Digital Commons Network^™

Braingenebot: A Framework For Variant Prioritization And Generative Pretrained Transformer-Informed Interpretation Across Polygenic Risk Score Studies, Gang Qu, Nitesh Enduru, Xinyi Liu, Xiaoqian Jiang, Zhongming Zhao

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) are widely used to assess genetic susceptibility in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research. However, the rapid expansion of PRS studies has led to dataset-specific biases-stemming from factors like population makeup, genotyping methods, and analysis pipelines-that result in inconsistent variant prioritization and limit generalizability and reproducibility. To address these challenges, we propose a transductive learning framework that integrates multiple PRS datasets for more robust risk variant prioritization, incorporating genome-wide association study (GWAS) priority scores as biologically informed priors. Additionally, we introduce BrainGeneBot, an AI-driven tool leveraging generative pretrained transformers with retrieval-augmented generation technology to streamline genomic analyses in …

Bacterial Identification And Antibiotic Sensitivity Profiles From Captive Birds At Taipei Zoo, Younjung Chang, I-Li Liu, Jane-Fang Yu, Lih-Chiann Wang

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Bacterial infections are common in zoo birds. They may be caused by pathogenic bacteria or opportunistic bacteria due to trauma or stress-induced immune compromise. Improper use of antibiotics contributes to the development of resistant bacteria, making treatment complicated or ineffective. However, comprehensive clinical investigations into bacterial prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility in zoo-captive birds remain limited. This study identified the bacterial species present in captive diseased birds at the zoo and conducted a 12-year analysis of their antibiotic susceptibility profiles. The specimens from 48 birds at Taipei Zoo from 2006 to 2017 were submitted to a commercial reference laboratory for bacterial …

Assessment Of The Dietary Supplements Effects On Maternal Underweight In Nigeria, Chukwuebuka Jude Chiobi, Uzoamaka Angela Chiobi, Ambrose Nnaemeka Omeje, Ikechukwu Andrew Mobosi, Michael Okike Ugwu, Nnamdi Simeon Ugwu

Kesmas

Maternal underweight continues to rise and, if not properly managed, will lead to increased mortality. This contradicts the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of reducing maternal mortality by 2050. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the probable effect of dietary supplements on maternal underweight in Nigeria. This study employed probit estimation using the maximum likelihood technique in 2022, with the 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey data as the basis for analysis. The results showed a statistically significant effect of dietary supplements on maternal underweight in Nigeria. The likelihood of dietary supplements impacting maternal underweight was approximately 0.4% lower, on average, …

Gambaran Faktor Risiko Waktu Terapi Radiasi Yang Berkepanjangan Pada Pasein Kanker Payudara: Studi Cross-Sectional Di Rsup Dr. Kariadi Tahun 2023, Zahra Zetira Muchtar, Asri C. Adisasmita, Dion Firli Bramantyo

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

In Indonesia, there were more than 58,000 new breast cancer cases with nearly 23,000 deaths in 2020. Radiotherapy is one of the adjuvant therapy modalities for breast cancer. Interruptions of more than five days increase the risk of local recurrence. This study aimed to describe the risk factors associated with prolonged overall treatment time (OTT) in breast cancer patients at Dr. Kariadi General Hospital during 2023. This was a cross-sectional study using bivariate logistic regression analysis to examine the association between national holidays, deterioration of general condition, age, residence, and type of surgery prior to radiation therapy with prolonged OTT. …

Analisis Potensial Kejadian Luar Biasa Dbd Berdasarkan Kasus Dbd 5 Tahun Terakhir 2019-2024 : Studi Ekologi Di Kota Lubuklinggau Provinsi Sumatera Selatan, Sely Anggraini, Tri Yunis Miko Wahyono, Fitria Fitria, Nadia Putri

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is an endemic disease in Indonesia, with a high potential for outbreaks, particularly in tropical and densely populated regions such as Lubuklinggau City. This study aimed to assess the outbreak potential of DHF in Lubuklinggau by analyzing the five-year trend of minimum and maximum case numbers (2019–2023) and comparing them with 2024 data using the epidemic threshold approach. A descriptive ecological study design was employed, with all primary health centers (puskesmas) in the city as units of analysis. Data sources included annual DHF surveillance reports from the District Health Office, field observations, demographic data from the …

An Epidemiological Exploration Of Binge Eating Disorder And Its Emotional Roots Among Youth In Greater Jakarta, Henny Kurniati, Yudha Asy'ari, Tri Amelia Rahmitha Helmi, Tonny Sundjaya

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

The rising prevalence of mental disorders among youth, including depression, anxiety, stress, and binge eating disorder (BED), has become a major concern in the context of global mental health. BED, as a form of eating disorder, often occurs with psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression, complicating diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and association between depression, anxiety, stress, and BED among youth in Greater Jakarta. Using a cross-sectional online design, data were collected from 231 participants aged 18-25 years through the Binge Eating Scale (BES) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Statistical analysis involved bivariate …

Determinan Ketidakpatuhan Kunjungan Pengambilan Obat Antiretroviral Pasien Hiv/Aids Di Kabupaten Bekasi Tahun 2023-2024, Intan Ully Athalia Sihombing, Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, Helda Helda, Helwiah Umniyati, Irva Zulviya Hasyim

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Non-adherence to scheduled antiretroviral (ARV) medication pickup can reduce treatment effectiveness, increase the risk of drug resistance, and contribute to poor HIV infection control. This study aimed to identify factors associated with missed ARV pickup appointments among people living with HIV/AIDS in Bekasi District. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from HIV/AIDS patients undergoing ARV therapy in 2023–2024. Data were analyzed descriptively (univariate), using Chi-square tests (bivariate), and log-binomial regression (multivariate). Among 811 patients, 341 (42%) were recorded as non-adherent to their medication pickup schedule. The results showed that having an unsuppressed viral load (>50 copies/ml) …

Biofluid Biomarkers Aid In Diagnosing And Developing Improved Treatments For People With Alzheimer's Disease, Jonatan A. Lopez

University Honors Theses

Dementia is a disease in which daily life is disrupted by a loss of cognitive function. Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common dementia that largely begins to affect individuals in their mid 60s or older. AD was selected as the focus of this paper because it is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 50-70% of dementia cases. A typical diagnostic approach used by physicians starts with a simple clinical test, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), when cognitive decline is suspected in a patient. Then if there is enough evidence to suggest AD, a physician would order …

Can Artificial Intelligence Models Provide Reliable Medical Counselling To Fertility Patients?, Idan Alcalay, Ariel Weissman, Hadas Ganer Herman, Avi Tsafrir, Matan Friedman, Eran Weiner, Raoul Orvieto, Nikolaos P. Polyzos, Michael H. Dahan, Alex Polyakov, Robert Fischer, Sandro C. Esteves, Baris Ata, Jason M. Franasiak, Yossi Mizrachi

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

RESEARCH QUESTION: Can generative artificial intelligence (AI) models provide reliable counselling to fertility patients regarding real-world clinical questions?

DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, 12 clinical questions were developed to reflect common, real-life dilemmas encountered during fertility workup and treatment. Responses to each question were generated by two experienced fertility specialists, and two AI models - ChatGPT and Gemini. Eight leading internationally recognized fertility experts, blinded to the source of each reply, independently rated all the responses on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 10 (strongly agree). Ratings were compared across all four repliers using non-parametric statistical tests.

RESULTS: The …

Whole-Genome Sequence-Based Association Analysis Of African American Individuals With Bipolar Disorder And Schizophrenia, Runjia Li, Sarah A Gagliano Taliun, Kevin Liao, Matthew Flickinger, Janet L Sobell, Giulio Genovese, Adam E Locke, Rebeca Rothwell Chiu, Jonathon Lefaive, Jiongming Wang, Taylor Martins, Sinéad Chapman, Anna Neumann, Robert E Handsaker, Donna K Arnett, Kathleen C Barnes, Eric Boerwinkle, David Braff, Brian E Cade, Myriam Fornage, Richard A Gibbs, Karin F Hoth, Lifang Hou, Charles Kooperberg, Ruth J F Loos, Ginger A Metcalf, Courtney G Montgomery, Alanna C Morrison, Zhaohui S Qin, Susan Redline, Alexander P Reiner, Stephen S Rich, Jerome I Rotter, Kent D Taylor, Karine A Viaud-Martinez, Tim B Bigdeli, Stacey Gabriel, Sebastian Zollner, Albert V Smith, Goncalo Abecasis, Steve A Mccarroll, Michele T Pato, Carlos N Pato, Michael Boehnke, James Knowles, Hyun Min Kang, Roel A Ophoff, Jason Ernst, Laura J Scott

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

In studies of individuals of primarily European genetic ancestry, common and low-frequency variants and rare coding variants have been found to be associated with the risk of bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ). However, less is known for individuals of other genetic ancestries or the role of rare non-coding variants in BD and SZ risk. We performed whole-genome sequencing (∼27X) of African American individuals: 1,598 with BD, 3,295 with SZ, and 2,651 unaffected controls (InPSYght study). We increased power by incorporating 14,812 jointly called psychiatrically unscreened ancestry-matched controls from the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Program for a total of …

Longitudinal Meta-Cohort Study Protocol Using Systems Biology To Identify Vaccine Safety Biomarkers, Joann Diray-Arce, Ana C Chang, Sara Moradipoor, Donato Amodio, Bruce Carleton, Wan-Chun Chang, Nigel W Crawford, Meagan Karoly, Annmarie Hoch, Kerry Mcenaney, Tahir S Kafil, Mahitha Donthireddy, Sarah K Steltz, Simon D Van Haren, Asimenia Angelidou, Kinga K Smolen, Hanno Steen, Jessica Lasky-Su, Huyen Tran, Peter Liu, C Buddy Creech, Clare L Cutland, Helen Petousis-Harris, Ishac Nazy, Rae S M Yeung, Sonali Kochhar, Steve Black, Nicholas Wood, Dale Nordenberg, Paolo Palma, Inna G Ovsyannikova, Richard B Kennedy, Gregory A Poland, Al Ozonoff, Robert T Chen, Ofer Levy, Karina A Top, International Network Of Special Immunization Services (Insis) Members

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The International Network of Special Immunization Services (INSIS) was established to investigate the causes and risk factors of rare adverse events following immunizations (AEFIs) and develop immunization strategies for mitigating or preventing risk for individuals with prior AEFIs or at risk of AEFIs. INSIS integrates clinical data with multi-omic technologies (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) through a global consortium of clinical networks, leading immunology, pharmacogenomics teams to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind AEFIs. The network ensures accurate and standardized data collection and analysis through rigorous data management and quality assurance processes. INSIS also implements harmonized case definitions and protocols for collecting …

Factors Associated With Erectile Dysfunction In Men With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (Luts): A Symptoms Of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (Lurn) Study, Devin Boehm, Abigail R. Smith, Sarah A. Mansfield, Kathryn E. Flynn, Richard J. Fantus, Alexander P. Glaser, Brian T. Helfand, Margaret Helmuth, Tara N. Morgan, H. Henry Lai, Aruna V. Sarma, Claire C. Yang, Ziya Kirkali, James W. Griffith

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Erectile function (EF) and its associated covariates have not been extensively studied in a large covariate of patients seeking treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Our objective is to determine the relationship between urinary symptoms and comorbidities with erectile dysfunction (ED) in 447 treatment-seeking men with LUTS.

METHODS: Data from the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN) observational cohort study were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models to quantify the relationship between LUTS and ED. Models also included anxiety, depression, obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and medication use.

RESULTS: Men reporting sexual activity were younger …

Effect Of Garcinol Against Arsenic-Induced Neurobehavioral Alterations And Liver And Kidney Dysfunction In Albino Mice, Abdulmohsen I. Algefare

BioMedicine

The extended exposure to inorganic arsenic is commonly linked to brain damage through oxidative and apoptotic processes. The compound known as Garcinol (GCL) has garnered significant interest due to its potential advantages for human well-being. Nevertheless, the ability of GCL to protect against toxicity generated by arsenic in the brain has not yet been investigated. Hence, our study aimed to examine the neuroprotective effectiveness of GCL in mitigating the detrimental impacts of sodium arsenite (SA) on behavioral patterns, the molecular mechanisms, apoptotic markers, and oxidative stress parameters in the brain, liver, and kidney of mice. The mice were categorized into …

Investigating The Association Between Hyperthyroidism And The Risk Of Herpes Zoster In A Cohort Study In Taiwan, Shih-Wei Lai, Yu-Hung Kuo, Kuan-Fu Liao

BioMedicine

Background: The aim of this cohort study was to investigate the association between hyperthyroidism and the likelihood of developing herpes zoster in Taiwan.

Methods: Using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan, we selected individuals aged 20-84 who were newly diagnosed with hyperthyroidism between 2013 and 2020 as the hyperthyroidism group. These individuals were then matched with a control group without hyperthyroidism in a 1:1 propensity score matching for sex, age, and baseline comorbidities. The occurrence of herpes zoster was tracked in both groups until the end of the study period or until a diagnosis of herpes zoster …

An Investigation Into The Potent Anticancer, Antimicrobial, And Anti-Inflammatory Activities Of A Punica Granatum Nanoemulgel, Ahmad M Eid, Murad Abualhasan, Yara Khaliliya, Zeina Sinan, Aya Khaliliya

BioMedicine

Purpose: The objective of this study is to formulate a nanoemulgel using Punica granatum (P. granatum) seed oil and study the antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: The process to formulate a nanoemulsion from P. granatum seed oil involved using the self-nanoemulsifying technique, with Span 80 and Tween 80 serving as the emulsifying agents. Carbopol hydrogel was combined with the nanoemulsion to produce the nanoemulgel. The particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), rheological behavior, antibacterial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties were subsequently examined.

Results: The nanoemulsion formulation with a PDI of 0.229 and a particle size of 189.44 nm was …

Metabolomics In Cancer Detection: A Review Of Techniques, Biomarkers, And Clinical Utility, Kavitha Liegelin Bernhardt, Janita R. T. Pinto

BioMedicine

Cancer poses a significant burden on global public health, contributing to high mortality rates worldwide. Ongoing diagnostic strategies have predominantly relied on imaging techniques, histopathological examination and molecular analyses which have limitations in sensitivity, and specificity. Early cancer detection is a pivotal determinant of successful treatment and patient survival rates. Metabolomic applications involve the comprehensive analysis of metabolites to understand the metabolic profile of an organism, tissue, or cell under different conditions such as lack of oxygen in tumors. The aim of this review is to provide an extensive approach of metabolomic applications in early cancer detection and to provide …

Recent Updates On Orally Disintegrating Films Regarding Design, Characterization, And Assessment, Asmaa Abdelaziz Mohamed, Firas Aziz Rahi

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Orally disintegrating films (ODFs) are a pharmaceutical dosage form that liquefies or disintegrates rapidly in the mouth without water, creating an attractive option for patients with difficulty swallowing. ODFs offer several advantages, including convenience, a faster onset of action, and enhanced patient compliance.The formulation of ODFs involves selecting suitable film-forming polymers, plasticizers, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and other excipients. Factors such as taste-masking, stability, and disintegration time are critical considerations in formulating ODFs. Characterization of Orally Disintegrating Films Characterization techniques such as thickness measurement, tensile strength testing, disintegration time determination, and surface morphology analysis are essential for assessing the physical …

Gc-Ms Analysis Of Bioactive Constituents From The Leaves Of Portulaca Afra Jacq. And Portulaca Grandiflora Hook, Sadeq S.K.Al-Taie, Noor F.M. Al-Kenane, Zaidon T. Al-Aqbi

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Portulaca afra and Portulaca grandiflora are traditional medicinal that grow as ornamental plants in Iraq. The present study was conducted for GC-MS analysis of the leaves of these plants to identify possible bioactive compounds. Seventy-nine compounds were recorded in the methanolic extract in Portulaca afra and ninety-two in Portulaca grandiflora. A literature survey revealed that some compounds 4-Vinylphenol, gamma-Sitosterol, Neophytadiene, n-Hexadecanoic acid, Octadecanoic acid, Phytol, Stigmasterol and Tetradecanoic acid possess a variety of biological qualities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-cancer effects.

Can Coffee Combat Fatty Liver? A Review Of Emerging Evidence, Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack, Muhammad Arif, Vincenzo Tufarelli, Ayman A. Swelum

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

NAFLD (Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) is an increasingly spread metabolic status characterized by increasing fat accumulation in the liver, obesity closely associated with it, sedentary habits and insulin resistance. Since there is currently no recognized pharmaceutical treatment, lifestyle changes continue to be the mainstay of treatment. Coffee, a globally consumed beverage rich in bioactive and useful compounds like caffeine, cafestol, kahweol, and chlorogenic acids, has emerged as a potential hepatoprotective agent. Evidence from epidemiological experiments, animal studies, and human trials suggests that regular coffee drinking may help decrease hepatic fat levels, improve antioxidant defenses, prevent inflammatory pathways, and prevent or …

Barriers To Implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education As A Strategy To Prevent Adolescent Pregnancy In Indramayu District, Indonesia, Een Kurnaesih, Chahya Kharin Herbawani, Nelly Febriani

Kesmas

The implementation of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is not optimal. This qualitative study aimed to identify and contextualize barriers to CSE implementation, specifically in Indramayu District, Indonesia. Conventional content analysis procedures were used. Seven participants, consisting of relevant authorities, were interviewed. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select participants. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. The barriers to CSE implementation in Indramayu District were identified across five themes: advocacy, technical considerations, coordination and collaboration, integration with other sexual and reproductive health projects, and …

Dynamics And Malleability Of Plant Dna Methylation During Abiotic Stresses, Niraj Lodhi, Rakesh Srivastava

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Epigenetic regulation, particularly DNA methylation, plays a crucial role in plant adaptation to environmental stresses by modulating gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. In response to major abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, heat, cold, and heavy metal toxicity, plants undergo dynamic changes in DNA methylation patterns. These modifications are orchestrated by DNA methyltransferases and demethylases with variations depending on plant species, genetic background, and ontogenic phase. DNA methylation affects the expression of key genes involved in cellular, physiological, and metabolic processes essential for stress tolerance. Furthermore, it contributes to the establishment of stress memory, which can be …

Ras-Membrane Interaction And Oligomerization: There Is More Than Meets The Eye, Abraham C Sianoya, Vijay K Bhardwaj, Alemayehu A Gorfe

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Membrane association is fundamental to Rat sarcoma (RAS) function, driving both its physiologic signaling and oncogenic transformation. This review consolidates recent advances in the study of RAS-membrane interactions, emphasizing the molecular mechanisms underlying its membrane engagement and oligomerization. We first discuss the roles of RAS lipid modification and conformational diversity of its intrinsically disordered C-terminus in these processes, and we then examine the debate surrounding RAS dimerization and its potential role in the formation of higher-order oligomers. By integrating emerging insights into these issues, we offer our own perspectives on the driving forces of RAS oligomerization and propose potential new …

Investigating The Practice Of A Somatic, Mindful Christian Prayer And Breathing Practice On Public Speaking Anxiety, Robyn L. Middleton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of a mindful Christian prayer practice (The Jesus Prayer) combined with slow diaphragmatic breathing on communication anxiety. Participants (N = 80) included university students and members of the general public aged 18-60 who experience public speaking anxiety. Measurements included self-reported speech anxiety and heart rate variability (assessed via the WellHero app). Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed that the mindful prayer practice had no significant effect on participants' self-reported speech anxiety or RMSSD heart rate variability. A statistical trend of lower Baevsky’s Stress Index (another variable WellHero provided) was observed in the intervention group. This …

Associations Between Factors Of Unhealthy Lifestyle, Mental Health Issues, Chronic Illnesses, Environmental Health Risks, And Infertility In Females: A Cross-Sectional Study, Richard L. Huang

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Infertility has risen rapidly in recent decades and has become the third-largest public health concern in the world. It has significantly threatened individuals’ psychological, physical, and social well-being, and it could be an early sign of severe health problems in the future. Furthermore, it also threatens the continuation of life and human civilization. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between individuals’ daily lifestyle behaviors, mental health status, chronic conditions, environmental health factors, and infertility by using cross-sectional quantitative methods. It benefits the public as the study raised awareness of potential risks and provided guidance to avoid …

The Impact Of Cold-Water Immersion On Mental Health: A Qualitative Study, Marcus Jean-Francois

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Historically, Cold Water Immersion (CWI) was used for physical therapy and is now a potential non-pharmacological intervention for mental health illnesses such as depression, stress and anxiety. In this study in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, we examined the personal experiences on the psychological impact of CWI on mental health. We examined twelve participants between 20-35 years of age that had a self-diagnosed mental illness to participate in six CWI sessions over the span of three weeks. This study predicts that CWI will have a significant reduction in their mental health illness compared to baseline levels. Employing a Hermeneutic Phenomenological approach, …

Low-Impact Functioning Autism And Psychotropic Medications, Angela N. Butler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

From the onset of the discovery of its existence, studies provided additional information pertaining to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), its influences on a child’s growth, everyday performance, including the capability to interrelate with people. Studies on appropriate medications to prescribe to ASD youth have yielded questionable results. Objective: This study’s purpose was to address adverse effects as an overall issue and re-evaluation of the psychotropic medications prescribed to Low-Impact ASD (LIASD) youth. Additionally, this study examined the process of diagnosing and supporting the reclassification of autism. Method: A mixed-methods design was employed, to review prescribed medications and determine the relationship …

Investigating “Sled Head” Phenomenon And Diurnal Patterns In Team Usa Bobsleigh And Luge Athletes: A Virtual Research Study, Garrett R. Augsburger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the relationship between training time, performance, and concussion symptoms among Team USA bobsleigh and luge athletes during a four-week training season. Recognizing the high physical demands and potential risks associated with sledding sports, the study aimed to understand the prevalence of concussion-related experiences and how training schedules might influence athletic performance and symptomology. Repeated measures quantitative design was employed using session-level survey data submitted by athletes following daily training sessions. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire assessing variables such as performance rating, fatigue, alertness, training intensity, sleep quality, and concussion symptoms. A total of 156 sessions …

Social Media And Mental Health According To Generation Z: A Health Belief Model-Based Cross-Sectional Evaluation Of Generation Z Adults’ Attitudes And Perceptions Of Problematic Social Media Use And Its Relationship With Depression And Anxiety, Michael Chad Gann

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Purpose: This study aimed to examine Generation Z adults’ attitudes and perceptions of problematic social media use (PSMU) as they relate to mental health problems (depression and anxiety) through the lens of the Mental Health Belief Model.

Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey gathered data from a convenience sample (N = 353) of Generation Z adults (age 18-30) after receiving approval from the LU IRB. The previously validated instrument battery included the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), the Patient Health Questionaire – 9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder – 7 (GAD-7), and the Greene (2012) MHBM subscales for perceived susceptibility …

Experiences Of First-Generation Nursing Students After Their First Year At An Hbcu: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Ari L. Cuffee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of first-generation nursing students (FGNS) after their first year at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). The central research question asked, “What are the lived experiences of first-generation nursing students who have completed one year at a Historically Black University?” The theoretical framework that guided this study was Banks’ theory of multicultural education. This theory demonstrated how educators taught FGNS using the multicultural education paradigm with strategies and procedures to make provisions for culturally, racially, and ethnically diverse students. Data were analyzed using Moustakas’ interpretive phenomenological …

An Analysis Of Sport Science Practices And Standards In Collegiate Football, Corey F. Fitzgerald

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation presents the findings of a survey that identifies the sport science practices and standards utilized in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football programs. In total a fifty-two item survey instrument was administered that examines seven sections, including (i) demographics, (ii) current sport science practices, (iii) advanced technology, (iv) decision-making processes, (v) health and wellness, (vi) budget and resources, and (vii) comments. All generated numerical data was organized into a statistical analysis program, SPSS Statistics v 29.0.2.0 (© IBM Corporation). Correlations were conducted on data gathered from Likert Scale questions, using Spearman test. Additionally, comprehensive non-numerical subjective data was …