Digital Commons Network^™

Enhanced Global Oil Spill Dataset From 1967 To 2023 Based On Text-Form Incident Information, Yiming Liu, Zhuoli Yin, Hua Cai

The School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering (SEE) Faculty Publications

Knowing how much oil was released into the environment in each incident is critical to studying the environmental, ecological, and economic impacts of oil spills. However, the release amounts (RAs) for numerous oil spill incidents remain unavailable in a structured format for large-scale analysis. The most extensive global oil spill database, managed by NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration, only documents the worst-case scenario estimations in the machine-readable dataset, while more accurate values are embedded within unstructured incident descriptions and subsequent updates. To enhance the dataset with more accurate RAs, we developed a framework to extract the actual RAs from …

Reviewing The Need For Subject-Specific Regional Professional Development Opportunities For Business Librarians, Annette Bochenek, Heather A. Howard

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

This paper reviews the need for regional professional development opportunities for business librarians, examining the benefits and drawbacks that business librarians experience when attending national, subject-specific, and regional conferences, from the perspective of the creators and organizers of the Midwest Business Librarian Summit (MBLS). Using information gained regarding what benefits librarians seek when considering conference attendance as well as the obstacles or challenges experienced, this paper offers information about extant regional conferences for business librarians as well as suggestions for developing an in-person, subject-specific regional conference targeted toward business librarians.

Wellness Tourism: An Introduction, Karen Thal

All Open Educational Resources

Wellness tourism is a growing segment of the travel industry that focuses on experiences designed to improve physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. From yoga retreats and spa getaways to outdoor adventures and healthy culinary experiences, this form of tourism reflects a broader cultural shift toward self-care and holistic health. The current textbook introduces wellness tourism in a U.S. context, offering a practical, business oriented overview for undergraduate students. It provides insights into the concept of wellness, defines and examines both the wellness industry and the wellness tourism sub-sector, highlights key trends, explores the motivations of wellness travelers, and explains how …

Summer Commencement: August 8, 2025, University Of North Dakota

UND Commencement Programs

UND Summer Commencement program from August 8, 2025.

Refugee Families: Parental Traumatic Stress And Child Outcomes A Scoping Review, Britta Sedig

Theses and Dissertations

This scoping review synthesizes recent literature (2019-2024) to explore mechanisms linking parental trauma to child mental health outcomes within refugee families. Guided by a systemic and relational focus, 20 studies were identified and analyzed, revealing five central themes: intergenerational transmission of trauma, parenting practices as mediators, parent-child dyadic attachment, family functioning and conflict, and post-migration and acculturative stress. Findings highlighted associations between parental trauma-related symptoms and refugee children's emotional and behavioral concerns. Parenting practices were frequently linked to child wellbeing, with some studies identifying risk factors like harsh discipline and emotional unavailability, and others noting protective roles of intentional caregiving. …

The Use Of A Horizontal Reference Line While Measuring The Anterior Center Edge Angle Is More Reliable Than The Traditional Method, Roland Howard, Benjamin Miltenberg, William Johns, Neel Patel, Shyam Brahmabhatt, John Salvo

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: The anterior center edge angle (ACEA) is a radiographic parameter commonly utilized for the assessment of anterior acetabular coverage in the setting of various hip abnormalities. However, this measurement is greatly dependent on patient positioning and imaging technique.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of a measurement technique utilizing a horizontal reference line and femoral head perfect circles for better control of pelvic obliquity and the assessment of its potential as a more reproducible method for determining the ACEA.

STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS: There were 3 authors who retrospectively reviewed the false-profile radiographs of …

Recreational Boat Fishing Participation Varies Across Bioregional Fisheries In Western Australia, With Persistent Patterns Within Fisheries And Fisher Typologies Over Time, Karina L. Ryan, Eva Lai, Claire B. Smallwood, Jeremy M. Lyle, Kate E. Stark, Sean R. Tracey

Fisheries Research Articles

Recreational fishing is popular worldwide and understanding variability in participation can inform policies that seek to improve sustain[1]ability of recreational fisheries and amenity for recreational fishers. However, not all recreational fishers are alike in their demographics or behaviours. This study explores temporal and spatial variability in licensed boat-based recreational fishing participation in Western Australia using data from a consistent survey design delivered 12 times from 2011 to 2024. Five fisher participation typologies were identified across four marine bioregions (North Coast, Gascoyne Coast, West Coast, and South Coast) and four fishery types (demersal, nearshore, pelagic, and invertebrate) with varied fisher characteristics …

Eco-Emotions And Climate Activism In Adolescents, Julianna Sahoo

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background. Youth are especially vulnerable to climate change, both physically and psychologically. Combatting climate change will require a coordinated, global effort. Understanding the motivations and emotions behind climate activism is essential to coordinate efforts to combat climate change.

Methods. This research uses survey data collected from first and second year undergraduates (n=521) at a private, urban university in California in the Fall of 2022. Youth were surveyed on emotions related to climate change, activism, compassion, eco-anxiety, and well-being.

Results. Experiencing positive emotions had a stronger relationship with environmental activism compared to negative emotions.

Conclusion. Results suggest climate change communications should …

Reducing Nulliparous, Term, Singleton, Vertex Cesarean Birth Rate, Roseanna Juarez

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Problem: Cesarean birth rates for nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) pregnancies in the United States continue to exceed the Healthy People 2030 goal of 23.6%, resulting in preventable maternal and neonatal complications and higher healthcare costs.

Context: This quality improvement (QI) initiative was conducted in a high-acuity labor and delivery unit in California’s Central Valley, an area characterized by maternal health disparities, high rates of comorbidities, and limited access to prenatal care. The goal was to reduce the NTSV cesarean rate to 18.0% by July 31, 2025.

Interventions: Guided by Kotter’s 8-Step Change Theory and the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, …

Mental Health And Substance Use Interventions Within Muslim Community Spaces: A Community Based-Participatory Research Proposal, Halah Mansour Alayleh

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background. Muslim Americans face significant mental health and substance use challenges compounded by Islamophobic discrimination, cultural stigma, and barriers to accessing culturally competent services. They also significantly underuse professional mental health services. Purpose. This study aims to collaborate with Muslim communities within the San Francisco Bay Area to develop a replicable intervention framework for addressing mental health and substance use stigma within mosques and other Muslim community spaces. Methods. The proposal uses a community-based participatory research (CBPR) methodology while integrating the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and stigma theory in the framework. This proposal outlines the four phases of intervention …

The Protective Role Of Resilience In Indirect Aggression Perpetration And Victimization, Amelia Klass

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between resilience and indirect aggression, specifically relational and social aggression, utilizing a sample of 104 females aged 18–22. Indirect aggression, characterized by behaviors such as social exclusion, gossip, and manipulation, is associated with significant emotional and interpersonal difficulties. Using a theoretical basis that includes gender schema theory, social learning theory, and social information processing theory, this study investigates whether resilience has a significant relationship in both the perpetration of and victimization through the use of indirect aggression. Participants completed self-report measures, including the Adult Resilience Measure – Revised and the Young Adult Social Behavior Scales …

Demystifying The Discharge Coefficient For Flow Over Thin Weirs And Sills, Joseph E. Pugh, Subhas Karan Venayagamoorthy, Timothy K. Gates

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A revised derivation of the discharge coefficient for flows over thin weirs and sills in the limits of wall overflow to a free overfall is given. Using dimensional analysis, we show that the discharge coefficient, (Formula presented), in the classical weir-discharge equation is best understood as a weir Froude number, (Formula presented), which accounts for the combined effects of inertia, contraction and viscous energy losses within the flow field. A comprehensive set of experimental data from historical studies is complimented by new data from the authors, featuring both laboratory flume experiments and three-dimensional numerical simulations of weir flows. Synthesis of …

South Atlantic Bank Internship Report, Trevor J. Naun

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

No abstract provided.

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Biology

No abstract provided.

Kabasura Kudineer Choornam, A Medicinal Polyherbal Formulation, Modulates Human Macrophage Polarization And Phagocytic Function, Asli Korkmaz, Duygu Ünüvar, Si̇nem Günalp, Derya Göksu Helvaci, Duygu Sağ

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Kabasura kudineer choornam (KKC) is a polyherbal formulation of 15 ingredients. It has antiinflammatory and antimicrobial properties and are effective in managing the symptoms of H1N1 swine flu and COVID-19. However, its mechanism of action is not fully understood. In this study, we examined the effect of KKC on the polarization and function of primary human macrophages.

Materials and methods: Human monocyte-derived macrophages (M0 macrophages) pretreated with KKC extract were polarized into M1, M2a, or M2c subtypes. The expression of the M1/M2 polarization markers was analyzed using qPCR, flow cytometry, and ELISA, and the phagocytosis capacity of …

Mir-9-5p Alleviates The Development Of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm By Regulating The Differentiation Of Cd4+Il-10+T Cells Via Targeting The Crosstalk Between Nrf2 And Nf-Κb Signaling Pathways, Hongfu Liu, Jinyi Zhang, Lubin Li, Benxiang Yu, Chunlei Zhang, Wenqiang Niu, Yawen Cheng, Hengyang Dong, Yukun Zhang, Xinlin Luo, Yanlian Xiong, Yueming Wang

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a gradual segmental dilatation of the abdominal aorta, is associated with a high mortality rate. The pathophysiological molecular mechanisms underlying AAA remain unclear. In recent years, changes in miRNA levels have been reported to be involved in the development and treatment of AAA. This study aimed to investigate the potential targets and underlying mechanisms of miR-9-5p in attenuating AAA progression by modulating the inflammatory response.

Materials and methods: Biochemical kits were used to measure the levels of inflammatory factors, antioxidant enzyme activity, and serum oxidative stress in normal and AAA model mice. miR-9-5p overexpression was …

Lactic Acid Bacteria Alleviate Neuronal Excitotoxicity And Extend Caenorhabditis Elegans Lifespan, Bao Le, Thi Nhat Hong Nguyen, Seung-Hwan Yang

Turkish Journal of Biology

Aim: Neuronal cell death plays a critical role in the development of neurological disorders associated with aging. This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of heat-killed lactic acid bacteria (hkLAB) on neuroblastoma cells and Caenorhabditis elegans.

Materials and methods: We pretreated heat-killed Lactobacillus fermentum CNU384 (hkCNU384), L. brevis CNU386 (hkCNU386), L. helveticus CNU395 (hkCNU395), and L. paracasei CNU396 (hkCNU396) at a concentration of 10⁹ CFU/mL to investigate their neuroprotective effects on glutamate-induced SH-SY5Y cells and their impact on the lifespan of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced C. elegans.

Results: Our findings indicate that hkCNU395 and hkCNU396 protected against glutamate-induced cell death …

Chelidonium Majus L.-Containing Gel May Improve Diabetic Wound Healing By Modulating Mmp-2, Mmp-9, And Collagen Levels, Kaan Kaltalioğlu, Eli̇f Naz Gürsoy, Barbaros Balabanli, Zeki̇ Aytaç, Şule Coşkun Cevher

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Delayed wound healing in diabetic patients is a significant complication that reduces quality of life, prompting the continuous investigation of new therapeutic agents. This study designed to explore the dose-dependent effects of different parts of Chelidonium majus L. (CM), a medicinal plant traditionally used for skin disorders, on diabetic skin wounds.

Materials and methods: In diabetic rats, full-thickness excisional wounds were formed. CM-containing gels (aerial parts at 3%, 6%, 9% and root at 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%) were developed and applied to the wounds. After the treatment period, the rats were sacrificed, and wound healing activity was assessed macroscopically, histopathologically, …

Cathepsin G As A Mechanistic Driver Of Tumor Growth And Osteolytic Bone Metastasis, Srilaasya Nedunoori, Ridhi Bhola, Reegan Sturgeon, Rakesh K. Singh

Posters: 2025 Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality, largely due to its tendency to metastasize to bone. Our lab has demonstrated that tumor-bone interaction is important in this osteolytic bone metastasis mediated by the dysregulation of a unique set of genes. Among these genes, several proteases are up-regulated at the tumor-bone interface, including Cathepsin G, a serine protease, which is primarily secreted by neutrophils. These proteases act as mediators between the tumor and the stroma. Previously, we have shown that malignant cells and osteoclasts at the TB interface express higher levels of Cathepsin G, which is critical …

Development Of Numerical Tools And Performance Metrics For Analysis Of Optical Particle Counters, Doug Webb

Theses and Dissertations

Monitoring air quality is essential for understanding and mitigating the health impacts of airborne particulate matter (PM), which is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Optical particle counters (OPCs) are widely used for air quality monitoring, yet their precision and accuracy remain uncertain due to inconsistent performance evaluations. In this thesis, performance metrics are developed that can be used to assess the accuracy of OPCs in measuring PM concentrations and size distributions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are employed to analyze the behavior of particle-laden air streams through representative OPC models. The impact of design parameters is quantified using newly …

Empowering General Educators: Supporting Students With Learning Disabilities Through Inclusive Tier Two Practices, Megan Sparling

Masters Projects

Many general education teachers enter the profession with minimal training in how to effectively support students with learning disabilities, particularly those who require Tier Two interventions but do not qualify for special education services. This lack of preparation contributes to reduced instructional confidence, inconsistent intervention practices, and missed opportunities to support struggling learners. Grounded in Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy, this capstone project addresses the urgent need for ongoing, practical professional development tailored to the realities of inclusive classrooms. The literature highlights the importance of sustained, collaborative, and contextually embedded …

Effects Of Mode And Transitioning To A Mixed-Mode (Web/Phone) Design On Categorical Survey Estimates: Do Question Characteristics Matter?, Mengyao Hu, Vicki A Freedman, Justin Kamens

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

An increasing number of telephone surveys are introducing a web option. Limited experimental research has explored the implications of such design changes and how they vary by question characteristics. Using an experimental design and propensity score matching techniques, this study examines the effects of mode (web vs. telephone) and transitioning to a mixed-mode design (from telephone-only to the choice of web or telephone) on survey estimates and how effects differ by question characteristics. We draw upon an experiment embedded in the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC), in which half of NSOC-eligible caregivers were randomized to a telephone-only design and the …

The Influence Of Emotional Intelligence On Project Leadership Effectiveness, Puteri Sara Lily Mohd Fauzi

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

Effective leadership was necessary to enable the completion of modern projects due to their increasing complexity. An important component of leadership success was emotional intelligence (EI), which was defined by self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. This study examined how emotional intelligence affected project leadership effectiveness and how it might have improved project delivery results. The study adopted a qualitative approach and concentrated on detailed information obtained from project managers across a range of industries. Stakeholder communication, team motivation, conflict resolution, and project success rates were examples of leadership performance indicators that were examined in this study in connection …

Preventing Nurse Burnout Through Self-Care Strategies, Doris Iwuh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Executive Summary: Staff Education Project Preventing Nurse Burnout through Self-Care Strategies by Doris Iwuh MS, Walden University, 2022 BSN, Grand Canyon University, 2020 ADN, Radiance College, 2016 Executive Summary Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University August 2025 Summary An outpatient mental health clinic identified a rise in burnout among psychiatric nurse practitioners, licensed therapists, and social workers. A gap in practice revealed that staff lacked knowledge of self-care strategies to manage burnout, leading to the project question: Does implementing an educational program for nurses and mental health specialists on …

Education Plan On Colonoscopy Preparation And Communication To Improve Colonoscopy Prep And Ensure Better Outcomes, Maryam Pourjalil

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing practice (DNP) staff education project introduced a formalized staff education program to refine colonoscopy preparation quality at a community gastroenterology clinic. Suboptimal bowel preparation in 20%–30% of colonoscopies resulted in missed lesions, higher costs, and decreased satisfaction of the provided quality of care, which highlighted the need for enhanced staff education in nursing practice. The project question was: Does the education of staff on colonoscopy preparation procedures bridge the existing knowledge gap regarding modern colonoscopy techniques? My goal was to increase staff knowledge regarding standardize prep instructions. The project was designed using best practice evidence and …

Recidivism Reduction Through Collaboration For Those With Serious And Persistent Mental Illness, Marion Joseph Fowler

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this quantitative descriptive study was to investigate the levels of collaboration between mental health agencies in Hamilton County, Tennessee, which provide services to individuals who were arrested at least five times between 2018 and 2021, released from jail, and who were diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI). The primary research question revolves around the problem: in Hamilton County, Tennessee, despite available resources for those with SPMI, the current system for continuity of care does not include collaboration, which assists with holistic services to reduce recidivism. Respective services focus on single risk/need areas, leaving other issues …

Staff Education To Reduce Medication Errors In An Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, Oluwatoyin Rotimi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary Medication errors are a common concern within the healthcare industry, increasing healthcare costs and harming patients. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project focuses on a staff education initiative to improve knowledge regarding using the Bar Code Management System (BCMS) to reduce medication errors in an outpatient mental health clinic. The identified gap in practice was the lack of knowledge on using the BCMS in outpatient mental health. The guiding practice-focused question was “Does educating the intake nurses on the barcode management systems improve knowledge, as evidenced by pre- and post-surveys?” The Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) …

Effective Public Sector Information System Enterprise Cybersecurity Leadership Strategies, Christopher Adiele Orisakwe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Public sector organizations face increasing cybersecurity risks due to the growing complexity of digital infrastructure, expanding attack surfaces, and evolving threat landscapes. Despite the increasing risk, many Information Technology (IT) leaders continue to struggle with implementing comprehensive and sustainable strategies to protect information systems. Grounded in Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior, the purpose of qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore effective cybersecurity strategies IT leaders in the public sector use to protect organizations from cyberattacks, maintain public trust, and prevent financial losses. The project examined how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influence leaders’ cybersecurity practices. Data were collected …

Information Technology Industry Leaders’ Methods To Enhance Employee Job Performance, Helen Chioma Orisakwe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many U.S. tech companies are grappling with the challenge of sustaining high employee performance. It's crucial for information technology (IT) executives and business leaders to adopt strategies that support high employee performance, as this is vital for fostering innovation, promoting staff well-being, and ensuring reliable service. Grounded in Bass and Avolio’s transformational leadership theory, this qualitative pragmatic inquiry sought to determine which leadership practices employed by experienced IT supervisors most effectively elevate employee performance. Purposive sampling was used to recruit seven IT organizational leaders with at least five years of supervisory experience and demonstrated success in performance-enhancing initiatives. Data from …

Breaking Barriers: The Political Journeys Of Elected Female Leaders, Erica Lynn Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite increasing participation, women have remained significantly underrepresented in elected political office. Existing literature on women elected to political positions highlights persistent gender disparities in representation, access, and political influence. Scholars have examined the structural, cultural, and institutional barriers that women face when seeking and holding public office. While recent research has increasingly focused on intersectionality and the diverse experiences of women in politics, gaps remain in capturing their personal narratives and day-to-day realities. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to examine the experiences of women currently serving in political positions to understand how prior career opportunities influenced …