Digital Commons Network^™

Chimes: March 23, 2026, Calvin University

Chimes

Calvin's 150th marked by historic royal visit by Ian Tjoelker

D3 Hockey makes nationals run in historic season before D2 move by Zack Kern & Hendrik Beelen

Celebrating 150 years: "Calvin on the Road" tour visits Grand Rapids by Alec DeYoung

Jordan archaeology May term cancelled by Sarah Sparling

Calvin's CubeSat program launches into action by Ellery Johnson

Key Elements Of Mission-Based Urban Agriculture In The United States Aimed At Addressing The Social Determinants Of Health, Jordan Losavio

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Urban agriculture (UA) in the United States (U.S.) is increasingly positioned as a multi-domain strategy for addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), yet evidence is fragmented and often focused on participant outcomes rather than the organizational and environmental conditions that determine whether those benefits can be sustained, expanded, or maintained over time. This dissertation uses an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design to clarify (1) what SDOH outcomes are associated with UA in the peer-reviewed literature, (2) which internal and external factors leaders perceive as driving UA organizational success or failure, and (3) which factors predict comparative organizational functioning across a national …

Star Apple (Chrysophyllum Cainito) Leaf & Banana (Musa Acuminata) Peel Extract As A Hydrophobic Coating For Cardboard, Ferdinand F. Begnaen, Missy Noelle C. Velasco, Mary Catherine M. Alfonso, Sharee Mae A. Tamayo, Ashley Irish V. Balneg, Crizanne R. Barsatan, David Isaiah S. Gengania, Rivi N. Wacnisen, Nikah Mei I. James

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

This research aims to find a natural way to make cardboard more water-resistant, increasing its recyclability and lifespan by using banana peels (BP) and star apple leaves (SAL). The inspiration behind this study comes from commercial coatings that are made from synthetic chemicals, such as fluoropolymers and silicone, that can harm the environment. Since cardboard easily absorbs water, the researchers tested different mixtures of BP and SAL to determine which combination works best as a coating. Using ethanol maceration to extract hydrophobic compounds, epicuticular wax was obtained from SAL, while powdered BP was macerated with hexane. The extracts were concentrated …

Asclepad: A Sustainable Wound Dressing Pad Using Chitosan And Vitamin C Infused Milkfish (Chanos Chanos) Skin For Advanced Wound Care, Diether Mark A. Lucero, Ramon Jacob L. Caluag, Juan Miguel M. Elayda, Marcelino G. Gigantone Jr.

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Medical waste is an overlooked issue posing a significant environmental and public health threat, with 4.7 billion tons generated annually, accounting for 3% of overall waste, and wound dressing pads being a major contributor. Vitamin C, involved in all phases of wound healing, demonstrates synergy with Chitosan, a polysaccharide ideal for medical and cosmetic applications. Milkfish (Chanos chanos) skin, a dominant commercial fish in the Philippines, shows synergy with Chitosan and Vitamin C in wound healing. Thus, aligning with SDGs 3, 12, and 13, this study aims to synthesize and evaluate AsclePad, a sustainable wound dressing pad infused with Chitosan …

How Does A Structured Pre-Operative Airway Assessment Influence Anesthesiologists' Prediction Of A Difficult Airway In Surgical Patients?, Anjana Palanisamy

Mentorship Program 2025-2026

No abstract provided.

Modelling Enablers And Barriers To Improve Uptake Of A Fruit And Vegetable Voucher Scheme (The Fresh Street Community) In England:: A Tism-Micmac Approach, Jiang Pan, Clare Relton, Lisa Howard, Lisa Howard, Aira Ong, Louise Hunt, Paridhi Garg, Jane Bradbeer, Manik Puranik, Rachel Sutton, Carol Wagstaff, Clare Pettinger

School of Health Professions

Background: Improving equitable access to fresh fruit and vegetables (FV) remains a critical public health priority in the UK, particularly in low-income communities where affordability, accessibility, and social barriers limit healthy food choices. The Fresh Street Community scheme, a place-based FV voucher initiative in England, aims to enhance dietary equity by enabling households to purchase fresh produce from local community centres. Building on prior feasibility research, this study applies a systems-modelling approach to explore how multiple enablers and barriers interact to influence scheme uptake and sustainability.Methods: Using Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM) combined with MICMAC analysis, we engaged research team …

The Application Effect Of Modified Pressure-Reducing Fixation Protective Nasal Strip In The Nursing Care Of Patients Receiving High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy, Ying Zhou, Xuting He, Jianying Sang

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a modified pressure-reducing fixation protective nasal strip in preventing device-related pressure injuries and improving nursing outcomes in patients undergoing high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy. Methods: This study included 60 patients receiving HFNC therapy from January 2024 to September 2024. Participants were randomly divided into an observation group (n = 30), which used the modified decompression fixation protective nasal strip, and a control group (n = 30), which underwent standard care with hydrocolloid dressing protection. The study compared general demographic data, the interval between fixation strap changes, frequency of catheter position adjustments, skin management effectiveness …

Stratifying Renal Risk In End-Stage Renal Disease: Evidence From A Population-Based Dialysis Registry In Northern Saudi Arabia, Reem Eltayeb, Naif K Binsaleh, Ghaida A Alsaif, Mona Hm Ahmed, Ahmed M Taha, Abdelhameed Abdelzaher, Zinab Alatawi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: We examined the relationship of age, gender, smoking, nationality, and place of residence with renal dysfunction severity in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of ESRD registry data collected from King Khalid Hospital in Hail, Saudi Arabia. Adults (≥ 15 years) treated from March 2023 - February 2024 were enrolled. Serum creatinine and urinary albumin concentrations were measured (based on primary [≥ 625 μmol/L and ≥ 18 mg/L, respectively] and sensitivity thresholds). Bivariate analyses, interaction testing, sensitivity models, and multivariable logistic regression were employed. Results: Of 212 patients (50.9% male), based on primary thresholds, …

A Comprehensive Analysis Of Overweight, Obesity, And Failure To Thrive In Pediatric Inpatients: Prevalence, Diagnostic Practices, And Management Approaches At A Tertiary Hospital In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Ibrahim A Al Alwan, Elaf A Alshammari, Ahmed A Alabdulkarim, Abdulaziz A Ajeebi, Afnan A Alhazimi, Nawaf A Alhamied, Deema Y Alasmari

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, diagnostic accuracy, and inpatient management of pediatric weight abnormalities at a tertiary children's hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using a retrospective cohort design. Methods: The study analyzed medical records of pediatric inpatients aged 2–14 years admitted to King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital (KASCH) in 2023. Data collected included anthropometrics, dietary history, physical activity, diagnostic workup, and treatment plans. Overweight and obesity were classified using BMI percentiles, while FTT was identified via weight-for-age and growth percentile criteria. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze diagnostic accuracy and factors influencing missed diagnoses. Results: Of 7,771 …

Rehabilitation Outcomes Of Pediatric Burn Survivors In Saudi Arabia: A Thematic Narrative Review And Policy Implications, Abdulaziz Ghandurah, Mshari Alghadier

Saudi Medical Journal

Pediatric burns in Saudi Arabia are predominantly household scalds in young children, causing long-term disability from scarring, contractures, pain/itch, psychosocial distress, and disrupted schooling. This thematic narrative review (2010–2025) synthesizes global and regional evidence, appraises outcome measures with attention to Arabic availability, and translates findings into Vision 2030–aligned policy actions. Evidence supports early, multidisciplinary care anchored in standardized outcome tracking. Pressure-garment therapy remains inconclusive, whereas virtual reality reduces procedural pain and telerehabilitation serves families distant from tertiary centers. A minimum national outcome set is proposed spanning scar quality (VSS, POSAS), joint range of motion, age-appropriate pain and itch scales (FLACC/FPS-R/NRS), …

Impact Of Clinical Pharmacist Educational Intervention On Lipid Profile And Its Clinical Outcomes, Saad Saeed Alqahtani

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To assess how clinical pharmacist-led educational interventions affect lipid profile parameters and related clinical outcomes in cardiovascular disease-risk individuals. Methods: This systematic review completed as according to PRISMA 2020 principles. Searches were done on PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Google Scholar, DOAJ, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies examining impact of the pharmacists' educational initiatives on lipid levels were included. However, case reports, conference proceedings, and studies in other languages not in English, and studies lacking full-text access were excluded from the review. Following screening and eligibility assessment, a total of 33 papers were included out of the 1731 records found. …

March 20, 2026 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

A Consideration Of Food In A Diversity Society, Masayo Morofushi

Japanese Society and Culture

In recent years, the number of foreign visitors such as tourists and businesspeople, and the number of foreign residents such as workers and international students, have been steadily increasing in Japan. However, the decrease in the number of foreign residents in Japan is relatively small compared to the number of foreign visitors to Japan, due to travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding restaurants, Japan has experienced diversity, progress, and cross-cultural understanding; however, these changes have been stagnant due to a decrease in the number of foreign visitors to Japan during the pandemic. Many natural disasters have recently occurred, and …

Exploring The Definition Of Child Poverty : For Consideration Of Legal Policy, Kazuko Ikeya, Fumie Adachi, Kazutoshi Imade

Japanese Society and Culture

We explore the definition of child poverty for consideration of legal policy.

Survey of the actual situation in local governments and private organizations concerning child poverty.

① Some parents don’t know how to prioritize their spending, and there are cases where parents don’t provide for their children.

② This cannot be addressed only with financial investment.

It is inappropriate to define child poverty only by low household income. It should also be

defined as whether children are being provided for through their development.

Plant-Based Dietary Patterns Are Associated With Slower Epigenetic Aging, Hyunju Kim, Christina A Castellani, Jiantao Ma, Alexis C Wood, Audrey Ting, Morgan E Grams, Bing Yu, Kelly Ruggles, James S Floyd, Dan E Arking, Casey M Rebholz

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Greater adherence to plant-based diets is associated with health benefits. Dietary intake can modify DNA methylation patterns, but it is unknown whether plant-based diets in a largely non-vegetarian population are associated with DNA methylation-based epigenetic aging measures. We examined the associations between 4 different types of plant-based diets indices (PDI) [overall PDI, provegetarian diet, healthy PDI, and unhealthy PDI] and epigenetic aging. We used data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study (N=2,810) and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, N=2,056). PDIs negatively scored higher intake of animal products and positively scored higher intake of all or selected …

From Cart To Kitchen Workshop, Madison Craig, Joshua Kim, Grace Manalac, Divya Thomas, Abby Zerby, Cameron Zirkel

Public Health Science Capstones

From Cart to Kitchen is a hands-on workshop designed to support families experiencing housing transitions in the San Jose area in building healthier eating habits. In partnership with Family Supportive Housing, the program focuses on strengthening food literacy, helping participants feel more confident in choosing nutritious meals on a budget.

The workshop includes short, easy-to-follow videos and interactive activities that cover topics like reading food labels, understanding basic nutrition, and grocery shopping with limited resources. Participants also receive a user-friendly pamphlet with tips on meal planning, shopping smart, and incorporating seasonal produce.

Delivered in an in-person setting, From Cart to …

Fenced And Feral: Farming And Spread Of Flowerhorn (Amphilophus Spp.) In Lake Sampaloc, Philippines, Janice A. Ragaza, Hannah Nicole Gasmen

Environmental Sustainability

This study examines the spread and ecological impact of invasive Flowerhorn cichlids (Amphilophus spp.) in Lake Sampaloc, Philippines, driven by both accidental release and intentional aquaculture practices. Field observations and literature reveal that these highly adaptable and aggressive fish outcompete native species, contributing to biodiversity decline amid increasing pollution, eutrophication, and microplastic contamination. Their phenotypic plasticity allows them to thrive in degraded environments, further exacerbating ecological imbalance. While local communities have begun utilizing Flowerhorns for ornamental trade and potential aquafeed production, such practices risk reinforcing their proliferation. The study highlights the need for integrated management strategies combining biosecurity, pollution control, …

Effects Of Substrate–Supplement Interactions On Yield Performance Of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus), Charles O. Joseph, Faraja Makwinja

Tanzania Journal of Science

Different substrates and supplements are used in mushroom production, however their interaction effects and growth variables affected is little known. This study was conducted to compare the effects of substrate-supplement interactions on growth and yield of oyster mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus. Two substrates (banana leaves and sawdust) and two supplements (chicken manure and sugar) were investigated. The substrates were reduced to 2 cm pieces and steam sterilized at 80–100°C for 3 hours. In each bag containing specific substrate, the supplements were added as 2% of the total substrate. The spawn was inoculated from each bag; misting was applied to maintain constant …

Honey Bees (Apis Mellifera) Pollination Enhances Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) Yield In Kibaha Tanzania, Beatrice Tonola, Charles Olambo Joseph, Mkabwa L.K. Manoko, Shibonage K. Mashilingi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Honey bees are essential pollinators of the world’s food crops. However, information on the influence of honey bee pollination on watermelon yield is limited in Tanzania. This study assessed efficiency of honey bee pollination on watermelon yield. The study tested three improved watermelon varieties (Zebra F1, Candy F1 and Sukari F1) and three pollination environments: (Caged with Apis mellifera (CAM), Caged without insects (CW) and Open pollination (OP) in two seasons. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed no significant interaction between pollination environment and varieties. Significant difference …

The Plra's Carceral Litigation Penalty, Alexander Afnán

Penn State Law Review (2003 - Present)

No abstract provided.

Quantitative Analysis Of Thiamine, Riboflavin, And Niacin Vitamins By High-Performance Liquid Chromatography In Pharmaceutical Sample Tablets And Drops, Sarra A. Abrahem, Suhad A. Ibrahim, Alaa Sh. Abdulbari, Noor M. Ali, Maryam Y. Hashim

Baghdad Science Journal

Levering cutting-edge high-performance liquid chromatography techniques with a C-18 column, we meticulously crafted a gradient of MeOH and glacial CH₃COOH (96–5%), pulsating through at a mesmerizing 1.2 ml/min. With ultraviolet detection at a precise wavelength of 245 nm, we unraveled the mysteries of these vital nutrients. Thiamine reveals itself at a retention time of 3.5 min, followed by Riboflavin at 8.1 min and Niacin at 10.8 min. The findings of this study were not just a spectacle of scientific powers but were also rigorously benchmarked against commercial drugs, ensuring accuracy and reliability in our analysis.

Conquering Today's Health Paradox With The Power Of Heal - An Expert Consensus Report Plus Research Priorities And Policymaker Roadmap, Katharina C Wirnitzer, Mohamad Motevalli, Derrick R Tanous, Clemens Drenowatz, Maximilian Moser, Holger Cramer, Thomas Rosemann, Karl-Heinz Wagner, Andreas Michalsen, Beat Knechtle, Zlatko Fras, Adilson Marques, Nataša Fidler Mis, Fatima C Stanford, Christian Schubert, Nandu Goswami, Claus Leitzmann, Per Morten Fredriksen, Gerhard Ruedl, Rodrigo A Lima, Christian Kessler, Michael Jeitler, Naim A Khan, Hassan Joulaei, Maryam Fatemi, Karl W Kratky, Kara K Palmer, Bernd Haditsch, Boštjan Jakše, Walter Kofler

School of Health Professions

BACKGROUND: Despite growing scientific evidence and health guidelines, the global health paradox persists, with rising lifestyle-related diseases and escalating healthcare costs exposing the inadequacy of current efforts.

OBJECTIVE: Three multidisciplinary congresses were held to generate evidence-based conclusions aimed at addressing the global health paradox.

METHODS: A total of 58 experts from 62 entities participated in the international research and knowledge-exchange panels. Experts reviewed the latest findings to develop practical strategies and identify key research and policy priorities, focusing on the Healthy Eating & Active Living (HEAL) approach.

RESULTS CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: The expert consortium endorsed a 33 evidence-based consensual-statement policy …

Educational Intervention To Improve Awareness Of The Female Athlete Triad Among Division I Athletes, Carly J. Haring, Jonathan Olson Md

Aesculapius Journal (Health Sciences & Medicine)

Introduction: The Female Athlete Triad poses short- and long-term health risks for female athletes through the interrelated components of low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and impaired bone health. Despite its prevalence, awareness and education surrounding the Triad remain limited, contributing to delayed recognition and care. The objective of this project was to assess baseline knowledge and comfort discussing Female Athlete Triad–related topics among Division I female athletes and to evaluate the impact of a brief educational intervention on knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking intentions.

Methods: A community-based educational initiative was conducted in November 2025 among Division I female athletes …

Diet Intervention By Villas Association (Diva) Manual, Fe Garcia-Nguyen, Esmeralda Heredia, Phung Le, Josh Liu, Ella Morey, Paulina Ordonez

Public Health Science Capstones

The DIVA (Diet Intervention by Villas Association) program is a 3-week program designed to help college students build healthier eating habits while managing busy schedules and limited resources. The program addresses common barriers to healthy eating including lack of time, cooking skills, nutrition knowledge, and awareness of affordable food options.

Each week, students receive access to a cooking demonstration kit that includes a simple, budget-friendly recipe, a step-by-step video, a grocery list with prices, and practical cooking tips. These materials are available in an online repository, allowing students to learn at their own pace and revisit resources as needed.

To …

Coping With Climate Change: A Mixed-Methods Approach To Understanding Irrigation Technology Outcomes In Gujarat, India, Jamie M. Sommer, Trupti Jain, Biplabketan Paul, Karina Yager, Eliza White, Andrew Hargrove, Peggy Ann Spitzer

Montclair State University Scholarship & Creative Works

Previous research on climate change interventions highlights that adaptation and mitigation strategies must be tailored to local contexts to effectively benefit both people and the environment. However, there remains a gap in analyzing the effectiveness of locally specific climate-related technologies in enhancing food security, improving livelihoods, and addressing social dimensions such as women’s autonomy. The authors address that gap by drawing on two data sources, one quantitative and one qualitative, to evaluate the impact of an irrigation technology. Specifically, the authors assess its effectiveness in improving crop yields and addressing issues related to migration, women’s autonomy, and economic conditions. The …

Immunoregulatory Effects Of Choerospondias Axillaris (Roxb.) B.L.Burtt & A.W.Hill Fruit Extract In Mice With Insights On In Vitro Mechanism, Ravi Gautam, Anju Maharjan, Jaehee Lee, Sujeong Yang, Jihun Jo, Manju Acharya, Daeun Lee, Narayan Prasad Ghimire, Saroj Lamichhane, Byungsun Min, Changyul Kim, Hyoungah Kim, Yong Heo

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Lapsi (Choerospondias axillaris), a plant native to Nepal, has been traditionally used in Asian countries to treat cardiovascular conditions. However, its effects on immune regulatory function remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to in vivo evaluate the immunoregulatory properties of Lapsi fruit extract in mice on immunotoxic responses with analysis on in vitro mechanism for immune suppression, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. Male Balb/c mice were intragastrically administered various doses of the extract for 21 days. In some mice, immune suppression was induced with cyclophosphamide, and subsequent immune recovery was assessed. In addition, RAW264.7 cells and THP-1-derived macrophages were …

Implementation Of Preventive Health Presentations At A Multicultural Senior Center, Binh Le

EMET Projects

No abstract provided.

Legal Permanent Residents’ Five-Year Residency Benefits Restriction, Enoch Olayinka Badamosi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The contemporary U.S. welfare system, shaped by the 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act and reinforced by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, established structural exclusions that bar lawful permanent residents (LPRs) from accessing core social welfare programs during their first five years of residency. Existing research provides support that exclusionary provisions caused economic instability, bureaucratic discrimination, and racialized stigma for immigrant participants, limiting access to basic needs, reinforcing poverty, and ultimately eroding trust in U.S. institutions. The purpose of this study was to bridge the gap in knowledge by examining the cumulative socio-economic and moral …

Islamic Relief As A Transnational Advocacy Network In Building Global Solidarity For Gaza, Nura Alanda Nabila, Zhafirah Fatin Azzah, Nuraeni -, R. Dudy Heryadi

The Journal of Social Encounters

This article examines the role of Islamic Relief in supporting Palestine from the perspective of the Transnational Advocacy Network. The conflict in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, raises the central question of how non-governmental actors contribute to global advocacy efforts amid the large-scale civilian suffering. The article is based on qualitative research, utilizing a literature review as a data collection technique, with constructivism as the theoretical framework. This study positions Islamic Relief as a transnational humanitarian organization whose work is shaped and rooted in Islamic values. The findings showed that the efforts to address the crisis in Gaza are carried out …

Food, Faith, And Sustainability: Rethinking Ramadan Consumption Practices In Qatar, Tamim Raihan

The Journal of Social Encounters

This essay examines the paradox that Ramadan’s ethical horizon of restraint and moral accountability often coincides, in contemporary Qatar, with heightened provisioning and recurrent food waste. Bringing Émile Durkheim’s sacred–profane distinction into dialogue with Nancy Ammerman’s “lived religion,” the analysis treats commensality as a privileged site where religious meaning is socially produced, renewed, and contested through embodied practice. It further mobilizes Benjamin Smith’s critique of Market Orientalism to caution against culturalizing narratives that frame Gulf “excess” as moral deficiency while obscuring political-economic conditions, labor arrangements, and infrastructures that normalize surplus. Methodologically, the article is a theory-driven, interpretive conceptual essay grounded …