Digital Commons Network^™

Standardizing Heart Failure Discharges: Reducing 30-Day Readmission Rates, Angela Keziah

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Problem Statement: Patients readmitted with heart failure (HF) suffer increased mortality, reduced quality of life, and heightened medical expenses, though most readmissions are preventable with a consistent HF discharge regimen.

Purpose: To determine if a consistent HF discharge regimen using an evidence-based HF discharge checklist tool, including standardized HF education and a scheduled follow-up appointment with their cardiologist within 7-10 days post-discharge, impacted HF 30-day readmission rates.

Methods: An evidence-based HF discharge checklist tool was placed on participants’ charts on the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) and utilized by the PCU nurses to standardize HF discharges.

Inclusion Criteria: The study included …

Endothelial Dysfunction Promotes Age-Related Reorganization Of Collagen Fibers And Alters Aortic Biomechanics In Mice, Liya Du, Jeffrey Rodgers, Nazli Gharraee, Olivia Gary, Tarek Shazly, John F. Eberth, Susan M. Lessner

Faculty Publications

Endothelial dysfunction, defined as a reduction in the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), is a risk factor for the occurrence and progression of various vascular diseases. This study investigates the effect of endothelial dysfunction on age-related changes in aortic extracellular matrix (ECM) microstructure and the relationship between microstructural adaptation and the mechanical response. Here, we used groups of NOS3 knockout (KO), NOS3 heterozygotes (Het), and wild-type (WT) B6 mice (controls) to study changes in hemodynamic parameters, collagen fiber organization, and both active and passive aortic mechanics using biaxial pressure myography over a time course from 1.5 to 12 mo. Our …

Outreach & Dna-Based Monitoring Facilitate 3-Fold Reduction In Seafood Mislabeling In Los Angeles Over 10 Years, Demian A. Willette, Kelli Andrade, Ben Fitzpatrick, Kesterlyn Wilson

Biology Faculty Works

Awareness and intervention can reduce fraudulent labeling in seafood. Using a 10-year longitudinal study approach, DNA-based monitoring data reveals a lower sushi mislabeling in Los Angeles restaurants over time. This is in part attributed to implemented recommendations by restaurants of a local academia-industry-government outreach initiative launched in 2018, The Los Angeles Seafood Monitoring Project. We found mislabeling was 3-fold lower among project-partnering restaurants than other restaurants. This difference was statistically significant, illustrating the combination of project partnering and implementation of recommendations was most impactful on reducing mislabeling rates. Lastly, the study period includes the COVID19 global pandemic, which additional monitoring …

Epigenetics, Preconception Tort Liability, And Public Health, Peter Sie

UC Law Journal

Epigenetics is an emerging science that studies how our behavior and environment can change the function of our genes without changing our genetic code. These changes can pass on to our children and grandchildren, for better or for worse. Epigenetic knowledge could change our understanding of human biology and individual responsibility. However, it is also ripe for misunderstanding. Commercial entities seek to capitalize on the hype to sell snake oil under the “epigenetic” label. In the popular press, reporters dramatize limited studies to create sensational headlines, often blaming parents for causing epigenetic harms to their children.

If this attitude toward …

Enhancing Urban Water Drainage In Avenida Da Liberdade: Evaluating Green Spaces And Sustainable Infrastructure In Lisbon’S Master Drainage Plan, Eva Asfahani

Portugal: Sustainability and Environmental Justice

Lisbon’s Plano Geral de Drenagem de Lisboa (PGDL) represents a major step toward modernizing the city’s drainage system in response to growing environmental pressures. This paper explores how sustainable infrastructure, particularly nature-based solutions such as Green-Blue Infrastructure, are incorporated into the PGDL, with a focus on the Avenida da Liberdade area. Through a combination of literature review, fieldwork, and interviews with municipal officials, the research evaluates the environmental, economic, and social benefits of integrating decentralized, sustainable drainage systems alongside traditional gray infrastructure. Findings show that while the PGDL makes important progress in reducing flood risk and improving water quality, spatial …

Elizabeth Gibson Drinko Honors Convocation, Honors College

Honors Convocation

The Elizabeth Gibson Drinko Honors Convocation Awards Program for Spring 2025, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia.

Moralitas, Pancasila, & Political Homophobia: The Resilience Of The Indonesian Lgbtq+ Community, Madeline Morton

Indonesia: Arts, Religion, and Social Change

In this paper, I attempt to understand Indonesian LGBTQ+ identity. With negative views on LGBTQ+ freedoms prevalent amongst the state, religious institutions, and media, I investigate what degree of visibility and expression can be afforded towards community building and individual expression. I catalogue the historical and legal perspectives which influence the current, lived realities of LGBTQ+ individuals. The concept of an ‘appropriate’ expression of gender and sexuality is learned, dynamic, and entrenched in cultural context. In Indonesia’s case, these understandings are forged through dominant systems of knowledge surrounding gender roles, marriage, and familial structure as connected to a nationalist identity. …

Water Current, Volume 57, No. 1, Spring 2025

Water Current Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Science And Politics In Public Health Regulation, Samuel R. Bagenstos

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

Much of American public discourse takes for granted a distinction between science and politics. People describe and understand that distinction in contradictory ways, however. And those contradictions themselves underscore how closely entwined science and politics actually are.

A Diatom Voucher Flora For The Pierce Ponds, Olivia Sandman

Honors Projects

Diatoms are a diverse group of microalgae with silica cell walls that produce ~ 25% of the Earth's oxygen. Due to their diversity and sensitivity to changes in water quality, diatoms are often used to monitor aquatic ecosystems. One such ecosystem is the Pierce Ponds, a series of small, constructed wetlands located southwest of the GVSU campus that were designed to limit erosion and remove contaminants from runoff and precipitation before entering the Lower Grand River Watershed. To explore the diatom populations of these ponds, we created a voucher flora to document the taxa present. In November, algal samples were …

Food For Thought: The Impact Of The Gut-Brain Axis On Mental Health, Emily S. Miiller

Honors Thesis

Research regarding the role of the human microbiome has grown over the years as professionals develop a better understanding of the gut-brain axis. New studies and expanding knowledge on the relationship between the nervous system and gut microbiome promote a deeper understanding of the impact of diet on mental health. Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance between the gut and the brain. Incorporating nutritional modulators, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and vitamins, is crucial for supporting the gut-brain axis by influencing neurotransmitter production, managing inflammation, and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. On the other hand, …

Let's Grow: Investigating The Relationship Between Houseplants And Mental Health In College Students, Makia G. Adler

Honors Thesis

This literature review explores the potential mental health benefits of houseplants for college students, a population increasingly affected by anxiety and depression. With traditional mental health services strained and often inaccessible, simple and low-cost alternatives are urgently needed. This review examines whether the presence and interaction with houseplants can improve psychological well-being, specifically symptoms of anxiety and depression. Drawing from ten peer-reviewed studies, this review finds a generally positive association between houseplants and mental health, though results vary. Notably, the duration of exposure appears to have little effect, while setting and autonomy in plant interaction are more influential. Interactions in …

Exploring Ballast Water As A Vector For The Spread Of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, Kathleen Beadling

Masters Theses

Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) has led to high mortality rates of reef-building coral species throughout the greater Caribbean region since it was first documented off the coast of Miami in 2014. The pathogen is currently unknown, but it is suspected that ballast water discharge is a vector of disease transmission. As a step towards better understanding SCTLD transmission, this study aimed to identify locations of ballast water exchange that coincide with outbreaks of the disease. Spatial and temporal patterns of SCTLD outbreaks and ballast water exchanges conducted within 50 nautical miles of coastlines were explored using Density-Based Spatial …

The Relationship Between Physical Activity And Telomere Length In Women: A Systematic Review, Jeni Page, Catherine Stephens, Melissa Richard, Elizabeth Lyons, Elizabeth Baumler, M Terese Verklan, Elizabeth Lorenzo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Telomere length (TL) is a biomarker of cellular aging with variations observed by sex, age, race, and ethnicity. Prior studies have suggested that physical activity (PA) may positively impact TL by potentially elongating telomeres and slowing cellular aging. However, research examining the optimal type and intensity of PA needed to elicit these changes specific to women remains limited. This systematic review aimed to investigate variations in TL in response to PA among women, exploring how these effects differ by age, race, or ethnicity. Following PRISMA guidelines, searches across five databases identified 17 relevant studies published from 2008 to 2022. A …

Kinetic Control And Trapping In The Supramolecular Polymerization Of M-Terphenyl Bis-Urea Macrocycles, Sophya V. Garashchuk, Gamage Isuri P. Wijesekera, Isabella G. Rushton, Vaibhavi A. Samant, Fahidat A. Gbadamosi, Dr. Md Faizul Islam, Sophya V. Garashchuk, Prof. Dr. Linda S. Shimizu

Faculty Publications

Herein, we examine pathway complexity in the supramolecular polymerization of a novel m-terphenyl bis-urea macrocycle. Designed to induce kinetically metastable states, the macrocycle‘s concentration-dependent aggregation was studied via 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy in THF and CHCl₃. Temperature-dependent UV-Vis spectroscopy in water/THF revealed a cooperative nucleation-growth mechanism, indicated by a shift in λmax to longer wavelengths upon cooling. Morphological studies using DLS, AFM, and SEM demonstrated fibrous aggregate formation. Thermal hysteresis observed in assembly-disassembly cycles indicated kinetically trapped species, with cooling governed by kinetic control and heating by thermodynamic processes. Deviations in ΔH values during cooling, compared to van′t …

Artificial Intelligence: Ethics, Jobs, And Governance In The Age Of Ai, Todd Bruns

All Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Development Of A Noninvasive Genotyping-In-Thousands (Gtseq) Panel For Long-Term Conservation Of Western Great Lakes Gray Wolves (Canis Lupus), Samuel D. Hervey, Bridgett M. Vonholdt, Mark C. Romanski, Tyler J. Wheeldon, Brent R. Patterson, Kristin Brzeski

Michigan Tech Publications

The application of noninvasive genetic methods toward the field of conservation has increased our understanding of many wildlife populations that are difficult to sample, allowing for better management. In molecular ecology, the use of noninvasive sampling became widely feasible with the advent of microsatellites, a highly polymorphic, short-length marker that could be genotyped from low-quality DNA sources. Despite decades of use, many microsatellite panels continue to suffer from high genotyping error rates, allelic dropout, and limited reproducibility across laboratories. To address these issues, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) offer advantages such as lower genotyping error rates, avoidance of allelic dropout due …

Shear-Thinning Hydrogel For Delayed Delivery Of A Small Molecule Metalloproteinase Inhibitor Attenuates Myocardial Infarction Remodeling, Joshua E. Mealy, William M. Torres, Lisa A. Freeburg, Shayne C. Barlow, Alison A. Whalen, Chima V. Maduka, Tarek Shazly, Jason A. Burdick, Francis G. Spinale

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Self-Rated Pain And Observed Pain Behavior In Black And White Americans With Chronic Low Back Pain, Matthew B. Jennings, John W. Burns, Benita Jackson, Kristine M. Molina, Mark A. Lumley

Psychology: Faculty Publications

Black Americans report more intense and disabling pain than White Americans, but differences in pain behavior have rarely been studied. The Structured Pain Behavior Test (SPBT), a standardized, video-recorded series of pain-inducing movements, assesses the behavioral expression of pain. We conducted the first test of whether Black Americans with chronic low back pain (CLBP) have greater pain behavior and increased self-reported pain intensity during the SPBT, compared to White Americans. Adults (N = 267) with CLBP (174 Black, 93 White; 57% female) rated their clinical pain severity and interference (Multidimensional Pain Inventory; MPI) and their current pain intensity (Numerical Rating …

Clark Magazine, Spring/Summer 2025, Clark University

Clark Magazine

The Spring/Summer 2025 edition of Clark Magazine. Clark Magazine is a twice-yearly publication primarily geared towards Clark University Alumni.

The cover story is 'A Face Only a Biologist Could Love: The lowly dung beetle and other humble creatures may not be pretty, but to Clark researchers working at the forefront of cancer, climate change, and medicine, they are stars.'

Investigating Evolutionary Pressures: Uncovering Adaptive Trade-Offs Of Iron Stress And Phage Resistance In E. Coli B, Franklin Chikezie Ezeanowai, Jude J. Ewunkem, Joseph Graves Jr., Liesl Jeffers-Francis

2025 Graduate Student Research Symposium

We subjected Escherichia coli B to 35 days of experimental evolution under elevated iron(III) sulfate and T4 phage stress, performing genomic, phenotypic, and cross-resistance analyses. Ten replicate populations were grown in LB broth with or without 1500 mg/L iron(III), with or without phage. All populations underwent daily transfers, ensuring consistent selective pressures. Whole genome sequencing revealed mutations that reached fixation or sweeping frequency. Iron(III)-selected strains showed enhanced tolerance at 1000–1750 mg/L iron but experienced reduced susceptibility thresholds to sulfanilamide, silver nitrate, and copper(II) sulfate, highlighting significant trade-offs. Conversely, iron(III) adaptation conferred cross- resistance to iron(II) and gallium(III) salts, likely reflecting …

Evolutionary Adaptation Of T7 Bacteriophage To Silver Ion Exposure: Implications For Amr Mitigation, Larisa Chila Kiki, Ugonna Morikwe, Franklin Ezeanowai, Winslette Mcgee

2025 Graduate Student Research Symposium

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a significant global concern, prompting increased exploration of alternative treatments such as bacteriophages and metals like silver ions. While these agents exhibit strong antimicrobial properties, the environmental accumulation of silver nanoparticles raises questions about their influence on microbial and phage evolution. This study examines how T7 bacteriophage adapts to high concentrations of silver ions through experimental evolution. For over 15 generations, ten independent T7 lineages were repeatedly exposed to elevated silver ion levels in Escherichia coli B cultures. The results showed that T7 bacteriophage developed resistance to silver ions, which also enhanced its infectivity of E. …

Role Of Cd163+ Macrophages In Organic Dust Exposure: A Study On Porcine Blood And Lungs, Jenny Pakhrin Rana, Kristen L. Foust, Rohit S. Ranabhat, Jenora T. Waterman

2025 Graduate Student Research Symposium

CD163, a scavenger surface receptor of alveolar macrophages (AMs), facilitates pathogen recognition, however, its specific role under organic dust (OD) exposure in swine confinement remains unclear. We hypothesized that continuous OD exposure within swine barns activates CD163+ AMs and promotes their proinflammatory responses. To investigate our hypothesis, macrophages were isolated from porcine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood, exposed to fluorescent-FITC-beads and stained with CD163 and CD14 markers. Supernatants and cells were analyzed for oxidative stress, inflammation, and phagocytic activity via immunoassays and flow cytometry. Data were analyzed using Two- way ANOVA (p-value <0.05) Results elevated CD14+CD163+ expression with increasing phagocytic activity in indoor AMs. However, CD14+CD163+ expression was higher in blood macrophages of outdoor versus indoor pigs. Bead uptake by BALF AMs of indoor pigs produced higher nitric oxide and TNF-α levels. Conversely, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 production was higher in BALF AMs of outdoor pigs. This study suggests exposure to OD in indoor environments may increase phagocytic activity by CD163+ macrophages, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers, which potentially contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic bronchitis among agricultural workers. Future studies could focus on these implications for humans.

Electrode Modification Of A Microalgal Microbial Fuel Cell For Valorizing Agricultural Wastewater, Dorcas Amoh

2025 Graduate Student Research Symposium

Agricultural activities, though essential, generate significant amounts of wastewater, which poses environmental challenges. Agricultural wastewater comprises various pollutants, including organic matter, nutrients, pesticides, and pathogens. The significance of effective wastewater treatment lies in its ability to remove contaminants, protect ecosystems, and potentially recover valuable resources. Biological methods like anaerobic digestion (AD), microalgal cultivation, and microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are sustainable approaches to treat wastewater. However, biogas productivity is sensitive to operating conditions and requires long retention times in AD. Microalgal cultivation is limited by light penetration and harvesting costs, while MFCs face challenges in scaling up and maintaining long-term stability. …

Exploring The Role Of Pleiotropy In The Adaptive Mechanisms Of Silver-Resistant E. Coli, Theresa Jones, Ishan Patel, Bryce Middleton, Brittany Sanders

2025 Graduate Student Research Symposium

Two-component response systems (TCRS) are key mechanisms by which prokaryotes acclimate to changing environments. While their role in acclimation is well-documented, their contribution to long-term environmental adaptation remains poorly understood. Understanding how Gene x Environment (GxE) interactions, epistasis, and pleiotropy drive these processes is crucial and has implications for clinical treatment strategies. This study investigated the role of pleiotropy in adaptive mechanisms of silver resistant E. coli strains. Six single cusS mutant strains, identified through experimental evolution and resequencing, and six silver-adapted populations were tested in the presence and absence of silver nitrate. Biolog Gen III 96-well phenotypic microarray plates …

Engineering Synthetic Beneficial Biofilms: A Comprehensive Framework For Diagnostic And Therapeutic Applications, Nona Hashem

2025 Graduate Student Research Symposium

Biofilms, microbial communities adhering to surfaces, account for 70% of human microbial diseases. While their harmful effects are well-studied, growing interest in beneficial biofilms spans applications from biological control to industrial corrosion prevention. However, their complexity challenges the development of a systematic engineering framework to harness their potential. Synthetic Beneficial Biofilms (SBBs) offer a novel approach for various applications, particularly in healthcare. These engineered microbial communities can mimic harmful biofilms for treatment studies or be synthesized for cell therapeutics and drug delivery, aiding in diagnosing and treating gut microbiome diseases. We present an innovative interdisciplinary framework combining mechanical and bioengineering …

Cell-Free Engineering Of Synthetic Phages To Overcome Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Resistance, Akinwunmi Afuape

2025 Graduate Student Research Symposium

Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major global health threat, demanding innovative therapeutic solutions beyond traditional antibiotics. Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, offer a promising alternative. Traditional phage engineering approaches rely on bacterial hosts for genome replication, mutation screening, and functional validation, leading to longer experimental timelines, unpredictable recombination events, and host dependent constraints. To overcome these limitations, we present a novel approach to rationally design and construct synthetic phages with reduced genomes to evade bacterial defense mechanisms. Starting from a de novo synthesized wild-type phage genome, we systematically eliminate nonessential regions while integrating targeted mutations to bypass bacterial resistance, including …

Gsa Nca&T 3rd Graduate Research Symposium: Book Of Abstracts (April 1, 2025), Ugonna Morikwe, Tia Pope, Faith Zablon

2025 Graduate Student Research Symposium

This Book of Abstracts showcases the scholarly contributions presented at the Third Annual Graduate Research Symposium hosted by the Graduate Student Association (GSA) of North Carolina A&T State University. Held on April 1, 2025, the event highlighted the creativity, innovation, and interdisciplinary research of graduate students across various colleges. The symposium theme, “Empowering Research, Driving Innovation,” celebrates forward-thinking scholarship and student leadership. This volume includes abstracts from five categories: Completed Research, Ongoing Research, Research Proposals, Theoretical & Literature Reviews, and Innovative Methods & Techniques.

Department Of Mathematical Sciences Newsletter, Spring 2025, University Of Montana--Missoula. Department Of Mathematical Sciences

Newsletters from the Department of Mathematical Sciences at UM

At the Intersection Between Choreography & Calculations / Dominic Beccari -- Christian López Mercado: From Meteorology to Math / Fred Peck -- Robert McKelvey 1929-2025: In Memoriam -- Notes from the Chair / John Bardsley -- UM Math Day Returns / Matt Roscoe -- Richard Lane 1941-2025 -- The Mathematics Enthusiast’s Worldwide Readership in 2024 -- An Unusual Visitor to the Math Department -- Donations to the Math Department -- Degree Recipients 2024-2025 -- Spring 2025 Scholarships & Awards -- Servus from Austria! / Mary Catlett

The Influence Of Institutional Barriers And Personality On Gendered Occupational Choice, Mia Sideris

Richard T. Schellhase Essay Prize in Ethics

Men hold a disproportionate share of high-paying jobs, leading to an uneven distribution within the workforce. Possible rationalizations behind the formation of the occupational gap can be narrowed down to two factors: institutional barriers and personality differences. Accounts of prestigious organizations intentionally underrepresenting women in academic spheres, in addition to the persistence of societal norms can explain the observed distribution. Other perspectives insist that sex determines one’s behavior in selecting a life-long occupation, where a woman’s instinct to nurture and develop interpersonal connections leads them to choose fields that necessitate these characteristics. Compiling data from mainstream companies like Apple who …