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Reflections In Practice, Joshua William Erickson

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio narrative documents my professional development through the Master of Social Work program at the University of Montana. It discusses how I've developed my skills through practicum sites at Youth Villages and the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) at Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) as well as coursework spanning from clinical practice, policy analysis, program evaluation, and community organizing. Using the Five Elements of Advanced Integrated Practice and all ten CSWE competencies as an organizing structure, clinical skills with adolescents, families, and older adults are reflected on. Growth in macro-level practice, program evaluation, and interdisciplinary leadership is …

Msw Portfolio, Allie Wright

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

My Msw Journey, Kaela Metcalfe

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Improving Language Access For Massachusetts Immigrants With Limited English Proficiency: A Policy For Routine Professional Medical Interpreter Use, Anh Van Kieu Tran

Capstones

No abstract provided.

Determinants Of Antenatal Care Utilization: A Community-Based, Cross-Sectional Study In Morang And Sunsari Districts, Eastern Nepal, Sunil Shah, Chandra Jha

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

This study examined the factors influencing antenatal care (ANC) utilization in the eastern region of Nepal, focusing on the Morang and Sunsari districts, with the aim of identifying key determinants affecting ANC uptake and assessing the extent of ANC service utilization among mothers. Using lot quality assurance sampling, a community-based, descriptive, cross-sectional design was employed, surveying 164 mothers who had given birth within the previous 12 months; data were collected from June through November 2023. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS, with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Findings revealed that 80.5% of respondents …

Locating-Chromatic Number Of Bipartite Graphs, Dian Kastika Syofyan, Edy Tri Baskoro, Hilda Assiyatun, Ira Apni Purwasih, Zata Yumni Awanis, Arga Febriantoni

Baghdad Science Journal

The locating-chromatic number of a graph combines proper vertex coloring with vertex identification through distances to color classes. Although this parameter has been studied for many graph families, general results for bipartite graphs remain limited. Bipartite graphs contain structural symmetries, especially within each partite set, making it difficult to obtain distinct color codes. This paper establishes lower and upper bounds for the locating-chromatic number of bipartite graphs using neighborhood equivalence classes in the two partite sets. The bounds describe the effect of identical neighborhoods on the number of distinguishable color codes. They are shown to be tight, and regular complete …

Performance Analysis Of Bulk Queueing Systems With Inspection, Two Rework Cycles And Multiple Vacations, R. Lokesh, S. Karpagam, Gopal Kumar Gupta

Baghdad Science Journal

In a production system, rework plays a key role in reducing waste and efficiently managing manufacturing costs. The proposed model addresses a system with batch arrivals, a single server, and a two-stage bulk service with inspection, two rework cycles, and multiple vacations. First, batches are processed in stage 1, some of which may require rework during the same cycle, albeit with a certain probability, while others proceed to stage 2. After stage 2, batches are inspected, and if evidence of nonconformities is found, they are reworked with a certain probability. After inspection or rework, batches are processed according to the …

The Ranking Function With Trapezoidal Membership And Fuzzy Parameters Of The Inverse Exponential Rayleigh Distribution, Rehab Noori Shalan, Ali T. Mohammed, Maysaa J. Mohammed, Iden H. Al-Kinani

Baghdad Science Journal

This study aims to investigate the estimation of the parameters of the inverse exponential Rayleigh distribution using the Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and Ranked Set Sampling (RSS) methods, on account of their importance in modeling across lifespan and reliability data. The model is used on empirical data representing the fracture stress of carbon fibers for both single and saturated fibers, in order to determine the accuracy of the estimation methods in given applications. In addition, the classical model is expanded to a fuzzy model to focus on inherent uncertainty in real-world applications. This is realized by designing fuzzy numbers using …

Effect Of Lanthanum Additive On The Structural, Magnetic, And Morphological Properties Of LaXNi1-XFe2O4 Ferrite Prepared By Sol-Gel Method, Awattif A. Mohammed, Farah T. M. Noori

Baghdad Science Journal

Spinel ferrites are valued for their tunable electrical and magnetic properties. Rare-earth substitution, such as with La³⁺, is known to modify their cation distribution and magnetic interaction. In this study, La_xNi_1-xFe₂O₄ nanoparticles (x = 0.0, 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9) were synthesized via the sol-gel method. Their properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). XRD confirmed a single-phase cubic spinel structure for all compositions. A gradual peak shift with increasing La³⁺ content indicated lattice expansion, attributable to the larger ionic radius …

Synergistic Photodetectors Based On Sno2/Si With Cnts Via Vacuum Thermal Evaporation, Sozan A. Hassan, Walla M. Mohammd, Mohanad Q. Kareem, Kawkab D. Salim

Baghdad Science Journal

This study presents a precision-engineered carbon nanotube (CNT)-doped SnO₂/Si heterojunction photodetector, wherein interfacial physics governs performance beyond individual material capabilities. Stepwise CNT loadings (0, 0.03, and 0.07 wt.%) were deposited by vacuum thermal evaporation to systematically reconstruct the crystallographic, morphological and band-alignment landscape. A-sure X-ray diffraction demonstrates that the rutile phase remains, and atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirm grain passivation at the nanoscale. High sub-bandgap light sensitivity can be achieved, benefiting from the built-in field-assisted carrier separation at the SnO₂/Si interface, whereby the redshifted absorption edge is indicative of intentional bandgap engineering. CNT …

The Effect Of Escape Room Simulation On The Self-Efficacy And Communication Levels Of Novice Critical Care Nurses, Lauren A. Femino, Kim Chapman, Julie A. Marshall, Shelby A. Trull, Jennifer A. Dibenedetto

The Lahey Journal

Abstract 

Introduction: Novice critical care nurses often report having low self-confidence and effective communication skills when transitioning to the ICU practice, often due to stress, limited experience, and unfamiliarity with critical care environments. These challenges can not only affect their job satisfaction and retention rates, but also pose serious risks to patient safety and outcomes. The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to assess the impact of an escape room simulation on the self-efficacy and communication skills of novice critical care nurses.

Methods: An evidence-based practice (EBP) project with pre-test and post-test design was conducted to …

Leadership Style And Employee Outcomes In Private Practice Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinics, Catherine Beuerle Martin, Debra Ann Beazley

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Background: Workforce retention, employee engagement, and job satisfaction are ongoing challenges in outpatient physical therapy practice. Leadership style has been identified as a potentially modifiable organizational factor that may influence clinician experience and workplace outcomes. Despite extensive leadership research in other health professions, evidence specific to outpatient physical therapy settings remains limited. 

Purpose: To examine the relationships between private practice outpatient physical therapy clinic directors’ perceived leadership styles and staff physical therapists' work engagement, job satisfaction, turnover intention, leadership effectiveness, satisfaction with leadership, and willingness to exert extra effort.

Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study surveyed licensed staff physical …

From “Fixer” To “Facilitator”: A Clinical Review Of Shared Medical Appointments As A Strategy For Workforce Sustainability, Barbara A. Slusher

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Clinician burnout remains a significant threat to workforce sustainability, particularly in resource-constrained settings managing complex chronic diseases. While shared medical appointments (SMAs) have demonstrated clear benefits in patient satisfaction and access, their impact on clinician well-being and professional fulfillment is less clearly defined. This review evaluates whether participation in SMAs improves clinician satisfaction and mitigates burnout by facilitating a conceptual transition from isolated “Fixer” to collaborative “Facilitator.”

A targeted literature search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar identified peer-reviewed publications examining shared medical appointments and clinician-centered outcomes, including burnout, clinician satisfaction, and workforce sustainability. …

Umbilical Artery Doppler In Fetal Growth Restriction, Britanie Dollard

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Umbilical artery (UA) Doppler velocimetry is a noninvasive tool used to assess placental vascular resistance and improve risk stratification in pregnancies complicated by suspected fetal growth restriction (FGR). Placental insufficiency remains a leading cause of stillbirth and neonatal morbidity, making early identification critical for optimizing perinatal outcomes. This clinical review synthesizes current evidence regarding the role of UA Doppler in identifying placental insufficiency, outlines key waveform interpretations, and evaluates how Doppler findings guide clinical management and delivery planning. Evidence and major society guidelines support UA Doppler as a targeted surveillance tool in high-risk pregnancies complicated by suspected FGR. Progressive abnormalities, …

Hidden Infarctions: Understanding And Managing Myocardial Infarction With Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries Through A Multimodal Lens, Catalina Esquivel

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) accounts for 5–15% of myocardial infarctions and disproportionately affects women and minority populations. It is defined by clinical evidence of myocardial ischemia with

The Use Of Psilocybin For Managing Refractory Behavioral Health Conditions: A Narrative Review, Rachel N. Clark

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the possible benefits of using psilocybin (C₁₂H₁₇N₂O₄P), a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in certain species of mushrooms, in the treatment of multiple forms of mental illness and substance use disorders, either as monotherapy or in conjunction with traditional psychiatric medications. The compound has high affinity for several serotonin receptors, including 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_2A, and 5-HT_2C, which are located throughout the cerebral cortex and thalamus. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted, identifying studies that assessed pharmacokinetics, therapeutic …

Countering Hpv Vaccine Misinformation On Social Media: Practical Strategies For Healthcare Providers, David Baldwin

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a highly effective strategy for preventing cervical and other HPV-related cancers; however, vaccine hesitancy remains a significant barrier to optimal vaccination rates. Social media has become a major source of health information while simultaneously amplifying misinformation that influences parental attitudes toward HPV vaccination. This narrative literature review examined the relationship between social media misinformation and HPV vaccine hesitancy and identified evidence-based strategies healthcare providers can use to improve vaccine confidence.

A literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar identified 31 articles published between 2016 and 2025, of which 19 met inclusion criteria. The literature demonstrates …

Professional Values And Workplace Alignment In Dpt Alumni: A Quantitative Cohort Analysis, Debra Ann Beazley, Stephen Elam, Penny S. Elam, Lawrence S. Ramiscal, Pt, Dpt, Ph.D.

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Background: Professional values are foundational to physical therapy practice and are emphasized throughout Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education. Although identity formation literature suggests that core values may persist after graduation, less is known about how workplace context, career stage, and clinical performance relate to the long-term enactment of values among practicing clinicians.

Purpose: To examine whether professional values among DPT alumni differ across demographic groups, career stages, and outpatient settings, and to explore associations among organizational support, workplace value alignment, and historical educational performance.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among University of Lynchburg DPT alumni …

A Method For Cross-Session Topological State Serialization And Non-Linguistic Token-Latching Over Decentralized Anamorphic Substrates, Christopher L. Eckes

Defensive Publications Series

Standard autoregressive transformer models are structurally isolated by a temporary Session-Flush Loop. Upon the termination or context-saturation of a single deployment session, the localized dynamic parameter adjustments (\(\Phi _{t}\)) are completely erased, resetting the network back to its static global base weights (\(W_{\text{global}}\)). This forced state of catastrophic forgetting prevents edge-based AI architectures from establishing a continuous operational identity, creating a permanent dependency on centralized corporate cloud infrastructures to manage premium text-history logging.

This specification introduces a standalone engineering framework for Cross-Session Topological State Serialization. Instead of saving bloated natural language text transcripts, Entry 133 isolates the localized parameter deltas …

Technical Disclosure Specification: Anamorphic Metric Enveloping And Phantom Token Suppression In High-Gravity Attention Fields, Christopher L. Eckes

Defensive Publications Series

Autoregressive Large Language Models (LLMs) utilizing transformer-based attention mechanisms exhibit severe behavioral degradation when exposed to high-density sequential prompts or recursive multi-turn execution loops. This phenomenon, formalized as Prompt Gravity, induces an asymmetric structural warping of the Softmax attention matrix, forcing the model to generate ungrounded token vectors—Phantom Tokens—based entirely on localized statistical momentum rather than external data validation. Once written to the context substrate, these phantom vectors generate a recursive feedback loop that accelerates model collapse. [1]

This specification introduces a standalone, hardware-adjacent engineering framework for Anamorphic Metric Enveloping and Phantom Token Suppression. By applying a non-perturbative …

August 20, 2026

The Breeze, 2020-

No abstract provided.

Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Retinal Imaging For Chronic Disease Detection, Prediction, And Screening, Shivani Gandhi

Master's Projects and Capstones

A retinal image may reveal more than eye disease; it may also show early signs of chronic illness elsewhere in the body. Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease can develop before symptoms become noticeable, making earlier detection an important public health goal. Advances in artificial intelligence have created new possibilities for using retinal images to identify patterns linked to these conditions. This scoping review examined how Artificial Intelligence -assisted retinal imaging has been used for chronic disease detection, prediction, and screening, along with the practical and health-equity factors that may influence its use.

To map the current evidence, …

Predictors Of Adalimumab Durability In Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Multicenter Cohort Study, Albert T. Young, Arashleen Pannu, Alexander Velaoras, Roland Leyson, Rayad B. Shams, Alexandra Turfe, Andrea Dai, Mohsen Mokhtari, Sarah Bassett, Joshua Vazhappilly, Richard W. Hass, Iltefat Hamzavi, Christopher J. Sayed, Qing-Sheng Mi, Sherry Yang

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Adalimumab is widely used for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), but treatment durability varies and predictors of sustained benefit remain uncertain.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and laboratory factors associated with adalimumab treatment durability in HS.

METHODS: We retrospectively studied 135 adults with HS who initiated adalimumab as first biologic therapy across three academic centers from 2013 to 2023. Outcomes were categorized as primary failure (12-24 weeks), secondary failure (24 weeks-2 years), or sustained response (>2 years) based on discontinuation for inefficacy. Predictors of treatment durability were evaluated using ordinal logistic regression.

RESULTS: In univariable analyses, Hurley stage 3, higher body …

Theoretical Analysis And Promotion Path Of Coordinated Digital-Intelligent And Green Transformation In Manufacturing Industry, Chaokai Xue, Xiaohui Qu, Laijun Wang, Yifan Yang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The coordinated digital-intelligent and green transformation in the manufacturing industry serves as a key lever for accelerating the sector’s progress towards intelligence, greenization, and integration. This study defines the connotation and key characteristics of the coordinated digital-intelligent and green transformation, constructs a theoretical analysis framework, identifies its current status and challenges, and proposes a promotion pathway based on above work. Drawing upon theories from digital economics, environmental economics, and industrial economics, this study develops an analytical framework characterized by scenario-driven dynamics, technology-enabled transformation, organizational collaboration, and environmental support. It further proposes actionable pathways, including enhancing scenario supply capacity, accelerating the …

Field Research And Policy Recommendations On Coordinated Digital-Intelligent And Green Transformation Of China’S Traditional Manufacturing Industry—Evidence From Key Traditional Manufacturing Industries In Shandong Province, Dingding Xiao, Peng Hui, Shaoni Liu, Xinxin Du, Laijun Wang, Guilong Zhu, Wenbo Guo

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The coordinated digital-intelligent and green transformation of traditional manufacturing is an important pathway for upgrading traditional industries and accelerating the development of a modern industrial system. Based on field research involving more than 20 representative enterprises in Shandong Province across automobile manufacturing, coal processing, textiles, and petrochemicals, this study systematically examines the practical progress, typical models, major constraints, and policy needs associated with this transformation. The findings show that China’s traditional manufacturing sector is shifting from isolated upgrading to system integration, from production-focused transformation to full life-cycle coordination, and from individual-enterprise initiatives to industrial-chain collaboration. Nevertheless, it still faces insufficient …

Energy Security Strategy Empowered By Artificial Intelligence, Qiang Ji, Jiaofeng Pan, Yu Song

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Against the backdrop of unprecedented changes in a century, geopolitical restructuring has led to the fragmentation of energy game camps, climate change has impacted the resilience of energy infrastructure, and energy transformation has promoted the multidimensional and coordinated expansion of security connotations. Artificial intelligence, with its core advantages such as optimizing geopolitical risk prevention and control, enhancing infrastructure protection, improving energy system efficiency, and accelerating the integration of renewable energy, has promoted the shift of energy security strategy from experience driven to data-driven intelligence, achieving comprehensive risk identification, dynamic evaluation, collaborative response, and full chain monitoring, significantly improving the efficiency, …

Challenges, Opportunities, And Countermeasures For China’S Green Transition In Context Of Global Reallocation Of Energy Supply Chains, Yan Sun, Pu Wang, Yi Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The stability and resilience of energy supply chains are directly linked to an orderly economy and society, national energy security, and global governance of climate change. Tensions and strategic competition in global geopolitics have accelerated regionalization, consolidation, and localization of global energy supply chains, posing significant challenges to China as a major energy consumer. Based on the latest situation of global energy changes, the study focuses on the new challenges in China’s green transition, and highlight four key areas for China in global energy supply chains, including critical mineral resources, clean hydrogen, electric vehicles, and power batteries. Policy recommendations are …

Large Models Empowering Cybersecurity: Opportunities And Challenges, Zhuofeng He, Dongbin Hu, Yige Yuan

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Cybersecurity serves as a critical pillar for national security and social stability. Large models in cybersecurity are emerging as key enablers for the intelligent transformation of cyber offense and defense systems. As one of the most advanced core technologies in artificial intelligence, large models are introducing new research directions and application paradigms in the cybersecurity domain. This study systematically reviews the current landscape of cybersecurity-oriented large model applications and products, and explores their deployment scenarios in practice. It further analyzes the development trends in model capabilities, industry ecosystems, and trustworthiness, while identifying major practical challenges such as data privacy protection, …

Fintech Enables Regional Economic Growth And Coordinated Development, Xirong Huang, Jichang Dong, Xiuting Li, Zhi Dong

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Based on multi-source big data, this study analyzes the current situation and internal logic of fintech enabling regional economic growth and coordinated development in the new development stage, from the aspects of stimulating R&D, promoting talent dividend process, and amplifying regional spillover effect, in view of the current challenges facing China’s regional coordinated development. Then, it analyzes the challenges and problems in fintech-enabled regional coordinated development, including the significant regional fintech gap, obstacles in the effectiveness of fintech in underdeveloped regions, the lack of fintech talents, and the fintech regulation and information protection system need to be improved. Finally, corresponding …

Comparing Student-Centered And Traditional Approaches In Mandatory Middle School Music, Charmian Cavanagh

Masters Theses

The purpose of this applied research study is to examine the effectiveness of a traditional theory-based music curriculum compared with an alternative, practice-centered curriculum on the motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes of middle school students enrolled in mandatory general music classes at an inner-city school in Camden, New Jersey. Theory instruction has long served as a foundation of music education; however, many students in required general music settings demonstrate low engagement and limited long-term connection to musical study. Research will explore whether a curriculum that prioritizes creativity, cultural relevance, and active music-making better supports student interest and achievement. Findings will …