Digital Commons Network^™

Patient-Clinician Communication In The Appalachian Region: A Scoping Review, Kawther Al Ksir, Hadii M. Mamudu, Chidiebube J. Ugwu, Emily K. Flores, Tracy Fasolino, Holly Wei, Rick L. Wallace, Florence M. Weierbach

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Effective communication between patients and clinicians is a critical component of quality health care, influencing disease prevention, management, and outcomes. In regions with unique socioeconomic and geographic challenges, communication barriers can further exacerbate health disparities. Understanding the factors that facilitate or hinder patient-clinician communication is essential for developing targeted interventions that improve health care delivery.

Purpose: This review explores the existing literature on patient-clinician communication concerning cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Appalachian Region with the aim to understand existing gaps and interventions.

Methods: PubMed and Web of Science databases were utilized to conduct a systematic search. The Population, Concept, …

Using Photovoice To Define The Experiences, Needs, Strengths, And Priorities Of Gay Men In South Central Appalachia, Ana D. Sucaldito, Lilli Mann-Jackson, Jorge Alonzo, John W. Chaffin, Scott D. Rhodes

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Gay, bisexual, queer, and other men who have sex with men and transgender and nonbinary persons living in rural Appalachia experience profound health disparities. Limited research, however, has focused on the needs, strengths, and priorities of these communities.

Purpose: This study sought to better understand the lived experiences of the vulnerable, underrepresented, and underserved Appalachian gay male community by working with a small group of self-identified gay Appalachian men.

Methods: As part of a larger community-based participatory research study (the Appalachian Access Project), four self-identified gay men participated in a photovoice project. Participants took photos based on …

Determinants Of Willingness To Share Wearable Health Data With Health Care Providers In Appalachian Populations: An Exploratory Study, Gilbert Munoz Cornejo, Joonghee Lee

Journal of Appalachian Health

Background: Wearable health devices capture metrics (e.g., physical activity, ECG, sleep) that can enhance care when shared with providers. Yet, willingness to share wearable data may differ in Appalachia, where chronic disease burdens, mistrust, and limited infrastructure pose unique challenges.

Objective: This study explored (1) which sociodemographic, health, and digital behaviors correlate with willingness to share wearable data and (2) how these insights can guide region-specific interventions in Appalachia.

Methods: We analyzed 320 Appalachian respondents from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 6). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models examined willingness to share wearable data. Because of small cell …

Heartache In The Heartland: Unraveling The Social Roots Of Deaths Of Despair In Kentucky, Lyndsey K. Blair, Madeline M. Tomlinson, Michele Abee-Biskis, Jessica Hume, Gabri Warren

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Deaths of despair (DoD), encompassing suicides, drug overdoses, and alcohol-related liver diseases, have emerged as a critical public health crisis in the United States, with their rise particularly pronounced from 1995 to 2013 and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kentucky, grappling with high rates of substance use disorder, poor mental health, and economic hardship, is at the forefront of this issue, particularly in its rural and Appalachian regions.

Purpose: This study explores the social determinants contributing to DoD in Kentucky, focusing on economic and social factors that influence rising rates of suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol-related liver disease. The …

Finding Freedom In Appalachia: Evaluating A Mental Health Intervention In West Virginia, Elizabeth A. Claydon, Karen Haring, Jessica Haring, Kelsey Riggi, Beth Currence

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Rural areas have limited capacity to provide comprehensive mental health treatment and resources. This creates the need for interventions to ensure individuals with mental health concerns have access to resources to improve their mental health.

Purpose: The purpose of this mixed-methods evaluation was to assess the effectiveness and impact of Libera, a mental health program tailored for girls and women within the Appalachian region.

Methods: Quantitative surveys, including validated measures for depression, anxiety, and eating disorder symptoms, and life satisfaction, were collected pre- and post-Libera intervention for participants. Simultaneously, annual surveys were sent to Listeners in addition to qualitative …

Time And Location: Physical Activity Trends In Parents And Children In A Rural Region During Covid-19, Brooke C. Towner, Robert Broce, Rebecca A. Battista

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: COVID-19 restrictions altered the structure of the school and workday for families with children and led to changes in active transportation. Continued restrictions impacted access to many community locations and led to changes in physical activity (PA) behavior.

Purpose: The objectives of the study were to describe the changes in the 1) amount of PA time per day, 2) frequency of PA, and 3) sitting time. Information about how PA changed for parents and children during the COVID-19 pandemic will have potential implications for education, public health, and recreation management.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enlisted participants via an online …

Delaware Supreme Court Rules That Both Of Mfw’S Dual Protections Are Required To Obtain Business Judgment Review Of Any Conflicted Transaction Involving Control Stockholders, Robert S. Reder, Lukas F. Merrill

Vanderbilt Law Review En Banc

In In Re Match Group, Inc. Derivative Litigation, 315 A.3d 446 (Del. 2024) (“Match”), the Supreme Court of Delaware (“Supreme Court” or “Match Court”) considered whether both independent committee approval and an unaffiliated stockholder vote are required to obtain business judgment review of transactions––in addition to so-called freeze-out mergers––in which a controlling stockholder receives a “nonratable benefit” at the expense of public stockholders. Given the gravity of the issues presented, Match ranks as one of the most highly anticipated Supreme Court decisions of recent years.

Regional Cooperation In Southern Africa: Strategies For The 1990s, Michael Niemann

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

The Political Economy Of Namibian Development, William A. Lindeke

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

Un Treatment Of Multiple Oppressions: A Black Feminist Perspective, Stanlie James

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

South African Land Policy: The Legacy Of History And Current Options, Hans P. Binswanger, Klaus Deininger

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

State Capacity And Integrity At The Local Level: A Case Study Of Business And Trade Associations In Kano, Nigeria, John Lucas

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

Unequal Interdependence: Towards A Theory Of North-South Relations, Ali A. Mazrui

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

From The Editor, Edmond Keller

Journal of African Policy Studies

Africa today stands at a cross-roads. It continues to face enormous problems of economic and political development, and there is an acute need for fresh perspectives in development policy analysis that are intended to suggest possible solutions to these problems. Therefore, it is propitious that we launch at this time the Journal of African Policy Studies. We are fortunate to have a particularly strong set of articles in this inaugural issue.

From The Executive Director: The African Policy World And Africa’S Problems, Moses K. Tesi

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

Cover And Table Of Contents, Institute On African Affairs

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

Random Notes, Anwar Shaikh Phd

Archives of Anwar Shaikh

This collection includes:

• Handwritten notes titled My comments on Ira & Nelson's path (April 6, 1983)

• Handwritten scrap notes regarding travel and Ricardo's theory

• Handwritten notes discussing the development of Marxism after Marx

• Handwritten notes discussing the delayed publication of Capital and the subsequent divergence of Marxist thought

• Handwritten notes on monopoly theory and theoretical gaps

• Handwritten scrap note to call Michel

• Handwritten notes on the Bernstein-Kautsky debates (March 7, 1984)

• Handwritten annotated notes discussing various Marxist theorists (Luxemburg, Bauer, Grossmann, etc.)

• Handwritten notes on the theme of incompleteness in Marx's …

Children Living With Type 1 Diabetes In The Public School System, Madison M. Wilson

Kentucky Undergraduate Journal for the Health Humanities

Type 1 Diabetes is a worldwide chronic condition that typically develops during adolescence and requires life-long treatment and management. Management of this disease is extremely complicated for a child to manage on their own and requires a community of individuals to help them. With children spending most of their days at school, the school’s teachers and staff are vital to the care and management of their condition while attending public school. Children with Type 1 Diabetes in public school systems face many disparities and a reform is needed. Looking at this population through a holistic health science lens can help …

Media Education, John. J. Pungente S.J., William E. Biernatzki S.J.

Communication Research Trends

Part 1 and 2 combined:

Part1:

Media Education by John. J. Pungente S.J., William E. Biernatzki S.J.

Part 2:

An Annotated Media Literacy Bibliography by John. J. Pungente S.J.

Cultivating A Sense Of Belonging: Pathways Of Support In Higher Education, Tanya M. Tarbutton, Lori B. Doyle

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

Institutions should proactively consider the need for cultivating a sense of belonging among online adult students with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Hispanic and first-generation learners face unique challenges to overcoming potential barriers associated with obtaining an advanced degree. The impact of higher education institutions (HEI) on the overall development and betterment of society cannot be overstated which adds a level of importance regarding the experience of all learners from any context. A conceptual framework, based on research specific to supporting diverse learners, will be explored. In addition to drawing on the tenets of the sense of belonging framework, facets of …

Leading Through Change: Building Resilient And Adaptive School Teams, Ashlee Boothe

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

This reflective essay examines the vital role of resilience, adaptability, and vision for school leaders experiencing change during unstable times. By fostering these qualities during stable periods, school leaders can effectively prepare for upcoming challenges, such as budget constraints, irate parents, and unexpected crises. Using the example of school closures during COVID-19, the reflection highlights how resilient leadership and a clear vision enable school leaders to make informed, strategic decisions. Fostering resilience, providing staff autonomy, and articulating a shared vision are key to ensuring schools can handle challenges and achieve meaningful change. This paper argues that now is the time …

Thriving Through Change: Strategies For Building Resilience And Adaptability In Organizations, Anitha Peddireddy

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

In the evolving landscape of education and organizational development, resilience and adaptability are increasingly recognized as critical competencies for fostering individual and institutional success. This reflective essay examines the intersection of these traits within the context of leadership, teaching, and learning environments. Using both scholarly research and professional experience, the article explores how educators and administrators can respond effectively to disruptions such as technological change, workplace stress, and diversity challenges. Key strategies include cultivating a growth mindset, enhancing emotional intelligence, promoting inclusive practices, and leveraging data-informed decision-making. The paper further emphasizes the role of educational leadership in creating psychologically safe, …

Finite Disappointment, Infinite Hope: Enacting Cultural Humility, Institutional Accountability, And Sustainable Resistance, R. Danielle Scott

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

Higher education faces unprecedented political and organizational shifts, including bans on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These challenges create barriers for educators committed to equity and justice. Grounded in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, “Finite Disappointment, Infinite Hope,” this article explores cultural humility—particularly institutional accountability—as a key strategy for navigating this evolving landscape. Cultural humility fosters critical self-reflection, redressing power imbalances and lifelong learning, offering a sustainable approach to social justice advocacy. This article outlines strategies for bolstering institutional accountability. The author introduces Five Care Practices—Recalling Core Values, Remembering, Resting, Reading and Intellectualism, and Radical Self-Care—as essential tools …

Tensions Within Digital Whisper Networks: The Role Of Social Media In Framing Narratives Of Sexual Misconduct On University Campuses, Sophie Rose Maday

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Whisper networks have long served as informal communication channels for warning individuals about perpetrators of sexual misconduct, particularly in environments where survivors face barriers to formal reporting. With the rise of social media, these networks have expanded beyond private conversations, transforming into public platforms that challenge institutional responses to sexual violence. This study examines the role of anonymous, student-driven social media pages in shaping perceptions of sexual misconduct on university campuses. Through both qualitative and quantitative analyses of Instagram profiles from ten U.S. universities, we explore how these whisper networks validate survivor experiences, advocate for policy changes, and critique institutional …

Unpaid Internship Award - Jrs Experience, Alison Mcdougall

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This presentation offers a reflection on my unpaid internship experience with the Jesuit Refugee Service Communications Unit in Rome, Italy. I talk a bit about the organization, my roles, my growth, and my reflections!

Inovasi Kolaboratif Dalam Pembentukan Peraturan Perundang-Undangan: Optimalisasi Teknologi Untuk Meningkatkan Partisipasi Publik Dalam Legislasi, Hermawan Prasojo

Jurnal Hukum & Pembangunan

Meaningful public participation in the legislative process in Indonesia is a fundamental element in fostering an inclusive and transparent democracy. Despite the legal mandate for public involvement, as outlined in Law No. 13 of 2022 and Constitutional Court Decision No. 82/PUU-XXI/2023, such participation often remains formalistic and limited in practice. This article highlights the potential of digital technology, particularly the concept of CrowdLaw, as an alternative approach to enhancing public engagement. Case studies from Estonia, Iceland, and Brazil demonstrate that digital participation can effectively increase public involvement and improve the quality of legislative outcomes. With sufficient infrastructure and improved …

Are Large Language Models Conscious?, Judah Hays

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This work evaluates the possibility of a conscious large language model (LLM) under the parameters of Integrated Information Theory (IIT). First, we examine the methodology behind IIT as a scientific theory of consciousness. Second, we detail the system requirements for consciousness under IIT. Third, we examine the basic architecture of modern LLMs. Finally, we subject the network architecture of current LLMs to the system requirements of IIT, evaluating each “physical postulate” IIT espouses individually. We conclude that LLMs meet none of IIT’s requirements for a physical system to be conscious, and briefly discuss the implications for future research.

Practicing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Students In Temporary Living Situations, Maura Green

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

In the context of my social work internship, I interned at Sullivan High School in the Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS) department. I practiced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care one-on-one with students assigned to my caseload. This presentation will discuss the STLS department in Chicago Public Schools, strategies and techniques of CBT, and approaches to ensure the dignity and well-being of each student.

The Impact Of Inbound Marketing Methods On Business Performance, Stephen G. Garner

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

Inbound marketing has become an essential strategy for businesses aiming to build customer relationships before selling their product or service. Inbound marketing methods, as opposed to traditional marketing methods, aim to create value for the customer through various digital strategies before selling a product or service. Inbound marketing methods typically include digital tactics such as social media marketing, search engine optimization, and content marketing; however, limited research examines the impact of these inbound marketing methods on overall business performance metrics. To address these gaps, this paper examines the relations between inbound marketing methods, human resource allocation, and operational performance. Results, …

Interventions To Improve Figurative Language Understanding For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anna C. Tedeschi, Leslie Bross, Cindy Gilson, Jordan Rierson

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically experience a variety of difficulties throughout their years in education. One difficulty that tends to be observed in students with ASD is understanding figurative language. This difficulty is applicable to both social and academic scenarios because figurative language is often used in social situations among peers, as well as in narrative texts. The goal of the following systematic review was to identify effective intervention practices for improving the figurative language comprehension for students with ASD. This study was undertaken through a four-phase review process using the Covidence program and the Preferred Reporting Items …