Digital Commons Network^™

A Policy Reversal As Structural Break: A Lesson From China’S Land Lease Financing For Infrastructure, Yilin Hou, Lin Li, Lei Shao

Center for Policy Research

Land-based revenues as a fiscal instrument to finance infrastructure tie public investment to real estate markets, where demand fluctuations cause fiscal consequences. This paper takes policy reversals as structural breaks and examines their impacts on infrastructure investment. We dissect China’s 2016 policy reversal that disallowed developers to finance land purchase with debt, causing sharp declines in local government land revenues, slashing their fiscal base for infrastructure investment. Using prefecture-level panel data and continuous difference-in-differences identification, we estimate the reversal reduced land-lease revenues by 55%. Two-stage least squares estimates suggest a 10% land-revenue decline translates into 6.6% investment reduction. Decomposing the …

Water Budget For Monitored Watersheds At The Edwards Aquifer Authority Field Research Park: Report For The Edwards Aquifer Authority, Keagan Farrell, Tatiana Flores, Isabella Lopez, Kemerling Obregon Lucio, Gisele-Elizabeth Perez, Andrea Realyvasquez, Magali Rodriguez, Kelly Swyers, Adan Vasquez

Hydrogeology

The purpose of the study was to determine the change in storage of two water sheds after the impact of two rain events, considering factors such as rainfall, discharge and infiltration, and evapotranspiration. The two sub-watersheds, located on the Edward’s Aquifer Authority Field Research Park, each had a weir. The larger of the two watersheds was named Watershed 1, while the smaller one was named Watershed 2. Watershed 1 was where the weir named Arnold was located, while watershed 2 was where the weir named Danny was located. Inflow and outflow were calculated by analyzing precipitation data and water flow …

Coworkers' Lived Experiences Of Being Exposed To Healthcare Professionals Misusing Substances, Juratu Garuba-Agbebaku

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite the harm of substances, coworkers in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and urgent care centers found themselves among healthcare professionals who misused substances such as alcohol and prescription medication. Grounded in social cognitive theory, the purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of coworkers who have been exposed to healthcare professionals’ substance misuse. The participants consisted of 12 healthcare professionals working in various hospitals, healthcare facilities, and urgent care centers in the United States. Data were collected using semistructured interviews. Through Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis, five themes emerged: (a) emotional experiences, (b) ethical reflections, (c) cognitive …

Investigating The Role Of Team Chemistry In Winning Percentage Of Collegiate Women’S Soccer Teams At The End Of A Fall Competitive Season, Erin Kasmarik-Mallett

Doctorate in Kinesiology

This study examined the relationship between team chemistry and winning percentage in collegiate women’s soccer teams following a fall competitive season. Using a quantitative, correlational design, team-level survey data assessing cohesion, team mental models, collective efficacy, and leadership were aggregated and analyzed in relation to end-of-season performance. Pearson correlations and linear regression analyses indicated a positive association between overall team chemistry and winning percentage, with team mental models and collective efficacy showing the strongest relationships. These findings support team chemistry as a measurable, multidimensional contributor to performance success and provide empirical guidance for coaches seeking evidence-based strategies to enhance team …

2026 Spring Convocation Program, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Communications and Marketing Publications Archive

The 2026 Morehead State University Convocation Program from January 7, 2026.

21st-Century Mangrove Expansion Along The Southeastern United States, Lucia I.A. Enes Gramoso, Dustin Carroll, Kyle C. Cavanaugh, Remi Bardou, Michael J. Osland, Tom Van Der Stocken

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Warming winter temperatures are driving range expansion of tropical, cold-sensitive mangroves into temperate ecosystems. Along the Atlantic coast of North America, the mangrove range limit is particularly sensitive to climate variability and historical data demonstrate that the mangrove-salt marsh ecotone on this coast has shifted recurrently during recent centuries. However, a comprehensive understanding of how this mangrove-salt marsh ecotone may shift in the future remains lacking. Here, we combine ensemble forecasting of mangrove distribution for the next century with high-resolution oceanographic dispersal simulations, phenological observations, and historical hurricane data to project future mangrove-salt marsh dynamics at the rapidly changing range …

Behavioral Responses Of Goose-Beaked Whales (Ziphius Cavirostris) To Simulated Military Sonar, Brandon Southall, Robert Schick, William Cioffi, Stacy Deruiter, Heather Foley, Catriona Harris, Anne Harshbarger, J Joseph, T Margolina, Doug Nowacek, Nicola Quick, Zach Swaim, Len Thomas, Danielle Waples, Daniel Webster, Jillian Wisse, Andrew Read

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

We report direct measurements of changes in diving and movement behavior for 53 goose-beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) in relation to experimentally controlled mid-frequency (3–4 kHz) active sonar (MFAS) signals. These signals simulate powerful Navy sources that have been associated with multiple mortal stranding events for this species. We deployed a multi-scale combination of tags to monitor individual whales, including 50 long-duration (weeks), coarse-resolution satellite-transmitting tags and 3 short-duration (hours), high-resolution archival depth, orientation, and acoustic tags. We evaluated behavioral responses during 13 experimental trials (9 MFAS; 4 no-MFAS controls), resulting in 72 exposure events; some individuals were exposed in multiple …

Leveraging Wastewater Resource Recovery To Reduce Landfill Organic Loading: Process Modeling, Environmental, And Economic Impact Assessment, Ahmed I. Yunus, Arjun T. Ramshankar, Zainab O. Akinsemoyin, Thomas Igou, Ameet Pinto, George Fu, Yongsheng Chen, Joe F. Bozeman Iii

Civil Engineering & Construction: Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

3d Reconstruction Of Spatial Transcriptomics With Spatial Pattern Enhanced Graph Convolutional Neural Network, Chen Tang, Yuansheng Zhou, Xue Xiao, Lei Dong, Lei Yu, Qiwei Li, Guanghua Xiao, Lin Xu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) is a promising new technology that enables simultaneous analysis of gene expression and spatial information for biomedical research. However, the existing statistical and deep learning algorithms used for analyzing SRT data rely solely on two-dimensional (2D) spatial coordinates, which limits their ability to accurately identify spatial domains, spatially variable genes (SVGs), cell-to-cell communications, and developmental trajectories in a three-dimensional (3D) spatial manner. To address these limitations, we introduced Spa3D, which utilized the anti-leakage Fourier transform and graph convolutional neural network model to reconstruct 3D-based spatial structures from multiple 2D SRT slices. We demonstrate that Spa3D is …

Wikipedia And Archival Internships: Preparing Memory Workers For Inclusive Practice, April K. Anderson-Zorn

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

Archival internships guided by the Rayfield Archives offer opportunities for future archivists, public historians, and other memory workers to gain hands-on experience working with historical records and their communities. Along with archival processing, exhibit curation, and metadata, interns can also learn to create authoritative Wikipedia entries for underrepresented members of the ISU community. From its early, grant-funded stages in 2020 to its current iteration as an interactive, guided project, the Wikipedia internship at the Rayfield Archives prepares students for inclusive practice in memory work in the classroom and the field.

Single‐Use Versus Multiple‐Use Endotracheal Suction Catheters In Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial, Mohamed H. Eid, Kevin Hambridge, Patricia Schofield, Jos M. Latour

School of Nursing and Midwifery

BackgroundIn resource-limited settings, single-use open endotracheal suction catheters are commonly used multiple times. The current evidence of this practice on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) among mechanically ventilated patients remains unclear.AimThe aim of this study was to test the feasibility of single-use and multiple-use endotracheal suction catheters flushed with chlorhexidine versus standard care (multiple-use endotracheal suction catheters flushed with normal saline) to reduce VAP in resource-limited intensive care units (ICUs) and evaluate study methods for designing a future definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT).Study DesignA three-armed feasibility RCT was conducted in three ICUs at a university hospital in Egypt.ResultsSixty mechanically ventilated patients were …

Multi-Agent System For Cognitive Work Automation Using An Adversarial Review Panel, Tanmay Kayande, Laura Hartney

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure describes systems and methods for a multi-agent framework that can automate and scale cognitive work. The framework can, for example, use a cognitive assembly line of specialized computational agents to perform tasks such as research and drafting. A beneficial component could be an adversarial review panel (ARP), which is a multi-agent review system where distinct agent personas critique a generated draft from varied perspectives. The structured feedback from the ARP can be used to automatically iterate on and refine the work product. This approach can improve the intellectual rigor of generated content and reduce the time required for …

System For Accessibility-Optimized Pedestrian Navigation Using A Granular Environmental Data Layer, Kshitij Suresh Gaikar, Pushkar Mittal

Defensive Publications Series

Conventional pedestrian navigation systems may not adequately account for the needs of users with mobility or sensory impairments, often suggesting routes with barriers such as stairs or poor pavement. This disclosure describes a system for accessibility-optimized navigation that can utilize a granular environmental data layer. This data layer can be populated from sources, for example, computer vision analysis, crowdsourcing, and municipal datasets, to annotate map data with accessibility attributes such as surface quality, ramp gradients, and tactile paving. A profile-based routing engine can use this data to compute paths by applying a dynamic cost function tailored to a user's specific …

Centralized Qr Trust Repository (Cqtr) With Merchant Name Uniqueness For Fraud Prevention In Qr Code Payments, Alok Roy Mr

Defensive Publications Series

The disclosed systems and methods use a Centralized QR Trust Repository (CQTR) for securing and streamlining merchant onboarding and transaction validation, and to address critical challenges in QR-based payments such as cross-acquirer fraud and counterfeit QR codes system performs transaction validation. At the time of onboarding, merchant details such as merchant or business name, account information, and KYC are collected by client servers and CQTR conducts uniqueness validation to ensure name uniqueness across all acquirers. CQTR performs similarity checks, including fuzzy matching and phonetic analysis and prevents duplicate registrations. After successful validation, CQTR generates and registers unique QR codes static …

Appropriate Wireless Technology For Blue Data Communication To Enhance Artisanal Fishery, Abdi T. Abdalla, Eva Shayo, Angelina Misso, Baraka Maiseli, Kwame S. Ibwe, Narriman Jiddawi, Moses Ismail

Tanzania Journal of Science

The paper examines the development of a system architecture to support smart fishing. This includes the establishment of a blue data center, which would allow government agencies and research institutions to access fisheries data. The goal is to provide policymakers with the tools they need to efficiently manage artisanal fisheries resources. The architecture also incorporates wireless communication components that are suitable for small-scale fishers in remote areas. The study delves into the selection of appropriate wireless communication technology for transmitting fishing data to the communication center. Factors such as coverage range, data rates, and cost implications are taken into consideration. …

Qualitative And Numerical Observations Into The Career Trajectories Of Early Career Academics: A Mathematical Model Approach, Oluwatayo M. Ogunmiloro

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study develops and analyzes a mathematical model that describes the interplay among different researcher groups within academia by focusing on how variables such as mentorship, access to funding, and academic peer influence affect the career trajectories of early-career, experienced, redundant, and successful researchers. Using stability theory and relevant theorems of differential equations, this study ensures the existence, uniqueness, positivity, and boundedness of the model's solutions. Additionally, the model’s equilibrium states, are analyzed to determine the local asymptotic stability. Numerical simulations using the Runge-Kutta fourth-order (RK4) method, implemented in Python, are performed to illustrate issues related to career growth within …

Evaluating Impact Of Occupational Exoskeletons On Physical Fatigue Using Wearable Sensors And Deep Learning, Hardik Vora, Fatemeh Davoudi Kakhki, Armin Moghadam

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Musculoskeletal disorders remain a leading source of occupational injury in manufacturing and logistics industries, often resulting from repetitive lifting and load transfer tasks. While back-support exoskeletons have shown promise in alleviating physical strain, their biomechanical impact under realistic task conditions and their integration with intelligent monitoring systems require further exploration. This study investigates the efficacy of a passive lumbar-support exoskeleton in reducing muscle fatigue during manual material handling tasks by combining high-resolution surface electromyography (sEMG) data with a deep learning-based classification framework. Ten participants performed lifting and rotational (twisting) tasks with and without exoskeleton assistance, while EMG signals were collected …

Defective Dna Damage Response Is A Targetable Therapeutic Vulnerability In Esr1 Mutant Breast Cancer, Sarah K Herzog, Jessica H Stevens, Guowei Gu, Sandra L Grimm, Kloma Cardoza, Autumn G M Hawkins, Hangqing Lin, Daniela Ramos, Amanda R Beyer, David G Edwards, Derek Dustin, Harry J Yang, Nicole Liang, Ashfia F Khan, Tasneem Bawa-Khalfe, Daniel J Mcgrail, Shiaw-Yih Lin, Cristian Coarfa, Suzanne A W Fuqua

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

ESR1 mutations are the leading cause of endocrine therapy resistance and progression in ER-positive metastatic breast cancer. ESR1 mutations are detected in ~50% of metastatic breast cancer patients, and identification of effective targeted therapeutics are critically needed. Here, we identified enrichment of dysregulated replication stress and DNA damage responses in multiple ESR1 mutant models. Targeting the replication stress response utilizing checkpoint inhibition in combination with PARP inhibition synergistically suppressed growth, induced cell cycle arrest, and attenuated DNA replication. PARP inhibition blocked metastatic dissemination in vivo and reduced both PARP1 and ER-regulated protein expression. PARP trapping by olaparib treatment with or …

Civc Curriculum Committee Minutes January 7, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Call to Order
• New Business 
• Adjourn: 10:02 am 

Collaborating With ‘Blue Food’ System Stakeholders To Achieve Optimal Nutritional Health And Wellbeing In Less Affluent Communities, Clare Pettinger, Louise Hunt, Carol Wagstaff

School of Health Professions

UK food system transformation is urgently needed, but to date, minimal research has investigated ‘blue foods’ probably because they are ethically nuanced. There exists a paradox whereby materially deprived communities should be eating more fish to meet nutritional requirements, yet there is a global ‘red flag’ around global overfishing. New collaborative and creative solutions are, therefore, needed to tackle such food system inequities. By working together, all voices can be equally heard when decisions are being made to improve the system. Similarly, innovation and disruption of established supply chains will enable better access to healthy, affordable and tasty food that …

Pathways, Outputs And Impact Of Nih-Supported Bioinformatics And Genomics Graduate Trainees In Africa, Daudi Jjingo, Andrew Walakira, Suhaila Hashim, Cisse Cheickna, Ronald Galiwango, Caleb Kibet, Florence N Kivunike, Gerald Mboowa, Fredrick Elishama Kakembo, Babajide Ayodele, Jean-Baka Domelevo Entfellner, Santie De Villiers, Karen Wambui, Segun Fatumo, Tinashe Chikowore, John Mukisa, Alfred Ssekagiri, Nicholas Bbosa, Julius Mulindwa, Samuel Kyobe, Mike Nsubuga, Grace Kebirungi, Eric Katagirya, Savannah Mwesigwa, Ibra Lujumba, Rogers Kamulegeya, Samuel Kirimunda, Stephen Kanyerezi, Shahiid Kiyaga, Ivan Sserwadda, Davis Kiberu, Bernard S Bagaya, Julius Okwir, Patricia Nabisubi, Grace Nabakooza, Mugume Twinamatsiko Atwine, Ricard Sserunjogi, Rolanda Julius, Mariam Quiñones, Meghan Mccarthy, Phillip Cruz, Karlynn Noble, Christopher J Whalen, Darrell Hurt, Maria Y Giovanni, Michael Tartakovsky, Deogratius Ssemwanga, John M Kitayimbwa, Steven J Reynolds, Christopher C Whalen, Andrew Kambugu, Neil A Hanchard, Li Jian, Peter Amoako-Yirenkyi, Graeme Mardon, I King Jordan, Samson Pandam Salifu, Mamadou Wele, Ezekiel Adebiyi, Jeffrey G Shaffer, Seydou Doumbia, David Patrick Kateete, Michelle Skelton, Nicola Mulder, Jonathan K Kayondo, Daniel Masiga, H3africa Consortium

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Global biomedical and health research is increasingly relying on genomic and computational approaches, largely driven by the increasing volumes of nucleic acid sequencing. Concurrently, epidemiological studies and clinical records are generating enormous amounts of data amenable to disease modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence techniques. Bioinformatics and data science expertise is therefore essential for improved population health. Accordingly, in 2012, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) in partnership with the Wellcome Trust, and with support from the African Society for Human Genetics, initiated the H3Africa (Human Heredity and Health in Africa) consortium. One of its key goals was to …

Harnessing Microbial Tools: Escherichia Coli As A Vehicle For Neuropeptide Functional Analysis In Caenorhabditis Elegans, Elizabeth M Diloreto, Shruti Shastry, Emily J Leptich, Douglas K Reilly, Rachel N Arey, Jagan Srinivasan

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Animals respond to changes in their environment and internal states via neuromodulation. Neuropeptides modulate neural circuits with flexibility because 1 gene can produce either multiple copies of the same neuropeptide or different neuropeptides. However, with this architectural complexity, the function of discrete and active neuropeptides is muddled. Here, we design a genetic tool that facilitates functional analysis of individual peptides. We engineered Escherichia coli bacteria to express active peptides, fed loss-of-function Caenorhabditis elegans, and rescued the activity of genes with varying lengths and functions: pdf-1, flp-3, ins-6, and ins-22. Some peptides were functionally redundant, while others exhibit unique and previously …

Understanding Recruitment To A Randomised Controlled Trial (Rct) During Liver Transplantation: An Observational Mixed-Methods Study Within A Trial (Swat), Katherine Elizabeth Sarah Coppack, Ilya Kantsedikas, Edgar Brodkin, Ee Neng Loh, Gareth Ambler, Suneetha Ramani Moonesinghe, Jeremy Fabes, Vivienne Hannon, Michael Spiro, Duncan Wagstaff

Peninsula Medical School

Objectives Perioperative randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in liver transplantation are relatively infrequent. RCTs performed in this complex patient population need to be robustly conducted to maximise patient benefit and graft utility given the scarcity of donor organs. Recruitment challenges can compromise RCTs and studies in this population face unique challenges due to recipient illness severity, their comorbidities, demographics and the geographical constraints of specialist transplant centres. Emergency presentation and after-hours admission may further limit patients’ capacity or readiness to consider trial participation. This Study Within a Trial (SWAT) specifically explored motivators and barriers to recruitment in patients awaiting liver transplantation.Design …

Assessing The Effects Of Ehealth Literacy And The Area Deprivation Index On Barriers To Electronic Patient Portal Use For Orthopedic Surgery: Cross-Sectional Observational Study, Audrey Lynn Litvak, Nicholas Lin, Kelly Hynes, Jason Strelzow, Jeffrey G Stepan

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: As electronic patient portals (EPPs) continue to gain popularity and systems transition to online tools for scheduling, communication, and telehealth, patients without access or skills to use these tools may be overlooked.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed patient and neighborhood-level factors, including eHealth literacy level and the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), that may limit EPP access for orthopedic surgery.

METHODS: A cross-sectional, survey-based study was performed at a single urban tertiary academic medical center in the United States across foot and ankle, hand and upper extremity, and orthopedic trauma subspecialty clinics from June 21, 2022, to August 12, 2022. Survey …

Second Reaction: Lucha Libre: The Man In The Silver Mask: A Bilingual Cuento, Elia Matano-Bueno

First Opinions, Second Reactions

No abstract provided.

Perceived Academic Workload And Well-Being Among Radiologic Technology Students During Home-Based Learning, Alvin Diaz Crudo

The Lasallian Journal of Health

Introduction: COVID-19 disrupted educational delivery worldwide, forcing Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to shift to home-based learning modalities combining synchronous and asynchronous modes. Radiologic technology students' academic workload intensified with digital and non-digital activities, requiring stronger internet connectivity amid barriers like stress and burnout. This study determined the correlation between perceived academic workload and well-being among third-year radiologic technology students at De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute during home-based learning. Methods: A correlational research design was employed with 124 of 136 students (91.18%) participating during A.Y. 2021-2022. Researchers used self-made questionnaires based on Bowyer's (2012) "Student Workload Model" and …

Computational Comparative Genome Analysis Reveals The Characteristics Of Acinetobacter Baumannii C123 Strains, Jennilyn Nicole G. Mendoza

The Lasallian Journal of Health

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative, aerobic and multi-drug resistant bacterial pathogen commonly associated with nosocomial infections. This species has several strains and is known to cause pneumonia, septi cemia, meningitis, urinary tract infection and wound infection which are associated with high mortality rates. This study focused on a genome-wide compari son among target C123 strain and 15 other reference strains to predict the overall properties, and resistance mechanisms of the C123 strain. A total of 16 whole genome sequence strains were retrieved from NCBI database for analysis. The selected strains were assem bled and annotated using computational tools. Further more, …

Factors Affecting The Colony Count Of Oral Candida Albicans Of Electronic Cigarette Users Among Young Adults In Dasmariñas, Cavite, Kyla Marie C. Resuma, Rendell B. Rovelo, Martella Ingrid A. Sanchez, Christine Joy R. Sobiono, Michaela Marie N. Tena, Gabriel C. Villota

The Lasallian Journal of Health

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) emerged and were marketed as a more viable alternative to traditional tobacco smoking, especially among the youth. While there is insufficient evidence clearly explaining the effects of e-cigarette use on human health, recent literature has shone light on its various adverse effects on the body, particularly on oral health and its possible contribution to oral microbial dysbiosis. This study explored the potential factors that may have affected the colony counts of oral Candida albicans—the causative agent of thrush. The study participants (N = 40) comprised 22 male and 18 female e-cigarette users aged 18 to 22 …

Environmental Detection And Genetic Profiling Of Staphylococcus Sp. At Taal Volcano Island, Ray Albert E. La Rosa, Shaun Michael C. Basco, Martin Gabriel Z. Dela Cruz, Iluminada A. Ronio

The Lasallian Journal of Health

Taal Volcano Island’s hydrothermal environment supports extremophilic microbial communities. This study isolated, biochemically characterized, and genetically profiled Staphylococcus sp. from shoreline soils. Soil samples were collected near active vents and cultured on acidified gelatin agar (pH 5.0). Biochemical tests—Methyl Red, Spirit Blue Agar, Motility, and Acrolein—were performed. DNA extraction and 16S rRNA sequencing identified Staphylococcus candidatus, with 99 % sequence similarity to GenBank entries JN794602.1 and KX250303.1. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the isolate with S. ureilyticus, S. cohnii, and S. equorum. The organism’s presence in volcanic soils demonstrates adaptation to acidic, thermophilic conditions and suggests potential applications in bioremediation and enzyme …

Geophysical Analysis Of Volcanic Soils Influencing Microbial Habitat Dynamics On Taal Volcano Island, Ray Albert E. La Rosa, Iluminada A. Ronio, Shaun Michael C. Basco, Martin Gabriel Z. Dela Cruz

The Lasallian Journal of Health

Taal Volcano Island in Batangas, Philippines, hosts an active post-caldera complex with a large hydrothermal system producing extreme soil environments. This study analyzed the geophysical and geochemical characteristics of shoreline soils to determine their potential as microbial habitats. Soil samples were collected at 14°02′04″N, 121°00′09″E, one meter below the surface of near newly formed vents. Physical parameters, including water content, bulk density, sedimentation, texture, and porosity, were measured alongside pH and temperature data. Results revealed sandy soil texture with 25% moisture, moderate compaction (1.66 g cm⁻³), high surface temperature (50 °C on-site; 72.7 °C PHIVOLCS data), and extreme acidity (pH …