Digital Commons Network^™

Cryptocurrencies And Financial Crimes: The Role Of Decentralized Cryptocurrency In Facilitating Money Laundering And The Challenges Posed On Anti–Money Laundering Regulations, Jeffry A. Collins

University of Miami Business Law Review

This research examines the role of decentralized cryptocurrencies in facilitating money laundering and the challenges they pose to Anti–Money Laundering (AML) regulations through literature review and regulatory analysis. The study reveals that the decentralized, anonymous, and borderless nature of cryptocurrency enables illicit activities via cryptocurrency ATMs, mixing services, and decentralized exchanges (DEXs). For over a decade, the same regulatory problems persist today as were present at the inception of cryptocurrencies. Current AML frameworks, such as the Bank Secrecy Act and the Money Laundering Control Act, are inadequate for this decentralized ecosystem. The analysis critiques the fragmented efforts of U.S. regulatory …

Cv: Cynthia Howard (Computer Science), Cynthia Howard

ECaMS Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Usa V. Taire Hardeman

2025 Decisions

USDC for the Western District of Pennsylvania

A Comprehensive Framework To Enhance Holistic Care For Postpartum Single Mothers, Stephanie Dumas

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract Postpartum depression remains a significant challenge for single mothers who face emotional, financial, and social barriers with limited support. In Palm Beach County, Florida, where many households are led by single parents, existing services are often uncoordinated and lack trauma-informed approaches that address the realities of mothers during the postpartum period. The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to explore the perceptions of human services professionals regarding the trauma-informed and holistic care interventions needed to support single mothers experiencing postpartum depression. The Garbhasanskar holistic care framework, which emphasizes emotional well-being, mindfulness, and the creation of safe and …

Threads Of Attachment: Exploring Relationship Development Among Marginalized Populations Of Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors, Eunique S. Powell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA), traumatic sexual violence within trusted relationships, continues to impact children in the United States and often leads to insecure attachments in adulthood. There was a gap in the literature concerning the experiences of adult survivors of CSA within marginalized communities, where such experiences are frequently ignored. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to explore how adult survivors of CSA from marginalized populations develop attachments. Bowlby argued that maintaining mental health in adulthood depends on forming healthy and secure relationships during childhood. Bowlby’s attachment theory served as the framework to understand how early attachment …

Brotherhood: Black Male Perception On The Impact Of Mentorship, Berinda Hollis-Sapp

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

During the adolescent stage of development, identity is a foundational aspect of one’s development, and its absence leads to a negative outcome, characterized by role confusion. Positive interventions are necessary to develop a strong sense of self. The purpose of this generic qualitative project was to explore the perspectives of black males and the impact of mentorship on their identity during adolescence. The theoretical framework chosen for this study was Erikson’s identity versus role confusion, the fifth stage of his psychosocial development theory. Based on this concept, the research supported the idea that adolescent Black males should participate in culturally …

Staff Education On Fall Prevention In The Emergency Department, Linda Odoh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This DNP staff education project was an initiative focused on improving fall-related knowledge among faculty members. The practice problem identified at the local project site was the frequent rate of patient falls. Analysis established the role of staff in the inefficient implementation of best practices and to the staff’s limited knowledge regarding the application of existing fall prevention strategies. The practice-focused question for this project was, In the emergency department setting, how does a fall prevention education program compared to pre-implementation practices, affect staff knowledge of fall prevention strategies within three months? The purpose of the project was to improve …

Educators’ Experiences Implementing Arts Integration At A Project-Based Middle School, Luba S. Lesser

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem investigated through this study was that arts integration (AI) was not implemented into Grades 6 through 8 curricula with consistency at a local project-based middle school (PBMS, a pseudonym). Grounded in Martin’s arts as a second language framework, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore middle school teacher successes, challenges, and resources needed to implement AI into Grades 6 through 8 at PBMS. Semistructured interviews were conducted with nine middle school educators who were experienced with AI implementation at PBMS. Through thematic analysis using open and axial coding, teachers indicated that successes are seen when …

Understanding The Influence Of The Warrior And Guardian Mentalities On Police Behavior Through The Perspectives Of Police Training Personnel, Loren Eric Peterson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research on police culture often contrasts the “warrior” mentality, linked to aggression and control, with the “guardian” mentality, which emphasizes empathy, restraint, and community trust. Yet little research explores how police academy instructors, who shape officers’ professional identities, understand and teach these opposing orientations. This phenomenological study examined how Oklahoma police academy instructors perceive the influence of warrior and guardian mentalities on officers’ decision making and behavior in use of force encounters. Grounded in symbolic interaction theory, the study explored how meaning, socialization, and thought interact to construct officers’ self-concepts and guide behavior under pressure. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted, …

A Fluctuating Hydrodynamics Model For Nanoscale Surfactant-Laden Interfaces, John Bell, Andrew Nonaka, Alejandro Garcia

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

A multispecies diffuse interface model is formulated in a fluctuating hydrodynamics framework for the purpose of simulating surfactant interfaces at the nanoscale. The model generalizes previous work to ternary mixtures, employing a Cahn–Hilliard free energy density combined with incompressible, isothermal fluctuating hydrodynamics where dissipative fluxes include both deterministic and stochastic terms. The intermolecular parameters in the free energy are chosen such that one species acts as a partially miscible surfactant. From Laplace pressure measurements, we show that in this model the surface tension decreases linearly with surfactant concentration, leading to Marangoni convection for interfaces with concentration gradients. In the capillary …

Bridging The Digital Divide By Improving Virtual Care Access For Older Adults, Thor Person, Alexandra Hunter, Andrew Bossick, Ujala Janjua, Denise White-Perkins

2025 Patient Advisor Retreat

Bridging the Telehealth Divide: While telehealth use surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, engagement among adults aged 65 and older has remained disproportionately low. HFH experienced a more than 1,500% rise in virtual care interactions between patient and providers between 2019 and 2020 (1). Although virtual care usage has declined nationally (1), HFH continues to maintain levels well above those seen before 2020. Nationally, patients aged 65 and older, as well as those from underserved populations, demonstrate lower levels of telehealth engagement (2). With funding through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Telehealth Equity Catalyst Award, we conducted a series …

De-Escalation Techniques For Nurses, Darlla Thompson, Amanda Dunagan, Rebekah Hays, Mary Katherine Blackwell

General Submissions: Presentations (Oral and Poster)

Background: Nurses need effective techniques to calmly manage and de-escalate tense situations. This study aimed to prepare nurses for real-world clinical scenarios and enhance their ability to peacefully resolve challenging patient interactions.

Methods: This qualitative study spanned five weeks and involved three clinical groups of psychiatric nurses with ASN. A three-step training process was used to teach 31 nursing students communication techniques focused on de-escalation.

Results: Data were gathered through surveys, and debriefing sessions were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Conclusion: The findings of this study show that de-escalation training can equip nurses with essential techniques to create a safer …

A Blockchain-Enabled Deep Learning Framework For Secure Omics Data Sharing And Attack Detection, Don Roosan, Md Rahatul Ashakin, Rubyat Kahn, Mazharul Karim

Computer and Data Science Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Well-Being In Home Healthcare Nurses, Merly Chirayil Dnp, Rn, Cphq, Shalini Shrikanth Phd, Rn, Cne, Cnecl

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Home healthcare nurses experience unique stressors compared to hospital or facility-based settings. Limited resources, isolation in the field, and safety concerns can negatively impact one's well-being. Research shows that well-being affects nurse performance, patient outcomes, and organizational health (Sovold et al., 2021; CDC, 2024). Improving well-being enhances resilience and adaptability.

Local Problem

At this home healthcare agency, burnout and turnover remain key concerns. An internal anniversary survey revealed that 69% of staff expressed concerns about their well-being. These findings signal a disruption in workforce sustainability. Addressing well-being is aligned with the organization's strategic priorities and represents an opportunity to …

Sustaining Best Practices To Decrease Opioid Use And Prevent Accidental Opioid Overdose, Patricia Green Msn, Cnm, Whnp, Magdalena Zygula Msn, Rn, Brittany Smith Msn, Rnc, Rachel Baskin Md

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background and/or rationale

Postpartum patients are a vulnerable population affected by the opioid epidemic. In Illinois, substance use disorder is one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths, with as many as 1 in 300 postpartum patients becoming addicted to opioids. Hospital care practices significantly impact patient pain management, knowledge, opioid availability, and emergency treatment for accidental overdoses.

Aim or purpose of the initiative

In alignment with the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative and the Illinois Department of Human Services Drug Overdose Prevention Program, the perinatal care teams have implemented multiple evidence-based practices (EBP) to decrease the risk of opioid misuse, …

Enhancing Same Day Discharge Of Primary Joint Arthroplasty Through Collaborative Goal Setting And Education, Jennifer S. Brown Rn, Bsn, Onc, Amanda Levin Mha, Bsn, Rn, Nea-Bc, T Gonzalez Bsn, Rn, J Carter Dnp, Msn, Rn, Cnml, William Parker Msn, Rn, Tcrn, Ccrn, K Castellanos-Martinez Bsn, Rn, Krista Holcomb Rn, Msn, Cnm, Reece Wilson Dpn, Rn, Cnor, Evelyn Delong Bsn, Rn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) removed Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) and Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) from the Inpatient Only List in 2018 and 2020, respectively. Literature indicates that Same Day Discharge (SDD) results in higher patient satisfaction, outcomes and reimbursement compared to inpatient admissions.

Local Problem: In 2019, Davie Medical Center (DMC) achieved Advanced Hip and Knee Certification from the Joint Commission which has sustained to this day. With total joints as a primary service line, DMC aimed to increase its SDD rate from 23.8% in 2023 for ASA I&II patients.

Method: Utilizing Meleis Transition theory, …

Expanding Access For Transplant And Cellular Therapy, Melissa Barnes Dnp, Rn, Ocn, Cenp, Nicole Reingold Pappaterra Bsn, Rn, Npd-Bc, Bmtcn, Ocn, Jen Elder Msn, Rn, Bmtcn, Lynn Sanders Dsl, Msn, Rn, Ocn, Ne-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Cancer care delivery is in a state of constant change. More care is being transitioned to the outpatient setting, this does not exclude complex transplant and cellular therapy (TCT) services. Moving patients from the inpatient to outpatient helps manage bed capacity, improve patient experience, and helps foster fiscally responsible care.

Local Problem

Inpatient bed space has been a challenge for the malignant hematology services for years. An opportunity was seen to bring lower acuity TCT patients to outpatient to create space for higher acuity needs in the hospital and to allow for continued growth in the hematology population as …

Nepenthes Megastoma (Nepenthaceae), A Micro-Endemic Pitcher Plant From Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan, Philippines, John Charles A. Altomonte, John Paul R. Collantes, Vernaluz Mangussad, Rene Alfred Anton Bustamante, Alastair S. Robinson

Environmental Science Faculty Publications

Nepenthes megastoma is described and illustrated as a new species from the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Palawan Philippines. This carnivorous tropical pitcher plant is currently known from just three locations in the Mount Saint Paul karst formation, where it grows on vertical limestone walls. Morphologically, N. megastoma is characterised by its highly branched stems, campanulate pitchers, peltate tendril exsertion, dimorphic upper pitchers, and unidirectionally upturned female flowers. It is assessed as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List criteria, based on its restriction to three subpopulations comprising few total individuals. Pitcher morphology …

Lessons Learned: Musings On Teaching Technology In Library & Information Science, Danielle E. Maurici-Pollock

Scholarship Day 2025

A presentation based on:

Maurici-Pollock, D., Williams, R., & Dumas, C. (2024). Lessons Learned: Musings on Teaching Technology in Library and Information Science. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, 65(3), 345-354. https://doi.org/10.3138/jelis-2022-0049

Immunogenomic Diversity Of Triple-Negative Breast Cancers In Obese And Non-Obese Black And White Women, Fokhrul Hossain, Denise Danos, Jovanny Zabaleta, Xiao-Cheng Wu, Luis Del Valle, Chindo Hicks, Jiande Wu, Jerneja Tomsic, Susan Neuhausen, Yuan Chun Ding, Kavitha Mukund, Zahra Mesrizadeh, Shankar Subramaniam, Augusto Ochoa, Victoria Seewaldt, Lucio Miele

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Racial disparities in incidence and outcomes of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have been attributed to ancestry, socioeconomic factors and/or obesity. We studied 253 TNBCs from 128 Black and 125 White women. Arms were balanced for age, AJCC stage, histological grade and molecular subtypes, and differed significantly in BMI distribution, obesity, and Area Deprivation Index. We examined survival rates, whole-transcriptome RNASeq and genetic ancestry. In our sample, Black race or obesity were not intrinsically predictive of poor outcomes. TNBC molecular portraits varied with stage and biological aggressiveness, irrespective of race. We identified a novel group of TNBCs with a distinctive luminal-like …

Artificial Intelligence (Ai) And The Anthropic Economic Index In The Mountain West, 2025, Cason Noll, Olivia K. Cheche, William E. Brown Jr.

Economic Development & Workforce

This fact sheet presents 2025 data on the state of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption among the five Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The data are sourced from the “Anthropic Economic Index,” which provides data on Claude.ai (an AI large language model) and its adoption across all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. This fact sheet focuses on Claude.ai usage, the most common topic Claude.ai has been used for, and augmentation and automation shares for each Mountain West state.

Re: Medical Monitoring Working Group Meeting Minutes, Mike Mcanulty, Eric Hassler

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Rasburicase Repercussions: Methemoglobinemia And Hemolytic Anemia In An African American Male With Undiagnosed Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency, Nathan Fletcher, Kamakshi Katwala, Mitali Roy

Advocate GME

Introduction Rasburicase, a recombinant urate oxidase, effectively lowers nephrotoxic uric acid levels in tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). However, its use produces oxidative byproducts that can precipitate hemolysis and methemoglobinemia in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). Although G6PD screening is recommended prior to use in high-risk populations, emergent presentations often preclude timely testing. We report a rare case of simultaneous rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia in a patient with previously undiagnosed G6PD deficiency. Case Presentation: A 74-year-old African American man with an indeterminate plasma cell dyscrasia and chronic kidney disease presented with 24 hours of abdominal pain, nausea, and emesis. Initial …

Virtual Rounding In The Level Ii Nicu, Melissa F. Coble Dnp, Nnp-Bc, Nea-Bc, Timothy Snow Msn, Nnp-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Introduction and Context This initiative addresses the challenge of providing 24/7 Neonatology supervision at a Level II regional NICU while meeting AAP guidelines. Traditional in-person rounding was limited by staffing and geography. We implemented the TytoCare™ device—previously used in adult populations—for virtual rounding. This allowed Neonatologists to remotely “see” and “hear” neonates in real time, supporting care quality, continuity, and improved family experiences.

Implementation Strategy All APPs and Neonatologists were trained on TytoCare™, which offers high-resolution video, auscultation, and two-way communication. Following stakeholder approval, the device was deployed for daily rounds, enabling real-time collaboration between the APP and remote Neonatologist. …

Advocate Nurses Collaborate For Stronger Legal Shields Against Workplace Violence, Susan Morby Msn, Rn, Nea-Bc, Sarah Gilmore Bsn, Rn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background/Introduction

Healthcare workers (HCW) face disproportionately high rates of workplace violence (WPV) and are five times more likely to be injured than other types of workers (Lim et al., 2022). HCWs account for 73% of all nonfatal workplace injuries in 2018 (OSHA, 2020). National studies show that 12% of nurses planning to leave the profession in the next 5 years cite WPV as the reason (Smiley et al., 2025). Despite implementation of security measures, WPV continues to escalate, contributing to burnout and workforce attrition (The Joint Commission, 2018).

Purpose or Objective

This initiative aimed to expand legal protections for all …

Improving Response Times By Enhancing The No Pass Zone Initiative To Decrease Patient Falls, Kaylin Holder Bsn, Rn, Cmsrn, Howard Cole Bsn, Rn, Mdiv, Cyndy Rape Nurse Manager

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: Falls during hospitalization increase the risk of physical harm, psychological stress, reduced mobility, and fear of falling, which in turn impact recovery. Falls also lead to longer hospital stays and readmissions, affecting performance metrics and reimbursement. Challenges include delayed response times and patients getting up without assistance.

Local Problem: On the Medical Surgical Floor at Atrium Health Union, there were 54 falls in 2024, with 20 in the first quarter. Contributing factors were delayed call bell responses, patient population, and noncompliance with fall prevention strategies. When assessing 2024 call bell response times, the average time to respond to a …

Advancing Palliative Care Competency Through An Evidence-Based Educational Intervention For Healthcare Providers, Lauren Elizabeth Griffin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A major gap in acute care is the delayed initiation of palliative consultations. Although over 58 million people worldwide could benefit, only 14% receive such care. Despite evidence that early involvement improves outcomes, providers often overlook their value, leading to late referrals, typically after repeated hospitalizations or near end-of-life, when hospice may be more appropriate. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) educational intervention addressed a critical practice-focused question to enhance healthcare providers’ understanding of palliative care improve hospital-based patient outcomes. The intervention aimed to demonstrate a ≥20% knowledge gain from pretest to posttest scores related to distinguishing palliative care from …

Storytelling Technique For Peer Group Communication About Reproductive Health On “Bacarita Kespro”, Irene Aprilya Meok, Ana Nadhya Abrar

JURNAL KOMUNIKASI INDONESIA

This study examines storytelling techniques for adolescents in group communication as a medium for reproductive health education in the “Bacarita Kespro”, a program organized by Tenggara Youth Community. The use of new educational methods is essential as traditional lecture-based approaches have proven ineffective in educating adolescents about reproductive health. Guided by narrative communication theory and symbolic convergence theory, this study employs a qualitative approach combining observation and interview data. The results show that storytelling practices in group communication involve adolescents alternating roles as storytellers and listeners, focusing on the theme of changes during puberty. From the perspective of narrative understanding, …

Low Mutation Rate But High Male-Bias In The Germline Of A Short-Lived Opossum, R Alan Harris, Paul B Samollow, Jeffrey Rogers, Matthew W Hahn

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Age and sex have been found to be important determinants of the mutation rate per generation in mammals, but the mechanisms underlying these factors are still unclear. One approach to distinguishing between alternative mechanisms is to study species that reproduce at very young ages, as competing hypotheses make different predictions about patterns of mutation in these organisms. Here, we study the germline mutation rate in the gray short-tailed opossum, Monodelphis domestica, a laboratory model species that becomes reproductively mature at less than 6 mo of age. Whole-genome sequencing of 22 trios reveals one of the lowest mutation rates per generation …

Staff Education To Critical Care Nurses On Spiritual Care, Revrey Darita Amey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project included staff education for critical care nurses. Patients should receive spiritual care to decrease anxiety and depression that often accompany serious illnesses. Spiritual care encompasses inner peace, connection to others, transcendence, and the meaning and purpose of life. This project aimed to teach critical care nurses the importance of providing spiritual care to their patients. The project was designed to increase nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes of spiritual care by conducting a 30-minute didactic staff education session in the critical care unit. Nurses completed a pretest and posttest using the Spiritual Care …