Digital Commons Network^™

I Know What To Say Now: Students' Evaluation And Utilisation Of Accidental Counsellor Training, Joanna E. Harnett, Claire E. Ashton-James, James Kite, Tonia Crawford, Sanetta H.J. Du Toit, Leigh A. Wilson, Rosa Howard

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction In 2020 and 2021, 280 health profession students who were engaged in student leadership roles and peer mentoring were invited to undertake extracurricular training in accidental counselling to build skills in recognising and responding to a person in distress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of the online training course, and to explore students’ confidence to use Accidental Counsellor tools to support peers in distress after completion of the training course. Methods A retrospective cohort study including a post- intervention only design was used. A survey was administered approximately 12 months after 225 students completed …

An Online Treatment Decision Aid For Men With Low-Risk Prostate Cancer Eligible For Active Surveillance And Their Partners Increases The Uptake Of Active Surveillance: The Navigate Randomised Controlled Trial, Penelope Schofield, Stephen Quinn, Natalie Richards, Alan White, Fiona White, Mark Frydenberg, Suzanne Chambers, Louisa G. Gordon, Robert Alexander Frank Gardiner, Declan G. Murphy, Matthew J. Roberts, John Yaxley, Nathan Lawrentschuk, Kevin Chu, Jeremy Millar, Jeremy Grummet, Ilona Juraskova

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and objective: Evidence suggests that curative treatment for low-risk prostate cancer (LRPC) has no survival benefits over active surveillance (AS); thus, treatment choice becomes a value-sensitive decision. Decision aids (DAs) have the potential to facilitate this process, yet no DA has been tailored to the Australian health care system or population. This study aims to evaluate the impact of an online DA (Navigate) on the uptake of AS, quality of life, and decision-making in Australia. Methods: This parallel-group, prospective, randomised controlled trial recruited men (from May 2017 to May 2021) from participating cancer centres, via self-referral, or via clinician …

Factors Influencing The Effectiveness Of Machine Learning Algorithms In Predicting Raw Wastewater Characteristics: An Analysis Based On Weekly Field Data, Hoda Khoshvaght, Ratish Ramyad Permala, Amir Razmjou, Mehdi Khiadani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Accurate prediction of raw wastewater characteristics can reduce laboratory costs, enable optimized chemical dosing, and improve the overall efficiency of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) operations. This study evaluates machine learning (ML) models as a fast, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative for predicting Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Ammonia Nitrogen (NH4⁺-N) in raw wastewater. Seven ML algorithms, including tree-based, neural, and regression approaches, were trained using standard wastewater indicators, including organic load, nutrient levels, and pH, with hyperparameters tuned via grid search cross-validation. Model performance was evaluated using correlation-based (R²) and error-based metrics (RMSE, MAE, MAPE) to ensure …

Design Of A Robust Adaptive Cascade Fractional-Order Proportional–Integral–Derivative Controller Enhanced By Reinforcement Learning Algorithm For Speed Regulation Of Brushless Dc Motor In Electric Vehicles, Seyyed Morteza Ghamari, Mehrdad Ghahramani, Daryoush Habibi, Asma Aziz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Brushless DC (BLDC) motors are commonly used in electric vehicles (EVs) because of their efficiency, small size and great torque-speed performance. These motors have a few benefits such as low maintenance, increased reliability and power density. Nevertheless, BLDC motors are highly nonlinear and their dynamics are very complicated, in particular, under changing load and supply conditions. The above features require the design of strong and adaptable control methods that can ensure performance over a broad spectrum of disturbances and uncertainties. In order to overcome these issues, this paper uses a Fractional-Order Proportional-Integral-Derivative (FOPID) controller that offers better control precision, better …

Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Microrna-7-5p Expression And Biological Significance In Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Rikki A.M. Brown, Michael Phillips, Andrew J. Woo, Omar Kujan, Stephanie Flukes, Louise N. Winteringham, Larissa C. Dymond, Fiona Wheeler, Brianna Pollock, Dianne J. Beveridge, Elena Denisenko, Peter J. Leedman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent malignancy with poor clinical outcomes. microRNA-7-5p (miR-7-5p) has been described as both a tumour suppressor and an oncomiR depending on the tissue context, but its role in HNSCC remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the clinical significance and biological function of miR-7-5p in HNSCC by integrating data from multiple sources. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify studies analysing miRNA expression in human head and neck tissues. A meta-analysis of individual patient data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), ArrayExpress, and The Cancer Genome Atlas …

St. John Paul Ii On Obedience And Its Spirituality In Religious And Consecrated Life, Paul Nguyen Van Hoa

Loyola Papers

This paper examines the theological and spiritual meaning of the vow of obedience in religious life through the teachings of Pope John Paul II. It presents obedience as Christ-centered, Trinitarian, ecclesial, and pneumatological—understood as a free and loving response modeled on Christ. Reframed as dialogue grounded in listening, discernment, and mutual trust, obedience is shown to foster authentic freedom and communion. By integrating theology with lived religious practice, the study highlights obedience as a liberating, relational, and Spirit-led path that deepens personal dignity, communal fidelity, and mission.

Full Issue, Volume 6, Issue 2

Loyola Papers

No abstract provided.

Biomass Materials And Their Application In 4d Printing, Zhongda Yang, Jian Li, Yanling Guo, Yangwei Wang, Wen Zhao, Wei Zhao, Yanju Liu, Laichang Zhang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Four-dimensional (4D) printing technology is a revolutionary development that produces structures that can adapt in response to external stimuli. However, the responsiveness and printability of smart materials with shape memory properties, which are necessary for 4D printing, remain limited. Biomass materials derived from nature have offered an effective solution due to their various excellent and unique properties. Biomass materials have been abundant in resources and low in carbon content, contributing to the then-current global green energy-saving goals, including carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. This review focused on different sources of biomass materials used in 4D printing, including plant-based, animal-based, and …

Vascular Video Ipsilateral Hybrid Repair Of A Combined Type Ib And Iii Endoleak After Fenestrated-Branched Endograft And Bilateral Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis, Nolan C Cirillo-Penn, Thomas C Bower, Gustavo S Oderich, Bernardo C Mendes

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Estrogen Signaling Is Necessary For The Sex Difference In Simulated Jet Lag In Mice, Maria A. Venegas, Nicholas Westray, Samuel Nwadialo, Yuriko Katsumata, Julie S. Pendergast

Biology Faculty Publications

The circadian system coordinates 24-h cycles of internal biological processes with the environmental light-dark cycle. Abrupt shifts in the timing of the light-dark cycle misalign internal circadian clocks with the environment and cause jet lag until resynchronization occurs. The objective of this study was to investigate the sex difference in simulated jet lag in mice. Female mice resynchronized faster than male mice to 6-h advances of the light-dark cycle that mimicked eastward travel. Circulating estradiol was necessary and sufficient for rapid resynchronization in female mice since ovariectomized females resynchronized slower than mice treated with estradiol. Disabling estrogen receptor a (ERa), …

Jetstream Fall 2025, Nancy Anzalone, Courtney Dalfonso, Susan Bloom, Genesis Nieves, Brianna Paoli, Donna Headley

JETstream: Library Newsletter

The October 2025 Edition of JETstream highlights the new Writing Center location, test prep support, new research tools and databases "Trends & Policy: U.S. Criminal Justice" and the "Hispanic American Periodicals Index" (HAPI), as well as newly accessible digital archives collections, staff art exhibitions and upcoming JET Library Events.

The Scoop, Vol. 12 Issue 7, October 2025, Health Sciences Library

Volume 12

Latest news and updates from the Health Sciences Library in our monthly newsletter for October 2025. Please see page 2 for a text-only version of this issue!

Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosed In Adulthood And The Factors That Can Lead To A Late Diagnosis, Camila Velez De Jesus

College of Liberal Arts

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects an individual throughout their entire life. The condition is typically diagnosed in childhood, and the rate of children diagnosed with it has been increasing over the years. Cases of adults being diagnosed with autism have also been on the rise. A popular theory to explain this occurrence is the broadening definition of autism spectrum disorder; however, there are other factors that should be taken into account. The use of the Medical Model of Disability in autism diagnosis could have led to certain individuals not being diagnosed in adulthood, but with the …

Degradation Minimization Of Utility-Scale Li-Ion Bess Through Operational Optimization Employing An Equivalent Circuit Model, Kwabena A. Kyeremeh, Grant M. Fischer, Donovin D. Lewis, Aron Patrick, Dan M. Ionel

Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Research

The increasing deployment of utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) necessitates effective strategies for supporting grid services while minimizing degradation that may compromise system longevity. High charge/discharge rates (C-rate) and imbalanced operation of multi-unit BESS configurations may accelerate degradation. This paper proposes a degradation-aware operational optimization based on Model Predictive Control (MPC) for coordinating multiple BESS units under physical and operational constraints. The multi-objective optimization model imposes penalties on C-rate magnitude, operational state-of-charge (SoC) disparity, and battery internal resistance modeled using an equivalent circuit model. A case study conducted for a fleet of BESS units over a one-week load profile …

Advancing University Student Health And Wellbeing Through Peer-Led Health Promotion: A Quality Improvement Project​ ​, Rojeda Merani, Elizabeth Page, Elizabeth Roth

DNP Projects

Background: Peer-led health promotion is widely recognized as an effective strategy for increasing engagement, trust, and health literacy among university students. However, few frameworks guide development and implementation of these programs.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, implementation process, and perceived effectiveness of a peer-led health promotion model supported by Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) mentorship at a mid-sized private university.

Participants: Thirteen undergraduate students from a diverse set of academic programs were recruited as Peer Health Ambassadors (PHAs) and paired with DNP student mentors.

Methods: Guided by the Implementation Research Logic Model, the project used a four-phase QI process: targeted …

Networks For Survival: North Korea’S Systematic Evasion Of International Sanctions, Kaeli Rasnake

Senior Honors Theses

This paper aims to address the evolution and methodologies of North Korea’s sanction evasion tactics. The nation’s ability to maintain its economy sustains its capacity to pose a threat to the United States and its allies. This paper has identified four major networks that North Korea utilizes to survive, which include sanctions evasion tactics, partnerships with China, Russia, and the Developing World. The study utilizes a qualitative research methodology to analyze and assess the behaviors and interactions at play. This paper concludes that foreign policy towards North Korea centered on sanctions is not enough, as North Korea has proven it …

The Efficacy Of Emdr Therapy Compared To Tf-Cbt In Adopted Children To Manage Post-Traumatic Stress: An Integrative Review, Grace Ann Steiner

Senior Honors Theses

This integrative review examines the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy compared to trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) in managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adopted children. Children adopted from foster care tend to experience more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and maladjustment issues when compared to the general population, which necessitates effective therapeutic interventions to reduce PTSD symptoms and emotional dysregulation. Through analysis and comparison of the data, it was determined that both EMDR and TF-CBT effectively alleviated trauma-related symptoms, although one technique is not necessarily always more effective or efficient than the other. Along with reviewing …

The Science Of Sound: Studying The Cognitive, Emotional, And Physiological Effects Of Frequency, Genre, And Music, Jett Yarborough

Senior Honors Theses

Music influences emotion, physiology, and cognition, yet little is known about how the frequency it is tuned to affects these influences. Prior research has shown that music tuned to 432 Hz can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep. My colleagues and I conducted two studies to investigate this. Our research found that music tuned to 432 Hz promotes a significant increase in memory retention and induces a state of focus and relaxation. These results suggest that shifting from the standard tuning frequency of 440 Hz to 432 Hz could have a profoundly positive impact on our daily lives. …

From Altamont To Astroworld: An Analysis Of Management Issues In Large Scale Music Festivals, Jennifer Morriss

Honors College Theses

The most common problems in music festivals can largely be broken into two categories: risks to the individual and risks on a grand scale. It is the responsibility of event managers to consider how to best keep everyone safe and maintain proper organization. Risks to the individual are often things like substance use and abuse, harm reduction, and sexual assault or harassment. Meanwhile, broad risks tend to be issues of evacuation and emergency management, crowd safety, stampedes, and casualties or violence. It is crucial to reflect on prior common safety and security issues when setting out to produce a large …

Artificial Intelligence And Medical Education (2013-2024): A Scopus-Based Bibliometric Analysis, Festus Mulakoli, Edward Misava

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming medical education by enabling personalised learning, adaptive feedback, simulation-based training, and automated assessments. While AI offers significant benefits, including curriculum optimisation and virtual tutoring, concerns around data privacy, access, and ethical implementation persist. Although bibliometric studies have explored AI in healthcare, comprehensive analyses of global collaboration and publication trends in AI-focused medical education remain limited. Aim: This study aims to analyse global research trends, key contributors, and thematic developments in the application of AI within medical education. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database. The search strategy included terms …

Integrating Ai And Generative Ai Across The Curriculum: A Look At Three Subject Areas, Angie Su, Victoria Brenes, Stephanie L. Nelson

FDLA Journal

This paper explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) models, such as ChatGPT and other GenAI tools, can effectively integrate into mathematics, computer science, and English classrooms. Students must understand foundational AI concepts and how these technologies function to facilitate meaningful engagement with AI and GenAI. This paper provides practical strategies for math educators to introduce AI algorithms that connect with students' existing knowledge and real-life experiences. Furthermore, it examines how GenAI can enhance learning, supporting students at each stage of coding, reading, and writing. The ethical considerations of GenAI usage, including potential overuse by students, are discussed. …

Program Evaluation Of Tms Treatment For Patients With Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder And Ptsd, Alec Wilson

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Nearly six million in the U.S. experience symptoms associated with the diagnoses of comorbid Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many with these diagnoses fail to respond to first line treatments that include medication and psychotherapy. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for individuals who fail to respond to first line treatments.

Methods: This program evaluation completed a retrospective chart review of adult patients with comorbid MDD and PTSD, who received TMS treatments at a private practice clinic between the time frame of September 2024 and October of 2025.

Results: All …

An Evidence-Based Practice Review: Outpatient Opioid, Narcan, And Non-Opioid Treatments For Pain Management, Kayla Culp

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background: There were nearly 645,000 deaths from 1991-2021 related to opioid overdose. Despite the U.S. representing only four percent of the global population, Americans consume 80% of the world’s opioids. Ten million Americans misuse opioid prescriptions, and this contributes to the thousands of annual deaths. Preventable mortality related to the opioid epidemic persists despite advancements in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention efforts.

Purpose: The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to compare components of CDC’s (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain to current prescribing practices amid an ongoing …

A Program Evaluation Of An Integrated Mental Health Model In A Rural Primary Care Clinic, Shelley Rickett

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background: Mental health issues are not unique to Eastern Montana, in February 2021 there were 44,000 adults in Montana diagnosed with a serious mental illness (NAMI,2021). Access to mental health services in Eastern Montana is challenging due to the number of small rural towns that have a significant distance between them. There is an insufficient number of mental health providers and counselors to cover this large geographical area, significantly impacting access to mental health services. In an attempt to impact mental health access, primary care clinics are integrating these services into an integrated mental health model.

Purpose: The …

Myplate For Healthy Diet And Physical Activity: A Pilot Project, Christin Sullivan

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background: Over 100 million American adults are obese. This has increased from 38.5% in 2013-2016 to 41.8% in 2017-2020 and is predicted to keep rising. Significant health risks are linked to obesity, prompting weight loss movements at the local, national and global level. Recently, Semaglutide has been favored in weight loss programs but must be augmented by education on healthy diet and physical activity for weight reduction and maintenance.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to pilot the MyPlate method on healthy diet and physical activity and determine its effects on patient knowledge of healthy diet and physical …

Changing Characteristics Of Cryptococcal Infections And Outcomes: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort, Charis C. Hodges, Kenneth Long, Gerald Mcgwin, Todd Mccarty, Peter Pappas

Heersink School of Medicine Student Presentations

No abstract provided.

To The Editor: In Response To "A Eulogy For The Primary Care Physician"., Leah Parker

Medical Education Articles

No abstract provided.

In Support Of Free Speech On Food Production, Nicole Ligon

Penn State Law Review (2003 - Present)

No abstract provided.

Code^Shift Newsletter Fall 2025, Srividya Ramasubramanian, Manaswini Pillai

CODE^SHIFT Research

No abstract provided.

Silver Linings 2025, Tower Health

Silver Linings

No abstract provided.