Digital Commons Network^™

Interdependence In Practice: U.S. Travel Advisories And Turkey’S Economic Resilience, Matthew Michael Mccall

Honors Theses

This study examines the U.S. Travel Advisory and its economic impact on foreign nations, with a focus on Turkey between 2016 and 2024. Grounded in the theories of functional and asymmetrical interdependence, this approach employs a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative analysis of tourism revenue, GDP, and GNI with qualitative examination of geopolitical events that may raise or lower the Travel Advisory rating. Rather than assuming the advisory acts as a tool of coercive foreign policy, this study tests whether advisory changes meaningfully shape Turkey’s economic performance or whether they simply reflect moments of instability inside the country. The findings support …

Imagery Intelligence And Presidential Crisis Decision-Making: The Case Of The Cuban Missile Crisis, Codie Mcdonald

Honors Theses

Although the Cuban Missile Crisis was a short period of time relative to our nation’s history, this research has illuminated how much information, tension, and impactful moments lie within each minute; and the fact is, intelligence collection absolutely is a main factor in the de-escalation of the nuclear threat. Without the intelligence collection and production that was completed and given to Kennedy, policy would not be able to be made nearly as easy. Throughout each moment of the crisis, generally speaking, IMINT was able to provide and support the most aid to President Kennedy and his advisers. While the degree …

Polyminhash: Efficient Area-Based Minhashing Of Polygons For Approximate Nearest Neighbor Search, Alima Subedi, Sankalpa Pokharel, Satish Puri

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Similarity searches are a critical task in data mining. As datasets grow larger, exact nearest neighbor searches quickly become unfeasible, leading to the adoption of approximate nearest neighbor (ANN) searches. ANN has been studied for text data, images, and trajectories. However, there has been little effort to develop ANN systems for polygons in spatial database systems and geographic information systems. We present PolyMinHash, a system for approximate polygon similarity search that adapts MinHashing into a novel 2D polygon-hashing scheme to generate short, similarity-preserving signatures of input polygons. Minhash is generated by counting the number of randomly sampled points needed before …

Tindak Pidana Korupsi Oleh Partai Politik: Urgensi Dan Implikasi Hukum Terhadap Pembubarannya Dalam Sistem Ketatanegaraan Indonesia, Ivani Ananda, Alya Alania Basmine, Nadhira Putri

Jurnal Konstitusi & Demokrasi

Corruption has become an extraordinary crime that damages the integrity of the state and weakens the democratic system, including through the role of political parties that are supposed to be the main pillars of democracy. This research aims to answer the main question: can a political party be dissolved because it is proven to have committed a corruption crime? Using a normative-juridical research method, this paper examines the provisions in the Anti-Corruption Law, the Political Party Law, and the Constitutional Court Law and is associated with the e-KTP corruption case study. The results show that normatively political parties can be …

Clinical Characteristics Of Graves’ Disease Following Covid-19 Infection Or Vaccination: A Multicenter Case-Control Study, Asena Gökçay Canpolat, Kemal Ağbaht, Ati̇lla Hali̇l Elhan, Mustafa Cesur, Zi̇ynet Alphan Uç, Seçki̇n Akçay, Hülya Iliksu Gözü, Mehmet Aşik, Hayri̇ Bostan, Beki̇r Ucan, Tugçe Şah Ünal, Merve Yilmaz, Ayşe Kubat Üzüm, Mehmet Çağri Ünal, Cuneyd Anil, Ümmü Mutlu, Nurcan İnce, Sevgül Faki, Güven Bari̇s Cansu, Mehmet Sercan Erturk, Ayten Oguz, Mustafa Aydemi̇r, Şefi̇ka Burçak Polat, Oya Topaloğlu, Reyhan Ersoy, Beki̇r Çakir, Ayşe Ok, Ersen Karakiliç, Muhi̇tti̇n Yalçin, Yusuf Kayhan, Kader Ugur, Di̇lek Yazici, Alper Gürlek, Tülay Omma, Emre Serdar Saygili, Adnan Batman, Banu Kara, Göknur Yorulmaz, Bahri Evren, Füsun Baloş Törüner, Bülent Okan Yildiz, Murat Erdogan Fai̇k, Faruk Alagol, Erman Çakal, Mustafa Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To describe Graves’ Disease (GD) associated with COVID-19 infection (COVID) or its vaccines (VAC) and to compare the clinical presentations, laboratory parameters, and short-term clinical course of the disease among different etiology groups (COVID, VAC, and GD control).

Materials and methods: Included in this multicenter matched case–control, retrospective cohort study were 239 patients with newly diagnosed (n = 196) or recurrent GD (n = 43) associated with COVID (n = 79) or VAC (n = 160). Each case was matched (1:1) with a control who had been diagnosed with GD prior to COVID.

Results: The median age of the …

From Fear To Familiar: Decreasing Technology Anxiety Among Older Adults In A Senior Community, Regina Rayz

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Older adults (defined by the WHO as those 65 and older in developed countries) are more susceptible to technophobia than younger adults (Song et al., 2025). The fear and anxiety occurs with use of smartphones, tablets, social media, and telehealth and is associated with higher rates of social isolation and reduced autonomy. Technology-use anxiety is a preventative obstacle that inhibits both technology acceptance as well as overall health (Kim et al., 2023). Aim: To reduce technology-related anxiety among older low-income adults living in a senior residential facility in Richmond, CA by at least 25% using a brief, individualized technology …

Bicultural Identity, Work-Life Balance And Mental Health Outcomes In Swana Students, Julie M. Salama

Master's Theses

Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) college students navigate academic demands alongside immigration-salient stressors that may shape their mental health and academic performance. This study examined generational status (Gen 1 vs. Gen 2+), identity conflict, ethnic identity, and work–life balance (WLB) in overall GPA and major GPA, and mental health outcomes of depression (PHQ-9), and anxiety (GAD-7) among SWANA students (N = 35). Two one-way MANOVAs found no generational differences for academics (overall/major GPA) or mental health (PHQ-9/GAD-7). Identity conflict was unrelated to GPA or symptoms but was positively associated with ethnic identity, while WLB was negatively correlated with depression …

Heat Increment Of Feeding In The Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops Truncatus) Contributes Moderately To Field Metabolic Rate Estimates, Ioulia Koliopoulou, Stacy L. De Ruiter, Jordi Altimiras, Josefin Larsson, Julietta Arenarez, David Rosen, Andreas Fahlman

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Digestion elevates metabolism through the heat increment of feeding (HIF) – the energy expended on mechanical and biochemical processes after eating. Quantifying this cost is essential for bioenergetic models that predict energy flow and prey requirements in populations. Using breath-by-breath respirometry, we measured oxygen consumption (V̇ O2 ) in eight common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) before and after feeding standardized meals (1659–2658 kcal of capelin and herring). Metabolic rate rose by ∼37% above resting levels, peaking 60 min after feeding before returning to baseline within 2 h. When scaled across the day, digestion increased daily metabolic needs by ∼8.2% of …

A Trigger For The Autonomous Decommissioning Of Smart Devices, Ravindra Mangar, Jared Chandler, Jingyu Qian, Carl A. Gunter, Timothy J. Pierson, David Kotz

Dartmouth Scholarship

Smart devices are ubiquitous in modern environments, yet their decommissioning phase remains poorly studied and often overlooked in system design. We define secure decommissioning as the process by which a smart device securely disconnects from its environment and makes sensitive data inaccessible. If not decommissioned, devices may retain sensitive information – such as security credentials or user-behavior data that could be recovered by an adversary. Unfortunately, some users may forget to decommission a device when they dispose or sell it, and cannot decommission a device that is lost or stolen. This paper investigates a trigger mechanism for individual wireless smart …

Respect: Glmc Forming Cross Cultural Values And Relationships, Yeow Chye Ng, Kylie Patricia Russell, Intima Alrimawi, Krista A. White, Sylvia Oger Ofosu Dwamena, Jennifer Bail, Beth Tigges, Wendy Sergeant, Maureen P. Lall, Jennifer J. Miller, Miriam Wagoro

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Introduction: In leadership, the mentor-mentee relationship fosters professional growth and development. Central to this dynamic is the principle of respect, which serves as the foundation for effective cross-cultural communication, trust, and empowerment.^1,2

Purpose: This paper explores the significance of respect in mentor-mentee interactions within the fifth cohort of the Global Leadership Mentoring Community (GLMC), which spans from 2023 to 2025 and includes participants from six continents across Sigma Theta Tau International’s Global Regions. Through real-life examples, we will illustrate the profound impact of respect on mentoring relationships and leadership development.

Implications: Throughout this program, we have learned that …

Reimagining Nurse Education: Virtual Reality & Didactic Education For Better Nurse Handoff And Documentation, Haley M. Whalen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Setting: The pediatric perianesthesia unit (pre-operative and post-anesthesia care unit). Problem: Gaps in perianesthesia documentation contribute to poor handoff communication, leading to adverse events and increased hospital costs. Additionally, inconsistent documentation reduces clarity and consistency during handoffs. Context: Staff in the microsystem reported low confidence scores with required OP-Time documentation, inconsistent workflows, and I-PASS handoff expectations. These factors contribute to incomplete charting and a lack of standardization across providers. Interventions: A two-part educational intervention was conducted, consisting of eight sessions. The first component is a Virtual Reality (VR) simulation that demonstrates an accurate perianesthesia I-PASS handoff. The second …

Promoting Interprofessional Collaboration By Increasing Visibility Of Volunteer Doula Services, Ciera Rose Zelie

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: The 22-bed Labor and Delivery (L&D) unit lacks a standardized model to introduce doulas, clarify their scope of practice, or communicate the value of the services they provide. To address this gap, the team developed a standardized doula awareness poster featuring each doula's name, photo, years of experience, and personal interests. Aim: Enhance visibility and promote the integration of doula support to strengthen team collaboration and patient engagement. Methods: A pre- and post-implementation survey was distributed exclusively to the volunteer doulas. After the doula awareness poster was displayed for four weeks, a post-survey assessed these same domains to determine …

Incomplete (A3) Versus Complete (A4) Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures: Results From A Prospective International Multicenter Cohort Study, Jin W. Tee, Barry T. S. Kweh, Alex R. Vaccaro, Klaus J. Schnake, Mohammad El-Sharkawi, Eugen C. Popescu, Shanmuganathan Rajasekaran, Lorin M. Benneker, Sebastian F. Bigdon, John France, Jerome Paquet, R. Todd Allen, William F. Lavelle, Miguel Hirschfeld, Spyridon Pneumaticos, Richard J. Bransford, Andrei F. Joaquim, Harvinder S. Chhabra, Ulrich Spiegl, Hauri Dimitri, F. Cumhur Oner, Marcel Dvorak, Gregory D. Schroeder, Charlotte Dandurand

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to compare incomplete (A3) versus complete (A4) thoracolumbar burst fractures managed nonoperatively or operatively with respect to reaching minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score.

METHODS: A prospective observational international multicenter cohort study was conducted. After stratification using the AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System, A3 and A4 outcomes were analyzed separately within nonoperative and operative management groups. Outcomes included absolute and relative improvement in ODI scores between discharge and 12-month follow-up. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated and compared with the log-rank test. Multivariable Cox regression models were constructed. The Cox regression models …

Use Of Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy For Estimating Soil Chemical, Physical, And Hydrological Properties In Mississippi And Texas, Kanthake Yasas Bandara Gamagedara

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate and efficient estimation of soil properties is essential for advancing sustainable agriculture, water management, and soil survey applications. Traditional laboratory methods and pedotransfer functions (PTFs) are widely used but are often constrained by high costs, time requirements, and limited scalability. As an alternative, mid-infrared (MIR) and visible–near-infrared (vis–NIR) spectroscopy provide cost-effective, rapid, and non-destructive approaches for soil analysis. However, variability among spectrometer types, geographic regions, and soil scanning conditions poses challenges to model transferability and generalizability. This dissertation evaluated strategies to overcome these challenges and enhance the prediction of soil chemical, physical, and hydrological properties in Mississippi and Texas. …

Electrospun Nanofiber Creation With Varying Polymer-Solvent Combinations For Air Filtration, Lancaster Jace Hill

Theses and Dissertations

This study aims to analyze various polymer-solvent combinations for electrospun creation of nanofiber media and to determine the best-suited solution for lab-grade electrospinning. Suitable solutions allow for controlled morphology of fiber diameters and for efficiency of media creation. The principal variables are solvent, concentration, and voltage. Humidity and temperature play a secondary variable role. The solution must withstand an electric field of ≤30 kV and be insoluble in water to maintain desired morphology and structure. Manipulation of the solutions and variables allow for fiber diameter optimization and beading minimization. High temperature filter applications require efficiency in intense heat and preservation …

Immature Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus Leucas) Of Coastal Alabama: A Formal Assessment Of Habitat Change, The ‘Shark Nursery Area’ Concept, And Facilitation Of Stakeholder Support, Lindsay Lee Mullins

Theses and Dissertations

Evaluation of long-term datasets is essential for management of nearshore, estuarine areas given their heterogeneity and high biodiversity. This is especially true for fisheries, where data deficiency often restricts informed management decisions. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Marine Resources Division (AMRD) has conducted gillnet sampling along the Alabama Gulf Coast since 2001, yielding a long-term dataset capable of assessing resource change responses. The region is highly dynamic, marked by high levels of biodiversity, valuable fisheries, and a population of immature bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas). However, changing environmental conditions have altered coastal ecosystem dynamics, confounding management efforts. Here, …

Healing, Together, Courtney Cleek

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio reviews the topics of mutual rehabilitation and the human animal bond (HAB) as a holistic approach to addressing topics of mental health, suicide prevention, and innovative services. Displaying work through the Ten Specialization Year Competencies and the Five Elements of Advanced Integrative Practice, we examine ways to expand social justice, amplify voices, and promote healing within our communities.

Empathy In Action: A Personal Transformation, Kiley S. Radich

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio reflects both my accomplishments and my development as an advanced integrated practitioner. It is also a testament to the love, experiences, and opportunities that have shaped me and continue to inspire my practice.

Caring For The Herd: Lessons From The Buffalo, Drea Rightsell

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This document represents a summary and reflection of my profound journey through the University of Montana Masters in Social Work Program. It begins with the life and professional experiences that led me to the program, and continues to reflect upon the ten competencies of advanced social work practices as I experienced them trough rigourous academic and field work. It weaves together core beliefs from my pre-MSW life and illuminates the ways in which the values and ethics of social work have helped me grow as a person and a practitioner. The title refers to my connection with wild buffalo and …

Seagrassnet Monitoring In The Great Bay Estuary, Nh/Me Field Season 2024, Kalle Matso, Lara M. Martin, Christopher Whitney, Amanda Giacchetti, Trevor Mattera, David M. Burdick, Thomas K. Gregory

PREP Reports & Publications

No abstract provided.

Technological Disruption And Regulatory Response: The Case Of Decentralised Finance, Jakub Wisła, Jolanta Bartoszewska

Journal of Banking and Financial Economics

This article examines responses to the regulatory challenges posed by decentralised finance (DeFi), a fast-evolving domain of blockchain-based financial innovation. It investigates the factors shaping divergent regulatory strategies, with a focus on the European Union’s comprehensive cryptoasset framework and selected comparative insights. Adopting a qualitative legal methodology – combining doctrinal-functional analysis, multivocal literature review, and two case studies – the authors explore how regulatory responses are influenced by three key variables: legal tradition, the financial function performed by blockchain-based solutions, and the level of technological and institutional autonomy. The case studies – Bitcoin as a payment instrument and cryptoassets as …

Courage To Lead Translational, Dissemination And Implementation Sciences, Mary A. Dolansky

Biennial Convention (CONV)

This presentation describes the bold foundations of nursing leadership in evidence-based quality improvement and patient safety and points to present and future directions in the field. National initiatives have surged forward to achieve the goal of safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable and patient centered care. The nursing perspective in this rapidly expanding field of translational science is essential to achieve the greatest impact on best practices, strong care systems, and improved population health.

National Resources To Maximize Nursing’S Implementation Capacity And Influence, Kathleen R. Stevens

Biennial Convention (CONV)

This presentation will describe the current availability of capacity building resources, pointing to ways of leveraging existing national resources and adding the nursing perspective. The panel’s consensus strategies will be outlined. Panelists will engage the broad base of nurse scholars in attendance to further delineate strategies. Recommendations will be solicited regarding implementation science theories, methods, and strategies that inform practice change and implementation science research through a nursing lens. The session will be summarized with a focus on the next bold steps to increase nursing capacity and influence on implementation science in research and practice.

Represent: Glmc Bringing Sigma’S Global Regions Together, Viji George, Dorette Sugg Welk, Juana Mercedes Gutierrez Valverde, Elizabeth Wescott

Biennial Convention (CONV)

As professional nurses and Sigma members, the Global Leadership Mentoring Community (GLMC), with its outreach, connects Sigma’s vast diversity and capability of representing global nurses, a Sigma Call to Action (2023-2025).¹

Purpose: To understand the impact of GLMC on serving as ambassadors of Sigma, coming together through mentoring relationships to build a cross-cultural leadership platform, and seeking collective solutions for global healthcare issues.

Background: Sigma brings nursing expertise across the globe and emphasizes how nurses play key role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDM),² Global nurse leaders impact healthcare and cost-effectiveness on quality, safety, and outcomes.³ Mentorship …

Respond: Glmc Investing In Nursing Leadership To Address Global Health Challenges, Elizabeth Rosser, Julie Grady, Sylvia Waweru, Beth Chiatti, Katherine Chike-Harris

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Introduction: Responding to the global challenges of investing in nursing leadership and the demands of modern nursing care is a key aspect of the Sigma Call to Action.¹ The World Health Organization² and the International Council of Nurses³ both recognize the health, economic, social, and emotional benefits of investing in nursing leadership to the individual, the workforce, and the wider community and, by being more culturally aware,⁴ influence health more widely.⁵ Sigma’s Global Leadership Mentoring Community is one strategy that responds to this challenge.^6,7

Purpose: To present insights into participants’ expectations and short-term achievements …

The Cytotoxicity And Anti-Inflammatory Properties Of 1’S-1’-Acetoxychavicol Acetate (Aca) On Oral Cells, Nur Umairah Atiqah Sabri, Nor Syazwani Muhammad Zahidan, Zulfahmi Said, Siti Noor Adnalizawati Adnan, Normaliza Ab Malik

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: Mouthwash is widely used to maintain oral health by reducing the prevalence of pathogenic microbiomes. Nonetheless, chlorhexidine, a common active ingredient, is associated with side effects including teeth staining, mucosal peeling, mouth and tongue numbness. This has prompted interest in natural alternatives. This study aimed to identify the cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory properties of 1’S-1’-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) isolated from Alpinia conchigera rhizome against human primary gingival fibroblast and keratinocyte (HPGF and HPGK). Methods: Cytotoxicity of ACA (1.57 mg/mL) against HPGF and HPGK was assessed using the MTT assay. Meanwhile, the anti-inflammatory property of ACA was analyzed based on …

Factors Affecting Interest In Orthodontic Treatment Among Adults In Jakarta, Joko Kusnoto, Lia Hapsari Andayani, Budi Kusnoto

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objectives: The misalignment of teeth and/or jaws caused by abnormalities in the dynamic process of craniofacial growth and development is known as malocclusion. Over half of children and adolescents worldwide experience some form of malocclusion. Orthodontic treatment is the process of adjusting the position of teeth and jaws to achieve optimal occlusion. In recent decades, there has been a global surge in the need for orthodontic treatment among adults. This study aims to evaluate the factors affecting interest in orthodontic treatment among adults in Jakarta. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2023. A total …

Prevalence Of Bruxism And Its Association With Stress Among Dental Students: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study, Ketavatu Durga Prasad Naik, Prasanthi Gortha, Madhu Varma, Mohan Kumar, Rama Laxmi Koruprolu, Mounika Rameswarapu

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: Bruxism has been described as a parafunction associated with a multifactorial etiology, but primarily as a psychological factor. This study determined the prevalence of bruxism among dental students and explored the potential contributing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among dental students across various academic years. The prevalence of bruxism (awake and during sleep) was assessed along with stress levels, lifestyle factors, and demographic variables. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of bruxism was significantly associated with stress and academic workload. Most participants exhibited moderate to severe …

Dental Students’ Preferences In Selecting Artificial Teeth For Older Adults' Dentures, Muhammad Afif Sapie, Nur Hanim Farhana Mohamad Hilmi, Aiemeeza Rajali, Nik Rahayyu Nik Zulkifeli, Nor Wati Nur Atikah Mustafa, Hazem Mofreh Dakhilallah Al Tarawneh

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: Selecting and arranging acrylic resin teeth for dentures is essential to achieve a natural appearance; however, limited understanding and older adults’ aesthetic expectations may result in inconsistencies and increased patient visits. This study aimed to explore the methods and factors dental students prefer when selecting artificial teeth for dentures for older adults. Method: A validated questionnaire, including consent, demographics, and six domains of the methods with related factors for selecting acrylic teeth, was distributed to dental students of the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). The participants responded using a five-point Likert scale and closed-ended questions. Result: 161 dental students participated …

Evaluation Of Maxillary Posterior Teeth Proximity To The Adjacent Sinuses In A Turkish Subpopulation: Implications For Dental Education And Clinical Practice, Damla Yiğit, Gizem Dolaşir, Sabri Çelik, Rüya Sessiz, Raif Alan

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the proximity of upper posterior tooth roots to adjacent sinus borders using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a Turkish subpopulation and to assess dental students’ competence in identifying this anatomical relationship. Methods: CBCT scans of 171 patients were analyzed. The vertical relationship between premolars and molar roots, and the maxillary sinus (MS) border was categorized into four types (Type 0–3). Interrater agreement between three final-year dental students and an experienced radiologist was measured. Results: Type 0 was the most frequent classification, except for first molars, where Type 2 and Type 3 predominated. MS-root distances …