Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Dams On Benthic Macroinvertebrate Diversity In The Bronx River, Jayda Smith, Bobby Habig

Cities and the Environment (CATE)

It is well-documented that dams can have negative effects on fish diversity. What is less known is the impact of urban dams on other aquatic organisms, specifically macroinvertebrates. Dams might create a mosaic of habitat patches in which above dam habitats exhibit differences in water chemistry and physical properties compared to below dam habitats, resulting in differences in macroinvertebrate diversity between these two habitats. Alternatively, the impacts of urbanization might overwhelm the impacts of dams resulting in biotic homogenization where both above dam and below dam habitats are dominated by a few of the same pollution-sensitive taxa or invasive species. …

Laughing Doves Use Human Structures In Fragmented Habitats To Improve Breeding Success, Humphrey Tietaah Ankuor, Ziblim Abukari Imoro, Timothy Khan Aikins

Cities and the Environment (CATE)

The effects of urbanisation on our natural environment have led to a significant shift in ecosystem structure and processes, posing threats to many wildlife species. However other species adapts to urban settings exploiting food and nesting opportunities that humans provide. This study identified and mapped Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis nests in human structures and trees within in an urban setting. The study characterised the nesting site selection, nest materials choices, and breeding success in human structures and trees. The results show that majority (107 nests, 86%) of the Laughing Dove nests were in human structures with only 14% (16 nests) …

Using Spiderwebs To Capture Airborne Environmental Dna (Edna) To Detect Animal Biodiversity In An Urban Park, Sabriya Ann Seid, Leonardo Gonzalez-Smith, Josephine Campos, Demian A. Willette

Cities and the Environment (CATE)

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is the genetic material shed by organisms in the environment. It has emerged as a powerful resource for assessing biodiversity, particularly in aquatic settings. The application of eDNA methods in terrestrial environments is less developed, with researchers still exploring collection methods of eDNA from the air. One novel approach recently trialed is the use of spiderwebs, a passive, natural material whose sticky silk threads can capture tiny airborne particles, including eDNA. Here, we investigated the use of spiderwebs for airborne eDNA collection as part of a broader survey of biodiversity at the urban Ascot Hills Park in …

Western Conifer Seed Bug (Leptoglossus Occidentalis), Emilie Demard

All Current Publications

This fact sheet provides information on the western conifer seed bug, including native range, life cycle, plant hosts, symptoms and damage, and management options.

Transitioning From The Consolidated Framework For Implementation Research (Cfir) To The Updated Cfir For Quantitative Measurement Of Influences On Implementation Outcomes In A Faith-Based Walking Intervention, Ruth P. Saunders, Sarah Wilcox Phd, A. Caroline Rudisill, Andrew T. Kaczynski, Jasmin Parker-Brown

Faculty Publications

Background Our research team has used the highly cited Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) a priori throughout the research process to better understand influences on implementation outcomes of an organizational change innovation to promote physical activity and healthy eating in faith-based settings. CFIR has recently been updated to include substantial changes in some domains and constructs, and our research team is preparing to carry out a new implementation study of an evidence-based innovation in churches. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process we undertook to map CFIR domains, constructs, and quantitative measures from our earlier studies …

“Real-World Prognostic Performance Of Different Severe And Advanced Heart Failure Definitions: Data From The Swedish Heart Failure Registry”, Camilla Hage, Felix Lindberg, Christian Basile, Alessandro Villaschi, Francesca Musella, Davide Stolfo, Raffaele Scorza, Guillame Baudry, Charlotta Ljungman, Oscar Braun, Valeria Valente, Biykem Bozkurt, Marco Metra, Gianluigi Savarese

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: A valid definition of severe heart failure (HF) is essential for earlier identification, timely referral for advanced therapies, and to optimize clinical trial design.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence, prognostic performance, and 1-year outcomes associated with different definitions of severe and advanced HF (AdvHF) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods: We included 15,153 patients with EF < 40%, HF duration >6 months, and no prior left ventricular assist device or heart transplant, from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry. Several definitions of severe/AdvHF were evaluated: a simplified Heart Failure Association (HFA) definition (NYHA III-IV, EF < 30%, ≥2 HF hospitalizations in 12 months), the GALACTIC-Severe-definition (NYHA III-IV, EF < 30%, ≥1 hospitalization in 6 months), and variations adding/removing criteria such as NT-proBNP levels and diuretic dose to the HFA-AdvHF definition. Predictive performance and 1-year outcomes were analyzed.

Results: The HFA-definition identified …

Impact Of Long-Term Nitrogen Scavenger Therapy On Clinical Outcome In Individuals With Urea Cycle Disorders, Florian Gleich, Andrea L Gropman, Sandesh C S Nagamani, Georg F Hoffmann, Stefan Kölker, Matthias Zielonka

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Principles of long-term medical management in individuals with urea cycle disorders (UCDs) encompass (1) a low protein diet, (2) supplementation of arginine and/or citrulline along with essential amino acids, nutrients, vitamins and trace elements, and (3) use of nitrogen scavenging agents to reduce recurrent hyperammonemic events (HAEs). These principles aim at providing metabolic stability, elimimation of chronic complications, and achievement of normal development as well as growth. A retrospective comparative analysis was performed by studying 138 individuals with male ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (mOTC-D), citrullinemia type 1 (CTLN1) and argininosuccinic aciduria (ASA) based on in vitro residual enzymatic activity for severity-adjustment. …

The Agreement Between Pulse Oximetry And Measured Arterial Oxygen Saturations In Postoperative Functionally Univentricular Patients, Pranathi Pilla, Vikram Shah, Saul Flores, Rohit S Loomba

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Pulse oximetry is widely used to estimate arterial oxygen saturation, yet accuracy may vary for a number of reasons. Data on children with functionally univentricular circulation are limited. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between arterial oxygen saturation measured by blood gas and pulse oximetry in children with functionally univentricular circulations. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of paired arterial blood gas and pulse oximetry oxygen saturation measurements following Norwood, Glenn, or Fontan procedures. Signed difference was defined as arterial oxygen saturation by blood gas-arterial oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry. Bland-Altman analyses, …

Newsletter 2026.03.18, Fcrh Honors Program

What's Going On, Honors? (2025-26)

No abstract provided.

Kuya Guard Needs Help!: Replanning Traffic Utility And Road Marking Placement As A Congestion Alleviant In Laguna Boulevard, Laguna, Robert Anthony L. Amazona, Harley L. Buensalida, Erian Jeshua F. Margallo

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Traffic congestion is a widespread issue for commuters, influenced by multiple factors and variables. One such area affected is Laguna Boulevard, a critical road connecting multiple essential facilities in Biñan and Sta. Rosa, including Laguna Technopark and educational institutions like De La Salle University Laguna Campus and Caritas Don Bosco School. The roadway experiences significant congestion during peak hours due to high traffic volumes along segments and intersections impacted by uncoordinated road expansions, inconsistent transitions between one-way and two-way flows, limited sight distances, and obstructive roadside elements that collectively disrupt vehicular movement and compromise safety. This study proposes a replanned …

Beyond Borders: Exploring The Diversity, Practices, And Influences Of Feminism In Baguio City’S Contemporary Society, Patricia Josh Fate Alcantara, Asher Luis Cunan Badecao Iv, Clint Yuan Vista Castro, Alyza Faye Balbas Cutit, Naedaly Balagot David, Francesco Riane Bareng Pineda

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Historical research documents feminism's evolution from 19th-century suffrage movements to modern intersectional approaches. Though there are gaps in understanding how personal experiences and contexts, such as cultural and socio-economic, influence current feminist practice. This study investigates how lived experiences shape contemporary feminist engagement in Baguio City, Philippines. Using a descriptive phenomenological analysis of face-to-face interviews with a total of nine participants, the study identifies the following: results reveal generational divides, with younger participants developing progressive, digitally-informed feminist consciousness, while economic realities constrain activist participation for marginalized groups. Practical manifestations of feminism emerge through four daily practices: (1) conscious use of …

We Need To Talk: Transforming Dreaded Feedback Conversations, Karen Wood, Jennifer Sharkey

Purdue Road School

Feedback can inspire growth—or shut it down. This session will debunk the myths that feedback is a one-time event and always negative. We will explore practi cal methods, conversation strategies, and mindsets that make giving and receiving feedback more effective. Whether you are a supervisor or not, you will walk away with tools you can use immediately to turn feedback into a meaningful, ongoing dialogue while fostering trust, encouraging curiosity, and building a culture of continuous improvement.

The Open Knowledge Fellowship: An Opportunity For Transformative Learning At The Doctoral Level, Elvis Bakaitis, Jill Cirasella

Transforming Libraries for Graduate Students

How can we integrate the principles, practicalities, and complexities of open educational resources (OER) and open access scholarly literature into graduate-level education? At the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), the popular and successful Open Knowledge Fellowship offers a much-needed intervention in doctoral education by addressing these topics and associated debates. Between 2020 and 2025, the intensive six-week Fellowship program was offered 12 times and trained over 200 doctoral students from across the disciplines in the selection and use of openly licensed resources in the courses they teach. These 200+ students then taught their revamped courses …

Reshaping Library Programming For Graduate Students Through Strategic Partnerships And Adaptation, Brian Vetruba, Caroyn Bishoff, Kate Peterson

Transforming Libraries for Graduate Students

In the wake of Covid-19, support structures dedicated to graduate student success at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMN) underwent dramatic shifts. Centralized in-person events for graduate students were discontinued, departmental identities strengthened, and library outreach responsibilities were reshaped by institutional changes, including a reduction of library staff. This panel examines how academic libraries can adapt and innovate with decreased capacity to meet the diverse needs of graduate students. Panelists will share strategies for expanding campus partnerships and sustaining and scaling initiatives that equip graduate students – especially first-year, international, and BIPOC students – with essential research skills and …

The Mid-States Corridor: A Project Update, Kyanna Wheeler, Jason Dupont, Jason Rhoades

Purdue Road School

Join us for a progress update on the NEPA, Technical Procurement, and ROW Acquisition phases of the Mid-States Corridor Project. The Mid-States Corridor is an improved highway connection in southern Indiana generally following US 231 from I-64, east of Huntingburg and Jasper, extending north and connecting to I-69. We will provide insights into ongoing project activities within each phase.

Cost-Effective Critical Path Management Of Utilities And Right-Of-Way, Kip Bunch, Kenny Franklin, Daniel Mcmurtry

Purdue Road School

ROW and Utilities are two essential elements that affect both cost and schedule. Because these disciplines involve third parties who may not always share the project’s goals, significant attention is warranted to minimize unnecessary complications that can result in cost and schedule overruns. This session will focus on the intersections of ROW and utilities, providing participants with tools and tips to reduce project risk and build reliability in delivery.

Enhancing Safe Streets And Roads For All (Ss4a) Safety Plans Through Stakeholder Input, Neal Styka, Aaron Bubb

Purdue Road School

Developing a successful Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) safety action plan requires meaningful collaboration across diverse groups. While technical advisory committees are valuable, participation and feedback are not always guaranteed making outreach to organizations and attendance at community events all the more important to ensure input can truly shape stronger, more responsive safety plans. This presentation will highlight how one-on-one outreach and direct engagement build trust, expand community input, and reveal safety concerns not reflected in crash data.

Enhancing Bicycle And Pedestrian Safety: Leveraging Near-Miss With Indygo, Christian Cambron, Steven Hollenkamp, Patrick Weitlauf

Purdue Road School

Safety remains a core priority for transportation professionals, yet traditional crash data often do not capture the full picture, particularly for vulnerable road users like bicyclists and pedestrians. To address this gap, the transit agency for Indianapolis, IndyGo, integrated near miss conflict data into a transit-oriented safety project at 33 bus stops and intersection across Indianapolis. In this presentation, learn how IndyGo is using these data to inform operational and infrastructure improvements in coordination with the Indianapolis Department of Public Works.

Diverging Diamond Interchanges Lessons Learned: Design Refinements And Performance, Nathaniel Shellhamer, Daniel Mccoy, Jack Gallagher

Purdue Road School

This presentation will share an overview of INDOT’s experience with the design of diverging diamond interchanges (DDIs). Specific discussion will focus on design refinements being made in the most recent DDIs in Indiana, as well as lessons learned from existing DDIs in the areas of geometrics, operations and performance, and human factors/driver behavior. We will also review case studies and before-and-after analyses of existing DDIs.

From Feedback To Innovation: Next-Gen Asphalt Preservation, Andrew Eicher, Tim Zahrn, Curt Higginbotham

Purdue Road School

Spray-applied rejuvenators are increasingly used as a proactive pavement preservation tool. This presentation will explore their benefits, recent research findings, and key product attributes valued by road owners. We will discuss limitations and challenges facing current rejuvenator technologies and explore how recent innovations improve user value. An agency representative will provide firsthand insights into the practical use and performance of rejuvenators in network-level pavement management, offering a real-world perspective on their role in extending pavement life and improving asset condition.

Marl Madness: Plainfield’S Slam Dunk Solution, Scott Singleton, Mark Butler, Kyle Zak

Purdue Road School

The final link in Plainfield’s Northwest Perimeter Parkway posed a challenge with poor soils. Designers faced a thick layer of organic material beneath an embankment road section and four-sided box culvert, introducing a risk of settlement under construction loads. This presentation will discuss the challenges and how the proposed solution exceeded expectations.

Liquid Steel-Repair Of Steel Bridges With Ultra-High Performance Concrete, Michael Culmo, Brian Winger

Purdue Road School

The use of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for steel bridge repair has been pioneered through a collaboration of the Connecticut DOT, the University of Connecticut, and CHA Consulting, Inc. To date, three applications have been developed and completed. These applications include repairing of corroded steel beam/girder ends, improving flexural capacity of girder flanges, and strengthening of truss gusset plates. This presentation will cover the development and implementation of all three applications.

Revive I-70: Pavement Design Overview, Matt Taylor, Kumar Dave

Purdue Road School

This presentation will examine the goals and design strategies behind two recently awarded design-build contracts for the Revive I-70 project in Wayne County. We will discuss how these contracts showcase contrasting approaches to pavement management and design: reconstruction using extended-service-life pavement and rehabilitating pavement to extend the service life of the original structure. We will also offer insights into INDOT’s evolving pavement design practices.

The Ministerial Exception And Defamation: Navigating Churches’ Autonomy And Their Communications, Zachary Runge

Pepperdine Law Review

In two recent cases, the Supreme Court has adopted what scholars and lower courts have called the “ministerial exception.” The Court only addressed the ministerial exception’s application to employment discrimination claims. But the Court did not foreclose the possibility of its application to other claims. This Comment argues that the ministerial exception applies to defamation claims arising out of a minister’s termination. After providing the background for the ministerial exception, this Comment explains the current state of the law. Then, this Comment argues that the ministerial exception, as a form of the church autonomy doctrine, applies to the defamation claims …

Table Of Contents & Masthead, Mitchell Brost

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.

Corporate Governance As Bloodsport, Jeremy Kidd, George A. Mocsary

Pepperdine Law Review

The modern Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) movement promotes diversion of corporate assets from shareholders to “stakeholders.” This is done in the name of a corporate duty to society. But “successful” ESG efforts threaten the success of the corporate form by inviting rent-seeking. This conflict between ESG principles and established theories and norms of corporate law is difficult to resolve because corporate law lacks the tools needed to understand the type of collective decision-making that occurs in the corporate setting. This Article is the first to apply public choice economics—the economic study of collective decision-making—to corporate decision-making to identify the …

Ayahuasca And Religious Freedom, Andrew C. Michaels

Pepperdine Law Review

Ayahuasca is an ancient and powerful psychedelic brew that has been used for many centuries in the Amazon rainforest, and over past decades has been gaining popularity in western countries such as the United States. The ayahuasca brew contains dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and accordingly is banned by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). But some groups working with ayahuasca have applied for exemptions under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), and so far, at least five such groups have received exemptions, either via court decision or via agreement with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). However, the factors that courts and the DEA …

Ai-Enhanced Citation Mapping: Tools & Strategies For Graduate Instruction, Corinne Bishop Edd, Rachel Trnka Phd, Ven Basco

Transforming Libraries for Graduate Students

AI-enhanced citation mapping tools offer the potential to streamline the discovery process when conducting academic literature searches. Among the wide range of AI-enhanced tools now available, tools like Citation Gecko, Connected Papers, LitMaps, and Research Rabbit are designed to identify, visualize, and uncover relevant connections between sources. While these tools offer the potential to streamline the discovery process, many graduate students may be unaware of how to use AI tools effectively or how to evaluate the relevancy of search results. Graduate students may also mistakenly view the use of an AI-enhanced citation mapping tool as a “one-stop solution” to search …

Ai-Supported Reflective Practice: Redesigning Teacher Education Courses For Critical Ai Integration, Nabat Erdogan

Essays in Education

This article proposes AI-Supported Reflective Practice, a design framework that positions generative AI as a secondary evaluator and reflective partner in a graduate-level online ELL assessment course. Drawing on two redesigned assignments, an ELL writing evaluation and an assessment critique, the framework asks teacher candidates first to conduct independent analyses, then to elicit, compare, and critically interrogate AI-generated evaluations. These designs aim to cultivate critical AI literacy, professional judgment, and equity-centered interpretation, particularly for multilingual learners. The article discusses emerging benefits, challenges, and program-level implications, arguing that embedding AI within authentic disciplinary tasks can deepen, rather than erode, candidates’ ethical …

The Torch, Evangelical School Of Nursing Yearbook, 1965, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

Evangelical School of Nursing, Oak Lawn, IL: Evangelical School of Nursing Yearbook from 1965 called "The Torch".