Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring Occupational Therapists' Experiences With Animal Assisted Therapy Competencies For Safe And Ethical Practice, Macy Burr

Student Dissertations

The implementation of animal-assisted therapy requires professionals to establish competencies and work with animals that possess specific characteristics and have undergone specialized training. Researchers noted a lack of uniform guidelines for practicing animal-assisted therapy in occupational therapy. The Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals recently developed a set of competencies for the safe and ethical inclusion of animals in professional settings, with a section in the appendix specifically tailored to occupational therapy. Although extensive research was conducted to develop these competencies, there is little research on their application to practice. The identified problem was the lack of research to guide the …

Shaping Oman’S Child Health Future By 2040: Key Projections For Population And Workforce In Developmental-Behavioural Paediatrics, Watfa Al-Mamari, Ahmed B. Idris, Rola Al-Balushi, Kamila Al-Alawi, Saquib Jalees, Ahmed Al-Saidi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

April 4, 1968: A Law Student’S Night In The Memphis Jail, Alex Jay Hurder

Vanderbilt Social Justice Reporter

No abstract provided.

Presidential Search Committee Minutes, Clemson University Board Of Trustees, 2025 December 18, Clemson University Board Of Trustees

Minutes

No abstract provided.

The Ascot App – A Plant Tracking Smartphone Tool For Field-Based Community Science, Demian A. Willette, Aaron W. Floreani, Stephanie A. Flores, Milla P. Markovic, Coby T. Sanders, Evan Yu, John David N. Dionisio

Cities and the Environment (CATE)

Urban tree planting efforts have accelerated globally, but systematic monitoring of planted trees, particularly of survivorship and growth, lags behind. To help address this challenge, we developed and implemented the Ascot App, a free, mobile-based tool designed to streamline citizen science data collection in urban habitat restoration projects. Deployed at a Miyawaki-style microforest in Ascot Hills Park, Los Angeles, the app enables volunteers with minimal training to scan QR-coded tags on seedlings and submit standardized, timestamped plant health data via an intuitive interface. The app reduces user error through simplified prompts and integrates directly with a web-based administrative portal for …

Using Ecorevelatory Design And Landscape Biography To Promote Ecological Literacy In Menomonee Valley, Milwaukee, Wi, Usa, Jennifer Engelke

Cities and the Environment (CATE)

Menomonee Valley in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a defunct brownfield site into a vibrant landscape of community parks within a revitalized industrial corridor. This change was driven by ecological restoration, stormwater management, and renewed connections to the Menomonee River. Central to this transformation was the use of ecorevelatory design, which draws on historical narratives and site-specific stories to highlight the presence and importance of more-than-human elements such as water, vegetation, and wildlife. To assess how contemporary users engage with these ecological features, the study employed stakeholder interviews, intercept surveys, and site observations. These methods explored …

Life-Threatening Bradycardia In Anti-Nmda-Receptor Encephalitis And A Novel Use For Permanent Pacing, Areeba Basit, Yike Jiang, Emily A Smitherman, Heather Van Mater, Taylor Howard, Alexander J Sandweiss, Kristen S Fisher

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Pediatric anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis (pNMDARE) is an autoantibody-mediated disorder that can cause severe autonomic dysfunction, including symptomatic bradycardia and asystole. Dysautonomia can last for years, making it very challenging to manage.

Objective: To describe outcomes of 5 pNMDARE patients with life-threatening bradycardic and/or asystolic events who were managed with permanent or semi-permanent pacemaker implantation.

Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 5 patients from multiple institutions. We included patients with a diagnosis of pNMDARE (confirmed by positive cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum anti-NMDAR antibodies) who had a permanent or semi-permanent pacemaker placed due to symptomatic bradycardia, sinus pauses, and/or …

Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists For Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Randomised Controlled Trials, Jose Iglesias, Eunseuk Lee, Chayakrit Krittanawong, Mahboob Alam, Debabrata Mukherjee

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: The role of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) in acute myocardial infarction (MI) remains controversial, with conflicting evidence from landmark trials. We aimed to assess the impact of MRAs on mortality and cardiovascular outcomes post-acute MI.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL databases up to February 2025 for randomised controlled trials comparing MRAs with placebo or standard care in adults experiencing acute MI. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality; secondary outcomes included cardiovascular mortality, heart failure, recurrent MI and ventricular arrhythmia. Data were pooled using random-effects models, with heterogeneity explored via subgroup analyses and meta-regression.

Results: 15 trials …

Spatial Conversations: Opportunities To Share Geographic Knowledge, L. Jesse Rouse, Barbara L. Maclennan, Susan J. Bergeron, H. Franklin Lafone

Anthropology and Geography

For more than twenty years geographers have taken advantage of “new media” to share information, make connections, and expand the “spatial conversation.” As blogs opened the door for informal self-publishing and communicating about narrow, focused topic areas, geographers began to use emerging media platforms to present ideas to a broader audience, more quickly and interactively, as new data and technologies became available. Audio podcasts and videos broadened the platforms for dissemination and provide a greater level of immersion through digital media. Between the open publishing and subscription opportunities, and interaction provided through comments and social media engagement, a dialectic was …

Child Maltreatment And Recidivism: Do Maltreatment Patterns Influence General And Violent Reoffending?, Nan Li, Matt Shelton, Elena L. Grigorenko

Psychological Science Faculty Publications

This study examined whether patterns of maltreatment predicted reoffending among 5,194 justice-involved youth (JIY) from a large Texas juvenile probation department. Using latent class analysis on five maltreatment types (physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exposure to domestic violence), we empirically identified three classes: “Poly-victimization” (17.8%; high across all types), “Psychological Maltreatment” (15.3%; high emotional abuse and neglect), and “Low Maltreatment” (66.9%; low/moderate across types). JIY in the “Poly-victimization” and “Psychological Maltreatment” classes were more likely to engage in general and violent reoffending within 1 year controlling for covariates. These findings highlight the varying importance of different maltreatment …

Factors Influencing The Choice Of Neurology As A Specialty Among Medical Students And Physicians In Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Muhannad A. Alahmadi, Moath M. Alomairi, Aseel O. Banasir, Omar Babateen

Saudi Toxicology Journal

Neurological disorders represent a substantial global health burden and contribute to the rising demand for neurologists. In Saudi Arabia, the shortage of neurologists underscores the importance of understanding how medical students and physicians perceive neurology as a career. This study aimed to explore the level of interest in neurology and identify factors influencing specialty selection. This cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December 2024 among undergraduate medical students and medical graduates (residents, fellows, specialists, and consultants) in Saudi Arabia. First-year students and those without prior exposure to neurology were excluded. Data were collected through a structured online questionnaire distributed …

Understanding Pancreatic Islet Stress Responses And Developing Strategies To Improve Transplantation Grafts, Marlie Maria Maestas

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting millions worldwide, characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion or action. While current treatments range from pharmacotherapy to experimental cell-based therapies, progress remains hampered by donor scarcity and an incomplete understanding of islet stress responses. This dissertation investigates cellular stress responses in pancreatic islets and strategies to improve stem cell-derived islet (SC-islet) transplantation. The first chapter provides an overview of diabetes pathophysiology, modeling approaches, and treatment options. In the second chapter, we use single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate cell-type-specific responses to diabetes-associated stress in primary human islets exposed to endoplasmic …

Sustainability Strategies For Independent, Quick-Service Restaurant Businesses To Survive Beyond 5 Years, Winston Daniel Pauley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Independent quick-service restaurant owners face challenges sustaining their businesses beyond 5 years of operation. Many independent quick-service restaurant owners are concerned about maintaining sustainable business operations, as failure can negatively affect owners, employees, and the communities they serve. Grounded in the resourcebased view theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry project was to explore the successful sustainability strategies that quick-service restaurant owners used to survive beyond 5 years. The participants were six independent, quick-service restaurant owners operating in the state of Maryland who employed effective sustainability strategies to survive for more than 5 years. Data were collected using semistructured …

Clinical Nurses' Perceived Educational Value Of Nursing Journal Clubs, Jennifer De Beer, Elham Alsanea, Joynalyn Barrios, Shahd Brnawi, Wejdan Barayan, Wadea Beheri, Emily Lenore Heaphy

Individual Open Access Articles

Background: Evidence-based practice plays a pivotal role in modern nursing decision-making. Healthcare organizations must ensure that nurses consistently have access to and apply the most current evidence. The journal club is a key method for evidence-based education among healthcare professionals. The study aimed to evaluate the perceived educational value of journal clubs among clinical nurses.

Methods: The study used a cross-sectional descriptive survey approach. The setting included a large tertiary hospital in the western region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 208 nurses (mean age 38.9 ± 9.1 years; 88.9% female) were randomly sampled. Participants had attended an EBP workshop …

Attitudes And Perception Of Lis Students Towards Artificial Intelligence(Ai), Shahzadi Humbhi, Shabbir Tareen, Alia Humbhi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Artificial Intelligence refers to computer systems that can think and behave like humans. It is becoming essential in the education system as it has the potential to transform the way of teaching and learning in an academic environment. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate LIS students' attitudes and perceptions of AI, as well as how these technologies benefit their academic performance. The study also identified barriers that LIS students confront when adopting AI tools. For this purpose, a survey questionnaire was designed to assess students' knowledge and attitudes concerning AI, as well as its applications to improve academic performance. …

Rapid Detection Of Chicken Residues On Poultry Plant Surfaces Using Color And Fluorescence Spectrometry, Clark Griscom, Dongyi Wang, Corliss A. O'Bryan, Rimmo Room, Philip G. Crandall

Food Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Color and fluorescence spectrometry were evaluated as rapid, objective tools for verifying the cleanliness of poultry-processing food-contacting surfaces contaminated with a model chicken solution across six common materials. Both techniques detected chicken residues at dilutions several orders of magnitude below human visual and olfactory thresholds, with stainless steel and blue plastic yielding the largest color differences between clean and contaminated states and fluorescence measurements remaining highly sensitive on all tested surfaces. Representative limits of detection were on the order of 1:50-1:100 dilution of chicken residue for color measurements on most surfaces and approximately 1:50 for fluorescence measurements, compared with human …

Presence Of Eosinophils May Represent An Earlier Stage In Achalasia Pathogenesis, Andrea Costantini, Chandra Prakash Gyawali, Francesca Forattini, Valentina Angerilli, Matteo Ghisa, Luca Provenzano, Giovanni Capovilla, Loredana Nicoletti, Michele Valmasoni, Matteo Fassan, Edoardo Vincenzo Savarino, Renato Salvador

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Intraepithelial eosinophils have been described in patients with esophageal motor disorders. Conversely, motor disorders and even achalasia have been reported in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

OBJECTIVES: This prospective study aimed to further investigate the association between eosinophilia and achalasia.

DESIGN: This is a prospective study.

METHODS: A series of 30 consecutive treatment-naïve achalasia patients (mean age: 45.5 years, 53% female) undergoing laparoscopic myotomy were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative demographic and clinical data, radiological findings, and high-resolution manometry (HRM) features were collected. Patients underwent upper endoscopy with biopsy sampling before surgery, and two samples of distal esophageal muscle were obtained …

Limited Agreement On Acl Tear Location Between Arthroscopy And Mri: A Prospective Evaluation, Richard Silverman, Derrick M Knapik, Matthew V Smith, Jonathan C Baker, Kelby Napier, Matthew J Matava, Robert H Brophy

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Renewed interest in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) preservation has led to increased focus on tear location within the knee joint in treatment decisions, with primary ACL repair reserved for proximal tears. Retrospective studies have reported varying tear locations in adults when assessed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with few studies comparing tear location on MRI versus intraoperative findings.

PURPOSE: To prospectively determine the distribution of ACL tear location assessed on MRI versus intraoperative evaluation to test the hypothesis that < 15% of ACL tears are proximal type avulsions.

STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS: A total of 174 patients with clinically confirmed full-thickness ACL …

Acceptance And Commitment Therapy: A Treatment Option For Substance Use Disorders, Miriam N. Mukasa, Ashley Yaugher, Ty Aller

All Current Publications

There are many evidence-based treatments for individuals experiencing substance use disorders (SUDs) that support both individuals and families. Psychological treatments are effective for a wide range of SUDs, making them a key approach for helping people with differing needs. This fact sheet provides information on treatments and provides more detail about acceptance and commitment therapy as a SUD treatment support.

Trametinib Decreased Intracerebral Hemorrhages And Endothelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition In Kras, Ohnmar Myint, Bridger Freeman, Jae Yeong Jeong, Hyejin Park, Samantha M Wilfur, Jung-Eun Park, Jaroslaw Aronowski, Eun S Park, Peng R Chen, Eunhee Kim

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are a major risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhages in young patients. Recent clinical studies have reported that the majority of human bAVMs harbor somatic KRAS mutations. In our previous study, we confirmed the causal role of endothelial KRASG12V mutation in bAVM development in mice through hyperactivation of the MEK/ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) pathway. However, the treatment efficacy of targeting MEK/ERK signaling in bAVMs, regarding clinical and biological outcomes, remains unclear.

Methods: In this study, we used the Food and Drug Administration-approved MEK inhibitor, trametinib, to treat mice with bAVMs induced by brain endothelial cell (EC)-specific …

Bystander Interventions And Their Impact On Road Injury Outcomes: A Scoping Review, Nicholas Aveyard, George Stephen Russam, Jake Gluyas-Harris, Tim Nutbeam

Peninsula Medical School

Background: Road injury remains a leading global cause of death and disability, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where emergency medical services (EMS) are often limited or incur prolonged response times. In many trauma cases, bystanders are the first to respond and may play a critical role in patient outcomes. While the importance of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in cardiac arrest is well-established, the evidence regarding bystander interventions in trauma care, particularly following road injury, is less well defined. This scoping review systematically examined the prevalence, nature, and impact of bystander interventions following trauma, with particular emphasis on road …

Hybrid Machine And Deep Learning Framework For Secure Fog-Based Vanets, Hadeer Kamal, Amira Y. Haikal, Mahmoud M. Saafan

Mansoura Engineering Journal

As a conventional implementation of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), a Vehicular Ad-hoc Network (VANET) facilitates smart communication between vehicle nodes and network infrastructures. Nevertheless, the distributed and dynamic characteristics of VANETs make them vulnerable to numerous cyberattacks like DOS and spoofing. Rapid detection of these threats is crucial. It is essential to respond promptly to mitigate threats before they impact vehicle coordination or infrastructure functionality. In this context, fog computing presents an effective solution. Transferring computational tasks from centralized cloud servers to fog nodes allows for quicker detection within the VANET environment. This research utilizes computational resources for swift and …

Integration Of Algae In Buildings: Challenges And Opportunities, Marwa Said Saad, Mostafa Refaat, Ashraf Nessim

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Buildings produce 40% of energy-associated CO2 emissions and 35% of worldwide energy use which makes it one of the main factors of global warming. The use of bioactive materials on building façades is a creative way to address the aforementioned problems. The biotechnical potential of microalgae architecture to achieve net-zero energy architecture while simultaneously advancing ecological sustainability and occupant well-being has drawn attention. This paper aims to analyzing and investigating techniques of integration of algae in architecture showing the challenges and opportunities of this implementation. Analytical and Comparative analytical method were used in this paper, Initially, a thorough literature review …

Picturing Disparities: Unveiling Gendered Racism In Athletic Leadership Through Photo Elicitation, Eddie Comeaux, Ajhanai C.I. Keaton, Briana A. Savage, Dresden June Frazier, Sara Grummert

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

This study explored National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletic administrators’ views regarding the professional accomplishments of women athletic directors by race/ethnicity. More than 2,000 full-time athletic administrators (e.g., athletic directors, academic advisors/counselors for athletes, and coaches) responded to a photograph of and vignette about either a Black or white woman athletic director. The study found that although some athletic administrators were supportive of women athletic directors regardless of race, some showed signs of race evasiveness and stark differences in their perceptions of deservingness consistent with racial bias. These findings have implications for campus leaders and other higher education …

College Athlete Mental Health: Identifying Sources Of Support In Collegiate Athletics, Levone Lee, Lauren Beasley, Kaylee A. Palomino, Patricia M. Kelshaw, Joycelyn Kennedy, Deborah Chanan, Elinah Russell, Tarkington J. Newman

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Despite having access to resources and services, college athletes continue to encounter negative mental health experiences and outcomes. Prior research has begun to identify key sources of social support within collegiate athletics, including teammates and athletic trainers. However, there is limited understanding of with whom college athletes feel most comfortable discussing their mental health. The current study aims to identify preferred sources of social support when athletes wish to discuss their mental health and, in turn, examine differences in preference among unique college athlete populations. In total, 247 college athletes participated in the study, representing eight universities within an NCAA …

The High Hallow: Tolkien’S Liturgical Imagination (2025) By Ben Reinhard., Tom Emanuel

Journal of Tolkien Research

Book review, by Tom Emanuel, of The High Hallow: Tolkien’s Liturgical Imagination (2025) by Ben Reinhard.

Challenges And Opportunities In Adult Group Piano Pedagogy, Sarah Faulk

Student Scholar Symposium

Poster presentation describing one teacher's experience and observations of adult group piano teaching. This addresses challenges and making the most out of the opportunities presented.

Trauma Severity And Religious Detachment In Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence Within A Religious Context, Trevor Hulan, Trevor Glenn Hulan

Student Scholar Symposium

Intimate partner violence is often a traumatic experience that impacts all aspects of a person’s life, including their spiritual well-being. The goal of this research is to study the intersection of psychology and religion. This study assesses the severity of trauma and religious detachment in women who have experienced intimate partner violence within a religious context. The study utilizes the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) and the Spiritual Harm and Abuse Scale (SHAS) to examine the relationship between PTSD severity and religious detachment in participants. It is hypothesized that women who have experienced intimate partner violence within a religious context will score …

Esperanto: A Universal Or Minority Language, Anna Summerville

Student Scholar Symposium

When created languages develop a community and culture, they begin to imitate the elements of natural languages. Esperanto, a language created to unite the world under one lingua franca, demonstrates this process as it shifts from its original intention to a minority language in characteristic. “Esperanto: A Universal or Minority Language” explores the dichotomy between a language created to be spoken by all, and one that has isolated itself within its own community and customs. In discussing the history of Esperanto’s creation and structure, its evolving and loyal community, and its parallels with natural minority languages like Maori, this essay …

Gamergate And The Woke Mind Virus, Gavin Graves

Undergraduate Research Symposium

This text concerns the formation of beliefs that would shape the 2014 harassment campaign of GamerGate. Specifically, how GamerGate was perpetuated by stereotypes and ideas in Geekdom that spanned from the 60’s Disco Demolition to the Internet’s Wild West that ended in 2013. These include ideas like simulated ethnicity, geek melodrama, nerd determinism, and nerd fatalism. It also discusses the views and beliefs on anonymity, critique, and social capitals of the Wild West Internet and how the changing views of these led to resentment that started the movement. Drawing from historical research, I studied the history of moral panics like …