Digital Commons Network^™

Spatiotemporal Dynamics Of Riparian Land-Cover Change And Impervious-Cover Expansion In A Rapidly Urbanising Himalayan Capital City, Karma Jamtsho, Tashi Dorji, David Blake, Mark A. Lund, Eddie Van Etten

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Urbanisation and impervious-cover expansion are reshaping riparian landscapes, particularly in mountain cities where steep terrain concentrates development along valley floors. This study examined spatiotemporal land-cover change within the regulated riparian corridors of Thimphu City, Bhutan, over a 25-year period from 1997 to 2022 using Landsat imagery, Random Forest classification and Google Earth Engine. Results show substantial transformation of riparian land cover, with impervious cover increasing from 26.14% to 32.63%, equivalent to an overall increase of 24.83%, while agriculture/barren/low-vegetation declined from 30.59% to 26.01%, equivalent to an overall decrease of 14.98%. A modest increase in detectable vegetation cover was also observed, …

Sporadic Appetites: Unearthing The Fungal Diets Of Two Mycophagous Mammals Across An Australian Climate Gradient, Rebecca J. Quah, Saul J. Cowen, Robert A. Davis, Harriet R. Mills, Anna J.M. Hopkins

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Translocating threatened ecosystem engineers may offer the dual benefit of contributing to species conservation and ecosystem restoration. Boodies (burrowing bettong; Bettongia lesueur) and woylies (brush-tailed bettong; Bettongia ogilbyi) are threatened mycophagous marsupials known for their crucial role in ecosystem health through fungal dispersal and bioturbation. As part of restoration efforts across Australia, these bettong species are frequently targeted for translocations, where a better understanding of their fungal dietary requirements is essential for ensuring their resource requirements are met and in predicting their ecological contributions to recipient ecosystems. Here, we used DNA metabarcoding to study the fungal diets of boodies and …

The Crossroads Between Osteosarcopenia And Intrinsic Capacity—A Narrative Review, Nailton J. Neto, Guy Hajj-Boutros, Wayne Lok Ok Choo, Miguel G. Borda, Konstantinos Prokopidis, Hassan Rammal, Daniel Rivas, Hussein Samhat, Ivan Baltasar-Fernandez, Mahdi Imani, Cristiano Dos Santos Gomes, Oscar Rosas Carrasco, Marc Sim, Julie A. Pasco, Julia Chabot, Ana M. Ayala-Copete, Francisco J. García-García, Claire Godard-Sebillotte, Raman Agnihotram, Lana J. Williams, Anna Andrianova, Robinson Ramirez-Vélez, Emma Connolly, Harmehr Sekhon, Hidenori Arai, Liang-Kung Chen, Andréa Faust, Howard Bergman, Alexandra Papaioannou, Pierrette Gaudreau, Tiago Alexandre, Leocadio Rodriguez-Mañas, Ricardo Oliveira Guerra, Gustavo Duque

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Intrinsic capacity (IC) is defined as the composite of physical and mental abilities an individual possesses, encompassing 5 domains: cognition, psychological health, sensory function, vitality, and locomotion. This construct is central to the World Health Organization’s framework for assessing functional ability in older adults. Growing evidence highlights the critical role of the musculoskeletal system in maintaining these domains, while conditions such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and their coexistence as osteosarcopenia (OS) are increasingly associated with IC decline. This narrative review compiles current evidence on the modulatory role of muscles and bones in IC and the impacts of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and OS. …

The Effect Of Boosting Dietary Lactobacillus And Phytochemical Rich Foods On Biomarkers Of Longevity—A Phase Ii Randomised Placebo Controlled Trial, Robert J. Thomas, Madeleine Williams, Jeffrey W.F. Aldous, Stacey A. Kenfield, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

As men age, systemic inflammation increases, whereas grip strength (GS) and testosterone levels tend to fall. This rate of decline is known to be influenced by gut microbial health, lifestyle and diet but the role for interventions to slow this decline are less well established. This double-blind randomised controlled trial evaluated the impact, and explored the synergistic potential, of boosting phytochemical rich foods and Lactobacillus probiotics on these physical and biological markers. Two hundred and eight men with untreated early prostate cancer managed with observation only (average age 74 years) received a phytochemical rich supplement (PRS) containing concentrated broccoli, green …

The Life Study: A Cross-Sectional Study Protocol For Lifestyle Risk Factors For Chronic Disease Across The Stages Of Reproductive Ageing, Laura E. Pernoud, Jamie L. Noll, Paul A. Gardiner, Melinda Dean, Kathryn M. Broadhouse, Meegan Anne Walker, Hattie H. Wright, Anthony Villani, Joseph Scott, Alexandra P. Metse, Mia A. Schaumberg

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: The dynamic physiological and hormonal changes through the menopause transition predispose women to an increased risk of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, depression and dementia. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear, yet it is thought that chronic systemic inflammation and changes to lifestyle behaviours play important roles. The LIfestyle risk Factors for chronic disease across the stagEs of reproductive ageing (LIFE study) is a cross-sectional study aimed to characterise how hormonal and lifestyle (physical activity, diet and sleep) differences across pre, peri and postmenopause influence chronic systemic inflammation, visceral adiposity, cognitive function and sleep health. Methods and analysis: …

Thermal Transformation Of Organic Matter And Impacts On Water Quality In Fire-Affected Jarrah Forest, Kuenzang Tshering, David Blake, Andrea Bravo Escobar, Konrad Miotlinski, Andrew Bath, Mary C. Boyce, Pauline Grierson, Pierre Horwitz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Fire in forested catchments significantly alters organic matter fluxes by generating dissolved organic matter (DOM) different from that generated under non-fire conditions. Elucidating the composition of DOM is key to understanding its persistence in the post-fire environment. This laboratory study aimed to establish a relationship between DOM quantity and quality with aspects of fire regime. Soil and litter samples were collected from areas with different burn histories (described as Time Since Last Fire – TSLF). Each sample was subjected to burn temperature treatments simulating different burn severity regimes in a muffle furnace (at 250°C – low severity, 350°C – moderate …

The Impact Of A Single Session Of Sprint Interval Training (Sit) On Pain Pressure Threshold (Ppt) In Healthy Adults, Francesco Pacenza, Gary Brickley, Umberto Crainich, Francesco Bettariga, Anthony Turner, Luca Maestroni

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Different forms of aerobic exercise lead to Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia (EIH). The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of a single session of Sprint Interval Training (SIT) on EIH. A total of 44 recreationally active young adults participated in a single SIT session on a cycle ergometer, consisting of a 2 min warm-up, 3 × 20 s “all-out” cycling bouts interspersed with 2 min of active recovery, and a 3 min cool-down. Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT) measurements were taken on the quadriceps (working muscle) and thenar eminence (resting muscle) before and after the session. Additionally, average power …

Dynamism By Design: The Zoom Effects In Short Video Tourism Marketing, Lujun Su, Yuxi Yang, Songshan (Sam) Huang, Xuehuan He

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

As tourism short videos have become central to destination marketing, camera zoom motion stands out as a simple yet powerful tool. However, theory-driven guidance on when and how to deploy zoom effects remains limited. Drawing on construal level theory, this research examines how zoom motions (zoom-in vs. zoom-out) interact with visual content to affect tourists’ responses. Five main studies across eastern and western cultures demonstrate significant interaction effects between zoom motion and visual content. Specifically, for activity-centric content, zoom-in motion enhances persuasiveness by eliciting objective mental imagery; for site-centric content, zoom-out motion proves more effective, as it evokes feelings-based mental …

Impacts Of The Early Collaborative Intervention On Mother-Preterm Infant Interaction At One Month Of Age: Secondary Analysis Of A Randomized Controlled Trial, Charlotte Sahlén Helmer, Ulrika Birberg Thornberg, Thomas Abrahamsson, Evalotte Mörelius

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background A sensitive, well-functioning maternal interaction is vital for healthy infant development. For moderate to late preterm infants, this is even more important as this group of infants are at increased risk of facing neurodevelopmental disorders. The Early Collaborative Intervention supports parent-preterm infant interaction and includes three sessions, two in the hospital and one after discharge. Objective To investigate the impact of the Early Collaborative Intervention, compared with standard care, on mother-preterm infant interaction at one month corrected age. Design A longitudinal randomized controlled trial, reporting secondary outcomes from the first follow-up. Setting The intervention was conducted at a pediatric …

Enhancing Urban Refueling Efficiency: Strategies For Sustainable Mobility And Economic Impact, Navid Hashemi Taba, Iftekhar Ahmad, Ahdieh Sadat Khatavakhotan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In response to increasing concerns about operational inefficiencies and environmental impacts at petrol stations, this operational research investigates strategies to enhance refueling efficiency across 103 stations in Perth. A pilot study employing observational methods and time-motion analysis established ideal benchmarks for core refueling activities. Empirical analysis of driver behavior during high-demand periods—often driven by fuel price discounts—and regular off-peak hours revealed significant performance gaps, highlighting substantial opportunities for efficiency improvements. Eliminating non-essential tasks could yield time savings of up to 67% during peak periods and 45% during off-peak periods. Economic analysis demonstrated mutual benefits when refueling processes align with these …

From 5g To 6g: A Survey On Security, Privacy, And Standardization Pathways, Mengmeng Yang, Youyang Qu, Thilina Ranbaduge, Chandra Thapa, Nazatul Haque Sultan, Ming Ding, Hajime Suzuki, Wei Ni, Sharif Abuadbba, David Smith, Paul Tyler, Josef Pieprzyk, Thierry Rakotoarivelo, Xinlong Guan, Sirine Mrabet

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The vision for 6G aims to enhance network capabilities, supporting an intelligent digital ecosystem where artificial intelligence (AI) is a key. However, the expansion of 6G raises critical security and privacy concerns due to the increased integration of IoT devices, edge computing, and AI. This survey provides a comprehensive overview of 6G protocols with a focus on security and privacy, identifying risks that have not been experienced in preceding 5G systems, and presenting mitigation strategies. While many vulnerabilities from earlier generations persist, the introduction of AI/ML introduces novel risks like model inversion and malicious manipulation of AI. Vulnerabilities in emerging …

Multiple-Nozzle Sprays: Comparison To Single-Nozzle Sprays And Role Of Directional Conditional Filtering, Farzad Hossain, Matthew J. Cleary, Yasir M. Al-Abdeli, Mehdi Khiadani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Spray-based droplet evaporation systems used in desalination and cooling applications depend on both nozzle arrangement and the interpretation of measured droplet behaviour. This study examines (i) how multi-nozzle configurations differ from single-nozzle characteristics and (ii) how ensemble-averaged measurements change when droplets are separated according to their motion direction (upward or downward). Atmospheric water sprays generated by full-cone spray nozzles were investigated using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) for droplet axial velocity measurements and Shadowgraph imaging to determine droplet size and count. Directional filtering was performed using Large Eddy Simulation (LES), validated against experiments. Single- and dual-nozzle configurations were tested with horizontal …

Synergies Of Microecology And Macroecology Elicit Insights For Creation Care, David Warners, John T. Wertz

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

This article reports on a collection of microecological and macroecological insights that emerged from extended conversations between Calvin University professors David Warners, a botanist concentrating in restoration ecology, and John Wertz, a micro-biologist specializing in microbial ecology. Classic descriptions of ecology identify biological interactions as happening at the ecosystem, community, or population level. And yet, ecological interactions are very much occurring at the microbial level as well. Furthermore, microbial-level interactions frequently influence the quality and character of macroecological relationships and vice versa. Allowing ecological principles to be applied across all life forms broadens our comprehension of interactions that are happening …

On Reasoning Behind Next Occupation Recommendation, Shan Dong, Palakorn Achananuparp, Hieu Hien Mai, Lei Wang, Yao Lu, Ee-Peng Lim

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

In this work, we develop a novel reasoning approach to enhance the performance of large language models (LLMs) in future occupation prediction. In this approach, a reason generator first derives a “reason” for a user using his/her past education and career history. The reason summarizes the user’s preference and is used as the input of an occupation predictor to recommend the user’s next occupation. This two-step occupation prediction approach is, however, non-trivial as LLMs are not aligned with career paths or the unobserved reasons behind each occupation decision. We therefore propose to fine-tune LLMs improving their reasoning and occupation prediction …

What Men's Vessels Can Learn From Women's: Redefining Vascular Homeostasis Through The Lens Of Female Reproductive History., Styliani Goulopoulou, Selina M. Tucker

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

No abstract provided.

Prevalence And Aetiology Of Cerebral Palsy Among Nigerian Children: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis., Udochukwu Michael Diala, Aderonke O. Uhunmwangho-Courage, Fatima Abdullahi, Paul Ikhurionan, Caitlin Bakker, Duke Appiah, David Danjuma Shwe, Rose N. Gelineau-Morel, Kabiru Gurama, Olugbenga Akinyemi Ofakunrin, Angela Mcgillivray, Gabriel E. Ofovwe, Tina Slusher

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Nigeria is among the leading countries contributing to the burden of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy (CP) is the commonest physical disability in childhood, accounting for 16.2% of child neurology referrals. Many cases of CP are preventable with simple interventions such as neonatal resuscitation and effective phototherapy. Lack of reliable data on the burden of disease limits comprehensive national policy directed to the prevention, holistic care and rehabilitation of patients with cerebral palsy in Nigeria. Therefore, to effectively address this problem, this study aimed to describe the pooled prevalence of CP in Nigeria, its potential causes and types.

METHODS: This …

Returning Looted Cultural Heritage, Elena Baylis

Chicago Journal of International Law

No abstract provided.

Empirically Predicting When States Comply With The I.C.J., Kaylin Jeon

Chicago Journal of International Law

This paper asks a foundation question in international law: Can we predict when a state will comply with a ruling from the International Court of Justice (I.C.J.)? The I.C.J. serves as the United Nations’ central forum for adjudicating legal disputes between states. However, its legal authority rests entirely on voluntary compliance, which has led many scholars to question its practical effectiveness. This paper seeks to assess the unpredictability of state compliance by examining multiple independent variables. If empirical factors such as geopolitical factors have statistical importance, it would support the view that factors outside of the I.C.J. have influence over …

Addressing The Use Of Overseas Encrypted Platforms In Digital Sexual Violence In South Korea, Sarah Jeon

Chicago Journal of International Law

Despite the enactment of the Nth Room Prevention Act, digital sexual violence remains a pertinent issue in South Korea, with instances of such crimes continuing to increase. A key factor of this increase is jurisdictional: much of the crime takes place on encrypted overseas platforms such as Telegram and Signal. Focusing mainly on the crime of sextortion, this Comment presents suggestions to mitigate the jurisdictional enforcement issues. The Comment begins by providing an overview of Korea’s existing legal frameworks on digital sexual violence, examining the digital sexual violence laws pre-Nth Room Act, the revisions promulgated by the Nth Room Act, …

Beyond The Balloon: Regulating South Korea’S Foreign- Funded Leafleting As Political Activity, Jonathan Kim

Chicago Journal of International Law

This Comment addresses the rapidly changing legal landscape of South Korean leafleting: the practice of sending pamphlets into North Korea. Since its inception during the Korean War, the practice has been used both by the South Korean government and private parties as a propaganda device. In recent years, however, privatized leafleting has become an increasingly politically divisive instrument and its legal status has vacillated between presidential administrations.

This Comment begins by examining the historical development of leafleting (Section II) and the legal arguments regulating its practice in an effort to demonstrate the relatively high administrative cost of current regulations (Section …

Parenting Styles And Experiences Of Parents Of Children With Down Syndrome Displaying Aggressive Behaviors, Melanie Ray

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Transformational Leadership And Financial Sustainability Of American Fastfood Nonfranchise Restaurants, Amar Verma

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

New Graduate Nurses' Experiences Of Leaving The Emergency Department, Gemma John

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

The Perspectives Of Parents On Barriers To Parental Involvement In Title I Schools, Beverly Pascal

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Leadership Practices Contributing To Academic Success In High-Performing Elementary Title I Schools In Texas, Jowie Walker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Declaring Welshness, Emily Ormsbee, Perry Mesloh, Mark Alan Rhodes Ii, Sarah Fayen Scarlett, Steven A. Walton, Andrew Jacobson

Michigan Tech Publications

Today, when searching for information about the Welsh in early America, two dominant, but false, narratives quickly emerge both online and in books and exhibitions: that the Welsh Prince Madoc discovered America, resulting in a legacy of ‘Welsh Indians’, and that sixteen signers of the Declaration of Independence were Welsh. Using primary and secondary sources, we contextualize both of these myths and discuss their development and impacts upon Welsh-American heritage. Eighteen separate signers of the Declaration (the list of sixteen is never complete, nor identical) have been attributed with Welsh ancestry through social media, popular news sources, popular history books, …

Recycling Aged Crumb Rubber-Modified Asphalt Pavements: A Review, Kwadwo Ampadu Boateng, Meng Wu, Dongzhao Jin, Zhanping You

Michigan Tech Publications

This study provides a comprehensive review of current progress and challenges in recycling crumb rubber-modified asphalt (CRMA) pavements. It examines key aspects, including mechanical performance, rejuvenation methods, chemical characterization, practical case studies, and environmental implications. Particular emphasis is given to the technical barriers that influence recyclability, such as the mix design for recycled mix, accounting for the combined aging of both the asphalt binder and the crumb rubber particles, and optimizing the rubber content alongside chemical interaction of rejuvenating agents. Existing research indicates that several traditional recycling practices, especially full-depth reclamation and hot central plant recycling, are generally suitable for …

The Impact Of New York's 2026 Climate Law Retreat, Jonathan A. Binder, Vincent M. Nolette

Sabin Center for Climate Change Law

On May 26, 2026, New York State enacted significant revisions to its 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The 2026 Amendments, which include changes to the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission accounting methodology, the statewide GHG emission limits, and the requirement to adopt implementing regulations, collectively weaken the Act's ambition. New York’s retreat from state climate action after championing it for years reflects a broader national trend of de-prioritizing mitigation efforts.

The 2026 Amendments will have vast and important consequences for the implementation of the CLCPA. Numerous actions will need to be updated through rulemaking, guidance, or other administrative …

Chronic Conditions And Mortality In Medicare Beneficiaries Before And After The Covid-19 Pandemic, R J Waken, Fengxian Wang, Jose F Figueroa, Rishi K Wadhera, Khavya Avula, E John Orav, Anne Mobley Butler, Karen E Joynt Maddox

2020-Current year OA Pubs

IMPORTANCE: There were well-documented changes in health care use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about whether there were any associated decreases in claims-based comorbidity ascertainment that might have relevance to health services and policy research.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify differences in claims-based comorbidity assessment in Medicare beneficiaries pre- vs post-COVID-19.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 30 Chronic Conditions Warehouse 1- or 2-year lookback claims algorithms to ascertain each comorbidity with exact date ranges for all fee-for-service (FFS) and Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries. Data were analyzed from April 2025 to April 2026.

EXPOSURES: The …

Natural History Of Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy R1 (Lgmdr1): A Grasp Consortium Study, Stephanie M Hunn, Andrew R Findlay, Amanda Clause, Conrad C Weihl, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Identifying clinical outcome assessments (COAs) that are able to detect change in functional abilities over time in the limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) population is critical for managing disease progression in addition to determining drug efficacy in the context of anticipated therapeutic trials. Through the Genetic Resolution and Assessments Solving Phenotypes in LGMD (GRASP-LGMD) Consortium, 42 participants with LGMDR1 were enrolled in a 12-month natural history study across 11 international sites. Each participant completed a battery of COAs, including the North Star Assessment for Limb Girdle-Type Muscular Dystrophies (NSAD), 100-meter timed test (100 m), Performance of the Upper Limb (PUL), …