Digital Commons Network^™

Detection Of Bacterial Contamination In Single-Donor Platelets Using Bact/Alert And Vitek Systems, Samah Maidi, Haithem A-Rubaie, Yaqoob Saleh

Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Background: Bacterial contamination of platelet units is a serious concern in transfusion medicine, potentially leading to septic transfusion reactions, which can be life-threatening. Due to their storage at room temperature (20–24°C) with constant agitation, platelet concentrates are particularly susceptible to bacterial growth, especially from skin flora introduced during blood collection or processing. Common contaminants include Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and Gram-negative organisms such as Escherichia coli. Contamination may result from inadequate aseptic techniques, faulty collection equipment, or undetected donor bacteremia. Early detection and the application of pathogen reduction strategies are critical for ensuring transfusion safety. Aim: This study aimed to …

Governing The Energy Bottleneck, Hannah Jacobs Wiseman, Matthew Mchale

Faculty Scholarship

The electrical grid is falling short of its mandate to accommodate new generation—much of which happens to be “clean” zero-carbon generation—and to service load (demand). The bottleneck of grid access, which has vexed renewable energy developers, now affects industries seeking massive quantities of electricity to power single facilities— “large loads” such as data centers and other artificial intelligence operations.

Many of these highly capitalized loads seek clean energy generation; they could, in theory, fund an energy renaissance and provide scale-based benefits for all consumers. But loads that obtain service  are negatively impacting other consumers’ rates and, potentially, the reliability of …

Altimetry Data From Icesat-2 Brings Value To The Private Sector, Molly E. Brown, Aimee Neeley, Abigail Phillips, Denis Felikson

Student Publications [Scholarly]

This short communication synthesizes evidence on how the Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) altimetry data are used by private sector actors and the implications for economic value creation. Using secondary research that collected and summarized information from existing data from reports, journals, websites, and databases, the work identifies 54 companies across 9 sectors leveraging ICESat-2-derived elevation, canopy height, bathymetry, and surface measurements to inform decision-making, risk assessment, and new business models. The analysis situates ICESat-2 within a broader context where freely available Earth observation data can generate substantial private- and public-sector value, potentially exceeding hundreds of billions in …

How Ip Ends, Dave Fagundes, Aaron Perzanowski

Articles

Real and personal property may last forever, but intellectual property (IP) ends. Despite the doctrinal complexity and practical significance of the mechanisms that terminate IP rights, scholarship has scarcely focused on them, and none has analyzed these doctrines as a unified field. As a result, the discourse about the ways IP ends remains impoverished, with courts, legislatures, and commentators offering imprecise and inconsistent formulations that obscure the rationales for these doctrines. This Article offers the first comprehensive taxonomy of IP’s terminal mechanisms, providing much-needed conceptual and definitional coherence. It then reveals the underappreciated policy leverage these mechanisms can deliver and …

If Life Were Only As Our First Encounter, Yixiao Zhang

MFA in Visual Art

This thesis examines how contemporary portrait painting extends beyond the representation of physical appearance toward the construction of collective memory, history, cultural identity, and mechanisms of seeing. Using staged, photo-based portraits as a point of departure, my work engages both Eastern and Western traditions to produce new autoethnographic narratives. Rethinking the significance of portraiture today, this paper considers what persists and what has shifted over time. It argues that portrait painting is no longer merely a representation of an individual; rather, like a literary text, it functions as a signifier shaped by both the moment of its production and the …

(Un)Imagining India: Anti-Rape Protests As Diagnostic Of Indian State Power, Sonal Churiwal

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Senior Honors Papers

Since the 2012 brutal gang rape and murder of Jyoti Singh brought India’s pervasive rape culture to international attention, media, politicians, and the broader Indian public demanded justice for “India’s daughter.” Protestors called on the Indian government to expand the police state, execute perpetrators, and create fast-track legal courts to avenge her death. Collectively, they cast the state in the role of a protector, even of a patriarchal authority. The nature of these demands stands in contrast to Kashmir and Manipur, geographies differentially controlled by the Indian state, where protests call for the withdrawal of the Indian army, a primary …

Choice, Power, & Care: Crisis Pregnancy Centers And Reproductive Justice In Missouri, Sylvie Richards

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Senior Honors Papers

Crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) are religious organizations with the purpose to dissuade people from obtaining abortions. They often present themselves as authentic reproductive healthcare clinics through medicalized language, services such as ultrasounds and pregnancy tests, promises of information on all pregnancy options, staff dressed as medical professionals, and placement near family planning clinics. In reality, CPCs are medically unlicensed and often spread medical misinformation.

No study has yet focused on CPCs in Missouri, despite providing a critical case study. The state has minimal access to abortion and other components of comprehensive reproductive healthcare and one of the worst maternal mortality …

What Survives, Speaks, Olivia Parmerlee

Honors Projects

Poetry collection and reflective essay that consists of a traumatic event (sexual assault) and shows the healing journey. The emphasized themes are resiliency, processing, and community-building. Healing is not linear, nor is it always beautiful. The reflective essay explains the academic and theoretical context that the collection is built on. From the invisible frameworks of patriarchy and gender roles to Audre Lorde, whose rhetoric served as an incredible inspiration to this project. The poetry collection sits at an intersection of the writers academic, professional, and creative work, with additional inspiration being derived from her volunteer work with sexual assault survivors.

Solidarity, Strength, And Lessons Learned: The Repeal Of Right To Work In Michigan And Its Immediate Effects On Unions, Ella Compau

Honors Projects

This is a research paper on the immediate qualitative effects of the repeal of Right to Work laws in Michigan. It uses the UFCW Local 951 as a case study, analyzing the findings from interviews with union representatives and stewards. The literature review explains the history and effects of unions and Right to Work laws. The transition to a post-repeal workplace was reported as smoother than expected, and has resulted in the union now having much more time to build relationships with members and management, solve issues more efficiently, and invest in core values. Solidarity among workers is higher due …

Dietary Influence And Neurodegenerative Disease Risk: Insight From Alzheimer’S And Parkinson’S Disease, Madison Wirt

Honors Projects

As populations age, neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) become significantly more prevalent and impactful on patients and families. Clinical research has suggested a correlation between diet, gut health, neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction to the onset and development of specific and severe NDDs, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). This research focuses on the relationship behind the gut-brain axis, micronutrient status and how diet influences the development of both AD and PD. Ten randomized, controlled trials were analyzed from the literature to investigate the impact of these factors on the inflammatory, metabolic and antioxidant processes. The studies focused on the use …

Synthesis And In Vitro Evaluation Of Potential Tuberculosis Antibiotics, Chloe Spradlin

Honors Projects

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health threat. The bacteria causing TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, has proven difficult to combat, as drug resistance (MDR-TB) continues to develop within the bacteria. Access to healthcare in developing countries complicates the treatment of TB and MDR-TB. The World Health Organization has declared TB a global health crisis and has called for the development of new therapies. Previously, we used AutoDock Vina software to design novel drugs targeting InhA, an enzyme involved in mycobacterial cell wall synthesis. This project focuses on synthesizing amino diphenyl amides (ADA) and screening them against Mycobacterium. The synthetic pathway enables …

Back To Basics: The Benefits Of Children’S Literature In Higher Education, Max A. Bufkin

Honors Projects

The historic undervaluing of children’s literature has resulted in little research or application of the genre in higher education. However, what research is available has shown that engaging with children’s literature as an adult can have many benefits, including better mental well-being, understanding of multicultural perspectives, and enhanced critical thinking skills. Due to patriarchal ideologies over who can and cannot engage with literature, as well as the work of children’s literature critics, the genre has been marginalized from much debate and discussion. Through student-centered learning and group reading sessions, college students from nearly every discipline can learn to utilize and …

Perceptions And Utilization Of Chiropractic Care In The General Population: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Megan Mcnamara

Honors Projects

Chiropractic care is widely recognized as a safe, holistic approach for managing musculoskeletal conditions, yet the profession continues to face longstanding skepticism and misunderstanding. Many individuals remain unsure about what chiropractors treat, a gap that may exist due to inaccurate social media content and bias among some medical providers, which can limit referrals and reduce patient access to appropriate care. To examine how the public perceives and utilizes chiropractic services, this study used a qualitative descriptive survey consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions across four domains: familiarity and exposure, perceptions and attitudes, trust and influencing factors, and utilization and future intentions. …

Secondary Dual Language And Immersion Content Teachers And Their Instructional Materials, Curtis Larsen

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

Secondary dual language and immersion (DLI) teachers who teach content courses, such as social studies or science, balance two central responsibilities: meeting content-area standards and supporting students’ language development (Cammarata & Tedick, 2012). Managing these responsibilities presents challenges when preparing and using instructional materials in languages other than English (Moate, 2014; Morton, 2013; Skinnari, 2020; Sun, 2017). While existing research shows that DLI teachers expend enormous energy seeking and preparing instructional materials for their content-area classes (Mathieu, 2022), little is known about the factors that guide this work or how well existing materials meet teachers’ needs. This dissertation sought to …

Development And Acceptability Of A Patient Decision Aid For People With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: An International Mixed-Methods Study, Andrew R. Gamble, David B. Anderson, Marnee J. Mckay, Benjamin M. Davies, Sophie Macpherson, James Van Gelder, Tammy Hoffmann, Kirsten Mccaffery, Samuel X. Stevens, Carlo Ammendolia, Rohil V. Chauhan, Carl M. Zipser, Timothy F. Boerger, Lindsay A. Tetreault, Michael G. Fehlings, Elanor Dustan, Carolyn Nugent, Helen Holmgren, Andreas K. Demetriades, Justin M. Lantz, Rana Dhillon, Chris G. Maher, Joshua R. Zadro

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Objectives To develop and user-test a patient decision aid for people diagnosed with degenerative cervical myelopathy and who are considering surgery.

Design Mixed-methods study describing the development of a patient decision aid.

Setting A draft decision aid was developed by a multidisciplinary steering group (including study authors with degenerative cervical myelopathy, health professionals and researchers) informed by the best available evidence, authorship consensus and existing patient decision aids.

Participants Patient-participants and health professional-participants who manage people with degenerative cervical myelopathy were recruited through social media and the steering group’s research and practice network. Quantitative questionnaires were used to gather baseline …

Wright State University's Celebration Of Student Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities From Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Wright State University

Celebration of Undergraduate & Graduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities Materials

The student abstract booklet is a compilation of abstracts from students' oral and poster presentations at Wright State University's Celebration of Student Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities on April 1, 2026.

2026 Gsba Conference Abstracts

Global Sport Business Journal

Conference abstracts from the 2026 GSBA Conference "Ideas in Motion"

Improving Consistency In Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Screening: A Readiness And Barrier Assessment Among Rural Hospital Nurses, Ellen Siekkinen

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) affects up to 94% of opioid-exposed neonates. A needs assessment at a rural Minnesota hospital, where the local NAS rate exceeds the state average, revealed that neonates at risk are not consistently screened. This lack of screening can delay treatment, leading to prolonged withdrawal, and increase hospital stays and costs.

Aims

This quality improvement project aimed to (1) improve nurse confidence and (2) identify barriers and facilitators to consistent implementation of NAS screening using the Eat, Sleep, Console (ESC) assessment tool following a nurse education intervention.

Methods

Twelve full-time and part-time nurses on the Labor, …

Full Practice Authority For Advanced Practice Registered Nurses In Texas: A Policy Analysis, Carly Baker Duncan

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Texas is one of many states that faces healthcare professional shortages which ultimately results in poor healthcare system performance. The lack of access to healthcare providers is an ongoing challenge that is expected to continue through 2036. One solution to the healthcare access challenge is passing full practice authority (FPA) for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in the state of Texas.

Objectives: This policy analysis was undertaken to evaluate current APRN practice restrictions in Texas and explore policy reforms to address healthcare workforce shortages. Specific objectives included examining primary care health needs in East Texas, workforce needs for primary …

Implementing An Early Lactation Support Workflow To Decrease Missed Lactation Care And Increase Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates, Juleen Johnson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: There are life-saving health benefits associated with breastfeeding. The receipt of early and consistent lactation support improves breastfeeding outcomes. However, for C-section patients at this site, breastfeeding rates are low, initial lactation consults are delayed, and follow-up consults are sometimes not received.

Aims: This project aimed to implement an early lactation support workflow to decrease missed lactation care and increase exclusive breastfeeding rates among C-section patients on a postpartum unit. Evaluation outcomes were: (1) the receipt of initial consults within 24 hours of delivery, (2) the receipt and timing of follow-up consults, (3) exclusive breastfeeding rates, and (4) staff …

Michael Z. Green, Michael Z. Green

Faculty CVs

No abstract provided.

David Dye, David W. Dye

Faculty CVs

No abstract provided.

Redbird Impact, Vol. 9, No. 1 (Spring 2026), Center For Civic Engagement, Illinois State University

Redbird Impact

No abstract provided.

Post-Covid Update: Magic Can Still Happen, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this editorial, Dr. Michelle Dziurgot addresses the persistent staffing shortages in dentistry six years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares personal insights on managing a leaner practice by utilizing virtual assistants, cross-training existing staff, and emphasizing the "TEAM" philosophy—Trust, Education, Accountability, and Magic. Dziurgot discusses the transition to new practice models and the importance of patient communication during times of limited personnel. Ultimately, the piece encourages practice owners to find innovative ways to maintain high standards of care and team morale despite a difficult labor market.

See These Great Speakers And Their Programs At Annual Session!, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature highlights the speaker lineup and curriculum for the 2026 MDA Annual Session in Grand Rapids. The program offers diverse continuing education tracks for the entire dental team, including pediatric dentistry, oral pathology, risk management, and practice growth strategies. Notable speakers include clinical experts, legal professionals, and motivational keynotes. The document also explains the transition to a simplified registration system using one-day or full conference passes, allowing attendees more flexibility to choose sessions on-site without pre-registering for individual courses.

News You Need: Annual Session, Board Updates, And Regulatory News, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This comprehensive news section provides essential updates for Michigan dentists, including details on the 2026 Annual Session highlights and the launch of the "HERM-E" AI member assistant. It features critical regulatory reminders concerning mandated reporting for child abuse and neglect. The document also covers oral cancer prevention, dental therapy scholarship updates, and the appointment of new members to the Michigan Board of Dentistry. Additionally, it lists upcoming House of Delegates meetings and resources for donated treatment, ensuring members are informed on professional responsibilities.

Evaluating Current And Prospective Major League Soccer Marketing Strategies To Spanish Speakers In The United States, Larissa Lee

Honors Theses

This quantitative study identifies the relationship between Spanish-language marketing and Major League Soccer (MLS) fandom and support among consumers. Data were collected by administering a survey in both English and Spanish to ensure inclusivity and increase accessibility. A total of 497 responses were collected, and a series of simple linear regressions were conducted using SPSS to evaluate if MLS fandom and team support could be predicted by language preference for marketing campaigns, perceptions of current Spanish-language content availability, cultural representation, cultural inclusion, and demand for more Spanish-language content.

Results indicated statistically significant differences across all hypotheses. Regarding the dependent variable …

Competitive Reaction Pathways In The Fully Green Synthesis And Surface Modification Of Silver Nanowires Under L-Ascorbic Acid-Limited Conditions, Finley Neal

Honors Theses

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are critical building blocks for transparent conductive films (TCFs) in flexible electronics, yet their commercial viability is hindered by environmentally hazardous, energy-intensive synthesis methods and limited intrinsic chemical stability. This study investigated a fully green, room-temperature (25℃) batch synthesis of pristine AgNWs using tannic acid as a biodegradable dual reducing and capping agent under strict kinetic pH control (pH 1.25). To enhance oxidative resistance, a subsequent surface modification protocol was evaluated to deposit a protective palladium (Pd) shell using L-ascorbic acid (LAA) as a secondary reducing agent. The pristine green synthesis yielded one-dimensional Ag nanostructures with a …

Synthesis Of Piperidine Heterocycles With Specific Functional Groups Via Sn2 Reactions, Teyanna Monroe

Honors Theses

Piperidine is a heavily utilized nitrogen containing heterocycle found in numerous pharmaceutical agents, solidifying its importance as a building block in drug development. The focus of this research is to investigate different mechanisms of action for adding and replacing various functional groups utilizing readily available lab materials. These findings would lead to determining the overall influence of substitution patterns and functional groups have on stereochemistry, reactivity, and overall conformation of the piperidine ring. The synthetic approach involves the formation of 3-bromo-5-methoxy-tosylpiperidine intermediate through acid promoted cyclization, followed by nucleophilic substitution reactions to introduce various functional groups. Reaction progress and product …

Quantifying The Antifungal Properties Of Bacteria Using Cotton Strips, Lily Lofton

Honors Theses

Many bacteria have been known to have antifungal properties. Research has begun to determine how these bacteria can be used to protect cotton and other cellulose-rich textiles. In the present study, standardized cotton strips were inoculated with two different bacterial consortia that have exhibited anti-fungal properties. These strips were then inoculated with the melanized cellulolytic fungi, Chaetomium globosum and Rhinocladiella similis. Similarly, some cotton strips were also inoculated with a non-melanized fungus, Rhodotorula toruloides, which is also thought to be cellulolytic. The tensile strength of cotton strips was measured along with the ergosterol concentrations (fungal biomass) for each cotton strip …