Digital Commons Network^™

Prematurity And Special Education: Raising Awareness Of The Connections Between Preterm Births And Special Education, Nadia R. Corder

Honors Theses

In this thesis, the goal was to find the link, if any, between prematurity and special education, with regards to probability of special education and outcomes, and to create a means of professional development for not only special education teachers about prematurity risks and effects on students but also parental education about the possible procedures of their child’s education. This is accomplished through the organization of infographic pamphlets for parents and an online professional development presentation. Both these formats are compliant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility parameters. A literature review was conducted to achieve this goal using …

Honors Accounting Thesis, John Cordia

Honors Theses

This thesis includes a variety of topics related to public accounting. I completed a series of six case studies completed during the Accountancy Honors Professional Development course at the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. In this course, Dr. Victoria Dickinson often challenged her students to “think like an auditor.” The variety of cases coupled with the auditor mindset allowed me to gain a brief understanding of financial reporting and public accounting before I had any practical experience. In the group cases revolved around Home Depot and General Mills, we analyzed their 10-ks, pulled relevant information from reliable sources, and developed …

Nutrilog: Design And Development Of A Full-Stack Web Application For Holistic Health Tracking, Jaromir J. Saloni

Honors Theses

NutriLog is a web-based fitness and nutrition tracking application designed to help users record, organize, and interpret personal health data in one centralized platform. Many existing applications focus primarily on either nutrition tracking or exercise performance, which can make it difficult for users to understand how food intake and physical activity interact. NutriLog addresses this gap by combining food logging, exercise logging, calorie adjustment, nutrition summaries, and historical tracking into a single dashboard-based interface.

The application was developed using React and TypeScript for the frontend and Supabase for authentication, database storage, and user-specific data management. Nutrition data is supported through …

Development Of An Evidence Based Pressure Ulcer Prevention Bundle For The Medical Surgical Unit, Fanhelea Morency

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Conceptualising Economic Negative Constitutionalism: A Case Study Of The Israeli Supreme Court, Lilach Litor

Journal of Law and Public Policy

Social rights, such as the right to live with dignity, are included in universal treaties. Nevertheless, many constitutional documents and jurisdictions do not recognize social rights or tend to limit their scope.

The paper discusses this phenomenon in relation to two distinct approaches to constitutionalism—economic negative constitutionalism and positive social constitutionalism. The former tends not to recognize social rights as constitutional rights, while the latter posits that the state is under an obligation to actively recognize their constitutional status and provide wide protection for them. Economic negative constitutionalism could also be characterized as recognizing only a limited scope of social …

Measuring Effectiveness Of A Mobility Aide On A Medical-Surgical Unit, Jamie L. Granatowicz, Laura N. Rogers, Leeza A. Struwe

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a mobility aide on a medical-surgical inpatient unit to improve patients’ surgical outcomes, decrease hospital length of stay, and decrease the number of falls.

Design: A retrospective review was conducted to determine the effects of a mobility aide implemented on a medical-surgical unit. The intent was to ensure the utilization of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for early mobilization before and after implementation. Two-month periods were analyzed before and after implementation.

Findings: The results demonstrated clinical significance for patients when implementing a mobility aide. The mean length of stay was 1.044 days …

Using Geospatial Analysis To Compare Metropolitan Greenspace And Adolescent Obesity, Rachel Schild, Denyelle Kenyon, Zachary Schild

Scholarship Pathways Program

Using Geospatial Analysis and Machine Learning to Compare Metropolitan Greenspace and Rates of Adolescents with Obesity

 Rachel Schild MD | DenYelle Kenyon PhD

 Introduction: Insufficient outdoor activity, influenced by limited access to exercise-friendly greenspaces, may contribute to increasing childhood obesity rates. However, rigorous evaluation of greenspace quality on a citywide scale is lacking. This study aims to characterize greenspace vegetation types and correlate them with adolescent obesity outcomes, identifying optimal characteristics for promoting health. This data could aid city planners in optimizing greenspace allocation and improving vegetation choices.

Methods: Satellite imagery and municipal data were used to map ten cities, …

The Response Of Child Protection Services To Prenatal Substance Exposure, Cierra Hassel

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Prenatal Substance Exposure (PSE) is a growing public health concern that requires Child Protection Services (CPS) involvement. CPS is a government agency that investigates child safety to determine whether child removal is necessary. Due to the increase of substance use during pregnancy, often linked to the opioid epidemic, more mandated reporters are submitting reports for positive drug tests at birth, which are screened in as neglect by the mother. PSE has significant implications for developing fetuses, potentially causing both short- and long-term behavioral, medical, and developmental challenges.  

Pregnant women with substance use disorder may often neglect prenatal care, as they …

Jtc 26: Dismantling Barriers, Building A Village, By Jennifer Parsons

University of Mississippi News

This story is part of the 2026 Journey to Commencement series, which celebrates the pinnacle of the academic year by highlighting University of Mississippi students and their outstanding academic and personal journeys from college student to college graduate.

Beyond The Ivory Tower: Perceptions, Practices, And The Institutionalization Of Community Engagement At St. Augustine University Of Tanzania, Delphine Kessy

Journal of Management for Global Sustainability

This qualitative study provides a comprehensive analysis of academic staff perceptions and practices of community engagement (CE) at the Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT). Framed by Boyer’s theory of the scholarship of application and contemporary models of university engagement, both a descriptive, cross-sectional survey design and thematic analysis of open-ended responses from 14 academic departments at SAUT were used, with a total of 35 participants informing this study. The findings revealed a robust, practice-driven understanding of CE as a collaborative and reciprocal partnership, widely regarded as a core university function alongside teaching and research. Staff reported a rich spectrum …

Program Development And Implementation Of A Sensory-Based Self Regulation Curriculum For Adults With Down Syndrome At Gigi’S Playhouse, Grace Blair

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with Gigi’s Playhouse Nashville, a non-profit organization offering free programming and services to individuals of all ages with Down syndrome and their families. The goal of this project was to develop and implement an educational curriculum for adult education programs focused on daily life skills, money management, physical health, self confidence, and a variety of other topics. A secondary focus of this project was to support sensory regulation in individuals with Down syndrome to promote overall health and participation. The results were physical and digital materials to be used for future adult …

Danger! Ai Art Directors Ahead: An Analysis Of Text-To-Image And Text-To-Video Ai Integrations In Production Design For Film And Television, Katherine Gaylord, Charles Howard, Richard Rohrer

Honors Thesis

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) boom in the last decade has sparked exponential excitement, especially in white collar industries, for the possibilities of cost-cutting and streamlining tasks across industries. However, creative industries which were historically driven by human artistry report majority fear regarding copyright/fair-use, legal protections, and job security.

Production Designs and Art Departments in particular question how, or even if, their talent and creativity will fit into an AI powered entertainment industry. Since the inception of filmmaking, Art Departments have brought fantastical visions to life through set design, props, art, costumes, and beyond. Yet, in the age of AI, Text-to-Image …

Neuroprotective Effects Of Estradiol And Genistein And Interactions With Aromatase Inhibitions Post Cerebellar Lesion In Male Zebra Finches, Grace E. Thompson, Anthony P. Irovic

Honors Theses

Across vertebrates, peripheral and brain-derived estradiol (E₂) promotes neuroplasticity. After injury, E₂ can be derived locally from testosterone via aromatase (AROM), an enzyme that is upregulated in glia at the site of neural injury. E₂disrupts testicular function and elevates cancer and stroke risk, primarily via binding to estrogen receptor alpha (ER α). Genistein (GEN), a phytoestrogen, is similar to E₂ but binds preferentially to estrogen receptor beta (ER β). It may offer neuroprotection without adverse effects of E₂. We used adult male zebra finches (ZF) to model neuroprotective effects of E_{2 …}

Final Practicum Thesis And Portfolio From Accy 421: Professional Development Reviewing The Economic Effects Of Maha Initiatives On Conagra Brands Financial Statements And Studies On Business Professionals, Everett B. Heuer

Honors Theses

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential legislative changes brought about by Robert F Kennedy Jr. and the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign to uncover possible financial effects to Conagra Brands’ next fiscal year. This was achieved through research on RFK’s opinions on American food culture from sources such as interviews and Senate confirmation hearings. Findings included disapproval of seed oils and artificial food dyes that could affect Conagra Brands’ subsidiaries. After reviewing Conagra Brands’ 10k for the previous fiscal year as well as mission statements and core values, the team developed multiple plans for Conagra Brands …

Clemson Commencement Program, May 2026, Clemson University

Clemson Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

An Investigation Of Macroalgal Pigmentation In The Long Island Sound Using Opportunistic Collection And Spectrophotometry, Stella M. Defibaugh

Honors Theses

Algae pigments support the growth of these photosynthetic organisms, converting light energy into chemical energy. Two pigments present in all three groups of macroalgae are chlorophyll a and -carotene, both of which have uses in cosmetics, food, and medicine. This study examined pigment concentrations of collected species at three recreational beaches in the Long Island Sound from November 2025 to February 2026. An opportunistic sampling method was used to implement aspects of community science that could make this project collaborative between scientific industries and the public in the future. Pigments were extracted with ethanol using spectrophotometry, which measures the absorbance …

The Impact Of Hearts For The Homeless On Students At The University Of Mississippi, Ellie Menszer

Honors Theses

Hearts for Homeless (H4H) is an international organization that works to help one of the most vulnerable populations for cardiac disease, the homeless, due to the lack of access to health care and information. At the University of Mississippi, H4H is a registered student organization that volunteers weekly at the Oxford Community Market (OXCM) to provide free blood pressure screenings and heart health information. H4H helps the community while also providing students with hands-on patient care experience. The goal of this research is to determine how volunteering with H4H impacts students at the University of Mississippi. A literature review informed …

Prematurity And Special Education: Raising Awareness Of The Connections Between Preterm Births And Special Education, Nadia R. Corder

Honors Theses

In this thesis, the goal was to find the link, if any, between prematurity and special education, with regards to probability of special education and outcomes, and to create a means of professional development for not only special education teachers about prematurity risks and effects on students but also parental education about the possible procedures of their child’s education. This is accomplished through the organization of infographic pamphlets for parents and an online professional development presentation. Both these formats are compliant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility parameters. A literature review was conducted to achieve this goal using …

Learning Across Disciplines: A Team-Based Approach To Ce, Carissa Blumenshine, Heather Raeder

Nursing

No abstract provided.

Research Week 2026 Awards, Scholarly Communications

Liberty University Research Week

The Research Week 2026 Awards includes a list of winners and the ceremony program.

What Is The Role Of The Gut Microbiome In Modulating Immune Tolerance And The Development Of Allergic Disease In Infants?, Priyal Gajera

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: The infant gut microbiome plays a critical role in immune system development during the early-life “window of immune education.”¹ Microbial colonization influences immune tolerance through mechanisms such as regulatory T-cell (Treg) induction, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and mucosal immune regulation. Disruptions in this process (dysbiosis) are associated with increased risk of allergic diseases, including food allergy, atopic dermatitis, and asthma. Environmental and maternal factors such as delivery mode, antibiotic exposure, and feeding practices significantly impact microbial composition and immune outcomes.²

Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed with search terms related to the gut microbiome, …

Enhancing Wellness And Healthcare Support For Medical Students At Rowan-Virtua Som: A Comprehensive Needs Assessment, Han Jie Liu, Karen Welding-Brown, Joanne Kaiser Smith

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: While the rigors of medical education are well-documented, high stress levels have been shown to negatively impact academic performance. Despite this, Rowan-Virtua SOM currently lacks structured programs that address students’ unique healthcare and wellness needs. This study evaluates the wellness challenges and healthcare barriers faced by pre-clinical students (classes of 2028 and 2029) to inform targeted institutional support.   Methods: A descriptive survey-based study was distributed to all pre-clinical students at Rowan-Virtua SOM. The IRB-expempt (PRO-2025-114) Qualtrics survey assessed four domains: 1) demographics, 2) mental and physical wellness, 3) lifestyle patterns, and 4) access to healthcare and barriers.   Results: Fifty-four …

Staff Education Program On Medication Reconciliation In Primary Care With Integrated Pain Clinic, Jemimah Nimako-Mensah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Using Group Activities To Improve Engagement And Help Alleviate Loneliness Among Older Adults At Macedonia Face, Taylor Corcoran

Public Health Capstone Projects

Introduction: Social isolation and loneliness are increasing public health concerns due to their association with heightened risk for chronic disease and their disproportionate impact on Black older adults (BOA). This project was designed to develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of culturally relevant, low-cost activities on engagement rates among older adults during unscheduled program periods at the Macedonia Family Community Enrichment Center (FACE).

Methods: This project used a mixed methods approach over a 4-week implementation period. Three activities were introduced by the student facilitator, including UNO!, Name That Tune (NTT), and coloring pages. Engagement was measured by comparing the …

Invasive Macrofungi In The United States: A Mushrooming Crisis, Emily Torres

Student Theses 2015-Present

Globalization has accelerated the spread of invasive species, making them one of the largest contributors to biodiversity loss worldwide. While invasive macrofungi remain largely absent from scientific discourse on invasive species, they represent a growing ecological concern throughout the United States. Invasive macrofungi disrupt forest ecosystems, alter soil communities, and displace native fungi. Beyond these ecological impacts, their presence and establishment profoundly affect human-nature relationships, most notably mushroom foraging and cultivation practices. This paper adopts a multidisciplinary approach to examine the ecological, economic, and anthropogenic impacts of invasive macrofungi in the United States. Chapter 1 provides a quantitative overview of …

Lindenwood Digest, May 6, 2026, Lindenwood University

Lindenwood Digest

Event & Date: The 2026 Lindenwood Showcase was held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. 

Geographic Grounding: The event occurred at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. 

Key Honorees/Awards: Student winners included Reghan Gacki and Luisa Gonzalez for Original Research Project, Aidan Brynes for Creative Project, Lauren Roberts, Brendan Finnery, and Judah Davis for Exploratory Project, Chloe Ceballos for Proposal Project, and Allison Schrumf and Eleri Tye for Civic Engagement Project; Kimberly Sanchez received the Alpha Chi People's Choice Award; Oral presentation winners included Ava Bilton, Stephanie Greenhalgh, Kadence Berry, Taylor Bertubin, and Piper Colantone. 

Institutional Context: The showcase highlights diverse …

Focal Status Epilepticus In A Patient With Responsive Neurostimulation: A Rare Complication And Management Insights, Ana Leticia Fornari Caprara Md, Jamir Pitton Rissardo, Pranaya Gade, Estefania Joselinne Alba-Rodriguez Md, Eric P. Nagele Md, Salman Assad Md, Islam Fayed Md, Evren Burakgazi-Dalkilic Md

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) is an established therapy for drug-resistant focal epilepsy, yet device-related complications during acute seizures remain underreported. We describe a case of focal status epilepticus in a patient with RNS, illustrating the interplay of possible device malfunction, systemic illness, and medication nonadherence. Case Report: A 39-year-old man with drug-resistant focal epilepsy and schizoaffective disorder, status post right frontal craniotomy and RNS implantation, presented with focal status epilepticus after several days of antiseizure medication (ASM) nonadherence, febrile illness, vomiting, and urinary tract infection (UTI). On admission, he was lethargic with frequent focal seizures (< 30 s) characterized by left head turn, left arm followed by bilateral arm tonic stiffening, and impaired awareness. Continuous EEG confirmed focal status epilepticus. Family declined intubation. A ketamine bolus (20 mg) followed by infusion (0.25–0.5 mg/kg/hr) for 24 hours achieved seizure cessation. Despite broad ASM therapy (phenytoin, zonisamide, perampanel, levetiracetam, clorazepate, cenobamate, carbamazepine, clonazepam, lacosamide), seizures persisted until RNS interrogation revealed high lead impedance; the device was deactivated. ASM doses were optimized, PEG tube placed for consistent delivery, and UTI treated. He stabilized and was discharged to rehabilitation. Conclusion: This case highlights the need for comprehensive evaluation in RNS patients presenting with focal status epilepticus. Device malfunction, systemic illness, and inconsistent ASM adherence can synergistically worsen seizure control. Multidisciplinary management including neurocritical care, device troubleshooting, and nutritional support was pivotal for recovery.

Case Report: Anaphylaxis-Induced Cardiac Arrest Leading To Multiorgan Failure, Dhruvin Patel, Russell Mordecai, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction that can rapidly progress to cardiovascular collapse and cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest due to anaphylaxis is uncommon but associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Survivors often face complex critical care courses, including multiorgan dysfunction and challenges in neurologic prognostication following hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.

An Unusual Cause Of Generalized Weakness: Cns Toxoplasmosis, Christopher Dellmyer, Danielle Kusmaul, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

No abstract provided.

A Survey-Based Analysis Of The Use Of Lifestyle Medicine In Clinical Practices Of South Jersey, Zehra Jaffri

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States and are largely driven by modifiable lifestyle factors. Lifestyle Medicine (LM) is an evidence-based medical specialty that uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions—including nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep, substance use reduction, and healthy relationships—to prevent, treat, and reverse many chronic conditions. Despite strong evidence supporting lifestyle interventions, LM use in routine primary care remains inconsistent due to barriers such as limited visit time, inadequate clinician training, lack of reimbursement, and difficulty sustaining behavioral change. This study evaluates how often lifestyle counseling is discussed in South Jersey primary …