Digital Commons Network^™

A Comparison Between Phalangeal Skeletochronology And Cephalic Parietal Rings In Lizards, Marco A.L. Zuffi, Roberto Sacchi, Marcello Mezzasalma, Maria José Amaral, Miguel Angel Carretero, Fabio Maria Guarino

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The well-defined, layered organization of the cephalic scales in many lacertilians could offer a noninvasive alternative for estimating the individual age of these vertebrates. This study aimed to validate the method of age determination based upon the cephalic scale rings in the genus Podarcis, comparing it to phalangeal skeletochronology, a widely used and highly reliable indirect method for estimating the age of ectotherm vertebrates. We analyzed individuals of P. bocagei (n = 48), P. muralis (n = 16) and P. siculus (n = 8). For each individual, we compared the number of cephalic layers with the number of lines of …

Curatorial Statement For Oral Histories Collection, Chandler D. Smith

LSUHSC Hurricane Katrina Archive: Oral Histories

This curatorial statement includes details about the conception and execution of the LSUHSC Hurricane Katrina Archive Oral Histories collection project by library faculty and staff. Updated version posted on April 29, 2026.

Click-Ready Gold Nanoparticles From Aqueous Mechanochemistry: 2-Propynylamine As A Reducing Agent And Surface Ligand, Amber L. Garcia, Brian S. Mitchell, Amanda Reusch, Mark J. Fink, Juan P. Hinestroza, Yelin Ko, Julie P. Vanegas

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

We report a rapid aqueous method for synthesizing monodisperse gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), employing 2-propynylamine as both an intrinsic reducing agent and a surface-stabilizing ligand. This self-mediated process—achieved in a single step—yields spherical AuNPs with an average diameter of 4.0 ± 1.0 nm and a well-defined localized surface plasmon resonance band centered at 520 nm. Acting as a bifunctional molecule, 2-propynylamine simultaneously reduces HAuCl4·3H2O to elemental gold and passivates the nanoparticle surface through coordination via the amine group, while preserving a terminal alkyne (–C≡CH) functionality. This reactive moiety remains exposed and chemically accessible, enabling post-synthetic modification through Cu(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition. Control …

Extended Reality And Healthcare Practitioner Well-Being: Scoping Review, Holly Mould, Jonathan Abbas, Michael Loizou, Rohit Shankar, Sheena Asthana, Nick Culley, John Downey

Peninsula Medical School

BackgroundExtended reality may offer a convenient and effective methodof increasing well-being within the wider healthcare workforceand particularly for those working in the mental healthsector who are subject to high levels of stress because ofincreased workload, high levels of staff turnover and limitedresources.AimsThis scoping review aims to identify and assimilate relevantliterature pertaining to the use of extended reality to improvehealthcare practitioners’ well-being.MethodDatabases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane and PubMed) and greyliterature were searched for relevant articles using establishedmethodology and reported as per the Preferred Reporting Itemsfor Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extensionfor scoping reviews.ResultsA total of 280 articles were yielded by the search …

Patient Experiences After Open Heart Surgery: A Qualitative Systematic Review, Halil Kaya, Orachorn Lumprom, Patricia Schofield, Matt Carey, Jos Latour

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise findings from qualitative studies exploring patients' experiences in hospital or at home following open-heart surgery.Methods: Systematic searches were conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses, and Web of Science, covering the period from 2006 to 2023. Studies were selected if they reported a qualitative inquiry into patients’ experiences after open-heart surgery. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal tool. A meta-aggregation approach was used to synthesise the findings.Results: Twenty-one studies were included, representing 266 patients across 10 countries. Findings were aggregated into five …

2025-09-24 Seattle U Community Grows As Cornish Merger Finalizes, Natalie Schorr, Natalie Schorr

The Spectator Online

No abstract provided.

Correlation Of Radon Gas Concentrations And Associated Radiological Risks In Soil Using Ssntds With Gis And Spss At Najaf Governorate, Iraq, Rafal Mohamed Abdulsada, Lubna A. Alasadi

Al-Bahir

All human beings are affected by soil directly or indirectly. This study focuses on the effect of radon gas and related radiological risks using SSNTDs, specifically CR-39 detectors, in eighty secondary schools in Najaf and Kufa cities, Najaf Governorate, Iraq. As we recognize the importance of soil and its strong connection to humans, the study focused on areas where public and private schools were built, where students are present, and the potential for radiation risks to affect students' health. The results show that the average concentrations of C, C_Rn were 64.329±59.149 Bq / m³ and 3150.699±2897.036 Bq / …

Green Synthesis Of Copper And Silver Nanostructured Particles From Eremurus Plant Extract And Comparison Of Their Optical Properties And Antibacterial Activities, Doaa Ayad Kamil, Ali F. Al-Rawaf, Mohammed Yarub Hani, H.H. Obeed, Tabarek Falah Deindee, Mohammed Ridha Shaeed

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In the present investigation, silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) nanostructured particles were synthesized from Eremurus plant by means of an environmentally benign methodology in which plant extracts served as both reducing and stabilizing agents. The resultant nanostructured particles were subjected to characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). XRD analysis confirmed development of Ag nanostructured particles with face-centered cubic (fcc) structure and also Cu nanostructured particles with cubic form. Moreover, the average crystallite dimensions obtained for Ag and Cu were 18.3 nm and 65.7 nm, …

Fabrication And Characterization Of Epoxy Resin Co-Doped With 2,5-Diphenyloxazole And Cerium Fluoride Nanoparticles For Radiation Detection, Akapong Phunpueok, Jaruwan Seangrit, Sarawut Jaiyen, Krittiya Sreebunpeng, Wuttichai Chaiphaksa, Kewalee Nilgumhang, Voranuch Thongpool

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

This paper presents the fabrication and characterization of a plastic scintillator prepared from epoxy resin doped with 2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO) and cerium fluoride nanoparticles (CeF₃ NPs) for radiation detection. The CeF₃ NPs were prepared by a chemical process and examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); it was found that the prepared particles were true CeF₃ NPs with an average particle size of approximately 17 nm. The CeF₃ NPs were co-doped with PPO into epoxy resin and formed into a plastic scintillator of 3 cm in diameter and 2 cm in length. Analysis of …

Prevalence Of Work Stress On Marital Stability Of Married Lecturers In University Of Ilorin, Modupe Gbemisola Fatoye, Foluke Nike Bolu-Steve

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

This study investigated the prevalence of work stress and its impact on marital stability among married lecturers at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. A descriptive correlational survey design was employed, and 100 married lecturers were selected through a multistage sampling technique across five faculties. Data were gathered using a researcher-designed instrument titled “Work Stress and Marital Stability Questionnaire (WSMSQ),” which demonstrated strong reliability with a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.81. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, independent samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA, were used to analyze the data at a 0.05 level of significance. Results revealed a significant …

Lessons Learned: Creation Of A Global Classroom Initiative, Kim Alexander Decker

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Creating global classroom initiatives are incredibly important for future health care providers as they enter a rapidly changing and complex health care environment as demonstrated by the recent pandemic. Global classroom initiatives promote student readiness to become global citizens. This presentation will describe an international academic experience between a school of nursing in the Midwestern United States and a school of nursing in the United Kingdom. The goal was to add an international dimension to a senior level community health nursing didactic course (USA) and a baccalaureate nursing honors course (UK) without leaving their campuses. Both courses focused on the …

Healthy Aging And Pet Caretaking: Findings From The Health And Retirement Study, Beth A. Pratt, Erika Friedmann

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

The global population of 1 billion people ≥ age 60 is expected to double by 2050, likely increasing the prevalence of age-related cognitive decline (Alzheimer’s Association, 2019). Examining biological, psychological, and social (biopsychosocial) factors and possible moderation by other critical factors, including neighborhood physical disorder (i.e., graffiti, litter, vandalism, safety) and cohesion (i.e., mutual trust/solidarity between neighbors), may inform development of targeted interventions to improve biopsychosocial and cognitive health. Human-animal interaction (HAI) has been found to improve health outcomes and may be a viable option to enhance biopsychosocial factors and delay cognitive decline in older adults (Gee et al., 2017). …

Development Of A Novel Kt Tool For Parents Of Children With Idd Seeking Emergency Care, Shannon Scott, Sarah Elliott, Hannah M. Brooks, Gwen Erdmann, Lisa Hartling

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Children with intellectual developmental disorders (IDD) are generally defined as those under 18 years old who have conditions that can adversely impact their physical, intellectual, and/or emotional development. Taking a child to an emergency department (ED) is often unexpected and stressful for the parents and child. Children with IDDs are among the highest users of emergency health care services in their age group (3), with complex and challenging ED experiences. Digital knowledge translation (KT) tools can effectively share experiences and health information while addressing the learning needs of parents.

The aim of this study is to report on the …

The Association Between Substance Use And Mental Health In College: A Multi-Substance Analysis, Odunayo A. Elijah, George T. Mugoya, Mercy Ngosa Mumba

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Substance use, including tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis, is widespread among college students and has been linked to mental health issues. This study investigates the relationship between substance use risk and serious mental illness (SMI) in a large college student sample, examining how different levels of use correlate with mental health outcomes.

Methods: Utilizing variables from the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment III (Fall 2019-present) Spring 2022 reference group dataset (n = 69,131 students), we assessed the association between levels of substance use (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis) and SMI, controlling for demographic and behavioral covariates. The …

An Observational Study Of Personalized Mhealth To Promote Wellness In Healthcare Workers, Mary S. Mccarthy

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Healthcare workforce resilience weakened during and after the pandemic. Nutrition, physical activity, and sleep deficits further diminish health status. Providing just-in-time resources may promote healthier behaviors in direct-care hospital staff. We had two study aims: 1) coach healthcare workers (HCWs) to make lifestyle changes that enhance wellness, and 2) compare high and low engagement with mHealth resources to achieve recommendations for cardiometabolic health.

Methods: In this 1-year prospective observational study, HCWs had 24/7 access to a dashboard built for personalized health messages and wore an activity and sleep tracker continuously. On-demand UVB phototherapy was available to boost vitamin D …

Mixed Reality In Modern Nursing Practice: A Systematic Review Of Clinical Applications, Chandler H. Moser, Changhwan Kim, Bindu Charles, Renila Tijones, Elsa Sanchez, Jedry G. Davila, Hemilla R. Matta, Erin Barker, David Goldenberg, John Madara, Michael J. Brenner, Cildi-Clabsi Study Team, Vinciya Pandian

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Objective: This study aims to review recent literature on using mixed reality (MR) in nursing practice, focusing on outcomes related to nursing efficiency, satisfaction, ergonomics, competency, and team effectiveness. The research addresses the growing interest in using MR technology to enhance nursing care delivery and improve access to care.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. Multiple databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus, were searched for relevant literature from January 2013 to January 2023. Inclusion criteria were studies that employed MR in nursing settings with measurable outcomes in efficiency, satisfaction, ergonomics, competency, or team …

The Influence Of Substance Use On Sleep Architecture In College Students: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Odunayo A. Elijah, George T. Mugoya, Mercy Ngosa Mumba, Shameka Cody, Dhikrullah Mudathir

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Substance use and poor sleep quality are prevalent issues among college students, often impacting their physical, mental, and academic well-being. This study examines the relationship between substance use and sleep quality.

Methods: Utilizing variables from the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment III (Fall 2019-present) Spring 2022 reference group dataset (n = 69,131 students), we employed adjusted logistic regression models to assess associations between tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use risks and multiple dimensions of sleep quality, including sleep onset latency, early awakening, daytime fatigue, and difficulty falling asleep. Substance use risk was calculated using the …

Are Open Or Enclosed Nursing Stations Better, And For Who?, Sydney Lauren Long, Annette Bourgault, Mona Shattell

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

The benefits of enclosed versus open nursing stations are frequently discussed among inpatient nurses and hospital administrators. This scoping review synthesizes the state of the science on architectural best practices for inpatient psychiatric units and identifies gaps in the literature about enclosed versus open nursing stations. Peer reviewed articles from PubMed, CINAHL, EBSCO, and Web of Science were extracted for review. These articles were written in English and published between 2015 and the present (2024). All studies occurred on adult inpatient psychiatric units. Qualitative and quantitative studies whose sample included inpatient nurses, nursing staff, and clients were included. Findings suggest …

Baccalaureate Nursing Students' Knowledge Of Trauma-Informed Care And Infertility, Hildreth Eloi, Darlene E. Acorda, Martina Raquel Gallagher

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Globally, 48.5 million couples experience infertility.1 Experiencing infertility and miscarriage is a traumatic experience for many couples.2 Whenever couples engage in the healthcare setting to address issues of infertility, distress, and re-traumatization can occur.3 To provide patient-centered care, the healthcare team, especially nurses, needs to acknowledge infertility as a traumatic experience in reproductive health settings.4 However, there is limited knowledge of how nursing students conceptualize trauma in relation to infertility. This knowledge will be implemented into the Reproductive Health Care course in a pre-licensure program.

Aim: The purpose of this quality improvement project is to obtain insight into …

Text Message Intervention Among Northeast Louisiana Women With Cardiovascular Disease, Sherrie Roberson

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Physical activity plays a significant role in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and reoccurring cardiac events. Physical inactivity is a global burden, and women are self-reporting physical inactivity or insufficiency is higher (8%) than males. In Louisiana, women ages 55 to 64 had the highest risk factors for CVD and heart attack. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a 6-week text messaging intervention on the effects of physical activity and physical activity self-efficacy among Northeast Louisiana women with cardiovascular disease.

Methods: Female subjects (N = 46) were recruited from the different parishes of Northeast …

Preparing Future Educators: Using Service-Learning In Mathematics Courses For Prospective K-12 Teachers, Sayonita Ghosh Hajra, Brianna Davis, Jose Alanis, James Tokunaga

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Although experiential learning is widely recognized for its benefits, its implementation in content-focused mathematics courses for prospective teachers remains limited. To address this gap, this paper explores the integration of service-learning into three distinct mathematics courses for prospective teachers, detailing how it was implemented in each course. Results highlight opportunities for learning, particularly in developing agency, a sense of belonging, competence, and enriched experience among prospective teachers.

Gathering At The Table: Using Food To Heal On One’S Grief Journey, Jamie B. Daugherty, Jada Staat, Julie Rachford

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This research study explored the registered dietitian nutritionist’s (RDN) role and impact while supporting those on their grief journey. Data collection methods included a focus group, journaling, workshop evaluations, and photo elicitation. Qualitative data analysis highlighted three themes emerging from a six-week culinary nutrition education support workshop: providing intention, building community, and showcasing RDNs as encouraging companions, by contributing their skills of nutrition education and hands-on culinary applications, supporting individuals continuing to grieve.

Carry On: A Multi-Campus Faculty Perspective On The Barriers And Facilitators To Implementing Service Learning Curriculum During A Global Pandemic, Adrianne Widaman, Kirsten Leisses Tuck

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Service learning (SL) faculty faced substantial and unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to explore SL faculty perspectives during the crisis. Higher education faculty who taught SL designated courses during 2020/2021 identified and prioritized challenges and strategies to teaching SL courses without direct person contact. A total of 144 unique responses were collected from 16 faculty from 5 universities using the nominal group technique, a qualitative and quantitative method. Highly ranked themes included the emotional burden felt by the faculty, decreased student learning, a lack of faculty time, the need for alternative assignments, and …

Promoting Healthy Aging Through An Intergenerational Service-Learning Course, Tricia Pierce, Eric Hubbard, Shalini Persaud

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This case study examines combining service-learning (SL) with an intergenerational exercise program using undergraduate kinesiology students. The purpose was to explore how SL increases confidence, social responsibility, and leadership growth while addressing community needs. Students led biweekly exercise sessions for older adults over six weeks. Reflections demonstrated mutual benefits, including improved activity levels, reduced social isolation, and strengthened community connections.

The Impact And Strategies Utilized By College Students During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Kristi Lewis, Olivia Hansen, Amanda Kavaja

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated the growing mental health concerns seen on college campuses. A qualitative study was conducted to identify the impact and the strategies utilized by undergraduates during the pandemic. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with 15 undergraduates. Findings suggest that college students encountered academic challenges and social struggles during COVID. The academic challenges and social struggles experienced during the pandemic have only added to the growing mental health concerns of college students.

E-Strip® Peening Intensity Sensor - Linearity, Variability And Connectivity, Sylvain A. Forgues, Brigitte Labelle, Ramzi Ben Moussa, Sebastien Beaugrand, Raphael Sarraillon, Sergio Amaya

15th International Conference on Shot Peening

This paper presents the E-Strip®, a novel electronic sensor developed by Shockform to digitally measure shot peening intensity at the part level. Motivated by the limitations of traditional Almen strips—namely, manual handling, time consumption, and susceptibility to human error—the E-Strip® offers a faster, more reliable, and connected alternative. Extensive testing confirmed the E-Strip® output maintains excellent linearity with Almen intensity across a wide range of media and impact levels (R² > 0.997), and its adjustable sensitivity ensures compatibility from low to high intensities. Variability studies showed the E-Strip® provides similar or better consistency than Almen strips at low intensities, although higher …

Improving Fatigue Strength And Life Of Single Crystal Cmsx-4, Jochen Peter Fuhr, Lloyd Hackel, Nicolau I. Morar, Noah Holtham, Keivan Davami, Montu Sharma, Rajkumar Roy

15th International Conference on Shot Peening

The deep penetration of laser peening (LP) and retention of residual stress at high temperature by LP is significant in improving fatigue life and strength of superalloys exposed to high temperature and corrosion. Single crystal CMSX-4, was evaluated for stress relaxation and both fatigue life and fatigue strength of material that was LP-treated compared to non-LP and shot-peened (SP) specimens. LP was done with multiple layers using a 20 J/pulse laser where the laser high energy enabled using a 5 mm spot size on the metal surface. Stress measurements by the slitting technique showed the plastic penetration depth exceeded SP …

Extraction Of Mesoporous Silica From Local Soil Samples And Using As Sorbent In Dispersive Solid Phase Extraction Application, Zahraa Abdulsahib Qasim, Atheer Al Khudhair, Ahmed Fadhil Khudhair

Al-Bahir

Mesoporous silica was successfully extracted from selected local soil samples (sandy, clay, and loamy) from Karbala city using sol-gel method. The extraction method was simple and environmentally friendly. Pure silica was characterized using different techniques such as EDX, SEM, BET, XRD, and FTIR. Amorphous silica was used as an adsorbent to extract Fe(III)-salicylicaldehyde oxime complex from aqueous solutions using solid phase extraction method. The optimum conditions of method were 0.10 gm of silica, 0.04 mol.L^-1 of salicylaldehyde oxime reagent, pH 7.0 , temperature 35°C, shaking time 15 min, which showed very good extraction percent of Fe(III) - salicyaldehyde oxime …

Fish Oil And Vernonia Amygdalina Leaves-Supplemented Biscuits Increased Insulin Secretion And Suppressed Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines In Type 2 Diabetic Wistar Rats, Omolola Soji-Omoniwa, Uthman Olanrewaju Abdulazeez, Christfavour Oluwaseyi Oloba, Samuel Olajuwon Kolawole, Johnson Opeyemi Olayinka, Emmanuel Olorunleke Oludipe, Anuoluwapo Faith Ajediti, Habib Tajudeen Yusuf

Al-Bahir

This research determined the effect of fish oil and Vernonia amygdalina-enriched biscuits (FVSB) on insulin sensitivity and inflammatory cytokines in type 2 diabetic rats. Forty-nine male rats were grouped into seven, i.e. A-G. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) was induced in groups B-G by administering 230 mg/kg body weight [BW] NAD (ip) and 65 mg/kg BW streptozotocin (ip). Group A represented the control (Non-diabetic + unsupplemented biscuit), B (untreated diabetic), C (diabetic + 120 mg/kg BW metformin), D-F (diabetic + FVSB at 1g, 2g and 3g leaf inclusion respectively), and G (diabetic + conventional biscuit). The experiment lasted 35 days, …

Experimental Study Of Energy Conversion Efficiency Improvement Of Photovoltaic (Pv) Module Using Hybrid Cooling System, Olufisayo O. Babalola, Olatunji W. Olademeji, Joseph B. Samson

Al-Bahir

The elevation of the photovoltaic module operating temperature resulting in diminution of its energy conversion efficiency is one of the key limitations to its application. A decrease of power delivered performance by 0.4-0.5% per 1 rise over its Standard Test Condition (STC) accounted for the overheating of the PV module. This study evaluates the energy conversion efficiency improvement of a PV module using hybrid cooling system. An hourly segmented hybrid cooling system made up of aluminum fins as passive cooling segment and helical structured copper tubules for water conduction as active cooling segment helps to improve the energy conversion efficiency …