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Provost’S Scholarly Dissemination Report: Une Authored Publications November 1, 2025, Through January 31, 2026, Une Office Of The Provost, Sonya Durney

UNE Provost's Reports

Scholarly dissemination report of UNE-authored publications during the period of November 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026. Prepared for the Academic, Student, and Research Affairs Committee Provost’s Report, March 2026.

Provost’S Media Report October 10, 2025 – February 15, 2026, Une Office Of The Provost

UNE Provost's Reports

Report of UNE media appearances during the period of October 10, 2025 through February 15, 2026. Prepared for the Academic, Student, and Research Affairs Committee Provost’s Report, March 2026.

Averaging Principle For A General Class Of Periodic Functions In Discrete Spaces, Martin Bohner, Jaqueline G. Mesquita, Sabrina Streipert

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this work, we develop a periodic averaging principle for arbitrary discrete time domains, leveraging a novel definition of periodicity. This definition does not rely on the classical requirement for the time domain itself to be periodic. We implement this averaging principle across diverse discrete time domains and explore a range of periodic functions within this extended context. The paper contains several examples with numerical simulations, providing visual demonstrations of our results. This highlights the versatility of our averaging principle and its potential to understand dynamics of nonautonomous recurrences with complex temporal patterns.

Controllability Of The Semilinear Benjamin–Bona–Mahony Dynamic Equation On Homogeneous Time Scales, Martin Bohner, Cosme Duque, Hugo Leiva

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

This work investigates the approximate controllability and free-time approximate controllability of a generalized semi linear Benjamin–Bona–Mahony type dynamic equation defined on homogeneous time scales, subject to homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. To accomplish this, the problem is framed within an abstract setting, employing the -semigroup theory on time scales. Moreover, we apply a technique introduced by Bashirov et al. [1, 2], which enables us to avoid relying on fixed point theorems.

Investigation Of Material Properties Of Thermoplastic And Thermoset Polymer Materials At Cryogenic Temperatures Using Molecular Dynamics, Swapnil S. Bamane, Sagar Patil, Khatereh Kashmari, Benjamin D. Jensen, Brett A. Bednarcyk, Evan J. Pineda, Jeffery Hinkley, Ozgur Keles, Jin Ho Kang, Gregory Odegard

Michigan Tech Publications

Cryogenic fluids, such as liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, are critical for space operations as rocket fuel and life support. The fluids need to be contained in tanks that can withstand the effects of cyclic thermal and pressure loading throughout their lifecycle. Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) are prime candidates for these tanks because of their low mass, which is important for fuel savings. Although advanced PMC systems have been developed for a wide range of engineering applications, insight is still needed to identify optimal polymer matrix materials for cryogenic structural applications. The objective of this study is to use molecular …

Plaster Creek Watershed Management Plan: Chloride Addendum, Plaster Creek Stewards

Watershed Reports

This addendum complements the 2008 Plaster Creek Watershed Management Plan (WMP), which tells the full story of the Plaster Creek Watershed’s current condition, impairments, and need for restoration. This addendum focuses on chloride, an emerging pollutant of concern in Michigan that was not addressed in Plaster Creek’s 2008 WMP. This addendum meets the nine elements required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a watershed management plan to be officially approved; as such, its content and layout are intended for a technical audience.

“It’S A Lot More To It Than Just Research”: Integrating Critical Data Literacy And Reasoning With Data Into A Stem Summer Camp, Marc T. Sager, Saki L. Milton, Candace Walkington

Publications

Purpose: This study explores how middle-grade girls from predominantly underrepresented and underserved racially and ethnically minoritized (UUREM) backgrounds developed critical data literacy (CDL) through participation in a week-long residential STEM camp. Given the increasing importance of data science education in a data-driven world, this research examines how informal learning environments can support CDL development among youth from historically marginalized groups.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study draws on qualitative interview data from eleven participants, and their group-produced artifacts to investigate how the camp experience supported engagement with data and the development of CDL. Interviews explored participants' experiences with data collection, organization, analysis, and …

Staying Strong In Practice: Reducing Musculoskeletal Risks In Dentistry, Leslie Hovda Dpt

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

Dentistry’s physical demands and static postures put providers at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), especially in the back, neck, shoulders and wrists. This article Dr. Leslie Hovda, outlines practical ways to reduce strain through proper equipment use, posture optimization and preventive self-care. Applying the “MEDS” approach: mindfulness, exercise, diet, and sleep, can extend career longevity for dental professionals.

Articulator Volume 32, Issue 1

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

The 1st Quarter 2026 issue features articles highlighting insights from the 2026 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC) and perspectives on the evolving dental profession. Articles include:

• A reflection from Dr. Byran Savage on this year’s RMDC, celebrating education, innovation and professional connection.
  
  
• Practical strategies from physical therapist, Dr. Leslie Hovda, for reducing musculoskeletal strain and improving ergonomic health for dental professionals.
  
  
• An article from Mr. Gary Pickard of PDS Health exploring the critical link between oral and systemic health and how integrated care can improve chronic disease prevention.
  
  
• Guidance from Ms. Katherine Eitel Belt on having courageous, constructive conversations to …

Ai Is A Credibility Problem For Capital Markets, Liandong Zhang

Research Collection School Of Accountancy

In a commentary, SMU Dean of the School of Accountancy and Lee Kong Chian Professor of Accounting Zhang Liandong said that artificial intelligence (AI) is not mainly a labour problem for accountancy but also a credibility problem for capital markets. Prof Zhang noted that in an AI-rich economy, accountancy matters not just as a reporting function but also as part of the infrastructure that makes economic information reliable enough for others to act on. He added that the future of accountancy should not be framed too narrowly as a struggle for professional survival. Prof Zhang said that the bigger risk …

Update On Colorado Non-Compete Agreements For Dentists, Josh Austin

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

Colorado’s Senate Bill 25-083 (SB 83) makes non-compete and non-solicitation agreements unenforceable for associate dentists, regardless of compensation. While non-competes tied to the sale of a dental practice or minority ownership remain valid if reasonable, most employment-based restrictions are now void. The law also preserves dentists’ rights to inform patients of their new practice and maintains penalties for non-compliance.

Winging It: Convergence, Convivencia, And Belonging Of Latina Lawyers, Verónica C. Gonzales

Fordham Law Review

No abstract provided.

Changes In The Availability Of Inpatient Psychiatric Beds Across Rural And Urban Areas, 2012-2021, John Gale, Zachariah T. Croll, Jamar Croom Ms, Yvonne Jonk Phd

All Maine Rural Health Research Center Publications

• From 2012 to 2021, the United States experienced significant shifts in the distribution of inpatient psychiatric beds away from psychiatric distinct part units (DPUs) in short-term medical hospitals in rural and urban areas, and towards freestanding inpatient psychiatric hospitals (IPHs) in urban areas.
• While the number of DPU beds declined by 14.6% (775) in rural areas and 8.7% (2,834) in urban areas, the number of IPHs beds increased by 2.1% percent (120) in rural areas and 16.4% (7,851) in urban areas.
• • Overall, rural areas experienced a 6.8% (755 beds) decline in the number of psychiatric beds operated by either …

(Si16-04) Some Fixed Point Theorems On Chatterjea Type Contractions, Irom Shashikanta Singh, Y. Mahendra Singh

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

This paper establishes the existence of fixed points related to strict Chatterjee contractive mappings by relaxing the compactness of the underlying spaces and the continuity of the mapping involved, using altering distance functions and comparison functions in the general setting of metric spaces. Several non-trivial and illustrative examples are provided to demonstrate, support, and validate the obtained theoretical results. In addition, a theorem that can characterize the completeness of metric spaces through the existence of fixed points is rigorously proven and discussed. Furthermore, a theorem on strict Chatterjea-type modulus contractive mappings without continuity assumptions and with relaxed compactness conditions is …

(Si16-06) Equations Of Geodesics In Two-Dimensional Finsler Manifold With A Special Cubic (Α, Β)-Metric, Sejal Prajapati, Brijesh Kumar Tripathi, V. K. Chaubey

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

Geodesics represent the shortest path between two points in curved spacetime and are vital in the study of Finsler manifolds. Matsumoto and Park first derived the geodesic equation as a secondorder differential equation in a two-dimensional Finsler manifold with Randers, Kropina, and Matsumoto metrics. Building on this foundation, our paper presents the geodesic differential equation for a two-dimensional Finsler manifold using a special cubic power metric. In this two-dimensional setting, this work also looks at certain well-known geometric curves and analyzes their variants as solutions to the geodesic differential equation. Additionally, this work examines the geometric applications of the geodesic’s …

(Si16-07) Computing The Kirchhoff Index And The Wiener Index Of Spiro Para Hexagonal Cylinder Chain, Md Selim Reja, Sk. Md. Abu Nayeem

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

In graph theory, the Kirchhoff index serves as a metric to evaluate the complexity of a graph. It is determined by adding up the resistance distances between every pair of vertices in the graph. In a network created from the given graph by substituting each edge by a unit resistor, the resistance distance between a pair of specified vertices is equivalent to the electrical resistance between them in the constructed network. Basically, it measures the convenience with which data or flow can move between various locations in a network that the graph represents. In terms of graph matrices, the Kirchhoff …

(Si16-11) Seasonal And Temporal Optimization Of Solar Energy Harvesting In Smart Iot Lighting Infrastructure, Abhijit Paul, Rishabh Pipalwa, Sabyasachi Mondal North - Eastern Hill University, Shillong, India

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

This study investigates the seasonal and temporal optimization of solar energy harvesting in a smart IoT-enabled streetlighting infrastructure by focusing on the theoretical determination of optimal solar panel tilt angles. The proposed system incorporates auto-adjusted solar panels integrated with an IoT network comprising sensors, microcontrollers, and streetlights. A key innovation lies in the implementation of a modified MQTT communication protocol, which enables efficient, localized decision-making and data exchange among components. Simulation results indicate that the modified MQTT protocol significantly reduces communication delay and power consumption compared to the conventional MQTT approach, thereby enhancing the overall system performance. Detailed analysis of …

(Si16-21) Dynamical Study Of A Hassell-Varley Model With Nonlinear Harvesting And Fear Effect In Prey, Aditya Bhattacharya, Anindita Bhattacharyya

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

In this article, a one predator-one prey model incorporating Richards’ type growth in prey population, Hassell-Varley type functional response and Michaelis-Menten type prey harvesting is proposed and analyzed. Richards’ type growth with fear factor is incorporated in the proposed model to generalize the reduction effect of predator-induced fear on the rate of growth of the prey population. Positivity and boundedness of the system’s solutions are first established to ensure biological feasibility of the model. Existence and stability conditions of various types of equilibrium points associated with the model such as trivial equilibrium, axial (predator–free) equilibrium and coexistence equilibrium are obtained …

Circuit And Synaptic Mechanisms Of Methamphetamine Induced Cognitive Deficits During Abstinence: Roles Of The Perirhinal-Prefrontal Pathway And The Nucleus Reuniens, Sarah Goldsmith

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Cognitive deficits during abstinence are a hallmark of methamphetamine (meth) use and indicative of negative treatment outcomes. In rats, both long access meth self-administration and meth binge produce recognition memory deficits due to drug-induced plasticity within the perirhinal cortex (PRH). PRH projections are numerous and include the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the Nucleus Reuniens (NRe). In the first study, the role of the PRH-mPFC reciprocal circuit in novel object recognition memory was investigated by infusing an rgAAV encoding GFP-tagged Cre recombinase into the PRH or the mPFC. Following surgery, rats explored objects. During exploration, PRH neurons receiving input from …

Foothill Boulevard Corridor Plan, Alexander Tassos

City and Regional Planning

This plan evaluates existing conditions, opportunities, challenges, and recommendations for bicycle mobility, accessibility, safety, and comfort along the Foothill Boulevard corridor in San Luis Obispo. The plan builds on the City of San Luis Obispo’s Complete Streets and Active Transportation policies, as well as the regional priorities outlined in the SLOCOG Active Transportation Plan. Findings from this plan will inform future Foothill Boulevard Corridor improvements, guide coordination with the City’s Vision Zero initiatives, and support updates to the City’s Active Transportation planning framework. In addition, the plan presents conceptual alternatives for corridor improvements with a focus on creating a safer …

The Impact Of Human Myoblasts On Macrophage Polarization In A Coculture Model, Elisabeth Ann Stodola

Biomedical Engineering

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque in the lower extremities that occludes blood flow, and affects over 200 million people worldwide. Without effective treatment, PAD can lead to claudication, ischemia, ulcers, and gangrene. PAD causes more amputations in the United States than any other condition, and for severe cases that require revascularization, procedures benefit fewer than 50% of patients. This demonstrates a clear need for alternative therapies. Potential therapies for PAD target expansion of collateral blood vessels around the area of occlusion – a process called arteriogenesis to compensate for loss of blood flow …

When A Man Is Stressed, It Replicates In The House”: Kenyan Women’S Perspectives On The Influence Of Male Partners On Perinatal Mental Health Among Women Affected By Hiv, Hellen Moraa, Joan Mutahi, Winnie Atieno, Grace John-Stewart, John Kinuthia, Manasi Kumar, Mary Marwa, Ben Odhiambo, Felix Abuna, Jillian Pintye

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Mental health conditions are a major public health concern in the African region, where women experience a high prevalence of maternal mental health conditions and limited access to adequate care. This issue is particularly severe among women living with HIV (WLHIV), who face a heightened risk of depression and anxiety. Despite the well-documented association between male partner-related factors and maternal/child health outcomes, their impact on perinatal mental health from the perspective of women is not well understood. We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with women affected by HIV. Thematic analysis revealed common sources of mental distress they experienced. …

Feasibility Of Using Recycled Waste Plastic In Concrete Pavements In Nebraska, Amasi Hajahja, Jamilla Teixeira, George Morcous

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

Waste plastic (WP) is a growing environmental concern due to its non-biodegradable nature, large-scale production, and harmful impact on natural resources. With nearly 75% of WP in the U.S. ending up in landfills, effective recycling strategies are urgently needed. In parallel, the limited availability of natural aggregates highlights the need for alternative materials in concrete construction. This study investigates the feasibility of using recycled waste plastic (RWP) in concrete mixtures, both as aggregates and fibers for rigid pavement applications in Nebraska. Concrete mixtures were prepared by partially replacing natural fine aggregates with recycled plastic aggregates (RPA) at replacement levels of …

Experience And Response To Disability Stigma In South Asian Communities, Sudha Krishnan

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

This qualitative study explored the experiences of stigma and responses to stigmatization among 13 South Asian parents of children with extensive support needs (ESN). Existing research indicates that students with intellectual disabilities often experience negative emotions such as shame, powerlessness, and frustration due to their disability status. Cultural beliefs significantly influence the experiences of disabled children and their families, with stigma perceived and felt differently across cultural groups. Participants were interviewed about their family and cultural beliefs, perceptions of disability, and experiences with school collaborations and social stigma. Thematic analysis revealed that South Asian families with children with ESN faced …

The Fourth Amendment's Right To Be Secure, Thomas K. Clancy

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

Beginning with a 1998 article and through the editions of my treatise, I have argued that the right to be “secure” must be properly understood. The right to be secure is the powerful ability to exclude the government, and it protects against physical and technological intrusions. As will be discussed, my interpretation has had some influence among courts and scholars. Several academics have taken time to discuss it, and it has been noticed in the Supreme Court. This Essay seeks to dispel some of those characterizations and clarify the meaning of the right to be secure.

The Amendment in its …

A Framework For Biological Weapons Deterrence, Center For The Study Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction

Research and Case Studies

The United States faces a growing range of biological threats, including the potential use of increasingly sophisticated biological weapons. As advances in science and technology expand the scope of these risks, deterring biological attacks has become an urgent national security challenge. This study examines the U.S. Government's current approach to biological weapons deterrence, assesses existing tools and capabilities, and identifies key challenges to developing a more effective strategy. Drawing on research, expert interviews, and roundtable discussions, the paper argues that deterring biological threats requires a coordinated whole-of-government approach that integrates the capabilities and expertise of multiple federal agencies. This NDU …

A Synthetic Marketplace: Rethinking First Amendment Theory In The Age Of Ai-Generated Video, Jared Schroeder, Heesoo Jang

The Business, Entrepreneurship & Tax Law Review

First Amendment theory is unprepared for the synthetic-media era. AI-generated videos, which fundamentally portray events and actions that never happened, are changing the ways people construct reality in fundamental ways. These believable videos raise substantial concerns about foundational assumptions of First Amendment theory, particularly the marketplace of ideas. Synthetic videos challenge citizens to discern truth from falsity in new ways. These challenges are multiplied by the nature of video, which scholars have noted audiences find uniquely believable. This article examines First Amendment theory, as well as the nature of video, ultimately contending that the rationales the Supreme Court has traditionally …

At The Crossroads: Sports Betting In Missouri And Proposals For Regulations, Jimin Shumate

The Business, Entrepreneurship & Tax Law Review

Sports betting is a rapidly growing industry nationwide, and Missouri became the 39th state to legalize the practice. Although states hope to reap the benefits of a regulated sports gambling market, the activity carries significant mental, physical, and socioeconomic risks due to its inherently addictive nature. The hyper-accessibility of modern platforms, particularly those enabling unlimited micro betting, magnifies longstanding concerns in a new digital context. Compounding these risks, the absence of federal standards for minimum wagering ages and the aggressive marketing strategies employed by sportsbooks draw in young adults. This article proposes a coordinated federal and state regulatory framework that …

Beyond The Prompt: The Social Costs Of Generative Artificial Intelligence, J. Scott Christianson, Josh Rickard

The Business, Entrepreneurship & Tax Law Review

The rapid commercialization of generative artificial intelligence has produced extraordinary value for technology companies while systematically externalizing costs onto society. This Article provides a review of these externalities across three domains: environmental, human health, and digital infrastructure. The environmental burden includes massive energy and water consumption alongside ecologically destructive mining for rare earth elements and accelerating electronic waste. The human toll encompasses a documented pattern of AI-induced mental health crises, including suicide and self-harm linked to anthropomorphic chatbot design, raising novel questions of product liability in cases like Garcia v. Character.AI. The digital commons face degradation through industrialized data scraping …

Stress Management And Resilience Among Students Enrolled In The Entry Level Master Of Science In Nursing (Elmsn) Program, Pius Omolewa, Adekemi Adedipe, Nassrine Noureddine, Destiny Roberts

All Faculty Scholarship

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of mindfulness exercises on stress management and resilience among ELMSN students. Methods: The study was a quasi-experimental design that used a paired samples t-test to compare pre-test and post-test of students’ scores on both GAD-7 anxiety screening tool and short version of Grit-scale. Statistical tests were conducted with significance set at p < 0.05 (two-sided). All analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 31.0 to compare pre-/post-test scores, determine differences, and statistical significance of interventions among the cohort. And a priori power analysis was conducted to determine the required sample size for a paired samples t-test. With an alpha level of 0.05 and a medium effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.50), a total sample size of N = 34 was determined to be sufficient to achieve a power of 0.80. Results: A convenience sample of 40 students (35 females and 5 males) participated in the study. Students had more anxiety before mindfulness exercises (M = 7.00, SD = 5.5) compared to after the mindfulness exercises (M = 6.2, SD = 3.4), t(39) = 1.41, p = 0.17. The effect size was small, d = 0.22. However, the difference in the students’ anxiety levels after the mindfulness exercises was not statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.17. On the resilience, students were less resilient before mindfulness exercises (M = 3.58, SD …