Digital Commons Network^™

When Earth’S Lungs Collapse: How Wetland Loss Threatens Air Quality After Sackett V. Epa, Julia A. Hicks

Seattle Journal of Technology, Environmental, & Innovation Law

No abstract provided.

When Pain Meets Policy: Medicare At A Crossroads, Sarah Bokaee, Ashleigh Omorogbe

URGENT Matters

No abstract provided.

Eco-Friendly Adsorption Of Rhodamine B Dye Using Dragon Fruit Seeds From Foodstuffs, J. N. Gari, Z. M. Saigl

The Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Science

The study aims to remove Rhodamine B (RhB) dye from environmental samples using dragon fruit seeds (DFS) as a potential and efficient biosorbent. Several batch experiments were systematically performed over set intervals to assess how variables such as contact time, temperature, pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial dye concentration influence dye removal performance. To better understand the characteristics of DFS, its surface morphology and chemical composition were investigated using analytical tools like FTIR, EDX, and SEM. The results indicated the adsorption happened quickly within 10 minutes of contact as equilibrium was achieved. The most effective extraction of dye was achieved at …

On-Orbit Correction Of Ecostress Radiances By Comparison With Iasi Hyperspectral Sounders, David S. Wethey, Sarah A. Woodin, Jorge Vazquez-Cuervo

Faculty Publications

Radiance data from ECOSTRESS (ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station), which is the first of a planned virtual constellation of wide-swath ultra-high-resolution thermal satellites, were used to test the concept of on-orbit cross-calibration based on the Global Space-based Inter-Calibration System (GSICS) with the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) as the reference. Validation of the results was performed using comparisons of corrected ECOSTRESS radiances with strictly independent data from IASI and the Cross-Track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) and with RTTOV radiative transfer simulations of clear-sky observations in iQuam (the NOAA in situ sea surface temperature quality monitor database). ECOSTRESS has …

Left Behind In Lockdown: A Scoping Review Of Covid-19’S Impact On The Lives Of Transition-Age Foster Youth, Johanna K P Greeson, Sarah Wasch, John Gyourko, Antonio R. Garcia, Hannah Bennett, Kate Greco, Liya Cha

Faculty Scholarship

This scoping review asked: What is known about the scope and nature of research on the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on older youth with foster care experience in the United States, including the types of studies, samples and outcomes examined? Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and PRISMA-ScR, we searched 11 databases and grey literature sources (October2024 to January 2025). Eligible studies were United States based, published from 2020 onward and included primary data on foster youth or relevant professionals. Thirty-two studies met inclusion criteria. Most studies were descriptive or cross-sectional, reflecting early phases of the pandemic. Mapping …

Mauve, Luca Cortese, Adam Brian Watts, Jiayi Sun, Sriram Sankar, Barbara Catinella, Toby Brown, Alessandro Boselli, Pavel Jáchym, Tutku Kolcu, Sabine Thater, Jesse Van De Sande, Vicente Villanueva

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

We present a multiphase study of the star-formation-driven outflow in the Virgo galaxy NGC 4383, combining ALMA CO(2-1) data with deep MeerKAT Hi imaging and MUSE spectroscopy obtained as part of the Multiphase Astrophysics to Unveil the Virgo Environment (MAUVE) program. Our previous work revealed a spectacular ionised outflow, but the effect of the outflow on the cold phase remained unclear. Our analysis shows that potentially outflowing molecular gas is detected only within the inner 1 kpc above the disc, where CO clouds exhibit disturbed kinematics and spatial correspondence with the ionisation cone. At larger heights, the CO surface brightness …

Modeling Spasticity: A Systematic Review, Gaby Gonzalez Chan, Jonathan Marsden, Alexander Besinis, Pablo Borja, Hilary Gunn

School of Health Professions

Spasticity, a type of hypertonia characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone, is associated with damage to the brain and/or spinal cord in different neurological conditions. However, secondary non-neurological factors, such as soft tissue changes, can complicate the assessment and differentiation of the underlying causes. Accurate assessment is crucial for effective treatment planning, with clinicians relying on passive movement to grade the ‘feel’ of the spastic limb. This review aims to identify and evaluate the feasibility of spasticity models or simulations for clinical teaching. Models based on human spastic limbs were examined, with no restrictions on specific conditions or …

The Daily Gamecock: February 2026, University Of South Carolina, Office Of Student Media

2026

No abstract provided.

Quality Improvement Project: Implementation Of The Surgical Safety Checklist To Improve Adherence To Time-Out At In-Office Procedure, Funke Osaremwinda

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Surgical errors in ambulatory and in-office procedural settings continue to rise despite well-established safety standards, such as the time-out (TO) protocol. Literature consistently links non-adherence to the TO protocol to preventable events such as wrong patient, wrong site, or wrong surgery. At the cardiovascular ambulatory clinic where the quality improvement (QI) project was implemented, the baseline needs assessment indicated inconsistent TO practices and the absence of a standardized tool to support TO. The purpose of this project was to improve adherence to the TO safety protocol through staff education and implementation of the evidence-based World Health Organization (WHO) Surgical Safety …

Quality Improvement Project: The Impact Of Hypertension Management Education In Primary Care, Toyin K. Aliu

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Hypertension (HTN) is one of the leading causes of clinic visits and prescription medication use in primary care settings. Despite the availability of evidence-based guidelines to improve HTN management, adherence in clinical practice is often lacking. At the project site, 30% of patients have uncontrolled HTN. This is attributed to providers’ inadequate knowledge of the JNC-8 HTN management guidelines and inconsistent adherence to them. This project aimed to improve hypertension management in a primary care setting by educating providers on the JNC-8 guidelines to enhance adherence to evidence-based practices over six weeks. The purpose was to align medical providers with …

Implementation Of Adverse Childhood Experiences Screening In Pediatric Primary Care, Megan Nicole Waite

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Introduction: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. They are highly prevalent among children, especially those that are racially, ethnically, or socioeconomically disadvantaged. ACEs are negatively associated with unfavorable health outcomes in children including behavioral problems, cognitive delays, and poor physical health. Various governing bodies recommend routine screening for ACEs in pediatric primary care, but some studies report screening rates as low as 4%.

Aims: The aim of this quality improvement doctor of nursing practice (DNP) project was to implement an evidence-based ACE screening protocol and referral to behavioral …

Using Artificial Intelligence To Mitigate Bottlenecks In Last-Mile Logistics: A Developing Country Perspective, Marvel S. Ogah, Comfort Ademola, Gregory Asiegbu

International Journal of Applied Management and Technology

The digital revolution of the logistic value chain has improved critical aspects of the global supply chain, especially in the aspect of last-mile logistics (LML). Bottlenecks, however, such as delays in deliveries, increased lead times, pollution, poor cost management, and tracking issues, among several others, plague the logistics operations in developing countries. Artificial intelligence (AI) can help mitigate these bottlenecks toward delivering incremental value to the end customers. This paper investigates the extent to which AI has been adopted in the logistics value chain in developing countries using a descriptive approach. Quantitative data were collected from 290 logistics and e-commerce …

Quality Improvement Project: Enhancing Nurse Communication, Courtesy, And Respect At The Bedside, Rachel Kemp

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Effective communication is key to the nurse-to-patient relationship, patient outcomes, and patient satisfaction. The literature widely shows that barriers such as increased workplace violence and fear and biases within patient interactions hinder communication. This quality improvement project aimed to enhance nurse-to-patient communication, using an evidence-based tool, and leveraged Foli’s Theory of Nurses’ Psychological Trauma to explain and predict barriers. Success is measured by improvement of patient experience in the three nursing domains; courtesy and respect, listen to you, and explain in a way you understand. Lewin’s Change Theory and the plan, do, study, act (PDSA) framework was used to promote …

Quality Improvement Project: Building Competence And Confidence: Updating Nursing Faculty Knowledge Of The Flipped Classroom Model, Jamie Newman

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The increasing complexity of healthcare requires undergraduate nursing education to move beyond traditional lecture-based instruction toward teaching strategies that promote clinical judgment. Although the flipped classroom model is shown to support these outcomes, faculty at the project site reported uncertainty and inconsistency in flipped classroom implementation. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the impact of a structured, evidence-based faculty development intervention on undergraduate nursing faculty confidence, readiness, and competence to implement the flipped classroom model. Guided by Lewin’s Change Theory and the Stetler Model of Evidence-Based Practice, this quality improvement project used a quantitative, pre-experimental one-group …

Improving Benzodiazepine Refill Workflow And Communication Via Telehealth Using A Standardized Sbar Protocol, Hendricks Agwu

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The development in telehealth operations in outpatient mental health care has enhanced access to care at the expense of creating challenges in communication and workflow, especially when it comes to dealing with high-risk substances like benzodiazepines. The role ambiguity, inaccurate refill timeline, documentation lapses and high chances of medication errors are caused by inconsistent communication during the process of telehealth refills. This quality improvement project was aimed at assessing the effects of applying a standardized Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) communication and documentation protocol to workflow efficiency, interprofessional communication, and medication safety when making benzodiazepine refills in a telehealth outpatient …

Enhancement Of Plastic Deformation In Ultrasound-Assisted Cold Spray Of Tungsten: A Molecular Dynamics Study, Md Tusher Ahmed, Farid Ahmed, Jianzhi Li

Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering Faculty Publications

Tungsten (W) is widely valued for its exceptional thermal stability, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance, making it an ideal candidate for high-performance military and aerospace applications. However, its high melting point and limited room-temperature plasticity pose significant challenges for processing W using additive manufacturing (AM). Cold spray (CS), a solid-state AM process that relies on high-velocity particle impact and plastic deformation, offers a promising route for additive manufacturing of W, yet conventional CS fails to induce sufficient plastic deformation for effective bonding. In this study, we employ atomistic simulations to investigate the effect of ultrasonic perturbation in …

Relationship Between Navigation Success, Diagnostic Accuracy, And Ventilation Strategy: Retrospective Chart Review Of 224 Consecutive Navigational Bronchoscopic Procedures Performed Under General Anesthesia, Basavana Goudra, Prarthna Chandar, Divakara Gouda, Harrison Yang, Ganan Muhunthan, Suvan Sundaresh, Michael Stuart Green

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Background: Navigational bronchoscopy (NB) enables precise sampling of peripheral and central pulmonary nodules using shape-sensing or electromagnetic guidance. A major challenge is anesthesia-induced atelectasis, which alters lung anatomy, reduces registration accuracy, and is known to lower diagnostic accuracy. To counteract this, ventilatory protocols such as the Ventilatory Strategy to Prevent Atelectasis (VESPA) and the Lung Navigation Ventilation Protocol (LNVP) have been recommended. Their adoption and clinical impact, however, remain uncertain. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 224 consecutive NB procedures performed under general anesthesia at a single academic medical center (January 2020–August 2024). Demographic, anesthetic, and ventilatory data were …

Green Synthesis Of Clitoria Ternatea L. Silver Nanoparticles Into Cotton Fabric For Antibacterial Activity, S. D. Hasarangi, J. A. L. P. Jayasinghe, S. M. J. C. Abhayasekara, M. S. D. Fernando, L. M. Hettihewa

Journal of Innovation in Science, Engineering and Technology

Clitoria ternatae L. is a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts offers a sustainable approach with reduced toxicity and minimum environmental impact. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized using aqueous extract of C. ternatae flowers and coated onto cotton fabric to evaluate its antibacterial activity. Dried flower powder (0.02 g) was extracted with distilled water and silver nanoparticles were synthesized using silver nitrate solution (3 mM) under at 50 °C. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Incorporation on cotton fabric …

Formulation And Development Of Herbal Sunscreen Gel From Leucas Zeylanica And Tagetes Erecta, P. K. Wanniarachchi, W. M. K. M. Ratnayake

Journal of Innovation in Science, Engineering and Technology

Leucas zeylanica (Family: Lamiaceae) and Tagetes erecta (Family: Asteraceae) are annual herbs traditionally used in home remedies and Ayurvedic medicine. Although both plants have been individually studied for their pharmacological properties, their synergistic effects and combined use in cosmetic formulations for sun protection have not been previously reported. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic antioxidant and photoprotective activities of 95% ethanol extracts of the aerial parts of L. zeylanica, flower heads of T. erecta, and their combinations (1:1, 1:2, and 2:1). Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, with ascorbic acid as the positive …

Formulation And Development Of Skincare Cream Using Pleurotus Djamor, K. A. E. Madushanka, W. V. P. M. Weligalla, K. D. K. P. Kumari, W. M. K. M. Ratnayake

Journal of Innovation in Science, Engineering and Technology

Mushrooms have emerged as versatile and valuable resources in the cosmetic industry, offering a plethora of benefits that range from skincare to haircare formulations. As natural alternatives to synthetic ingredients, mushrooms not only cater to the growing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products but also offer unique properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects. Hence, Pleurotus djamor, which is a grown mushroom in Sri Lanka was selected to prepare a new cream formulation for skincare. In the study, an aqueous extract of P. djamor (AEPD) was used and phytochemical screening was done to screen alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, …

Extension Of Imposter Detection During Online Tests To Detect Other Fraudulent Acts, Athula Seneviratne, Indika Perera, Shantha Fernando

Journal of Innovation in Science, Engineering and Technology

With more and more institutions adopting online delivery of education, the accompanying need for assessing students online is increasing. However, the tendency of some candidates to engage in fraudulent acts to gain undue advantage over other candidates undermine the integrity of the online testing process. It is a major challenge faced by test administering institutions. The most widespread fraudulent act is impersonation. Existing studies primarily focus on the detection of this particular fraudulent act. However, there are other fraudulent acts as well, resorted to by cheating candidates. Methods of detecting these other acts have not been sufficiently studied. The objective …

Novel Technique For Enhancing The Therapeutic Efficacy Of Coenzyme Q10 In Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems For Skin Rejuvenation, L. M. Hettihewa, K. G. P. Wasana, Y. M. Imendra, G. P. C. Weerasooriya, W. M. K. M. Rathnayake

Journal of Innovation in Science, Engineering and Technology

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a very imperative compound for electron transport chain in mitochondria and exerts its effects as cutaneous antioxidant. All human cells have CoQ10, and sometime deficiency had been identified due to genetic defects or with ageing. Supplements with COQ 10 are commonly used enteral and dermal application for the prevention and treatment of aging. Delivery of dermal CoQ10 is very limited due to its poor penetration and unstable compounds. systematic review was conducted by our research group through electronic databases using preclinical and randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and stability of improved delivery systems of …

Body Mass Index And Clinical Phenotypes Of Primary Dysmenorrhea In Female University Students: Evidence From Sri Lanka Using Walidd Scoring, H. K. A. N. Senanayake, K. L. A. S. I. Liyanarachchi, J. K. M. Jagoda, S. A. S. A. Maheepala, L. C. Mallawa, P. W. T. M. Dayarathne, Y. T. R. Somisena, L. M. Hettihewa

Journal of Innovation in Science, Engineering and Technology

This research investigates the relationship between body weight and the severity and characteristics of primary dysmenorrhea among female undergraduates in Sri Lanka, using the WaLIDD Score as an evaluative tool. The study aims to assess the practicality of the WaLIDD Score in native settings, examining its correlation with pain intensity, pain location, and common medication patterns, while addressing gaps in previous research conducted in Sri Lanka. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 389 female university students aged 19–27 years from both state and non-state universities in Sri Lanka, selected through stratified random sampling. Participants with chronic or menstrual diseases, …

Conceptual Analysis Of Ārthavavaha Srotas (Female Reproductive System): A Review Of The Theories And Literature, Pushpa Kulanatha, H. L. M. G. Sajeewani

Journal of Innovation in Science, Engineering and Technology

The reproductive health of females during their fertile years is foundational for individual well-being and societal prosperity. The purpose of this study was to bridge the analytical and epistemological gaps currently existing in the literature regarding Ārthavavaha Srotas (ĀvS), the Ayurvedic concept of the female reproductive system. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using forward and backward searches to analyse authentic Ayurvedic texts (Caraka and Sushruta Samhitas) alongside contemporary research articles published between 2014 and 2024. The analysis identified ten specific aspects of the ĀvS where prior interpretations were superficial or unclear. The results of this study epistemologically validate ancient …

Understanding Rhetoric Using Meth, Hugo Castellano

English Student Showcase

Professor: Khimen Cooper-DeHoyos Faculty Readers: Tawnya Hillin-Smith and Jason Carney    Class: English 1301/Spring 2026

More Hours, More Work: Head Start Expansions Boost Maternal Employment, Chloe R. Gibbs, Esra Kose, Maria Rosales Rueda

Upjohn Institute Working Papers

Women’s employment remains highly sensitive to childcare constraints, making childcare availability a critical lever for supporting mothers’ labor force attachment. We study the effects of expanded full-day programming in Head Start, using the 2016 federal funding initiative that targeted grantees with low full-day enrollment. Linking administrative program data, geo-coded center locations, and household data on employment, we estimate a difference-in-differences design by comparing mothers of young children in treated and untreated areas. The policy increased full-day enrollment by 19 percent and raised single mothers’ employment (1.9%), hours (2.5%), and earnings (6.5%). Results show that extending program duration meaningfully improves maternal …

Chimes: February 16, 2026, Calvin University

Chimes

Faculty Senate approves a reduction in graduation credit-hour requirement by Maya Oeverman

Fluoridation documentary examines how we talk about politics by Alec DeYoung

Track and field gains momentum as indoor championships are underway by Zach Kern & Hendrick Beelen

Lent: Going back to basics by Ella Vanden Berg

What it means to be American by Maya Oeverman

Electrocatalytic Degradation Of Methylene Blue Using Rgo, Sb2o3, And Rgo-Sb2o3 Composite Ink-Based Electrodes, Maria Irene Myers Armas, Andrea M. Fletes, Thomas Eubanks, Arnulfo Mar, Jason Parsons, Helia Magali Morales

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Water pollution from industrial dyes is a critical challenge due to the resistance of these types of compounds to degradation and potentially harmful effects on living organisms and human health. In this study, the electrochemical degradation of methylene blue (MB) was investigated using ink-based copper foam electrodes with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), antimony trioxide (Sb2O3), and rGO/Sb2O3 composites. The materials used to synthesize the electrodes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), which showed the successful synthesis of GO, rGO, and the Sb2O3-rGO composite. Additionally, the synthesized electrodes were examined using SEM. The MB degradation was studied using kinetic behavior and …

Veterans’ Living To Create Healthy Environments And The Meaning Of Their Well-Being: A Phenomenological Inquiry, Cheryl L. Birmingham

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

The Veterans reside in a unique environment influenced by past military experiences that may have positive and negative effects on their well-being as Veterans. With nearly half of the 18.4 million Veterans in the United States living beyond 61 years the physical and mental health conditions may desolate the Veterans’ well-being. Promoting Veterans’ well-being has been studied extensively but scant research has been done on the environmental influences and how it helps to define It is critical to understand how Veterans define well-being to inform future program development addressing mental health needs. The purpose of this study is to discover …

Implementation Of A Mindfulness Intervention Among Professional Firefighters And The Effect On Perceived Stress Levels, Rachel L. Mowry

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Problem Statement: Firefighters experience high levels of stress related to their occupation that negatively impacts their physical and mental health and can lead to loss of occupation, decreased work productivity, and suicide. Occupational stress in firefighters impacts firefighters as individuals, as well as their places of work and communities; therefore, this phenomenon should be investigated further. Mindfulness is a strategy which is shown to be effective in the reduction of occupational-related stress. Mindfulness-based strategies can be delivered through a variety of methods including mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, virtual mindfulness interventions, and other structured programs. Increased mindfulness has been …