Digital Commons Network^™

Mutation Screening For Confirming Suspected Spinal Muscular Atrophy Using Dried Blood Spotted On In-House Cellulose-Based Cards, Yogik Onky Silvana Wijaya, Farda Tsaqouva Ahza, Annisa Naufal Almaszahra, Mawaddah Ar Rochmah, Dian Kesumapramudya Nurputra

Makara Journal of Science

Early and accurate diagnosis for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has gained relevance in an era of emerging therapies to improve patient outcomes. While screening of dried blood spots (DBS) effectively detects deletion-type SMA, non-deletion cases are often missed. Mutation screening from DBS is needed to address this gap. Here, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an in-house, cellulose-based card for direct Sanger sequencing for variant hunting, avoiding DNA extraction and offering an alternative to commercial cards. As a proof of concept, sequences obtained from DBSs of 23 healthy individuals were compared with sequences derived from isolated genomic DNA (gDNA). …

A Qualitative Analysis Of The Financial Issues Facing Division Ii And Division Iii Intercollegiate Athletics, Michael G. Fraina Iii, Tyler J. Ratts, Eric Forsyth, Lana Huberty, Madison Demaio

Global Sport Business Journal

With increasing costs and decreasing funding (Zvosec & Baer, 2022), the evolution of college athletics has altered the financial realities facing athletic departments (Elliott et al., 2026). To maintain operations, athletic directors are now tasked with identifying new revenue streams and becoming creative in how they manage their budgets. Research in intercollegiate sport has traditionally focused on Division I athletics. However, given the role of Division II and Division III programs, especially in driving enrollment at their institutions, further understanding of the current financial environment facing these schools is needed. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the …

An Interview With Dr. Lawrence Wallace, Lawrence Wallace Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Nursing Home Residents- A Population In Need Of Dental Care, Patricia B. Bonwell Rdh, Bsdh, Msh, Phd

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Diabetes And Insulin Resistance, Causes And Treatment- A Review, Aoss Moez Abed–Alhussian Alyassery, Anas Al-Yasiry, Zainab Mahmood Al-Jammali

Muthanna Medical Journal

Background: Insulin resistance, is a hormone that is produced in the beta cells of the pancreas and works to manage the sugar balance in the body, it usually occurs when the cells in the muscles, fat and liver do not respond properly to insulin and thus cannot absorb glucose from the blood, which leads to increased work of the pancreas to increase glucose.

HOMA-IR is probable a person may be infected 10 or 15 years ago from beginning the type 2 diabetes. When it derives addressing insulin resistance, life style changes should be the importance.

Objective: to review the causes …

Knowledge And Practices Of Iraqi Pediatricians Regarding Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea, Nabeeha Najatee Akram, Shaymaa Khalid Abdulqader, Maha Majeed Hameed

Muthanna Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge of pediatricians regarding antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and explore their practices with prevention and treatment of AAD.

Patients and method: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study enrolled Iraqi pediatricians. A structured self-administered questionnaire was constructed based on a comprehensive review of current literature and ESPIGAN guidelines relevant to AAD. The questionnaire consists of three parts: the first part consists of six questions about the clinical and demographical characteristics of pediatricians, including age, sex, title (Qualification), years of experience in pediatrics, affiliation, and province of work. The second part consists of 12 closed-ended questions with each …

Automated Greenhouse Climate Control System For Monitoring Agricultural Productivity Using Iot-Based Technologies, Mohamed Ismail Lafta, Ahmed Yaseen Mohammed, Omar Mohammed Dhayef, Shihab A. Shawkat, Khalid Saeed Lateef Al-Badri, Wael Mohammed Mahdi

Mesopotamian Journal of Computer Science

Limited natural resources, particularly water, combined with climate change and rapid population growth, have created a need for modern agriculture. By 2050, the population is expected to reach 9.6 billion, placing a heavy burden on food production systems. Traditional farming methods are no longer able to meet demand in light of environmental constraints and dwindling resources. To address this problem, smart technologies have been adopted to improve agricultural efficiency, reduce resource waste, and enhance crop quality. The Internet of Things (IoT) stands out among these technologies for its ability to automate agricultural activities, allow for continuous and accurate monitoring, and …

Arova, Nickaela Lo Crescini, Marie Wilson Acio, Jalanie Karim Hilal Jr., Julianne Panganiban Manalo, Julia Ayroso Sia

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Arova was established in 2025 by five De La Salle University Senior High School students from the ABM strand to address the growing need for more eco-conscious products that have a wellness concept by creating drink-themed scented candles, using more environmentally friendly materials such as soy wax, gel wax, and eco-wick. These materials make the product a safer alternative to traditional paraffin candles. What sets it apart is that it combines eco-friendly and aesthetic qualities, unlike other mass-produced candles made with artificial ingredients. Arova’s marketing activities started with research and surveys, followed by online promotion via social media. Currently, the …

Ghosts Of Agri-Food Policy: The Lost Years Of Jamie L. Whitten, 1910-1949, Jonathan Coppess, Bobby J. Smith Ii

Journal of Food Law & Policy

On October 22, 1994, the 103rd United States (“U.S.”) Congress enacted legislation naming the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) headquarters building in honor of U.S. Representative Jamie L. Whitten of Mississippi, a member of the Democratic Party. At the time, he was the longest-serving member of Congress, serving from a special election in November 1941 through his retirement on January 3, 1995. A few months later, Whitten died on September 9, 1995, leaving his name on the only departmental office building on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Etched in stone on the massive, imposing structure with a Roman …

Breaking Down Barriers To Giving: Policy Reform Needed To Protect Donors, Volunteers, And Food Charities, Ally Depriest

Journal of Food Law & Policy

Charitable organizations often depend on public support to fulfill their missions. This is especially true in the charitable food system, a network of nonprofit organizations, including food banks, pantries, and meal programs, which provide no-cost food to those in need. Within this system, volunteers, donors, and food charities each play an important role, such as donating surplus food, directing traffic at food drives, stocking local pantries, and preparing and serving meals at soup kitchens. Together, they provide both hope and nutrition to those in need. Without this public support, many food charities would be unable to operate. Encouraging public participation …

The Soil Crisis In Modern Food Systems: Rethinking Agricultural Land Use, Antonia Moure Richard

Journal of Food Law & Policy

Feeding a larger world while preserving the resource that makes agriculture possible—soil—poses a governance problem. By 2050, food systems must support 9.8 billion people even as prevailing practices continue to degrade soils that are non-renewable on human timescales. Technological fixes (e.g., vertical farming, hydroponics) may complement production, but they cannot substitute for soil at scale. The question that follows is simple: are current uses of soil compatible with the future needs of food systems? This article argues that without a shift in governance, short-run productivity gains are achieved by drawing down the soil asset, thereby undermining long-run food security and …

An Analysis Of Public Library Services For The Tribal Community In Rayalaseema Region With A Special Reference To Healthcare And Hygiene, P Ramu Naik, V. K. Dhanyasree

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Public libraries have long been recognised as critical societal institutions, serving as information, education, and community engagement centres. In the context of tribal communities, their role in disseminating health information is particularly significant. Tribal populations often face unique health challenges and disparities, making access to accurate and reliable health information vital to their well-being. This study examines the pivotal role that public libraries play in disseminating health information to tribal people. The study is conducted among 13 branch libraries in the tribal areas of Rayalaseema region. A structured questionnaire was used for the survey. The results show that even though …

The Effects Of Wearable Fitness Trackers And Fitness Education On Physical Activity Participation, Physical Competence, And General Self-Efficacy In Inactive And Sedentary College Students, Tiffany Lough

Doctorate in Kinesiology

This study examined the combined effects of wearable fitness trackers and structured fitness education on physical activity participation, perceived physical competence, and general self-efficacy among inactive and sedentary college students. A six-week randomized pretest-posttest design was used. Undergraduate students aged 18–24 who were not meeting recommended physical activity guidelines were recruited from a private liberal arts university and randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. Participants in the experimental group received a wearable fitness tracker along with fitness education sessions integrating Social Cognitive Theory based behavior change techniques including self-monitoring, observational learning, mastery experiences, and goal …

Intersection Of Pediatric Hypertension And Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Disease, Jessica O'Keeffe, Christina Kingshill, Jack Tompson, Andrew M. South, Carissa M. Baker-Smith

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to describe the intersection between pediatric hypertension and advancing stages of cardiovascular, kidney metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents.

RECENT FINDINGS: Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in the pediatric population. The onset of CKM in childhood is influenced by the presence of antenatal risk factors such as maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Advancing stages of CKM in children and adolescents are strongly influenced by food insecurity and social determinants of health that impact the risk for childhood obesity. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is a key mediator in the relationship between …

Evaluating The Reproducibility And Verifiability Of Nutrition Research: A Case Study Of Studies Assessing The Relationship Between Potatoes And Colorectal Cancer, Yasaman Jamshidi-Naeini, Colby J Vorland, Pranav Kapoor, Bailey Ortyl, Jocelyn Mineo, Luke Still, Korlu Sorsor, Shelby Rodney, Xander Tooze, Brent Flickinger, Beate Henschel, Stephanie L Dickinson, David B Allison

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The credibility of nutritional research is dependent on the rigor with which studies are conducted and the ability for independent assessment to be performed. Despite the importance of these, more work is needed in the field of nutrition to buttress the trustworthiness of nutrition research. To develop and apply a process for evaluating the rigor, reproducibility, and verifiability of nutritional research, using the relationship between potato consumption and Colorectal Cancer (CRC) as a case study. We updated existing systematic reviews to include studies on potatoes and CRC, assessing their design, execution, and reporting quality. We attempted to reproduce and verify …

Reflections On Inclusive Qualitative Research With Autistic Emerging Adults: Lessons Learned And Practical Recommendations, Acadia W. Buro, Heidi Rishel Brakey, Monica F. Asencio Pimentel, Elizabeth Yakes Jimenez

Population Health Research and Scholarship

We explored inclusive qualitative data collection strategies for autistic emerging adults (ages 18–25) to identify nutrition-related resource needs and inform intervention development. We conducted Zoom interviews with autistic emerging adults, their caregivers, and service providers. We co-developed recruitment materials with a community advisory board of autistic advocates and offered and adapted interview accommodations in real time to align with participants’ preferences. Common accommodations included receiving questions in advance and in the chat, having a caregiver present, and simplifying questions. Some techniques used with neurotypical participants translated well to our participants, such as reflective listening, a conversational tone, and allowing pauses; …

Effects Of Anchor Scheme On Torque And Neuromuscular Responses During And Following Fatiguing Isokinetic Forearm Flexion Tasks: Insights From High-Density Electromyography And Wavelet Analysis, Dolores Guadalupe Ortega

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

This study examined the effects of anchor scheme on torque and neuromuscular responses during and following fatiguing isokinetic forearm flexion tasks. Thirteen men (mean ± SD; age: 22.0 ± 1.9 yr; height: 183.0 ± 6.4 cm; body mass: 90.2 ± 18.1 kg) completed pretest and posttest maximal, concentric, isokinetic forearm flexion muscle actions at 30°∙s-1 before and after continual, concentric, isokinetic forearm flexion tasks at 30°∙s-1 at an RPE of 6 (RPE6T) and the torque (TRQ6T) produced during the first repetition of the RPE6T. Monopolar electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded from the biceps brachii using a high-density EMG sensor. A …

Qualitative Evaluation Of The Seated Physical Activity Intervention (Spin) Randomized Controlled Trial For Wheelchair Users With Multiple Sclerosis (Ms): Formative Feedback And Future Directions, Angela J Piasecki, Robert W Motl, Katherine Froehlich-Grobe, Stephanie L Silveira

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background/objectives: Wheelchair users with multiple sclerosis (MS) often face barriers that restrict participation in physical activity and exercise training. This manuscript reports on participant feedback to guide evaluating and refining a novel exercise training program, Seated Physical activity INtervention (SPIN). SPIN was adapted from the Guidelines for Exercise in MS (GEMS) approach using a three-step community-engaged research framework based on meeting the needs of wheelchair users with MS.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 participants who completed the 16-week SPIN intervention. The key SPIN intervention components were the exercise prescription, exercise equipment, and behavioral coaching grounded in Social Cognitive …

Assessing The Needs Of A Church’S Older Adults To Promote Their Flourishing, Royston Terrell Booker Iii

DMin Project Theses

The purpose of this project was to lay the groundwork for creating a holistic Senior Adult Ministry to support the flourishing of older adults through the activities of God’s people, the church. This approach to help older adults’ well-being is best accomplished through holistic support to enhance well-being, but many churches have not considered a holistic approach or developed a supportive capability. To create a holistic Senior Adult Ministry, I assessed the needs of senior adults in the Brentwood Hills Church of Christ (BHCC) in Nashville, Tennessee, within the United States. The findings and conclusions of this dissertation provide a …

Investigating Teacher Well-Being With Non-Invasive Biomarkers: Lessons From A Participatory Mixed-Method Exploratory Approach, Amanda S. Frasier, Jewel B. Thomas, Trystan Innes, Noah E. Daniels, S. Grayson Blount, Chad R. Frasier

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

This paper reports on a mixed-method exploratory study gauging the feasibility of utilizing an untethered harness-based device to collect biomarker data from teachers at a single school in Tennessee. Collection occurred across the course of a year at three different timepoints: a typical workday, a high stress workday, and a break day. Overall, our participants had positive experiences with the data collection process, and their feedback iteratively influenced the protocol. Further, the preliminary data suggests the biomarkers indicate a sympathetic nervous response is seen when teachers report emotional or psychological stress. While the small scale of this pilot does not …

The Matrix, Spring 2026, The Women's Resource Center

The Matrix

Matrix Editor: Trinity Sue

Women's Resource Center Advisor: Marisol Ruiz

Women's Resource Center Staff (listed alphabetically):

• Namixtu'lu' Esteva
• Pamela Hernandez
• Kaylee Luna
• Izzie Rodríguez-Torres
• Alexis Sarmiento
• Venus Shearer
• Trinity Sue

Authors/Illustrators in issue (listed alphabetically):

• Megan Atherton, p. 11
• Brenna, p. 24
• Jess Carey, p. 17
• Leyla Craven, p. 20
• Annabelle Davis, p. 37
• Erica Drew, p. 18
• Sage Fowler, p. 11
• Aven Gehlert, p. 30
• Emily Hartling, p. 24
• Riley Hemenover, p. 12
• Pamela Hernandez, p. 14
• Ella Humphrey, pp. 22-23, 31, 35, and throughout
• Iran@alittlepoke, p. 13
• Kaylee Luna, pp. 25, 29
• Randi Maveety, p. 34
• Xenia McLean, …

The Relationship Between Female Pelvic Dimensions, Birth Weight, And Number Of Live Births, Allison P. Sears

McNair Scholars Research Journal

This study investigates the relationship between birth weight, female pelvic dimensions, and number of live births. Pelvic inlet and outlet dimensions were recorded using three dimensional models from a sample of 30 females from the New Mexico Decedent Image Database (NMDID). By taking an approach closely informed by pre-existing anthropological and obstetrical literature, this study examines the potential relationship between female individuals’ birth weight and reproductive characteristics in adulthood, as well as the influence of these variables on the number of live births these females delivered during the course of their lives. The results suggest that there is a weak …

Differential Effects Of Amiloride And Benzamil On Salt Taste Physiology And Behavior: The Case For Phasic Responses In The Generation Of Sodium Appetite, Amyra M. Issa

McNair Scholars Research Journal

The current experiment aims to investigate the relationship between the early phasic portion of salt taste transduction and sodium appetite. Prior research has identified two salt transduction pathways: a sodium-selective pathway, which is inhibited by amiloride or benzamil, and a non-selective pathway, which is insensitive to these blockers (Breslin & Spector, 2008). When presented with sodium solutions, sodium-depleted mice exhibit a behavior termed the “sodium appetite,” which results in voracious sodium consumption. The prevailing theory is that this behavior depends on neural activity of sodium-selective neurons (Breza & Contreras, 2012; Roitman & Bernstein, 1999). While previous studies have demonstrated that …

Transforming Urban Food Systems: Could Food Democracy And Food Citizenship Be Advanced By Personal And Community Impacts Of Co-Production Processes?, Bramble Gardiner, Mary Hickson, Louise Hunt, Amanda Haslam-Lucas, Barbara Diouri, Joanna Ruminska, Laura Dunn, Yve Ashton, Clare Pettinger

School of Health Professions

For complex challenges like food systems transformation, scholars suggest co-production involving multiple actors including citizens is essential. Additionally, some argue for a transformation towards ‘food democracy’. This vision aims for food system decision making to be shared across diverse actors, and people to move from being consumers to citizens (food citizenship). Urban food policy initiatives are examples of innovation in food democracy and food citizenship, but delivering authentic participation is an ongoing challenge and the impacts on those engaged have rarely been studied. Furthermore, personal transformations are essential for societal transformations and similarly receive minimal focus. The need for development …

Market Channel Preferences And Influencing Factors In The Traditional Rice Enterprise In Abra, Philippines, Kae Ann Marie P. Balingit

Journal of Management for Global Sustainability

This study examines the market channel preferences of traditional rice farmers and traders in Abra, Philippines, and identifies the socio-economic, institutional, and production factors influencing these choices. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 139 respondents through surveys and 52 qualitative interviews. Logistic regression and thematic analysis were employed to explain market behavior. Results show a strong preference for informal, direct-to-consumer channels, driven by immediate cash needs, low transaction costs, and institutional constraints. Production experience and farm scale increase the likelihood of participation in structured markets, while higher production frequency reduces it due to timing and market absorption limitations. …

Enhancing Sleep Quality Through Sleep Hygiene Education Among Adults In A Faith-Based Community, Denielle Earle-Thompson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background

Adults between 18 and 64 years of age require at least seven hours of sleep per night; however, many adults do not meet this recommendation, contributing to increased risks for chronic disease, impaired functioning, mood disturbances, and reduced quality of life. Poor sleep quality has been associated with weakened immunity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, anxiety, depression, and decreased daytime performance. Obtaining adequate, good-quality sleep is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. In faith-based communities, combining health education with spiritual support may provide a holistic approach that addresses both physical and emotional contributors to poor sleep.

Purpose

The purpose …

Maternal Perspectives On Support Needs: Insights From The Fonofale Model, Sara Lani Ditto

Theses and Dissertations

This interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) explored the lived experiences of parents raising children with disabilities in American Samoa. Five participants across two focus groups shared their perspectives on navigating educational, healthcare, and community systems while supporting their children with disabilities. Using the fonofale model as a cultural framework, the study incorporated culturally responsive methodology including card sort activities to facilitate dialogue on potentially sensitive topics. Analysis followed the Nizza et al. (2021) IPA approach, progressing from exploratory notes to experiential statements, clustered themes, and finally overarching themes. Findings revealed four major themes: systemic burden on parents, structural and service gaps, …

Urban Indian Parents' Occupational Perceptions Of Play And Governance Of Children's Excessive Screen Time Preferences And Behaviours In This Digital Era, Joanna Priyadarshini Udaykumar, Tony Sam George

International Journal of Playwork Practice

Abstract

Children’s innate urge to engage in joyous, self-directed, meaningful, iterative activities embodies their unique play experiences and facilitates their holistic development. However, the exponential growth of digital technology in an urbanized world has transformed their social landscape by offering them a plethora of novel play opportunities that ‘pushes children away from the outdoors and pulls them indoors’. Moreover, the radical transition from nature-based recreation to media-centric activity insinuates the surge of a global pandemic characterized by low physical activity, sleep deprivation and sedentary, lifestyle diseases. This emerging trend reflects children’s predilection for videophilia over biophilia due to the dominance …

Evolution And Assessment Of Employee/Workplace Services, David L. Groves

Visions in Leisure and Business

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Flaxseed Oil On Fertility, Mohammad F. Albadran, Ahmed B. Abdulwahid, Assad H. Eissa, Nehaya M. Al-Aubody, Shaymaa F. Abbas, Zainab M. Mohammed

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: Infertility can be defined as the inability to conceive pregnancy when sexually active and not having used any contraception in 12 months. Flaxseed oil has wide-spectrum applications in health. It has been receiving special interest in infertility treatment.

Objectives: This research aimed to determine the impact of flaxseed oil on the fertility of mice.

Methods: It involved seventy-five mice. These mice were sex-separated and randomly classified into three groups; one group served as a control group, and the other two groups were exposed to flaxseed oil extract at a dose of 60 mg/Kg body weight/day or 120 mg/Kg body …