Digital Commons Network^™

Enhancing Data Compatibility In An Evolving Landscape: Medical Cannabis And Polysubstance Use Protocols In The Phenx Toolkit, Anne Buu, Johannes Thrul, Amanda Bunting, Tamara Haegerich, Wayne Huggins, Christian Hopfer, Denise Vidot, Cataia Ives, Ryan Mcneil, Sarah Zemore, Corrie Vilsaint, Elizabeth Fallon, Christine Hill, Carol Hamilton, John Kelly

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: With increasing legalization of medical cannabis and prevalence of polysubstance use in the United States comes the need for standard psychometrically validated measures to study these substances' health effects in the population. The PhenX (consensus measures for Phenotypes and eXposures) Toolkit (www.phenxtoolkit.org) is a freely accessible catalog of recommended measurement protocols to promote data compatibility across studies, but this extensive catalog did not include measures in these important areas.

Methods: In 2024, a PhenX Working Group of experts followed a well-established consensus process to identify and recommend measurement protocols suitable for inclusion in studies on medical cannabis and polysubstance …

Population-Based Analysis Of Synergistic Effects Of Functional Disability And Comorbidities On Retention In Hiv Care Among People With Hiv, Modupe Olajumoke Onigbogi, Osaro Mgbere, Paul Rowan, Ruosha Li, Charles Darkoh

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: This cross-sectional study examined how types of disability and comorbidities influence retention in care (RIC) among people with HIV (PWH) in Houston/Harris County, Texas, USA.

Methods: Data from 1142 participants in the Houston Medical Monitoring Project (2015–2021) were analyzed. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariable logistic regression were used to evaluate factors associated with RIC.

Results: Approximately 74.9% of participants were retained in care. Compared to PWH without specific comorbidities, those with dyslipidemia and kidney disease had higher odds of RIC (AOR: 2.66; 95% CI: 1.40–5.03 and AOR: 14.08; 95% CI: 1.44–138.12, respectively). PWH reporting only mobility disability had …

Enhancing Surgical Safety, Sarah Moxon

IdeaFest 2026

Surgical site infections (SSIs) account for 20% of hospital-acquired infections, increasing patients’ risk of disability and mortality and raising costs for hospitals. This quality improvement project, using the Model for Evidence-Based Practice Change, aims to reduce SSIs at a rural hospital by 20% within one year. Engaging key players, proven strategies will be implemented, including preoperative nasal decolonization, reducing operating room traffic, and using an SSI risk tool. These strategies will be evaluated through electronic medical record (EMR) documentation audits, tracking door openings, nasal swab cultures, and surveys assessing the SSI risk tool’s impact on clinical decision-making.

Reducing Door-To-Ekg Time In The Emergency Department, Halie Dearman

IdeaFest 2026

Delayed electrocardiogram (EKG) acquisition in emergency departments (ED) represents a preventable patient safety crisis disproportionately affecting women, Black patients, older adults, and non-English-speaking patients. Using the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice, this quality improvement project addresses door-to-EKG (D2E) times exceeding the ACC/AHA 10-minute benchmark in a rural northern California ED. Three evidence-based interventions are proposed: culturally tailored community education on atypical acute coronary syndrome symptoms, a standardized nurse-driven triage EKG protocol with dedicated equipment, and institutional adoption of D2E time as a formal quality metric. Evaluation includes EHR timestamp audits, demographic disparity analysis, and longitudinal mortality review. Timely EKG acquisition …

Skin Tone Inclusive Assessment To Reduce Missed Pressure Injuries, Sheena May Viste

IdeaFest 2026

Patients with high‑melanin skin are at increased risk of developing pressure injuries and experiencing more severe progression because early signs are frequently missed. This disparity is attributed to delayed PI recognition because standard visual skin assessments are biased toward light skin and fail to identify early tissue damage (Black et al., 2023; LaFond et al., 2025). Implementing the Skin Assessment for Dark Skin (SADS) technique—use of halogen light and multisensory palpation—during assessments helps nurses identify early pressure injury indicators. The overarching goal is to reduce diagnostic delays by using tools such as Skin Assessment for Dark Skin (SADS) to support …

Manipulation Of Attention And Expectancy Within An Open-Label Placebo Treatment For Experimental Pain, Arianna Nevis

IdeaFest 2026

Open-label, or honestly prescribed placebos, offer an ethical alternative to deceptive placebos. Results reported here are a part of a larger study where expectancy and attention were experimentally manipulated within a 2 (expectancy: high/low) x 2 (attention: high/low) between-subjects design with a no-treatment comparison group. Pain was experimentally induced in all five experimental groups using the well-established cold pressor task. Participants self-reported expectancy and researchers utilized a behavioral measure of attention to assess the effectiveness of these manipulations. Overall, expectancy scores were sensitive to manipulations, but the attention manipulation failed. Future research should explore new methods of both measuring and …

Most Effective Methods For Educating Three Population Demographics At Risk Of Large-Scale Lahars Originating From Mt. Rainier, Bodhi Merrill

IdeaFest 2026

In this study I focus on the most effective ways to communicate response plans for lahars originating from Mt. Rainier to three socioeconomic groups: residents, employees, and tourists. Wood and Soulard (2009) identified these three populations in the communities surrounding Mt. Rainier as largest and most at risk to a potential large-scale lahar. I will utilize lahar hazard maps published by the United States Geological Survey in combination with peer-reviewed journal articles focusing on the most successful methods of educating specific population demographics. This work will help guide emergency planners, management agencies, and individuals to better understand what measures still …

Water Adsorption On Environmental Metal Oxides And Atmospheric Dusts Determined By The Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (Drifts) Technique, Chris Harmon

IdeaFest 2026

Dust plays an important role in cloud formation, acting as nuclei for water vapor, leading to the formation of cloud droplets. The process is highly uncertain and difficult to make predictions of. Our research is centered around simulating water uptake by dust particles to better understand this process and create models that can predict this behavior.

Holy Cows: Moo-Ving The Dial On Complex Pain Management, Mary Nickell

IdeaFest 2026

In the U.S., 8.9 million people misused opioids last year (SAMHSA, 2024). Humboldt County’s overdose rate is 6% above state and national averages (DHSS, 2021). Despite high prevalence rates, many providers lack confidence in managing acute pain for patients with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), while nursing stigma further inhibits care (Raub & Vettese, 2017). Patients with OUD report discharging against medical advice (DAMA), even with life-threatening illnesses, due to inadequate pain and withdrawal management (Babbel et al.,2024). Nurses leaders can reduce DAMA, improve health outcomes/equity through standardized screening, dedicated pain management pathways, and mandatory annual staff training.

Reducing Postpartum Hemorrhage Through Active Management Of The Third Stage Of Labor, Delilah Pusch

IdeaFest 2026

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality and is often preventable with timely, evidence-based care. This quality improvement project focuses on reducing PPH through active management of the third stage of labor and use of standardized hemorrhage protocols. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice model, current evidence supports interventions such as oxytocin administration, controlled cord traction, and uterine massage. Planned strategies include staff education, protocol implementation, and improved clinical readiness. Expected outcomes include reduced PPH rates, fewer transfusions, and improved maternal safety.

Take Me Out Of The Ballgame: Recovery From Pitching Injuries In The Mlb, Madilyn Shinn

IdeaFest 2026

My project looks into studies focused on Major league baseball, specifically pitchers who have obtained a UCL injury. I took data from several different studies to draw a conclusion that pitchers who recover from UCL surgery can return to the MLB.

Improving Early Mobility And Family Engagement For Patients In A Rural Intensive Care Unit, Erin Sullivan

IdeaFest 2026

Early mobility and family engagement interventions for mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit are key components of the ICU liberation bundle (A-F). It strives to reduce patient complications, such as delirium, PTSD, progressive weakness, lengthy hospital stays, and mortality. This quality improvement project in a rural ICU employs a multidisciplinary approach to expanding early mobility interventions, educating the care team, patients, and families, addressing barriers, encouraging family participation, and developing an early mobility standard of care protocol. Key outcomes include consistent use of ICU liberation documentation tools by caregivers, enhanced family participation and education, and increased mobilization of …

Improving Diabetes Outcomes In Native American Populations, Meagan Shadle

IdeaFest 2026

Despite organized efforts, Humboldt County tribes have had little improvement regarding diabetes outcomes when compared to county and state data averages. These trends suggest that regardless of advancements in therapy, monitoring and prevention there is still an issue of equity among ethnic groups in Humboldt County. This data highlights the need for an integrative and culturally centered, community based strategy that aims to improve the health outcomes and longevity of the Indigenous peoples within this shared land. By providing individualized care plans and disease process management with community engagement programs focused on relevant and accessible diet and lifestyle education there …

Reducing Surgical Site Infections Through Implementation Of An Evidence-Based Ssi Prevention Bundle, Diana Meraz

IdeaFest 2026

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common healthcare-associated infections. A rural community hospital identified an increase in SSIs among patients undergoing open abdominal surgeries. This project aims to reduce SSI rates through the implementation of a standardized SSI prevention bundle, including preoperative chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing, proper skin preparation, timely antibiotic administration, use of wound protection devices, and clean closure techniques. Implementation requires collaboration between multiple team levels. Evaluation of the project will include process, impact, and outcome measures. Expected outcomes include reduced SSI rates, improved patient safety, shorter hospital stays, and decreased healthcare costs.

Cattle Pastures As High Tide Refugia For Shorebirds In Humboldt Bay, Colby Gagnebin

IdeaFest 2026

Shorebirds displaced from intertidal mudflats during high tide inundation often utilize nearby grasslands as alternative foraging and roosting habitats. I hypothesize that shorebird abundance and species richness are higher in pastures located near their primary habitats, and are similarly positively correlated with moist soil, standing water, and cattle presence. To test this, I will conduct surveys during high tides across various pastures in the Arcata Bottoms, measuring shorebird abundance, species richness, and key habitat features such as soil moisture, surface water presence, cattle presence, and proximity to the nearest tidal flat. The relationships between these habitat characteristics and shorebird response …

Moving For Two: Understanding The Physiological Effects Of Prenatal Exercise, Jasmine Torres

IdeaFest 2026

Exercise during pregnancy supports important cardiovascular, metabolic, and hormonal adaptations that promote maternal and fetal health. Despite evidence showing benefits such as improved cardiovascular function, better glucose regulation, healthy weight gain, and reduced risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension, most pregnant individuals do not meet exercise guidelines. Low participation is often due to misconceptions, safety concerns, and limited education. Promoting physical activity during pregnancy may serve as an effective strategy to improve maternal health outcomes and prevent pregnancy-related complications.

Sdoh Screening To Advance Breast Cancer Equity, Elizabeth Root

IdeaFest 2026

This quality improvement initiative aims to increase the number of breast cancer patients who receive treatment within 90 days of diagnosis by implementing standardized social determinants of health (SDOH) screening during intake at a cancer navigation community-based setting. Patient navigators will identify health-related social needs and coordinate referrals to community resources to mitigate barriers to care. Process measures include screening and referral rates, and outcome measures include time to treatment initiation and patient satisfaction with the screening and referral process. This intervention seeks to reduce disparities in breast cancer outcomes and improve health equity.

Methods For Degradation Of Pla-Quinoa Composites, Rafael Bernard

IdeaFest 2026

Polylactic acid (PLA) composites were created by integrating quinoa chaff that had been refluxed in a toluene and ethanol solution, with differing ratios of the chaff. These composites underwent testing such as bomb calorimetry, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, water uptake, water contact angle & degredation, antioxidant assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A cellulase enzyme was also purified from E-Coli bacteria for use in degradation studies. Current tests indicate that the refluxing of raw chaff increases homogeniztion of composites, which in turn allows for the increase of certain physical properties as well as increased degredation. This gives promising results concerning the …

Bridging The Gap: Improving Access To Specialty Care For Adults With Type 2 Diabetes In Rural Communities, Sydney Castil

IdeaFest 2026

Rural communities face disparities in managing Type 2 diabetes due to limited access to specialized care, leading to poor glycemic control and higher complication rates. In rural Northern California, provider shortages hinder timely, evidence-based treatment. This project proposes integrating a diabetes nurse specialist in a local hospital to deliver education, support medication management, coordinate care, and monitor outcomes. The goal is to improve HbA1c levels, reduce complications and readmissions, and enhance self-management, addressing gaps in care and reducing health disparities.

Prevention Of Escherichia Coli Biofilm Formation Using Slpa Protein Extracted From Lactobacillus Helveticus, Scarlet Renner

IdeaFest 2026

Dental health in pets is often neglected, leading to gingivitis and periodontitis. Probiotics are thought to inhibit oral pathogenic bacteria through surface layer proteins, preventing biofilm formation and occupying binding sites. We explored Lactobacillus helveticus and its protein SLpA in preventing biofilm formation in mCherry expressing Escherichia coli. SLpA was extracted using lithium chloride and centrifugation. E. coli was mixed with L. helvetius and SLpA. Fluorescence values were collected with a sodium alginate and calcium chloride gel in each well to allow bacterial adherence and compared to a blank. Results show L. helveticus and SLpA inhibit biofilm formation of E. …

Does Organic Matter For Swainson Hawk Nest Success?, Alyssa Hage

IdeaFest 2026

My research project is exploring the question if being near an organic alfalfa field is beneficial for Swainson hawk nest success rate and number of fledglings produced per nest per year over the past 5 years. My project is taking advantage of historical nesting data in the Butte Valley, CA area to explore this question.

High Appetite: Cannabis And Its Relationship With Eating Patterns And Overall Nutrition, Jj O'Hara

IdeaFest 2026

My project is looking into the relationship between cannabis and nutrition. Specifically, disordered eating, diet content, and how it can help individuals who might struggle with undereating.

2026 Annual Report, Wolf Law Library, William & Mary Law School

Library Annual Report

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Artificial Intelligence Large Language Mocdels In Dental Education: A Cross-Sectional Survey On Usage, Perceptions, And Integration At A U.S. Dental Scho, Celine Sheng, Camie Mcfarland, Nikola Angelov, Sridhar V K Eswaran, Richard Halpin, Jennifer Chang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education presents opportunities and challenges for dental education. This study explores the use of Large Language Model (LLM) based AI tools, including ChatGPT and Grammarly AI, among faculty and students at the UTHealth School of Dentistry in Houston (UTSDH). This research assessed usage patterns, perceived benefits and concerns, and AI training demand.

Methods: A piloted, cross-sectional survey was administered via email. The survey included Likert-scale, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions. Respondents provided demographics and rated their LLM-based AI tools for use and perceptions in educational, clinical, and research contexts. Data was analyzed …

Treatment Manual For Sequential Format. Two Part Program For Symptom Self-Management (12 Session Course & Support Group For Booster Dose Of Course)., Robin Buccheri, Louise Nigh Trygstad, Martha D. Buffum

Nursing and Health Professions Faculty Research and Publications

This is the Treatment for Sequential Format Two Part Program for Symptom Self Management of Auditory Hallucinations (12-Session Course & Support for Booster Dose of Course).

Treatment Manual For Nonsequential Format. Two Part Program For Symptom Self-Management (12 Session Course & Support Group For Booster Dose Of Course)., Robin Kay Buccheri, Louise Nigh Trygstad, Martha D. Buffum

Nursing and Health Professions Faculty Research and Publications

This is the Treatment Manual for NonSequential Format: Two-Part Program for Symptom Self-Management of Auditory Hallucinations: 12 Session Course & Support Group for Booster Dose of Course

N Y State Dent J January 2026

The New York State Dental Journal

In the January 2026 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• No Need to Travel the Road to Licensure Renewal Alone
• IPS Subperiosteal Implant for the Maxilla and Mandible
• Amyloidoma of the Palate
• Titanium Hypersensitivity as Possible Cause of Dental Implant Failures

This issue includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New York membership including editorial and perspectives columns, legal, association activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Health Literacy/Numeracy-Related Factors Affecting Interpretation In Medical Laboratory Values, Rachel L. Childs

School of Medical Diagnostics & Translational Sciences Publications

Background

Health literacy and numeracy are broad terms that relate to a patient’s understanding of their health information. While there is a substantial amount of research on this topic in a general sense as well as in relation to how deficiencies in these skills impact patients’ understanding of laboratory results, little is known regarding the extent to which underlying factors, which are impacted by health literacy/numeracy, affect how patients interpret their results. This literature review attempts to shed light on the current literature on this more focused and narrow issue, including recommendations to address these barriers.

Content

To perform this …

Strategic Peer Region Selection For Economic Development, Xiaobing Shuai, Riley Ford

School of Professional and Continuing Studies Faculty Publications

Benchmarking against peer and aspirational regions is essential for economic development because it provides meaningful context for evaluating performance and shaping strategy. These comparisons help highlight regional advantages that attract new investments, as well as uncover gaps that may represent opportunities for future growth. ...

This article provides a practical, data-driven framework that economic development organizations can use to identify peer and aspirational regions, strengthen benchmarking efforts, and support strategy development. A case study illustrates how this can be applied to better interpret economic indicators and inform decision-making. For EDOs, this approach offers a more consistent way to evaluate competitiveness, …

Early Stem Impressions, Student Engagement, And Readiness For Digitalization, Myron Sheu

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

This study examines how early impressions of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) shape business students’ learning behaviors and, ultimately, their readiness for organizational digitalization. Focusing on gender differences, subgroup identities, and perceived obstacles, the analysis uses survey data processed through correlation matrices, regression models, and subgroup heatmaps to trace the relationship between initial attitudes toward STEM and subsequent engagement patterns. The findings reveal consistent links between positive early impressions and active participation in structured STEM activities, along with gender-based distinctions in action preferences. Subgroup analyses further uncover nuanced patterns where stereotypes or perceived barriers correspond with reduced engagement. Collectively, …