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The Diagnostic Role Of Trimethylamine N-Oxide In Pediatric Acute Appendicitis: An Exploratory Study, Mehmet Sarikaya, Fatma Ozcan Siki, Fadime Ovali, Husamettin Vatansev, İlhan Ciftci

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a metabolite derived from gut microbiota, has been linked to various chronic inflammatory conditions. However, its potential role in acute inflammation, such as pediatric acute appendicitis, remains unclear. This exploratory diagnostic study aimed to assess the preliminary diagnostic performance of serum and urinary TMAO levels in differentiating appendicitis subtypes. Methods: In this prospective study, 137 pediatric patients who underwent surgery for suspected acute appendicitis were included. Based on histopathological findings, patients were categorized into negative, non-complicated, and complicated appendicitis groups. Serum and urinary TMAO levels were measured using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Group comparisons were performed …

Comparative Analysis Of Haematological, C-Reactive Protein, And Biochemical Markers In Paediatric Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Mono-Infection Versus Co-Infections, Xingjia Tang, Chongfeng Chen

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: To investigate the distinct patterns of haematological parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and biochemical markers in paediatric patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP), comparing mono-infection to co-infections with Haemophilus influenzae (MPP-Hi) or influenza virus (MPP-Inf). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 140 paediatric patients with confirmed MPP. The patients were stratified into three groups: MPP mono-infection (n=64), MPP-Hi co-infection (n=36), and MPP-Inf co-infection (n=40). Clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters, including haematological profiles and CRP levels, were analysed and compared among the three groups. Results: The MPP-Hi co-infection group had significantly higher hypersensitive CRP levels (23.93 ± 21.26 mg/L) …

An Epidemiological Analysis Of Influenza Virus In The Context Of Covid-19 Pandemic, Mustafa Gençeli, Özge Metin Akcan, Talha Üstüntaş, Ebru Sümen, Sinan Saylık, Emine Özdemir, Ahsen N. Saylık, Methiye Doğan, Arif İ. Solak, Fatih Ercan, Mehmet Özdemir, Abdullah Akkuş, Hanife T. Çağlar, Ahmet O. Kılıç, Sevgi Pekcan

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: The global health interventions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered the transmission of communicable diseases. This study examines changes in influenza virus epidemiology within the Turkish public health system across different phases of the pandemic. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 3,585 pediatric patients (aged 0–18 years) diagnosed with influenza between January 2018 and June 2023. We stratified the cohort into three periods based on admission dates: pre-COVID-19, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the post-COVID-19 period. Results: We observed a statistically significant increase in the mean age of patients during the pandemic period (p<0.001). The incidence of influenza B decreased significantly during the pandemic compared to other periods (p<0.001). The post-pandemic period was characterized by higher viral co-infection rates and increased hospitalization frequencies (p<0.001), though the duration of hospitalization decreased during the pandemic (p<0.001). In the post-pandemic phase, the typical November surge was less pronounced, with peak incidence shifting to January. Conclusion: The pandemic significantly altered influenza epidemiology, shifting viral subtype prevalence, incidence rates, co-infection patterns, seasonal trends, and mortality risks.

Incidence, Pathogen Distribution, And Hematological Responses In Neonatal Sepsis: A Three-Year Retrospective Study In The Uae, Asmaa Almilhem, Doha M. Moustafa, Izdehar Nached, Sana Al-Rawi, Yaser Ali, Mona Khalaf, Aisha Alkhaaldi

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of neonatal sepsis per 1,000 live births, identify the prevalence of causative pathogens, and examine hematological differences between Gram-negative and Gram-positive neonatal sepsis. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023, at Al Qassimi Women’s and Children’s Hospital (AQWCH), UAE. Neonates admitted to the NICU with positive blood cultures were included and categorized as early-onset (EONS) or late-onset (LONS) sepsis. Incidence rates (IRs) were calculated per 1,000 live births with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Univariate logistic regression was initially performed to identify potential factors associated with …

The Role Of The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index In Predicting Hospitalization In Children With Acute Gastroenteritis, Ebru Buldu, Sadiye Sert, Fatma Sargın, İbrahim Solak

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: Acute diarrhea in childhood is one of the most common infections in children and a leading cause of death from infectious diseases under five years of age worldwide. The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) reflects the balance between inflammation and immune response. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between acute gastroenteritis (AGE) infection and SII in children. Methods: This retrospective study included 3,039 children, comprising 1,668 with AGE and 1,371 healthy controls. Hematologic parameters and SII were analyzed. Data was compared across patient and control groups, inpatients versus outpatients, and groups with viral versus parasitic AGE etiologies. Results: Of …

Pathways To Success: The Role Of Self-Efficacy And Social Capital In Diversifying The Healthcare Workforce., Chelsey Louw

Pacific Journal of Health

The underrepresentation of first-generation and minority students in graduate-level healthcare programs remains a major barrier to diversifying the U.S. healthcare workforce. This study examined whether participation in the University of the Pacific’s Summer High School Institute (SHSI), a two-week immersive program featuring faculty networking, financial aid literacy, and hands-on medical device training, enhances students’ self-efficacy in applying to healthcare graduate programs. Using a retrospective, cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 95 participants and analyzed with descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests to assess perceived changes in self-efficacy. Results showed that students generally reported increased confidence after completing the program, …

Inviting A Personal Response To Ite, Missa Est: Developing And Offering A Focused Retreat To Extend The Sensory Experience Of The Holy Mass, Celina Chavez

Master of Theological Studies Honors Theses

Holy Mass is a deeply sensory experience, connecting the human with the divine by way of the human senses. At its close, the faithful are sent forth with the final blessing and dismissal; however, some may not understand what this entails.

This thesis examines the necessity of a relationship with Jesus Christ in and stemming from the Eucharist with reference to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, spiritual writings regarding the liturgy and Christian love, and reflections on the missionary nature of the Catholic Faith. It proposes catechesis in the form of a teatime retreat, engaging the senses as a …

Enhancing Stroke Education: A Cross-Cultural Experience, Julia Feldmann

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of disability across the globe, accounting for 143 millions years of disability-adjusted life years (eClinicalMedicine, 2023). In Sri Lanka, 1.6 million people have a disability impacting daily life, a primarily cause being stroke. The impact of stroke symptoms, can affect the persons the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), functional mobility and community engagement, sleep/rest, functional cognition, and communication (Kariyawasam et al., 2020).

The rise of disabilities and unmet rehabilitative needs can be due to limited resources and comprehensive care. Sri Lanka, a country of 22 million have 490 beds available in …

Developing A Floortime-Based Summer Camp For Neurodivergent Children, Catherine Brosius

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: The prevalence of both Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have increased substantially over the past decade.8With increasing number of children diagnosed, the number of services needed also increases. However, 6.2% of children in Iowa with an ASD diagnosis have unmet health care needs.

Impairments in neurodivergent individuals may vary, including impairments in communication, social reciprocity, sensory processing and integration, behaviors, coordination, and motor performance.

A common approach to address these impairments is behavioral interventions such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA),6which is highly controversial due to prioritizing compliance and normalization over individualism.

A shift to …

Nurturing Growth: A Tiered Occupational Therapy Approach, Kaci Behrens

Occupational Therapy Capstones

During my doctoral capstone experience, I served as a member of the Behavior Intervention Team under the mentorship of Laura Rodgers. In this role, I collaborated on reviewing referrals and open concerns for children across all Drake University Head Start locations, including those related to potential needs for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

In addition to case review and problem-solving support, I developed and delivered professional development presentations for teachers, classroom staff, and Family Engagement Specialists (FES). These sessions emphasized practical, evidence-based strategies to strengthen children’s participation and regulation both at school …

Investigating Racial Differences In The Receipt Of Antenatal Interventions Prior To Periviable Delivery, Niurka Monteserin, Whitney Bender

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: The Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM) provides guidance on the use of antenatal corticosteroids, antibiotics, and cesarean delivery in the periviable period. Although racial differences exist in postnatal active management of periviable neonates have been described, less is known about racial differences in antenatal interventions preceding delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in the receipt of antenatal interventions before periviable delivery by birthing parent race.

METHODS:  We conducted a population-based cohort study using the National Center for Health Statistics database including periviable deliveries (20w0d-25w6d) from 2016-2021. Individuals delivering a non-anomalous live singleton gestation in a hospital were included. Births …

Utilizing A Standardized Assessment To Predict Long-Term Outcomes In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu), Morgan Leach

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A common barrier to occupational therapy (OT)practice in the NICU is the lack of efficient standardized assessments for occupational performance and developmental milestones

• Barriers -time, medical status, state of alertness, etc.

The use of standardized assessments in OT practice is the preferred method to provide objective data of occupational performance (AOTA, 2020)

• Justify need for services, establish a baseline, track intervention effectiveness

Another barrier in the NICU setting are the delays in the referral and initiation of early intervention (EI) services (Nwabaraet al., 2016).The lack of standardized assessments in the NICU may be contributing to the common delays in EI …

Program Development For Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging, Johnathan Levis

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A 14-week experience completed at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Campus in North Liberty, Iowa

Exploring Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSK US) to utilize real-time ultrasound imaging (RTUS)in clinical practice.

Population served consisted of primarily adults in an orthopedic and hand-based therapy setting.

Site Mentor: Madisson Miller, MOT, CHT, CSCS

• 10 years of clinical experience.
• A clinical specialist OT at UIHC.
• Certified Hand Therapist
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Faculty Mentor: Dr. David Plutschack, OTD, BCPR

• Academic Professor OTD
• Board Certified in Physical Rehabilitation

Neuroscience-Based Intellectual Productivity: A Ten-Principle Methodology For Knowledge Workers, Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Learning, Teaching, & Researching Optimization

This paper presents a comprehensive, neuroscience-grounded methodology for enhancing intellectual productivity among knowledge workers—particularly academic faculty and researchers operating under conditions of chronic cognitive overload. Drawing on ten foundational principles derived from contemporary cognitive neuroscience, we argue that substantial gains in research output, creative ideation, and knowledge integration are achievable not by working harder, but by working in deliberate alignment with the brain’s native computational architecture.

The ten principles address: strategic activation of the Default Mode Network (DMN) for incubation and creative insight; prefrontal cortex (PFC) energy management through temporal task separation; externalization of cognitive load via AI-assisted working memory …

Working Smarter, Not Harder: A Practical Guide To Intellectual Productivity, Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Learning, Teaching, & Researching Optimization

This guide offers general suggestions drawn from recent research. Every person thinks, works, and recharges differently. Please treat what follows not as a checklist to follow slavishly, but as a menu of ideas — pick what resonates, adapt freely, and discard whatever does not fit your life.

A Climatology Of Heat Domes Over North America, Paul C. Loikith, Siiri Bigalke, Graham P. Taylor, Dmitri A. Kalashnikov, Deepti Singh, Amanda Laverty

Geography Faculty Publications and Presentations

The term heat dome in reference to extreme heat events has grown in popularity. While a heat dome definition has recently been added to the Glossary of the American Meteorological Society, a quantitative meteorological definition is currently lacking. Here we present such a definition and use it to develop a novel 85-year climatology of extreme heat and associated mid-tropospheric circulation over mid-latitude North America. Our definition groups extreme heat objects (EHOs), defined daily as spatially contiguous regions where 2-m maximum temperature exceeds the May-September 99th percentile, into two categories: those directly associated with a 500-hPa closed anticyclone and those that …

Economic Drivers Of International Migration To Türkiye: A Regional Comparison Study, Bekir Gündoğmuş, Musa Bayir, Ahmed Yusuf Sarihan

Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia

This study investigates the macroeconomic determinants of registered international migration to Türkiye by employing panel data regression techniques at the NUTS-2 regional level for the period 2016–2022. The results reveal that per capita income, employment, and the share of industry, services, and construction sectors in total production have a statistically significant and positive impact on migration inflows, while inflation exhibits a negative effect. However, agricultural production proportion and export performance do not appear to significantly influence regional migrant preferences. Causality tests further support the existence of both bidirectional and unidirectional relationships between economic indicators and migration. The findings underscore the …

Rehabilitation Belief And Engagement Transformation (Rbet) Model: A Grounded Theory Approach, Jade Ibhar V. Cuambot, Marc Eric S. Reyes, Karen Katrina V. Trinidad

Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia

Competitive sports injuries have significant physiological and psychological consequences for athletes. While rehabilitation medicine effectively addresses the physical aspects of injury recovery, the psychological and emotional journey of injured athletes remains neglected. Thus, the current study addresses this gap by examining athletes’ transforming belief systems and emotional experiences during injury rehabilitation. A qualitative research design grounded in grounded theory principles was conducted with professional athletes to understand how their beliefs toward rehabilitation evolved over time. Findings revealed a dynamic process of belief transformation consisting of seven interconnected stages, captured in the Rehabilitation Belief and Engagement Transformation (RBET) Model: (1) Pre-rehabilitation …

Creative Practice Submission: 3rd European Baha'i Choral Festival, Colin N. Webber Dr

Staff Scholarship - Australia & Dubai

n May 2026, I travelled to Germany on invitation to conduct two choral works at the 3rd European Baha'i Choral Festival - one an original composition and one an arrangement of a piece by Australian composer Tom Francis), both recent works from the corpus of a cappella choral music I have developed over several decades in response to the writings of the Baha'i Faith. The two concerts took place on 17 May 2026 at the Baha'i-Haus der Andacht von Europa (European Baha'i House of Worship), Langenhain, Germany, following three days of intensive ensemble rehearsals with the 75 voice choir. These …

Advancing Occupational Therapy In Pelvic Health: Empowering Education And Advocacy Through Digital Platforms, Christine Dennison

Occupational Therapy Capstones

My doctoral capstone project keys focus areas include advocacy, education, and clinical skill development through the creation of accessible, evidence-based social media content related to pelvic floor health and occupational therapy. This project integrates clinical mentorship and continued education to support accurate, evidence-based health education. Grounded in occupational therapy’s holistic and client-centered approach, the project emphasizes health promotion, awareness, and expanding understanding of the role of OT in emerging areas of practice. It also supports my professional development in leadership, collaboration, and health communication.

Clinical experience: Clinical experience took place at Athletico Physical Therapy in Ankeny South, where I …

Growing Together: Pediatric Groups And Community Connection In Rural Iowa, Haley Bird

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Rural & foster care children experience:

• Limited OT access
• Trauma & emotional dysregulation
• Participation challenges

Barriers

• Poor referral communication
• Limited caregiver education
• Insurance limitations

Purpose

Develop a trauma-informed pediatric group program to support:

• Social participation
• Emotional regulation
• Caregiver education

Tech It Easy: Ot And Smart Tech For Aging In Place, Kassidy Hackbarth

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Objectives

1. I will demonstrate in -depth competence by conducting client evaluations, developing client-centered interventions, educating clients, families, and staff, and promoting aging in place with smart technology in an ethical manner.

2. I will promote occupational justice by understanding barriers, demonstrating cultural humility, and being client-centered when developing assessments to meet the needs and preferences of diverse aging adults.

3. I will demonstrate the occupational therapy domain and process by utilizing evidence-based assessment and interventions that are backed by theories and frames of reference that could be tested when implementing the program of exploring smart technology’s benefits that are relevant for aging …

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May 17, 2026, D. Bradlow & D. Hunter, Wb Wants To Change The Way It Manages Complaints.Pdf, Daniel Bradlow, David Hunter

Editors' Corner

No abstract provided.

181st University Of Notre Dame Commencement, University Of Notre Dame

Commencement Programs

• SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 4
• HEARING IMPAIRED INFORMATION 9
• GRADUATE SCHOOL 10
• MENDOZA COLLEGE OF BUSINESS GRADUATE BUSINESS 32
• GRADUATE ARCHITECTURE 38
• LAW SCHOOL 39
• UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY 42
• COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS 44
• COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 51
• COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 55
• MENDOZA COLLEGE OF BUSINESS 61
• SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE 67
• KEOUGH SCHOOL OF GLOBAL AFFAIRS 67
• VALEDICTORIAN CANDIDATES 68
• EMERITI FACULTY 68
• HONOR SOCIETIES 69
• AWARDS AND PRIZES 77
• TASSELS 100

Guide For Brain Science-Based Ip Improvement, Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Learning, Teaching, & Researching Optimization

This guide leads to two articles that help you know the practical implications of the recent development of neuro-scientific discoveries.

Demystifying Longitudinal Melanonychia: Low-Cost 3d-Printed Nail Models For Patient Education, Nuran C. Golbasi, Zachary J.K. Neubauer, Nataliedeana Badillo, Shari R. Lipner

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

No abstract provided.

Lt. Adam Peacock Reflects On 26 Years In Law Enforcement, Marisa C. Atkinson

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – Keeping the University of Mississippi and the country safe is what Lt. Adam Peacock has done for the past 26 years, but he is beginning a new chapter this spring. His last call with the University Police Department came on April 28.

Use Of Tyrx Antibacterial Envelope In Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery: A Prospective Pilot Study., Jack T. Rifkin, Julia A. Baran, Brian H. Im, Tej J. Desai, Jordan Dehoratius, Oleksandr Kolesnikov, Paul Chung

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Infection remains a major concern in inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery. Medtronic's TYRX Absorbable Antibacterial Envelope is a polypropylene mesh pocket delivering minocycline and rifampin for 7 days and fully absorbing in 9 weeks. It is currently FDA-approved for use with cardiac pacemakers and neuromodulation devices. There is no indication for use in IPP surgeries, particularly for enveloping the scrotal pump during implantation.

AIM: This pilot study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and early patient-reported outcomes with the use of the absorbable antibacterial envelope during IPP surgery.

METHODS: Fifteen men who underwent primary or revision IPP placement by a single …

Applied Washington Consensus: Analyzing Chile's Success And Venezuela's Failure—Institutional Frameworks, Policy Sequencing, And Economic Liberalization In Latin America (1980s–2010)., Gjergji Bacuku

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

The Washington Consensus emerged in the late 1980s as a practical policy

framework in response to the prolonged economic crisis faced by Latin American

countries. The Washington Consensus is a central factor in the modern economic history

of Latin America due to its influence on the region. This list of policy actions was

deemed desirable for Latin American countries, mostly agreed upon by economists from

the IMF, the World Bank, and the U.S. Treasury in Washington. As a result, many

countries in the region accepted the Washington Consensus as a stabilizing mechanism,

while others rejected it. This thesis discusses the …

Influence Of Gas Atmosphere And Deposition Time On Si/Mno₂ Thin Films Properties Deposited By Magnetron Sputtering For Supercapacitor Application, Tansya Trisnatika Dewi, Boon Tong Goh, Reza Akbar Pahlevi, Ishmah Luthfiyah, Markus Diantoro

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Thin films of MnO₂ were successfully deposited onto Si substrates using the magnetron sputtering technique in various gas atmospheres and deposition times to study their influence on the structural, morphological, electrical, and electrochemical properties for application as supercapacitor electrodes. Structural analysis using XRD showed that deposition under an Ar+O₂ gas atmosphere increased the crystallite size and crystallinity of the Si/MnO₂ films, while shorter deposition times reduced the crystallite size and lowered the crystallinity. Surface morphology observation using SEM showed that the film deposited in an Ar+O₂ gas atmosphere had smaller, more uniform, evenly distributed, and closely …