Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Wild West Of Edible Insects, Kyle Ligman

Capstones

After the UN came out with a report in 2013 recommending insects for human consumption, businesses and restaurants in the U.S. have been racing to grow a new industry. This project explores the psychological, regulatory and production challenges they face.

Well-Born: Black Women And The Infertility Crisis No One Is Talking About, Kaara Baptiste

Capstones

Black women are twice as likely to experience infertility than white women, but are less likely to seek treatment or to have successful fertility results once treated. Despite this alarming number, this topic is not often discussed, even among the black community. My narrative piece t tells the story of a black woman confronting her infertility diagnosis and the role her race played in her fertility treatment, while exploring the role racism and sexuality have had in keeping this issue in the shadows.

Lady Luck: The Rise Of Women Problem Gamblers, Antonia Massa

Capstones

Gambling addiction, once considered a nearly exclusively male affliction, is becoming more common among women. This story looks at the lives and addictions of two women problem gamblers. The project includes text, audio, images and a web app for smartphones, designed to help women who think they may have a gambling problem.

Sending Drugs Into The Fast Lane, Ross Keith

Capstones

Speedy drug approvals have become increasingly the norm at the FDA, a trend that began in 1992 with the passage of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act. Over the past 20 years, the approval process has shrunk, on average, from three years to ten months. As speed has risen, the number of safety issues has as well. Some notoriously harmful drugs, such as Vioxx and Avandia, that were pulled from the market because of dangerous side effects, were fast-tracked. Some doctors and industry analysts question whether the agency’s laissez faire approach is essentially moving the testing phase of drugs from …

Overcoming Obstacles, Melisa Stumpf

Capstones

the contributing factors that lead to the purported low life expectancy for transgenders (suicide, high risks of HIV, lack of healthcare access, refusal of care, etc.) which some experts, advocates and transgender individuals themselves think it's of about 35 years-old.

Mcdonald's Or Mesquite: Struggles On The Salt River Pima Reservation, Stefani Kim

Capstones

The Salt River Pima Indians, prior to colonization, had a strong tradition of harvesting and food sovereignity. As the tribe adapted to a more Westernized diet which consisted mainly of processed food rations, the rate of diabetes began to skyrocket on the reservation and, at one point, the tribe had one of the highest per capita diabetes rates in the world. This year, the tribe's cultural resources department will resurrect a 16-year-old community garden program originally funded by a USDA/Habitat for Humanity grant as a way to help combat health problems related to a poor diet such as diabetes and …

Turning Waste Into Resources In Haiti, Alexis Barnes

Capstones

Sanitation infrastructure in Haiti is an ongoing problem- one that only exacerbated a massive cholera epidemic brought to the country by Nepalese United Nations peacekeeping troops. SOIL is an NGO that works in alternative sanitation- using "urine-diverting dry toilets" to turn waste into a fertile resource. In my capstone, I explore the potential for alternative sanitation in Haiti, how it works and what internal and external political and economic factors lead to the current state of water and sanitation infrastructure in the country.

Urgent Cares Outpace Health Policy In The U.S., Ashley Rodriguez

Capstones

More and more medical practices across the country are rebranding themselves as urgent care centers to meet the growing demand for fast, affordable health care. In many states, they are regulated like physicians groups. However, there is a debate brewing among health care policy experts and government officials over whether these centers should have their own regulations. Such oversight could help patients expecting acute care avoid confusion to such a degree that they receive poor treatment from professionals who aren’t prepared to offer emergency services, or delayed treatment because they are bounced around from facility to facility.

Mapping A City's Invisible Residents, Kelly Dickerson

Capstones

A scientist is mapping the microbes of New York City in hopes of eventually creating a real-time map that could help prevent the spread of diseases.

When You Can't Watch What You Eat: Examining The Fda’S Recall Process For Food Allergies, Jacob Passy

Capstones

Over a third of all recalls for food products in the United States occur due to an undeclared allergen. In these situations, a food product is often mislabeled or contaminated in some way, resulting in the unknown presence of allergen. For food-allergic consumers, a company's mistake can become life-threatening. By investigating data from the Food and Drug Administration, I found that supermarket chains are responsible for about a fifth of all recalls, and that many recalls occur past the product's expiration date. These factors point to the need to improve the FDA's handling of food allergies in food manufacturing.

A Meta-Analysis Of The Prediction Of Violence Among Adults With Mental Disorders, Hing Po Lam

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The study of the risk for violence among persons with mental disorders has received substantial scientific attention over the past few decades; however, many uncertainties and controversies remain due to the wide disparities in the reported results. Using the state-of-the-art perspective of public health, a meta-analysis was conducted to clarify the ambiguities by synthesizing quantitative findings from 85 research reports (completed between January 1970 and May 2010) on violence risk assessment among mentally disordered adults. Results of this meta-analytic study revealed that the estimates of the prevalence of violence among the psychiatric population varied considerably from 1.1% to 78.4% with …

Characterization Of Somatosensory Processing In Relation To Schizotypal Traits In A Sample Of Nonclinical Young Adults, Maureen Patricia Daly

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

A core feature of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) is a basic sensory (e.g., visual, auditory) processing disruption, yet few studies have examined somatosensation. The current dissertation project examined somatosensory processes among individuals at varying degrees of psychometric risk for psychosis using tactile texture and spatial discrimination and letter recognition tasks. Differential patterns of associations of somatosensory abilities with schizotypal trait dimensions (positive, negative, disorganized), independent of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and the relative contributions of bottom-up (peripheral and morphologic features) versus top-down (error types) processing were examined. It was hypothesized that: 1) performance on somatosensory tasks would account for significant …

Birthing, Blackness, And The Body: Black Midwives And Experiential Continuities Of Institutional Racism, Keisha La'nesha Goode

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Within the last decade, historical and contemporary accounts of midwives, along with the efficacy of the Midwives Model of Care for pregnancy, childbirth and general women's health, have become increasing popular in mainstream publications and documentaries. Yet, very few of these accounts represent historical or contemporary black midwives (and midwives of color, more generally). Despite a long history of midwifery in the black community, black women currently represent less than 2% of the nation's reported 15,000 midwives. Relatedly, black women and infants experience the worst birth outcomes of any racial-ethnic cohort in the United States.

In the early 20th century, …

Intra- And Intergenerational Effects Of Migration And The Role Of The Psychosocial Environment In The Development Of Perinatal Depression, Hannah R. Simons

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Background: Perinatal depression is a significant public health issue that affects women and their families. Studies conducted outside of the United States (US) have found a higher prevalence of perinatal depression in immigrant compared to native-born women. US studies have been less consistent but have relied on convenience samples and lacked appropriate comparison groups.

Objectives: To characterize the relationship between migration to the US and risk for perinatal depressive symptomatology and to examine the role of the post-migration psychosocial environment on the occurrence of perinatal depressive symptoms.

Methods: The dissertation used two data sources, the NYC Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring …

Identification And Characterization Of Protein Kinase C Substrates In Human Breast Cells, Xin Zhao

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Aberrations in PKC signaling can lead to the development of multiple human diseases and the most prominent association of PKC with disease has been in tumor growth and metastasis. PKC and its related pathways have been recognized as promising targets for blocking the malignancy of breast cancer cells. To better understand PKC-mediated pathway in breast cancer cells, it is important to identify the cellular substrates of PKC. The main focus of this work is to identify physiologically relevant cellular substrates of PKC in human breast cells and to characterize their roles in cancer-related phenotypes. The work to be described consists …

When Less Can Be More: Dual Task Effects In Stuttering And Fluent Adults, Naomi Nechama Eichorn

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The present study tested the counterintuitive hypothesis that engaging cognitive resources in a secondary task while speaking could benefit aspects of speech production. Effects of dual task conditions on speech fluency, rate, and error patterns were examined in stuttering and fluent speakers based on specific predictions derived from three related theoretical frameworks. Twenty fluent adults and 19 adults with confirmed diagnoses of stuttering participated in the study. All participants completed two baseline tasks: (1) a continuous speaking task in which spontaneous speech was produced in response to given prompts; and (2) a working memory (WM) task involving manipulations of WM …

Clinical Implications Of Binaural Interference: A Systematic Review Of The Literature, Michael Bergen

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

A binaural advantage has been described in many studies over the past fifty years, although research also has demonstrated examples of a disadvantage known as binaural interference. The literature varies greatly in suggesting the incidence of binaural interference across all populations. It also raises questions about the underlying causes of this phenomenon, as well as whether age-related changes have an impact.

A systematic review was engaged to summarize the literature associated with binaural interference, to identify clinical implications of this body of literature, and to answer two research questions:

1) Does the literature describe changes in susceptibility to binaural interference …

Underprivileged Children In Port-Au-Prince, Haiti: Hearing And Academic Performance Of Children In Public Schools In Port Au Prince, Talia Meisel

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Hearing loss is estimated to affect more than 360 million people worldwide, 32% of whom are children. Children with hearing loss tend to develop compromised communicative abilities and also have been found to perform more poorly academically than their normal hearing peers. Because of the lack of medical care, children in third world countries are expected to have more difficulty hearing and learning in a classroom setting than children in first world countries due to higher incidences of conductive pathology. The purpose of this study is to assess the hearing ability of underprivileged children in kindergarten and primary schools in …

The Status Of Neonatal Hearing Screening In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review, David Engelman

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Late identification of hearing loss can lead to speech and language delays, as well as social and academic difficulties. Neonatal hearing screening has reduced the age of identification of hearing loss in many developed countries. However, the practice is limited or non-existent in much of the developing world, such as sub-Saharan Africa. This systematic review used currently available literature to determine the status of neonatal hearing screening programs in sub-Saharan Africa and to develop a model program for the region. Results suggested a lack of neonatal hearing screening services in sub-Saharan Africa, stressing the need for more pilot hearing screening …

Attitudes Of Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology Students Towards Noise In Youth Culture, Lillian Law

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

In order to increase the use of hearing conservation strategies among youth, it is important to identify which populations are most amenable to potential behavior change. The purpose of the present study was to compare attitudes towards noise between undergraduate speech-language pathology/audiology majors and other majors. Participants (N = 119) responded to a survey used to compare attitudes toward noise in the two groups, as well as their perceived ability to influence their sound environment. In addition, a correlational analysis was performed to determine if a relation exists between attitudes towards noise and attitudes towards influencing one's sound environment. Findings …

Influences Of Motor Control Instruction And Taping On Center Of Pressure And Scapulothoracic Kinematics During Reaching For Individuals With Hemiparesis, Michelle De Guzman, Tatyana Farber, Anna Kochanova, Jonathan Lazarus

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Purpose: To determine if application of Kinesiotape™ was able to normalize the overall reaching motion by analyzing both surface electromyographic data and force platform feedback. Design: This study utilizes a case-control design.

Subjects: 5 control and 5 stroke survivors age >40 were recruited for this study through flyers at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, White Plains, NY.

Methods: Surface EMG electrodes were applied to upper extremity (UE) and lower extremity (LE) muscles and an accelerometer placed on the reaching UE. Subjects stood on a force platform and reached towards a target at shoulder height. The task was repeated 5-7 times with right …

Otoscopic And Tympanometric Outcomes In Haitian Children, Ellen May

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Outer and middle ear pathologies are common and highly treatable conditions that affect children worldwide. While data on the prevalence of outer and middle ear disorders in children in North America and other developed countries is ample, such data in developing countries is oftentimes scarce. Determining the prevalence of outer and middle ear disorders is vital, as these types of disorders, if left untreated, can have medical, audiological, and educational implications. Both the identification and treatment of outer and middle ear pathologies are especially important in Haiti, a country that has a severe lack of medical resources, and is especially …

Post-Treatment Drug Use, Recidivism, Analogous Behaviors, And Perceptions Of Fairness: Examining Whether Parolees With Low Self-Control Will Benefit From The Collaborative Behavioral Management Intervention, Sriram Chintakrindi

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This dissertation tested Gottfredson and Hirschi's (1990) low self-control theory and its relationship with post-treatment outcomes by conducting a secondary-data analysis of a randomized controlled trial on parolees (n=569) called the Step'n Out study (2005). The Step'n Out study (2005) compared the results of a control group (standard parole) with an experimental treatment for parolees called the Collaborative Behavioral Management (CBM) intervention which was designed to improve substance-use treatment outcomes, reduce drug use, and reduce recidivism for parolees participating in the study.

Low self-control theory states that individuals with character traits that are impulsive, risk-seeking, self-centered, and display volatile temper …

Does End Of Life Terminology Influence Decisional Conflict In Surrogate Decision Makers?, Dawn Fairlie

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This study investigated the relationship between end of life terminologies and decisional conflict in surrogate decision makers using a convenience sample of 234 adults age 50 and older at active adult communities, and senior centers in New Jersey. Participants were randomized into two groups, and each received a vignette that was personalized. The vignettes varied only in the use of the words "Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)" and "Allow Natural Death (AND)". The Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS) was administered.

There was no difference in total DCS score based on AND and DNR versions. However, AND respondents perceived their decision as a …

Research Components In Curriculum Of Doctor Of Physical Therapy Programs, Stephen Ingrassia, Gary Mulligan, Roman Tverdovskiy, Andy Zhu

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to determine the current Doctor of Physical Therapy program curriculum, as it applies to research classes and research projects. We investigated the current research requirements of various DPT programs nationwide to determine DPT graduates’ preparedness to conduct research post-graduation.

METHODS: Participants of the current study were recent DPT college graduates selected from DPT programs across the United States. Subjects were asked to participate in a brief online survey questionnaire in reference to their DPT program research curriculum.

RESULTS: A total of 215 DPT programs contacted, out of which 39 schools were able to …

Examining The Association Of Medication Complexity With Health-Related Quality Of Life In Older Adults Receiving Community-Based Long Term Services And Supports, Claudia Ann Beck

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

While the complexity of a medication regimen is a concern for all individuals, it is of significant concern for community-dwelling older adults who often require multiple medications to treat chronic health problems. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) has been identified as a key quality outcome measure when assessing care of older adults, particularly those with long-term care needs. Although the use of multiple medications has been widely explored in the literature, there is a paucity of data regarding the combination of several medication-related factors (number of active medications, therapeutic drug class, and medication regimen complexity) and HRQoL in older …

The Relationship Of Nursing Career Perception Congruence And Perceived Social Support On Hispanic Middle School Female Nursing Career Choice, Karen Vicino Bourgeois

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of nursing career perception congruence and perceived social support on Hispanic middle school females' nursing career choice. A non-experimental descriptive, cross sectional design examined the relationship in a convenience sample of 200 Hispanic middle school females from the New York tri-state area. Instruments used to measure nursing career choice, nursing career perception congruence, and perceived social support, were: (1) the Nursing Career Choice Questionnaire (NCC); (2) Attitudes, Values, and Beliefs Scale (AVBS); and (3) the Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale (CASSS) .Multinomial logistic regression analyses indicated support for the …

"If She Can Do It, So Can I": An Ethnography Of A Supportive Living Environment For Women In The Criminal Justice System And Their Children, Regina Cardaci

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

There are now more women in prisons and jails than at any time in United States history. A large number of these women will be returning to the community. Women returning to the community after release from prison or jail face numerous challenges to successful reentry, e.g., securing housing and employment. In addition, following separation and care of their children by others, women with children struggle to resume their roles as mother.

This dissertation is an exploration of a program that assists women transitioning from incarceration to the community. This program helps women by helping to develop job skills and …

The Lived Experiences Of Nurses Caring For Dying Pediatric Patients, Danna Leigh Curcio

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research study was to explore the lived experiences of nurses caring for dying pediatric patients. Nurses and health care professionals may at times have difficulty adjusting and processing when life ends and this may have the potential to interfere with patient care. Reflection on past events and actions enable critical discovery of strategies to benefit both nurses and patients. The method for conducting this research study was from a qualitative phenomenological perspective exploring the lived experiences of nurses caring for dying pediatric patients. The philosophical underpinning of Merleau-Ponty (2008), in combination with the research method of …

The Lived Experience Of Young Adult Burn Survivors' Use Of Social Media, Marie S. Giordano

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to illuminate the meaning of social media use by young adult burn survivors. Five females and four males, aged 20-25, who sustained burns > 25%, were interviewed. Van Manen's (1999) phenomenological methodology provided the framework for this study. The meaning of the context of the lived experience is described in the five essential themes of identity, connectivity, social support, making meaning, and privacy. These young adult burn survivors, having experienced the traumatic effects of a burn during adolescence, use social media as a way of expressing their identity, while being cautious about privacy. Part …