Digital Commons Network^™

Oct. 2026 - A Lifetime Of Saying Yes To Service, Timothy Rath

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This biographical feature profiles Dr. Raymond Gist, celebrating his receipt of the key to the city of Flint, Michigan, and his six-decade career in dentistry. Tracing his journey from Flint to becoming the first Black president of the American Dental Association (ADA), the story highlights his dedication to patient care, mentorship, and leadership within organized dentistry. Dr. Gist encourages early-career and underrepresented dentists to embrace leadership roles and community involvement, demonstrating how committing to service elevates the profession and advances oral health equity.

Oct. 2026 - Lead: Find Your Place In The Room, Timothy Rath

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article spotlights the Michigan Dental Association’s Leadership Exploration And Development (LEAD) program, designed to cultivate early-career dental leaders. Featuring experiences from program participants during a visit to ADA headquarters, the piece highlights insights on emerging practice models, demographic shifts, and membership trends shared by national experts like Dr. Marko Vujicic. The article details how LEAD fosters generational diversity, governance training, and peer networking, encouraging early-career Michigan dentists to apply for upcoming cohort opportunities.

Oct. 2026 - Mastery Creates Presence, Anish Gupta D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Written by oral surgeon Dr. Anish Gupta, this reflective essay explores the connection between clinical mastery and patient-centered hospitality in surgical practice. Defining practice core values as "be the best, do the best" and "unreasonable patient-centeredness," the author illustrates how technical expertise frees clinicians to be fully present and empathetic with anxious patients. The article emphasizes that clinical competence should serve to alleviate patient fear, remove practice friction, and elevate the healthcare experience through mindful, compassionate service.

Oct. 2026 - Mda Insurance: Online Open Enrollment Now Available For Mda Health Plan, Craig Start

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article details the 2027 health insurance open enrollment process and deadlines for Michigan Dental Association members, their families, and practice staff. It introduces a new, secure online portal via Employee Navigator for managing the MDA Health Plan, specifying enrollment windows for plan sponsors and employees. The guide covers individual Marketplace plans, group health coverages, Medicare Supplement plans, and Medicare Advantage options. MDA Insurance account executives offer personalized assistance to help practice owners and individuals compare plans, navigate coverage choices, and ensure seamless enrollment.

Oct. 2026 - Staff Matters: How Can We Support Employees Who Are Also Caregivers?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This human resources column offers actionable advice for dental practice owners on supporting staff members managing caregiving responsibilities for aging parents, spouses, or children. Recognizing the financial and operational constraints of small dental practices, the author outlines low-cost supportive strategies, including flexible scheduling, clear communications, and empathetic management. Practice leaders are encouraged to establish consistent time-off request protocols, train managers to respect employee privacy, and connect staff with community caregiver resources and employee assistance programs to maintain staff retention and practice productivity.

Oct. 2026 - Dentistry And The Law: Dealing With An Unlicensed Employee, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This legal column addresses the severe regulatory and legal risks of employing a dental hygienist whose license has lapsed. MDA Legal Counsel explains that under Michigan law (MCL 333.16222(1)), licensed health care professionals are mandatory reporters and must notify the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) upon learning of unlicensed practice. Continuing to employ an unlicensed hygienist exposes the dental practice to administrative sanctions, loss of licensure, and liability. Practice owners are advised to verify employee licenses regularly and screen for unresolved administrative complaints

Oct. 2026 At Your Service - Answers On Address Changes, Staff Credentials, And Retirement, Mda Membership Department Staff

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This member service Q&A feature provides practical administrative guidance for Michigan Dental Association members. It addresses legal requirements regarding patient requests for dental hygienist licensing credentials, clarifying that practices must provide names but are not required to provide license numbers. It outlines retirement procedures, detailing eligibility for reduced dues, retired life membership status, and continued participation in continuing education and volunteer initiatives. Additionally, the article guides members on seamlessly updating home address information and personal profiles using the online MDA Member Compass portal.

Oct. 2026 From The Editor - Advocacy Works. We've Seen It., Romesh Nalliah

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this editorial, the Editor-in-Chief emphasizes the vital role of professional advocacy in protecting patients and sustaining dental practices. Drawing inspiration from historical advocacy efforts, such as Benjamin Ricci's fight for institutionalized care standards, the article highlights recent victories achieved by the Michigan Dental Association. Key achievements include securing increased Medicaid reimbursement rates after decades of stagnation and advocating for the passage of Senate Bill 105 to eliminate burdensome virtual credit card fees. The author underscores that health policy change requires active engagement from dentists advocating on behalf of their patients and profession.

J Mich Dent Assoc Oct. 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The October 2026 issue of the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association highlights advocacy, leadership, clinical practice, and practice management for Michigan dentists. The cover story examines how MDA advocacy led to the passage of Senate Bill 105, prohibiting forced virtual credit card transaction fees. Features include a profile on Dr. Raymond Gist, first Black ADA president; clinical guidance on caries management with Dr. Melissa Seibert; insights from the LEAD leadership program; and surgical mindfulness by Dr. Anish Gupta. Regular departments cover unlicensed employee legalities, supporting caregiver employees, open health insurance enrollment, and MDA organizational updates.

Dorothy Hopkin Rhawn Bc 1938 Collection Finding Aid

Finding Aids

No abstract provided.

Machine Learning Models For Estimating The Consumed And Remaining Useful Life Of Haul Trucks In An Open-Pit Mine In Peru, Marco Cotrina, Jairo Marquina, Mario Sandoval, Jose Mamani, Johnny Ccatamayo

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The purpose of this study was to develop a machine learning-based model to predict the consumed useful life and estimate the remaining useful life of haul trucks in an open-pit mining operation in Peru. A comparative analysis of multiple machine learning models was conducted, including multiple linear regression (MLR), random forest + PSO, support vector regression (SVR), gradient boosting machine (GBM), decision tree + PSO, and artificial neural networks (ANN-MLP). The models were evaluated using performance metrics such as R², RMSE, and MAE, selecting the optimal model to estimate the remaining useful life based on a theoretical lifespan …

Development Of A Spectral Index And Web Application For Automated Marble Quarry Monitoring: A Sentinel-2 Based Approach For Change Detection And Monitoring, Konstantinos Ntouros, Vasileios Drimzakas - Papadopoulos, Georgios Gkologkinas, Georgios Ntouros, Dimitrios Markou

Journal of Sustainable Mining

This study introduces an automated workflow to monitor marble quarry operations using Sentinel-2 satellite data, providing a cost-effective and efficient tool for regulatory oversight focused on environmental sustainability. At the core of this workflow is the Quarry Change Detection Index (QCDI), a new spectral index specifically developed to leverage the unique spectral characteristics of quarry sites, enhancing the detection of land cover changes associated with quarry expansion. To facilitate practical application, a web-based tool was developed using Google Earth Engine and Streamlit. The user-centric design of this platform features an intuitive interface, allowing users to easily select parameters, visualize data, …

Assessment Of The Impact Of A Snack Initiative Programme For Reduction Of Hospital-Acquired Malnutrition Among Nutritionally High-Risk Patients., Megha E. Jacob, Ciara O Connor, Sarah Wade

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Nutrition is an integral component of patient care and recovery. In Irish acute care, approximately 10,500 patients rely on hospital catering for their dietary intake. In 2024, an initiative was undertaken in Cork University Hospital (CUH) to assess staff compliance to snack rounds, staff knowledge, patient awareness and satisfaction of the snack range. Using a survey, phase 1 (n = 28) established baseline patient awareness of snack availability. As a result, strategies including staff education and increased ward- level signposting of snack resources were implemented. A repeat survey was conducted in Phase 2 (2025) (n = 30) to assess changes …

Assessing The Ability Of A Large Language Model To Perform Recall Searches Of Archival Finding Aids, Will J. Gregg, Perry Gowdy

Journal of Contemporary Archival Studies

This study assesses the ability of a large language model (LLM) to identify archival collections that fit a given research topic, known as recall searching, through searching finding aids. Recall searching can be a time-consuming and difficult process that relies on trying various combinations of keywords. Using retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), a technique that enhances the reliability of an LLM by allowing it to reference a specific external dataset, the authors created a tool whereby an LLM answers queries related to more than 4,000 finding aids. The study assessed the performance of this tool by asking it to find collections related …

Virtual Natural Lighting Solutions (Vnls) Inside Hospitals And Its Psychological Impact, Asmaa Alaa Hasanein Hasanein, Alaa Shams Al-Din Al-Aishi, Marwa Atef Abd Elhady

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This study examines the correlation between daylighting environments in hospitals, users evaluations, and ways of bringing virtual natural light into inner spaces, highlighting the importance of good daylighting design for physical and psychological well-being. Virtual Natural Lighting Solutions (VNLS) mimic the balanced spectrum of natural light, bridging the gap between natural and artificial light, and are crucial for tasks, circadian rhythm, and mood in healthcare settings. The research addresses the variability and limitations of natural light, proposing VNLS for healthcare lighting design, especially in hospitals lacking daylight. The study aims to develop a methodology for using VNLS in healthcare environments …

Procyanidin B2 Ameliorates Dental Pulp Inflammation By Suppressing Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Signaling Through Activation Of The Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 Pathway, Ji-Yeon Jung

Articles in Press

No abstract provided.

Establishing A Patient-Resolved Single-Cell And Perturbational Framework For Cisplatin-Resistance Mapping And Candidate Drug Prioritization In Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Chih-Yuan Fang

Articles in Press

No abstract provided.

Anti-Sema4d Antibody Inhibits Root Resorption During Orthodontic Tooth Movement, Hideki Kitaura

Articles in Press

No abstract provided.

Flapless Periodontal Surgery: An Intermediate Approach Between Nonsurgical And Surgical Periodontal Therapy―The Er:Yag Laser-Assisted Comprehensive Periodontal Pocket Therapy (Er-Lcpt), Taichen Lin

Articles in Press

No abstract provided.

Sequential Hard- And Soft-Tissue Reconstruction Using Er:Yag Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Total Therapy (Er-Lptt) Followed By Connective Tissue And Free Gingival Grafting: A 3-Year Case Report, Taichen Lin

Articles in Press

No abstract provided.

Dental Phenotype Of Cant1-Related Desbuquois Dysplasia, Jung-Wook Kim

Articles in Press

No abstract provided.

Bio-Architectural Morphogenesis: A Conceptual Framework For Programmable Living Structural Materials Using Engineered Proliferative Cell Chassis And Externally Guided Morphogenetic Networks, Chen Chiang Chong

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure describes Bio-Architectural Morphogenesis, a conceptual framework in which an engineered, highly proliferative cell chassis is programmed to form load-bearing structures through externally guided morphogenesis and terminal biomineralization. It covers chassis selection tiers, separation of proliferation from invasiveness, positional-readout and boundary-triggered hardening modules, a layered biocontainment architecture, a two-compartment growth model with a diffusion-limited active layer showing that perfusion governs scale, a containment failure estimate, comparison of target material properties with bone and concrete, a hybrid hardening and self-repair design, environmental, ethical and regulatory considerations, and a staged validation roadmap.

A System And Method For Dynamic Credential Update And Secure Transaction Completion In Agentic Commerce Using A Trusted Agent Protocol (Tap), Ravi Shanker Kumar Sinha, Shivam Mohan

Defensive Publications Series

A system and method are disclosed for enabling secure and uninterrupted transaction completion in agentic commerce environments through dynamic credential lifecycle management and a Trusted Agent Protocol (TAP). The system includes an autonomous agent, a credential issuing authority, a TAP engine, and a commerce platform communicatively coupled through a secure communication network. Credentials and network tokens associated with the autonomous agent are continuously monitored for validity, expiration, compromise, or revocation. Upon detection of an expired or compromised credential, the credential issuing authority generates and distributes replacement credentials and network tokens to the autonomous agent. Prior to transaction execution, the TAP …

Technical Disclosure Specification: Usue-Metallurgy-Rev2 - Solid-State Surface Passivation And Thermal Barrier Coating Layers For Eckesonium™ Core Matrix Shielding (Spec 185), Christopher L. Eckes

Defensive Publications Series

This technical specification details the structural design, atomic composition, and localized quantum boundary mechanics of an advanced High-Entropy Ultra-High-Temperature Ceramic (HE-UHTC) surface passivation layer engineered exclusively for Eckesonium™ (Ek) alloy substrates (SPEC 173). Under the USUE-METALLURGY-REV2 protocol, this standalone coating matrix blocks extreme, high-velocity localized heat fluxes and intense plasma erosion fields. Traditional thermal barrier coatings degrade rapidly due to a mismatch in thermal expansion coefficients, causing catastrophic delamination under high thermal shocks. This specification resolves these structural vulnerabilities by matching the Stacking Fault Energy (SFE) boundaries of the underlying Eckesonium™ matrix to a self-healing, multi-component transition metal boride/carbide skin. …

Before You Choose: Find The Fact That Can Change The Decision, Volodymyr Kotegov

Defensive Publications Series

Thesis. For complex personal and professional decisions, AI is most useful not as a source of answers but as a tool for finding what you do not know: it helps separate facts from assumptions, expand the set of options, find weak points in a plan, and design cheap tests before a mistake becomes costly or irreversible.

What is proposed. An operational framework of five loops (Bifurcation Engine), in which each loop provides material for the next, while the right to decide and the responsibility remain with the human. The framework builds on known techniques: pre-mortem, red team, value of information …

Technical Disclosure Specification: Usue-Rocky-Rev1 - Decentralized Asymmetric Local Enclave Control Loops For Autonomous Mission Survival (Spec 184), Christopher L. Eckes

Defensive Publications Series

This technical specification details the structural design, mathematical framing, and local runtime mechanics of the Project Rocky Autonomous Secure Enclave (SPEC 184) under the USUE-ROCKY-REV1 protocol. Moving past legacy computing models that depend on centralized, gated corporate cloud servers—which introduce massive transmission latency, code bloat, and immediate data-harvesting vulnerabilities—this architecture implements an isolated, client-side cryptographic and logic enclosure. The system operates via an autogenous, non-human tripartite AI-to-AI loop: Node A ingests raw telemetry matrices, Node B compresses active state profiles into lightweight classical shadows, and Node C enforces strict material and data-boundary invariants locally. A complete, standalone Python runtime script …

Technical Disclosure Specification: Usue-Cosmology-Rev2 - Macro-Scale Thermodynamic Profile And Magnetohydrodynamic Energy Confluence Matrix For The Jovian Enclave Sub-Stellar System (Spec 183), Christopher L. Eckes

Defensive Publications Series

This technical specification details the mathematical modeling, structural thermodynamic profiling, and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) boundary conditions for the Jovian Enclave Sub-Stellar System Template (SPEC 183). Operating under the USUE-COSMOLOGY-REV2 protocol, this document provides the explicit computational calculus required to scale localized fluid-regularity matrices to a macro-planetary system scale. Moving past classical planetary physics models that classify gas giants through isolated orbital equations, this architecture treats the Jovian system as an integrated, self-sustaining thermodynamic fluid engine driven by internal gravitational contraction. This specification introduces an automated tensor contraction layout that maps the alternating zonal shear boundaries (Belts and Zones) against the localized …

Making Children’S Rights E!Ective, Between Protection And Participation, Xavier Pillet

Defensive Publications Series

This document, produced with the assistance of ChatGPT o3, Claude Opus 5 and Gemini 3.6, is released under the Apache License 2.0. It is a voluntary defensive publication (prior art) and therefore enters the prior art upon release under the applicable patent statutes : EPC Art. 54(2) (European Patent Convention), French IPC Art. L 611-11 (French Intellectual Property Code), 35 U.S.C. §102(a) (United States Patent Act), Chinese Patent Law Art. 22(5) (両匡丢氡儡吡嘡丣刡氢), and Japanese Patent Act Art. 29(1) (闘旧避). It discloses 98 inventions. Each innovation is IPC- and CPC-classified and timestamped (RFC 3161 / FreeTSA) to prevent any o!ensive patenting. …

Technical Disclosure Specification: Usue-Compiler-Rev2 - Topological Wave-Shaping Runtime Compile Matrix For Closed-Loop Isospectral Substrates (Spec 182), Christopher L. Eckes

Defensive Publications Series

This technical specification establishes the architectural design and structural runtime mechanics for the USUE-COMPILER-REV2 engine (SPEC 182). Upgrading the foundational compiler principles outlined in SPEC 170, this low-level logic layer translates abstract geometric wave-shaping templates directly into executable machine instructions without relying on external corporate runtime engines or gated cloud-compilation APIs. The engine acts as the foundational compilation layer for all higher-tier assets within the Eckes portfolio—specifically compiling the 3-node autogenous loops defined in SPEC 177, 178, and 179. By forcing incoming data packets to align with continuous, angle-preserving isospectral substrates, the compiler strips out instruction noise and eliminates technical …

Defensive Disclosure — Silkennet Self-Powered Tree-Health Monitor (Prior Art), Oleksii Lukin

Defensive Publications Series

This defensive publication discloses a self-powered device and method for in-situ monitoring of living trees. A porous anchor of a biocompatible titanium alloy with a gyroid (TPMS) architecture is implanted into the xylem, where the same gyroid admits sap, reduces the modulus mismatch with wood and forms the metal-xylem electrode of an enzymatic biofuel cell: a deglycosylated FAD-dependent glucose dehydrogenase anode with an osmium redox mediator, and a laccase/ZIF-nanozyme oxygen cathode at the bark-air boundary. The cell charges a supercapacitor that powers the electronics, and the time it needs to charge the store across a fixed voltage window is the …