Manufacturing, Daryl Miranda, Tosif Aliyev, Lamija Kovacevic, Sivapriya Voleti, Jaydie Lee, Kathleen Meehan, Monica C. So, Philip T. Dirlam

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

The coin cell form factor has become a standard in energy storage research owing to its relatively low cost, low quantity of requisite electroactive material, fast experimental turnover, and capability to generate publishable quality data. Coin cell assembly at the lab-scale requires precise manual alignment of the many internal components of a cell to yield a properly functioning device. Truly repeatable device assembly presents a significant challenge to the acquisition of reliable data. In this report, we present a three-dimensional (3D) printable design for a coin cell alignment device and describe techniques for a generalized workflow to achieve reproducible coin …

A Comprehensive Review Of Dental Diseases Detection And Classification Based On Artificial Intelligence Techniques, Nermeen N. Noaman, Yasmin M. Alsakar, Naira E. Elazab, Waleed M. Mohamed, Mohamed E. Ezzat, Mohammed M. Elmogy

Mansoura Engineering Journal

In dentistry, many diseases, such as gum, cavities, and oral cancer, affect people of all ages. Early treatment and diagnosis are crucial for minimizing dental diseases' effect on overall health and saving money in the long run. Traditional dental diagnosis methods, such as manual probing and visual inspection, are time-consuming and can be subject to human errors. Hence, a computer-aided diagnosis system based on computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques is needed. The considerable progress in computer vision and AI techniques offers many possibilities in dental diagnosis based on dental X-ray imaging modalities. Dental X-rays are used to diagnose …